Danube River

With landmarks like the Belgrade Fortress and Great War Island (home to almost 200 unique species of birds, plants, and mammals), the Danube features on most city sightseeing excursions, including biking and walking tours. Alternatively, a river cruise can widen your perspective of the Danube with sweeping views from the ship’s deck, while a kayak tour is an active way to admire wildlife and riverbank sights.

In the evening, head to one of the floating bars to experience Belgrade’s lively nightlife.

• Wheelchair users should opt for a tour that includes round-trip transport, as Belgrade’s public transit, attractions, and sidewalks generally aren’t accessible.

• Cruises typically last about 90 minutes, though some operators offer full-day outings.

First-time visitors to Belgrade are often surprised by the sheer scale of the city, with Prokop Central Station at least an hour’s walk from where the Danube meets the Sava at the Belgrade Fortress. Save time by getting around on a bike or chauffeured tour. Or, take advantage of the city’s comprehensive transit system—tram lines 5, 10, and 11 stop directly outside the fortress.

Unlike those in Budapest, Belgrade’s river views are best during the daytime or early evening. If you don’t mind the cold, go in winter to see the city’s Christmas markets and other seasonal highlights.

As a reminder of Belgrade’s ancient past, a historic fortress stands where the city’s two rivers meet. Today, the citadel and its green surroundings are among the city’s most popular attractions, with several museums and a gallery located in the complex. The area is free to enter and is a stop on many city tours.

Yes, you can swim in the Danube River in Belgrade, but it’s essential to know your abilities as a swimmer. Belgrade has two rivers, the Danube and the Sava. Lifeguards patrol neither, and the Danube, in particular, has strong currents. One of the best places for swimming on the Danube is Lido Beach.

Yes, the Serbian city of Belgrade is on the Danube River. The Danube is Europe’s second-longest river and cuts through several capitals, including Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Belgrade. Belgrade sits on the confluence of the Danube and the Sava Rivers, the Sava being the longest tributary of the Danube.

July and August are ideal months to go on a Danube River cruise, and also the most popular. The weather is generally warm and sunny, and the conditions are great for meandering along this Central European river. Spring and fall are also pleasant. Winter cruises can be good for the budget-conscious, but many operators don’t run cruises in January or February.

Yes, Danube River cruises are worth it if you enjoy the combination of relaxation and scheduled sightseeing that comes with a cruise. The natural and urban scenery in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and elsewhere is beautiful, and cruises tend to stop in a selection of big and lesser-known places for a good variety.

The Danube River flows through several countries in Central and Southeastern Europe so it passes through various pretty regions, but many people consider the Austrian and Hungarian stretches of river to be the most attractive. In particular, the Danube Bend between Esztergom and Budapest in Hungary and the Wachau Valley in Austria.

Yes, traveling down the Danube River is safe as long as you stay on a river-worthy vessel. Most people travel on the river on a cruise, but it’s also possible to follow the course of the river overland through the various Central and Southeastern European countries it flows through, none of which have any major safety concerns.