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- Belgrade
Belgrade
'Come to a city where you will feel at home.' This is the call
put out by the Tourism Organisation of Belgrade on its website, but
one that potential visitors to Serbia's capital may feel is rather
exaggerated, given the city's reputation as one of the most
turbulent European cities. The history of Belgrade, originally
known as Singidunum, goes back 6,000 years; the tales of conflicts
and devastation it has experienced in all that time would fill many
tomes. Belgrade, however, always bounces back and is currently
lifting itself up and shaking itself off amid the scars of its most
recent conflagration, when NATO forces bombed the city for 78
straight days in 1999.
Belgrade (or
Beogradin Serbian) is situated in a strategic spot of
south-eastern Europe where the Sava and Danube rivers join on the
Balkan Peninsula. It is not a pretty city, but rather one layered
with the relics of its many generations and invaders, resulting in
a conglomeration of architecture and cultures, which have somehow
melded together to imbue the modern city with its own unique charm.
From the pile of rubble, which is all that remains of the
bombed-out former military headquarters on Kneza Milosa, to the
techno wildness of its famed nightclubs beneath the Kalemegdan
Citadel, Belgrade tells many stories and offers dozens of
experiences.
The best place to begin understanding the city is on the site of
its original ancient settlement, the hill called Kalemegdan, now a
fascinating park-like complex of historic buildings above the Old
Town (Stari Grad). The Military Museum situated here traces the
history of the city's bloody past, from its first conflict with the
Roman Legions in the 1st century BC, to an exhibit of parts of a
United States Stealth Bomber, shot down in the 1999 air raids.
Those who choose to ignore history and enjoy Belgrade as it is
today will find a myriad of leisure and pleasure opportunities, all
offered by the incredibly hospitable inhabitants who are justly
proud of this indomitable city.
Information & Facts
Climate
Belgrade experiences a moderate continental climate with four
distinct seasons. Spring is short, sharp and wet, giving way to
pleasantly warm summers. Autumn can have some very warm spells, but
brings with it periods of dry, windy weather when the 'koaava' wind
blows. Winter brings snow and temperatures occasionally dropping
below zero. The wettest months in Belgrade are May and June.
Getting Around
Having a car in busy Belgrade is often more of a liability than
an asset, the traffic being hectic and parking in the city limited.
The best way to get around the city is on public transport, which
consists of hundreds of buses, trams and trolley buses. It is wise
to avoid rush hour. Tickets for all types of transportation can be
bought from kiosks in the streets, each journey costing 27 dinars.
Tickets can be bought from the drivers, but these are more
expensive. If you need to ask directions be aware it is best to
approach a younger person, as most elderly Belgrade residents will
not understand English. Taxis are cheap and safe, and can be hailed
in the street. Ensure that you pick a licensed taxi: these are
indicated with a small blue sign featuring the city's coat of arms
and a number. Privately owned taxis, sporting a white marker on the
roof, are likely to be extremely expensive.
Language
Serbian is the official language.
Money
The currency of Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD), which is
divided into 100 para. Dinars are not accepted in Kosovo, where the
Euro is the official currency and there are no money exchange
facilities. Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted by
most of the larger hotels and shops in Serbia. There are money
exchange machines in Belgrade that accept Sterling, US Dollars and
Euros. ATMs in the cities usually accept international bank
cards.
Time
Local time is GMT +2 (March to September); GMT +1 (October to
February).