Balkan Ekspres restaurant Belgrade
Train on the hilltop
Zemun is a city of its own, not just part of Belgrade, its natives would say. It has its own small-town feel, city center, as well as prominent local bars.
When it opened in the end of '90s, "Balkan Express" was immediately a hip place to go to in Zemun. Situated in an old Yugoslav Railways wagon (a type which is actually still used in Serbian Railways), on a hilltop more than 50 meters above Danube, it's worth visiting just for the view over the river (accompanied with coffee), stretching to Belgrade and over Banat steeps.
For those who like to walk, I suggest going straight to the end of Zemun Quay (towards Uptown), passing Radecki and climbing the old stairway (which dates to World War I), and straight up to the hilltop where "Balkan Express" awaits. It's perfect as an end to a walk, or a break before further exploring Gardoš. That part of Zemun is nice and calm, pretty much like any Vojvodinian village.
The view is perfect in spring and summer, and it's a warm hideout in the winter. You can sit inside the actual wagon or a spacier part, more suitable for dining.
And it's not just the view and location, the food is actually good. The menu is meant to suit all tastes – from pasta and pizzas to fish and beefsteaks. If desired, soups can be served inside homemade bread. The pancakes are so huge and delicious you won't need sweets for another couple of days.
Find your way with 197 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Belgrade
Illegal Cinema
'Gunpowder' film club
"Illegal Cinema" in Belgrade is a very special institution. Everyone can suggest a film for screening, if they start a discussion about it at the end...
by
Dušan
Lopušina
Kutijica
Creative food, out of the box!
The daily menu can, for example, include pumpkin with leek and poppy seeds, Thai curry with dried banana, chutney and raita. Or the good old veggie burger.
by
Dušan
Lopušina
Morava Butcher Shop
Meat concept store
After 40 years of providing the people of Belgrade with the best steaks, "Morava Butcher Shop" is now the first Meat Concept Store in town...
by
Anđa
Savić
Stefan Nemanja Monument
Belgrade's largest
The "Stefan Nemanja Monument" in Belgrade is the city's largest - it always reminds me of The Lord of the Rings...
by
Nedeljko
Ivaniš
Dobra Pljeskavica
Mile's True Pljeskavica
Pljeskavicas are like Serbian burgers, but much bigger and tastier. Mile makes some amazing pljeskavica, some of the best in Belgrade in my opinion...
by
Anđa
Savić
Residence of Princess Ljubica
A cup of history
The Residence of Princess Ljubica in Belgrade is one of the few buildings that date to early the 19th c. Discover the bourgeois Serbia of the past!
by
Anđa
Savić
The Black Turtle Pub
The old microbrewery
"The Black Turtle Pub" is one of the original Belgrade microbreweries, and no other has the modesty, atmosphere and affordable prices you'll find here.
by
Vladimir
Dulović
Silosi
Chill and dance by the riverside
Silosi are an old industrial place reimagined as a cultural and vibrant riverside spot with different kinds of festivals organized around it occasionally.
by
Uroš
Arsenović
Dogma Brewery
Beer paradise
"Dogma Brewery" is beer paradise in Belgrade. Big hangar, high ceiling & a 7-meter long bar. Enjoy a tap beer while looking at the industrial environment.
by
Uroš
Arsenović
Cafe Strip
All my favourite colours
"Cafe Strip" in Belgrade is just full of colors. And not only that! There's tons of stuff everywhere... but everything's just perfectly placed. So cozy!
by
Uroš
Arsenović
The Confluence
Belgrade on the sea
The spot where the river Sava flows into the Danube is one of the spots in Belgrade I like to stop, look, breathe and enjoy the calming 'sea'...
by
Vladimir
Dulović
Heading to Belgrade?
197 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Belgrade?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 197 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Belgrade
Our team loves Belgrade
Get to know our other Spotters from Belgrade
As featured on:
