Perched at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers, the Belgrade Fortress turns a natural stronghold into a military powerhouse. Kick off a day of exploring inside the fortress walls at the old citadel and Kalemegdan Park. There’s a lot of history here—at least 115 battles have been fought on this site—and guided tours of Belgrade Fortress offer details on its bloody history.

After you’ve covered the ancient past, leap ahead to modern times. Browse stylish boutiques, soak up café culture, and see crumbling mansions plastered in colorful street art in the creative neighborhood of Savamala. Set on the edge of the Sava River, Savamala is just north of the main railway station in Belgrade and walking distance from Kalemegdan Park. While this is a fun area to explore on your own, guided tours of Savamala can offer insights into the cutting edge of local culture.

Belgrade gets going after dark. For a taste of something traditional, head to Skadarska Street, a stretch of cobblestones lined by bars and restaurants. Here, classic Serbian food and drink are served to the strains of local folk music, and some venues feature costumed performers.

Hit the clubs for an edgier night out. In the summer party boats and riverside clubs heat up along the river; from late September to early May, the crowds tend to stay inside. To hit the town with a ready-made party crew, pub crawls are an option, whether you’re solo or visiting with a group.