Football tour: Red Star and Partizan Ultras History

Exploring Belgrade’s Football Ultras: A Deep Dive into Red Star and Partizan

If you’re into soccer — and especially if you’re curious about the passionate fan culture in Eastern Europe — this tour offers a rare glimpse into Belgrade’s intense football rivalry. For around $83, you get about 3 to 4 hours of walking through iconic neighborhoods, visiting historic stadiums, and hearing stories straight from guides who share not just facts but the fervor that fuels these teams.

The tour covers areas like Dorcol and Senjak, the respective districts of Partizan and Red Star ultras, and then takes you inside the Marakana Stadium and Partizan Stadium. It’s a chance to see graffiti murals, peek into club museums, and walk on the pitches — all while soaking in the atmosphere created by some of Europe’s most dedicated football supporters.

What we love most is the way the guides bring the stories to life, making the rivalry feel real and personal beyond the typical tourist sights. You’ll also enjoy the exclusive chance to share a beer inside the Red Star Stadium, a rare treat that adds a genuine local touch to the experience.

One possible consideration: this tour is quite football-focused, so if you’re not a big sports fan, some parts might feel a bit niche. However, for anyone interested in Serbian culture, urban art, or sports history, it offers a genuinely authentic experience. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate passionate fan stories, stadium visits, and neighborhood walks with a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Authentic insights into Belgrade’s football fan culture and ultras history.
• Visit both Red Star and Partizan neighborhoods and stadiums.
• Learn from passionate guides who bring football stories alive.
• Enjoy exclusive access to stadium museums, trophies, and pitches.
• Affordable value for a comprehensive, culturally rich experience.
• Ideal for fans and culture seekers interested in European football rivalries.

An In-Depth Look at the Belgrade Football Tour

If you’re the kind of traveler who values understanding local passions and enjoying community stories, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. It’s not just about the stadiums; it’s about the neighborhoods, graffiti, and fans that give Belgrade its vibrant football scene.

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour begins at Student Park (Studentski trg 16) at 10 a.m., making it easy to incorporate into a day of exploring Belgrade. This location is well-served by public transportation, adding convenience for travelers coming from different parts of the city.

Led by guides like Andrija, Tihomir, and others praised for their knowledgeable, friendly, and professional demeanor, you’ll immediately feel the passion they bring. They’re more than just guides — they’re storytellers who’ve lived through the ultras culture and can answer questions with depth.

The Neighborhoods of Dorcol and Senjak

The first stops take you to Dorcol, the Partizan fans’ neighborhood, which is famous for its fierce graffiti murals and supporter-related murals. Some of the murals date back to the ’90s, guarded closely by the ultras. This area is a blend of urban art and passionate support, giving visitors a raw, authentic look at the fan culture.

Here, we especially appreciated the fact that the tour allowed us to see graffiti that has been protected and maintained by fans — an example of how deeply these supporter groups are woven into the fabric of the city.

Next, the visit to Senjak, the Red Star supporters’ district, highlights the fierce rivalry. The graffiti here is also protected around the clock, symbolizing the ongoing loyalty of Red Star fans. The stories about the social effects of the ultras in Serbia and their history add a fascinating layer to the experience.

Inside the Stadiums

The highlight for many is the visit to Red Star Stadium (Marakana). The museum within the stadium is a treasure trove of trophies, flags, and club documents. The Champions League Trophy from 1991 is the standout — a rare piece of football history that resonates with fans worldwide.

According to reviews, this part of the tour isn’t just about seeing trophies; it’s about feeling the pride associated with Red Star’s historic triumphs. The museum visit is an opportunity to see memorabilia up close and understand why this club’s supporters are so fiercely loyal.

The tour also includes walking on the pitch and viewing the conference rooms, providing an intimate perspective on the club’s operations and history. Some reviews even mention customized experiences, like stepping onto the pitch or viewing specific areas, which add a personal touch to the visit.

On to Partizan Stadium, where the guide takes you onto the pitch and explains the stadium’s history as one of Europe’s last remaining ghetto stadiums. This term refers to the stadium’s modest size and somewhat run-down appearance, which is a stark contrast to the glitzier Western European arenas. Still, it’s a place of deep local significance, and walking on the pitch in the company of a knowledgeable guide offers a tangible connection to the club’s community roots.

The Social and Cultural Context

What makes this tour stand out is the way it contextualizes the rivalry — not as a simple sports contest but as a social phenomenon. We learned about the ultras’ social effects and the complex history behind the rivalry, which helps explain the intense loyalty and sometimes unruly behavior.

Guides like Tihomir are praised for their deep knowledge of ultras history, making the stories engaging without sensationalism. This approach offers a balanced look at the passion, highlighting the positive community aspects without ignoring the more tumultuous side.

Practical Details and Value

At $83.01 per person, the tour offers great value for the depth and authenticity of the experience. The price includes guided walks, stadium visits, the museum tour, and even a beer in the stadium, which most travelers find adds a memorable, local touch.

The tour is designed to accommodate groups of up to 99 travelers and offers group discounts, making it suitable for both individual travelers and larger groups. The 3 to 4 hours duration is well-paced, balancing walking, storytelling, and exploration.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for football enthusiasts, culture lovers, and history buffs curious about the social fabric of Belgrade. It’s especially ideal if you’re eager to see stadiums, explore urban art, and hear firsthand stories from passionate guides. If you’re not a hardcore football fan, the neighborhood and street art elements still provide a fascinating window into local life and community identity.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rare peek into Belgrade’s football scene, combining stadium visits, neighborhood walks, and stories of ultras culture. It’s led by guides who are as passionate as they are knowledgeable, making each stop more meaningful. The inclusion of museum visits and stadium access makes it feel like a well-rounded, immersive experience.

For travelers interested in authentic local passions and urban stories, this tour delivers. The value for the price is clear — you’re not just ticking off stadiums but gaining insight into a city where football is woven into the community’s identity.

If you want to understand Belgrade’s soul through the lens of its football supporters, this tour is a perfect choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable if I’m not a big football fan?
While it’s designed for football enthusiasts, the neighborhoods, graffiti murals, and social stories also appeal to those interested in urban culture and local communities.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 3 to 4 hours, including walking, museum visits, and stadium walk-throughs.

Are tickets included in the price?
Yes, stadium and museum admissions are covered in the tour fee, including access to the trophies and exhibits.

Can I get a beer during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes enjoying a beer inside the Red Star Stadium, which many reviewers found a particularly memorable highlight.

What is the start point?
The tour begins at Student Park (Studentski trg 16) in Belgrade.

Is this tour suitable for groups?
Absolutely, group discounts are available, and it can accommodate up to 99 travelers, making it good for families, friends, or larger groups.

This in-depth tour offers not just a look at stadiums but a chance to understand a passionate part of Belgrade’s social fabric. Whether you’re a football fan or simply curious about the city’s urban culture, it’s a compelling way to spend a few hours exploring Belgrade’s heart.