Cosmopolitan Capital of Culture

Many Americans only know
Belgrade from Slobodan Milosevic and Jack Bauer foes, but Serbia’s cosmopolitan
capital is one of the top party spots in Europe. In recent years, The Times of London said Belgrade had
the best nightlife in Europe, and Lonely
Planet ranked it the No. 1 party city in the world. In the historic Stari
Grad neighborhood, Strahinjica Bana is a popular street with dozens of
restaurants and bars, and Kralja Petra Street is home to the city’s oldest
restaurant and tavern, “?,” built in 1823 and christened “?” after a name
dispute motivated the owner to hang a question mark sign outside.

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For a landlocked country,
the capital also makes excellent use of its waterways. The Sava and Danube
Rivers converge in the city center, and barges (or splav) serve as floating clubs, bars and restaurants. This month,
the rivers will host the 11th annual Belgrade Boat Carnival, which uses parade
boats in lieu of Brazilian-style street floats. The summer months also see water
enthusiasts flock to Ada Ciganlija in the manmade Sava Lake near the city
center. The river island has pebble beaches, bike paths, skateboard ramps, a
golf course, water slides, bungee jumping, athletic fields, water sports and
amazing city and sunset views.

FUN-FILLED FACTS

-Serbia sits atop the Balkan
Peninsula in Southeast Europe and is surrounded by eight other countries.

-As one of the oldest
inhabited cities in the world, Belgrade long served as a middle point between the
East and West, and empires leveled and rebuilt the city about 40 times.

-In recent centuries, the
country was part of the Ottoman and Habsburg Empires, and the architecture in
Belgrade is gloriously diverse with Islamic mosques, Austrian promenades and
baroque churches.

-A prime architectural
highlight is the Kalemegdan Citadel whose current construction was largely
built by the Turks and Austrians in the 18th century. Perched on a hill overlooking
the Sava and Danube Rivers, the large fortress complex is filled with monuments,
cannons, towers, churches and a zoological garden. 

IF YOU GO

Belgrade is one of the more
modern capitals in Eastern Europe. National theaters showcase ballet, opera and
musicals, and annual festivals celebrate beer, guitar art, fashion, design and
various types of music. Serbia’s independent spirit also makes the city a more
favorable place for cannabis users. Earlier this year, a group led by several
doctors and backed by the national health minister launched an initiative to legalize
medical marijuana. All cannabis use is still illegal for now, but enforcement
does not appear to be a priority. Still, as always, acquire safely, and use
discretely. 

Best Time to Visit: Summer

Weather: Moderate
continental

Budget: $$$$$