Avala Tower is the kind of landmark where 80% of people say “I remember when it fell” instead of “I remember when I went up”. At 204.5 meters tall, this is Serbia’s and Belgrade’s tallest structure, located on Avala mountain 15km south of the city center, offering one of the best views over all of Belgrade and surroundings.
Built in 1965, destroyed in 1999 during NATO bombing, rebuilt and reopened in 2010, Avala Tower has a story stronger than most museums. It is not just a TV tower – it is a symbol of Belgrade that doesn’t give up, plus a rotating restaurant at 125m and an observation deck at the very top.
If you love panoramas, heights and stories of resilience, this is a must-stop. Ideal for sunny days, 30 minutes to an hour, and you’ll remember it for life.
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Where Avala Tower is located and how to get there
Avala Tower is located on Avala mountain, about 15km south of Belgrade city center, near the village of Avala. It is the first serious landmark outside the city if you’re heading south or to Eastern Serbia.
By car from Belgrade center: take E75 motorway towards Niš, Avala exit, then local road to the viewpoint and tower. Total 25-35 minutes of relaxed driving. Parking available in front of the tower, free.
By bus: line 401 from Nemanjina (near Slavija) goes directly to Avala. Returns every 1-2 hours, check schedule. Price around 200-300 RSD one way.
Taxi/Uber: from center about 1500-2000 RSD one way, depending on traffic.
Best to go by car or taxi so you can combine with walking around Avala, viewpoints and restaurant breaks.
Brief history: from pride to ruins and reopening
Avala Tower starts in 1959 as a project by architects Uglješa Bogojević and Slobodan Janjić. The idea was simple: build a TV and radio tower to cover all of Yugoslavia, but also give Belgrade a new icon. Opened in 1965, it becomes a symbol of modern Belgrade and Yugoslav technology.
Then 1999 NATO bombing: on April 29th, a missile hits the tower, it collapses halfway, leaving a 100m stump. Belgrade loses its tallest structure, and the city panorama gains ruins instead of a symbol.
Reconstruction starts in 2006, funded by state budget and donations. Reopened in 2010, with modern technology, restaurant and observation deck. Today it broadcasts TV signal for all of Belgrade and surroundings.
What visiting Avala Tower looks like today
You arrive at the parking lot, go to the entrance, buy a ticket (around 400-600 RSD for adults, check current prices). Elevator takes you to 125m where the restaurant and main platform are.
Restaurant (125m): rotates slowly 360 degrees, panoramic windows floor to ceiling. You can just have coffee (around 300 RSD) or order a full meal. Atmosphere is cinematic – you’re sitting in the clouds watching Belgrade like it’s on your palm.
Observation deck (top, 204m): additional elevator to the very top, open platform with railing. No glass here, just wind and panorama. You see Kalemegdan, New Belgrade, Zemun, even Surčin and the airport in the distance. Clear day – to the horizon.
Exterior: around the tower there is park, viewpoints, monuments and walking paths. You can spend 1-2 hours just listening to nature and watching the horizon.
Best views from Avala Tower and when to come
Panorama from Avala Tower is what you’ll remember for life:
- North: Kalemegdan, Sava, Danube, New Belgrade blocks
- West: Zemun, Belgrade Waterfront, further to Surčin
- East: Banjica, Vračar, even Dedinje villas
- South: mountains, villages, Avala greenery
Best time:
- Fall (September-November): clearest skies, autumn colors
- Late morning or early afternoon: best light for photos
- Avoid foggy days and summer heat (glass heats up inside)
Weekends can be crowded, weekdays quieter. Restaurant open daily, observation deck usually until 8pm in summer, check schedule.
Food and drinks in Avala Tower restaurant
The restaurant at 125m is the main attraction for most visitors. Rotates 360 degrees every 45 minutes, floor-to-ceiling windows, atmosphere that overshadows the food.
Menu: standard Balkan grill (ćevapi, pljeskavica, skewers), chicken dishes, salads, pasta. Portions decent, quality good for the price. Prices: coffee 300 RSD, main course 800-1500 RSD, beer 350 RSD.
When to eat: lunch (12-3pm) for best light, cakes with coffee for dessert. Evening view spectacular, but city lights can “overwhelm” the horizon.
Alternative: down on Avala there are hospitality spots, but tower restaurant is the real “experience”.
Is Avala Tower worth it and for whom
Avala Tower is mandatory if:
- you love panoramas and heights
- looking for day trip 30min from Belgrade
- want history + photos + food combo
- traveling with kids (they love elevator and rotation)
Skip if:
- hate heights or elevators
- no sunny day
- only want historical sites (this is modernism)
As itinerary part: morning Kalemegdan → Skadarlija lunch → afternoon Avala Tower. Or standalone trip with Avala walking.
FAQ: Avala Tower questions you’ll actually ask
Is there entrance fee for Avala Tower?
Yes, ticket for observation deck and restaurant. Adults around 400-600 RSD, kids less. Check current prices on site or online.
How much time needed for Avala Tower?
Elevator + panorama + photos = 30-45 minutes. If eating at restaurant, count 1-2 hours. Avala walking adds another hour.
Is Avala Tower restaurant worth the price?
Yes for atmosphere and view. Food standard, but sitting at 125m rotating 360 degrees – you don’t have that every day.
Is Avala Tower accessible for children?
Yes, elevators work, no dangerous stairs. Kids love height and restaurant rotation. Parents just watch they don’t run on platform.
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