The remnants of Communist Brutalist architecture, Habsburg follies and more can be found here – and yet Belgrade is a deceptively forward-looking city in spite of the lingering past. The city’s young ensure the nightlife scene is lively, while the Danube winds through the city and is lined with relaxing riverside cafés.
Sink your teeth into Serbia
Serbian history is long, colorful and often dramatic, with invasions by Romans and Turks, a civil war and time as part of the former Yugoslavia. Get an overview with a visit to the Museum of Yugoslav History on Boticeva.
A well-maintained museum with frequent exhibitions, it traces the nation’s history and the legacy of revolutionary president Tito, whose mausoleum and tomb are attached. You’ll find treasures, statues and more, while there are free English-language tours on weekends.
History of a different kind unfolds at the Kalemegdan Citadel, destroyed and rebuilt countless times since it was first built – perhaps as early as the 3rd century BC. Romans, Goths and Huns all established bases here, as well as the Byzantines, Bulgarians, Hungarians, Ottomans and more. As a result, there are both ancient and modern aspects to the citadel and, being free to visit, it’s a huge visitor attraction.
Bohemian Belgrade
Another popular locale is the neighbourhood of Skadarlija, a section of cobbled streets with a truly Bohemian feel. It was home to artists and actors at the start of the 20th century, and today still draws a creative crowd in what is very much Belgrade’s equivalent of Paris’ Montmartre.
There are fountains, street art, souvenir and flower stalls and excellent kafanas – restaurants with a café vibe. Dva Jelena on Skadarska Street dates from 1832 and has always been popular. Dine on Serbian classics while traditional music plays in the huge and sumptuous interior – expect game, local cheese and hearty meat dishes.
Time for Tesla
The pioneering inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla was part Serbian, and his life and legacy are celebrated throughout Belgrade. The airport is named after him, while the brilliant Nikola Tesla Museum holds his ashes and contains interactive displays that are perfect for children – or your inner scientist.
Orthodox oaths
The religious history of Serbia and Belgrade is one of turbulence and tumult, but the Serbian Orthodox tradition has left its mark on the city. Make time to visit the cathedral, constructed in the 19th century and containing important tombs and a fine baroque tower. It sits near the Museum of the Serbian Orthodox Church, where you can dig into the back story.
More impressive still is the Church of Saint Sava, the second-largest Orthodox church in the world and the largest in the Balkans. It’s rumored to be located where the Ottomans burned the relics of Saint Sava in the 16th century. Construction began in 1935 and was then paused during World War Two, only starting again until 1985. The interior is still under construction, but the exterior is a truly imposing sight.
A city shaped by history, modern day Belgrade is a peaceful place to visit, one where you can dig into the past or enjoy the new city taking shape in front of you. Car rental in Belgrade will allow you to make the most of your visit.