Belgrade Astronomical Observatory Belgrade
In the forest
Located in the Zvezdara forest, 248.6 meters above sea level and a few kilometers east of the city center, the Belgrade Astronomical Observatory stands on the highest spot in Belgrade. It was founded in 1887, alongside the Meteorological Observatory, and it represents one of the oldest scientific institutions in Serbia. This is actually a marvelous complex of buildings (its author is Czech architect Jan Dubovi) - some of them are still in use and others are not, but here you can literally walk through the history of science, technology and society.
Apart from the amazing telescope and sunlight, which bathes the Observatory in golden rays and mild shadows, my favorite thing about this place is its library: its wooden and softly colored modernist interior, with so many interesting details, is also offering thousands of books and publications in the field of astronomical and astrophysical research.
The Belgrade Observatory is open for visitors every first Saturday of the month (although it's worth checking, especially during winter): there are usually a few guided tours, of which one is in English, but it's obligatory to announce your visit in advance. Apart from the tour itself, which lasts about an hour, I would recommend you take a long walk around all the objects and through the woods; what's interesting is that there are also houses and buildings where some of the employees of the Observatory still live with their families.
Here I always feel like I'm not only miles, but years away from the crowded city streets.
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
Vanilica
Straight outta the oven
"Vanilica" in Belgrade doesn't have a vast offer of pastries - it's a small, unassuming, family-run bakery that I just love for the cakes and gibanica...
by
Dušan
Lopušina
Stari šlep
A comfy hideout on the water
"Stari šlep" is the perfect restaurant for the summer days/daze in Belgrade. Its name means 'the old barge' - I'd recommend a fish soup and salad here.
by
Dušan
Lopušina
Balkan Ekspres restaurant
Train on the hilltop
"Balkan Ekspres restaurant" is in Belgrade's Zemun, a city of its own. This place is worth visiting if only just for the views from inside the train car...
by
Dušan
Lopušina
Radecki Club/restaurant
Village within a city
"Radecki club/restaurant" on Belgrade's Zemun quay: a true local oasis - no espresso here, just plain good old 'domestic' Turkish coffee. Lots to see here.
by
Dušan
Lopušina
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
Heading to Belgrade?
197 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 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 Art & culture
Our team loves Belgrade
Get to know our other Spotters from Belgrade
As featured on:
