How to: Spend a Day in Belgrade

By Vlada Zivanovic

Despite its size, Belgrade is a metropolis that one can meet in a day. Main spots are mostly downtown and it's easy to visit them by foot.

But first things first...

Like other Balkan people, Serbs find food and drinks very important, therefore heavy breakfast is of utmost significance. Everybody, who finds oneself in Belgrade should not miss trying burek or some of other delights in Trpkovic bakery situated in Nemanjina Str. near Slavija square, just next to Government's EU integration office. The never disappearing queue will make wait around 10 minutes, but this is just a small obstacle to reach extraordinary meal. Breakfast in Serbia is usually followed by morning coffee. Serbian coffee, also honestly called Turkish coffee, is not so easy to find downtown, but espresso, cappuccino or Nescafe are served in all Belgrade cafes. I suggest ones around Knez Mihailova Str.

After eating and drinking session, it is time to go sightseeing. For ones preferring nice landscape, I suggest view on rivers confluence from so-called Kalemegdan's terrace (There are two great cafes next to the Zoo with excellent view). Kalemegdan is, by the way, a historical fortification very interesting to visit. Close to Kalemegdan, there's an interesting museum Konak knjeginje Ljubice (Countess Ljubica Residence) in Pop Lukina street. If walk makes you hungry, stop by to Belgrade's bohemian street, Skadarlija, where you can find some of the oldest restaurants in the city. But if you prefer nature, rather than history ideal places for you are Avala and Koautnjak (25 minutes from the center by bus) where you can spend whole afternoon in the "green wilderness".

During past years, Belgrade has been awarded for its nightlife. This is true pearl of the city. You can try romantic dinner, best atmosphere and again best dishes in pizzerias like Pomodoro (Hilandarska Str.) and Orao (Despot Stefans Boulevard). For more wild ambitions one should go to the rivers banks (in Zemun and New Belgrade), and go to famous boat clubs where you can experience everything from Serbian (turbo)folk to heavy metal sounds.
And for those who happen to be out till dawn, the Serbian capital offers great sunrises on Kalmegdan or on the beaches of Ada Ciganlija (gipsy island).