Belgrade is the capital of Republic of Serbia. The city derived its name from the Slavic name Beligrad in 878 AD. It became the capital of Serbia in1403. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
The country achieved full independence in 1878 and was transformed into the Kingdom of Serbia in 1882 making Belgrade a key city in the Balkans.
The city, which was the capital of many South Slav states from 1918 to 2003, is the largest city on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. It was also the capital of Serbia and Montenegro till 2006. It is now the largest city of the Republic of Serbia. The city is known as the gate of the Balkans and also the door to Central Europe.
Area & Location : Situated in South-Eastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Belgrade lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers in north central Serbia. It occupies a total area of 359.96 sq. km and is located at 44º48′ Latitude North and 20º28′ Longitude East. It has a population of 1,273,651 and a density of 4,378 per sq. km and ranks fourth in the Balkans in terms of population.
Tourist Attractions : The city being the most tourist-visited place in the country, contributes much to the country’s economy through its international tourism.
Transportation : Buses, trams, taxis and trolleys include the public transportation in the city. The railway system connects the suburbs with the urban areas. The main railway station links Belgrade with other European cities. The city is in the plan to construct light rail transit system. The port on the banks of Danube River helps in trade. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, the international airport serves the city.
Hotels : Belgrade hotels are known for their outstanding hospitality and fantastic ambience. La Quinta Inn & Suites Belgrade, Holiday Inn Express Belgrade and Super 8 Belgrade are the famous hotels in the city. In addition to this, cafes and restaurants that are the favorite hangout places for the people are quite common in the city.
Places of Attraction : The city has many historic and cultural sites that attract the tourists. Skadarlija, the National Museum, National Theatre, Zemun, Nikola Pasic Square, Terazije, Students’ Square, the Kalemegdan Fortress, Prince Michael Street, the Federal Parliament, the Temple of Saint Sava and the Old Palace are sites popular with the visit of tourists. Besides this, the parks, monuments, Avala Monument on a hilltop from where people can have a glimpse of the city are must visit sites in the city. The interesting sites in the city include Avala TV Tower – once the highest in the world, Bajrakli Mosque – one of the oldest mosques in Balkans, Beli Dvor – royal mansion with neoclassic castles and Belgrade Arena – the biggest sports hall, Beogradanka – once the tallest business tower in the Balkans, Count Milos’s Residence and Countess Ljubica’s Residence -19th century Balkan-style palaces, Genex Tower – the tallest residential building in the Balkans, National Museum, National Theatre and Palace Albania – the first Balkan skyscraper. The Kalemegdan, the Dedinje ward and Kuca Cveca -Josip Broz Tito’s mausoleum and Topcider and Kosutnjak Parks are the other attractive places in Belgrade.