Did you know that Belgrade means White City in Serbian? This Balkan city of lights is perhaps one of the most important cultural centers of the region. From an impressive medieval fortress to socialist buildings and museums dedicated to the most influential historical figures, Serbia’s capital offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

Here are the top 5 places you don’t want to miss in Belgrade:

Knez Mihailova

Start by the main pedestrian street of Belgrade, considered one of the most precious landmarks of the city.

This one-kilometer-long street originates from Roman times and was preserved during Ottoman and Austrian occupations.

One of the most notable monuments is the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, built at the beginning of the 20th century.

Today, Knez Mihailova is a witness to this city’s incredibly turbulent history.

Church of Saint Sava

Also known as the “New Hagia Sophia”, the Temple of Saint Sava is one of the largest Orthodox churches and the most recognizable monument in Belgrade. Dedicated to the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church Saint Sava, the temple was finalized in then-communist Serbia and used as a depot by the German army and Tito’s partisans during WW2. Since then, it is one of the most important religious, cultural, and historical buildings in Belgrade.

Museum of Yugoslavia

If you want to understand better the history of Yugoslavia, this is the museum you need to visit. Of course, you can always ask baby boomers to give you a clearer idea of what Yugoslavia truly meant for them.

Yugo-nostalgia is a social phenomenon describing the emotional longing (or ‘saudade’) for the country that once united Yugoslavs (or the “Southern Slavs”).

The Museum of Yugoslavia chronicles the period from the Kingdom of Yugoslavia to the breakup of Socialist Yugoslavia. President Tito’s grave can be found in the House of Flowers.

With all sorts of archives and objects, this museum will take you to a time often described as “dictatorship” by some, and most certainly as “the good old times” by others. 

Nikola Tesla Museum

Next stop: a science museum. And not just any science museum. You don’t need to be a science nerd to be intrigued by this figure.

Nikola Tesla is perhaps the most famous Serbian in the world. Born into a Serbian family in the Austrian Empire, Tesla’s inventions changed the world. Can you believe that this passionate futurist visualized wireless communication back in the 19th century? Most of his inventions were way ahead of his time to be implemented.

The basis of wireless communication is his first remote control device – a remote control ship, using electromagnetic waves. The museum consists of collections and patents, as well as personal items that belonged to Tesla. 

Kalemegdan

Located on the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, this Belgrade Fortress is the historical center of the city. In fact, the city owes its name to the white shining walls of the fortress, built in the 3rd century BC and later reconstructed by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. This is the place to visit if you want to relive the puzzling Medieval Ages.

P.S. It’s cold in November… but absolutely worth it!

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