Belgrade, The White Town, is a capital city of Serbia & Montenegro, the only part of former Yugoslavia, which kept using the name of the country that got separated in the 1990īs until this year. The White Town was the capital of the South SlavesīCountry, what actually was the meaning of the name Yugoslavia. Unfortunately, with the adoption of the new name (Serbia & Montenegro), Yugoslavia disappeared for ever from the history of our country. However, Belgrade is still there, bold and proud as ever, trying to regain its fame for being one of the most hospitable cities in the world! Belgrade is an ancient city, with a very long history. It was founded by the Ilyrian and Tracian tribes, then conquered by the Romans, who called it Singidunum. The city got its present-day name from the Slavic tribes, who, when approaching the town from the distance, could see its white houses, and would say "Here is the White Town (Beo Grad)".
Favourite spots:
Itīs difficult to choose a favourite spot in a place one was born, too many memories attach you to places. But, if I had to recommend a place to a new-comer, the list would definitely include some of these: 1. Kalemegdan Park, the biggest park in Belgrade, overlooking the Sava and Danube rivers. There you can see the remains of the ancient Roman fortress, climb the Observatory or sit in one of the nice and cosy restaurants and bars 2.Skadarska Street, popularly called Skadarlija. It is a must for everyone who wants to get a taste of the old, bohemian Belgrade, where the famous artists used to gather in some of the numerous restaurants. Try some typical dishes at a restaurant called Three Hats and enjoy the sounds of the live music there. 3. St. Sava Church, one of the biggest Chrisitian Orthodox temples being built. Try to negotiate with some of the workers on the spot to take you on a ride to top using one of their cargo elevators. The views are spectacular.
What's really great:
Itīs always nice to be back home, and I always enjoy walking the streets of the old town, or having a drink on one of the many floating restaurants/bars alongside the banks of the Sava and Danube.
Sights:
Apart from the above mentioned, if you have time, do pay a vist to Gardos in Zemun, take a cruise along the Sava and Danube on a boat, visit the Saborna Crkva church, walk along Knez Mihailova pedestrian street, or simply discover the city by yourself!
Accommodations:
Unfortunately, there is not such a broad variety of cheap accommodation in Belgrade still, but I think you can get the best deals if you stay in a dorm room in of the studentsī dormitories. The biggest place is called Studentski Grad, Studentīs Town, and I know they offer rooms, esecially during summer months, when most of the students are away on holidays.
Hangouts:
There are many. Plato is a popular place, within the building of the Faculty of Philosophy. There is a bookshop there as well, and they have live music (jazz) almost every night. There are many bars around Obilicev Venac. If you want something classy, try the newly opened Stradivarius Bar.
Restaurants:
Definitely, try some of the restaurants in Skadarlija for a typical dish. If you are more into vegetarian stuff, donīt miss a lunch at the Sunce restaurant. They have daily meals for reasonable prices, self-service, all vegetarian, with a local taste. For meat eaters, try: pljeskavica, cevapcici, raznjici, Karadjordjeva snicla. Try a local brandy, quite strong, called sljivovica, made of plums. Also, try Serbian cheese and a special cheese cream, only produced in Serbia !!!, called kajmak (you can see it in the picture).
MUY BUENO! NO SABIA QUE ERAS YUGOSLAVA, CREIA QUE ERAS CATALANA. BUENO, MEJOR.
AL REPORTAJE LE HE DADO UN CINCO, AUNQUE ESCRIBES MUY BIEN EN INGLES Y HAY PALABRAS QUE YO NO ENTIENDO
Thanks Neda! I just read your report on Belgrade, and now you have me interested in going there. I had a gloomy, damp impression of Belgrade, and you made it come alive for me. Jim Markham
It is always a challenge to write about your home town, even so, you did a superb job! Nice photos, lots of details, you really make me want to see the place for myself!
Information:
Login if you are a member, or sign up for a free membership to rate this report and to earn globo points!