GENERAL INFO BELGRADE 2018efsli.org/efsliblu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Welcome-to... · 2018-07-04 · century AD, when it served as a permanent Roman military camp. The Belgrade

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GENERAL INFO BELGRADE 2018

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Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is the capital of the Republic of Serbia. With a population of about 2 million, Belgrade is the third largest city in Southeastern Europe after Istanbul and Athens. It lies at the confluence of clashing cultures, where east meets west, and the Sava flows into the Danube. Belgrade’s recent revival as a leading hub in Balkan Europe makes it a must see destination. The city has its own vibrant spirit, distinctly different from the remainder of Serbia, and is populated by the bon vivants that circulate its café culture, nightlife and indulge in its Mediterranean flavor of life and nonconformist lifestyle. Belgrade is a metropolis exotic to Westerners with an elaborate, sometimes turbulent, history that holds the interest of all those who visit it. A recent shift away from its traditionalist culture has made Serbia an interesting place to travel to and it thrives in welcoming foreigners. Its name (Beograd) in Serbian translates to “The White City”.

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SIGHTSEEING IN BELGRADE

Knez Mihailova Street

The main promenade and heart of the Old Town of Belgrade. A pedestrian area, it stretches between Terazije and Kalemegdan Park, along the Republic Square, the National Theater, and other historic sites. Buildings erected in the late 19th century adorn the street. While you're there, especially if it's summer, remember to sit down (or rather lie down in one of their beach chairs) for a cappuccino or a refreshing cocktail in The Plato Club - and then come back in the evening for some jazz.

Kosancicev Venac An area located on a hill above the Sava River Port, where a Serbian settlement developed outside the fortress walls in the Middle Ages. The lovely cobble-stoned streets are lined with historic houses and have an amazing view of the river. You will find yourself in what was once the very heart of the city, around which Belgrade was built and spread. Today, it features art studios, galleries, cafes, the main building of the College of Arts and the National Library. Once you are done sightseeing, make sure to have a meal in Belgrade's oldest restaurant “?” (yes, it's actually called the question mark) in Kralja Petra Street, which opened in 1826 – it remains a favorite and captures the authentic atmosphere of yore.

Kalemegdan – The Belgrade Fortress The oldest parts of the Belgrade Fortress “Kalemegdan” date back to the first century AD, when it served as a permanent Roman military camp. The Belgrade fort itself (split into the Lower and Upper towns) and the surrounding area (the Kalemegdan park) are located on the point where the river Sava flows into the Danube, which today means an amazing panorama but once was the main cause of repeated invasion and war over this strategic point. Because of this, Kalemegdan today bears witness to the many centuries of various conquering cultures and arts. After being repeatedly razed to the ground, rebuilt and restructured, it took on its present shape around the end of the 18th century. The park is popular because of its many shaded branches, random sculptures, an art pavilion, zoo, amusement park, and souvenir vendors. It’s a favorite haunt for chess players, squirrels and couples in love.

Skadarlija The “bohemian quarter” of Belgrade - once the home of many Serbian poets, writers, artists, and actors, the cobble-stoned Skadarlija street today hosts some of the best restaurants in Belgrade, all of which strive to preserve bohemian traditions from the early 19th century. Definitely the place to go if

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you want to get a feel of the atmosphere of Belgrade's old times, cruise art galleries, shop for antiques, or taste the best of local food. The evening is the best time for a visit, when live traditional Serbian music spills from all tavern doors.

St. Sava's Temple The Saint Sava Temple is an imposing white structure just behind Slavija square. It’s especially interesting during Easter and Christmas, when loud, enchanting bells are rang and thousands of people gather around it. Although the interior is currently unfinished, definitely take a walk around it as the entire plateau has now been reconstructed and makes for a great spot to enjoy a good book outdoors, or just recline in the sun.

Nikola Tesla Museum A museum dedicated to the Serbian inventor, scientist, and electrical engineer, Nikola Tesla, who made revolutionary contributions to the discipline of electricity and magnetism. The museum houses his personal legacy, scientific papers and urn with his ashes.

Zemun This part of town lies across the river from downtown Beograd, meaning that it was usually on the opposite side of the border dividing the Austrian and Turkish empires than the rest of modern Belgrade. While this border shifted innumerable times in the past, Zemun still has a distinctly less Oriental feel and its architecture is more Central European, resembling towns like Novi Sad rather than Belgrade. The center around Glavna street makes for a very nice walk and the long riverside is also amazing. Go tanning on the Lido beach and stop by a fish restaurant for dinner or lunch.

Kalenic Market The biggest open-air market in Belgrade and quite a vibrant place. This market is in the part of the city called Vracar. Take a walk through the colorful stands, chat with the vendors, and you will be given free samples of fruits, cheese or prosciutto. You will also learn that fruit and vegetables of perfect manufactured shape and color that have come straight from greenhouses and haven’t seen the light of day are haughtily disdained. Those with a beautifully fresh scent, homegrown and sold by elderly women in headscarves, are vastly preferred. This is also the best way to observe the locals and become acquainted with the Serbian mentality.

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Ada Ciganlija A large, beautiful island turned into peninsula 4 kilometers from the city center. Ada Ciganlija is not only an amazing natural resort and a favorite picnic spot (perfect for barbecues), but also an outstanding sports venue, a very popular beach, and a great place to go out at night. Sports on Ada Ciganlija include water skiing, rowing, sailing, tennis, paintball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, soap soccer, golf, grass hockey, baseball, rugby, free climbing, bungee jumping, handball, mini soccer, table tennis, chess, and or course, fishing. The beach is lined with cafes and is an ideal spot for a cup of morning coffee or a cold beer in the afternoon. We would strongly advise you to resist the temptation to take a moonlight swim after a certain quantity of alcohol has entered your bloodstream as the water is very unpredictable and can be dangerous especially without a lifeguard on duty.

GENERAL INFO

ELECTRICITY Voltage is 220-230 volts AC at 50Hz cycles per second. The electric socket used is the European CEE 7/7 "Schuko" wall outlet pictured to the left as well as its non-grounded equivalent, the European CEE7/16 "Europlug". See picture below. If your equipment uses different sockets, we advise you to take adapters with you as those are not easy to find around the city.

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HOW TO CALL

Calling from Abroad: The international prefix for Serbia is +381 The area code for Belgrade is 011 When dialing from abroad, the 0 is dropped

Dialing Abroad: The number for calling outside the country is 00 Example: 0044 for the UK; 0033 for France; 0039 for Italy etc.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Police 192 Fire Brigade 193 Ambulance 194 Information 19812 Roadside Assistance 1987

GSM OPERATORS

There are several cell phone operators in Serbia: Telenor (062, 063 and 069) MTS (064, 065 and 066) VIP (060 and 061)

CURRENCY

The official currency in Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD. Coins come in the following denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 dinars. Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 dinars. You can exchange money at a bank or any of the ubiquitous exchange offices around the city (they are marked with the logo of the National Bank of Serbia). Most of the banks in Belgrade will exchange travellers’ cheques, American Express, Thomas Cook, VISA and Eurocheques. Western Union money transfers from abroad can be collected from post offices and most banks. Currently, the average change is approx. 1 Euro-118 dinars.

You can purchase almost any type of goods and services with credit cards, though it is cash only for markets, kiosks, and parking fees. Throughout the city, there is a large number of ATMs where you can withdraw money 24/ 7. The cards that are widely accepted in Belgrade are VISA, MasterCard, Eurocard, Maestro and the local DinaCard. American Express is accepted only by a limited number of shops. For smaller day-to-day payments, it is preferable to pay in cash. Diners Club is not accepted in most of the stores or restaurants.

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SOME OF THE BIGGEST BANKS (present in the the city center)

Komercijalna Banka, Trg Nikole Pašića 2 tel.+381 11 3235 087 www.kombank.com

Banca Intesa, Kneza Mihajla 30 tel. +381 11 201 1441 www.bancaintesabeograd.com Raiffeisen Bank, Kralja Petra 14 tel. +381 11 320 2100 www.raiffeisenbank.co.rs Societe Generale, Kralja Petra 21 tel.+381 11 222 1207 www.societegenerale.co.rs

HOSPITALS

Medical care in Serbia is very solid and safe. However, in case of need, tourists and visitors are advised to use privately owned medical institutions.

As Serbia is NOT part of EU, we also advise all the visitors to purchase the travel health insurance prior to the visit to Serbia. It is available from all the renominated insurance companies in Europe. It is not expensive for couple of days and it saves a lot of trouble.

Medigroup Hospital, Milutina Milankovica 3 tel.+381 11 404 0100 www.bolnica.medigroup.rs

Belmedic Hospital, Koste Jovanovića 87 tel.+381 11 309 1000 www.belmedic.com tel.+381 65 309 1000

PHARMACIES

24/7 Pharmacies: Prima 9, Francuska 24 tel.+381 11 723 4273 Prvi Maj, Kralja Milana 9 tel.+381 11 324 1349 Sveti Sava, Nemanjina 2 tel.+381 11 264 3170

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TAXIS

If hailing a taxi off the street, make sure to check it has TX written on the license plate, otherwise it's a fake. Taxi fare in Belgrade is quite easy on the pocket: there is a start-up fee of 170 dinars and the rate per kilometre is 65 dinars at the low tariff (Mon to Sat 06:00 - 22:00) or 130 dinars at the high tariff (Mon to Sat 22:00 - 06:00, Sunday and public holidays). Avoid taxi drivers that do not belong to any taxi company (their taxi roof signs display only ‘taxi’ without stating a company name), who usually hang around the airport and accost travellers. Inside the taxi, the price list and ID card of the driver must be in clear view. Your fare is shown on the meter. PLEASE NOTE that you should say in advance if you would like to pay by credit card as not all the taxi drivers have that paymnet option.

Reccommended Taxi Companies:

Lux Taxi 011 30 33 123 Pink Taxi 19803 Beogradski Taxi 19801 Beotaxi 1970

RESTAURANTS

Belgrade is famous for its gastronomy and it is very hard to remain hungry. There are parts of the city famous for the numerous restaurants positioned side by side where it is very hard to decide where to go, but it is also hard to make a mistake. Skadarlija (the old bohemian part) is one of these areas and the other one that became very popular for both locals and visitors is near Karadjordjeva street, called Beton hala (at the Sava river – under the Branko's bridge).

Prices are lower then in the rest of Europe and below is the list of recomended places, mix of expensive and cheaper options, sorted by the type of couisine.

Serbian

Madera, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 43 +381 11 323 1332 ($$$) A renowned Belgrade restaurant with an elegant interior and beautiful terrace located on the periphery of Tašmajdan Park. The food is excellent and apart from the national dishes on the menu the Italian chef has also made sure to include some Italian meals and desserts. Open 10:00 – 01:00, www.maderarestoran.com

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The Writers Club (Klub Književnika), Francuska 7 +381 11 262 7931 ($$$) This legendary place features a selection of traditional Serbian dishes. During its hay day, it was the gathering place of Yugoslavian intellectuals. Open 18:00 – 00:00, www.klubknjizevnika.rs Ambar, Karađorđeva 2-4 ($$$) A modern take on Balkan cuisine. Inside its two locations in Belgrade and Washington DC, Ambar blends tradition and heritage with great food and modern design. Open: 10:00 – 02:00, www.ambarrestaurant.com

International

Homa ($$) Žorža Klemensoa 19 (Dorcol) +381 11 328 6659 Nevesinjska 11 (Vracar area) +381 11 245 1225 Very relaxed atmosphere with great choice of dishes. Open 10am-11pm , www.homa.rs

Franš, Bulevar oslobođenja 18a +381 11 264 1944 ($$$) An elegant restaurant named after the French general, Franchet d’Esperey. It has an extensive menu with Serbian and international dishes, an excellent selection of wines (over 400 varieties from all parts of the world) and specialties made of black or white truffles. This restaurant also owns an impressive collection of paintings that decorate the walls. Open: 10:00 – 00:00, www.frans.rs

Na ćošku, Beogradska 37 +381 11 323 6470 ($$) Great atmosphere and very good food. Open 11:30 – 23:30, www.nacosku.rs Kalemegdanska terasa, Belgrade Fortress +381 11 328 3011 ($$) The only restaurant situated within the Belgrade Fortress, famous for its terrace and breathtaking view of the Danube. It has a very pleasant ambiance, good food and a wide selection of wines. Open 12:00 – 01:00, www.kalemegdanskaterasa.com

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Italian/Pizzeria Eatalian, Gospodar Jevremova 47a (city center) +381 11 262 6294 ($-$$) Very close to the city center, serves great variety of Italian dishes. Very nice pasta, meat and salad dishes. No pizzas, but worth a visit. Open 8:00 - 23:00, www.eatalianfoodbar.com

Pizza Bar, Mutapova 5-7 (Vracar) +381 11 222 5467 ($-$$) A bit far from the Old Town, but the thick-crust pizza at this place is TO DIE FOR. Open 8:00 - 00:00, www.pizzabar.rs

Botako, Santiceva 8 (Dorcol, close to city center) +381 11 344 6770 ($-$$) One of the best pizza places in town. Open: 10:00 – 23:30, www.pizzabotako.rs

Guli, Skadarska 13 (close to the city center) +381 11 323 7204 ($-$$) Situated in the heart of the bohemian Skadarlija area with its characteristic brick & dim lighting ambience. Great wood-fired brick oven pizzas. Open 12:00 - 23:30, www.guli.rs

Asian

Ebisu, Vasina 9 (Square 9 hotel) +381 11 333 3575 ($$$) The best sushi place in Belgrade. Located on top of the Square 9 Hotel, this place has an unbeatable view of the city. Open 18:00 – 01:00, closed on Mondays, www.squarenine.rs/english/food-beverage/ebisu Sakura, Karađorđeva 2-4 (close to city center) +381 11 218 4183 ($$$) Amazing pan-Asian cuisine. Highly recommended. Open 12:00 – 00:00, www.sakurarestoran.rs Shangrila, Tresnjinog Cveta 11 (New Belgrade) +381 11 405 6565 ($$$) Great Chinese restaurant in New Belgrade. Open: 10:00 – 22:00, www.shangrila.rs

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Vegetarian

Mandala, Kosancicev venac 9 (close to city center) +381 11 407 9782 ($$$) Great vegeterian options in a very nice ambient. Open: 10:00 – 22:00, www.mandalabeograd.com Gnezdo, Male stepenice (close to city center) +381 60 740 7408 ($$) An organic vegeterian-friendly restaurant with several meat options. Very friendly staff. Open: 12:00 – 00:00, www.gnezdoorganic.rs Radost fina kuhinjica, Pariska 3 (close to city center) +381 61 604 4445 ($$) Great vegan/vegeterian place. Gluten Free options available as well. Open: 14:00 – 00:00, closed on Mondays

COFFEE SHOPS AND BARS

Belgrade is also famous for numerous coffee shops and bars. Some are crowded, both during the day and night but relaxed atmposphere and good vibes is common for all these places. Below is just a short list of some places around the city center if one decides to take a coffee break or enjoy evening aperitivo. Smokvica, Kralja Petra 73 and Gospodar Jovanova 45 a (both in city center) Amelie, Toplicin Venac 4 Deli – Super Market, Toplicin Venac 19-21 Skica, Kosancicev venac (beautiful river and sunset view) Basta Martaan, Dositejeva 26 Meduza, Gospodar Jevremova 6 Koffein, Cara Lazara 13 Red Bar, Skadarska 17 Pastis, Strahinjića Bana 52b Centrala, Simina 6 PUBS

Sport pub, Nikole Spasica 1 +381 11 409 0409

Optimist, Bulevar Despota Stefana 22 +381 11 337 3467

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SHOPPING CENTERS

Rajiceva, Kneza Mihajla 54 (main central pedestrian street) The most recently opened shopping center in the heart of the city. Next to the variety of the stores and big supermarket in the basement area, it offers couple of restaurants like Smokvica (groundfloor), Vapiano (2nd floor), Mamma's Shelter (top floor – part of the hotel under the same name). Open every day 09:00-22:00

Ušće, Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 4 (New Belgrade) The largest modern shopping center in Serbia and the region. The mall has over 140 shops, a supermarket, several restaurants and cafés, a food court, a multiplex cinema with 11 screens, a bowling alley, a casino, a family entertainment lounge and a playground for children.

Delta City, Jurija Gagarina 16 (New Belgrade) Delta City offers a wide array of shops and outlets, a supermarket, a multiplex cinema, a bowling alley, and a variety of fast-food restaurants and cafés. Open Mon-Fri 09:00-22:00 Sun 09:00-20:00

MUSEUMS

Museum of Contemporary Art of Belgrade, Usce 10, Blok 15 (New Belgrade) Originally this musem was opened in 1965. The building itself is very particular for its architecture and the musem was re-opened in its renovated edition in 2017. It is home to interestin collection of both Yugoslav and Serbian contemporary art and has got both permanent and occasional collections. www.msub.org.rs/lokacija-msub-usce The price: 300 Rsd (approx. 2.5 Eur) Hours: All day except Tuesdays from 10 am to 6pm National Museum of Serbia, Trg Republike 1 (heart of the city center) Just recently opened after 13 years of reconstruction work, this museum is positioned in one of the oldest buildings in Belgrade, in the very heart of the city. New permanent collection of the National museum represents huge chronological period from Paleolithic period to 20 th century art. Collection is organized and presented on three levels and 5000sqm of exhibition space. Carefully selected artefacts will tell their stories about history and arts. www.narodnimuzej.rs

The price: 300 Rsd (approx. 2.5 Eur) Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun from 10 am to 6pm; Thu, Sat from 12 pm to 8pm Closed on Mondays.

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EMBASSIES

British Embassy - www.ukinserbia.fco.gov.uk Generala Ždanova 46, 11000 Belgrade tel.+381 11 264 5055

Honorary Consulate of Ireland - www.dfa.ie Kosancicev venac 2/1, 11000 Belgrade tel.+381 11 263 5911 German Embassy - www.belgrad.diplo.de Neznanog junaka 1a, 11000 Belgrade tel.+381 11 306 4300 French Embassy - www.ambafranse-srb.org Pariska 11, 11000 Belgrade tel.+381 11 302 3500

Italian Embassy - www.italy.org.yu Birčaninova 11, 11000 Belgrade tel.+381 11 306 6100

POST OFFICES

Post Office Zmaj Jovina 17 (in the city center) tel.+381 11 633 492 Open 08:00 - 19:00, Sat 08:00 - 19:00 Post Office Takovska 2 (near the Parliament) tel.+381 11 324 1349 Open 08:00 - 19:00, Sat 08:00 - 15:00

EXPRESS MAIL: DHL Jurija Gagarina 36v tel.+381 11 310 5500 Open 08:00- 20:00, Sat 08:00 - 15:00

FedEx Autoput 22 tel.+381 11 314 9075 Open 08:00 - 19:00, Sat 08:00 - 14:00