LOCAL GUIDE

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.