From May 15 to August 15, 2027, the Specialized Exhibition 2027 (commonly known as Expo 2027) will be held in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, after winning against other bids such as those from Málaga (Spain), San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina), Minnesota (USA), and Phuket (Thailand).
Under the motto “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All”, Expo 2027 will be located in a completely new 25-hectare district situated between New Belgrade and the Sava River.
The aim of the exhibition is to present play not only as entertainment but as a driver of technological innovation, social inclusion, cultural connection, and physical and mental well-being.
As of last month, the participation of 138 countries had been confirmed, which represents a record for this type of specialized exhibition.
The Serbian government has allocated an investment of over 17.8 billion euros in infrastructure connected to the event. The Expo complex will include pavilions and spaces: approximately 230,000 m² dedicated to exhibitions, conference rooms, and commercial premises, with a residential complex of about 1,500 housing units for delegations. The venue will be divided into three main areas: Thematic Area, International Participants Area, and Good Practices and Companies Area.
This will be the first time that a Universal Exhibition of any kind is held in the Western Balkans region. The main architectural project is led by the Fenwick Iribarren Architects. In addition to global visibility, the event is expected to act as a catalyst for economic development, tourism, and technological innovation in Serbia.
To welcome millions of attendees, Serbia has gone all out in the construction and upgrading of infrastructure, including the expansion and modernization of airports and train stations, new railway lines connecting Nikola Tesla Airport with the Expo venue and the new national stadium, the construction of the Ušće theme park with aquarium, museum, and Ferris wheel, and the expansion of urban transport networks: trams, electric buses, and cable car to Kalemegdan.
Visiting the Belgrade Expo 2027 will immerse you in a multisensory journey that will combine thematic tours with interactive signals, virtual and augmented reality to explore educational proposals, concerts, and outdoor sports events, international and Serbian gastronomic offerings, with wine routes and tastings of traditional dishes and souvenir shops and professional networking spaces.
To optimize your visit, it is recommended to purchase the digital pass with priority access and download the official app, which offers an interactive map and real-time programming.
Rastko & Milica will be the superheroes of play and the official mascots of EXPO 2027. Their names carry a deep connection to the tradition and culture from which they come. Rastko symbolizes growth, progress, and innovation, while Milica brings warmth, kindness, and harmony. Through play, they reflect a mix of energy and hospitality, creating a space for unity, collaboration, and ideas that connect people from all over the world.
Belgrade, the historic White City of Europe, is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Its origins date back to the 3rd century BC, when it was known as Singidunum under the Roman Empire. Throughout its tumultuous history, it has been destroyed and rebuilt more than forty times, reflecting the resilience of its people and the richness of its cultural heritage.
Currently, Belgrade is driving an ambitious urban modernization program that includes the Belgrade Waterfront project and the construction of a national stadium next to the Expo 2027 venue and the expansion of public transport networks. These developments will enhance the tourist experience and the city’s connectivity on an international level.
The Belgrade Expo 2027 will be remembered as the place where the future of urban mobility became a tangible experience for millions of people for the first time. It is precisely this level of importance that the flying taxi project holds, as it will represent one of the largest and most visible innovations of the exhibition. On this occasion, the director of EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, Danilo Jerenić, highlighted that, “through this project, Serbia will become the first country in the region, and very likely the first in Europe, to present this modern form of air transport, thus further confirming its international credibility and clear technological ambition.”
“Projects like this position Serbia as a reliable and serious partner on the global stage. Expo 2027 is not simply an exhibition, but a platform through which we demonstrate that we are capable of understanding, applying, and developing innovations that fundamentally change everyday life,” Jerenić stated, adding that during the 93 days of the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to experience this technology firsthand.
The framework for the implementation of the project was established through the signing of a partnership agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the American company Archer Aviation, during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The partnership covers the development of urban air taxi services, focusing on the application of advanced technologies and the integration of innovative solutions into the existing transport system.
Throughout its duration, Expo 2027 will present to the world more than 20 pavilions and thematic zones, offering experiences in which visitors are not mere observers but active participants, from digital simulations of future cities to innovations in health and education, to contemporary solutions in the field of transport.
In this sense, the flying taxi represents a modern continuation of the tradition of international exhibitions as places where inventions that shape the future are presented for the first time.
The author of the master plan for Expo 2027, Danilo Dangubić, explained that many temporary installations are designed to take on a permanent role after the exhibition ends. As he noted, “playgrounds, sports fields, and temporary stages will be reused as spectator stands for sports installations, while greenery will play a key role in enhancing the space.”
Tips for visitors
1.- How to get there: Direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga with Air Serbia. Train and bus from the rest of Europe via Budapest and Zagreb.
2.- Accommodation: Book in advance in Belgrade Waterfront, Vračar, or Zemun. Options for hostels, tourist apartments, and 4 and 5-star hotels.
3.- Local transport: Trams, electric buses, and cable car. Rechargeable card “BusPlus” for all services.
4.- Best time: Spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) for mild weather and lower crowds.
5.- Currency and payments: Serbian dinar (RSD). Cash recommended in markets, but cards in hotels, restaurants, and shops in general.
6.- Language: Serbian; many young people speak English. Translation apps and basic phrases can be useful.
7.- Safety: Belgrade is generally safe, but it is advisable to avoid poorly lit areas and take care of belongings in crowded places.
8.- Culture and etiquette: Greeting with hands and eye contact. Try rakija (local brandy) and dishes like ćevapi and sarma.
9.- Nearby visits: Zemun, Kalemegdan fortress, and Nikola Tesla museum. Day trip to Fruška Gora National Park.
In conclusion, the Belgrade Expo 2027 represents a unique opportunity to discover how play can transform societies, drive innovation, and strengthen international cooperation. With a balanced proposal between technology, culture, and sport, and the support of renewed infrastructures, the city of Belgrade will emerge as a reference destination for travelers, investors, and professionals from all over the world. Get ready to experience an unforgettable journey that combines the best of Balkan history with the cutting edge of the 21st century.
