Since Belgrade occupies a strategic location between the Danube and Sava rivers, traveling by boat gives you a front-row seat for checking out riverside sites. Start the day with a boat tour, spotting the Belgrade Fortress, the Victor Monument, and the uninhabited Great War Island.

 Once you’ve got your bearings, head to firmer ground to visit the landmarks up close. There’s plenty of exploring to do in the Belgrade Fortress, which contains the Upper Town, Lower Town, and Kalemegdan Park. Walking tours of the fortress are a popular sightseeing option—or you can opt to zip from place to place on a Segway. In the afternoon, experience one of Belgrade’s museums in greater depth: Favorites include the Nicola Tesla Museum, the Military Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Belgrade is the first stop in Serbia for many travelers, and it’s a great home base for exploring farther afield. Day trips range from history-focused adventures into the scenic north to wine-themed tasting tours, so choose an outing that’s tailored to your interests.

If you’re headed to northern Serbia, one favorite stop is Novi Sad, the second-largest city in the country. Here, you’ll find historic architecture, nearby wineries, and this city’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Alternately, head east toward the medieval monasteries of Pomoravlje province—some tours of this area also include stops at Resava Cave, a long complex of limestone caverns and passageways. When you get back to the city, finish the day with a relaxing meal in Skadarlija Street, a lineup of restaurants with traditional fare and live music.

For your final day in Belgrade, skip ahead to (relatively) modern times. In the morning, step into the Cold War era by visiting the city’s Communist sites. Highlights include the Museum of Yugoslavia, the House of Flowers mausoleum honoring Josip Broz Tito, and blocky buildings in that era’s imposing style. There’s a lot to learn about living in Belgrade under Soviet rule, so consider a guided tour to get the personal stories behind the Brutalist architecture.

 In the afternoon and evening, go even more contemporary by checking out the art-loving neighborhood of Savamala to browse vintage shops and see the colorful street art. Celebrate your final night with dinner and a drink at KC Grad, a warehouse turned restaurant and gallery space that’s a gathering place for young locals.