New Belgrade and Zemun
We are
situated in the part of the capital city called New Belgrade. So, apart from
visiting the Old Town, you should not miss this beautiful part. With a familiar
blueprint, “Novi Beograd” was born from the ashes of World War II.
1. The Palace of
Serbia
The Palace of Serbia
(Serbian: Палата Србије / Palata Srbije) is a building located in the Novi
Beograd municipality of Belgrade, Serbia. The building is used by the
government of Serbia and currently houses several cabinet level ministries and
agencies.
The technical name of the
building is Savezno izvršno veće 1 (SIV 1) as it was used by the Federal
Executive Council of Yugoslavia. later, it was informally known as the Palata
Federacije (Palace of the Federation) before given its present name.
2. Museum of
Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art
(Serbian: Музеј савремене уметности/Muzej savremene umetnosti) in Belgrade is
an art institution which collects and displays work produced since in 1900 in
Serbia and former Yugoslavia. The museum also organizes international
exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. It was founded in 1958 as the
Museum of Modern Art and was the first Contemporary Art museum in Europe. The
permanent exhibition numbers more than 35,000 works of art.
3. Sava Center
Sava Center is the largest congress, cultural and business center
in Serbia, and one of the largest in Europe, whose main role is to organize
congresses and art conventions and similar events. Sava
Center was erected in 1977 as a modern building complex in one of the best
areas in Belgrade, located just five minutes from the city center and 15
minutes from the Belgrade Airport. Sava
Center is member of a number of prominent international congress and arts
associations such as ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association),
AIPC (The International Association of Congress Centres), ISPA (International
Society of the Performing Arts), ILMC (International Live Music Conference).
4.
Belgrade Arena
Numerous European and world sporting events have been held in
Belgrade’s stadia and on its sports fields. Belgrade Arena (Kombank Arena) is a
multi-functional venue for all sporting, cultural and entertainment events and
has a capacity of 20,000.
5. Park of
Friendship (Park prijateljstva)
Park of Friendship is the
park where we are situated. Park was created in 1961 and it was dedicated to a
newly organized Non-Aligned Movement. In central area lies Peace Alley with 26
plane trees planted by presidents of non-aligned countries and a sculpture of a
flower made by sculptor Lidija Mišić. Park prijateljstva is occasionally used
for various culture events including concerts and Beer Fest that is held every
August.
6. Gardoš
The formerly separate town of Zemun,
which is today a municipality of the city of Belgrade, was settled in the 3rd century BC by a Celtic
tribe known as the Scordisi who called it Taurunum. The highest point in Zemun
is a hill known as Gardoš, from which a view extends over the whole of Zemun,
the Danube and the centre of Belgrade. There is also the 36 m high Millennium
Tower, otherwise known as the Tower of Sibinjanin Janko (Kula Sibinjanina
Janka), built by the Hungarians in 1896. The area around Gardoš is distinctive,
with its narrow cobbled streets and unusual architecture. At the foot of the
hill, on the Zemun Quay, on the banks of the Danube, there are numerous
restaurants offering live music, as well as cafés and clubs. It is also a
popular place to walk and meeting-place for fishermen and artists with its
marinas and galleries.
*Gardoš Hill is heart of
Zemun. This part of Zemun differs from Belgrade architecturally and by its
spirit. Narrow streets and the proximity of Danube, with which Zemun is in an
"intimate relationship", give a specific charm to Gardoš. With its
bistros, it is an equivalent of Skadarlija, but instead of traditional Serbian
specialities, it mostly offers fine fish dishes. Its cobblestone streets rise
above the Danube and offer beautiful view over the river, the confluence and
Belgrade.
*On a top of a Gardoš Hill stands Millennium Tower or formerly known as Sibinjanin Janko Tower (named
after Hungarian hero who allegedly died in this place). It was built in 1896 on
a place of former Zemun Castle to celebrate 1.000 years of Hungarian rule in
this area. Today, ground floor of Millennium Tower serves as an art gallery. On
the first floor, you will find observation deck and permanent exhibition
dedicated to Serbian scientist Milutin Milanković who was the first to explain
how climate changes affect the Earth. Gardoš is centre of cultural events in
Zemun and it hosts various theatre and music festivals, especially during
summer.
*Zemun Cemetery was
opened in mid XVIII century. Today it is devided on three parts: catholic and
Orthodox cemetery. Catholic cemetery includes Muslim and Jewish cemetery too.
If you search around you can see remains of neolitic settlement which was
destroyed in fire, old Medevial fortress walls, bastion from 1841... Choose one
of the gates and start your own reserach!
*So, to sum up, don’t miss a chance to visit all the things we mentioned before, because everything is very close to Arkabarka and Belgrade is not just the centre or the Old Town, you have to see something different!*
Facilities
*We have to offer you free bikes. So, while you are in Belgrade, you
have an incredible opportunity to explore beautiful parts and views on the
river bank. Also, you can cycle the main EUROVELO 6 route.
***We also offer to our guests
Belgrade free walking tour***
*City Center Free Walking
Tour* **During the winter time:
!Every day at 10.30am and 2pm! Tuesdays,
Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
*Meeting point: Republic Square (in front of the clock).
Enjoy and
discover Belgrade with locals!
Insightful,
fun-filled and informative walks with locals who will tell you about the city’s history, society, architecture,
cuisine, night-life and much more. Focused around the most relevant sights
Belgrade city center has to offer. The goal of this walking tour is to discover
and experience our city through the eyes of insiders, to bring to life streets,
bridges and statues, and of course, to have fun. The tour ends near the famous
Knez Mihailova street with useful tips
for easy orientation when searching for museums, places to go out, places to
eat out, and especially for avoiding tourist traps in the city.
*The walk lasts 2.5 hours and covers:
Republic square, Knez Mihailova street,
Bohemian quarter, Green Market, Silicon Valley, Mosque, Kalemegdan park, Belgrade
Fortress, Roman well, Belgrade underground, Cathedral church… and much more.
BELGRADE PUB CRAWL
Meeting
point: Republic Square (in front
the monument)
***Thu,Fri,Sat
start @ 10 pm***
*Reservations
are required !
Pre-booking : belgradefreetour@gmail.com or telephone +381616197476
*Belgrade Pub Crawl can organize pub crawl tour for groups ,on
request,any day of the week.Feel free to contact us.
As you probably know, and if you don’t you’ll soon find out,
Belgrade has a really unique and unforgettable night life. It includes famous pubs,
cafes, underground clubs, stylish bars and
of course, floating clubs on its river banks. Our mission is to take you
to the places that you can’t find on your own, where you can experience the
best local parties, together with other travelers.
Participation 10€ includes:
*3-4 awesome bars and clubs
*4 Free shots and drinks
*Amazing drink deals
*Queue jump entry
*Charming hostess..
And...
One more important thing, not to forget –
we can offer you a boat tour
*Arkabarka breakfast served onboard (8am-11am)-price: 5 eur per person
*Private
boat tour-Danube and Sava river-price: 50eur/hour
80eur/2 hours
*Boat ride
to the restaurant Floating fishpond for lunch or dinner (not included in the
price), duration of
tour is 2.30 hours and the price is 70eur
*Night boat
trip (after 10pm)-price: 100eur/hour
150eur/2 hours
*Taxi boat
service to Kalemegdan or Zemun(8am-10pm)-price: 25eur(maximum for 8 people)
The first day of staying in Belgrade or ONE DAY in Belgrade
*Even
though Belgrade is not a big city, it has a lot to offer. However, due to a
busy schedule many travelers don't have enough time to make a proper visit to
the city. Many say that sightseeing of Belgrade in one day is not possible, but
we are here to reassure you. Well, you can't see absolutely everything, but you
can visit the most famous attractions and feel the Belgrade essence. The best
thing is that everything is close to each other, within short walking distance.
1. Belgrade Fortress – Kalemegdan
Belgrade sightseeing should start in the place
where every story, tale and myth about the city were made. Belgrade Fortress is
the largest free attraction of the city with its gates open 24/7, all year
round.
As one of the world's oldest strongholds, visit
to Belgrade Fortress can be considered a unique experience. While walking
across very old remains of former fortress (some of them even 600 years old)
try to picture in your head life back in the old days - high towers, solders in
trenches, horseman bringing news to ruler, battles.
Due to its good location, lying on the ridge
overlooking confluence of two big European rivers, the Sava and Danube,
fortress was subject of dispute for ages. It was invaded for more than 100
times and many lives were lost. However, after Turks the last invaders left
Serbia fortress slowly became huge city park and stays that until today.
If you want to make a quick visit to the fortress
than take a stroll down the promenade overlooking New Belgrade, take a photo at
Victor Monument and confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, visit Military
Museum and Gallery of Natural History Museum.
*The
Victor - Pobednik - is commissioned to stay at a grand commemorative
fountain on Terazije square, with pigeon in one hand and sword in the other.
But as the statue was nude, many Belgrade citizens were disapproving the idea,
thinking it was would bad influence on Belgrade ladies' morale. Therefore,
statue was transferred here, with it-s back turned away from the old part of
the city, so it-s nudity wouldn't be too obvious. It became the symbol of the
city.
* Ružica
Church is the oldest church in Belgrade, dating
from the 18th century. For a certain period during its history, it was a
Turkish gunpowder depot. After some time it was transformed again into church,
but this time military. At the church entrance stand two sculptures - one
representing a soldier from the army of Dušan the Mighty, Serbian king and the
other presenting a solder from the Balkan Wars.
Ružica Church is one of ten most interesting
ecclesiastical buildings in the world because of its chandelier completely made
of bullet casings.
* St. Petka Chapel is named after the most popular female saint among Serbian women
and is located right next to Ružica Church. It was built next to the
"miraculous" spring, which appears in every place dedicated to this
saint. The chapel is from 1937.
2. Knez Mihailova Street
Knez Mihailova Street is the favorite city
promenade and lies in between Terazije Square and Kalemegdan. It is the main
meeting point, easy reachable from every part of the city. As epicenter of the
culture and history, Knez Mihailova was named one of the most beautiful
pedestrian streets in Eastern Europe.
As one of main shopping areas in the city, Knez
Mihailova offers good fun while zigzagging through shops of many popular
fashion brands. Also, you can enjoy a "slice" of fine secessionist
architecture that can be seen in many buildings along the street and relax in
cafes and restaurants.
3. Republic Square
Republic Square is the main meeting place where you can enjoy lazy
afternoon while sipping coffee in the mild autumn Sun, attend concerts, various
performances or just hang around doing nothing special. Square is known after
monument of Serbian Prince Mihailo on a horse and buildings of two most
important cultural buildings, National Theater and National Museum (which is
unfortunately closed for renovation).
4. Skadarlija
Skadarska Street or Skadarlija as Belgradians
like to call it was and still is bohemian hearth of Belgrade. If you want to
party in an old-fashion Serbian way, with a lot of rakija, good food and live
music performed by string orchestras, than you have to visit Skadarlija. It
represents the spirit of socializing in bistros and vivid nightlife as it used
to be.
Visit one of old kafanas decorated in Serbian
style and mostly with traditional Serbian cuisine.
5. Terazije Square
Terazije Square is one of the most important
squares in the city. It got name after numerous water towers that stood on this
place some 200 years ago. Today stands only one fountain that was built in 1860
to celebrate the second rule of Prince Miloš Obrenović. Besides being a meeting
point, Terazije is gathering place for all lovers of stickers. During summer
time, they come here to exchange stickers from various collector albums.
From the left and right side of the fountain
stand two most important and the oldest Belgrade hotels, Balkan and Moskva.
In vicinity of Terazije Fountain stands Albania
Palace, built in 1937. This building was the first Belgrade skyscraper and the
tallest building in the Balkans before World War II.
6. Republic Parliament
House of the National Assembly, better known as
the Federal or Republic Parliament, is the most important state building where
many important decisions were made (good and bad). Parliament building,
designed in a neoclassical style, was erected in 1936. During the 90s, this
building was symbol of instability and bad ideology.
Parliament stands today not only as a House of
Assembly, but also as a monument of culture since the most famous architects,
designers and artist of their time took part in design of Parliament. Special
attentions should be paid to the sculpture "Play of Black Horses"
that stands in front of the Parliament entrance. Sculpture was made by Serbian
sculpture Toma Rosandić.
7. Old and New Courts
Former Royal Courts (known as Old and New) lie
opposite to Republic Parliament and next to Pionirski Park. Old Court was built
in style of academism between 1882 and 1884 and used by Obrenović ruling
dynasty. In the time of construction, it was supposed to be larger than any
other Serbian ruling residence. Even today, Old Court is considered one of the
finest and most beautiful examples of academism in Serbia. Unfortunately, Old
Court was place of one of the most hideous assassinations in Serbian history.
In the night between 28 and 29 May 1903, conspirators savagely killed King
Aleksandar and his wife Draga and threw them from the balcony on the second
floor to the street. Today, Old court houses the Assembly of the City of
Belgrade and the cabinet of the mayor. New Court was built between 1911 an 1912
by order of ruling family Karadjordjević and it was the official residence of
King AleksandarKaradjordjević. For a certain period, palace served as Museum of
Prince Pavle and from 1948, it became official "house" of Assembly of
Serbia. Currently, president of Serbia uses New Court as his official office.
8. Tašmajdan
Although today Tašmajdan is a popular park, most
Belgradians don't know that this place used to be a stone pit and a graveyard.
And before that, it was southern bank of long gone Pannonian Sea. History tells
us that stone was extracted from here since the Roman times and exploitation
continued during ruling of Ottoman Empire. Until the Second World War,
Tašmajdan was so hollow that Germans made their nests and shelters
beneath the surface.
Up until today, Tašmajdan underground still isn't
completely explored and it is suspected that there are still land mines in some
of those shelters. Although they are not open for public, in some occasions
like during Days of European Heritage held in September, you might have a
chance to visit them. What you can do every day is to enjoy walking and jogging
in the park or contemplating in the terrace of Madera Restaurant, which is
located in the midst of the Tašmajdan Park.
* St.
Mark’s Church was designed to resemble style
of the Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo. Although the church has never been
decorated with frescoes, it possesses a valuable collection of icons. This
church is the resting place of emperor Dušan the Mighty (in whose time Serbia
reached Corinth) and the royal couple Aleksandar Obrenović and Draga Mašin, who
were killed by conspirators and after that Karadjordjević Dynasty took over the
throne.
9. NATO ruins
NATO bombing of Serbia and Belgrade lasted for 78
days, from 24th of March until 10th of Jun 1999. During that time
infrastructure, industrial objects, schools, medical facilities, media houses,
monuments of culture, churches and monasteries were heavily damaged. Although
Belgrade didn't suffer as much as Novi Sad, Niš and Aleksinac where cluster
bombs were dropped on a market place and residential area, Belgrade still has
the most striking ruins. The best-known ruins are Building of Ministry of
Internal Affairs and Yugoslav Ministry of Defence, both in KnezaMiloša Street.
10. Slavija roundabout
Slavija is the fastest, busiest and the craziest
roundabout and intersection in Belgrade. Rumor has it that a group of Japanese
tourists spent half a day just looking on it and trying to figure out how there
are no accidents in such a busy roundabout. On a place of today's so-called
square used to be a large swamp in which Belgradians hunted wild ducks.
Settlement of Slavija was organized after Scottish businessman Francis
Mackenzie bought a piece of land, parceled it out and sold to other people.
During decades, it has developed into big roundabout in which seven streets and
boulevards intersect. In 1988, the first McDonald's in Eastern Europe was open
in Slavija Square.
11. St. Save Temple
St. Save Temple (Hram Svetog Save) is the largest Serbian Orthodox
church, the largest Orthodox place of worship in the Balkans and one of the
largest Orthodox churches in the world, built from 1935 in several phases. It
is 82 meters high. The temple is still under construction, although major works
ended in 2004. The construction of the church lasted more than planed because
of wars, poverty and partly because of communist rule. Church is so big that
can seat more than 10,000 people at the same time. It is built on the place
where Turks burned remains of Saint Sava. Saint Sava, born as Rastko Nemanjić,
was son of Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja and a founder of Hilandar Monastery on
Athos Mountain. (In 1219), he founded Serbian Orthodox Church by winning
independence from Byzantium. He is considered Serbian educator, saint and
patron of schools and education establishments. Although church is still under
construction, you can visit it during the day and evening.
• Russians are finishing the Temple and they bought a hotel for
their artists because that will be cheaper than paying for one. Obviously, it
won’t take them few months to finish it.
* Statue of Karađorđe Petrović (Black George) – born as Đorđe
(George) Petrović, because of his hostility and backround, the Turks nicknamed
him Karađorđe (Turkish for Black George, “kara” means black in Turkish). He was
the lider of „First Serbian Revolution“ in early 19th century. Napoleon once
said Karadjordje is even better leader than him.
The second day of staying in Belgrade
If you like cycling, you must not miss the
chance to see Ada Ciglanlija and cycle around it!
ADA
CIGANLIJA is a big island in the Sava,
Belgrade’s most popular resort and bathing & lounging location. There are
embankments connecting the island to the mainland, thereby creating an
artificial lake, 4.2 km long, 200m wide and 4-6m deep. Both sides of the lake
are nowadays well-developed beaches lined with showers, toilets, cafés and restaurants.
The bathing season on the lake usually runs from 15 June until the end of
September, with lifeguards on duty from 10 am to 8 pm.
You can
reach Ada by bus, car (there is a large car park at the entry to the island,
charging about 2€ for all-day fare), taxi, bicycle (cycle path runs from Dorćol
to Ada, along the Sava bank) and by boat. Boats operate between Ada Ciganlija
and the quay in New Belgrade Blocks 44 and 70 (from 08-20 in fine weather) and
the return fare is about 1€. Boat transport is the best choice for those coming
to Ada from New Belgrade or Zemun (bikes accepted on boats).
Belgrade has recently become richer for a new
landmark. It is Ada Bridge. Many
Belgradians are very proud of the bridge’s monumentality. Ada Bridge is
designed to be the largest single-pylon cable bridge in the world. Moreover, a
documentary television series “Extreme Engineering” on Discovery Channel, aired
an episode about the process of constructing the Ada Bridge.
January 1st 2012, a new bridge, named after a river
island Ada Ciganlija, was opened to public traffic. It is a cable-stayed bridge
over the Sava river in Belgrade. The bridge pylon is located on the tip of the
island which has been reinforced with large amounts of concrete. Before the
opening, the bridge had been constructing for more than 3 years. The Ada Bridge
is designed to reduce traffic passing through the city center and the older
Gazela Bridge.
The bridge consists of 6 lanes and 2
pedestrian/bicycle lanes.
*The
second day, if you like, you can visit some museums. We recommend those two:
1. Nikola Tesla Museum
Address:
Krunska 51
Working
hours: Tue to Fri 10:00 - 18:00
Sat and Sun 10:00 - 15:00
Ticket: 250 dinars (in Serbian)
500
dinars (in English)
Lines: tram 2, 10, 12, 14
bus
24, 26, 27
Nikola
Tesla is often described as one of the most important
scientists and inventors in the world's history, a man who "shed light
over face of the Earth". He is best known for many revolutionary
contributions in the field of electricity and magnetism in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries.
His greatest contribution to science and
technological progress of the world was the rotating magnetic field invent.
Also, he invented the complete system of production and distribution of
electrical energy (motors, generators) based on the use of alternate currents.
His name was given to the SI unit for magnetic induction ("tesla").
Tesla also constructed the generators of high-frequency alternating currents
and high-voltage coreless transformer known today as "Tesla Coil".
In short, if you could separate and identify the
largest Tesla's discoveries that affected our lives the most, then it would be
three-phase electricity induction engine and polyphase system in general.
2. House of Flowers
Address: Botićeva 6, Dedinje
Working hours: Tue
to Sun 10:00 - 20:00 (from May 9 to October 15)
Tue to Sun 10:00 - 18:00
(from October 16 to May 9)
Ticket price: 200
dinars
Lines: trolley 40, 41
House of
Flowers or Mausoleum is resting place of former Yugoslav president Josip Broz
Tito and his wife Jovanka Budisavljević Broz and it is a part of the Museum of
Yugoslav History complex. In addition, complex includes May 25 Museum and Old
Museum. The memorial center includes Memorial collection, Billiard room,
Hunting lodge and the residence in which Tito lived. Residence is now closed
for visitors, while the House of Flowers and May 25 Museum are still open.
* If you
haven’ t seen the six places, which are very close to Arkabarka during your
first day of staying, you should do that the second day, so just turn few pages
back!*
* If you
decide to stay more than two days here, we would like to give you some tips to
go and see more of Serbia!
*Avala*
Although Belgrade is mostly surrounded with
plains, mountain Avala makes an exception. Avala, which lies 15 km south from
the city, is definitely favorite relaxing spot for many Belgradians. It is
place of historical and cultural significance. Mountain becomes
"alive" especially during spring and fall time, when picnic in shades
of the forest represents favorite activity of visitors.
Along the road towards the Avala peak, on the
left side lies historical sight - monument dedicated to Russian war veterans
who died in an airline accident in 1964. At the very top of the mountain, you
will find Monument to the Unknown Hero. It is one of the most notable
sights of Avala. Monument, dedicated to victims of the WWI, was built on a
place where used to stand fortress Žrnovo. King Aleksandar I of Yugoslavia gave
an order to destroy ruins of this former Roman settlement and build the
monument in 1934.
While touring Avala, eventually you will get to
the pride of Belgrade, Avala Tower. Tower is symbol of Belgrade and with
205 meters, it is the highest structure in Serbia. It was destroyed during NATO
bombing in 1999, but later rebuilt and officially opened in April 2010, marking
11th anniversary of bombing of Serbia. Avala Tower has observation deck from
which you can see most of the Belgrade surrounding.
*Novi Sad*
Novi Sad, the capital of Vojvodina, is city of
nearly half a million inhabitants and is the second largest city in Serbia.
Novi Sad is 75km north of Belgrade, which is a one-hour drive on highway E 75.
Known as Serbia’s Athens, the city is also accessible via boat along the Danube
or by train.
Novi Sad’s history dates back to the Bronze Age.
The first settlements developed on the Danube’s right bank, the site of present
day Petrovaradin Fortress. The city enjoyed the free royal city status bestowed
upon it by Empress Marija Terezia in the 17th century. As a result, cultural,
educational, artistic life flourished in Novi Sad.
The first printing house and modern bookstore
opened in the same century; One of the city’s gymnasiums created Letopis Matice
Srpske, a modern literary magazine. Coinciding with a boom in the construction
industry, the Serbian National Theatre was built here in the 18th century.
Petrovaradin
Fortress: Gibraltar on the Danube
Petrovaradin Fortress (Petrovaradinska tvrdjava)
is the city’s most popular and attractive cultural and historic site. The
Austrians originally built it as a military fort to reinforce their defenses
against the Ottomans. Beautifully perched on a high cliff, the fortress
overlooks the Danube. The four-story structure, which has been called the
Gibraltar on the Danube, features 16.5 km of underground galleries, 12,000 gun
holes and 13 gates.
BEYOND NOVI SAD: Sremski Karlovci
Just 11 km from Novi Sad and 57 km from Belgrade,
the quaint city of Sremski Karlovci has been the spiritual, cultural and
educational center of Serbia for over 200 years. The city is accessible via car
or the Romance (Romantika) Train originating in Belgrade.
The baroque style buildings surrounding the
fountain in the town center are of immense importance to Serbian history and
culture. With its two tall bell towers, the 1762 Gathering Church of St.
Nicholas (Saborna crkva Sv. Nikole) is a masterpiece iconostas of Serbian
baroque. The Patriarchy Palace, the residence of the Srem District Episcope, is
considered to be Vojvodina’s most remarkable 19th century building.
According to legend, whoever drinks water from
the 1799 Four Lions Well will return to Karlovci to marry. Serbia’s oldest
gymnasium is located here. The area’s vineyards add to its quaint character and
beautiful scenery.
Sremski Karlovci produces excellent wine. Its rustic cellars draw more and
more visitors each year.
Just 4.5 km from Karlovci, Strazilovo
(Stražilovo) is teeming with traditional taverns (čarda) and cafés. Its open
air spaces are ideal for a range of recreational activities.
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