A Trip Through Belgrade's 'Mini Berlin' Neighbourhood

It's a long drive to Belgrade, so on your way why not make a quick stop at this picturesque lake on the way? It's the perfect spot to relax, recharge and get ready for the rest of your drive to Belgrade.

This car park is both conveniently located and not all that bad to look at - a rare thing for car parks! Park up here, and it's just about time for lunch.

It's time to grab some lunch, and this hip cafe on the edge of the Savamala district seems like the perfect place to do it. It may look unassuming from the outside, but it opens out into an inviting courtyard where it can be all too easy to lose track of time on warm summer evenings.
They have a small menu of snacks and sharers that should fill your hunger nicely before you head out to explore Belgrade.
Opening Hours Monday - Friday: 9am - 1am Saturday: 5pm - 1am Sunday: 9am - 12am

Belgrade Fortress is probably the most popular tourist sight in Belgrade and is a must-see if you're passing through the city.
It is the original 'core' of Belgrade, and its history dates all the way back to the 3rd or 4th century AD. From the top of the fort you'll enjoy amazing views of the River Sava as well as the city itself.
It's free to enter the fortress grounds, and they're open from 11:00am – 7:00pm (April 1 – September 30) and 10:00am – 5:00pm (October 1 – March 31).
The fortress also contains a number of paid attractions. You can find out their prices and opening hours on the official website.

Down the hill from the fortress lies Republic Square; the beating heart of the city and a popular meeting spot for locals heading out for the evening. There are sights aplenty to enjoy here, including the Prince Mihailo Monument, National Museum of Serbia and National Theatre of Belgrade.
Or, you can just sit here and soak in the lively atmosphere of this bustling Balkan city.

Having been left abandoned and stained black with pollution over a number of years, the Geozavod has now been restored to its former splendour. It's one of the most stunning buildings in Belgrade, with its baroque architecture and art noveau central dome making it an instantly recognisable city landmark. Both the exterior and interior are well worth a look. A must-visit.

HostelChe is a popular spot for bohemians, locals and travellers who veer on the alternative side of life. You'll enjoy its funky decor, super-friendly staff and cosy shared or private rooms. It's a good time to check-in and drop your bags off before we head to an authentic Serbian eatery nearby.

Mikan Restaurant serves up authentic Serbian dishes from its quaint surroundings. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and despite its central location it has managed to stay true to its roots and to what they do best: traditional Serbian dishes at very reasonable prices.
Opening Hours Monday - Saturday: 08:00 - 23:00 Sunday: 12:00 - 20:00

The Savamala district of Belgrade has been through a tumultuous time in recent years.
Formerly a seedy, forgotten-about area on the edges of central Belgrade, it went through a reinvention that began with the opening of KC Grad in 2009. It is now a bar, nightclub, arts gallery and cultural centre that hosts events throughout the year.
Although the opening of the nearby Belgrade Waterfront has seen a number of Savamala institutions forced to shut, KC Grad is keeping the alternative flame alive for this resolutely-trendy district.
P.S. Whilst you're in Savamala, make sure you keep an eye out for the impressive street art you'll find throughout the area.
Opening Hours Sunday - Thursday: 3pm - 12am Friday - Saturday: 3pm - 1am

This is another of the venues in Savamala that has managed to fight off the threat of closure, and another example of the area's alternative spirit. It tends to attract an eclectic crowd of creatives, artists, tourists, locals and everything inbetween.
After you've tried some of the carefully-selected local craft beers, don't forget to round your night off with an obligatory shot of a local delicacy: rakija.
Opening Hours Monday - Thursday: 9am - 12am Friday - Saturday: 9am - 1am Sunday: 9am - 12am

It's time to head back to the hostel to get some rest before the final day of your trip, when you'll learn about the history of one of Serbia's most famous sons.