Belgrade: A City of Battered History and Irresistible Charms

Belgrade, the capital of today’s Serbia, has suffered tremendously since the day when it was founded, including 40 times during which it was completely destroyed. During World War II, it experienced two large scale bombings campaigns; and in 1999, the air strikes carried out by the NATO air forces destroyed a number of landmark buildings in the city, including a Chinese embassy. Now a Chinese culture center has been established on the ruins of that embassy, which functions to promote the communication between China and Serbia.

Today’s Serbia, flourishing and peaceful with low product prices and beautiful scenery, is an ideal travel destination. The Danube and the Sava congregate in the city and divide it into two parts: old city and new city. All kinds of restaurants, pubs, and cafes are densely dotted along the river, and are favored by both locals and tourists.

If you wish to discover the 19th century’s Belgrade, you must not miss the old Knez Mihailova Street. According to the locals, this area is equivalent to France’s Montmartre because large numbers of artists gather here to create works of art. This narrow street remains the original appearance of the second half of the 19th century. Although the street is not long, it is flanked by traditional Serbian restaurants on both of its sides, among which Tri Še šir and Dva Jelena have already gone through over one century of history. As night falls, traditional music bands begin their performances inside these restaurants, and waiters and waitresses in old-fashioned costumes stand at the doors to attract eaters. Walking along the pebble-paved street is like walking through time-into the past.

During daytime, this city looks more carefree, and you can see locals read in the parks and play their guitars under the trees. You will also become soaked in the artistic styles of all kinds of churches, such as St. Sava Temple (Hram Svetog Save), which is the most magnificent Eastern Orthodox Church on the Balkans, located on one of the hills in the east of the old city.

Walking out of the shadows of war, Belgrade’s nightlife is super rich. Since it is located at the crossroad between the Danube and the Sava, jumping onto a boat to tour the city has turned into one of the flourishing programs. On weekends, you cannot miss Knez Mihailova, where you can dance and drink and don’t have to spend too much money. It is really a lot of fun!