🌍 Overview
Belgrade, the vibrant capital of Serbia, has emerged as a popular digital nomad destination in recent years. As a remote work hub, Belgrade offers a unique blend of affordability, rich culture, and a thriving nomad community. The city’s cost of living is relatively low, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging around $308 per month, making it an attractive option for digital nomads looking to stretch their budget. The average restaurant meal costs around $5.1, and a cup of coffee will set you back just $1.3, allowing nomads to enjoy the local cuisine without breaking the bank. With its well-developed digital nomad infrastructure, scoring 80/100, Belgrade provides a solid foundation for remote workers to thrive.
The city’s social and nightlife scene, although not as vibrant as some other European capitals, still offers a lively atmosphere, scoring 59/100. The nomad community in Belgrade is growing rapidly, with many coworking spaces, meetups, and events catering specifically to remote workers. English proficiency is relatively high, especially among the younger population, making it easy for digital nomads to communicate and navigate the city. As a digital nomad, you can expect a warm welcome in Belgrade, with its friendly locals and a laid-back atmosphere. However, it’s essential to be aware of the city’s limitations, such as its relatively low score for nature and outdoors access, 31/100, and cultural attractions, 40/100.
Belgrade’s unique charm lies in its blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences, reflected in its architecture, food, and nightlife. As a digital nomad, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s hidden gems, from the lively Kalemegdan Fortress to the trendy bars and restaurants in the Savamala neighborhood. With its growing nomad community and affordable lifestyle, Belgrade is an excellent choice for remote workers looking for a new adventure.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
Vracar
Vracar is a popular neighborhood among digital nomads, offering a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. The area is known for its picturesque streets, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Monthly rent ranges from $250 to $400 for a 1-bedroom apartment. Vracar is a great option for nomads who value a quiet atmosphere, with relatively low noise levels and a strong sense of community. The neighborhood is also home to several coworking spaces, including the popular Hub85, which offers a range of membership options, including a $150/month hot desk plan.
Savamala
Savamala is a trendy neighborhood located in the heart of Belgrade, known for its vibrant nightlife, street art, and hip restaurants. The area is a hub for creatives and entrepreneurs, with many coworking spaces and startup incubators. Monthly rent ranges from $300 to $500 for a 1-bedroom apartment. Savamala is ideal for nomads who enjoy a lively atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. However, the area can be quite noisy, especially at night, so it’s essential to consider this when choosing accommodation.
Dorcol
Dorcol is a charming neighborhood located in the old town, offering a unique blend of historic architecture and modern amenities. The area is known for its narrow streets, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Monthly rent ranges from $200 to $350 for a 1-bedroom apartment. Dorcol is a great option for nomads who value a central location, with easy access to many of the city’s main attractions. However, the area can be quite touristy, which may not appeal to all nomads.
Zemun
Zemun is a scenic neighborhood located on the banks of the Danube River, offering stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. The area is known for its picturesque streets, lined with cafes, restaurants, and parks. Monthly rent ranges from $250 to $400 for a 1-bedroom apartment. Zemun is a great option for nomads who value a peaceful atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The neighborhood is also home to several coworking spaces, including the popular Coworking Zemun, which offers a range of membership options, including a $100/month hot desk plan.
Digital Nomad Guide
As a digital nomad in Belgrade, you’ll find plenty of options for coworking spaces, with many offering high-speed internet, comfortable workspaces, and a range of amenities. Some popular coworking spaces include Hub85, Coworking Zemun, and Nova Iskra, with monthly rates ranging from $100 to $300. The average internet speed in Belgrade is 34 Mbps, with many coworking spaces offering fiber-optic connections with speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
The nomad community in Belgrade is growing rapidly, with many meetups and events catering specifically to remote workers. Some popular meetups include the Belgrade Digital Nomads group, which meets regularly at the Impact Hub, and the Nomad Coffee meetup, which takes place at the trendy Coffee Studio. You can also join the Belgrade Nomad Community Facebook group to connect with other nomads and stay up-to-date on the latest events and meetups.
For coffee lovers, Belgrade has plenty of cafes with excellent wifi and a cozy atmosphere. Some popular options include Coffee Studio, Kafeterija, and Ministry of Coffee, with prices ranging from $1 to $3 for a cup of coffee. Many cafes also offer power outlets and comfortable seating areas, making them ideal for remote work.
When it comes to visa options, Serbia offers a relatively straightforward process for digital nomads. The country offers a temporary residence permit, which can be obtained through the Serbian embassy or consulate in your home country. The permit typically costs around $100 and is valid for up to 12 months. You can also apply for a digital nomad visa, which is specifically designed for remote workers and offers a range of benefits, including a simplified application process and access to a range of amenities.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Belgrade has a unique cultural scene, with a blend of traditional and modern influences. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs staying open until the early hours of the morning. Some popular nightlife spots include the trendy bars in the Savamala neighborhood, such as the iconic club, 20/44, and the lively atmosphere of the Kalemegdan Fortress. For a more laid-back evening, you can head to the scenic neighborhood of Zemun, where you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants with stunning views of the Danube River.
The food scene in Belgrade is also worth exploring, with a range of traditional Serbian dishes, such as cevapi, pljeskavica, and gibanica. Some popular restaurants include the historic restaurant, Kafana Question Mark, and the trendy eatery, Homa. You can also try some of the local street food, such as burek or somun, which are both delicious and affordable.
When it comes to language, Serbian is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially among the younger population. You can also find many language exchange events and meetups, where you can practice your Serbian language skills and meet other nomads.
⭐ Highlights
- Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress, a historic fortress located on the banks of the Danube and Sava rivers, offering stunning views of the city and a lively atmosphere. Best time to visit is during sunset, when the fortress is less crowded and the views are breathtaking.
- Explore the trendy neighborhood of Savamala, known for its street art, hip restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Be sure to check out the iconic club, 20/44, and the lively atmosphere of the Savamala neighborhood.
- Take a stroll along the Danube River, where you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants with stunning views of the river. You can also rent a bike and explore the scenic bike path that runs along the river.
- Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the famous Serbian inventor. The museum offers a range of interactive exhibits and a fascinating glimpse into Tesla’s life and work.
- Check out the Belgrade Market, a bustling marketplace where you can find fresh produce, souvenirs, and local handicrafts. Be sure to try some of the local street food, such as burek or somun, which are both delicious and affordable.
- Take a day trip to the nearby town of Avala, where you’ll find a stunning mountain range and a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing. You can also visit the historic town of Smederevo, known for its medieval fortress and scenic views of the Danube River.
💡 Practical Tips
- Visa requirements: As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a temporary residence permit or a digital nomad visa to stay in Serbia. The permit typically costs around $100 and is valid for up to 12 months. You can apply for the permit through the Serbian embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Getting around: Belgrade has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses and trams running regularly throughout the city. You can also use ride-hailing apps, such as Uber or Taxify, or rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels.
- Safety considerations: Belgrade is generally a safe city, but as with any major city, you should take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Belgrade is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.
- Local tips and warnings: Be sure to try some of the local cuisine, such as cevapi or pljeskavica, and don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations. Also, be aware of the local customs and etiquette, such as removing your shoes when entering a home or using your right hand when eating.
- Money matters: The local currency is the Serbian dinar, although many businesses accept euros or credit cards. You can also use ATMs to withdraw cash or exchange currency at a local bank.
- Healthcare and insurance: Serbia has a well-developed healthcare system, with many hospitals and clinics offering high-quality medical care. As a digital nomad, it’s essential to have health insurance that covers you in Serbia, in case of any medical emergencies.
