View from above of a harbour on a riverbank in the evening light. Several excursion boats are moored in the harbour. The riverbank is lined with trees and there are buildings behind it and a church tower in the distance.

View from above of a harbour on a riverbank in the evening light. An excursion boat is moored in the harbour. The riverbank is lined with trees and there are buildings behind it and a church tower in the distance.

Belgrade

Time difference: &nbsp;none
Population: &nbsp;1.4 million
Official language: &nbsp;Serbian
Currency: &nbsp;Serbian dinar (RSD)

Published: 22 August 2024, 10:52

A Balkan Metropolis Full of Contrasts

Belgrade is where old meets new, monumental meets minimal, east meets west: the pretty old town districts are filled with narrow streets and historic buildings, such as the Kalemegdan Fortress, which towers over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Right next to it is the “new town” of Novi Beograd with its impressive high-rise buildings and wide boulevards. The architecture reflects Belgrade’s eventful history, from neoclassical and art nouveau buildings to socialist prefabricated buildings and modern glass fronts.

The Balkan metropolis’ vibrant nightlife is legendary: old town districts such as Skadarlija have a historic vibe with traditional restaurants, kafanas and live music, while the Savamala district is known as a hotspot for art, culture and nightlife. Belgrade is also characterised by its many splavovi – numerous bars and clubs on boats along the banks of the Danube and Sava rivers.