Belgrade, just like other European cities, has its old and new face, its mementos of past and joys of youth. But what makes cities, and indeed people, different are their soul and appearance, the charm and openness that make them special. The beauty of our town is in the smile of its people, their spontaneity and warmth, a friendly and extended hand most sincerely saying – Come again!

Belgrade is a special town – an endless story never reaching the epilogue because of its long, rich and, above all, turbulent history which has left its marks, but also a unique soul created in the richness of differences and spiritual traces. In addition to Athens, Belgrade is one of the oldest European cities, and the culture of Vinča is one of the oldest cultures of the continent.

The Belgrade time machine would bring us straight to the heart of the Belgrade Fortress, the place which seems to have been the cornerstone of all events happening in the town’s life – historical, political, social, cultural … and today it is a popular place for walks and art gatherings. This is how it has been for centuries, and this is how it is today.  

Famous Prince Mihailova street is close to the Belgrade Fortress and the town’s artery you may measure either in meters or in people you meet, favourite places and long-standing institutions.Never deserted … people passing or walking, street performers, and ladies window-shopping together are just a part of its everyday face. It was first mentioned as a street centuries ago, and it developed together with Belgrade. Many of its restaurants, hotels and shops are mentioned in the town’s chronicles, and there are always new noteworthy places yet to be recorded. The street has common popular places, and those each of us feels to be special. The first group is in the city map; the places belonging to the second group are engraved in hearts of the people living in Belgrade. The street will lead you to Trg Republike, the square hosting the town’s most famous monument – Prince Mihailo. The square is bordered by two major cultural institutions – National Museum and National Theatre.Just a few hundreds meters from the town’s central square, its lively and eventful mood fades away.

If you feel like seeing a relaxed Belgrade, the best choice is to go to Skadarlija, the town’s bohemian quarter, the street of cafés and restaurants, a popular place enjoyed by the people of Belgrade and their guests. The time seems to have stopped here, and the hasty everyday life is won over by Skadarlija′s relaxed setting and the aged spirit of the town living another life surrounded by old houses. If you miss Skadarlija and its atmosphere, you could hardly feel the genuine soul of the town and people living in it. It is a street of the past and nostalgia felt for foregone times, and it has the quality of stopped time for us and for our sake. Depending on the occasion and taste, on your mood and the time of day, you may choose the environment and menu in one of many Skadarlija′s restaurants. One thing will never vary: a recognisable homemade taste.

And when you feel like escaping from the city clamour and everyday pressures, there is no need to go far. At no more than 4 km from central Belgrade, you will find Ada Ciganlija, the most popular resort for people of Belgrade and their guests. Its huge green areas, with the lake in the middle, belong to the full list of qualities any town should have to meet the needs of its people. And Belgrade has it. The town with Belgrade’s ambitions would not gain much from its colourful streets and squares if it had no a special and peaceful retreat as Ada Ciganlija.

The time spent in these or many other places will make you realise that you have become attached to Belgrade in a special way. Who knows when exactly this extraordinary chemistry happens to spread, but we know that Belgrade is staying with you, and even when you are packing and intend to leave, you will never leave for good. There are always people, towns and places we are saying GOODBYE to, but what we are actually telling them is SEE YOU SOON

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Map of Belgrade