Where Sava meets the Danube, where streets have the scent of baked chestnuts and homes smell like Serbian specialties. Where the sparkle of Christmas lights reveals the contour of old and new buildings, museums and theaters giving the romantic note to this holiday spirit which is being awaken. That’s where Belgrade is, the city that never sleeps.
One of those things which cannot be described in words is that unique charm that Belgrade has during winter time. That is something you live to see, experience and feel. So, take a walk down the Knez Mihailova Street, visit the largest Orthodox temple at the Balkans, and meet with the Kalemegdan Fortress, museums, galleries and theaters. Feel the spirit of Serbian people in kafana where you will be served with Serbian food and where bohemian songs will be played “by ear” for you or just have a great time at the best parties.
Winter atmosphere at the streets of Belgrade
Streets and squares decorated with sparkling multicolored lamps, people with their noses red running around and looking for Christmas presents, the warmth and intoxicating scents spreading whenever you open the door of a restaurant, are just some of the things which keep Belgrade warm during cold, winter days.
Besides that, the capital is the place where you can hear the sounds of a tambourine, harmonica and trumpet during any time of a year from the bohemian quarter, and pop, r’n’b and folk beats reach from the clubs just a couple of blocks lower.
If you decide to visit the capital of Serbia during this time of year, you will easily adopt the euphoric atmosphere which guides the city.
Numerous cultural contents in Belgrade galleries, museums and cultural centers will bring you closer to the very rich Serbian history and tradition and you will be entertained by the cheerful Serbian music and traditional specialties at number of kafanas, restaurants and cafes.
Have a walk along the pavements of Belgrade
During winter days, numerous manifestations and recitals are being organized and they can help you meet the citizens of Belgrade who are very different from each other. You can meet writers, actors, scientists but also alternative artists and musicians. They all have one thing in common- hospitality and amiability, so don’t get confused if they ask you to have a drink with them or even invite you over for a dinner.
Detour around Belgrade will reveal you its charm and little secrets of the city. They will meet you with the facades of old buildings from the 19th century, but also with new, luxury buildings which this city can be proud of.
Diversities and similarities interlacing, they have created the unique juncture which makes Belgrade different from other cities. Two parts of town separated by bridges on the Danube and Sava are the best example for that. We suggest you have a tour around each of them so you could have the complete impression.
You also must visit…
In the “old” part of the city, at Vračar, stands the St. Sava Temple, the largest Orthodox temple in Serbia and unavoidable tourist attraction. Interior and exterior beauty of the temple have a special spark during winter time when it is tucked into the snow blanket. A large number of Belgrade citizens celebrate New Year’s Eve and Christmas right in front of this place, so this is one of the destinations where you can spend your New Year’s Eve.
Kalemegdan Fortress, the symbol of Belgrade and its years of fights, is a place where you can have the best view of the city, have a tour around the fortress built at the beginning of the 1st millennium, and walk around parks that have been adorn this city fort, around which Belgrade has been developed.
One of the ways to get to Kalemegdan is through Knez Mihailova Street, the most popular pedestrian zone in the capital city. Numerous boutiques, cafes, restaurants and galleries can be found right here. The street performers and singers make the atmosphere even cheerer in this busy street. During Christmas holidays, one-of-a-kind feeling is walking down the Knez Mihailova Street under the sparkling decorations that make up the real holiday euphoria.
If you want to hear Serbian music and taste the traditional cuisine, Skadarlija is the right place for you. Cobble streets of bohemian quarters are especially romantic during winter, when street lamps enlighten the Serbian kafanas settled right next to each other. If you are more of a fan of urbanity, Belgrade also has a solution for that. Splavs are replaced by the nightclubs in winter and they are all well-known around Europe.
Winter is reserved for numerous open-air and closed ice-skating rinks and also the New Year’s Fair where you can find various entertaining contents. If you decide to spend New Year’s Eve in Belgrade, you will not regret it! The best time and music are guaranteed whether you decide to go to a club, kafana, restaurant or a hotel or to spend your New Year’s Eve at the Republic Square.
Featured photo: Dragan Todorović, Flickr.com
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