Savamala

Overview

Savamala is Belgrade's gritty-turned-creative district along the Sava River. Once a neglected warehouse area, it has been transformed into a hub of galleries, start-ups, street art, and some of Belgrade's best bars and clubs, while retaining enough industrial edge to feel authentic.

Highlights

• Street Art: Murals by Serbian and international artists cover building facades throughout the district.
• Mikser House: A cultural center in a converted warehouse hosting concerts, exhibitions, and the annual Mikser Festival.
• Nightlife: Some of Belgrade's most inventive bars and clubs occupy former industrial spaces.

History

In the 19th century, Savamala was Belgrade's first planned waterfront district, with elegant merchant houses along the Sava. Decades of neglect followed, but a grassroots creative revival starting around 2010 turned it into the city's cultural laboratory. The controversial Belgrade Waterfront project now borders the neighborhood.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Visit in the evening — Savamala really comes alive after dark with bars and live music.
• Tip 2: Walk along Karađorđeva Street for the best concentration of street art and hidden bars.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.