EXPO 2027 Belgrade will turn the Serbian capital into an international meeting place for culture, innovation, sport, music and tourism from 15 May to 15 August 2027.
For 93 days, Belgrade will welcome visitors from around the world for a unique international exhibition under the theme “Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All.” More than 140 international participants have already confirmed their participation, while the organisers expect more than 4 million visits during the event.
For travellers, EXPO 2027 is much more than a visit to an exhibition. It is an excellent reason to discover Belgrade, Novi Sad, the Danube, Fruška Gora and Serbia's wine regions at the same time.
If you are looking for an international event in 2027 that combines travel, culture and entertainment rather than another major sporting championship, EXPO 2027 Belgrade deserves a place on your travel calendar.
🌍 What is EXPO 2027 Belgrade?
EXPO 2027 Belgrade is a Specialised Expo, an international exhibition bringing countries and organisations together around a specific theme.
It will be the first Specialised Expo held in the Western Balkans. The exhibition site is being developed in Surčin, in the wider Belgrade area.
The central theme is:
“Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All”
The idea behind the theme is to explore how sport, music, creativity, movement and play can bring people together and stimulate innovation and human connection.
The programme is expected to include:
- International pavilions
- Cultural performances
- Music
- Theatre
- Film and open-air cinema
- Contemporary art
- Workshops and talks
- Sport and recreational activities
- Technology and innovation
- International business and networking
- Interactive experiences for visitors
The official programme describes EXPO as an event that changes throughout its 93-day duration, meaning visitors arriving at different times can experience different activities and performances.
🌎 More Than 140 International Participants
One of the most interesting aspects of EXPO 2027 is the international character of the event.
As of September 2026, more than 140 international participants have confirmed their participation. The list includes countries from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Pacific.
Among the confirmed participants are countries such as:
- Japan
- China
- South Korea
- Germany
- Italy
- Greece
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Türkiye
- South Africa
- Georgia
- Montenegro
- Qatar
- Israel
- Cuba
- Venezuela
- Fiji
- Nepal
- Zambia
- Madagascar
And there is an additional reason for technology and science enthusiasts to visit: CERN has confirmed its participation with its own pavilion, marking its first participation in a World Expo as an official participant with its own pavilion.
The participant list is still developing, so travellers should check the official EXPO website before their trip for the latest additions.
📅 When is EXPO 2027 Belgrade?
15 May – 15 August 2027
The exhibition lasts 93 days.
That gives international visitors considerable flexibility. You do not need to travel during the opening days; you can choose a period that suits your interests, accommodation budget and flight prices.
The summer months will naturally be attractive for visitors combining EXPO with a longer Serbian holiday.
✈️ How to Travel to Belgrade
Flying to Belgrade
For international visitors, Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) is the obvious gateway.
Belgrade is connected with numerous European cities, making the Serbian capital relatively easy to reach from Western Europe.
For Dutch travellers, the most convenient option is normally a direct flight from Amsterdam Schiphol to Belgrade when suitable schedules are available.
Travellers from Belgium and Germany also have several options, including flights from airports within reasonable travelling distance.
Money-saving tip
Do not automatically book your flight for the opening weekend.
Because EXPO runs for three months, it may be possible to find better airfares by travelling:
- Sunday–Thursday
- Outside school holidays
- In May or June rather than the busiest summer weeks
- Several weeks after the opening
- For a midweek arrival and departure
For Worldwide Events readers, this makes EXPO particularly interesting: the long duration creates much more flexibility than a one-day concert or sporting event.
🏨 Where to Stay in Belgrade
Belgrade has accommodation for almost every budget.
For an EXPO visit, I would consider the following areas.
Stari Grad – Old Town
The best choice for visitors who want restaurants, cafés, nightlife and historic sights within walking distance.
You are close to:
- Knez Mihailova Street
- Belgrade Fortress
- Kalemegdan
- Republic Square
- Skadarlija
Dorćol
A lively historic neighbourhood with cafés, restaurants and a more local atmosphere.
Savamala
An interesting area close to the Sava waterfront, with restaurants, bars and modern urban developments.
Vračar
A quieter alternative, famous for the impressive Church of Saint Sava.
New Belgrade
Particularly practical if your priority is modern hotels, larger accommodation and access to the western side of the city.
💶 Hotel Budget
Accommodation prices will inevitably increase during particularly popular EXPO dates.
As a general planning guide rather than a fixed 2027 price:
| Accommodation | Approximate budget |
|---|---|
| Hostel / simple room | €25–50 |
| Budget hotel | €45–70 |
| Mid-range hotel | €70–120 |
| Comfortable 4-star hotel | €100–160+ |
| Apartment | €50–120+ |
Important: these are planning estimates rather than guaranteed EXPO 2027 prices. Rates will vary substantially according to dates, location and availability.
For a seven-day EXPO holiday, an apartment can also be attractive, especially for couples or small groups.
🎟️ EXPO 2027 Tickets
At the time of writing, the official EXPO website states that tickets are available soon. Official ticket prices should therefore be checked before booking your trip.
Do not rely on unofficial ticket websites for prices at this stage.
Once ticket sales open, visitors should check:
- Day tickets
- Multi-day tickets
- Family tickets
- Possible special offers
- Event-specific reservations
- Opening hours
- Access arrangements
The official EXPO website should be the first place to check for confirmed ticket information.
🚆 Getting Around Belgrade
Belgrade is a large city, but many of its central attractions can be explored on foot.
For longer journeys, visitors can use public transport and taxis.
The EXPO site is located in Surčin, outside the historic centre, so visitors staying in central Belgrade should allow additional travel time when visiting the exhibition.
Transport arrangements are likely to develop significantly before May 2027 as the infrastructure around the EXPO site is completed.
Practical tip
If you are visiting EXPO on a busy day, leave your hotel early rather than relying on arriving shortly before a particular programme item.
🏛️ What to See in Belgrade
Don't spend your entire holiday at EXPO.
Belgrade itself deserves at least two or three days.
Belgrade Fortress & Kalemegdan Park
One of the city's essential sights.
The fortress overlooks the meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers and provides some of the best views in Belgrade.
Knez Mihailova Street
Belgrade's famous pedestrian shopping and café street is ideal for an afternoon or evening stroll.
Skadarlija
The historic bohemian quarter is filled with restaurants and traditional Serbian atmosphere.
It is particularly enjoyable in the evening.
Church of Saint Sava
One of the most impressive religious buildings in Serbia and a major Belgrade landmark.
Nikola Tesla Museum
A good choice for visitors interested in science, technology and innovation – a particularly fitting addition to an EXPO trip.
Zemun
For a change of atmosphere, head towards Zemun on the Danube.
The historic streets, waterfront restaurants and old architecture make it an enjoyable half-day excursion.
🍷 Extend Your Trip: Novi Sad & Fruška Gora
One of the biggest advantages of visiting EXPO 2027 is the opportunity to turn your event visit into a Serbian road trip.
A particularly attractive extension is:
Belgrade → Novi Sad → Fruška Gora wine region
Novi Sad lies on the Danube and is one of Serbia's most interesting cities.
Its major landmark is Petrovaradin Fortress, one of Europe's best-preserved historic fortifications. The fortress overlooks the Danube and is now home to museums, galleries, restaurants and cultural venues.
The surrounding Fruška Gora region is also known for its wine production.
Wine centres include:
- Sremski Karlovci
- Irig
- Banoštor
- Šid
The region combines vineyards, monasteries, countryside and gastronomy, making it an excellent addition to an EXPO holiday.
For travellers who enjoy food and wine, this could easily become one of the highlights of a Serbian trip.
🚗 EXPO 2027 + Serbia Road Trip
For visitors arriving by car or renting a car in Belgrade, I would suggest a route such as:
Belgrade → Novi Sad → Fruška Gora → Sremski Karlovci → Šumadija wine region → central Serbia → Belgrade
Suggested duration: 10–12 days
Days 1–3: Belgrade
Days 4–5: EXPO 2027
Day 6: Novi Sad
Day 7: Fruška Gora & wine country
Day 8: Sremski Karlovci and surrounding vineyards
Days 9–10: Central Serbia
Day 11: Return to Belgrade
Day 12: Departure
You can easily adapt the route to spend more time at EXPO.
🗓️ A Perfect 7-Day EXPO Holiday
For visitors who don't want to make a complete road trip, this itinerary works well.
Day 1 – Arrival in Belgrade
Check into your hotel and explore the historic centre.
Evening walk through Knez Mihailova and Skadarlija.
Day 2 – Belgrade
Belgrade Fortress
Kalemegdan Park
Danube & Sava waterfront
Republic Square
Knez Mihailova Street
Day 3 – EXPO 2027
Spend most of the day at EXPO.
Explore international pavilions, exhibitions and interactive installations.
Stay for evening entertainment if available.
Day 4 – EXPO 2027
Return for a second day.
Concentrate on countries and exhibitions you missed on the first visit.
Day 5 – Belgrade
Church of Saint Sava
Vračar
Nikola Tesla Museum
Zemun
Day 6 – Novi Sad
Day trip to Novi Sad.
Visit the old city centre and Petrovaradin Fortress.
Day 7 – EXPO & departure
Use the final day for another EXPO visit or a relaxed Belgrade morning before travelling home.
💰 Is EXPO 2027 Belgrade Expensive?
Compared with many major Western European capitals, Serbia can offer a relatively attractive holiday budget.
A traveller should nevertheless expect prices to rise during the most popular EXPO periods.
Indicative daily budget per person
| Travel style | Approx. daily budget |
|---|---|
| Budget traveller | €45–70 |
| Mid-range traveller | €75–120 |
| Comfortable traveller | €120–180+ |
These figures are intended for planning purposes and can vary considerably depending on accommodation, restaurant choices, transport and EXPO tickets.
For a couple sharing a mid-range hotel room, Belgrade can therefore be an interesting destination for combining an international event with a city holiday.
🍽️ Don't Miss Serbian Food
A visit to EXPO should also be a culinary experience.
Try some classic Serbian dishes such as:
- Ćevapi – grilled minced meat
- Pljeskavica – Serbian-style grilled meat patty
- Burek – savoury pastry
- Kajmak – rich dairy speciality
- Ajvar – roasted pepper spread
- Sarma – stuffed cabbage rolls
- Šopska salad
- Serbian wines from Fruška Gora and other wine regions
Belgrade also has a growing restaurant scene, ranging from traditional Serbian cuisine to modern international restaurants.
🛂 Travel Documents
Travel requirements depend on nationality and can change, so visitors should check the current Serbian entry requirements before travelling.
Dutch travellers should check the latest official government travel information before departure rather than relying on older blog information.
Also check that your passport remains valid for the required period.
🌍 Why EXPO 2027 Belgrade Should Be on Your Travel Calendar
EXPO 2027 is particularly interesting for travellers because it combines several experiences in one trip.
You can spend the morning exploring an international pavilion, enjoy Serbian food in the evening, visit a historic fortress the next day and finish your holiday among vineyards along the Danube.
The event itself will bring together more than 140 international participants, with more than 4 million visits expected during the 93-day exhibition.
And because EXPO lasts from 15 May to 15 August 2027, visitors have plenty of opportunities to choose their own dates.
For an international events blog, it is therefore not simply another event to attend.
It is an opportunity to discover an entire country.
✈️ EXPO 2027 Belgrade – Plan Your Trip
Event: EXPO 2027 Belgrade
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
EXPO site: Surčin
Dates: 15 May – 15 August 2027
Duration: 93 days
Theme: Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All
International participants: 140+ confirmed
Expected visits: 4 million+
Best airport: Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
Ideal trip: 5–10 days
Recommended extension: Novi Sad & Fruška Gora
Best for: Culture, international events, music, sport, technology, food, wine and city breaks
Final Word
EXPO 2027 Belgrade is an event with a difference.
It combines the atmosphere of a major international event with the freedom of a city holiday and the possibility of exploring one of Europe's less-discovered destinations.
Whether you visit for two days or make EXPO the starting point of a two-week Serbian road trip, Belgrade 2027 offers a fascinating opportunity to experience more than 140 countries, cultures and ideas in one destination.
For travellers looking for an international event in 2027 beyond football, Formula 1 and rugby, Belgrade could be one of the most interesting new destinations on the European event calendar.
