Feb 28, 2025

Belgrade Design District Belgrade

A ghost town's afterlife

""Belgrade Design District" used to be an abandoned shopping mall - now it's an emerging space where established artists and designers showcase their work!"

Just when you think that you have formed your opinion about Belgrade, it might surprise you where you least expect it.  Take for example what happens if you by chance stumble upon “Čumicevo sokače”- a seriously crumbling shopping mall in the very center of the city and suddenly find yourself surrounded with dozens upon dozens of hip designer shops, galleries and concept stores where young, emerging and already established designers and artists show and sell their work right next to each other.

It is hard to imagine now, but not that long ago the place was bursting with glitz in its full '90s marble, steel and fake shine glory. After its short-lived heyday, bigger and shinier shopping malls started popping up around the city and “Čumić” was forgotten, mostly abandoned and left to decay… Until someone had the great idea to let local designers rent empty locales in the abandoned mall.

The former ghost town is now bursting with life and creativity. Named Belgrade Design District (rather handy for tourists, who would otherwise have to ask for Chou-mitch-aevo sou-kat-che), prepare for great local shopping, with the unfinished ‘90s interior design exorcism just adding to the somewhat surreal and definitely creative atmosphere of the place. Check out Nešović fine arts gallery for young Serbian art scene, Bartselona gallery for photography exhibition, All Nut for cold pressed and organic local produce, Spice up to invigorate all senses and any of many designer shops for inspiration and cool new clothes.

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

About this spot

Čumićevo sokače bb

RSD

no-price

Find your way with 197 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Belgrade guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Belgrade

Savana Cafe on Danube

Breezy, bluesy and friendly

"Savana Cafe on Danube" on Belgrade's Zemun quay is probably the best place around to bring your friends and feel like you're at home. Pet-friendly place.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Dušan

Lopušina

Apr 29, 2025

Kafograf

Coffee roasters on the corner

I tend to come early enough to catch a slice of the daily cake - carrot cake is a classic here, and it's really tasty!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Maša

Seničić

Apr 25, 2025

SOFI

Local natural cosmetics

SOFI's approach is ethical and sustainable, elaborate but effortless, and represents a great example of a high-quality local brand.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Maša

Seničić

Apr 25, 2025

Supermat

The Era Milivojević chess mural

Milivojević considered this moment to be as important as the first human incursion into space and decided to repeat the game using his usual medium - tape.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Maša

Seničić

Apr 23, 2025

Zdravac

The creamiest nut butters

In the back is where all the nut butters are being made, in-house and from the finest ingredients: hazelnuts, peanuts, coconuts and cashews.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Maša

Seničić

Apr 23, 2025

Stovarište materijala

Once a warehouse

I usually opt for uštipci, doughnut-like sour dough pastry you can order either with cheese/ham or with jam/cream on the side.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Maša

Seničić

Apr 23, 2025

Footnote

Centre for Image and Text

Footnote Centre for Image and Text is an artist-run community space, binding together audio-visual & textual practices through a transdisciplinary program.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Maša

Seničić

Apr 23, 2025

Belgrade Night Market

Farmers' market clubbing

"Belgrade Night Market" takes place every month or two, always on Fridays. The idea is to revive traditional green markets while providing entertainment...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Anđa

Savić

Apr 23, 2025

Brodić

A Riverside Classic®

"Brodić" is a Belgrade classic, a riverside cafe-bar that's been around for more than 20 years. It's the epitome of low-profile, tranquil place to chill...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Dušan

Lopušina

Apr 21, 2025

Tuk Tuk

Thai nourishing kick in Vračar

"Tuk Tuk" in Belgrade is riding the wave of new South-East Asian restaurants in the city. If you're hungry for some good Thai, look no further...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Dušan

Lopušina

Apr 19, 2025

Galerija čokolade Premier

Chocolate factory

"Galerija čokolade Premier" in Belgrade is owned by people who really try hard to please chocolate lovers. My favourite is the milk chocolate raspberries.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Vladimir

Dulović

Apr 19, 2025

Vanilica

Straight outta the oven

"Vanilica" in Belgrade doesn't have a vast offer of pastries - it's a small, unassuming, family-run bakery that I just love for the cakes and gibanica...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Dušan

Lopušina

Apr 16, 2025

Heading to Belgrade?

197 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Belgrade?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

197 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Belgrade

Get to know our other Spotters from Belgrade

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
52
Filters