Serbia, Belgrade and the Belgrade Waterfront are entering a major period of tourism development as preparations for Specialised Expo 2027 bring new investment, hospitality projects and international attention to the Serbian capital. Scheduled for May 15 to August 15, 2027, the Expo will use the theme “Play for Humanity” and is expected to bring international visitors, exhibitors and business delegations to Belgrade.
The event is accelerating development around the city while strengthening its position as a destination for business travel, luxury accommodation and short European breaks. New and existing hotels are expanding the range of accommodation available to visitors, while the city’s compact layout allows tourists to combine major attractions within relatively short journeys.
Belgrade Waterfront expands luxury accommodation
Belgrade Waterfront has become one of the most visible areas of the capital’s tourism and hospitality development. Located along the Danube and Sava rivers, the district combines residential buildings, restaurants, retail, entertainment and hotels.
The St. Regis Belgrade is already operating within the waterfront development, providing luxury accommodation and dining facilities for international visitors. The hotel is located near the Sava River and provides access to central Belgrade attractions, restaurants and commercial districts.
A Ritz-Carlton property is also planned for the Belgrade Waterfront, adding another international luxury hotel brand to the city’s hospitality market. The expansion increases the range of premium accommodation available to business travellers and leisure visitors.
Expo 2027 brings international tourism demand
Expo 2027 is scheduled to take place at a purpose-built site in Belgrade, with participating countries expected to showcase innovations and projects connected to the event’s humanitarian theme.
For tourism, the Expo creates demand for accommodation, restaurants, transportation, cultural attractions and entertainment. International visitors attending the event can also use their stay to explore Belgrade and other Serbian destinations.
The event is expected to attract visitors from Europe, Asia and the Middle East, creating opportunities for the capital’s tourism businesses to serve a wider international audience.
Belgrade offers compact city-break travel
Belgrade’s relatively compact central area makes it suitable for short city breaks. Visitors can explore Kalemegdan Fortress, Knez Mihailova Street, the National Museum, Skadarlija and the historic neighbourhoods around the city centre.
The Belgrade Fortress overlooks the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and provides views across the city and surrounding waterways. The surrounding Kalemegdan Park also provides walking areas close to major cultural and historical attractions.
Knez Mihailova Street forms one of the city’s main pedestrian areas, connecting visitors with shops, cafés, restaurants and cultural institutions.
Danube and Sava rivers add leisure experiences
Belgrade’s location at the meeting point of the Danube and Sava gives visitors access to waterfront activities and sightseeing. River cruises provide opportunities to view the city from the water, while riverside restaurants and leisure areas offer alternatives to traditional city sightseeing.
The waterfront also connects several parts of the city’s tourism landscape, including Belgrade Waterfront and nearby attractions.
For visitors staying several days, the rivers provide a natural way to combine sightseeing with dining and evening activities.
Serbian cuisine strengthens the city experience
Food is another major component of a Belgrade city break. Restaurants across the capital serve traditional Serbian dishes alongside international cuisine, while cafés, bakeries and markets provide opportunities for travellers to explore local flavours.
Visitors can try dishes such as ćevapi, pljeskavica, sarma and traditional pastries, while rakija and regional wines are also part of Serbia’s culinary culture.
Skadarlija, the historic bohemian quarter, is particularly associated with restaurants, traditional music and Serbian cuisine. The area can be included in evening itineraries after visits to Belgrade’s major museums and historic attractions.
Free public transport supports sightseeing
Belgrade introduced free public transport across the city in January 2025, removing fares from the municipal public transportation network. The system includes buses, trams and trolleybuses, allowing visitors to travel between central districts and other parts of the capital without purchasing regular tickets.
For tourists, the transport system provides another way to move between accommodation, attractions, restaurants and shopping areas. Visitors staying outside the central pedestrian zone can use public transport to reach major sightseeing districts.
The policy also supports city-break itineraries that include multiple neighbourhoods rather than concentrating solely on the historic centre.
Beyond Belgrade: Serbia offers longer journeys
Visitors travelling to Belgrade can extend their trips into other parts of Serbia. Novi Sad, located on the Danube, provides access to Petrovaradin Fortress, cultural venues and the historic city centre.
The country also offers mountain destinations such as Zlatibor and Kopaonik, where travellers can find hiking, skiing and outdoor recreation depending on the season.
Niš provides another historical stop, with Roman and Ottoman heritage forming part of its tourism offer. These destinations allow visitors attending Expo 2027 or taking a Belgrade city break to continue into other regions.
Investment reshapes Belgrade tourism
Expo 2027 is creating a broader tourism development cycle around Belgrade. Hotel construction, waterfront development, event infrastructure and visitor services are expanding alongside international interest in the Serbian capital.
For leisure travellers, the combination of luxury hotels, historic attractions, riverfront experiences, Serbian cuisine and free public transport creates a practical city-break proposition. Business visitors can combine Expo-related activities with cultural and leisure experiences, while international tourists can use Belgrade as a base for exploring Serbia.
Belgrade prepares for a new international travel chapter
The arrival of Expo 2027 is placing Belgrade at the centre of Serbia’s tourism development. The Belgrade Waterfront is adding luxury accommodation, the Expo site is advancing, and international hotel brands are expanding their presence.
For travellers, Belgrade offers a combination of historic landmarks, riverside experiences, food, nightlife, cultural attractions and modern hospitality. As preparations continue toward 2027, the Serbian capital is building a tourism environment designed to accommodate both international business visitors and leisure travellers seeking a European city break.
