Dorćol is an ancient part of Belgrade that stands in the very heart of the city. The term Dorcol/Dortjol is defined as the crossroads in the old language of the Ottoman Empire. In the times bygone Dorćol was a multicultural neighborhood where different nationalities as Turks, Serbs, Jews, Dubrovnians (people from Dubrovnik, Croatia), and Roma people lived. Before World War II many Jewish people were living in Belgrade. They came to Serbia in the 16th century from Spain and Western Europe. The entire Jewish quarter was destroyed in the bombing of Belgrade on the 6th of April in 1941. Of 20.000 Jews living in Belgrade, after the holocaust, just 2.000 people remained in Belgrade. Today, there is a street in Dorćol named “Jevrejska ulica”( the Jewish street) as a relict of the entire Jewish quarter.

murals belgrade
I am Akiko by Pijanista. Photo credists@DonjiDorcol

In this day and age, the Jewish museum is located on the well-known “Kralja Petra” (King Peter) Street, in close proximity to “Jevrejska street”. Dorćol consists of two parts- Upper Dorćol (Gornji Dorcol) and Lower Dorćol (Donji Dorcol). However, Lower Dorćol is a no longer multicultural neighborhood like it was in the past, but it’s becoming a very trendy neighborhood of Belgrade due to street art, independent art galleries, cafeterias, and many hip venues that were opened recently. Let’s just say that Lower Dorćol together with the bar district in Cetinjska St. has become a hot spot. 

Homa

HOMA

At the end of the beautiful “Dositejeva” street, there stands a fine dining restaurant Homa. The interior of the restaurant is appealing,  with red color and light prevailing that has been achieved with the help of more milky white dome-shaped lamps. Black metal tables that contrast with white wooden chairs break the sterile atmosphere of the restaurant. Inside, as well as in the garden, there is a large black and white bar framed with concrete. The location of the restaurant itself is quite unique. The industrial zone is just around the corner, but customers can feel like they are sitting in an oasis of peace and tranquility. The specific menu offers the finest fusion cuisine in town. Very much loved by our Scandinavian guests. 

Prices range from 15 to 50 euros per serving.

Location: Žorža Klemensoa 19, 11000  Belgrade 

 

АrtScience-2018
Art & Science

MUZEJ NAUKE I TEHNIKE

On the corner of “Skender Begova” and “Dobračina” street stands the Museum of Science and Technology. The main goal of the museum is the protection of the scientific and technological heritage of Serbia. Since its foundation, curators of the Museum collected more than 5,000 very cool, old, and vintage artifacts from avid collectors such as musical instruments, the very first cameras, the first computers, and the first jukebox from way back as if gradually falling into oblivion, which is classified through different collections. Did I mention that Museum stands in the former power station?!! 

Location: Skender Begova 51 St.

Just next to the museum, at the end of  Skender Begova street, there is a nice and picturesque candy store in vivid colors called “Mama Goca”. It’s a great place to drink a coffee, lemonade, or boza or to grab a few bites of delicious cakes and cookies. In the world of globalization and chain coffee shops and ice cream and candy parlors at times we seem to forget how old-school confectionery created by independent initiatives can be really cool.

 

hipster tour belgrade
Donji Dorcol, Dobracina Street

RADIONICA

Dorcol’s hidden gem, cosseted away at the far end of Dobracina Street right next to Przionica café’ and Sarlo Baker’s. Radionica is a multi-purpose place. During the day it operates as a bar and restaurant and at night it sort of inadvertently converted into a real club, where people actually get to dance. The music selection is focused on house music.

Radionica bar

Since Lower Dorcol is basically a brownfield site, many buildings are now being reused having been converted for a new purpose. Restaurant and coffee culture seems to be picking up in this part of the city lately, thanks to rather enterprising small-scale sole proprietors. The interior of Radionica mirrors the aesthetics of raw and bare concrete walls. The old machines-lathe incorporated in the DJ stand and a vertical drill featuring in the toilets are kept there reminiscent of the workshop which used to be there in that very same place before the present owner came to own it.

https://sprudge.com/przionica-d59b-in-belgrade-97254.html
Przionica

PRZIONICA

Pržionica is a micro-roaster and coffee shop. The space where it is located looks like an old workshop or a converted warehouse, giving a special flavor to this cool place in Dorćol. The furniture is made of wood and steel. Pržionica offers freshly roasted high-quality coffee. Their intention is to take care of all the stages of the preparation of coffee, from the raw beans to the perfect cup of espresso. Guests can be a part of the whole process as everything is open and accessible. The specific method of frying medium roast gives more aroma and a somewhat fuller flavor than the classic dark roast. In addition to preparing espresso, they also offer other types of coffee: French press, air press, drip coffee, and others. All coffee styles can be purchased in the bar.

Locations: Dobračina 59b, 11 000, Belgrade

DORCOL PLATZ

Dorcol Platz appeared as a culture hub blending art, music, and markets. It works as a regular bar during the day but sometimes hosts events such as workshops, exhibitions, markets, theatre plays, international events, festivals, etc.

marukoshi belgrade restaurant

MARUKOSHI

 Marukoshi Japanese restaurant is opened in 2015 at 37 Kapetan Misina Street. It’s an authentic Japanese restaurant offering tasty Japanese dishes such as Ramen noodles, salads, udon noodles, donburi, curry dishes, and interesting desserts. It’s a very comfy place where guests can feel relaxed and they can enjoy Asian specialties in the heart of Belgrade.

dorcol street art belgrade
Beogradizacija Beograda

 AVIATOR

Aviator is a lovely coffee shop at 59a Gundulicev Venac. Primarily based on the idea of a daily coffee concept, it focuses on a variety of coffee-based beverages. You can drop by during the day and work on your laptop and drink 100% pure Nicaragua or a blend, or even a decaf (yes, it exists even in Belgrade).

rakia tour belgrade

It took me a few tries to get into the Serbian favorite aperitif-Rakia. I wasn’t into it when I first arrived in Belgrade. However, I am definitely starting to like it now. Especially, after the Still in Belgrade tour. Tavus

URBAN DISTILLERY

Urban Distillery. The first urban/ rakia distillery is located right next to Homa restaurant. This unique space is in the ownership of Rakia bar and they offer the first treasury of rakia, where visitors can find more than 30 types of highest quality rakias produced in Serbia. You can choose shots from 20% to 40% of alcohol and buy bottles that are filled and labeled before your eyes. Our new favorite tastes are honey (Medovaca) with mint, raspberry rakia and the special flavor inspired by the traditional plum rakia (Sljivovica) labeled as rakia BRANKO (a special recipe by Branko the founder).

Location: Zorza Klemensoa 19 St.

Good People Hostel

Good People Hostel. This stylish and cozy place offers private capsule beds in dorms, private and family rooms, perfectly clean bathrooms, a green and lovely yard to enjoy a cup of morning coffee under the fig tree, a fully equipped kitchen, and friendly staff. Guests can often attend small vintage and second-hand markets, yoga classes, or a mini guitar concert in the garden. The atmosphere is really easygoing and friendly. Whether you are a solo traveler or traveling with family or friends this hidden gem can be a perfect choice for your stay in Belgrade!

Location: Knicaninova 12 Street, 11000

 KORNER

You are walking around Lower Dorcol and you feel like grabbing a cup of hot coffee? Independent coffee shop Korner has a cozy interior with sofas and serves great domestic and foreign types of coffee. The crowd is local and friendly. In case you like to eat something sweet and drink some juice with your coffee, don’t hesitate to order fresh orange juice and a donut.

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Silosi

SILOSI

Silosi is another unique place that has been opened in the Lower Dorcol neighborhood, on the Danube riverfront. The old silo has been transformed into a multifunctional space with an outdoor and indoor bar and a gallery. As well, if you are a street art aficionado do not hesitate to put this venue on your itinerary.

Besides the unique location and industrial and arty vibe, Silosi can be a great choice for drinking, catching some established local DJs, and meeting friendly Belgradians.
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KC Dorcol

KC DORCOL

Culture Center Dorcol or KC Dorcol is a brand new place that has also popped up in Lower Dorcol. It stands among the blocks of concrete skyscrapers (there are interesting pieces of street art that can be discovered in their surroundings). This cozy space has a bar which makes it perfect for drinking coffee during the day, but also a DJ stand and a separate room that works as a gallery.
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DOCKER

Another venue worth mentioning in this guide is Docker brewery. Next to craft beer you can eat hamburgers and sausages and try the taproom.

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In case you feel like exploring the Upper and Lower Dorcol we offer several walking tours. The Hipster tour can be found here, and the street art tour with the workshop can be found here.