Written by: Milica Bokšan
If you want to know more about Belgrade and learn how to talk about Belgrade in Serbian, you’re in the right place!
A city on two rivers, a white city with a turbulent history, a city with the best nightlife – these are just some of the descriptions of the capital of Serbia.
Famous Serbian author, Duško Radović, once said: Anyone who woke up in Belgrade can consider that they have done enough for today.
Belgradians obviously love their city, so how about we get to know Belgrade a little better?
What to visit in Belgrade
We have already written about what you should visit when you come to Serbia.
The list includes Kalemegdan and the Temple of Saint Sava, which are located in Belgrade.
Now, we will suggest a few more places in the capital of Serbia that will surely leave an impression!
#1 Botanical Garden
Botanička bašta Jevremovac (= The Jevremovac Botanical Garden) is a must-see point for every tourist who finds himself in Belgrade.
In fact, it is so beautiful that many locals often visit it and spend time there surrounded by incredible nature.
A special segment of the Botanical Garden that captures the special attention of visitors is the Japanski vrt (= Japanese Garden).
The garden also contains a library with over 6,000 books, including Pliny the Elder’s Natural History, printed in 1562.
Today, concerts and theater plays are held in the Botanical Garden, as it’s often used as a movie set.
For example, popular Serbian films such as Montevideo, Bog te video! (= Montevideo, God bless you!) and Mi nismo anđeli (= We are not angels) are filmed there.
#2 National Museum of Serbia
The largest and oldest museum in Belgrade is Nacionalni muzej Srbije (= The National Museum of Serbia). It is located in the center of Belgrade and was founded in 1844.
It contains archaeological artefacts from Vinča and Lepenski Vir (the two largest archaeological sites in Serbia), numismatic collections, and a medieval collection that includes Miroslav’s Gospel, one of the most important Serbian manuscripts.
When it comes to paintings, the works of numerous Serbian artists such as Paja Jovanović, Uroš Predić, and Sava Šumanović, along with works of international artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso all await you in this museum.
#3 Skadarlija
Skadarlija is a bohemian quarter in the center of Belgrade that used to be the main place for writers, singers, painters and other members of the crème de la crème of Belgrade society.
Here you will encounter numerous cult restaurants such as Dva jelena (= Two Deer), Tri šešira (= Three Hats), Zlatni bokal (= The Golden Jug) and others. Today, there are also modern cafés such as Red Bar where you can enjoy great cocktails, while top-notch prepared dishes and tambourines await you in the aforementioned restaurants.
The street is paved with cobblestones, so even if you go out for a night out in Skadarlija, we advise you not to wear any unstable shoes.
#4 Knez Mihailova Street
Knez Mihailova Street is the main street in Belgrade.
It is always crowded, but there are enough restaurants and cafés that you will definitely find a place to rest after walking or shopping.
Before shopping malls became popular in Serbia, shops on Knez Mihajlova Street were the main place for shopping. But that does not mean that they are any less popular today.
Near the beginning of this street is one of the most popular and oldest hotels in Belgrade, Hotel Moskva, where you can enjoy a magnificent atmosphere that Albert Einstein, Robert De Niro, Indira Gandhi and other famous people also enjoyed!
7 Interesting Facts About Belgrade
1. Belgrade has had more than 15 different names throughout history
Besides the name Belgrade, the Roman name Singidunum is very well known. Some lesser-known names are Biograd on the Danube, Alba Graeca, Fehérvár…
2. Belgrade under Belgrade
We know how it sounds, and yes, there is a city under the city. These are the remains of an old Roman city from the 1st century BC.
Today there are tours you can book and guides will take you through this historic underground.
3. Thermal springs
It was discovered that there are thermal springs under Belgrade whose temperature reaches up to 30 °C!
It turned out that in terms of their quality, they are among the five best sources in Europe.
4. Mummy in Belgrade
There is also an Egyptian mummy in Belgrade. It dates back to 300 BC and is located at the Faculty of Philosophy in the city center.
5. The first tavern in Belgrade
Allegedly, the first tavern in Europe was opened in Belgrade in 1522.
6. Cave in the middle of the city
Underneath the church of St. Mark (Crkva Svetog Marka) on Tašmajdan there are real caves connected by corridors, and now you can book a guide to take you on a tour through these caves.
7. The longest street in Belgrade
The longest Belgrade street is Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra (= The King Alexandar Boulevard), and it takes at least two and a half hours to walk its full length.
Let’s talk about Belgrade in Serbian!
Now that you have learned a little more about this amazing city, it is time to learn a few phrases to find your way around Belgrade when you visit it.
Don’t forget that the locals like it the most when they see that someone has tried to learn their language, which is also the case with Serbs.
First, do you know how to say Belgrade in Serbian? It’s pretty easy to learn since it sounds very similar to the English language translation. Belgrade in Serbian is Beograd! It means the white city.
And now, here are a few Serbian phrases to help you navigate the city:
- Gde je najbolja hrana u Beogradu? = Where is the best food in Belgrade?
- Mogu li da dobijem jelovnik/kartu pića? = Can I have a menu/drink’s menu?
- Izvinite, može račun? = Excuse me, can I get the bill?
- Može karticom? = Can I pay by card?
- Gde mogu da nađem taksi? = Where can I get a cab?
- Možeš li mi pozvati taksi? = Can you call me a cab?
- Kako da dođem do Trga Republike? = How can I get to the Republic Square?
- Gde mogu da kupim ulaznice? = Where can I buy the tickets?
- Koja su najbolja mesta za noćni provod? = What are the best places for a night out?
- Gde je najbliža autobuska stanica? = Where is the nearest bus stop?
- Kako da kupim kartu za autobus? = How do I buy a bus ticket?
- Gde je najbliži supermarket/ najbliža prodavnica/apoteka? = Where is the nearest supermarket/shop/pharmacy?
- Može kesa? = Can I get a bag?
- Gde mogu da zamenim novac? = Where can I exchange money?
Let’s Sum up!
Use this blog post as your mini guide through Belgrade. Finding your way in a new city is not easy, but it doesn’t have to be difficult either.
You will enjoy discovering the charms of Belgrade – a lot is going on, so everyone can find something to suit their taste. And even though life is fast, you can find many quiet corners to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you want to discover the charms of the Serbian language and learn how to talk more about Belgrade in Serbian, check out our A1.1 self-study course!
