A WEEKEND IN BELGRADE
Belgrade is a city of contrasts – raw and refined. At the heart of this vibrant capital sits The Bristol, a hotel that gracefully balances heritage with contemporary design. Here is how to spend a stylish weekend in Serbia’s most dynamic city, through the lens of Splendid:
THE BRISTOL - an icon reborn
Nestled in Belgrade’s vibrant Waterfront area, The Bristol stands as an architectural jewel, an enduring example of Secession (Art Nouveau) design by celebrated architect Nikola Nestorović. First opened in 1912, this landmark has long been a cultural touchstone, welcoming guests from the British royal family to the Rockefellers. After two and a half years of meticulous restoration, it has reopened as a place where timeless elegance meets modern luxury, becoming a true symbol of history reborn.
Step through the grand entrance and you’ll find a lobby bathed in natural light, with polished marble floors, soaring windows, and warm neutral tones. The building’s historic bones have been lovingly preserved, while subtle contemporary touches - brass accents, clean-lined furniture, and curated art - keep the space feeling fresh and relevant.
This is where heritage meets modern refinement, with a level of service that is both elegant and invitingly relaxed. Guests are encouraged to linger, to savor dining inspired by Belgrade’s cinematic history, to enjoy dishes that merge local and global flavors, and to unwind with serene spa treatments. Every corner of the hotel has been thoughtfully designed, bringing mid-century sophistication into the present and creating the perfect setting to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty around you.
Dining
Dining at The Bristol is as much about atmosphere as it is about flavour. The Dining Room sets the tone with its elegant, classic interiors - the kind of space where breakfast feels unhurried and dinners take on a sense of occasion. nearby, the library lounge invites you to linger a little longer; its moody lighting, deep armchairs, and quiet hum make it the perfect retreat for an afternoon tea or a late-night cocktail.
The Terrace opens up to the city, offering an al fresco escape where morning coffee or evening aperitifs come with a breath of fresh air. Throughout every venue, the attention to detail is meticulous - every texture, table setting, and lighting choice has been considered with precision and a discerning, design-led eye, creating a dining experience that feels both luxurious and deeply aesthetic.
The property & rooms
Rooms and suites are light-filled and generously sized, with city views framed by tall windows. Design is understated yet thoughtful: with soft woods, tactile fabrics, and warm lighting create a sense of calm. Bathrooms are sleek and spacious, with rainfall showers and high-end fixtures - the kind of space that makes getting ready feel indulgent.
Take time to unwind in The Bristol’s serene spa, where muted tones, soft textures, and low lighting set the perfect mood for complete relaxation. Choose from a menu of soothing massages, slip into the sauna for a quiet moment of warmth, or simply spend an hour letting the calm reset you before heading back out into the city. for those who like to keep up their fitness ritual while travelling, the hotel’s gym is a standout - fully equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym machines and free weights. the space carries the same luxurious aesthetic as the rest of the hotel, with a refined, contemporary design that makes every workout feel considered and elevated.
The Bristol’s renovation is a masterclass in balancing heritage and modernity. Its soaring ceilings and decorative moldings celebrate the building’s historic character, while clean, sculptural furniture and thoughtfully layered lighting bring a contemporary edge. Materials like marble, brass, and warm wood add depth and tactility, creating a space that feels quietly luxurious - a place to linger, not just to sleep.
Discover more or book your stay by visiting The Bristol website.
YOUR itinerary FOR THE perfect weekend in Belgrade
DAY 1 – Arrival & First Impressions
Arrive at The Bristol in the afternoon and check into your suite, taking a moment to soak in the space - tall windows framing the city, warm woods, sculptural lighting, and marble accents that whisper quiet luxury.
Once settled, take a gentle stroll through the surrounding streets. The hotel’s location in Belgrade’s Waterfront district offers a fascinating blend of architectural styles - Art Nouveau facades, modern glass structures, and lively urban corners that set the tone for the weekend.
Afternoon is perfect for a stop at the Museum of Contemporary Art founded in 1958 as the Modern Gallery, making if one the first museums of this type in the world, making it a must for design lovers.
As the sun begins to dip, return to the hotel for dinner at the terrace restaurant: Beatrice. Here, the mood is effortlessly elegant: tables dressed in crisp linens, soft lighting casting a golden glow, and atmosphere that invites you to linger. Afterwards, retreat to the Library Lounge, a cosy space with moody lighting and plush armchairs - the perfect setting for a nightcap and quiet conversation.
DAY 2 – Icons, Culture & Slow Living
Wake to a leisurely breakfast, perhaps taken in the dining room with its tall windows and morning light spilling across polished floors. From there, take a short walk to the Church of Saint Sava, Belgrade’s most iconic landmark. Its white domes rise against the sky, and the interior mosaics shimmer in a way that is almost cinematic - a must for architecture lovers.
Spend late morning exploring the Old Town and Belgrade Waterfront. This is Belgrade at its most atmospheric: cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and riverside cafés perfect for people-watching.
For lunch, return to the hotel for something light before giving yourself over to the spa. The Bristol’s wellness area is designed for deep exhale moments - muted tones, soft textures, and low lighting create a cocoon-like calm.
As evening falls, dress up for dinner outside the hotel. Our recommendation is Salon 1905, one of Belgrade’s most striking dining rooms, located just across the road, where brass chandeliers and marble columns frame a truly theatrical dining room. housed in the historic Geozavod building. Expect soaring ceilings, gleaming brass, and a seasonal fine-dining menu.
Book ahead - this is a Belgrade favourite.
DAY 3 – Slow Farewell
Begin your final morning with a slow breakfast, coffee in hand, watching the city come to life through tall windows. If time allows, take one last stroll - perhaps stopping at a nearby boutique or design store such as Metropolitan, nestled inside The Bristol itself, Metropolitan is much more than a cosmetic shop it’s a curated emporium of beauty and scent, where every detail feels considered through a luxury lens. here you’ll find premium skincare brands, exquisite perfumes, and carefully chosen cosmetic essentials
Return to The Bristol, where check-out feels more like a graceful farewell than an end. Leave with the memory of a weekend that was both stylish and soul-stirring - one that balanced discovery with design-led comfort at every turn.
A Splendid Lens on Belgrade
A weekend in Belgrade is as much about atmosphere as it is about sightseeing, with The Bristol being a stay that invites you to slow down, soak in the city’s energy, and enjoy the elegance of one of Belgrade’s most iconic addresses.