Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Serbia / Belgrade
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| | | An unspoilt gem |  | Why go on holiday to Belgrade?
Serbia's capital is a lively, affordable and distinctly un-Western city which has got some of the best nightlife in Eastern Europe. Despite being battered and bombed 40 times in its 2,300-year history – mostly recently in 1999 by NATO – it's a survivor – and admirably vibrant. Combine history and a fast-paced nightlife and you have both a fun and fascinating city break destination. Better still, it's refreshingly free of tourists. Go now, before it changes.
How much will it cost?
Flight-only deals between London-Belgrade cost from around £140pp return. Double rooms in hotels typically cost from £14.
When should I go?
Visit between late spring and early autumn. July and August are the hottest months with average temperatures of around 22C-25C. May and June are wet, while the winter months are cold, but not harsh.
Who's it for?
Culture buffs, travel trend-setters and tourists keen to discover a taste of the Balkans. The city is worth lingering around for. Spend three or four days here, before exploring what else the country has to offer.
What are the must-sees?
The city's bustling centre is the Kneza Mihaila, a café-lined pedestrian boulevard that runs northwest through the old town. Republic Square in the Old City (Stari Grad) is home to the National Museum and National Theatre. Wander towards Skadarlija, a Bohemian enclave, which comes alive in summer with diners and musicians. Kalemegdan Park is home to an 18th century fortress, museum, arts pavilion and zoo. At its highest point are great city views.
West of the Sava river lies New Belgrade, home to the city's five star hotels. The river is dotted with waterfront cafes, restaurants and night clubs. Near the river mouth is Ada Ciganlija island, which has an artificial lake good for swimming and watersports. There is also a discreet nudist beach here. Another beach is at the Lido opposite Zemun, which can be reached by walking across a pontoon bridge. The city's open air market at Kalenic Pijaca is worth visiting on Friday and Saturday mornings. You can buy food, bric- a -brac and flowers.
There's a multitude of art galleries and museums. Perhaps the most interesting ones are the Banjica Concentration Camp Museum set up on the site where Jews were killed in 1941; the Ethnographic Museum for artefacts; the Palace of Princess Ljubica for Balkan opulence and the Church of St Sava in Vracar, the world's largest Orthodox Church.
War junkies can walk to Kneza Milosa to see the crumpled remnants of buildings from the 1999 NATO attacks. The 1990s Balkan conflict was the fourth endured by the city in the last century. Two monuments dedicated to the victims of the war overlook Tasmajdan Park, itself a pleasant, leafy area. Within easy reach of the capital by bus and train is Novi Sad, dubbed the Serbian Athens for its focus on culture and learning. It's arguably more refined than Belgrade. The impressive Petrovaradin Fortress hosts numerous festivals throughout the year.
What will I spend?
A pint of beer is around £1. A meal for two with wine will cost around £11. Take-away pastry snacks are around 55p. Taxi journeys should vary between 40-60p within the city.
Any special events?
In neighbouring Serbia, the annual Exit Festival is one of eastern Europe's biggest festivals. Taking place in the stunning surroundings of the ancient Petrovaradin Citadel in Novi Sad, the four day event attracts 250,000 revellers and big names from the world of music. It is slated to take place in July 2006. The Belgrade Music Festival, Book Fair, and Honey Fair each take place in October.
Why go on holiday to Belgrade?
Serbia's capital is a lively, affordable and distinctly un-Western city which has got some of the best nightlife in Eastern Europe. Despite being battered and bombed 40 times in its 2,300-year history – mostly recently in 1999 by NATO – it's a survivor – and admirably vibrant. Combine history and a fast-paced nightlife and you have both a fun and fascinating city break destination. Better still, it's refreshingly free of tourists. Go now, before it changes.
How much will it cost?
Flight-only deals between London-Belgrade cost from around £140pp return. Double rooms in hotels typically cost from £14.
When should I go?
Visit between late spring and early autumn. July and August are the hottest months with average temperatures of around 22C-25C. May and June are wet, while the winter months are cold, but not harsh.
Who's it for?
Culture buffs, travel trend-setters and tourists keen to discover a taste of the Balkans. The city is worth lingering around for. Spend three or four days here, before exploring what else the country has to offer.
What are the must-sees?
The city's bustling centre is the Kneza Mihaila, a café-lined pedestrian boulevard that runs northwest through the old town. Republic Square in the Old City (Stari Grad) is home to the National Museum and National Theatre. Wander towards Skadarlija, a Bohemian enclave, which comes alive in summer with diners and musicians. Kalemegdan Park is home to an 18th century fortress, museum, arts pavilion and zoo. At its highest point are great city views.
West of the Sava river lies New Belgrade, home to the city's five star hotels. The river is dotted with waterfront cafes, restaurants and night clubs. Near the river mouth is Ada Ciganlija island, which has an artificial lake good for swimming and watersports. There is also a discreet nudist beach here. Another beach is at the Lido opposite Zemun, which can be reached by walking across a pontoon bridge. The city's open air market at Kalenic Pijaca is worth visiting on Friday and Saturday mornings. You can buy food, bric- a -brac and flowers.
There's a multitude of art galleries and museums. Perhaps the most interesting ones are the Banjica Concentration Camp Museum set up on the site where Jews were killed in 1941; the Ethnographic Museum for artefacts; the Palace of Princess Ljubica for Balkan opulence and the Church of St Sava in Vracar, the world's largest Orthodox Church.
War junkies can walk to Kneza Milosa to see the crumpled remnants of buildings from the 1999 NATO attacks. The 1990s Balkan conflict was the fourth endured by the city in the last century. Two monuments dedicated to the victims of the war overlook Tasmajdan Park, itself a pleasant, leafy area. Within easy reach of the capital by bus and train is Novi Sad, dubbed the Serbian Athens for its focus on culture and learning. It's arguably more refined than Belgrade. The impressive Petrovaradin Fortress hosts numerous festivals throughout the year.
What will I spend?
A pint of beer is around £1. A meal for two with wine will cost around £11. Take-away pastry snacks are around 55p. Taxi journeys should vary between 40-60p within the city.
Any special events?
In neighbouring Serbia, the annual Exit Festival is one of eastern Europe's biggest festivals. Taking place in the stunning surroundings of the ancient Petrovaradin Citadel in Novi Sad, the four day event attracts 250,000 revellers and big names from the world of music. It is slated to take place in July 2006. The Belgrade Music Festival, Book Fair, and Honey Fair each take place in October.
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