Belgrade, Serbia

Uniworld's River Duchess alongside in Belgrade, Serbia. Photo courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises

Belgrade is both the capital and largest city in Serbia, with a population of roughly 1.2 million in the local area alone. Located along the Danube and Sava rivers, the city’s historic and often turbulent past has seen it completely razed an astonishing 44 times over the course of 150 different wars and uprisings.

Today however, Belgrade is a popular destination with tourists and river cruisers alike who find themselves taken with the incredible mix of architecture, style and spirit present in Serbia’s “White City.”

Your River Cruise Ship Docks…

The Port of Belgrade is situated conveniently along the Danube.

When in Belgrade…

Be sure to take the time to explore Belgrade's Kalamegdan Park. Photo courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises

Most of Belgrade’s city centre is accessible on foot. Some choice ways to spend your time here:

• Nikola Tesla Museum – One of the most important figures in Serbian history, Nikola Tesla was famous for his early experiments with electricity, namely the research and development of Alternating Current. The museum houses both Tesla’s personal effects and several of his inventions.
• Belgrade Fortress – A once-prominent military installation turned city park, the Belgrade Fortress boasts some stunning views, as well as several cafes and even an observatory. The sprawling complex is located close to the convergence of the Danube and Sava rivers.
• Skadarlija and Knez Mihailova streets are some of the most popular pedestrian strolls in Belgrade, offering up an abundance of shops, cafes and restaurants.

River Cruisers Should Know!

• The currency in Serbia is the dinar (RSD). Euros can be exchanged for dinar’s at most Serbian financial institutions. Currency exchange bureaus in North America may not take dinar’s, so try to convert or spend any excess local currency before leaving the country.
• If you intend to take a taxi while in Belgrade, ensure it is a city-regulated cab, denoted by the city’s coat-of-arms and a registration number. Privately-owned taxis exist, but have no regulations on fares. Always negotiate a fare before getting into a taxi, and ensure the driver starts the meter.
• Check your itinerary: many museums and local attractions are closed on Mondays.
• While most major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Belgrade, American Express users may find themselves out of luck at many locations.