Known as the “White Phoenix,” Belgrade is one of the world’s oldest cities that’s been reborn many times. Its overarching heritage includes the Serbs, Ottomans, Habsburgs and Yugoslavia. Today, Belgrade recounts a complex history, located on a confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. I enjoyed 2 days exploring Belgrade and love sharing tips. So, read on and discover Belgrade Serbia top attractions and why you should visit.
The Serbian capital city, Belgrade or Beograde, means “White City.” Also known as ”White Phoenix,” the city was destroyed and rebuild 44 times. It lies where the Pannonian Plain and Balkan Peninsula meet. Belgrade experiences a humid, subtropical climate with four seasons. Serbia is not part of the European Union with its own Dinar currency.
The city passed from Ottoman Empire to Habsburg rule until 1918. It experienced most of its destruction during the Ottoman-Habsburg wars. Belgrade was the capital city of Yugoslavia until it broke up in the early 1990’s.
Ten Belgrade Serbia Attractions in 2 Days
During my 2 days exploring Belgrade, I saw 9 of the 10 attractions on my self-guided walking tour. Most site locations are reasonably close and interesting to experience afoot. However, I took a taxi to check out the Gen X Building, a stark example of Brutalist architecture.
1. Belgrade Fortress
The Belgrade Fortress is the most visited attraction in the city. Since the 1st century, this fortress has stood on a ridge 125.5 metres (412 ft) high. It overlooks the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers. Since the fortress is free admissions with the most scenic views in the city, many people gather here. Especially, in the evening as the fortress walls face the sun setting over the river.
During the past 2,000 years, the fortress was occupied by the Romans, Ottomans, Austro-Hungarians and Serbians. The citadel consists of an Upper and Lower Town with the popular Kalemegdan Park surrounding it. In the southern corner of the fortress is the Military Museum.
Gornji Grad, the upper section was turned into a park, with beautiful promenades and the statue of “The Victor” wielding a sword and falcon on top of a Doric column. This commemorates Serbia’s defeat of the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires in WW I. A Roman well lies next to the medieval gate of Despot Stefan Lazarević.
Against the northeast walls of the fortress stands RuĹľica Church the oldest church in the city. The facade is covered with ivy, and the interior has some unusual chandeliers made from World War I bayonet blades and shell casings. Near the Ruzica Church is the Chapel of Saint Petka, built in 1937 over a sacred spring. Mosaics by Momir Korunovic cover its inner walls and vaults.
2. Kalemegdan Park
The Kalemegdan Park is the most popular park in Belgrade, surrounding the fortress with green space stretching to the rivers. It offers many walking paths with benches, fountains and historic landmarks, such as, the Charles VI Gate. Also, it’s a wonderful area for birdwatching.
3. Kosančićev Venac
The Kosančićev Venac neighborhood was built when the Serbs fought the Ottomans for independence. While the Ottomans controlled the citadel, Serbs built this area outside the walls. Its old-world charm remains with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, cafes and scenic views of the river.
Here, I went to the oldest tavern (kavana) in Belgrade built in 1823. Interestingly named Question Mark or ?, its atmosphere takes you back in time. The tavern offers a warm hearth with wooden beams, bar and traditional Balkan dishes. Also, seating is available outside with photos featuring its historical significance.
Across the street from the Question Mark is St. Michael’s Cathedral. This Neoclassical church from the 19th century played a part in Serbia’s independence. Also, within walking distance is the Residence of Princess Ljubica, the royal residence of Serbian Prince Milos.
4. Sava Promenade
The Sava Promenade stretches for 1.8 km or 1.1 mi along the riverfront to the confluence. It provides scenic bicycle and walking trails with restaurants, bars, shops and art. The Beta Hala area offers floating bars and barges or “splavovi” as restaurants or nightclubs. Each barge takes on its own personality or theme. Galerija Belgrade features the largest shopping center in the area with international and local brands.
5. Knez Mihailova Street
The busy Knez Mihailova pedestrian street stretches through Stari Grad from the Belgrade Fortress to the popular Republic Square. On the corner facing the fortress is a very helpful Tourist Information Center for maps, planning tours and itinerary. The road stretches for 1 km or .6 mi, lined by boutiques, restaurants, souvenir shops and cafes. Also, it features beautiful architecture from mansions built by wealthy families in the 19th century.
6. Republic Square
At the southern end of Knez Mihailova is Republic Square. Here, stands some of the city’s most important landmarks. The striking sculpture in the center portrays Prince Obrenovic of Serbia in the 19th century. He played a key influence on the Balkans’ independence from the Ottoman Empire.
Important buildings on the square include the Serbian National Theatre and National Museum of Serbia. Also, more than 20 trolleybus and bus lines stop at the square.
7. Skadarlija
The Skadarlija neighborhood is a pedestrian zone with a bohemian past. In the early 20th century Serbian musicians, writers, poets and artists worked and performed here. Today the free spirits live on with live music, traditional restaurants and cafés along cobblestone alleyways. The colorful flowers are lovely along terraces and awnings with art and street performers. Overall, it’s an upbeat place to just wander or enjoy some traditional Serbian food.
8. Church Of Saint Sava
On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and second largest in the world. Saint Sava is the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church. The church’s construction lasted from 1935 to 1989. It became delayed by WW II and the Yugoslavian communism, that didn’t allow for building churches.
Shaped like a Greek Cross, the facade consists of white marble and granite in a Neo-Byzantine style. Its dome is one of the largest in the world. The mosaics are spectacular, with the central mosaic in the dome depicting the Ascension of Jesus.
9. Nikola Tesla Museum
Nikola Tesla was born in Croatia with Serb parents and spent most of his life in U.S. The Nikola Tesla Museum provides guided tours in English and Serbian featuring experimental demonstrations. The science museum is dedicated to his life (including his resting place) and work.
Exhibits recount his inventions of the AC electric motor and remote controls. Dying financially poor, he spent most of his money exploring wireless transmission electricity. Overall, the museum is a wonderful place to discover his genius and enjoy the hands-on, interactive demonstrations.
10. Brutalist Architecture from Communist Era
Belgrade is renowned for its Brutalist architecture, especially in the Novi Beograd district. It prominently emerged after World War II. This architectural style is characterized by its use of raw concrete and minimalist designs, expressing the socialist Yugoslavian ideals.
I took a taxi to see the Genex Tower or the Western City Gate of Belgrade, a prime example of Brutalist architecture. This drab, 35-storied, residential building is unforgettable. To me it may be the most deliberately ugly building that I have ever seen. It consists of two massive concrete towers connected by an aerial bridge. A revolving restaurant sits on top, resembling a spaceship. It conspicuously stands on the road from Belgrade’s airport to the city center.
Overall, more than 20 brutalist, iconic buildings stand in Belgrade. Other significant examples include the Rudo Building (Eastern City Gate), Palace of Serbia and Sava Center.
Enjoy Belgrade!
From the elegance of the Habsburg Empire to the Brutalist architecture of socialist Yugoslavia, Belgrade intrigues in a unique way. I found a no-nonsense tone to the city that is street smart about the ways of the world. After all, the city has transformed 44 times earning its name the “White Phoenix.” I hope to return and explore Belgrade even more. If your travels bring you to Belgrade, please share comments or tips below.
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