General

From 1999 to Today: Tracing the Enduring Scars of NATO’s Bombing in Belgrade 25 Years Later

Visit Belgrade’s key bombing sites without the hassle of finding them yourself, and feel free to ask any bold, controversial questions along the way.

 

Tour in a Glance

DURATION
3-4 hours
TOUR STYLE
Private
GETTING AROUND
Driven and walking
AVAILABILITY
Year round
LANGUAGE
English
DIFFICULTY
Easy for everyone

 

What to Expect From the Tour Scars of NATO Bombing in Belgrade in 2024/25

Experience Belgrade’s Turbulent Past: Our tour offers a firsthand look at the NATO bombing of Belgrade in 1999, guided by a local who lived through it. Visit impactful sites, view original photos, and understand the historical context. If you find this topic too difficult or stressful, then we suggest a more easy going Belgrade city tour Belgrade For Beginners Tour.

Highlights

  • Private tour ensures focused attention and a better learning experience.
  • Personal experience from a local guide offers a unique perspective on the NATO bombing.
  • Use of original 1999 photos enhances the storytelling, making history tangible.
  • Access actual historical sites, revealing the depth of Belgrade’s wartime experience

Tour Flow

#YourSerbiaHost will pick you up from your address in the city (usual start time 10am) and he’ll take you to the first stop of the tour, RTS – Radio Television of Serbia.

RTS – Radio Television of Serbia

Here you’ll hear the story about the night when 16, mostly young people, got killed during the night shift. There is an original building still standing on the site, unrepaired, as a memorial to this disastrous event.

Ministry of Defense

This is the most common site on various photos related to NATO bombing in Belgrade. The Ministry of Defense is still reminder on the night of 29th of April 1999 when many military objectives were hit. As a consequence of this action one person lost its life and many civilian buildings in the vicinity were damaged.

Central Committee of Communist Party of Yugoslavia

Business center Ušće stands today on the same skeleton of the original construction and with the same appearance of the original building of CK of Communist Party of Yugoslavia. You’ll learn why this building was NATO missile proof back in 1999.

Chinese Embassy

Probably the most controversial bombing site in Belgrade from the ’99 campaign. The Embassy was allegedly bombed as a result of an intelligence mistake, but it’s suspected it had a completely different purpose. Whatever the reasons were, four Chinese citizens died on the night of 7th of May 1999.

Hotel Yugoslavia

The hotel was once the pride of Yugoslavian hospitality industry. Completed in the late 60s it was the biggest and most luxurious hotel in the region. On the same night when the Chinese Embassy was hit, Hotel Yugoslavia was bombed with three missiles in order to eliminate the seat of the paramilitary group. It eliminated one guest of the hotel.

Air Force Command Building

Final spot on the tour is the Command Building of Yugoslavian Air Force at the time. This 1935 edifice represented a pearl of Yugoslavian and Serbian architecture. As a strategic objective it was hit with two missiles on 5th of April 1999.

After the formal itinerary is completed we will take you to one of Zemun’s cafes to summarize impressions (optional). After the tour, you’ll be taken to your drop-off point.

Good to know

FIT THE TOUR TO MATCH YOUR NEEDS
We’ve designed this tour based on our insights and experiences of the route’s highlights. For a customized tour, just let us know your preferences.
TOUR LANGUAGE
Default language of the tour is English, but if you require #YourSerbiaHost can also give you tour in Russian, German, French, Spanish and of course Serbian – Subject to availability.
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
There are several ways to reach us. By pressing “Send inquiry” button on the top right of this page (or at the bottom of the page if you are using a mobile device). Through our Contact page, or calling our Phone|WhatsApp|Viber number +38163684466.
FREE CANCELLATION
If for any reason you need to cancel the tour up to 24 hours before the tour start time, we will refund 100% of the paid amount, no questions asked.
LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED
Secure the best tour price by booking directly through our official website.
BOOKING THE TOUR
Book this tour easily with our secure online system by clicking ‘Book Now’ below, or contact us for other reservation options.
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6 comments

mathew b
October 15, 2023
This fascinating tour was one of the most interesting experiences I’ve had on any trip. My guide was outstanding and offered the perspective of Serbians living in the region at the time. I’d recommend this tour to history enthusiasts and those who wish to broaden their perspectives on international relations, and the consequences/effects of war.

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Maurice Hickey
September 2, 2023
It was very informative and interesting to hear Miljan's comments, the innocent recipients of bombing always have a different perspective from the politicians and media who initiate or facilitate these actions, and it was good to here a cogent alternative to the news we are sold back in Australia.

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Philip M
August 24, 2023
Tour guide Miljan was extremely friendly and typified the overall experience we had from all locals . This is a “ must do “ trip whilst visiting Belgrade and gives an honest interpretation of the locals experiences during the NATO bombings.

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Marcello T
August 2, 2021
We took the Scars of Nato Bombing in Belgrade tour with Miljan. Miljan was friendly and informative, and was extremely knowledgeable in a way that went beyond just the reciting of facts. I cannot think of a time where I learned so much, and had such a great time learning as I did on this trip. I would highly recommend this tour, as well as any other tour offered by Serbian Private Tours.

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Panchito V
June 27, 2021
The Scars of NATO tour is not to be missed. As someone from the main NATO country, I needed to see what my and the other countries did to Belgrade and New Belgrade. You will be moved. Bojan was an excellent guide. He is a self described history nerd and will fill you in about the facts and some of the theories behind many unverified parts of the NATO operation and response from the Yugoslav government. Bojan even took me for a homemade treat after the tour so we could debrief. Thanks so much!!!

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Available departures

This is a daily tour.

Unfortunately, no places are available on this tour at the moment

Details on prices and services

Tour prices (prices are per tour, not per person):
1-3 persons 149€
4-6 persons 179€
7-8 persons 339€
9-19 persons 449€
Services included in the price:
Pickup and drop-off
Transportation
Driver/guide service
Tour organization
Bottled water
Single-use surgical face mask if you don't have your own
What is extra:
Personal expenses
Drinks during the break
Gratuities