In truth, ‘Stari Grad’ is something of a misnomer. There is no ‘Stari Grad’ in Belgrade, despite everyone knowing exactly what you are talking about when you say it. Belgrade’s old town is actually a jumble of neighbourhoods covering an extremely wide area, from the edge of the Sava all the way to the Botanical Gardens and up towards Vračar. With that in mind, here are your best accommodation options in Belgrade’s ‘Old Town’.
Square Nine Hotel is a unique building right in the heart of the city. It is complete with its own spa and wellness centre, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better view than the one you’ll see at this hotel’s terrace.
Envoy Hotel, a luxury hotel, goes to great lengths to ensure a most comfortable stay for its guests in the Serbian capital. Kalemegdan, Republic Square and Knez Mihailova are all within walking distance but the hotel still has its own private parking space. There’s also a sauna and a spa.
A hedonist is defined as someone who ‘believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life’, but such a description is a little too brief to convey the positive attributes of Hedonist Hostel. This Dorćol establishment is routinely ranked among the best small hostels on the planet, a position it is deserves and then some. The pleasure hinted at in the name is easily pursued here.
Perfectly located along Knez Mihailova, Belgrade’s most famous street, this hotel is the ideal place to go and be seen. Belgrade Art Hotel is more than just a decent hotel, and the ‘art’ in its name is more than just gimmickry.
A member of the respected ‘Balkans Best Hostels’ network, El Diablo is located on the Dorćol street known informally as ‘Silicone Valley’, although this name is only really used by tourists. This is a hostel as hostels used to be. The atmosphere is informal, the price is low, and the nights are long for all the right reasons.
Hotel Moskva is one of the most photographed buildings in the city. Located in the centre of town on Terazije, the building itself is one of the most impressive pieces of architecture in the area. It is one of Belgrade’s oldest hotels (it opened in 1908), and is still one of the most popular bookings in the Serbian capital.
From luxury accommodation to beds for those a little closer down to Earth. Hostel Bed ’n’ Beer is located on a little street between Skadarlija and Cetinjska, two of Belgrade’s most energetic locations. Many sleeping options in the city lean towards the literal with their monikers, and this is definitely true here. This is a great spot to book if you’re looking for a bed and a beer, although the selection in the basement bars almost ensures the latter will be pluralised.
Townhouse 27 is right at the front of the boutique revolution with an ideal city centre location to boot. The works of Belgrade sculptor Gabriel Glid can be seen around the hotel as well.
Any establishment with a name that reminds us of legendary Congolese footballer ‘Bongo Christ’ is alright by us, and it certainly helps that Hostel Bongo is another inexpensive option in Belgrade’s centre. This is a hostel created by hostel veterans, and as such the boxes ticked are done so with a nod towards the informal traveller.
Located in an apartment building on Kralja Petra street, HostelChe comes highly recommended and for good reason. The atmosphere is down to earth to the extreme, but that is what we all want from our hostels, right? An affordable place to lay one’s head and meet some excellent people along the way. You also get a free beer for pronouncing the name correctly, and no, we aren’t going to give you any clues.
