Belgrade hotels

Hotels in Belgrade

One of the oldest cities in Europe, Belgrade is the capital of Serbia, and the country's largest city. With evidence of a long and chaotic past wherever you look, the city is moving rapidly towards a bright future, and is now a top tourist destination.

History

Belgrade has an immensely long and varied history, dating right back to the 4th century BC, when the area was settled by Celtic tribes. Later on, it became the Roman city of Singidunum, and splendid relics of that era can still be seen in the city today. Through the Middle Ages, Belgrade became a Serbian stronghold until the Ottoman invasion. The city changed hands between the Ottomans and the Austrians several times until 1878, when Serbia obtained its independence, and Belgrade finally became the capital.

Things to see

With such a long history, visitors don't have to spend long in the Belgrade area before stumbling upon a fascinating building or museum. The Kalemegdan Citadel is impressive, and it's easy to understand why over 115 battles were fought over it, destroying it over 40 times throughout the centuries. Building began in the time of the ancient Celts before the Romans extended the build onto the flood plains during the settlement of Singidunum.

One of Belgrade's best museums is the Nikola Tesla Museum, dedicated to honouring the life and work of the great inventor, Tesla (1856-1943). He was a futurist, best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating electricity supply system (AC). Tesla's ashes are kept here in a golden sphere, his favourite geometrical object, and visitors can also see many of his patents including the famous Tesla Coil.

Other places of interest include Skadarlija – a vintage street, The National Museum, The National Theatre, Nikola Paši? Square, Knez Mihailova Street, The Church of Saint Sava and The Old Palace. There are also many parks, monuments, museums, cafés, restaurants and shops on both sides of the river. The hilltop Avala Monument and Avala Tower – which is the Monument to the Unknown Hero WWI memorial, also offer beautiful views over the city.

Arts and culture

Belgrade is the site of many annual international cultural events, including the Film Festival, Theatre Festival, Summer Festival, Music Festival, Book Fair and the Beer Fest. Much of Serbia's film industry is based in Belgrade, and FEST is perhaps the most well know festival, an annual film festival held here since 1971, having presented over 4000 films since that time.

Food and drink

Belgrade has a great number of cuisines on offer. Traditional Serbian restaurants offer delicious food, and diners are often accompanied by musicians who roam from table to table. Chinese, Italian, Japanese, French, Greek and Mexican are just some of the other international cuisines on offer in the city.

Try Salon 5 for a romantic Italian meal for two, or perhaps Casa Nova for some French cuisine. Zavicaj Restaurant and Mala Fabrika both offer some fabulous traditional Serbian dishes in an authentic location. For pudding, take a stroll to Moritz Eis for some of the best ice cream in the city.