A little while ago, our incentives team went on a familiarisation trip to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and Novi Sad, the second-largest city. This incredible Eastern European trip to visit Serbia was an interesting glimpse into a side of Europe many people miss. Belgrade lies at the meeting point of the Sava and Danube Rivers on the Balkan Peninsula and feels like a true mix of east and west.

Visit Serbia: A History

Originally known as Singidunum, Belgrade’s history goes back 6,000 years and more, filled with tales of conflict and devastation. Today, Belgrade uses its colourful history to attract many visitors making it a hotspot for tourists and home to a creative centre bursting with talent, colour, and culture.

The city of Belgrade lies at the juncture of the Sava and Danube Rivers on the Balkan Peninsula. This isn’t a charming small town: it’s a layered, complex metropolis with a hint of the Orient, many different cultural influences and diverse architectural styles.

Not into history? There is still loads to do. Regardless of preference, visitors to Belgrade will feel welcomed by the hospitable and justly proud inhabitants of this indomitable city.

Highlights of Belgrade

Kalemegdanska Terasa Restaurant, Kalemegdan

One of the highlights of our trip was our visit to Kalemegdanska Terasa Restaurant. This unique restaurant is located in the most beautiful area of Belgrade, Kalemegdan, and completely integrated into the fortress atmosphere.

Belgrade Fortress is the heart of the old city, once the home to the entire population of the city. Founded in the 3rd century, the Fortress is as old as the city itself. Today, the Fortress is home to one of the most beautiful gardens in the city and this incredible restaurant.

Specialising in many kinds of meat, the prosciutto-style cured pork was absolutely delicious as was the wonderful cornbread served with it.

Dinner in the Bohemian Quarter

Nestled in a narrow street, the restaurant felt more like a homestead with its inviting warm and ambient atmosphere. The street outside is cobbled, harking back to its 18th-century origins where the street was a popular hangout for actors from the nearby National Theatre.

We enjoyed platter after platter of delicious meat dishes, different types of bread, dips and local Serbian delights were brought out. While we ate our sumptuous meal, live musicians on every street corner kept us all entertained — definitely a noteworthy experience.

A Sunset Tour of the Danube

A small party boat took us down the Danube River where we met a talented violin-DJ duo. They kept us entertained as we watched the lights of the city twinkle on as the sun set. The Rakia — Serbia’s most popular alcoholic drink — flowed from a beautiful bar keeping us entertained throughout the night. This was definitely a night to remember!

Visit Serbia: Exploring Novi Sad

Wine and honey tasting in Novi Sad

The second-largest city in modern-day Serbia, Novi Sad plays host to many impressive museums and art galleries. For us, though the highlights were, again, the food!

En route to the main centre of Novi Sad, we stopped for a quick jolt of wine and honey tasting along the way. The unique wine from this area uses the sweet and alluring smells and tastes from the honey produced and incorporates it into the winemaking process. Not only is it beautiful but an educational experience too.

Lunch at Carda Stara Koliba

This floating restaurant on the popular Danube River makes you feel as though you’re eating in the middle of the countryside, far from the city. Once again, delicious traditional platters were brought out as well as a local fish soup dish which is definitely worth trying. The peaceful surroundings allow for some bird watching, the occasional boat passing and fresh air whilst enjoy good food and conversation.

Visit Serbia: Sremski Karlovci

Meeting the crown prince & princess at the palace

The palace is still home to the existing crown Prince and Princess who we were lucky enough to meet on our trip as they happened to be home at the time.

The palace is home to beautiful grounds that the royals of Serbia have enjoyed for generations. Grand rooms and ceilings that you imagine only exist in fairytales endure in every part of the palace including to the basement that was built originally for private meetings and events where every wall and alcove is meticulously painted and coloured with a variety of palettes.

Lunch on Farm 137

This farm to table concept restaurant serves up the best of the traditional and local cuisine but in the serene and breathtaking surrounds of a small farm on the outskirt of Serbia. Here, you are taught by demonstration how to make a traditional dessert, followed by eating a delicious home-style cooked meal in the farm restaurant which resembles a cosy homestead.

Ready to go?

And there you have it. If you ever get the chance to visit Serbia we can highly recommend it. From honey and wine to epic nightlife and local royalty, it’s a must-see stop on your Eastern European tour. Keen to learn more about our incentives trips? Get in touch now.