Belgrade, Serbia: Historic Charm & Emerging Vibes 26–27 August 2024
Belgrade offered a perfect mix of Balkan tradition and modern development. As the capital of Serbia, it feels like a city in transition — rooted in history but clearly moving forward.
Arrival by Road
I drove from Romania with my own car, crossing through the mostly empty Serbian countryside. The drive was straightforward and gave me a good sense of the rural landscape before arriving in the bustling capital.
City Impressions
Belgrade still has a strong traditional feel, especially in the old town and along the Danube and Sava rivers. At the same time, you can see modern development happening everywhere. The city has a lively, authentic energy that I really enjoyed.
A few practical notes:
- Serbia is a heavy smoking country. Even in many restaurants, the smoke is noticeable and your clothes will smell like cigarettes afterward.
- On the positive side, I discovered several excellent fine dining restaurants that were surprisingly fancy and delicious.
Must-Try Experience
One highlight was visiting the historic Hotel Moskva. I highly recommend going there for their famous Moskva Schnitt cake — it was excellent and a perfect taste of local tradition.
Final Thoughts
Belgrade surprised me in a good way. It has that raw Balkan character combined with growing sophistication. I only had a short visit, but I could easily see myself returning to explore more of the city and the surrounding region as it continues to develop.
Would I recommend Belgrade? Yes — especially for travelers who enjoy authentic European capitals with history, good food, and a bit of edge. It’s easy to reach by car from neighboring countries and offers great value. I will definitely come back again in the future.
