BELGRADE

More than 2300 ago the celts settled on the hill that watches over Save River's outlet into the Danube. This position was strategically so advantageous that Belgrade used be to occupied throughout the centuries by numerous peoples: Romans, Goths and Huns, Serbians and Turks - 40 times Belgrad was destroyed and rebuilt. Most recently the city came under NATO-fire and in international offside in 1999 during the Kosovo-Crisis.

But since then a lot has changed. Above all the young Serbians wish for nothing more than to get rid of the war criminal-image and to become a part of Europe. The city center is full of life: bars and coffee shops are well frequented day and night, the city beams vigor, world openness and the zest for life. The undenied highlight is Belgrade's landmark, the stronghold of Kalemegdan surroundes by its gorgeous parks. All of those many historical buildings, monuments and squares are worth a second sight as well. Art lovers should attend the jazz or filmfestival or visit the galeries and museums.

Airport
Belgrade airport is located 20 km outside of town, to get in the city you can either take an airportbus or taxi. Choosing a taxi you should negotiate the fee prior to the ride, it should not be more than € 10,-. The ride takes approx. 20-45 min depending on traffic. Busses are waiting in front of the airport. Minibusses of line E7 go to Vukov spomenik, tickets are purchased on the bus for about € 0,80. Busline 72 goes to Zeleni venac -(for tickets same procedure). The busses of Jat Airways go to Slavija Square and the ticket is about € 2,10 and also bought on the bus.

Public Transportation
There is a criss cross system of busses and trolleybusses troughout town. Trolleybusses go by electrical power like trams, but without tracks. Most of them are that old that one after the other gets replaced by normal busses - therefore take one as long as they are still existing. One way from € 0,40.

Nikola-Pašić-Square(Trg Nikole Pašića)
The Serbian national hero and politician Nikola Pašić watches over the peaceful, contemplative square which is named after him. Particularly pretty is the fountain in front of the monument, the House of Parliament and Cityhall are located in this area.

Kalemegdan
You get a terrific view of Sava's and Danube's confluence from the ancient battlement, the parks inside the walls are the biggest and most beautiful of Belgrade. For a long time the main part of the residents lived inside the fortress - the story of Kalemegdan is at the same time a big part of Belgrade's history. The military museum inside is worth-seeing: 2000 year old weappons and other war instruments, form Roman swords to Serbian knight's armors to chips of NATO bombs from the year 1999.
Mali Kalemegdan 1

Church of Saint Sava (Hram Svetog Save)
Again and again the constructin of the church was prolongated because of Belgrade's moving story: the construction started in the 1930ies, but just now the bulk is done. The church is dedicated to a spiritual leader of the 12th century, Saint Sava.
Krušedolska 2A

Well hidden: Cafés and Clubs
Belgrade owns a lively scene yet the best clubs are hard to find. Some of the are located close to Kalemegdan, best thing to do is asking a local.

Must see: Music and Film
There is a small music market in front of SKC students culture center on Sundays from 9am to 1pm. Records, CDs, DVDs and cassettes are sold. Whether second hand, burned or brand new - great deals.
Resavska corner Srpskih Vladara (Kralja Milana)

Down under: Tunnel systems
Exactly like in the movie "Underground" by Emir Kusturica: those underground tunnels of Belgrade used to be escape routes, hiding spots and aliment storage place. The corridors are still not entirely explored. It is assumed that there is a calculated system connecting all different districts with each other.

Visiting Belgrade goes hand in hand with eating  ĆevapÄ?ići, the grilled ground beef rolls are nowhere better than here! If you like it spicy you should taste  LeskovaÄ?ka mućkalica (porkragout with hot peppers). Also Prebranac (backed beans-onion casserole) is spiced heavily. Taste Papazjanija, making it yourself is pretty tedious: meat and vegetables are stewed for 8 hours.

Radovan
The coffee shop in the Dorćol district is perfect for a nice evening: old-fashioned furnishing, damped lights and quiet music.
Kapetan Mišina 10

Velika Skadarlija
Delicious traditional dishes
Cetinjska 17, Tel.: 32 34 983

Tri šešira
Serbian delicacies, live music
Skadarska 29, Tel.: 324 75 01

Zlatni bokal
Traditional Serbian cuisin and good music
Skadarska 26, Tel.: 323 48 34

Hyatt Regency Belgrad
The Hyatt Regency is one of the best hotels in town, it is located directly in city center. A lot of marble and pomp, still modern: all rooms have high-speed-internet.
Milentija Popovica 5, Tel.: 301 12 34, DR from € 275,-, www.hyatt.de

Hotel Union
Nearby most important sights, the rooms are nice and functional.
Kosovska Straße 11, Tel.: 32 46 022, DR from € 80,-

Hotel "N"
5 km from city center, simple but good by all means. There is a 50% discount for students under 26,
Bilećka 57, Tel.: 397 21 83, DR from € 50,-, www.hotel-n.co.yu

Downtown Belgrad Hostel
Right in the center, bathrooms are on the corridor.
Karadjordjeva 91/7, Tel.: 278 16 09, € 11,- (8-bed-rooms) up to € 21,- (DR) p.P.

Akademija
The Akademija was found as a students club at the art faculty and is deemed to be a cult-club of the 80ies. The student roots are still in the air: the entrance is mostly free or very low.
Rajićeva 10, www.akademija.net

Andergraund
One of the first clubs of town is still open today. Mostly house music, fridays hip-hop to techno, depends on the DJ, everything is possible. Entrance between € 2,- and € 4,-.
Pariska 1a (opposit of swedish embassy),

Bitef Art Café
This place was occupied by the communists in the 90ies and they banished the regulars of this legendary club with folk music. Live music and theme nights try to get it back on track, just the beverage prices are a bit high.
DrinÄ?ićeva 1

Chinese shopping center
There is everything one needs: maybe that why the Chinese mall has turned into one of the most popular shopping spots in Belgrade. You can find Chinese aliments, Chinese gadgets and Chinese fast food, everything is very cheap. To survive the hustle you should be very patient and bring good nerves. The grey concrete block in which the market is located is not pretty at all and never lets expect what colorful consumption temple is behind this front.
Novi Beograd, Block 70

Shopping mall "Millennium"
A big name for a fine departement store: the Millenium is the most expensive and exclusive address in town. The entrance is a little hidden, but inside you find the latest fashion and a lot of surprises.
Knez Mihailova 19-21, 10am-8pm (Sat 10am-4pm)

The legend lives?!
After Yugoslavia's break, the nostalgic era began: Tito on t-shirts, lighters or wine bottles - a lasting trend. A great souvenir, even if you don't nourish sympathy for the dead partisan fighter and statesman. Who knows, maybe Tito takes over from Che Guevara as resistance icon in the west - therefore you could be among the trendsetters.

Chumichevo Sokache
This is the right place for a souvenir for your family, friends of even yourself. Between fashion und shoe stores there are a lot of souvenirs. The coffee shops around and not very chic, in return though full of character.
Entrance of Terazije and Makedonska, DeÄ?anska and NuÅ¡ićeva