Palilula is the largest municipality in Belgrade, known for its unique blend of a central urban core and spacious suburban areas. It spans both sides of the Danube—an unusual feature that gives it a distinct character. Because of this mix, its long history, and excellent connectivity, many newcomers to Belgrade choose Palilula as their new home.
Population: ~182,600 (2022 census)
Area: 45,060 hectares
Borders: Stari Grad, Vračar, Zvezdara (right bank); rivers Danube, Tamiš, and Karaš canal (left bank)
Economy: Agriculture, food industry, logistics, and growing tourism
The name Palilula dates back to the 19th century and is believed to originate from the practice of smokers lighting their pipes only after exiting the fortified city. Historically, this area was attractive because of its fertile land and proximity to the rivers, a tradition confirmed by archaeological findings on Karaburma.
A major moment in Serbian history took place in today’s Tašmajdan Park in 1830, when Serbia’s national autonomy was officially recognized. Tašmajdan in Palilula remains one of the city’s symbolic locations.
Palilula is divided into two distinct zones:
Central Palilula (Right Bank):
Includes Tašmajdan, Profesorska Kolonija, Starine Novaka and the streets connecting directly to the very center. This part feels urban, walkable, and historic.
Greater Palilula (Left Bank + Hillside Neighborhoods):
Includes Karaburma, Višnjica, Višnjička Banja, Rospi Ćuprija, Slanci, as well as large Banat-side settlements such as Krnjača, Borča, Ovča, Kotež, Padinska Skela and Besni Fok.
These areas offer more space, houses with yards, and significantly more affordable housing.
Palilula municipality
12 Takovska street, Belgrade
+381 (0)11 3236-221 do 225
3247-060 do 069
https://www.palilula.org.rs/
Palilula community health center
16 Knez Danilova street,
tel: 3224-321 do 325
www.dzpalilula.org.rs
Palilula post offices
Tašmajdan Park – central, green, historic, a favorite among locals
St. Mark’s Church
Main Post Office Building
University Library “Svetozar Marković”
National Archives of Serbia
RTS (Radio Television of Serbia) Headquarters
Ada Huja – riverside promenade, marina and the longest go-kart track in Belgrade
Jevremovac Botanical Garden – a peaceful green oasis with more than 2,000 plant species
The Pančevo Bridge (1935) is one of Belgrade’s key bridges, connecting the city center with Palilula’s left bank and northern Serbia.
Palilula is extremely well-connected.
Numerous city bus lines link central Palilula with all parts of Belgrade.
Suburban settlements are served by lines 43, 96, 101–110, 202, and the popular line 95 connects Borča with New Belgrade.
Several tram lines terminate at Tašmajdan.
BG:VOZ (urban rail system) offers fast transport across the city and to the left bank
Palilula is one of Belgrade’s academic centers:
Several major faculties are located here: Architecture, Law, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining & Geology, and Technology & Metallurgy.
More than 15 primary schools, ~40 preschools, and several high schools operate in the area.
Multiple student dormitories are available.
One of Palilula’s most charming neighborhoods is Profesorska Kolonija (Professors’ Colony), built in the 1920s for university professors. Today it is known for peaceful streets, gardens, and quality housing.
Cultural life thrives through:
Children’s Cultural Center
Vlada Divljan Cultural Center
Duško Radović Theatre
Library “Milutin Bojić”
Traditional folk ensembles like “Kolo” and “Đoka Pavlović”, which preserve Serbian cultural heritage.
Tašmajdan Sports Center is the district’s main recreational hub, offering swimming pools, a fitness center, an ice hall with a winter skating rink, and direct access to Tašmajdan Park with its playgrounds and dog parks. Beyond Tašmajdan, Palilula also provides a wide range of sports facilities, including football fields in Karaburma, Krnjača, Kovilovo and Borča, as well as tennis courts, small neighborhood pitches and various local sports centers.
Shopping is concentrated close to the city center, with several malls and retail centers across the municipality:
BIG Fashion
Karaburma Shopping Center
Shoppi (Borča)
These areas offer restaurants, cafes, cinemas and all daily conveniences.
Palilula is ideal if you want:
A mix of urban living and peaceful suburban space
Fast access to the city center
More affordable housing options
A family-friendly environment (parks, schools, green areas)
Strong community, culture, and history
Good connections to Novi Sad, Pančevo and northern Serbia
From historic Tašmajdan to the wide-open neighborhoods across the Danube, Palilula offers something for every lifestyle — from young professionals to families and newcomers looking for space, greenery, and excellent transport connections.
Palilula offers a lot of options for nature activities and escape from the city crowds. Any fans of fishing and hunting can find enjoyment on the coasts of Palilula and Danube or in the hunting areas of the Pancevo rit and Malo ratno island. What’s certain is that Palilula will delight any nature-loving outdoorsman.
If you think that Palilula has what you want in a residential area and you can see yourself strolling alongside Danube or the main streets in the heart of the city, City Expert offers excellent real-estate offers in this Belgrade municipality. See our entire offer of apartments in Belgrade, Palilula.
As you move closer to the Pančevo Bridge, in the Professors’ Colony area, these old apartments are slightly more affordable but still priced close to the city center.
In contrast, the more suburban neighborhoods — Karaburma, Višnjička Banja, Krnjača, Kotež, Borča and others — offer some of the most affordable rents in Belgrade, while still providing everything needed for comfortable urban living and easy access to the city center.
Palilula has always been one of Belgrade’s most diverse districts — from the old central areas around Tašmajdan and Professors’ Colony, settled between the world wars by professors, intellectuals and the urban elite, to Karaburma and Mirijevo, which became home to working-class families from all parts of Yugoslavia after WWII. Across the Danube, in Borča, Ovča and Kotež, numerous houses with yards shaped the suburban character of these neighborhoods.
Today, Palilula attracts families looking for spacious apartments at lower prices than in the city center, as well as people who want a quieter environment, plenty of greenery and good connectivity to the city center. Its riverside paths appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, while the older streets close to downtown offer historic charm and convenience. In short, Palilula is ideal for anyone seeking a balance between urban life and tranquility.
