Serbia is in the process of reconstructing itself from the ravages of the recent war, evidence of which is seen in the restoration of its shopping infrastructure. Modern, high rise shopping malls and big department stores with modern architecture are coming up in areas that have been demolished in the war. Five years back, it would have been impossible to visualize Serbia shops as a fashionable shopping venue. Today, there are shops in Serbia selling not only traditional lace, embroidery, metalwork, filigree work and leather goods but also trendy clothes, shoes and accessories.
Belgrade is the premier shopping venue of Serbia and sets the trend for shops in the other parts of the country.
The Serbia shopping guide below has some tips on where to go and what to by particularly about shopping in Belgrade. All that shopping might leave you with quite an appetite so be sure to satisfy yourselves with some delicious Serbia food and cuisine.
Serbia Shopping Guide
Do remember to carry sufficient US Dollars and Euros as the pound sterling is hardly used and many of the lesser known currencies are not accepted. There are many currency exchange machines in Belgrade which accept US Dollars, Euros and Pounds, while only some ATMs accept international debit cards.
Shopping hours in Serbia vary from shop to shop, but most shops work from 8.00 am to 12.00 noon and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm, between Monday and Friday. On Saturdays, shops in Serbia work from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm.
Shopping in Belgrade
Belgrade is the place to go to for shopping in Serbia and sets the trend for shops in the other parts of the country. It is comparable to any other European city in so far as shopping is concerned. Most of the shops in Belgrade are found on a single street called Knez Mihailova. Here, there are premium as well as bargain shops, souvenir shops, clothing outlets selling contemporary fashion at very reasonable prices, and street vendors who are actually artisans exhibiting their produce. Singidunum and Beoizlog are two of the better known shops on Knez Mihailova Street and they sell clothes, traditional objets d'art and tapestry. Kralja Alexandara Street is another prominent shopping area where you can pick up shoes, leather goods and interesting books.
Wooden art, artistic pottery and icons can be picked up from the Zdravo l Zhivo outlet on Terazije Street. Religious art, reasonably priced religious calendars and finely crafted icons can be bought at the shop overlooking St. Marko Church on Boulevard Kralja Aleksandra. Football aficionado must have a look at the shop of Red Star, the local team and that of their competitors, Partizan. The Kralja Milana boutique located between Slavjia and Trazije streets offers fine jewellery. The area also has the outlets of premium designer brands as well as the more affordable labels like Mango and Zara. Guess, Miss Sixty, Morgan, Levis, Diesel, Time Out, Springfield, Adidas and Nike are some of the other labels available in Belgrade.
Supermarkets in Belgrade
Supermarkets like Maxi Discount, are found in the newer quarter of Belgrade. Maxi Discount is brand new, well stocked and reasonably priced and caters to the needs of all sections. It is open on all days of the week and is accessible only by car. It is a good place to pick up some local produce from, before you leave the city. Merkator is another supermarket in a new commercial complex in Bulevar Umetnosti, close to the centre of the city. It has ample space for cars to park and offers an array of food articles and inexpensive clothes. There are no jumbo supermarkets in the heart of the city, but there are C-Markets where you can buy small sundry items.
Open air markets in Belgrade
The permanent open air markets of Belgrade offer an authentic and interesting shopping experience. You can find fresh local produce, traditional arts and crafts sold by the artisans themselves and authentic traditional Serbian clothes here. Do remember that these markets tend to be crowded. The Zemun Market located on Pobeda Square is Belgrade's largest market where, along with vegetables and fruits, you can also pick up confectionary and cheese. The open air market at Zeleni Venac is famous for excellent fruits and vegetables and handicrafts. The market at Kalenic is typical of Belgrade and has booths for vendors.
Delta City
The Delta City is a chain of shopping malls in Belgrade (Serbia) and Podgorica (Montenegro). Mexx, Zara, Nike, Mango, Tommy Hilfiger, Marks and Spencer, Bershka, Oysho, Esprit, Stardivarius, Pull and Bear, Geox, Tally Weijl and Office Shoes are some of the international premium brands available in the Delta City shopping malls.
