Where to stay during Expo 2027 - a guide to Belgrade neighborhoods

Expo 2027 brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to Belgrade over the three months of the exhibition, from 15 May to 15 August 2027. Accommodation near the Expo site in Surcin is already becoming the most sought-after resource - and the right neighborhood decides how comfortable your stay is and how much time (and money) you spend on transport. This guide walks through the four main parts of the city, explains which area suits which kind of traveller, what drives the price, and gives concrete advice on how to book stress-free.

Why location is the most important decision

During the Expo period, rush-hour traffic can be heavy, so every kilometre closer to the exhibition means less time in a queue. But proximity is not everything - some visitors want to feel the city, go out in the evening, walk by the river. So there is no single "best" neighborhood, only the one that fits your travel style. Expo 2027 is a specialised exhibition with the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All", so expect to head back later than usual after concerts and evening programs. We cover routes and journey times from every part of the city in our guide on how to reach the Expo 2027 site.

Surcin - right by the Expo site

Surcin is the first choice for Expo 2027 visitors. The main entrance is just minutes away, and the apartments rented to guests here are mostly new. This is ideal if you are travelling for business, spending every day at the exhibition, or simply want to minimise time spent in transit. A new national stadium is also being built next to the Expo complex, so this part of the city is developing fast.

Surcin is also close to Nikola Tesla Airport - if you arrive by plane, it is about ten minutes from landing to your apartment. The downside is that Surcin itself is a quieter part of town, with family houses and fewer cafes and restaurants, so plan a drive into the centre for nightlife and sightseeing. The supply of accommodation here is smaller than in the city districts and fills up quickly. Read more about the area on the page accommodation in Surcin for Expo 2027, and if nothing fits your needs, New Belgrade is the closest alternative.

New Belgrade - balance of proximity and city life

New Belgrade is a great compromise: close enough to the Expo site, yet in the heart of the business and shopping district. Wide boulevards, malls, restaurants and river clubs are all here, and transport is fast in every direction. Many apartments have a view of the Sava or the Danube.

We recommend New Belgrade to families and groups who want both comfort and amenities a step from the apartment, without giving up proximity to the fair. You will find an overview of the district and current apartments on the page accommodation in New Belgrade for Expo 2027.

SUNCE - two-bedroom apartment in New Belgrade (Belvil)

Belvil, Arena and West 65

New Belgrade is big, so it pays to know the difference between its parts. Belvil is a modern neighborhood with green courtyards and shops on the ground floors of the buildings, pleasant for families and longer stays. The area around the Arena is the central part of New Belgrade, close to the big hall for concerts and sports events, shopping centres and the river. West 65 is a newer complex of tall buildings by the Sava, with contemporary apartments and quick access to the main roads.

Zemun - old-town charm

If you want a quieter, authentic atmosphere by the Danube, Zemun is the pick. Cobblestones, the Gardos tower, river clubs and fish restaurants on the water give a special feel, and the Expo site is still easy to reach. The Zemun quay is perfect for evening walks, and from the old core you can follow the river on foot all the way to New Belgrade. Zemun is a favourite among guests who value ambience over being five minutes closer to the fair.

Belgrade centre - everything within reach

For visitors who want both the exhibition and full city life, the centre offers it all - from Kalemegdan and Knez Mihailova to Skadarlija and the nightlife. The centre is a bit further from Surcin, but it is the best-connected and liveliest. In summer, Ada Ciganlija is a short ride away too, where locals cool off at the lake on hot days. Ideal if Expo is just part of the trip and the city is the main reason you came.

Neighborhoods at a glance

A quick overview to help you choose where to stay:

Which area suits whom

The same city looks completely different depending on who you travel with and why you come:

• Business visitors and exhibitors - Surcin or New Belgrade, because every day counts and the morning ride should be as short as possible.
• Families with children - New Belgrade, especially Belvil, for roomier apartments, parks and shops close by.
• Groups of friends - New Belgrade or the centre, for larger apartments and easy access to river clubs and nightlife.
• Couples - Zemun or the centre, for riverside walks, dinners on the water and old-town atmosphere.
• Short visits of a day or two - Surcin or New Belgrade, to spend as much time as possible at the exhibition.

How long to stay

The Expo is large and full of pavilions, concerts and sports content, so it is hard to see it all in a single day. If you want to visit several pavilions without rushing, plan at least two days at the exhibition and another day or two for the city itself. For a longer stay, pick an area you enjoy outside the exhibition too - this is where New Belgrade is often the best choice. For a one-day visit, only proximity really matters.

How much does accommodation cost during Expo 2027

Prices depend on the apartment type, neighborhood and how early you book. Studios are the most affordable and fill up the fastest, while luxury riverside apartments sit in a higher class. As a rule, the closer to the fair and the later you book, the more it costs. Weekends and days with big concerts are usually in higher demand than the middle of the working week. The best value goes to those who book a few months ahead.

What to check before booking

Before you send an inquiry, confirm:

• Exact location and time to the fair - "near Expo" is a stretchy term, ask for the specific neighborhood.
• Number of guests and beds - whether a sofa bed is counted in the capacity.
• Amenities - air conditioning (Belgrade summers can be hot), internet, kitchen, parking if you arrive by car.
• Payment terms - here you pay the owner directly, with no deposit through the portal.
• Cancellation policy - agree it in advance, in writing.
• Check-in and check-out times - especially if your flight lands early in the morning or late at night.

How inquiries work on the portal

The process is simple. You pick an apartment, send an inquiry with your dates and the number of guests, and the owner confirms availability and terms. Arrangement and payment go directly with the owner - the portal connects you, it does not charge you and it does not ask for a deposit. That is why it is worth listing everything that matters to you in the inquiry right away, from arrival time to parking.

Arrival day tips

• Agree on the time and method of the key handover with the owner before you travel.
• Save the address and directions on your phone so they work offline too.
• If you land at Nikola Tesla Airport, Surcin is about ten minutes away and New Belgrade a little longer.
• Check tickets and opening hours on the official site expobelgrade2027.org.

Frequently asked questions

When should I book? As soon as possible. During Expo, demand multiplies and the best apartments go first.

Can I pay by card? Arrangement and payment go directly with the owner. The portal connects you, it does not charge.

Is Surcin boring to stay in? It is quiet, but you are 15-25 minutes from all city amenities - for many that is the ideal combination.

What if I cannot find an apartment in Surcin? New Belgrade is the closest alternative - about 15 minutes to the Expo site, with a much wider choice of apartments.

Do I need a car? Not necessarily. If you stay close to the exhibition, ride-hailing apps and public transport are enough, and a car is mostly useful for trips outside the city.

Conclusion

Surcin for maximum proximity, New Belgrade for balance, Zemun and the centre for the city experience - the choice is yours. Send an inquiry in time, arrange directly with the owner and skip the last-minute rush. Browse all apartments for rent and pick the neighborhood that suits you.

No deposit through the portal - you pay a vetted owner directly, with a clear price per night.