The largest city of the former Yugoslavia, Belgrade has a past of political conflict and unrest that is undeniable. Its past is somewhat of a sensitive subject, being the once-capital city of Yugoslavia, the not-long-lived Serbia-Montenegro and lastly—Serbia. Its borders have changed many times over the decades, but they are open.
Contrary to popular belief, Americans are quite welcome to Serbia. What was the past is still evident in the visual undertones of the city, but Serbians are now celebrating the modern-day Serbia—and that they do very, very well.
In Serbia, Belgrade in particular has been on the savvy European vacationer’s bucket list for years, due to its world-famous nightlife. It doesn’t hurt that Belgrade is quite inexpensive, too. For this, Belgrade is beginning to appear on the American radar–and for good reason.
Belgrade’s nightlife that is known world-wide is generally in reference to the area where the Sava and Danube Rivers join. These quays, where dozens of rafts are moored, give life to the floating club. No matter what your age or music taste, there are barges that quench all thirsts—figuratively and literally.
By day (or night), Old Town Belgrade is an area that can be explored by foot. Knez Mihailova, Belgrade’s pedestrian-only shopping street, is a great place to spend the afternoon sitting at café after exploring Kalemegdan-the Belgrade Fortress. From the fortress, vistas are priceless as views span New Belgrade across the river, Old Town Belgrade and the fortress itself. This is where old meets new. Where Pobednik (The Victor) was erected offers the best views of the city.
Serbia has yet to join the Euro and the Serbian Dinar makes Belgrade a still-affordable Eastern European capital. A centrally located five-star hotel will cost about $100 USD per night with antecedent-star hotels even less. Hotel Zira, for example, is a five-star hotel within this price range, inclusive of tax, Serbian breakfast and buffet dinner, plus free international phone calls (yes, I called the U.S. and received no additional charges). The added bonus of its style, location and attached shopping mall make Hotel Zira a valuable option.
Overall, Belgrade may not be the classical, gothic-influenced city one pictures when they think of Eastern Europe, but its rich history and affordability make it a worth-while stop to any Eastern European itinerary, especially if you’re into exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations before they become mainstream. If that’s the case, get going.
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Story and photos by Joshua Clark
