Belgrade City Break – Serbia Tourism

• Country: Serbia
• City: Belgrade
• Area: 88,361 km²
• Weather: 16°C, Wind S at 31 km/h, 65% Humidity
• Local time: 8:11 AM
• Currency: Serbian dinar
• Language: Serbian
• Population: 8,762,027

While you’ve picked your unique choice of travel destination by picking Serbia for this year’s vacation, half the preparation for your trip will be done once you’ve learned everything about this culturally rich nation. Whether you’ve heard less about Serbia or are familiar with its many adventures waiting to be explored, Serbia is thriving and full of life all round the year. Serbia is one of the most affordable European destinations and is an ideal place for backpackers to see the best of Europe without breaking the bank. Nestled in the Balkans in Southern Europe, Serbia lies amidst Croatia, Hungary, Bosnia, and Herzegovina; other amazing European nations you can add to your itinerary. Serbia has the finest European Entertainment including a thoroughly eventful nightlife.

Serbia has had quite an eventful history which has led to its rich culture and heritage. Once a part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Serbia is proud to be the birthplace of some of the most notable Roman emperors. Serbia is also said to be the birthing place of Vince, one of the oldest Neolithic cultures. After its independence on the 4th of February 2003, Serbia has emerged as a fascinating tourist destination embodying much of European culture. Home to the best tourist attractions of Europe, Serbia is quite popular among its visitors who have tried its many restaurants, gotten a taste of its scintillating nightlife, take a walk across its quiet, rural market towns steeped in ancient Serbian culture, and breathed in its vividly green mountains and valleys.

Belgrade: The most popular capital city in Serbia, Belgrade has all the major tourist sights of Serbia, including the landmark Belgrade Sea and Fortress. Belgrade has its place among Europe’s happening cities owing to its architectural masterpieces dripping in the history of its ancient rulers. Belgrade is the perfect convergence between old-world charm and modern nightlife.

The Serbian people, known as Serbs are truly one of a kind although they share their roots with the rest of South-eastern Europe. Serbs are mainly Eastern Orthodox Christians and are known to be warm and friendly by everyone who has had the privilege of enjoying their hospitality. Serbians are ethnically diverse but essentially one in spirit. There is no religion followed by the state and the country treats people of different nationalities and backgrounds with equal respect. Being kissed thrice on the cheek is considered a way of expressing affection by the Serbs. Serbs are a hearty lot who enjoy music, dance, and festivities and are ever willing to have a good time while they raise their glasses in ‘Zivelli!’, or ‘Cheers’ to their guests.

Serbia is known for freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, mostly in the south. The North is blessed to have continental weather with hot summers and moderately cold winters. But the South of Serbia including Belgrade and Novi Sad see temperatures dipping up to -10°C and in a few places including Zlatibor, Kopaonik, and Sjenica, temperatures can drop up to -18°C amidst incessant snowfall. Considering special events and festivities taking place round the year like The Exit Festival, The Belgrade Music Festival, Orthodox Easter, etc. as well as the ideal climate to see all the places of importance in Serbia; you will find that the months of May, June, and September are ideal for planning a trip here.

The currency of Serbia, the Serbian Dinar or the RSD has bright colors and large denominations on its notes with the 10 Dinar Note being the lowest denomination in circulation. Then you have 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 RSD being the highest denomination notes in circulation. The Serbian Dinar is pretty weak with 1 RSD being equivalent to 0.010 USD so you can rest assured that your trip to Serbia will be affordable but action-packed, all the same. The Serbian economy is largely cash-based so tourists planning to spend more than a few days sight-seeing, shopping, or partying must arrange to pay for them mostly in cash since ATM, Card, and Bank Transactions may not always be successful or accessible for overseas customers especially in rural parts of Serbia. That said, Serbia does have modern banking facilities and your Visa and Mastercard Credit Cards can be used within the country.

Belgrade is Serbia’s Nightlife capital. This city comes in the league of the best party cities in the world and has the best of European Nightlife for everyone to revel in. Clubbing and Bar-Hopping in Belgrade is inexpensive and eventful. KC Grad in Belgrade is a former military barrack turned cultural centre which turns into a club on weekends. Its one of Belgrade’s best places to spend a night full of ear-shattering music, getting drunk up to your nose and still not being completely broke. Belgrade night clubs are divided into summer and winter clubs that serve a wide range of entertainment and music, depending on your tastes. Make sure you reserve tables in advance owing to the sheer volume of Belgrade party goers. You will also find plenty of pubs, wine bars, and lounges to experience the best of Belgradian nightlife. Check out some of Belgrade’s quaint garden bars for a nice afternoon Serbian drink. If you’re in the country when its cold, perhaps you could choose a nice vaulted cellar to keep warm and have a good time.

English is widely spoken in Serbia, but it wouldn’t hurt to learn the local tongue to blend in with the locals and see the best non-touristy treasures in the country. Learning the basics of the Serbian language will ensure that you’re in favour with the locals and you will find it a lot easier to navigate your way through the country, making the best of your vacation. Serbian is the official language of Serbia and the script followed uses the Cyrillic and the Latin alphabet. English, German, French, and Italian are also widely spoken throughout the country, along with Hungarian in some parts of Serbia like the North-western Vojvodina region. The Serbian language holds many similarities with the Bosnian and Croatian languages. Learning the commonly used phrases for asking directions and to engage in simple conversation with the locals will make your trip more enjoyable and fruitful. This vacation take a detour and travel to the hidden European gem, that is Serbia instead of the other tried and tested commonplace tourist destinations and boast of a truly one-of-a-kind Serbian holiday.