Belgrade is situated in south-eastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. It lies on two international waterways, at the confluence of the rivers Sava and Danube which surround it on three sides. Because of its position, it has rightly been called "Gateway to the Balkans" and the "Door to Central Europe".

Belgrade's geographical coordinates are:
- 44⁰49'14'' latitude north,
- 20⁰27'44'' longitude East.

Two distinct natural features surround Belgrade: The Pannonian Depression to the north and Šumadija to the south. The mean height above sea-level is 117 m, and the mountains of Kosmaj (628 m) and Avala (511 m) are to be found nearby.

Belgrade's rivers have a total of 200 km of riverbanks and 16 river islands, of which the largest are Ada Ciganlija and the Great War Island (Veliko ratno ostrvo).