Exploring Belgrade Through Craft Beer – A Guide To Tasting Beer In The Serbian Capital

Are you looking for a new way to explore Belgrade, the city considered to be at the heart of the Balkans? Or perhaps you’re a craft beer aficionado searching for some exciting new brews to try. Well, luckily you’re in the right place! Belgrade is home to some of the best craft beers to ever come out of Serbia, and there’s no better way to get acquainted with the city than by going on a beer tasting tour and sampling what it has to offer.

Craft beer and Serbia may have not have been synonymous for very long, but with the influx of new microbreweries setting up shop in the capital city, a refreshing selection of pales, stouts and IPAs is now available. Known for being in the crossroads between East and West, you can get a distinct taste of both worlds in some of Belgrade’s craft beers.

In this guide, we’ll be talking about all things craft beer in Belgrade, from some of the best local breweries and bars, to the craft beer tours you can take throughout the city and beyond. We’ll give you our recommendations and an insight into why Belgrade has quickly become one of the top destinations for craft beer lovers.

What Is Craft Beer?

Craft beer is an umbrella term for beer produced by a small, independent and traditional brewery. Unlike mass-produced beers like Budweiser or Coors, craft beer is brewed with utmost attention to detail and dedication. Thanks to its unique ingredients and brewing recipes, craft beer usually has a more distinctive taste compared to its industrial counterparts.

In a nutshell, craft breweries take their time to make sure their recipes create something that’s more than just a regular beer. Whether it’s a big chain brewery or the smallest microbrewery, they all make sure they deliver something truly special — and it’s this kind of dedication that has helped craft beer take over the world in recent years.

Belgrade’s Craft Beer Scene

It wasn’t very long ago that Serbia only had a few microbreweries, but those numbers have sprouted rapidly. There are now about 15 craft breweries operating in Serbia, giving thirsty beer connoisseurs plenty of opportunities to try something unique.

Belgrade itself has become a hub of sorts for craft beer in Serbia, offering plenty of options when it comes to exploring the industry. You can find well-known local craft beers at bars, pubs and supermarkets — making it easy to get a taste of what the country has to offer. Additionally, there are also several craft beer tours available throughout Belgrade that let you see the brewing process for yourself and enjoy some delicious samples.

Taste Serbia’s Finest Craft Brews On A Belgrade Tour

Indeed, the best way to experience Belgrade’s finest craft brews is by taking a tour around some of the city’s most renowned breweries. The average tour usually lasts 4-5 hours and visits two or three establishments. The tour companies’ experienced guides will explain the six-step brewing process, as well as discussing some of the more interesting local stories that surround each establishment.

During each tour you’ll get to experience at least four varieties of craft beer and you’re encouraged to sample them all in order to gain a true appreciation for what goes into making this unique type of beverage. You’ll also get detailed information on each variety’s unique taste, aroma and style.

One of Belgrade’s longest standing craft beer tours is the Belgrade Local Craft Beer Tasting Tour. This 4 hour tour lets you visit four different locations, where you’ll be able to sample delicious craft beers from Serbia’s local breweries and learn about the city’s beer-making history from an experienced guide. Plus, at the end of the tour, you’ll also get a tasty souvenir beer bottle to take home! So if you’re looking for an interesting way to explore Belgrade through distinctive beers, this is one tour you won’t want to miss. Check out Belgrade: Local Craft Beer Tasting Tour now and book your spot!

Where To Find The Best Craft Beers In Belgrade

Once you’ve finished your tour, you’ll be probably be itching for more — but never fear! Next we’ll be looking at our top picks for some Belgrade bars where you can sample some of its finest craft beers.

BQ Beer Garden

Once upon a time known as Beer Bar BQ Belgrade, this venue was one of the first craft bars to open in Belgrade — and it’s still around today! Located in downtown Belgrade near Hotel Moscow and Republic Square, this open-air beer garden area serves up to 18 different types of craft beers on tap along with traditional Bosnian kebabs and other BBQ dishes. It makes for a great atmosphere — especially over the summer when city dwellers gather here to relax with friends while sipping on delicious Serbian beers.

Craft Room

Just behind Kalemegdan fortress lies one of Belgrade’s most popular craft bars — Craft Room. This modernly-furbished bar is equipped with 12 taps full with some unique craft beers from local microbreweries like Zajecarsko Brewery and Nische Brewery. The bar also sells their own products in bottles — which are only available here — as well as sandwiches, salads and appetizers. If you’re looking for an after-tour snack or beverage then Craft Room is definitely worth a visit!

Fuzzy Duck

Last on our list but certainly not least is Fuzzy Duck. Founded in 2015, this cozy bar’s origin story seamlessly combines Croatian vibes with its strong Serbian tradition. With more than 20 types of craft beers available on draft or in bottles served by its friendly staff members, Fuzzy Duck is proud to provide its customers with different types of seasonal beers and interestingly-named varieties like Garden Of Punk IPA or Bar Hop APA. Furthermore its façade also proudly displays flags from all countries around Serbia, so be sure to check it out when you’re there!

In Conclusion: Drink Responsibly!

In recent years, Serbia’s craft beer industry has been steadily growing — making it easier than ever for tourists wanting to try something new during their stay in Belgrade. You can find these beers almost anywhere in the city nowadays— from bars and pubs, to supermarkets or even local festivals. This ever-growing selection makes it easy for you to sample each brewery’s distinct take on traditional recipes, allowing you to explore what Belgrade has to offer while drinking responsibly at all times! So why not make your next trip to Belgrade one of craft beers and savor what this amazing city can offer? Book your Belgrade: Local Craft Beer Tasting Tour today and sample some of Serbia’s finest brews!