Here is a short list of some pretty compelling reasons if you are wondering whether it's worth visiting Belgrade.

... because of rich history

Over the course of time, beside Serbs, Belgrade was ruled by Celtic tribes, Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, Huns, Ostrogoths, Gepids, Avars, Bulgarian Empire, Hungarian Kingdom, Ottoman Empire, Habsburg (Austrian) Monarchy, and Nazi Germany.

Belgrade was bombarded and severely demolished 44 times, and 115 times was at the state of war.

In the 15th and 16th century two great battles were fought for Belgrade, between the Serbs and the Hungarians on one side, and the Ottoman Turks on the other. Throughout the 18th century Belgrade was bombarded and destroyed almost simultaneously by the Austrians and the Ottoman Turks. Then in the 19th century Serbs and Ottomans battled over it. In the Great War (World War I) it was severely bombarded by the Austrians. In the World War II it was bombarded on two occasions, first by the Germans, and in the end by the Allies. Both times the city was demolished almost to the ground. In addition to all of that, Belgrade is the only European city that was bombed after the World War II (in 1999) and you can still see the remains of that in the very center of the city.

Serbia was monarchy, now it is a republic. Before WWII the political system was capithalistic, after WWII it was socialist. One way or another, during the 20th century the people lived for the most of the time under dictatorship. Nowadays, and since the 2000, we live in democracy, or so they say. In addition, after 1990 we are in the state of transition, from the economical standpoint. So, basically, Serbian people saw pretty much of everything. If you like politics and history, here you will find excellent chatting buddies all over the place.

Find out more in the article >>> A brief history of Belgrade

...because of unique mixture of Western, Eastern-Slavic ond Oriental culture, tradition and architecture

The rich history brought many different influences to this region, and it can be seen and felt throughout the city. Taking a walk, you can see precious examples of Academism in architecture, then Serbo-Byzantine style, Secession, Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Classical, Art Deco, Corbusian, Balkan-Oriental profane style, Medieval, or modern concrete, Brutalist, or glass covered high-rise buildings. And, of course, as one of the key features of the city, you must visit and admire beautiful Serbian-Orthodox churches. Belgrade was always open, a true cosmopolitan place, accepting everyone without prejudices.

Belgrade also accepted many progressive ideas over the course of history, and it can be seen especially in modern tendencies in architecture throughout the 20th century. There is a specific aroma to Belgrade, from small one or two-storey house streets, and little squares, open green markets, through bohemian parts of town with great nightlife, to modern administrative and business oriented districts. There is something for everybody's taste.

...because of a beautiful scenery

Belgrade is possibly the only (or one of very few) Capital in the world lying at the confluence of two rivers. A truly wonderful picture of river Sava floating into river Danube can be experienced from the old Belgrade Fortress. The landscape is simply breathtaking. And it is refreshing. Still you can take a walk on one of many Belgrade's promenades by the rivers and enjoy the nature, take a break having a cup of coffee on the river boats, have a cruise on the rivers Sava and Danube, and much more. And this is a place where the East meets the West, in a true sense of an overall atmosphere, tradition, architecture, and way of life.

 ...because of friendly people and great atmosphere

The people of Belgrade learned to accept everybody with open heart. They will bring you home to lunch even if they just met you, because hospitality is valued high and no one should leave Serbia with an empty stomach. Other than that, they like to have fun, to chat and relax over a drink and nice conversation. You'll see gardens of coffee shops and bars in the center of the city packed with people even on a broad daylight working days, so you'll get the impression that no one works and that everybody's living great around here. And it would be very far from the actual truth. But the fact of the matter is that the people of Belgrade learned to live with what they have, and to make the most of it. And they value friendship and personal relationships far more than money.

... because of delicious and abundant food

In relation to the previous point, the food in Belgrade, and Serbia in general, is great and abundant. You will try everything and you will not get enough of it. Quote from our friend Betsy, who travelled the world: "I pay attention to the nutrition, and I manage to stay fit, but Serbia is the only place a grew fat". And it is almost obligatory. You will find yourself eating, compulsively, because everything tastes so good. And you will let yourself go. "I'll do exercises when I get home", you'll think. And you won't regret it even if losing weight proves to be harder than expected.

... because of great nightlife that Belgrade is famous for

Tradition of "Splavovi" (River Boats converted into proper Night Clubs) and "Kafana" (Traditional Serbian Club/Restaurant) is something that is already common knowledge, especially for the people from Balkan region, but also the good word has spread far away and almost everybody who come here is inquiring about this. Like the overall atmosphere in the city, like its architecture, like the people, diversity is something that best describes the nightlife and the music that is played in the clubs. And for that particular reason it feels great to be here. You'll find everything, from international dj hits, to more domestic, pop, rock, dance, modern ethnic or folk music and entertainment. Or something more traditional, if you prefer, in the bohemian district of Skadarlija. In every case, you'll stay until early morning and you'll feel great afterwards.

... because of Nikola Tesla, a man who illuminated the world

The world famous Nikola Tesla museum guards Tesla's precious scientific and personal legacy since 1951 when, by his own wish, all of his belongings were moved from New York to Belgrade. This is, nowadays, maybe the greatest attraction for the people who come to visit Belgrade. Because the people all around the world are finally getting to know Tesla and his scientific merits.