If you are planning to come and visit Serbian capital city, there are some basic things you should know so that you can use your time in this amazing city in the best way possible. Here is a short guide that will help you organize your trip with info on how to get there, where to stay in Belgrade, what to see and do, and what to take home as a souvenir.
How to get there?
You can get to Belgrade by a bus or a train, by plane or, of course, by car. If you plan to fly to Belgrade, you will land at the Nikola Tesla airport, located 18 kilometers from the city. You can get to the city either by public transport, or by taxi. Taxi service is very well organized and it is recommended that you take a taxi. Ride to the city center will cost you around 20 euro.
The main bus and the train station are located next to each other, closely to the city center. Public transport is well organized as well, and you can take a bus or a tram from the main stations to any part of the city.
Where to stay in Belgrade?
Your stay in Belgrade will greatly depend on the accommodation, so it is very important to choose a place close to the city center, or well connected to it. Depending on the budget and what you wish to see and do in Belgrade, you can choose a hotel or a hostel suited to your needs. The options range from affordable city hostels that offer great service for the money, to the luxury hotels/spa resorts that will make you feel truly welcome.
A lot of the hostels/hotels are located closely to the main bus station and to the city center, which makes their location ideal for the tours around the city. Some of these include the the Metropol Palace, Square Nine, Zira and Moskva (hotels); Manga, Chillton, Pop Art, Captain and Parliament (hostels).
What to see in Belgrade?
· The city center. Obviously, the one thing you should not miss is the city center. This is where the majority of the sights are located, where the old architecture has been preserved for many years and where all the best shops, bars and restaurants are placed. The main pedestrian street in Belgrade is Knez Mihajlova, but take a walk down the other pedestrian streets as well, as many of them are like hidden gems in the hustle and bustle of Belgrade.
· Churches and monasteries. Even if you are not religious, or do not have particular interest in history, churches and monasteries are interesting to see. Some of the most notable ones around Belgrade include The Cathedral of Saint Sava (it’s the largest Orthodox church in Serbia), Ružica (the oldest one in Belgrade, originating from the 15th century), and the St. Mark’s Church.
· Museums and galleries. Historical museum of Serbia is the one thing you should visit in case you are interested in Serbian history and culture. The building houses a lot of items that show the richness of Serbia’s history. Apart from the Historical museum, you should also visit a museum dedicated to one of the most famous Serbian scientists, Nikola Tesla. At the museum, you can see both Tesla’s personal possessions as well as models of his inventions.
What to do in Belgrade?
When you get tired of sightseeing, head out to Ada Ciganlija. Ada Ciganlija is an island on the river Sava, ideal to sit down and chill out after a busy day of being a tourist. There are beach bars, cafes, restaurants, and you can try out various sports activities as well. This is the place where people come to relax after a long day at the office, to enjoy the nature and fresh air.
In the evening, bars and nightclubs open their doors. If you want to party, you’ve made the right decision to come to Belgrade. This city has amazing nightlife, where parties last all night long and bars are open every night of the week. The most popular ones are the open-air rafts located at the rivers.
What to take home with you?
Yes, you will find shops of famous brands from all over the world in Belgrade, but if you want to take home a souvenir, you should choose something authentic, made in Serbia. If you are interested in the local cuisine (and you should be, since food in Serbia is delicious), visit one of the farmers’ markets for the local produce. You will find traditional, homemade food and drinks. At the local bookstores, you can find books (in English and often German as well) on topics such as cuisine, history, and local traditions, which can be a great memory to take with you back home.