Although Serbia, and especially Belgrade has a mixed reputation when it comes to safety, don’t let that stop you from visiting Serbian capital.
To begin with, Belgrade is safe for tourists. According to statistics, Belgrade is visited annually by over 1.300.000 tourists.That means tourists are happy to return. However, there are some things to pay attention to, just like in any other city.
When it comes to safety, ideal would be to find middle solution. But, that’s also the hardest. If you worry too much, you can’t enjoy yourslef. If you are oblivious, you put yourself at risk.
In this guide I’ll try to give you all the informations you need to stay safe in Belgrade.
Ok, lets dive in..Is Belgrade safe?
There’s no a perfect safety guard. Meaning, there’s no perfect answer on question- is Belgrade safe? The answer is always in the middle.
In this guide I’ll give you some useful tips. If you use this guide, my advice to also do research of your own. If you use this guide mixed with your intuition and common sense,you’ll have beautiful and safe travel to Belgrade.
IS BELGRADE SAFE TO VISIT RIGHT NOW?
According to date published from Belgrade Tourist Organization (BTO), in 2023. serbian capital hosted 1.38 million visitors.
Althouh everyone can have different expiriences- yes, it is safe to travel to Belgrade. Of course, there are some common scames and you should be aware of your belongings particullary in crowded areas.
Good news is- organized crime in Belgrade isn’t an issue. As a tourist you especially don’t have to warry about organized crime, because you are deffinitelly won’t be a target of such crimes.
Another good news- by this point in time there weren’t any terorist attacks in Serbia. Serbian gowernment took many precautions on this matter. There are cameras and video survellance in public transport and also in shopping malls.
Most common crime in Belgrade are pitty thefts, especially in crowded areas and subways in the city center.
Of course , some city areas are less safe then others..
UNSAFE AREAS IN BELGRADE
1.Zeleni venac district: It’s very crowded, full of public buses, corners and stairs. The main issue here is pickpocketing, especially in the subway. Main pickpockets in this area are Roma thiefs, called ‘Gypsies’. They are quite common in this area. So,avoid walking alonso in Zeleni venac at night.
2.Ada Ciganlija at night: Ada Ciganlija is the most popular summer spot in Belgrade, with a lot of differnet activities you can choose from. Still, you shouldn’t walk alone especially at night. This is for the most part because of the Gypsie thiefs and pickpockets, simillar as on Zeleni venac.
3.Picin park( Pussy park): This is thea area near the Faculty of Economics. It was named ‘pussy park’ because it was a hotspot for prostitution. Today that’s not the case anymore. Still, there are occasional prostitutes, and also large number of Syrian immigrants. To be honest, I didn’t have bad expirineces with them. Main issue here are occasional prostitutes and pickpockets.
So,as you can see, Belgrade is pretty safe to travel, just do your own research and watch out from pitty thefts.
12 Top safety tips for travelling Belgrade
Belgrade is actually a safe place to visit. Here are my best safety tips when travelling Belgrade.
1.Don’t walk alone in secluded places
2.Leave your belongings locked up in your hotel
3.Have copies of important documents
4.Don’t take all of your cash with you
5.Be careful of your valuables on public transport
6.Careful how you wear your bags
7.Never keep all of your cash/cards in one place only
8.Don’t be on you’re phone all the time, because you look oblivious and esier target
9.Be aware of your surroundings-don’t be too unsuspecting
10.Don’t make yourself an easy target by wearing expencive clothes, jewllery and etc.
11.Keep an eye on your luggage
12.Learn some Serbian- people in Belgrade generally know english, but knowing few key phrases in Serbian is always a plus
Belgrade is amazing city and is pretty much safe, just be aware of your surroundings.That way, you can visit all those beautiful places in Belgrade.
