Day Trip to Belgrade
Belgrade is not the prettiest capital, but it might be the one where you’ll have the most fun – it’s a place which hurtles towards a better future while its chaotic past unravels before your eyes, but it is also the place with possibly the best nightlife in eastern Europe. It would take at least few days to feel the real atmosphere of the capital of Serbia, but we will make sure for you to make the most of your one day trip to Belgrade!
What to see: Belgrade abounds in interesting sites to visit, but as you’re not staying for long, we will mention only those which are an absolute must to see while in the capital.
- Kalemegdan Fortress – Belgrade’s number one attractions has witnessed a fair share of conflict over the past centuries, but now it is what makes this city so great. The fortress overlooks the Sava and Danube Rivers, which makes it, without any doubt, the city’s most romantic spot. Kalemegdan houses the Military Museum, the Music Pavilion, the Zoo, the Great Steps, many restaurants, cafes, monuments and other sculptures. This site of great importance serves as a venue for cultural, artistic and entertainment events.
- Knez Mihailova – Despite not being the geographical centre of Belgrade, Knez Mihailova is the social heartbeat of the city. It is the best spot for people watching and sometimes you can spend an entire afternoon sipping your coffee as the time goes by. Belgrade’s main pedestrian and shopping zone is protected by law as one of the oldest most important streets and is considered to be one of the city’s most valuable landmarks.
- Church of Saint Sava – One of the most identifiable attractions on the Balkans is also one of the largest Orthodox churches on the planet. Going 79 m up in the sky, the church dominates the city’s skyline. It was built on the very spot where the Ottomans burned Saint Sava’s remains at the end of the 16th century, but it took no less than 400 years for the church to be completed. The interior is still under construction, but this state only adds more intrigue to this amazing site.
- Zemun – Often described as a ‘town within a city’, Zemun is known for its fierce independence. Its former position as an Austrian Empire border city allows you to feel a different atmosphere compared to the rest of Belgrade. Visit the Gardoš tower and the cemetery to see the remains of the ancient Roman fortress Taurunum and the derelict inn Beli Medved, the oldest one in Belgrade dating back to the 17th century.
- Nikola Tesla Museum – Probably the most popular Serb ever and the greatest inventor of all time, Nikola Tesla, is honoured in a fantastic city centre museum. Located in Vračar, the museum displays a number of Tesla’s inventions and many personal items from his incredible life. The museum is open Tue – Sun from 10:00 – 20:00 and it is closed on Mondays). The admission fee is 500 RSD (~ 4.5€).
Kalemegdan fortress in Belgrade – Serbia – architecture travel background
What to eat: Belgrade is proud of being the regional hotspot when it comes to gastronomic pleasures. Regardless you’re in a high-class restaurants or eating at one of the many street food stands, here is our list of traditional dishes you must try.
- Karađorđeva šnicla – a rolled veal or pork steak, stuffed with kajmak (a traditional creamy sauce), and then breaded and fried, it is served with roasted potatoes and tartar sauce.
- Ćevapi – the most famous Balkan dish, small sausages of mixed meat served with lepinja (bread), kajmak or ajvar (pepper-based sauce) and onions.
- Sarma – sour cabbage leaves filled with minced meat.
- Pljeskavica – goes by the name ‘Serbian hamburger’, it can be stuffed with cheese or ham and it is served in lepinja and with other addings as well.
- Đuveč – a stew with meat and vegetables.
- Riblja čorba – a spicy soup pot with yummy river fish, probably the hottest dish in the country.
- Prebranac – baked beans with meat and vegetables.
Where is the best nightlife: It is difficult to choose only few places to go in the Balkan capital of nightlife, but we’ll try to sort out few places for a relaxing evening and few to dance your night away.
|
BARS |
CLUBS |
| Jazz Bašta – perfect for jazz lovers, dominated by a brick walled garden, situated in an old building from 1870s where you can enjoy live performance of different bends | 20/44 – taking its name from the latitude and longitude lines at its location, it is known as a ‘boat’ as it floats atop a barge (splav), has two stages with electronic/pop/funk music |
| Bar Central – often awarded place with best cocktails in the city, offering more than 600 alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails | Brankow – situated under Branko’s bridge, this club offering hip-hop, RnB and Balkan music (depending on the day) is extremely popular among Serbian celebrities |
| Rakia Bar – ideal place to go if you wish to try the traditional Serbian drink (more than 50 kinds of it, where each flavor is specific for a different region in the country!) | Rush – located under the Belgrade fortress, the place is overcrowded with RnB and electro music lovers dancing in an extraordinary ambient |
| Podrum Wineart – a place to enjoy more than 160 great wines from all over the world, and they even offer you delicious snacks to accompany your glass of wine | Club 94 – perfect club for people who enjoy the clubbing atmosphere with quality disco house, electro house and RnB music |
| Cigla Bar – cigla (brick) explains the bar’s interior design, it is a beerhouse known for its domestic and international beer selection |
Freestyler – one of the most popular night clubs in Belgrade is considered to be an institution which can host up to 800 people, and plays different genres of music, depending on the day you visit |
