What you would say if I told you that Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe?
This city was inhabited from ancient time. With a spirit of The prehistoric culture, this city has been a home for many tribes and nations, from Celtic to Roman, Ottoman to Austro-Hungarian. It was also capital of The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and today it is capital of Serbia. Considering the population of Belgrade is little less than 2 million people, it is understandable why almost every corner is historically colored. This urban and vibrant city is also known for its fun-loving nature with great gastronomy and nightlife. Without a doubt, Belgrade smooth seduction will make anyone want to come back.
Here are some of the main attractions you shouldn’t miss while in Belgrade:
1.Kalemengdan park, Belgrade fortress and “ Victor” statue are classical symbols of Belgrade.
Place for everyone, offering nothing more but great place to relax and enjoy. Either you are with family, kids, friends, or a solo traveler, this park simply attracts everyone. Playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, chess tables for elderly people, Zoo, amusement park, galleries, museums, cafeterias, or simply great fortress wall to sit on, are all you need to make your day perfect. Belgrade fortress, attractive all year round, was built for a very long time, from 2nd to 18th century. Counting from the Roman period, it has been attacked, destroyed and rebuilt so many times. Enriched with secret passes and tunnels, Roman wells, museums, observatory and much more, it proudly stands today, welcoming and stealing everyone's heart.
Like a cherry on the top of the cake, lies 14 meters high “ Victor” monument. Built to commemorate Serbia’s victory over Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empire and erected in 1928 by a famous architect and sculptor Ivan Mestrovic
2. Knez Mihailova street
Main promenade and meeting point for locals and foreigners. Today’s main pedestrian street of Belgrade, covered by busy cafeterias, restaurants, shops, small street sellers, hides many secrets and leaves many signs, especially from The Roman period. Take a look of buildings in Knez Mihailova, while taking a walk or having a coffee. Most of them, apart from the new shops, can awake your imagination in different ways. Have a coffee or a drink and let the Belgrade vibe overflow you. This is it sure one of the best ways to feel the energy of the city.
3. The National Museum
After being closed for over 15 years, The National Museum is finally open for visitors. Three floors of expositions will take you through different eras of history and artistic styles of Serbia, from The Palaeolithic period to the 20th century. Beside great ancient collection, there is a nice selection of banknotes and coins, medieval artifacts and Serbian and world’s know painters such as Picasso, El Greco, Monet, Rubens, Van Gogh. On Sundays, the entrance is free for all visitors.
4. National Theatre
Across The National Museum, founded in 1868. lies beautiful building of The National Theatre. During that time Belgrade had only 25000 inhabitants. Founding and building The National Theatre with 800 seats, speaks for itself about the state of mind and nation consciousness of that period. Theatre was seriously damaged during the Second World War. Later on, it was rebuilt and renovated. Beside several active theatres, The National Theatre still represents the main acting and most prestige scene in the city. Although the building itself needs renovation inside-out, performances and acting are on high level. Theatre operates on two scenes but unfortunately, there are no plays in foreign languages. Still, tickets are very affordable so you might think of watching opera or ballet instead of a play
5.Skadarlija
”All the business deals started in kafana” is a known Serbian saying. Skadarlija, recognizable cobblestone street, is a famous bohemian quarter of the town. Live during the daytime, nice for coffee, tea or lunch, but awake after the sun is down showing up the real bohemian energy. Be prepared to wait for a free table unless you made a reservation, as all the restaurants are pretty busy during dinner time. Live music with tamburica ( long neck stringed instrument played with a plectrum) is an essential element to get into full Skadarlija experience.
6. St Michael’s Cathedral
Near Kalemegdan park and Knez Mihailova street, across The Patriarchate headquarter, St. Michael’s Cathedral is placed. According to wish and order of Milos Obrenovic, Price of Serbia, at the place where great suffering occurred, as a symbol of liberation and victory, after so many years of occupation, stands beautiful Saborna church ( A second name for St Michael’s church). Besides the fact that it is proclaimed for a Cultural Monument of Exceptional Importance in 1979., this church now-days is mostly visited by local people. If you find yourself in this neighborhood around 5 pm, you will be able to attend the worship and to experience this church at its full beauty. Although it has an entrance fee for groups, this church is mostly visited by local people
7. Temple of Saint Sava
Temple of Saint Sava, is the largest Serbian Orthodox church in Balkans and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Dedicated to the founder of Serbian Ortodox Church, Saint Sava , and raised on the location where it believed that his remains were burned by Ottoman Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha. 340 years after his remains were burned, in 1935. constructions of the church began. Built in Serbia-Byzantine style,this masterpiece can be seen from all approaches to the city. The reason why it is still unfinished is that construction is mostly funded by voluntary contributors. Entrance is free,but a small contribution is highly appreciated. Do not forget to check the crypt, occasionally concerts are held there.
8. Nikola Tesla museum
Everything connected to genius-mind Nikola Tesla it attraction by itself. Do not miss this, 60 mins, experience that will guide you through Tesla’s development as an inventor and show you extraordinary working models of his machines, where you can even test some of them. Besides educational and informative note, this museum is fun for all generations. Be aware that is open every day except Monday. Tours are guided in English and Serbian.
9. Museum of Yugoslavia and House of Flowers
If you ever wondered about Yugoslavia, its heritage and past, visiting this complex will probably provide the proper idea of how the thing was back then. You can not talk about Yugoslavia without thinking of its leader Josip Broz Tito that was well known to the world. House of Flowers is the mausoleum of former Yugoslav President Tito and his wife Jovanka.The memorial centre includes Hunting lodge, billiard room and the residence where the president of SFRJ lived. Although his residence is not open for visitors, The Museum and mausoleum are. Open every day except on Mondays and National holidays. Entrance fee is symbolic and there is an additional discount for all the students. Entrance is free of charge on Tito’s birthday, May 25th
10. Zemun and Gardos Tower
Zemun, lovely part of Belgrade that once was an independent city in Austro-Hungarian empire. With its specific architecture and energy, seems like it is a city inside of the city. Charming, small main square, cobblestone streets with vintage and modern shops leads you to the river promenade. And there you are! At the very cool spot for a drink or lunch near the river. The real deal is definitely choosing a fish for lunch, cause most of the taverns are supplied daily from local fishermen. The variety of fishes might be limited, but the freshness and taste unbeatable.Once you are in Zemun you simply must climb to one of the millennium monuments of Hungarian kingdom, Gardos Tower. It is built on the ruins of a medieval fortress with a stunning view of almost the entire city.