Serbia Belgrade – We’re a hundred percent sure you’ve heard about Buenos Aires or Seoul. Many of you visited Istanbul or Tokyo. Bangkok, Singapore, or Sankt Petersburg, all those cities sound familiar. Among these names, one city sneaks in and stayed on the top 10 years in a row. The magnificent city of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.
Address: Hercegovacka 1-15, Belgrade Waterfront
This city in its more than 2000 years existence, only in recent decades got a claim tag he deserves. World Capital Of Night Life. One of the rare places on Earth to be double capital.Yet intense, the nightlife is not the only reason for visiting.
Being among the oldest cities in Europe, Belgrade can offer much more. History, archaeology, art, nature. This place engaged with all aspects important for a good tourist destination.
We all know Rome is an eternal city. Athens is the cradle of culture. But it is less known about Vinca.
Vinca can sum up under both. Dating back in 4500 B.C., it was a first cultivated culture re-corded in Europe. Not only Vinca citizens were using advanced tools, but they also had one of the first alphabets in the world. Jewelry, fine crockery, and sophisticated farming culture so unusual for the Neolithic period. Also, copper metallurgy was first ever developed on this site.
Address: Square of Republic 1a, Belgrade
Although at this period Vinca was faraway from nowadays Belgrade, traces of culture was found at the heart of the city. In Cetinjska street, archaeologists discovered hunters skeleton. He died during a hunt on Mamuts. Clear evidence for a settlement.
First alphabet from Vinca
As we move forward, continuity between prehistoric and ancient era has blank pages. With a period of almost 2000 years lost, we can only assume how Belgrade developed.
But as the Celts fled the area that continuity never ended, until today. The first mention about new, Celtic settlement dates back to 300 B.C. as the mention tribe emerged a brand new city. The city was named Singidun, from Celtic words Singi-circle and Dun-fortress.
After the Romans conquest, the city was named Singidunum. Luckily they were more inventive with the city itself than with the name.
One of Belgrade pearls, a fortress of Kalemegdan, owes her grace to Roman architectural skill. Singidunum or Belgrade, as well as all regions, was of great importance to the empire. 4 Roman emperors were born here. City situated on the confluence of two big rivers was a major strategic point at Via Militaris. Peculiar highroad of the ancient era.
Today, majority of artifacts are destroyed or sent elsewhere. We’ll single out statues from Kalemegdan fortress. In the old gunpowder room, in the fortress, the installation of stone slabs, statues, sarcophagi, and stelae is available for visitors.
Address: Barutana, Kalemegdan-Donji Grad BB
View on Kalemegdan Fortress from New Belgrade side
Militaries is deeply connected with Belgrade, not only via Roman road. This city saw and survived hundreds of wars. The natural border between East and West, South and North on its river banks, made the Belgrade one of the important cross-roads in Europe. The whole region jealously keeps the name “Gunpowder barrel”. Maybe from such turbulent and vibrant paste comes Belgrade’s lively soul. Maybe from the beauty Belgrade region could offer, come all of his conquerors.
We know for sure no one could stay indifferent with this kind of scenery.
Address: Emperor road BB, Kalemgedan. View on New Belgrade from Military Museum
Kalemgedan except for being museum itself, also hosts Military museum, old King’s summer palace, Roman dwell, and dozens of constructions from the Ottoman and Hapsburg period. Church where relics of St. Paraskevi were kept. Military church. Military tools and armored vehicles are all around the place. Parks within the fortress are among the most visited and most beautiful in the city. With a little bit below million visits per year, the fortress is on top ten tourist destinations in the country. Nowadays, King’s summer palace represent institute for protection of Cultural Goods and Monuments.
Address: Emperor Road BB, Gornji Grad, Kalemgdan
Surrounding streets do not lag behind the fortress. Just across the fortress, ten steps away from a place on Belgrade buzzing streets find one of the oldest taverns in Europe. It is not clear what is more interesting and amusing about this ancient place.
With the name “?”, yep you are right tavern is called “Question Mark” certainly is among the intriguing places city has to offer. To all who thought the name was given as a plan of marketing success, we’ll need to disappoint you. The answer lies just across the road.
Address: Holy Archangel Church,, Duke’s Sima Markovic Street 3, Belgrade
Yes, the Church was responsible for the marketing success of one Tavern. Or as the local say “Kafana”. Nearby the church and tavern, Serbian Patriarch residents and Patriarch himself, didn’t exactly like the name tavern held before the change. In 150 years of existence, the name and owner were changed a couple of times. From “Serbian tavern” to “Shepherds” until today’s name. “Next to Holy Archangel Church” name for sure shocked church representatives. They’ve to complain even to the king. As a sort of protest, the owner placed the board on top of the roof with a question mark and that mark stayed till today.
Old heater is one among many vintage interior parts in the tavern.
We’ve already said the local name for the restaurant or tavern is “Kafana”. But for the Serbs “Kafana” means much more than eatery or lazy weekend meeting point with friends. First of all, thanks to the Ottomans coffee culture of Belgrade is well known in the region. Belgraders will rather stand up from bed, and go to a local bar on the first-morning coffee. No matter messy hair, or cozy house outfit. Coffee is all that matters. The range of favorites may vary. From cold frappes to espressos. But there is one never-fading star among dark, hot drinks. “Domaca kafa”. This Serbian queen of coffee is drunk usually in big, tea mugs and for more than one hour. The flavor of Arabica coffee spreads each morning through neighborhoods calling people to connect and have a morning gossip party. One of the keys of Serb’s folksy spirit comes from this magic drink. At “Question mark” tavern they’ve served it in ancient style.
Address: King’s Peter Street 6, Belgrade
For those more into Wienies or Italian ( Starbucks is a sin, considered by Serbians ) style cafeterias, Belgrade has them just at any corner. From domestic coffee factory brands to small cafes and bistros, the quality of coffee is unquestioned. Belgraders very often on the entrance door of bar ask waiters and baristas what is the coffee brand they’re serving. Few cases were recorded they’ve didn’t entered after-ward.
Writers’ favorite street with plenty of good cafeterias, and you shall not miss is the same where “?” is located.
In the shade of umbrellas, one specific coffee place caught up my heart. “Outsider”, a name that does not speak for itself. With a wonderful street sitting area, you can enjoy some of the best Italian espressos. Star product on the bucket list Freddo Cappuccino.
Visual senses brought to perfection, King’s Peter Street
“Outsider cafe” King’s Peter Street 4a
Second and by far more important for Serbs, “Kafana” was a place where destinies of people and country were determined. It was a place where a politician would discuss topics like wars or revolutions. Writers and Poets would write their colossal artworks. Societies and brotherhoods of any cause were created among Belgrade “Kafana” walls.
After the first visit, the charm of city bohemian spirit together with amazing dishes Serbian cuisine offers one will understand how “Kafana” had such a strong impact on everyday life of Belgrade.
And there isn’t a better place from Skadarlija street. From early morning till late night, melancholic sounds of Serbian folk spread all over the street. Aromas of Serbian style grill and dishes carefully prepared in grandma’s style will enhance the senses of passers. In this street, some of the most remarkable Serbian characters spend all their life. Memorial plaques and named spots stand like evidence of past time as road-maps to the future this city should follow.
Traditional Serbian feast called “Meze”. To rest of the world, this would be a complete meal. Here this is just a kind of appetizer. “Meze” is usually followed with “Rakija”. Serbian clear, strong spirit made from fruit. In Belgrade, we believe “Rakija” connecting people, boost courage, enrich creativity, and produces crazy ideas. Like kissing random people on the streets or starting a revolution against strongest worlds empires. For sure sounds like a secret elixir Asterix and Obelix drunk in their stories. We think it’s stronger.
Also, Rakija has a magical power to keep you warm during long, cold snowy nights. Taking a stroll on streets covered in white, fairy-tale felling together with plummy after taste of brandy will make you forget about going back to bed.
View on National Theater and Duke Milos monument. Address: Square of Republic 1a,Belgrade
“Belgrade Winner” monument during winter nights at Kalemegdan
It is easy to fall in love with places covered with snow. Belgrade doesn’t defer. To be loved in just nay day, even on a gloomy and gray day it’s hard. Belgrade has that power. Let’s take a digital walk through some of his streets.
Hotel “Moscow” and Square of Scales, actual center of the city
“Brankow” Bridge view on the old city center. Best view on the city, especially during the night, comes from Belgrade bridges.
“National Museum of Serbia”, address: Square of Republic 1
Beautiful just as under the snow
Romantic streets of old center at Zemun
“Belgrade Waterfront” view on a city center and Old Tram Bridge
As written at the begging of the text, in the last three years Belgrade is by far the most entertaining city in Europe. Big price to get when we consider competitors against were names like Berlin, Amsterdam, or London.
And by Lonely Planet, site visited more than 100,000 times monthly, the score is even higher. Magical 10 years other cities around the world look at the Belgrade’s back.
So what is that which makes this city so popular and fun?
I would say his people in the first place. Spontaneous, friendly, curious, with an excellent sense of humor. Rather darker than usual, but who doesn’t like it?
Nowhere else like here, you’ll find people who’ll invite total strangers they’ve just met on a family lunch or dinner. They’ll offer you even sleep over if needed. In their bed. The sofa is not for guests.
Social and friendly as average Belgrader is, he’ll invite all his friends to meet you. Offers for help and guides through the city will be countless. Just bear in mind, help consists of finding the cheapest place with the best fun in the city. Armor yourself with lots of vitamins, and other goods for the normal function of the body because turning down a favor or help is not an option. In Belgrade, we considered an offense. Also, Belgraders will rather kick you out of the club than let you pay the bill. The maximum you’ll get is one round. Maybe. Further, I’ll show you the colorized example of this humanoid species in its natural habitat.
Name: Belgrade Beer Hunter. Address of inhabitant: Realist Pub, Dalmatinska 40, Belgrade
For those of you who are not into people as much as we are here, Belgrade has other attributes for good fun or entertaining day.
Shortlisted attributes ( if possible ) would be: Belgrade Beer Festival, happening in mid-August. Belgrade Marathon in April. Water sports and recreational area at the City Lake, all year round. Ada Lake hosts Beer Garden as a warming up for the beer festival, starting from the beginning of June.
Address: “Nikola Tesla” Boulevard 1, Belgrade
Dozens of music, art, and film festivals like “Belef” or “Bemus”. And as a trade-mark of the city, club scene intense more than double when compared to New York, Berlin, Paris, or Moscow.
Really doesn’t matter the choice of music or type of night clubs. Electronic scene in Belgrade is by far the best in the world, with major industry labels coming every weekend. Also, small clubs would take care after parties last even for a day during summertime. Belgrade techno lovers like to call it “Matine”.
One specific subculture found in Belgrade mama shelter. For which, Belgrade has 2 districts with hipster motives. And countless bars and clubs over the city area.
One more religion took over in the city. Microbreweries and craft bars/pubs. If you’re into more rocky sound and hardcore night out that’s a place to be. Live performance is a must in these clubs.
Address: “Aqua Ski” Ada Ciganlija BB, Belgrade
But all these pubs, colonies, or festivals are in a shade of Belgrade’s trademark. Clubs on the water. As a tourist walk on the beautiful riverbanks of Belgrade, the number of these fancy, shinning raft-like objects will catch up his eye. During the day most of them are specialty restaurants while at night they turn into gracious night clubs. Hosting music stars from Serbia and region, it is understandable from where such popularity comes. Although a predominant genre of music in these clubs is folk or Serbian pop, Belgrade will not be what it is if there were no Rock or Techno river-clubs. Even Rappers find their place. The next step we expect is a move of Belgrade Philharmonic orchestra for classic music lovers. This crazy city can do that, for sure.
Address: “Daska&Veslo” Quay of Liberation BB, New Belgrade
And the third fact about Belgrade is that he never sleeps. Monday to Monday, at least two clubs of any kind will be open. After-parties exist not only within the techno community. Maybe the only place on Earth where you’ll find after-party clubs for Rappers, Rockers and Folk music lovers. Also available from Monday to Monday.
“Lasta Gradksi Splav” After-party. Address: “Belgrade Fair Quay” BB, Belgrade
Putting that info together with Belgrade being the cheapest city from the list provided in the beginning, we’ll not wonder not if you’ll come for a visit. We will wonder how many times you’ll come instead. Now, as the text is closing, you can start with booking tickets and hotels, fun is awaiting!
Until we see you here, we have other things to do….