What Are Surprising Things About Belgrade for First-Time Visitors? A Complete Travel Guide

Discover Why Belgrade Leaves First-Time Visitors Amazed

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of the most underrated places to visit in all of Europe. Whereas many tourists opt for popular tourist cities such as Paris, Rome, and Prague, Belgrade provides a fascinating experience of history, culture, nightlife, yummy food, and friendly people. First-time tourists will be surprised at how multi-faceted this place can be; from ancient fortresses and modern riverside development projects, to cafes bustling with activity late into the night. Whatever type of trip you are going on in the Balkans, Belgrade has a lot to offer.

Most tourists visiting from the UK usually begin their trip with a reliable means of transportation to the airport followed by the flight itself. Opting for a reliable Watford Private Hire transport service makes sure that you have a pleasant beginning of your vacation and you can concentrate on enjoying your time in Belgrade.

Belgrade Is One of Europe's Oldest Yet Most Lively Cities

One of the biggest surprises for a new visitor is Belgrade's amazing age. Belgrade has been continually inhabited for more than 7,000 years, thus becoming one of the oldest cities in Europe. During the history, Belgrade saw many empires come and go, from Roman to Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and even Yugoslav Empire.

Despite being a very old city, Belgrade is unbelievably young. Students, artists, business people, and tourists make the streets of Belgrade alive with their vibrant energy. You will see ancient buildings situated right next to trendy cafes, modern art galleries, and busy shopping districts.

Kalemegdan Fortress Offers Incredible History and Stunning Views

Kalemegdan Fortress will probably be your top choice on visiting Belgrade for the first time. The fortress itself is situated at the confluence of the two rivers, Danube and Sava, and is famous for its wonderful view at the sunset.

There is a lot to see when you enter the fortress, such as:

Stone walls

Military exhibition

Walking paths

Parks

Monuments

View from the river

Various outdoor activities in warm season

The fortress plays the role of an attraction and one of the most popular places for recreation in the city.

The Food Scene Is Rich, Affordable, and Full of Local Flavours

The culinary offerings of Belgrade never fail to surprise newcomers.

Serbian food is robust, tasty, and very cheap in comparison with many other cities in Western Europe.

Popular foods are:

Ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausages)

Pljeskavica (Serbian burger)

Sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls)

Karađorđeva schnitzel

Fresh baked goods from local bakeries

Homemade desserts

Traditional rakija

There are many family-run restaurants offering big portions for a small fee, which makes eating one of the most pleasant activities when staying in Belgrade.

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The Nightlife Truly Lives Up to Its Global Reputation

Belgrade has become internationally recognized for being one of the best places for nightlife in all of Europe, and any newcomer to the city soon finds out why.

Whereas many cities have nightlife predominantly consisting of nightclubs, Belgrade has much more diverse options available:

River clubs called “splavovi”

Jazz live music spots

Serbian folk music

Roof-top cocktail bars

Modern dance clubs

Casual riverside cafes

The nightlife continues to last till the morning hours, providing many chances for the visitors to experience the famous hospitality of Belgrade.

Also read: What Is Good About Living in London

Friendly Locals Make Visitors Feel Welcome

One of the most surprising things might be how hospitable and approachable people who live in the city are. People from the area are usually able to speak English because they have been taught in school. People who visit Belgrade usually mention that the local population is willing to:

Give directions;

Give recommendations of some secret restaurants and bars;

Tell some history of the city;

Give information about events;

Give advice on using public transport in the city;

Give recommendations regarding food.

Green Spaces Are Everywhere Throughout the City

Despite being an active capital city, people visiting Belgrade often get impressed with the number of parks present in the city.

Some of the well-known parks include:

Kalemegdan Park

Tašmajdan Park

Ada Ciganlija

Košutnjak Forest

Zemun Riverfront

These parks offer great places to take a break from the vibrant city life.

Belgrade Is Surprisingly Affordable Compared to Other European Capitals

Cost-conscious tourists frequently find that Belgrade is an extremely good place to travel on a budget.

Everything from accommodation to food, leisure to transportation and sightseeing is much cheaper compared to most other Western European cities. That way, the visitors can extend their stay and take advantage of everything the city has to offer.

Even high-end restaurants and small boutique hotels may prove to be relatively affordable.

The Riverside Transformation Is Impressively Modern

First-timers often think that Belgrade is completely historical in nature, but are shocked at the modern developments seen in the city.

Some of the developments in Belgrade Waterfront include:

Luxury apartments

Shopping malls

Dining spots

Walking spaces

Public art installations

Entertainment spaces for families

This modern aspect of the city perfectly balances out the history of the city.

Public Transport Makes Exploring Easy

Belgrade offers an affordable and functional transportation system.

One can travel conveniently by using:

Buses

Trams

Trolley buses

Local taxis

Sharing transport

Walking in central areas

Most places of interest are situated near each other, thus offering a good opportunity to walk around the city.

Every Neighbourhood Has Its Own Personality

A pleasant discovery is that each district is unique.

Here are some interesting districts:

Stari Grad – The historic center of the city

Skadarlija – Bohemian district with traditional restaurants

Dorćol – A district with fashionable cafes and creative vibes

Vračar – Where Saint Sava Temple is located

Zemun – Riverside district with Austro-Hungarian architecture

New Belgrade – Modern business and residential district

Visiting several districts highlights the diversity of the city.

Final Thoughts

Belgrade always surpasses the expectations of first-time tourists. The city is full of history, friendly locals, fun nightlife, great food, cheap prices, beautiful riverside location, and its blend of old and new makes it one of a kind in all of Europe.

No matter whether you visit old fortresses, taste Serbian cuisine, explore vibrant neighborhoods, or just hang out by the river Danube, Belgrade is sure to provide you with an experience to remember. For all those travelers who wish to see a real European city which offers a bit of everything, Belgrade should definitely be on your must-visit list.