Do you know why Belgrade attracts so many visitors from Türkiye every season of the year? This guide will explain and will make you want to book flight or train tickets to Belgrade today. Sit back and enjoy, our Belgrade travel suggestions are here for you!
If you do not know anything about Belgrade, let us talk about its history first. Belgrade is a city that still carries traces of Turkish and Ottoman culture because it remained under Ottoman rule from 1521 to 1717. Belgrade was the second-largest Ottoman city at that time with a population of over 100,000 people. So, we can safely say that you should not experience too much culture shock when you go to Belgrade.
Maybe you are unfamiliar with Belgrade and would like to know more about its geographical location? Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and the third largest city in Northeast Europe after Athens and İstanbul. You can find tips in the rest of this article that will make the most of your Belgrade vacation during your time in this beautiful city!
1. Discover places to visit in Belgrade
As a tourist, we know that when you go to a foreign city, you first look at the list of places to visit. We have listed the most famous places of Belgrade below, so that you can start touring without wasting time.
- Kalemegdan Fortress
- Nikola Tesla Museum
- National Museum of Serbia
- Skadarlija Street
- Church of Saint Sava (Saint Sava Temple)
- Zepter Museum
- Hyde Park
- St. Mark’s Orthodox Church
2. Keep up with the spirit of the city
If you want to get to know a city, one of the ideal ways is to live like a local! We do not think there will be any adaptation problems in Belgrade in general. Once you set foot in the city, you will see for yourself that the social life and people are almost no different from those in Türkiye. Belgrade is a colourful European city with many entertainment alternatives. No matter what time of the day, you can go out, travel, and explore. Every hour in the city is beautiful but notably so during sunrise and sunset.
Belgrade immediately embraces you with its history and culture. How could it not, for centuries, the city has been home to the Roman and Ottoman empires, as well as Celtic and Vinča cultures. At the top of the list of things to do in Belgrade is to discover the historical buildings belonging to these civilizations.
Let’s also answer the question “Does Belgrade require a visa?”, which can impact many individuals’ ability to travel to Belgrade. Luckily the answer is no, Belgrade does not require a visa for Turkish citizens! So it is possible to benefit from the blessings of Belgrade with only your Turkish passport.
3. Explore Skadarlija Street
You can get to know the people of the city better by going to popular cafes or restaurants in Belgrade. There are a few tips we can give you. Skadarlija Street, in the city is a little bohemian and can help you to get involved in the local social scene.
Although it has started to attract more tourists recently, Skadarlija is one of the places that make the Belgrade experience unforgettable with authentic cafes, local restaurants, and art galleries. If you want, you can add some movement into your trip in one of Belgrade’s famous nightlife venues. Before you try any of these activities, do not forget to first convert your money to Serbian dinars!
4. When you are in Belgrade, do not leave without tasting the famous foods
One of the best ways to get to know a city is to taste the local specialities. Frankly, Belgrade offers many flavours of which you may already be accustomed. They differ only slightly from their Turkish counterparts; instead of challenging your taste buds and opening doors to other worlds. If you are ready, let us start with the most well-known items.
4.1. Ćevapci
This dish, which is called ćevapi or ćevapčići depending on region, can be thought of as an improved version of the Turkish İnegöl Köfte, although there is a slight change in their contents. You should try this meatball, which is similar in shape to standard Turkish meatballs but the Serbian versions are a bit larger!
4.2. Pljeskavica
Pljeskavica is a grilled version of a large hamburger patty made with mixed meats. Pljeskavica, a Serbian-style fast food item, pops up ion every corner of the city as a cheap and delicious street-food option.
4.3. Urnebes
Have you ever tried white cheese and chili peppers together? If your answer is no, this flavour will be quite different and good for you to try. This dish, a Serbian salad, is actually more of an appetizer or spread with its hummus-like consistency. Just be careful not to overdo it! Since it is quite spicy, it may overshadow the enjoyment of the trip after eating.
5. Plan a good budget
Although the results of your research on the internet such as “Is Belgrade visa-free?” have made you happy, Belgrade is not a city where you can just get up and go without a budget or a plan. Even if you do not have to deal with visa issues, there are things you should consider before you leave. First of all, you should choose between flying, or taking the İstanbul-Belgrade train if you want to plan a trip more in touch with nature.
You can search for the most suitable options among Belgrade hotels to make early reservations for your desired destination. If you are ready for this trip after considering everything, then hit the road and enjoy Belgrade!
