Surging Serbia

Opening doors to tourism

By Farah Amin

For history and culture buffs, as well as any tourist for that matter, the Kalemegdan Citadel is a worth checking out as it’s considered to be the most attention grabbing sight. This Citadel was destroyed 40 times throughout the centuries and is a must-visit historic spot in Belgrade. Some 115 battles have been fought over imposing, impressive Kalemegdan.

The fort’s bloody history remains noticeable despite today’s overabundance of cheerful cafes and funfairs, only makes Kalemegdan all the more fascinating.

Release your inner nerd with some sci-fi-ish interaction by meeting the man on the 100DIN note at one of Blegrade’s best museums the Nikola Tesla Mueseum.

A visit to Maršal Tito’s grave is mandatory where there are thousands of elaborate relay batons presented to him by young pioneers and gifts from political leaders and the voguish set of the era on display.

Go underground in Belgrade to delve deeper into Belgrade’s boisterous past, from Roman times until the Cold War on this fascinating two-hour tour of subterranean caves, bunkers and secret passageways. Bookings are a must.

Skadarska is repeatedly named the Montmartre of Belgrade because it is where the bohemian, poets and artists hung out in the early 1900s. Today this cobbled street is famous for its Balkan taverns, strolling musicians, cafés and art galleries. In summertime, the restaurants turn out onto the street, and music, theatre and cabaret performers entertain customers and passers-by.Some restaurants have unusual names like Tri Šešira (Three Hats – it was once a millinery), Ima Dana (There Are Days), Dva Jelena (Two Deer) and Dva Bela Goluba (Two White Doves).

Novi Sad is Serbia’s second city that is worth the visit all year round thanks to its relaxing old town and dramatic citadel. However this changes a bit over summer, where it explodes with a flood of festivalgoers since Novi Sad hosts one of Europe’s premier music festivals where it takes place at the beautiful fortress.
Novi Sad is also home to various interesting cafés, bars, museums, pedestrian streets and the mighty Petrovaradin Citadel. It is worth a day trip or a longer from Belgrade to discover the monasteries and vineyards of Fruška Gora.