Getting Started: About Belgrade
Set in a highly strategic position at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade is the capital of Serbia. The city is also called Beograd, which means “white (beo)” and “city or fortress (grad)”. The first settlements in the area date to the Neolithic period, and the area was dominated by Celts, Romans and Slavs, respectively, as well as other empires, until it was conquered by the Ottomans in 1521. For approximately three hundred years, the region passed between the Ottoman and Hapsburg empires until the Serbian revolution in the mid-1800s. Following the First World War, Belgrade became the capital of Yugoslavia, established in 1918, until the state’s dissolution in 2006. In 1961, Belgrade hosted the first summit of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Places to visit in Belgrade
The Ottoman influence is felt in many areas of this eye-catching city that reflects the spirit of both Europe and the Balkans…
Kalemegdan
We begin our whirlwind visit to Belgrade at one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations: Kalemegdan! Located in Belgrade’s Old Town, Kalemegdan is the city’s largest park. Its name originates from the Turkish kale meydanı (“castle square”) and, indeed, the Belgrade Fortress is here, offering magnificent views of the Danube and Sava rivers. Also in the vicinity are the Military Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Clock Tower.
Nikola Tesla Museum
The ashes of the brilliant Serbian inventor and scientist, Nikola Tesla, are at his namesake museum in Belgrade. The Museum also features exhibits on Tesla’s life along with his personal items and working models of some of his machines. The Nikola Tesla Museum is open every day of the week – and is well worth a visit for both scientists and non-scientists!
Knez Mihailova
Belgrade’s liveliest and most famous street is Knez Mihailova. Named for Mihailo Obrenović III, a Prince of Serbia, the colorful pedestrian avenue is lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. The one-kilometer-long promenade was a notable address in the city; considered among the city’s oldest and most valuable landmarks, some of Belgrade’s finest examples of 19th-century architecture are here.
Republic Square
Republic Square, at the end of Knez Mihailova, is a popular meeting point for residents and visitors. In addition to the National Museum and the National Theatre, there’s a large statue of Prince Mihailo in Republic Square. There’s also a modern clock tower called the Millennium Clock.
Tašmajdan
During the Ottoman era, there were stone quarries in this area, hence the name, Tašmajdan, a variation on the Turkish “taş (stone)” and “meydan (square).” Today, Tašmajdan encompasses an expansive park featuring a sports and recreation center, a television tower and playgrounds, as well as the St. Mark’s Church, a Serbian Orthodox church built in the Serbo-Byzantine style.
Zemun
Set along the Danube, the funky Zemun neighborhood has become increasingly popular, due to its green texture and streets that smell of history – Zemun was a border town between the Ottoman and Austrian Empires. In addition to riverside fish restaurants, cute cafes and picturesque streets, the area is known for its lively nightlife and for Gardoš Hill, which has wonderful views of the river and city.
Church of Saint Sava
In the center of Belgrade, the gorgeous Church of Saint Sava is the largest place of worship in Serbia. Featuring a design inspired by Byzantine architecture, the building of the church began in 1935 but, interrupted by the Second World War, did not resume until 1984. The Cathedral is an active church and is also open to visitors.
Skadarlija Street
Lined with art galleries, restaurants, and cinemas and theaters, Skadarlija Street and its environs are considered Belgrade’s most bohemian neighborhood. Skadarlija Street is open only to pedestrian traffic and visitors may find themselves entertained by performers of traditional Serbian music.
Sava Neighborhood (Savamala)
Set along the Sava riverfront, this lively neighborhood is known for its restaurants as well as its creative and youthful vibe.
Dining in Belgrade
Dining in Belgrade is an experience – the cuisine features Serbian influences along with Mediterranean, Central European and Ottoman traditions.
- Cevapcici (meatballs served with kajmak, a clotted cream spread)
- Serbian-style salad
- Schnitzel
- Uštipci (donut-like fried dough balls)
- Burek (savory flaky pastry)
- Kajmak (clotted cream spread)
- Fish soup
- Krofne (donuts!)
Useful information on Belgrade
If you’re ready to fly to Belgrade and explore the city, keep reading for some useful tips!
Staying in Belgrade
Welcoming countless tourists every year, Belgrade has a wide array of accommodation options, from hostels and short-term rental apartments to apartment or luxury hotels. In terms of the optimal areas to stay in, we recommend Stari Grad (Old Town), Novi Beograd, and Skadarlija Street. You can also visit Turkish Airlines Holidays vacation packages for easy accommodation and transportation bookings.
Transportation in Belgrade
Belgrade is a highly manageable city – its relatively smaller size ensures that much of the city is walkable. While there’s no metro line in Belgrade, there are trams and buses; tickets are available at kiosks throughout the city. Taxis are also available.
Getting from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport to the city center
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport is about 20 kilometers from the city center. Various buses and shuttles operate between the airport and the city, including bus number 72 and the A1 shuttle. Airport taxis serve 24 hours; private transfers are also available.
