петак, 27. август 2010.

Ada Ciganlija Belgrade Sea

Belgrade is lucky enough to have a bona-fide beach right smack in the middle of the wider downtown area. When sizzling asphalt becomes too hot for Belgraders, they can swim, sunbathe and simply, cool off, play some sports in the sun, rent a bike or roller skates.

Ada Ciganlija (the island of Gypsies) was a river island populated by Gypsies in the past. Word "ada" means river island in Turkish. Before WWII, there was a prison here, and the area was not of recreational value to Belgraders.

This began to change in the 1960s and 1970s when Ada became connected to the land.

Today, Ada is clean, urbanized and the visiting spot for many Belgraders.

Here are some of activities and sports offered at Ada: tennis courts, bike paths, volleyball courts, beach volleyball courts, soccer fields, five-a-side football fields, skateboarding ramps, rollerskating paths, basketball courts, a paintball field, baseball fields, bocce facilities, Water football facilities, rugby fields, kayaking facilities, an artificial rock climbing wall, chess facilities ,water slides, rowing facilities, diving range, artificial alpine skiing slope, artificial snowboarding slope, bungee jumping platform, trim trail fishing facilities, cable skiing facilities, canoeing facilities, water polo courts, pedalos, and a golf course.

Also, there are many restaurants and cafes on the beach. Many young people in the summer spend their nights here.

In the middle of the lake, there is a water jet fountain, akin to the one in Geneva. At night, there is a light show around the water jet.

Ada is very well connected to all other city areas with numerous buses and even a few special "Ada-bound" lines that criss-cross the city.

If you need accommodation in Belgrade check out these Belgrade apartments.

среда, 25. август 2010.

Skadarlija Bohemian Quarter

Skadarlija, a cobbled, steep street resembling Parisian Montmartre. It's located in the mere city center, down Francuska street from the Republic Square.

Although it's less than 400 meters long, it's one of the most famous streets in Belgrade.

The first settlers of this area were Gypsies in the 19th century. They settled abandoned trenches and were later replaced by buildings of artisans and caterers. This neighborhood was called the "Gypsy Quarter" until 1872. when it was renamed after the town Skadar, which was a part of the Serbian medieval kingdom.

Skadarlija became the meeting point of bohemians - artisans and artists alike during the last few decades of the 19th century. The best known inns are still operating: "Three Hats", "Two Deer" and "The Golden Chalice".

The street also holds what is known as the Skadarlija atrium - occupied by a brewery held by the Czech family Bajloni.

Under the brewery, there are subterranean galleries which were used as storage rooms. The entire complex will be demolished.

If you happen to be in Belgrade, you can stay in the downtown area in one of the Belgrade apartments short-stay accommodations and check out this lovely and romantic street and its inns.

уторак, 24. август 2010.

Belgrade Airport

When arriving to Belgrade, it's probably that your first contact with this charming city will be through its small airport named after the great scientist Nikola Tesla.

Belgrade's first international airport started as "Dojno Field" airport in 1927. and was located on the territory of today's New Belgrade.

The first local airline was called Aeroput (today Jat Airways) and it sarted taking off from the new airport in 1928.

The airport was destroyed during Allied bombing in 1944. New airport was opened in 1962. in Surchin.

If you arrived to Belgrade and you need Belgrade accommodation, check out these luxurious apartments.

понедељак, 23. август 2010.

Serbia Fun Facts

  • Constantine the Great, the Roman emperor was born in Naisus, today's Nis, a city situated in Southern Serbia
  • Belgrade, the capital of Serbia is one of the oldest European cities - it was founded in 3rd century B.C. by the Celts, before becoming a Roman city
  • Saint Sava cathedral is the largest operating orthodox church
  • the oldest Serbian manuscript is the Miroslav Gospel, written in the 12th century
  • Serbian people are Slavs like Russians and Polish people
  • the name "Belgrade" means the "white city"
  • the climate in Serbia is temperate continental
  • the largest and cleanest Serbian lake is the silver Lake on the east of the country
These and many more intersting finds await you if you decide to explore Serbia. If you need Belgrade accommodations feel free to check out these great apartments for rent.

If zou want to take a few hours off and relax in your luxurious apartment, you can try playing at top online casinos!

петак, 20. август 2010.

Kalemegdan Fortress

Located in the downtown area, at the end of Knez Mihailova pedestrian street, this vast fortress is an interesting mix of nations and tribes who lived and fought for Belgrade throughout the history. Kalemegdan was the oldest urban part of Belgrade, and the first mention of it comes from the 3rd. century B.C.

Today, Kalemegdan is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. there are many statues of which the famous is undoubtedly The Victor, a statue so controversial because of its nudity, that Belgraders decided it was too risque to be facing the main city square - and thus it ended on Kalemegdan. Zoo Park is also situated in one part of the fortress.

Some other things to see while there are the military museum, turkish mausoleum "turbe", the observatory, Belgrade Zoo....

If you need Belgrade accommodations, try out these downtown apartments. They are luxurious yet affordable, and the whole of Belgrade is literally under your fingertips.

Belgrade travel tips

Belgrade is a safe city. There are no restricted areas as there are in some other cities. Having said that, use your common sense as you would in any other foreign city or any place.

One small thing to look out for is this:

When arriving by train or bus, avoid cab drivers parked outside of the bus and the train station offering their services. Same goes for the luggage carriers who might approach you. They will try to trick you into paying a lot of money, especially if you are not familiar with Dinar currency exchange rates.

Given that this is the only "danger" mentioned on many tourism websites, you can imagine you'll be safe in Belgrade and able to enjoy many different things and sights.

If you're looking to fill up a few hours between sight seeing trips, you can earn some money by playing at top online casinos.

One of the newer ways of lodging in Belgrade is renting a short stay apartment. Belgrade Apartments is the real place for that! They offer a range of modern and luxurious downtown apartments for short and long term rent.

Visiting Belgrade?

Built and destroyed for centuries, home to the Celts, Romans, Byzantines, and finally, the Serbian capital, Belgrade is everything but boring.

Tradition and culture meet western-minded lifestyle and wild parties. Sprawled across many hills at the confluence of Sava and Danube, Belgrade never ceases to surprise and amaze even its long-term residents.

There are many things to see and do in Belgrade, and this blog will let you in on a few insider tips.

Let's start with the first one - if you are looking for Belgrade accommodation, don't hesitate to rent short term. You'll get a luxurious apartment in the downtown area for an affordable price. Also, Belgrade Apartments offers excellent apartments for you to stay in during your visit.