Belgrade

The Belgrade Fortress in Kalemegdan Park, crowned by the Victor monument, overlooks the confluence of the two rivers. Its walls, gates and towers tell the story of centuries of Roman, Byzantine, Serbian, Ottoman and Austrian rule, and its ramparts are the city’s favourite place to watch the sunset over the rivers and the Great War Island.

From there the pedestrian Knez Mihailova street leads into the city centre, lined with elegant 19th-century buildings, while the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija keeps the atmosphere of old Belgrade alive with its cobbles and traditional taverns. Don’t miss the vast Temple of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.

Across the Sava, the old town of Zemun and its Gardoš Tower offer another view over the Danube, and the House of Flowers, where Tito is buried, recalls the Yugoslav era. In summer, locals head to the lake and beaches of Ada Ciganlija. Belgrade is a key stop on our multi-country tours of the former Yugoslavia, including the Tour of Yugoslavia in 12 Days.

The city is easy to explore on foot, with most sights within walking distance of the fortress, and a boat trip on the rivers shows it from a different angle. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, while summer evenings bring the city’s famous nightlife to the riverbanks.

Gallery photos: Bestalex (CC BY-SA 4.0), Petar Milošević (CC BY-SA 4.0), Ben1152000 (CC BY-SA 4.0), Petar Milošević (CC BY-SA 4.0), Jorge Láscar (CC BY 2.0), BuhaM (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons