How to choose

Belgrade is a city where neighbourhood matters. Each area has its own character — some are bustling and café-heavy, others are quiet and residential. Here is a quick breakdown of where expats most commonly end up and why.

Vracar — the most popular

Best for: Families, professionals, people who want a central residential feel without the nightlife noise.

Vracar is consistently the top choice for expats. It is central, walkable, full of excellent cafés and restaurants, and home to the iconic Saint Sava Temple. The streets are pleasant, there are good schools nearby, and the neighbourhood has a real community feel.

Rent: 1-bedroom €500–750 | 2-bedroom €700–1,100

Dorcol — old-town character

Best for: Creative types, people who want the most European feel, café culture enthusiasts.

Dorcol is one of the oldest parts of Belgrade — narrow streets, historic buildings, and an abundance of independent cafés and bars. It has a Bohemian, artsy atmosphere. Slightly more expensive than Vracar for comparable apartments.

Rent: 1-bedroom €500–800 | 2-bedroom €750–1,200

Savamala — the nightlife district

Best for: Young singles, people who want to be in the middle of the social scene.

Savamala is Belgrade's arts and nightlife quarter — galleries, bars, clubs, and creative spaces. Fun and vibrant, but it gets noisy at weekends. Not ideal if you work early mornings or need quiet.

Rent: 1-bedroom €480–750

New Belgrade (Novi Beograd) — practical and modern

Best for: People who prioritise space and practicality over charm, families with cars.

New Belgrade is the modern, planned part of the city across the Sava river. It is not as charming as the older areas, but apartments are newer and often larger, rent is 15–25% lower, and it is very convenient for shopping and major roads. Many international companies have offices here.

Rent: 1-bedroom €380–600 | 2-bedroom €550–900

Zemun — separate-town feel

Best for: People wanting a quieter pace, families, longer-term residents.

Zemun is technically part of Belgrade but feels like its own town — it sits on the Danube, has beautiful old Habsburg architecture, good local restaurants, and a slower pace of life. Rent is cheaper than central Belgrade. Less convenient for people who want to be in the city centre every day.

Rent: 1-bedroom €300–520

Stari Grad — the historic centre

Best for: Short stays, people who want to be in the middle of everything.

Stari Grad is the historical heart of Belgrade — museums, the Knez Mihailova pedestrian street, and the Kalemegdan fortress. Centrally located but tends to have older apartment stock. Good for short stays, slightly less popular for long-term living among expats compared to Vracar or Dorcol.

Rent: 1-bedroom €450–750

First-timer tip: Book a short-term flat in Vracar or Dorcol for your first 2 weeks. Walk around all the neighbourhoods. The right area will become obvious once you are there. Most expats say they wished they had explored more before signing a 12-month lease.

For a more detailed breakdown of each neighbourhood: See the full neighbourhood guide →