Belgrade is one of the oldest and most interesting cities in Eastern Europe. The name is somewhat misleading, since it means ‘White City’ – the city is mostly gray, with a mixture of old architecture clashing with socialist realism; but by all means, Belgrade is not gray and dull when it comes to partying! Known as the ‘night life capital’ of the Balkans, Belgrade offers a good time at anytime, day or night. But let us review it in some order, shall we?
If you’re into the whole bohemian thing and want to give your palate a treat, visiting Skadarlija is a must. It’s officially called Skadarska Street, open only for pedestrians (good if you want a few more drinks). It is filled with peculiar and interesting restaurants, cafes of all sizes and offers a nice experience to anyone into traditional music (tambourine, harmonica, violin). Go there at least once just to feel the mood.
In case you like fancy cafes better, there are several ones bound to catch your attention, like Insomnia, Veprov Dah, Simbol, ZuZu, as well as others. Go to StrahinjicaBana Street and visit a few while you’re enjoying your morning or afternoon coffee, and you can watch upper class Serbian society spending their time there. There are actually several cafe zones in the centre of Belgrade, where you have a bunch of little cafes and their gardens in one place (like ObilicevVenac).
A club called ‘Mr Stefan Braun’ is also a very popular destination for travelers. Located in the very centre of the city (the same street houses the government and most of the state ministries) it offers R&B and hip-hop experiences. A word to the wise – don’t mix the drinks too much since it’s near the heavily secured government area!
Travelers who want to have gastronomic experiences will be thrilled – Belgrade is a heaven when it comes to cuisine. From traditional stuff like, ‘burek’ (meat pie) and ‘cevapcici’ (little rolls of minced meat), to international restaurants like Italian, French, Lebanese, Chinese and many others. Travelers can enjoy their time out with a fine meal.
Partying is also not hard to find, since it seems that Belgrade always hosts a number of DJs, musicians, artists, festivals and events. Beer fest is a popular event, where you can get cheap but tasty beer and listen to many famous DJs mixing all night.
There are also a few great places for LGBT travelers, who can spend their time in nightclubs or daybreak cafés like Espeho, 24 or Smiley (the last one is in the very centre of the city). Nightclubs usually attract both gay and straight crowds since popular DJs play there and the entry is cheap compared to other clubs.
Belgrade is also quite safe; with cheap to moderate pricing when it comes to overnight stays (hostels are cheaper than hotels).
Belgrade is also quite safe; with cheap to moderate pricing when it comes to overnight stays (hostels are cheaper than hotels).
Another major jewel of Belgrade’s nightlife are the rafts. Since the city lies upon the confluence of two big rivers (Sava and Danube), boats posing as restaurants, restaurants on rafts, rafts serving as nightclubs are a common occurrence and a synonym for a good party night in Belgrade. During summer, there are quite a few events at Ada Ciganlija (a river peninsula serving as a beach) where you can also swim and get a nice tan.
Of course, you’re free to roam on your own and discover unknown bars, clubs and hidden night life – that is the beauty of Belgrade: exotic Eastern European charm coupled with fast-paced night life.
Mona Mangat writes for WithoutTheStress.com, a travel document expediter specializing in Same Day passports rush passports UK Visasand other time sensitive travel documents.
