Vivid Cities
Numerous nations and civilizations have influenced today’s appearance and spirit of Serbian cities.
From metropolitan Belgrade at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube, through Novi Sad, the European Capital of Culture in 2022, to Niš in the south, Serbian cities are places where life flows for hundreds and thousands of years.
If the opportunity arises, get to know some of the many lovely cities and towns that nurture a special way of life.
BELGRADE
There is something exciting and intriguing about Belgrade. In Belgrade, the Sava River surrenders to the mighty Danube, and the Pannonian plain slowly begins to “wave” and grow into hills and mountains. Located at the crossroads of cultural influences, Belgrade is a city that never rests. The secret of its charm is in its acceptance of various, sometimes opposing ideas and world views.
You’ll recognise the spirit of Belgrade on its streets, in its architecture, monuments, parks, and above all in the hospitality and openness of its people.
Kalemegdan
Kalemegdan is the largest city park and home to the Belgrade Fortress. A walk through Kalemegdan offers the opportunity to learn the history of this celebrated stronghold that stretches from the Roman era to the modern day. Here you can also find the Victor Monument, Belgrade Zoo, the Military and Natural History Museums, Ružica Church and St. Petka’s Chapel – all with magnificent views of the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. At the foot of the Kalemegdan Fortress, right next to the Sava River, there is Beton Hala, the old customs warehouses, now replete with numerous excellent restaurants.
Knez Mihailova Street
Knez Mihailova Street in the city centre is not only a shopping zone, but also the guardian of the city’s identity, with a series of important buildings, each of which carries a part of Belgrade’s story. The central pedestrian zone and the surrounding streets are full of restaurants, cafes, galleries and boutiques, with musicians and street performers completing the fantastic atmosphere.
Temple of Saint Sava
On the Vračar plateau stands one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Dedicated to the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Saint Sava Cathedral is built in the Serbo-Byzantine style and can accommodate more than 10,000 visitors at one time. Inside the temple, a grand mosaic of almost 15,000 square metres leaves a special impression.
Soak up the charm and unique ambience in the oldest preserved area of the city. In this former administrative, spiritual and economic centre of the renewed Serbian state, in leafy streets lined with traditional Balkan architecture and European styles of the 19th and 20th centuries, you can find St. Michael’s Orthodox Church, the Residence of Princess Ljubica, the Museum of Applied Arts and the “?” traditional tavern.
New Belgrade
It is fascinating how many layers, attractions and history a place called “New” can contain. After the Second World War, the left bank of the Sava gave rise to a new urban area inspired by the spirit of Le Corbusier and ideas of modernity and „Esprit Nouveau“, that faithfully reflected the aesthetics and values of this new epoch.
The Palace of Serbia, the “Sava” Congress Centre, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the “Belgrade Štark Arena” sports arena are prime examples of monumental buildings in New Belgrade. In the last few decades, this part of the city has further transformed into a modern business district buzzing with cutting edge hotels, shopping malls and office buildings.
Natural attractions
Belgrade’s location on two large rivers, alongside an artificial lake and close to a mountain, means the city offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.
Following the course of the Danube and Sava, on foot or by bicycle, along landscaped walkways, you can get to know numerous attractions: Belgrade Waterfront, the Danube promenade the, the Great War Island, the Belgrade Fortress and the Dorćol neighbourhood.
Ada Ciganlija, an artificial lake known as the “Belgrade Sea”, is the perfect place for sunbathing, walking, swimming and cycling, as well as for practicing many other sports.
When the people of Belgrade see Avala, they know they have returned home. This mountain is recognisable from a distance by the monumental Avala Tower and it offers an unforgettable view of the surroundings.
Skadarlija
Dating from the first half of the 20th century, the old bohemian quarter still enchants with its romantic atmosphere. In the restaurants and traditional kafanas, you can enjoy the specialties of Serbian cuisine and music, preserved in almost unchanged form.
Zemun
Once the frontier of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and now an integral part of the city of Belgrade, Zemun is a story of cobbled streets, quays, alases (river fishermen), the smell of the old and the new. Built on manmade hills, Zemun is famous for Gardoš, also known as Millennium Tower.
There are numerous bars, floating “splavs” and restaurants along the river promenade.
Get to know Serbia up close
The awe-inspiring view from the lookout above the largest canyon in Europe. The thrill of rafting down a turbulent river. The sound of a trumpet that’s “felt in the stomach”. A sip of local wine. Relaxation in healing spa water. A monumental fresco from an Orthodox monastery. Prehistoric figurines. A stranger who addresses you as “brother” and “friend”. This is what you will experience in Serbia.
From here, the roads lead to cities, villages, spas, rivers, monuments and festivals. Embark on an unforgettable journey to picturesque regions of immeasurable natural beauty. Meet an authentic culture that has been thriving for centuries. Feel safe and enjoy sincere hospitality.
Discover Serbia through taste, sound and touch.