As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Belgrade now serves as an unofficial border between Western and Eastern Europe. However, historically, it found itself at the crossroads between Islam and Christianity for centuries as a border between the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires. A private tour of Belgrade Fortress and the former Austro-Hungarian outpost of Zemun on the other side of the Danube is the best way to see remnants of this historical juxtaposition as well as two of Belgrade's loveliest sights. During our visit to each, we will walk you through the fascinating and extensive history of the ‘White City’ as in-depth as you’d like us to and also explain the major differences between these two contrasting civilizations which have undoubtedly shaped the face and culture of the Serbian capital.
Starting with Belgrade Fortress, also called Kalemegdan (“kale” meaning “city” and “megdan” meaning “fortress” in Turkish), we will provide local insight not only into Belgrade’s history as a city from antiquity to present day, but the fortification’s function under both Ottoman and Austrian-Hungarian rule. You will get a better understanding of the role Belgrade Fortress has played as the city’s enduring epicenter and its role now as the primary symbol of the city.
We then take a short drive over to the other side of the Danube and visit what’s often touted as “the last outpost of the Austro-Hungarian Empire” and one of Belgrade’s most attractive neighborhoods, Zemun. Here you will see first-hand the stark contrast between modern Zemun, once part of the mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire, and modern Belgrade, once part of the Ottoman Empire, along with stunning views of the Sava and Danube rivers.
For a more comprehensive tour of the Serbian capital, you may want to also consider the Belgrade Private City Tour.
Zemun & Belgrade Fortress Private Tour
Duration: 3-4 hours
Price from $ 169
Half day Serbia tours
Zemun & Belgrade Fortress Private Tour
How long: 3-4 hours
Country: Serbia
Price from $ 169
On this half-day, locally guided Zemun and Belgrade Fortress private tour, uncover the fascinating history of Belgrade as a crossroad between East and West while visiting two of the city’s most popular attractions.
Tour Essentials
Duration
3-4 hours
Tour style
Private - Only you and your party
Getting around
Combination of driving and walking
Availability
Year round. Usually starts at 10am, but it can be customized
Language
English speaking guide
Difficulty
Easy for everyone
Easy booking
Online booking and reservation
Customer reviews
Tour Highlights
Belgrade Fortress
Explore the symbol of the capital city
Kosančićev Venac
Stroll through Belgrade of the 19th century
Zemun
Visit the last outpost of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
Millennium Tower
A monument to 1,000 years of Hungarian rule
Price information
$169
1-3 persons
Price is per group, not per person
1-3 persons
$169
4-6 persons
$199
7-8 persons
$389
9-19 persons
$479
Included
- Accommodation pickup and drop-off
- Transportation with a car/van/mini-bus
- English speaking guide/driver service
- Bottled water
Not Included
- Drinks in a local taverns
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Bookable extras
- Airport pickup/drop-off
Tour Map and Itinerary
Itinerary
Zemun and Belgrade Fortress Private Tour
Stop 1
Belgrade Fortress
Around 10am (or a different time of your choosing), we will pick you from your hotel and take you directly to Belgrade Fortress where we then continue by foot through Kalemegdan Park. During our exploration of the Upper and Lower Town of the fortress, you’ll begin to comprehend its historical connection to the Ottoman Empire while hearing many Turkish words used to describe the fortification’s most important components such as Sahat tower, Damad Ali Pasha’s turbe, and Stambol Gate. If you’re interested in a more in-depth introduction to Belgrade Fortress, your local private guide can also share stories about its past as a Roman military camp or the history of Ruzica church with its peculiar chandeliers made entirely of weapons. The final stop and grand finale of your Belgrade Fortress private tour will be at Victor monument which stands above the confluence of the Save and Danube rivers. From this point, you will be able to enjoy one of the most magnificent views in all of Belgrade.
Stop 2
Kosančićev Venac
Before making our way to Zemun, we will pass through Kosančićev Venac, the charming cobblestoned Serbian quarter built during the Ottoman occupation of Belgrade. Here we will point out a few of its most impressive historical landmarks including the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, the headquarters of the Patriarchate of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and the famous “?” Tavern.
Stop 3
Zemun - Gardoš
After a short drive across the Sava, we will reach Zemun, “the town within a town” found on the banks of the Danube. Now serving as one of Belgrade’s most popular spots for dining and drinking, just a little over a century ago it was considered the southernmost outpost of the then mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire. We’ll begin our private tour of Zemun in one its most compelling and fascinating areas – Gardoš. With its old houses, churches and hidden corners, Gardoš is where you can feel a truly local atmosphere and get the sense that here time passes much slower than in the rest of Belgrade due to the more relaxed attitude of the local people living or just spending time there.
STOP 4
Millennium Tower
The crown jewel of Gardoš is the Millennium Tower, also called Gardoš Tower, which was constructed by the Hungarians in 1896 to mark their 1,000 years of rule over the Pannonian plain territory. Situated at the very top of the neighborhood, the tower overlooks the surrounding area and is one of only five towers ever erected like this in the world. If you have the energy to climb your way to the very top, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Zemun, Belgrade Fortress and the Danube.
STOP 5
Break for Lunch or Drinks at a Local Restaurant
After spending time in Gardoš, we will pause for a break at one of Zemun’s many fantastic cafés or local taverns. You can be sure we’ll lead you to a perfect spot where you can find spectacular food and drinks with an even more spectacular view before heading back to the center of Belgrade.
Belgrade Fortress
Around 10am (or a different time of your choosing), we will pick you from your hotel and take you directly to Belgrade Fortress where we then continue by foot through Kalemegdan Park. During our exploration of the Upper and Lower Town of the fortress, you’ll begin to comprehend its historical connection to the Ottoman Empire while hearing many Turkish words used to describe the fortification’s most important components such as Sahat tower, Damad Ali Pasha’s turbe, and Stambol Gate. If you’re interested in a more in-depth introduction to Belgrade Fortress, your local private guide can also share stories about its past as a Roman military camp or the history of Ruzica church with its peculiar chandeliers made entirely of weapons. The final stop and grand finale of your Belgrade Fortress private tour will be at Victor monument which stands above the confluence of the Save and Danube rivers. From this point, you will be able to enjoy one of the most magnificent views in all of Belgrade.
Kosančićev Venac
Before making our way to Zemun, we will pass through Kosančićev Venac, the charming cobblestoned Serbian quarter built during the Ottoman occupation of Belgrade. Here we will point out a few of its most impressive historical landmarks including the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, the headquarters of the Patriarchate of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and the famous “?” Tavern.
Zemun - Gardoš
After a short drive across the Sava, we will reach Zemun, “the town within a town” found on the banks of the Danube. Now serving as one of Belgrade’s most popular spots for dining and drinking, just a little over a century ago it was considered the southernmost outpost of the then mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire. We’ll begin our private tour of Zemun in one its most compelling and fascinating areas – Gardoš. With its old houses, churches and hidden corners, Gardoš is where you can feel a truly local atmosphere and get the sense that here time passes much slower than in the rest of Belgrade due to the more relaxed attitude of the local people living or just spending time there.
Millennium Tower
The crown jewel of Gardoš is the Millennium Tower, also called Gardoš Tower, which was constructed by the Hungarians in 1896 to mark their 1,000 years of rule over the Pannonian plain territory. Situated at the very top of the neighborhood, the tower overlooks the surrounding area and is one of only five towers ever erected like this in the world. If you have the energy to climb your way to the very top, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Zemun, Belgrade Fortress and the Danube.
Break for Lunch or Drinks at a Local Restaurant
After spending time in Gardoš, we will pause for a break at one of Zemun’s many fantastic cafés or local taverns. You can be sure we’ll lead you to a perfect spot where you can find spectacular food and drinks with an even more spectacular view before heading back to the center of Belgrade.