Gay Belgrade Guide: LGBTQ+ Culture, Bars, Clubs & Hotels 🇷🇸

Intro to Gay Belgrade

Getting the chance to spend a month and a half in Belgrade, the Serbian capital, happened by pure chance for us. I was speaking with an old friend on WhatsApp, who had just moved back to Belgrade (her birthplace before the wartime era that transpired in the 1990s and 2000s) from Berlin and jokingly asked her if she had a flat to rent, as I had been curious about the city and country for many years.

Long story short, she rented us her flat, as her mother's was also free for her to move into temporarily, and we were on a flight to Belgrade.

Over the next month, we explored the ins-and-outs of the gay Belgrade scene and came to a verdict. While it is hidden, it is ever-present and the city and country is hopefully at a crossroads towards LGBTQ+ progression.

Let's explore gay Belgrade together, shall we?!

FAQ: Being Gay in Belgrade

What Is It Like To Be LGBTQ+ in Serbia?

Short answer: it hasn't been easy, but things are improving at a snails-pace.

Long answer: Dominated by the strict Serbian orthodox church, the country has struggled with integrating the concept of homosexuality into daily life. Homosexual activities were only decriminalized in 1994 and as one can imagine, equal LGBTQ rights has been met with a lot of aversion, with even 21% of Serbians believing that homosexuals should be charged as criminals - I mean what are we doing wrong 🤣.

Belgrade is notably much more liberal than the rest of the country and holds a Belgrade Pride parade annually, but even that was shut down by right-wing protestors in 2010 (only commencing again in 2014).

Nonetheless, Serbia and especially Belgrade is at a cross-roads moment, where hopefully things can only go up from here. Prime Minister, Ana Brnabic, is a lesbian, there are gay bars and clubs (albeit a few, which we will list later on), and definitely a queer urban culture emerging, but admittedly Belgrade isn't going to be as wild and free as other cities like Berlin and New York - but it is definitely thriving more than other Balkan cities, like Tirana in Albania.

Is Belgrade safe for LGBTQ+ visitors?

Alright, let's address the rainbow-colored elephant in the room. Is Belgrade safe for us fabulous folks? Generally, yes. But like your first time trying burek, approach with caution. Violent incidents are as rare as finding a bad coffee in Belgrade, but it's best to keep your wits about you, especially in less touristy areas or when the city's night owls are out in full force.

Is Belgrade a good city to visit?

It doesn't take long to fall in love with Belgrade. Despite its tumultuous past (including being involved in multiple wars since I was born in 1991), the city feels like it has revived itself and is going through its golden era. There is plenty of life pulsating through its streets, with hip cafés and restaurants everywhere, boats scattering the Sava River and Danube River containing stylish craft beer breweries, lush parks, and museums/theaters/arts galore.

As it is much smaller than other capital cities like London and Berlin, one can get a grasp of the city relatively quickly and feel quickly at home.

Can same-sex couples show public affection in Belgrade?

Hold your horses (and your partner's hand) - public displays of affection for same-sex couples are still a bit of a no-no here. Save those smooches for more private settings. Think of it as foreplay for when you get back to your hotel room. 😉

How should LGBTQ+ couples book accommodations?

Most hotels won't bat an eyelash at two queens sharing a king bed. But if you're feeling paranoid, booking a room with two beds is always an option. Just push them together when you arrive and instant cuddle central!

Is it safe to use dating apps in Belgrade?

One thing that can help us easily distinguish a gay-friendly city versus one where we have to be a bit more discrete is as easy as switching on Grindr. When browsing the selection on Grindr, we noticed that very few people will show their faces (with those that showed their face tending to be foreigners).

Even when sending pictures, they tend to be expiring images and even then do they not always send their faces. On top of that, the guys that we spoke to were not out to their families and were the epitome of discrete.

When planning to meet with someone you've met on a dating app, you should expect that locals might try to call you through Grindr to make sure you are who you said you are in the photo.

So, where do gay men meet up in Belgrade?

But even so, there are still safe spaces where LGBTQ+ people congregate including bars, clubs and even a sauna. The most notable was a nightclub called Musk Machine where everyone was out and proud, dancing the night away to Balkan tunes. A more intimate environment where people meet up is Bar 54 (Smiley Bar).

We will go into some other venues down below!

So while it is a bit more discrete than other places in Europe, that shouldn't dissuade you from going. Fabio told one of his close friends in Belgrade that he was gay, and she reacted positively and eager to learn more.

It is beneficial for LGBTQ+ travelers to come to these places to help locals better understand our world and further break down the taboos.

Tips as a Gay Traveler to Belgrade

• Come with an open mind and don't expect Berlin or London gay vibes
• Avoid public display of affection (PDA)
• Respect local customs - when in Belgrade, do as the Belgradians do.
• Use apps like Grindr to meet the local Belgradians. Many will be discrete, but the guys are very kind towards foreigners.
• Check out some gay or gay-friendly venues in the city.

Gay Map of Belgrade

Where to Stay in Belgrade

During our time in Belgrade, we were spoiled and stayed in the heart of it all, Stari Grad (Old Town), but having explored other nearby areas, one cannot go wrong with any of these districts.

The Best Districts to Stay in Belgrade

Note: as gay life isn't as prominent here, there aren't really gay districts, but these districts are close to the hotspots.

Stari Grad (Old Town)

Stari Grad, or Old Town, serves as the cultural and historical epicenter of Belgrade, featuring the pedestrian-only Knez Mihailova Street with its shops and cafés, and the historic Kalemegdan Belgrade Fortress, which offers stunning views of the Sava and Danube Rivers. This district is ideal for first-time visitors, providing easy access to major attractions, ample dining options, and recommended accommodations. There are quite a few Booking.com Travel Proud properties here, so you know you will be in good hands.

Dorćol

Dorćol is a vibrant district perfect for people-watching over coffee, featuring a rich history as a significant trading post during the Ottoman-era and a contemporary reputation for excellent cafés and restaurants. Known for its Bohemian past, it remains a popular spot with kafanas and upscale dining, making it a top choice for central accommodation in Belgrade.

Vračar

Situated on hills just beyond Old Town, Vračar is a compact yet bustling district known for its residential appeal and cultural sites, including the impressive Church of St. Sava and the Nikola Tesla Museum. This district is recognized for its significant landmarks such as the Kalenić Market and the National Library, making it one of the most desirable areas to stay or live in Belgrade. Restaurants are definitely a bit cheaper out here, too.

Best Hotels in Belgrade

The Most Gay-Friendly Hotels in Belgrade

Booking.com has made it easier to find gay-friendly hotels in all cities, with its Travel Proud filter. These hotels and spaces have undergone rigorous certification to make sure they are comfortable places for LGBTQ+ clientele. Even in Belgrade, you have quite a few options and here are a few of our favorites:

• Mercure Belgrade Excelsior: Always a gay-friendly chain, the Mercure Belgrade Excelsior is also right in the heart of the city and is known for its super comfy beds.
• Nobel Design Hotel: Very chic hotel in the center with breakfast included.
• Calisi Hotel: An LGBTQ+ friendly option with rooms with views of the almighty Sava River.

Some Luxury Hotels in Belgrade

If you are looking for a unique, specifically-Belgrade experience, check out these properties.

• Hotel Moskva: A hotel famed for its architecture and its resilience to survive many wars. Albert Einstein, Brad Pitt, and Indira Gandhi, among many other world figures, have stayed there, so you know it is going to be good!
• Mama Shelter: Also on the pedestrian street, this hotel is part of the Mama Shelter hotel chain, which never fails to deliver. Also has a rooftop terrace, which is unlike anywhere else in the city.

Cheaper Hotels in Belgrade

• Belgrade City Hotel: Just a 15-minute walk from Republic Square and across from the Old Train Station (a sexy building, may we say)
• Natali Luxury Suites: Although luxury is in the name, this hotel does not come at a luxury price. A big plus is that you are right in the center.

Gay Belgrade Nightlife

So moral of the story before we even get into it, Belgrade is not filled with gay bars or gay clubs. There are a few strictly gay venues that we will list, but we noticed bars open and close very quickly in this city, so be sure to check that they are still in existence before heading there.

We will also list some fantastic alternative venues that we loved while staying in Belgrade, gay or not 😘. Honestly, we liked a lot of these alternatives more than the gay selection and many of them feel quite queer friendly due to the progressive vibe of the younger generations.

Belgrade Gay Clubs & Belgrade Gay Bars

Musk Machine

Musk Machine is the primary gay nightclub in Belgrade and a must-visit for those seeking an authentic LGBTQ+ experience. Built into the side of a stadium, this venue delivers kitschy charm, high-energy performances, and the most quintessential gay Belgrade atmosphere available. We were one of the first guests there on a Saturday night, but it didn't take long before each and every table was filled.

What to Expect:

• Main dance floor with Balkan beats and dramatic light shows
• Competitively priced drinks and themed bartenders
• Mix of local Belgradians and international visitors
• Smoky environment (typical for Belgrade venues)

Practical Information:

• Hours: Friday and Saturday, 11 pm to 5 am
• Location Note: The Instagram address may be intentionally vague for discretion. Once you're near the listed location, message them on Instagram or Grindr for precise directions and entry details.

Bar 54 (Smiley Bar)

Bar 54 (Smiley Bar) is a discreetly located gay bar in the heart of Belgrade's Old Town, offering an intimate atmosphere and welcoming vibe for locals and visitors alike. We went here a few times and preferred it on weekdays. On the Saturday we went, it was packed to the brim downstairs, which didn't always make it easy to get a drink, but we still had fun.

What to Expect:

• Small, two-story venue with a cozy, underground feel
• Darkened windows and alley entrance for discretion
• Friendly, packed crowds during peak hours (Fridays and Saturdays)
• Ground floor bar area and second-floor seating
• Can get a bit smoky
• Daytime café service (coffee and drinks)

Practical Information:

• Hours:
  • Sunday–Thursday: 6 PM–1 AM
  • Friday: 6 PM–2 AM
  • Saturday: 6 PM–2 AM
• Location: Access via the alley from Kolarčeva Street; look for darkened windows or follow the loud music

Mornar

Mornar is a welcoming gay bar in central Belgrade run by owner Mihailo, who personally greets every guest with genuine warmth and hospitality. The bar has recently relocated to a larger space while maintaining its intimate, cozy atmosphere...making it a standout in Belgrade's gay scene.

What to Expect:

• Safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ guests and allies
• Good selection of drinks at reasonable prices
• Regular events and themed nights (movie nights, music events)
• Friendly, communicative staff and an interesting mix of regular customers
• Mainstream music ranging from pop to dance
• Personal attention from the owner

Practical Information:

• Hours:
  • Thursday: 9 PM–2 AM
  • Friday–Saturday: 9 PM–4 AM
• Location: Ruzveltova 1, central Belgrade
• Price Range: 500–3,500 RSD per person
• Vibe: Relaxed and joyful with a strong sense of community

Leposava

Leposava is a relaxed queer space tucked away from the crowds in central Belgrade, offering a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of greenery and friendly stray cats. It's an excellent spot for pre-drinks before heading to a club, or for a laid-back evening with locals and visitors alike.

What to Expect:

• Relaxed, inclusive queer atmosphere
• Central location despite being tucked away from tourist crowds
• Friendly staff and welcoming crowd
• Good selection of drinks at reasonable prices
• Peaceful setting with natural surroundings

Practical Information:

• Hours:
  • Monday–Thursday: 10 AM–12 AM
  • Friday–Saturday: 10 AM–1 AM
  • Sunday: 10 AM–12 AM
• Location: Velike stepenice 6, Beograd 11000, Serbia
• Vibe: Relaxed and queer-friendly, perfect for a chilled evening

Drugstore

Drugstore is a legendary underground techno and electronic music venue housed in a converted slaughterhouse, offering an unmatched atmosphere for serious ravers and music lovers. While the venue has its quirks, it remains one of Belgrade's most unique clubbing experiences.

What to Expect:

• Multiple rooms and stages with different DJs and music styles
• High-energy techno and electronic music
• Relaxed, welcoming crowd focused on the music
• Affordable drinks
• Industrial, raw aesthetic reflecting its slaughterhouse origins
• Heavy smoking throughout (Belgrade standard)
• Runs late into early morning hours

Practical Information:

• Hours: Open until 4 AM (perfect for after-parties)
• Entry: 1,500–4,000 RSD depending on the event
• Location: Former slaughterhouse (industrial area outside city center)
• Price Range: Drinks 1,500–2,000 RSD

Important Tips:

• Taxi caution: Cabs outside notoriously overcharge. Agree on price beforehand or call a taxi before leaving. Standard fare to city center should be ~600 RSD max.
• Bathroom facilities: Admittedly poor condition; come prepared
• Flooring: Can be slippery and wet; wear appropriate footwear
• Ventilation: Minimal AC, can get hot and smoky

Mercury

Mercury is finally a straight-friendly club in Belgrade! This one holds very occasional parties and are based on a splav on the River Sava! Follow them on Instagram for events.

In terms of strictly gay venues, this was all we could confirm existed. There are some others on different websites that didn't seem to exist any longer.

Other Belgrade Clubs and Bars We Loved

First, familiarize yourself on Splav (Boat) Nightlife ⛴️. We write more about this later on, so feel free to jump to this section.

And here are some other bars and clubs and drinking spots we adored:

Silosi

Silosi exemplifies Belgrade's talent for transforming industrial spaces. This former agricultural complex features striking Brutalist architecture—massive silos now adorned with vibrant murals overlooking the Danube River. Today it hosts an event space, art gallery, and popular bar/club.

What to Expect:

• Riverside location with day and evening vibes
• Street art murals and artistic installations
• Mixed events and cultural programming
• Summer atmosphere perfect for daylight visits

Nearby Venues:

• Ruke: Vibey, down-tempo bar perfect for relaxed evenings
• KPTM: House and techno focused venue

Cetinjska 15: The "Belgrade Kreuzberg"

Cetinjska 15 occupies a converted beer factory and has earned the nickname "Belgrade Kreuzberg" for its bohemian atmosphere (like Berlin's Kreuzberg). Home to multiple bars and clubs, it's worth visiting before planned redevelopment occurs.

Featured Venues:

Zaokret

Zaokret functions as an unofficial gay bar with welcoming vibes. Known for craft beers and outdoor seating with a relaxed atmosphere.

Bluz i Pivo

Bluz i Pivo brings unexpected blues and jazz to Belgrade's nightlife. Popular even on weeknights.

Dim

Dim occupies the heart of the old factory space and delivers an incredible atmosphere with queer-friendly energy.

Belgrade Nightlife Tips

• Belgrade is still big on smoking 🚬, and this is allowed in bars and clubs. Just beware, you will leave every venue smelling like an ashtray unless you find some outdoor seating.
• Generally there are servers going around that will take drink orders from you (versus you going up to the bar); feel free to throw in a little tip when you order a round.
• A lot of the places mentioned double as cafés during the day, so they are great places to grab a coffee or get some work done.
• Keep an eye on dress-codes when going out to certain clubs. I went to a club called Ben Akiba (techno and very alternative vibe; not one of the strictly gay venues), but almost got kicked out for wearing a tank top 😬. People dress a bit more conservatively here, and it isn't necessarily homophobia, like I thought 😆.

Gay Saunas & Cruising in Belgrade

Gay Saunas in Belgrade

Believe it or not, there is a Belgrade gay sauna! However, as I have mentioned a few times in this guide, adjust your expectations. In our honest opinion, it just doesn't feel as though Belgrade is ready for a sauna yet.

The current sauna, Red Line, is located at Zdravka Čelara 12, Beograd, Serbia. It operates on the following schedule:

• Friday: 7 PM–3 AM
• Saturday: 7 PM–3 AM
• Sunday: 7 PM–2 AM

While it is a bit on the pricey side for a sauna even by Western European standards, it is known to not be packed even during peak periods. However, we are letting you know it is there and whatever happens, it will be an experience 😁.

Gay Cruising in Belgrade

If you are interested in cruising, be sure to visit Lake Sava, which is surrounded by extensive recreational areas. The southern part of Belgrade has great restaurants and bars.

On the other side of the lake, you'll find alternative bars and a nudist beach, known for its cozy atmosphere and popularity with the gay community.

Many men are gathered at the back of the beach. It's a bit of a walk from the station, so it's easier to visit if you rent a bike on the east side of this beautiful island.

Belgrade Pride

As mentioned, the annual pride parade has faced trials and tribulations in the past, but has been running since 2014 without (🤞) problems. In 2025, it was the largest pride event to date with over 10,000 attendees.

It is one of the last pride events of the year in Europe, happening at the beginning of September, so you can successfully wrap up your pride summer in Belgrade 😉.

Keep an eye on our European Pride Calendar for more up-to-date details!

Best Gay Friendly Cafés in Belgrade

Like many things, Belgrade and Serbia do coffee extremely well! And while you may have to adjust your tastes to the grittiness of Serbian coffee, there are plenty of nice cafés around town that serve western-style coffees. While these places aren't necessarily gay, they offer very friendly vibes where we felt comfortable in.

• Leila Records: The website may give off record store vibes, but it is so much more than that. All under the leafy green shade of trees, during the day there is a café, which is transformed into a bar at night (with vinyl DJs of course)
• Meduza: Next door to Leila, is Meduza, another unofficial gay café cum bar 🏳️‍🌈 with a very progressive attitude.
• Latife: Serves a decent Americano and is a great place to get a bit of work done, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Right off of the main walking street in the old town.
• eklekitika 40: A nice outdoor space to relax with Turkish (ehemm Serbian-style coffee). The owner is a super nice man from Turkey, and he also serves a really nice Pale Ale style beer from Montenegro.

What to Eat in Belgrade

Belgrade is a massive foodies' city. Whether you are out to try some traditional Serbian dishes or tired of Serbian food and in need of a Neapolitan-style pizza, Belgrade has it all.

Traditional Serbian food is quite a unique cuisine, so feel free to head to our other post, which is specifically about the different types of Serbian food, its origins, and more.

Or we made a video to get you up to speed 😏:

Best Restaurants in Belgrade

The restaurant scene in Belgrade is both local and international, particularly in the center. As you can imagine, prices fall quite drastically once outside the city center, so if you are on a budget, keep in mind you will find fantastic (mostly Serbian) food for much cheaper outside the tourist districts.

To make sure this article doesn't go on forever, we have a lovely guide specifically about what and where to eat in Belgrade.

What to Do in Belgrade

Belgrade is a city with a wild mix of empires, architecture, nightlife, and river culture, and the fastest way to understand it is by diving straight in. From walking tours and brutalist architecture to fortress sunsets, floating river clubs, bohemian dinners, beach days at Lake Sava, and wandering Austro-Hungarian Zemun, the city has layers you do not want to miss.

We put together a full deep-dive guide covering all of this and more, including the exact tours, neighborhoods, bars, museums, and local experiences we loved. We also mention the day trips from Belgrade we took in there.

TL;DR: Plan Your Belgrade Trip (Logistics)

Best Time to Visit Belgrade

To get the full experience, late Spring (May) to late Summer (September) are your best bets. This is the time when life is fully in swing and the splavs (boats) are open all along the Sava and Danube for your drinking enjoyment.

Do I need a visa for Serbia?

• EU, EEA, or Swiss Citizen/USA/UK: You can stay a maximum of 3 months in the Serbia for tourism purposes.

• For other countries, take a look at iVisa.

How to Get to Belgrade

• By air: Belgrade is served by Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) (yes, he is kinda a big deal around Belgrade).
  • To get to the city from the airport, you have these public transportation options.
  • If you'd rather take a cab, there is a kiosk before you exit the building where you purchase a flat rate voucher for 3,000 Serbian Dinar and give it to the taxi drivers outside. Don't pay any more than that.

• By train: Belgrade is not the most connected European city, so rail is most likely going to be your most inconvenient option. For instance just getting from neighboring Budapest, Hungary to Belgrade, you will have to piece together multiple rail journeys 🤣. Traveling internally by train is a bit easier.
• By bus: Bus is the way to go if you are looking for slow travel options from other major cities in Europe. 12Go has a lot of options.

Internet and Data in Belgrade 🛜

The latest alternative that we have been using when travelling is eSIMs. We use Airalo in every country we go. Through them, you can get an e-SIM that has coverage for most countries in Europe for much cheaper than roaming. Just make sure to research whether your phone is e-SIM compatible before buying an e-SIM. If you go this way, buy it before your trip and make sure you set it up beforehand as well (and turn off your normal SIM before connecting to data).

Health and Safety in Belgrade

Belgrade has a lower crime rate than London, so you should feel safe wherever you go. Exercise a bit more caution in districts such as New Belgrade and Zemun.

As a gay traveler, definitely do not display any affection on the streets (keep it to the hotel room 😉).

Make sure you get your travel medical insurance! For a more in-depth look at why we switched to Genki, check out our review.

Getting Around

🚶‍♀️

Belgrade is a fabulous walking city, as most of the sights you will want to explore are in walking distance.

🚌/🚇

Belgrade has an extensive bus and tram network that will get you wherever you need to go.

To get a transportation ticket in Belgrade, find a Moj Kiosk (the logo will become as recognizable as McDonald's the longer you are in the city), which are typically nearby major bus stops, and ask for a Zona A ticket (you probably won't need to go outside this zone). You can do a 90-minute ticket or a day ticket, and it will not set you back very much. This page will have the updated prices. Make sure to have cash when purchasing the tickets.

Occasionally, you will have ticket checkers come on buses or trams, but we've never experienced it, so it is not the end of the world if you cannot find a kiosk to buy a transportation ticket.

🚴‍♀️

Belgrade isn't the world's most bike friendly city, except around the waterfront where it is exceptionally bike friendly 🤣. You will not find bikeshare and/or scooter shares around.

🚕

Belgrade uses the classic, old-school method of hailing of taxis down. Alternatively, I used the Yandex Go app on my phone and it gives you a much more trustable rate. The only issue is I wasn't able to get it working with my foreign number, so I used a friend's Serbian number. Either way, make sure to have cash to pay for this.

What is the Currency in Serbia?

The currency in Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). 1 euro typically was a bit more than 100 RSD, so the conversion became quite simple.

How Much Do I Tip in Serbia?

Leaving a 10% to 15% tip is usually the go-to. My Serbian friend would scold me if I tried to leave anything more than 500 RSD 🤣.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Belgrade and Serbia?

• Power Plugs - Type F: Do yourself a favor and pick up a universal converter beforehand.
• Tap water is completely safe to drink in Belgrade
• Generally cards are accepted everywhere. I only needed cash with taxis and when buying public transport tickets. Having cash handy is helpful, though.