I’ve been to Belgrade twice now, and honestly? It’s one of those cities that quietly surprises you. It’s got layers, rich history, beautiful old architecture, buzzing nightlife, but somehow but still underrated in the travel world. That’s part of its charm: there’s always something unexpected to discover.
Tucked right in the middle of all that is something you might not expect: a peaceful little green escape called the Jevremovac Botanical Garden.
Before my trip, I tried to do a bit of research on places in Belgrade, but weirdly, there wasn’t much about the Jevremovac Botanical Garden online. I was genuinely surprised by how peaceful and beautiful it was. I went alone, and except for one other visitor, I had the whole garden to myself. It’s quiet, green, and just far enough from the hustle to make you forget you’re in the middle of a capital city.
A Bit of Backstory
The Botanical Garden “Jevremovac” was officially founded in 1874. It’s been around for nearly 150 years. It was established by decree of the Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Serbia, thanks to the efforts of Josif Pančić, a well-known Serbian botanist and doctor. (you’ll see his name pop up in a lot of places around Serbia!).
Originally, the garden was located at the end of Dunavska Street, but after being destroyed by flooding in the late 1800s, it was relocated. King Milan Obrenović generously donated a plot of land that once belonged to his grandfather, Jevrem Obrenović. Why is it important? Because that’s where the garden gets its name: “Jevremovac”, which means Jevrem’s garden in Serbian.
What to See in Jevremovac Botanical Garden
The greenhouse
The garden is home to over 1,000 plant species from all over the world. You can stroll through a mix of native Serbian flora and more exotic plants from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The highlight for me was the iconic Victorian-style greenhouse, built in 1892. It’s a gorgeous glass-and-iron structure. It houses tropical and exotic plants.
The Japanese garden
Another spot not to miss is the Japanese garden.
Why You Should Go
If you’re visiting Belgrade and looking for a spot to slow down, journal, read a book, or just breathe, Jevremovac is perfect. It’s only about a 10-15 minute walk from the city center, so it’s super easy to include in your itinerary, even if you’re only in town for a couple of days.
Visiting the Jevremovac Botanical Garden in Belgrade
Location: Takovska Street 43, just a 10-15 minute walk from Republic Square
Opening Hours: Generally open from April to November, around 9 AM to 7 PM
Entrance Fee: just a couple of euros (£3)
If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Belgrade, this should be high on your list. It’s calm, green, beautiful, and one of the few places in the city where you might hear birds more than cars.
So if you’re traveling to Serbia and need a quiet corner to journal, read, or simply breathe, give Jevremovac Botanical Garden a visit. It’s a side of Belgrade not everyone sees, but you definitely should.
