Kalemegdan
Some of Belgrade's most popular attrations for visitors are
concentrated on the rocky ridge of Kalemegdan, site of the original
fortified city, which overlooks the confluence of the Sava and
Danube rivers. The neighbourhood is now split into two beautiful
parks, namely the Great and Little Park, and play host to
Belgarade's ancient fortress, a zoo, art pavilion, observatory,
planetarium, a Roman well, the Military Museum and some lovely
walks. Throughout the year, a rand of sporting, cultural and arts
events are held in Kalemedgdam and it is a popular attractions
amongst Belgraders and visitors of all ages.
Address:
Accessed from the Knez Mihailova and Uzun
Mirkova
Belgrade Fortress
Erwan Martin
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Belgrade has become a popular tourist
attraction, boasting elegant salons, breathtaking artworks and
magnificent décor. The palace was built between 1924 and 1929, and
was designed by architects Zivojin Nikolic and Nikolay Krassnoff in
the Serbian-Byzantine style. Beautiful gardens, pools and pavilions
surround the palace, which offer superb views of Koshutnjak Forest
and Avala Mountain. Today, the Royal Palace is home to Crown Prince
Alexander and the Karadordevic royal family, it is open for public
tours.
Address:
Corner of Kralja Milana and Dragoslava Jovanoviæa
streets
Royal Palace
Nikolazstankovic
Temple of Saint Sava
Dominating the skyline of Belgrade is the massive Temple of
Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. This
remarkable domed building, with its white marble and granite
facade, is dedicated to the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The Turks purportedly burnt medieval Saint Sava's remains on this
site in 1595. Although construction began in 1935, the church
remains incomplete, particularly the interior. Visitors are welcome
to view the church, which is set in lovely gardens.
Address:
Vraèar plateau
Temple of Saint Sava
Michael Angelkovich
Skadarlija Street
Skadarlija Street is Belgrade's equivalent of Montmartre, the
famous bohemian neighbourhood in Paris, and is one of the most
popular tourist spots in Belgrade. The pedestrianised precinct is
lined with restaurants and pubs, tables and festivity spilling onto
cobbled pavements, and is the perfect place to sample the local
specialities. Enjoy a good beer and conversation; unearth some
souvenirs, art and antiques; or simply soak up the traditional
Serbian social scene.
Skadarlija Street
Zoran Zivotic
National Museum of Serbia
A must for any history buff or art lover, the National Museum of
Serbia in Belgrade houses a remarkable collection of more than
400,000 items, from Old Masters to medieval and modern art, ancient
coins to architectural models. The artefacts are split into 34
archaeological, numismatic, artistic and historical collections to
form the most complete picture of Serbian culture and history
you'll ever encounter.
Address:
Republic Square
National Museum
lucianf
Residence of Princess Ljubica
One of few surviving buildings from the first reign of Prince
Miloš Obrenović, the stately home of Princess Ljubica was built
between 1829 and 1831 as a royal private residence. The building is
a a prime example of the unique Balkan architectural style,
incorporating some Baroque elements, and the interior has been
preserved to showcase the luxurious lifestyle of Belgrade's wealthy
in the 19th century. The residence of Princess Ljubica is an
important icon of cultural heritage in the city, and is now part of
the Belgrade City Museum.
Address:
Kneza Sime Markoviæa 8
Residence of Princess Ljubica
Nikola Cvetkovic
Belgrade experiences a mixed climate, largely a humid
subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Spring (April to
May) is short and wet, giving way to warm summers (June to August).
Summer is arguably the most pleasant time of year, as peak
temperatures reach 81°F (27°C), while daytime lows seldom drop
below 68°F (20°C). Autumn (September to November) can have some
very warm spells, but brings with it periods of dry, windy weather
when the 'košava' wind blows. Temperatures often drop below 30°F
(-1°C) in winter (December to February) and snow is a regular
occurrence. The wettest months in Belgrade are May and June.
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport
Location: The airport is located about 11 miles (18km) from
Belgrade.
Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to
the last Sunday in October).
Transfer Between Terminals:
The terminals are connected by a hallway.
Getting to the city:
Travel time into the city centre is about 30 to 40 minutes by
bus or taxi. A minibus line runs to the city, and costs RSD 300.
Tickets are sold on the minibus. The PTC Belgrade Line 72 costs RSD
89 when the ticket is bought at a kiosk. Taxis are freely available
at the airport.
Car Rental:
Numerous local and international car rental agencies are
represented at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt,
and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are freely available at the airport. Airport taxi fares
are regulated according to city zones, and the fare to the city
centre is generally about RSD 1,400 for the 20 minute drive.
Passengers are advised against using these taxis for areas outside
of Belgrade as charges are unreasonably high. Travellers should
also be wary of unlicensed drivers and touts who routinely
overcharge tourists.
Facilities:
The airport features a bank and several bureaux de change, ATMs,
and a business lounge. There are two restaurants, as well as cafes
and snack bars. Several shops are available in the main hall and
duty-free goods can be purchased beyond the passport control point.
Several tourist information agencies have desks in the arrivals
area, and the airport has excellent medical facilities.
Parking
The airport has covered and outdoor parking lots.
Having a car in busy Belgrade is often more of a liability than
an asset as the traffic is chaotic and parking is limited. The best
way to get around the city is on public transport, which consists
of buses, trams and trolley buses. It is wise to avoid rush hour.
Tickets for all types of transportation can be bought from kiosks
in the streets. Taxis are cheap and safe, and can be hailed in the
street. Ensure that you pick a licensed taxi; these can be
identified by the small blue sign featuring the city's coat of arms
and a number.
Serbia's capital city is a gritty and vibrant hub
of hedonism and history. From the ancient Kalemegdan Citadel and
Byzantine churches to the Soviet-era
(housing blocks) and art nouveau architecture,
Belgrade tells many stories and offers plenty of unique
experiences.
Marvel at the Roman ruins, art galleries, or the
magnificent Temple of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox
churches in the world. Delve deeper into Serbian heritage at the
National Museum, and gain some insight into the lives of Serbian
royalty with tours of the Residence of Princess Ljubica and the
Royal Palace.
There's something for everyone to enjoy at the
Kalemegdan, whether it's the ancient fortress, Military Museum, and
art pavilion for the culture vultures and history buffs, or the
parks, planetarium, and zoo, which will delight the kids.
Visitors can wander the Old Town, admiring the
architecture and historical sites, and stroll along the
pedestrianised shopping promenade Knez Mihailova. The vibrant
nightlife of the capital city is notorious, with endless dancing,
live music, and even floating nightclubs.
Skadarlija Street is the bohemian heart of
Belgrade, boasting bars, cafés, and restaurants that spill out onto
the pavements on balmy evenings. In summer, visitors can join the
locals with picnics, water-skiing and sunbathing on the beaches of
Ada Ciganlija, an artificial island in the Sava.