World's Best Cities For Basketball Fans: Belgrade, Serbia
In this series we’re taking a look at the best cities from around the world for basketball fans to visit. To kick things off we're heading to Belgrade in Serbia.
🏀 Belgrade Basketball Vibes: ★★★★★ (5/5)
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Belgrade’s Basketball History & Culture
Basketball in Belgrade has deep roots, dating back to the mid-20th century, when it became one of the most popular sports in the former Yugoslavia.
Teams like Partizan and Crvena zvezda (Red Star) dominated regional competitions and laid the foundation for Serbia’s modern basketball success. The sport became a key part of national identity, with Belgrade at the center of that growth.
A Rivalry That Defines the City
The rivalry between Partizan and Red Star remains the heartbeat of Belgrade's basketball scene. Their matchups in the Adriatic League and EuroLeague are among the most passionate in Europe.
The Eternal Derby is a city-wide spectacle of drums, chants, and unwavering loyalty. Games are known for their explosive energy, with fans creating a charged atmosphere through flares, banners, and choreographed displays. These events go far beyond sport, reflecting social identity, politics, and local pride.
Basketball in Daily Life
Even outside professional games, the city feels engaged with the sport. Pickup games take place on public courts like Kalemegdan Fortress, where locals play with purpose and pride.
Basketball is a common subject in everyday conversation, and club loyalty often runs through families and neighborhoods.
The city’s sports bars, merchandise shops, and graffiti often reflect basketball themes, showing that support for the game isn’t just limited to match days. It’s ever-present, a point of pride, and a public passion you can feel whether you're in the stands or just walking down the street.
Unique Experiences For Basketball Fans in Belgrade
Belgrade offers basketball fans a wealth of things to see, do, and experience. Here are our top picks when you’re visiting the city:
1. Feel the Derby: The Eternal Rivalry
Partizan vs. Red Star is one of the most intense basketball rivalries in the world.
Games are emotional, loud, and unlike anything else in Europe.
Expect sold-out crowds, police escorts, fan choreographies, and massive displays of loyalty.
Tip: If you're planning to attend a derby game, book tickets and accommodation well in advance, and don’t wear rival colors unless you’re with the home crowd!
2. Discover Basketball Murals & Fan Street Art
Walk around Dorćol or Vračar to spot murals of Serbian basketball legends and club tributes.
Some feature Nikola Jokić, Vlade Divac, and former club stars.
The art reflects how deeply basketball is woven into local identity and community spaces.
3. Pick Up Some Merch From Official Club Shops
For a city that’s so passionate about basketball, it’s no surprise that Belgrade has a number of official fan stores for both of its biggest teams. Here you can pick up a wide range of merchandise, including official jerseys, clothing, accessories and exclusive or limited edition items.
Partizan Official Fan Shops
Partizan operates several official retail outlets in Belgrade under the name 1945 Basketball Shop:
1945 Basketball Shop 1: Kralja Milana 6, Belgrade (Open Mon-Sat 09:00-21:00)
1945 Basketball Shop 2: Bulevar Arsenija Čarnojevića 58, Novi Beograd (Open Mon-Fri: 10:00-20:00)
1945 Basketball Shop 3: Humska 1, Savski Venac (Open Mon-Fri: 10:00-17:00, Sat 12:00-17:00)
Crvena Zvezda Official Fan Shops
Red Star fans can check out the store at the team’s stadium or visit the official city center store.
Red Star Stadium Shop: Ljutice Bogdana 1a, Beograd 11040, Serbia (Open Mon-Fri: 09:00-19:00, Sat: 10:00-17:00, Sun: 10:00-16:00)
Red Star Shop 2: Kralja Milana 23, Beograd 11000, Serbia (Open Mon-Fri: 09:00-21:00, Sat: 09:00-18:00)
4. Soak Up the Culture Post-Game
Pub Lokator (Vračar) and Red Bar (Senjak) are fan hangouts decorated with club colors.
After a game, locals head to nearby kafanas or bars for drinks, music, and passionate basketball debates.
Try Ćevapi or Pljeskavica with local beer to round out your fan experience.
5. Play or Watch at Kalemegdan Fortress Courts
Belgrade’s most iconic outdoor court sits below the walls of the Kalemegdan Fortress, offering a unique setting with views of the Danube and Sava rivers.
A former Partizan training site, it’s now active for pickup games, youth practices, and streetball tournaments.
Often busy during spring and summer evenings
This court is where basketball meets history, and it’s free to visit and play. Here’s how to find it and other public courts throughout the city:
Public Basketball Courts & Local Play in Belgrade
Top Teams in Belgrade: Partizan and Crvena zvezda
Belgrade has long been a cradle of basketball talent, producing some of the most respected names in the sport. Two major clubs dominate the city’s basketball landscape: Partizan and Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade).
Partizan | Crvena zvezda |
🏛️ Established 1945 | 🏛️ Established 1945 |
📍 Stadium Belgrade Arena (capacity approx. 18,000) | 📍 Stadium Belgrade Arena (capacity approx. 18,000) |
🏆 Accolades
| 🏆 Accolades
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| Find the best basketball sportsbooks to place a wager on Belgrade's teams. | |
Both teams have deep histories, passionate fan bases, and strong legacies in European basketball. They regularly compete in the Adriatic League (ABA), the Serbian national league (KLS), and the EuroLeague; the highest level of European club competition.
Partizan is renowned for its youth development system and for winning the EuroLeague title in 1992, while Red Star has consistently dominated the domestic league and built a powerful presence in Europe over the last decade.
The rivalry between the two is fierce; not only are they cross-town competitors, but they also represent different cultural and political identities, adding intensity to every matchup.
Season Schedules & Ticket Prices
EuroLeague: October – May
ABA League: October – April
Serbian League: October – April
Partizan Tickets
Single game tickets: Prices range from around $12 to $250, depending on seat location and opponent.
VIP Packages: Offer premium seating, exclusive lounge access, and additional amenities.
Where to buy: Official tickets are available through SIXTIX and eFinity platforms.
Crvena zvezda Tickets
Single game tickets: Prices range from around $15 to $25, depending on seat location and opponent.
VIP Packages: Offer premium seating and additional perks.
Where to buy: Official tickets can be purchased via the iTicket platform.
Famous Basketball Players From Belgrade
Belgrade is a true hotbed of basketball talent, home to legendary players and rising stars who’ve made their mark in Europe and the NBA.
Nikola Jokić
- Born: Sombor, Serbia (developed at Mega Basket in Belgrade)
- Notable Teams: Denver Nuggets, Serbia National Team
- Accolades: 3× NBA MVP (2021, 2022, 2024), 2023 NBA Champion, 5× NBA All-Star
One of the greatest modern players, Jokić redefined the centre position with his exceptional passing and court vision. Though born outside Belgrade, his professional journey began in the capital, where Mega Basket helped shape his unique game.
Bogdan Bogdanović
- Born: Belgrade, Serbia
- Notable Teams: Partizan Belgrade, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks
- Accolades: 2× ABA League Champion, EuroLeague Rising Star, key Serbia national team contributor
A stylish and versatile shooting guard, Bogdanović rose through Partizan’s ranks before becoming a clutch performer in the NBA. He’s respected for his poise under pressure and long-range shooting.
Vlade Divac
- Born: Prijepolje, Serbia (developed at Partizan Belgrade)
- Notable Teams: LA Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Partizan
- Accolades: NBA All-Star, FIBA World Champion, Basketball Hall of Fame inductee
A trailblazer for European players in the NBA, Divac was one of the first international big men to succeed in the league. His charisma and leadership also made him a beloved figure off the court, both in Serbia and California.
Vasilije Micić
- Born: Belgrade, Serbia
- Notable Teams: Anadolu Efes, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Accolades: 2× EuroLeague Champion, EuroLeague Final Four MVP (2021)
Micić combines intelligence and toughness at the point guard position. After conquering Europe with back-to-back EuroLeague titles, he made his long-awaited NBA debut in 2023, continuing Belgrade’s influence in the league.
Nikola Jović
- Born: Leicester, UK (raised in Belgrade, trained at Mega Basket)
- Notable Teams: Miami Heat, Serbia National Team
- Accolades: 2022 NBA First-Round Draft Pick, 2023 NBA Finals appearance, 2023 FIBA World Cup Finalist
Jović is one of Serbia’s brightest young prospects. With a rare combination of size and guard skills, he began his career in Belgrade and is already making waves in Miami’s rotation and on the international stage.
Belgrade Travel
Belgrade is a top destination for basketball fans, but even if you don’t love the game there’s plenty to enjoy in the city with its vibrant mix of history, nightlife, and riverside culture. It’s affordable, walkable, and full of character, making it a great destination for pretty much anyone.
When To Go
If you want to catch a game when you visit Belgrade (and we recommend that you do), here’s when you should plan to travel:
Adriatic League: October to April
EuroLeague: October to May
Playoffs: April–May
Flights & Hotels
Traveling from New York City to Belgrade is straightforward, with Air Serbia offering daily non-stop flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG).
Flight time is approximately 8 hours and 50 minutes, and prices for a round trip range from about $700 to $1,000 depending on when you fly.
Whether you're traveling on a budget or looking for a high-end stay, Belgrade has a wide range of options close to its major basketball arenas. Here are some of our top picks:
$ Affordable: Hotel Rex
Affordable and centrally located, Hotel Rex is about 10–15 minutes by car from both the Štark Arena and Aleksandar Nikolić Hall. A solid, no-frills option for fans on a budget.
$$ Mid-Range: Hotel M
A comfortable, well-rated hotel near Aleksandar Nikolić Hall, perfect for catching Red Star games. Offers easy taxi or bus access to the Štark Arena as well.
$$$ Baller: Saint Ten Hotel
A stylish 5-star boutique hotel in the city’s Vračar district, around 10 minutes from the Štark Arena. Ideal for visitors looking to combine comfort with proximity to EuroLeague action.
Why Basketball Fans Should Visit Belgrade
Belgrade is not just a place where basketball is played; it is a city where the game is truly lived. From the deafening chants of Red Star and Partizan supporters to the open-air courts beneath the walls of Kalemegdan Fortress, basketball is woven into the rhythm of daily life.
What makes Belgrade stand out is its unmatched atmosphere, often described as the most passionate in the basketball world, and a fan culture that treats every game as something far greater than sport.
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