Belgrade and beyond in 3 days - tours during Expo 2027

You came for Expo 2027, but Belgrade and its surroundings deserve at least a couple of free days. A city at the confluence of two rivers, fortresses, wine routes and a rich nightlife - it is all within reach. Here is a complete plan for three days, with routes you can do on your own or with a local guide, plus practical tips on getting around, timing and budget.

A three-day plan

The table is a framework, not a rule. If your Expo schedule is busy, each day can be shortened to a half-day trip, and you can swap the order depending on the weather forecast and the days you spend at the exhibition.

How to fit sightseeing around Expo

Expo 2027 runs from 15 May to 15 August 2027, and the exhibition site is in Surcin, right next to Nikola Tesla Airport. So the fair is on the western side of the city, while old Belgrade, Zemun and the road to Novi Sad lie in other directions. The easiest approach is to give the exhibition full days and slot the excursions in between, so you do not burn out from crowds and long walks through the pavilions. If you stay in New Belgrade, you get a good compromise - you are close to both the fair and the centre, and you can even walk to Zemun along the Danube quay. See accommodation in New Belgrade if you are still choosing where to sleep, and find everything about the exhibition itself in our Expo 2027 guide.

Day 1 - a panorama of Belgrade

The best introduction to the city is a panoramic tour. In a few hours you see Kalemegdan and the confluence of the Sava and the Danube, the Church of Saint Sava, Skadarlija and the banks of two rivers, with a local guide connecting history to the city today. Ideal for day one - you get a feel for the city and decide what to explore deeper. If you prefer your own pace, you can do the same loop by yourself, combining walking and public transport. In summer start early while it is still cool, and use midday for a break in the shade of Kalemegdan Park.

A suggested walking route

• Kalemegdan - the fortress, the park and the viewpoint above the confluence, next to the Victor (Pobednik) monument.
• Knez Mihailova - the pedestrian street from the fortress to Republic Square, with cafes and old facades.
• Skadarlija - the bohemian cobbled street lined with taverns, at its best in the early evening.
• Church of Saint Sava - one of the largest Orthodox churches; it is easier to reach by public transport or taxi.

Evening of day one - Zemun and Gardos

When the sun goes down, head to Zemun. Once a separate town and now part of the city, Zemun has kept its charm - narrow streets, a quay along the Danube and Gardos hill with its tower overlooking the river and New Belgrade. The climb through the old lanes is short, and the sunset from the top is one of the finest views in the city. Afterwards walk down to the quay, where you will find fish restaurants and river rafts. If you want to know what to order and what a tavern evening looks like, read our guide on where to eat in Belgrade.

Day 2 - Novi Sad and Petrovaradin

An hour from Belgrade, Novi Sad waits with its main square and charming centre, and the Petrovaradin Fortress with its famous clock and a view of the Danube. A full-day trip is the perfect break from the exhibition - a mix of walking, history and great food. It is a favourite even with those who have already seen Belgrade. Start your walk at Liberty Square (Trg slobode) and the pedestrian zone around Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska streets, then cross the bridge to the fortress on the other bank. Look closely at the clock hands - the big one shows the hours and the small one the minutes, which is why locals call it the "drunken clock".

Getting to Novi Sad

• Train - a fast railway links Belgrade and Novi Sad, making the train the most comfortable choice without a car.
• Bus - departures are frequent throughout the day, which gives you flexibility for the return.
• Car - the motorway leads straight to the city, and parking in the centre is easiest to find in the morning.
• Organised trip - transport, guide and schedule are taken care of, which saves time if you have only one free day.

Sremski Karlovci on the way

Close to Novi Sad, on the slopes of Fruska Gora, lies Sremski Karlovci - a small baroque town with a harmonious square, churches and the old grammar school building. This is the home of bermet, a traditional dessert wine, and a good place for a short stop on the way back. In an hour or two you can see the centre, have a coffee on the square and buy a bottle to take home. If you want a calmer second day, Karlovci can replace part of Novi Sad.

Day 3 - the wineries of Fruska Gora

For wine lovers, Fruska Gora is a must. A winery tour with a tasting of local varieties, stories about the vineyards and local food, is a relaxed and pleasant end to the journey. Even if you do not want to go far, the vineyard atmosphere alone is worth the trip. Fruska Gora is also a national park with forests, viewpoints and a string of Orthodox monasteries, so you can split the day in two: a monastery in the morning, a winery in the afternoon. Enter monasteries in modest clothing, with shoulders and knees covered, and keep your voice down - these are living monastic communities, not just tourist sights.

How to organise a tasting

• Book ahead - many wineries receive guests by appointment, especially at weekends.
• Pick a driver who does not drink, or choose a tour with organised transport.
• Eat before and during the tasting - cheese, cured meats and bread are usually served with the wine.
• Buy wine on the spot - a bottle from the winery is one of the best souvenirs.

For those who love the night

If energy remains, Belgrade by night is a story of its own. The river rafts on the Sava and the Danube show why the city is known as one of Europe's capitals of fun - clubs on the water, music and an atmosphere that lasts until morning. You can explore them on your own or join an organised river-club tour, which is handy for groups who do not know the city. People go out late, and for popular spots at weekends it is smart to book a table or arrive early.

If you have half a day left - Ada Ciganlija

Ada Ciganlija is a former river island on the Sava, now a peninsula with a lake, beaches and paths for cycling and running. In summer it is the favourite place of Belgraders for swimming and recreation, and for you an ideal break between two days at the exhibition. You can rent a bike on site, and there is plenty of room along the shore to rest in the shade. Come in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is less harsh.

Getting around

In the centre, walking is best - Kalemegdan, Knez Mihailova and Skadarlija are close to each other. For longer distances there is public transport, with buses, trams and trolleybuses, and you can also order a taxi through an app. Before you set off, check current routes and how to pay, as the rules can change. For trips out of town, take the train or bus to Novi Sad, while for Fruska Gora a car or an organised tour is the most practical, since wineries and monasteries are spread across the hills.

Budget and timing - general tips

Going on your own is the cheapest option but needs more planning; an organised tour costs more but saves time and takes care of transport. Tastings are usually paid separately, and the price depends on the number of wines and the food served with them, so check what is included. May and June bring pleasant days for walking, while July and August can be scorching, so move outdoor activities to the morning and evening. Weekends during the Expo period will be the busiest, so if you can, put your out-of-town trips on weekdays.

Useful tips for excursions

• Book ahead - tours fill up faster during Expo.
• Wear comfortable shoes - panoramic and city tours include walking.
• Bring water and a hat in summer - Belgrade summers can be hot.
• For tastings, plan transport if you drink - do not drive after wine.
• Carry some cash for smaller taverns, markets and entry at smaller sites.
• Charge your phone and download an offline map before trips out of town.

Frequently asked questions

What languages are the tours in? Most have guides in Serbian and English; check the tour description before booking.

Are tours suitable for groups? Yes - from small groups to private tours, depending on the organiser.

Can I see everything without a car? Belgrade and Novi Sad - yes, by public transport, train or bus. Fruska Gora is easier with a car or an organised tour.

Can I combine Novi Sad and Fruska Gora in one day? You can, but it will be a long day. If you have only one free day, choose Novi Sad with Petrovaradin and a short stop in Sremski Karlovci.

How far ahead should I book? As early as possible, especially for weekends and for tours with limited places during the Expo months.

Once your program is ready, all that is left is to choose your base. Browse apartments for Expo 2027 and find a place that suits your location and budget.