Belgrade is the most crowded during the summer months. It has a lot to offer during the holiday season. When new places open there is always a crowd. But where to go in order to avoid the masses? Here is a petite guide with old and new places to enjoy your sunny days in Belgrade.

Mama Afrika

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Mama Afrika is a beach bar and raft on the Ada Međica island. It is one of those happy places you can only fall in love with. Beautiful people, great music, a very relaxed atmosphere and the perfect place to relax and enjoy life. You can reach it by a taxi boat from Ada Ciganlija or block 45. Plan a whole day to discover the island, have a swim and few drinks on the raft. 

How to get there: Take a taxi boat from blok 45 directly to the raft. (150 RSD both ways)

Gavez Klub

Gavez Klub is older than 20 years and still one of Belgrade’s hidden gems. It just amazed me to see this awesome spot nestled away like a little secret, just a few meters from the crowded Ada Ciganlija beach. They have freshly prepared meals, live music during the weekends and a very calm and pleasant atmosphere since you’re in the nature. Fun facts: It is a popular location for alternative weddings and gavez is the Serbian word for comfrey.

How to get there: From Ada Ciganlija (buses: 23,37,51,52,53,58,85,88), walk through the parking until the roundabout and turn right. Turn left after the Restaurant Verige, which will be on your right side. 

Breakfast in the Woods at Šumski Bar

Who doesn’t love a breakfast or a great beer in the middle of the nature? Šumski Bar is located in the Zvezdara forest and not hard to spot. Since I live in the Zvezdara district, I come here often with my dog just to hang out and relax in the nature. It has a great neighborhood vibe and it seems that everyone knows each other there. All in all, a place with a great mix of people gathered around in groups drinking coffee or beer and eating in the shadow of the trees.

Kafanica Preko

Kafanica Preko is a piece of paradise in Crvenka. You can reach it either by car or be picked up by boat at the Zemun quay. It’s a family owned open air restaurant serving self-caught fish, barbecue and traditional dishes which vary from day to day. The atmosphere is very intimate, the food delicious and the surrounding very charming. You should pay them a visit during the weekend, when they have live music to experience the full flavor of Serbian lifestyle. 

How to get there: When you reach the restaurant Venecija at Zemunski Kej, you call  +381603193777 and a boat will pick you up. 

Dve Reke (engl. Two Rivers)

Dve Reke is a really cool boat with an even cooler atmosphere. There are parties from time to time but when there is no party, people just come and spend the whole day sitting in the deck chairs, sipping cocktails, watching boats passing by and just enjoy the gorgeous view. 

How to get there: By bus 89, 85 or 94 – by tram: 13 and 9 – stop: Blok 42. And then a few minutes walk towards water. 

Mississippi

Mississippi is a raft on the Danube with a perfect view on Zemun’s skyscrapers and a living room atmosphere. It is not easy to spot since it’s an underground place which doesn’t exist on social media. Little hint: opposite the SIV building. 

Half Club

Half is an open air electronic music club located at Kalemegdan – Donji Grad, behind Belgrade’s Zoo. It opened its doors in June for the first time. If you like long parties or after hours this might be a good option.