Useful links about Belgrade

Here are some links that can help you if you travel to Belgrade:

1. Very precise map of Belgrade and a nuber of other Serbian towns. It is only in Serbian, but it is not difficult to manage: in the search bar on the left side "Mesto" means town, "Ulica" means street and "Broj" means (street) number
2. The web site of GSP (Belgrade public transportation company) can help you to find your way around Belgrade. The only thing is that the map is all written in ciryllic...but the rest is OK
3. Telephone company yellowpages - there's nothing to explain ;o)

This would make you manage your way around Belgrade much easier.

What and where to eat in Belgrade if you are vegetarian?

Being a half-Serbian who has lived almost all her life in Belgrade, means that I eat all kind of meat, like all Serbs do, so it never occurred to me that foreign visitors might have problems finding food here if they don't eat meat, or have other special diets. But, during last year, I've started to read travelers' reviews and blog posts from people who have visited Belgrade, and suddenly I've started to notice that some of them had a really huge food-problem here. I have discussed a little bit on this topic in my post about one Belgrade restaurant, but now I see it's about the highest time to give some more explanation - no one must not starve in Belgrade!!!

Having hungry visitors would be a great shame for us, for Serbs are known as people who are highly sensitive to food and guests, which means that Serbian hospitality has two important characteristics: a) there always has to be a lot of food (especially if you have a guest), and b) guests are considered as sacred, so they have to be pleased by food, drink and comfort. Failing to fulfill a single item of the above mentioned, draws to a great shame, even if no one else, except the host, knows about it.

Since this post is about to be about lot of food, I will have to find photos on-line, because I don't have a habit of taking photos of my food :o))) And one more thing: please, don't be too harsh on me for not knowing about how many types of vegetarians, vegans or pescetarians there are (I've just found out about the latter few days ago)... I'll just try to simplify the explanation and description of food, so you could include or exclude it from your diet.

So, the famous sentence "no meat, no eat" should be banned from our our dictionaries!

GREEN MARKETS

There are lot of green markets in Belgrade, almost every quarter has it. Some are bigger and some are smaller, but the main characteristic is that they offer fresh vegetables and fruits. The important thing is to know that all vegetables and fruits grown in Serbia (except for very few kinds of soy beans) are not genetically modified. I cannot guarantee that for imported ones (which you can usually recognize by a lot higher price) which are mostly imported when it is not the natural season in Serbia for its growth. For example: tomato's natural growing season in Serbia is June-October, outside of that period it is most probably imported. Carrots are available almost during all year long, and so are cabbage and potato. Strawberries are available only in June, cherries end of May-beginning of June, etc. Bananas don't grow in Serbia LOL

But this info is more important for people who are going to spend a longer period here. The problem is that if you are traveler, this info probably won't be much useful for you, if you don't have a refrigerator to use.

Green markets are mostly closed in the afternoon and some of them are closed or working with reduced number of sellers on Mondays. Most of the time prices are not displayed, and can vary, so try to get info on prices before you go shopping, or at least check prices on several stands, before buying.

MACROBIOTIC SHOPS

Macrobiotic shops are often called Bio dućan Био дућан (pronounced as Beeo duchan) can be found around green markets, but also around town. They sell macrobiotic food, and have sandwiches, cookies and other macrobiotic snacks, but also all kind of food for preparing a microbiotic meal. Those shops are usually small, and they can be recognized by lot of shelves with small compartments.

FOOD FOR VEGETARIANS EATING DAIRY PRODUCTS

If you're eating dairy products, it would be a lot easier for you to find ready-made food in Belgrade. First of all, there are numerous bakery stores, some of which working 24/7, offering all kinds of pastries, but let's take them one by one:

BUREK БУРЕК (pronounced as boorek) is being sold in most bakeries, and some are even specialized only for burek (trust me, you don't even want to try to say the name of that store, it's even tongue-twister for us). What we mean when we say burek is the one you can see on the picture on the right. There are several fillings for burek and only one is with meat (and it's called burek "sa mesom" which means "with meat"). My favorite is with cheese ("sa sirom"). It is very greasy, so you should find a place for eating it slowly - usually you can eat it at the shop.

SARAJEVSKI BUREK САРАЈЕВСКИ БУРЕК (burek from Sarajevo, pronounced as Sarayevski boorek) or someone would call it pita пита looks like this. Whatever you call it, it comes with several fillings: cheese, spinach, potato, mushrooms, etc. and again, only one is with meat. It is less greasy than the above mentioned burek, so you could also eat it on the way, but it will prevent you to drink yoghurt at the same time :o)))

PITA ПИТА is also very popular. It comes in different shapes, the most simple is when it's cut to cubes. It also comes with various fillings cheese, spinach, zelje (pronounced as zelye), potato, mushrooms, etc. It is not so greasy, so you can take it with you.

PROJA ПРОЈА pronounced as proya, is a traditional corn bread with white cheese. It can be found both in restaurants and bakery shops. Traditional proja is cut on cubes, but now they also make it shaped like small muffins.

GIBANICA ГИБАНИЦА pronounced as gibanitsa is made with cheese, but it contains eggs. It has rich filling and it is made in two shapes, but taste the same.

FOOD FOR PESCETARIANS

If you're a pescetarian, the keyword for you in Serbia is posno. The word posno means the absence of unsuitable types of food during Orthodox fast. The Christian Orthodox fast is not allowing any products of animal origin, including dairy products and eggs, except for fish. Two biggest fasts are before Christmas (Orthodox Christmas is on 7th January) and before Orthodox Easter, and during that time many restaurants offer appropriate food. So it's easiest for you to eat here. There are also grills around markets specialized for fish.

FOOD NOT CONTAINING ANY INGREDIENTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN

AJVAR (pronounced as ayvar) is a kind of salad, prepared from roasted paprika, garlic and aubergine. It is mostly red, but if it's green, than it's made from green tomatoes. It is sour and refreshing and can be found in restaurants. It can also be found in supermarkets, packed in jars.

PINDŽUR (pronounced as pin-joor) is similar to ajvar, but it is not minced, but cut into small pieces. It is made from tomatoes and paprika. The taste is also sour and refreshing.

PREBRANAC (pronounced as preh-branats) is traditional meal made of kidney-beans. It should be posno, but be sure to ask if there is any sausages or other meat in it (sometimes they put meat in it).



Paprika stuffed with nuts (no need for Serbian name, because these can be found only in restaurants, which usually have menues in English).

KISELI KUPUS is literally "sour cabbage", a Serbian specialty that you should try. It is used for salads, and some other meals (mostly with meat). Unfortunately, it is only available during winter period.

PODVARAK is a meal made of sour cabbage. Should not contain any meat, but be sure to ask before you order.

There are many international, Chinese and other restaurants in Belgrade that have vegetarian food selection, but only 3 vegetarian restaurants: Slasta, Priroda (Svetogorska 18, 011/ 334 51 81) and Joy of the Heart (Batutova 11, 011/ 241 1890).

Well, that would be all that I could remember. I hope that you will find this post useful, and that it will make your visit easier.

I also ask my fellow citizens to leave me a suggestion, if they can think of anything else that could be added to this list.

Please notice that none of these photographs are not my property.

Romantic fireplace and excellent food

Of all restaurants in Belgrade, Zlatar is one my favorite restaurants.

The main hall is on upper floor; there are few tables at ground floor, plus summer garden (but I always go there in the winter season). The interior is completely in old Serbian cottage style: furniture is made from natural wood and shaped in style, and numerous items from everyday's country life from late 19th/early 20th century are hanged on walls and placed around very tastefully. For each interesting thing you see around you can ask your waiter - they'll be glad to explain you what it was used for. It is a real treasure consisted of old petroleum lamps, baby cribs and loads of other original items. Even the architecture resembles to cottage. But the highlight of the interior is the big open fireplace which really works. It creates such endlessly romantic atmosphere, that it doesn't even matter if some smoke comes in (Belgrade has one nasty wind called Koshava which is unpredictable and strong - but not dangerous). That's why my husband and I find it's the best choice for romantic occasion diner. All staff is also dressed in traditional clothes.

The warm atmosphere you find in this restaurant is not coming just from the fireplace - the restaurant is owned by a family, and the quality of service and food is constant. Complimentary roasted almonds and dried plums stuffed with hazelnuts are waiting on the table, with which I can never be reasonable in "appetizing", spreading the strong appetizing scent. If you choose to start with a shot of homemade rakija ("rakiya" - strong brandy) it will be served in a cute little shot-glass shaped like tiny bottle, which is also a part of Serbian tradition.

Since the restaurant offers Serbian national food, that means that it is mostly based on meat. For people coming to Serbia for the first time I would recommend "The Zlatar dining table" dish, which is a combination of all kind of grilled meat specialties. But beware: this dish is so large that it can cause a "protein shock" just by looking at it. However, people who don't eat meat also can find great variety of dishes to suit their taste, especially during Orthodox fasting period, before Orthodox Christmas and Easter, when each meal marked as "posno" (the word confirming the absence of unsuitable types of food during fast). A short explanation: the Orthodox fast is not allowing any products of animal origin, including dairy products and eggs, except for fish (but if the fish is present in food, it is usually highlighted). In regular menu there are already some "meatless" dishes, such as cheese layered corn pie, roasted paprika, ajvar (pronounced as "ayvar") etc. What is also special about the food is that most ingredients are delivered daily from the valley of Lim, so they can be considered as "highly organic".

In the evenings they have authentic music program: the acoustic music, known as "Old City Music", performed by excellent musicians. Combination of interior, food and music brings you to another place, far away from everyday rush of city life and relaxes your body and soul. Well, at least the soul, because if you failed to resist overeating, you can leave out the body part.

If you're not familiar with Belgrade, you'll need some additional instructions how to get there, but nothing too complicated. Considering that it is located in wider area of city center, The good news is that they have their own parking space, so you don't have to worry about that problem (trust me, this is a BIG PLUS in Belgrade). Prices are moderate and very reasonable. Some major credit cards are accepted. Reservations are recommended for evenings.

All photos are taken from Zlatar's web site.

More photos of Belgrade Airport

Here are some more photos of Belgrade "Nikola Tesla" Airport.

DEPARTURE

This is a photo of Departures at Terminal 2. Departures are located at the 1st floor.

One of cafes at the 1st floor, where you can wait for your flight.

Ground floor of the Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is connected and it is located in the background of this photo. From this part you can go either up (Departures), or down (Arrivals).

ARRIVALS

This is the first thing you see when you arrive - pretty much ugly, isn't it? If judging by this view, one could think that Belgrade is the ugliest town on earth. But it's not, trust me.
The corridor leads to parking lot.

And when you get out of the building, here's the scenery - yuck! And remember what I've told you about taxis - do not bargain, check the price for luggage and insist on taximeter! If any of this fails, try to look for Policemen, they're always somewhere around.

This is the JAT's bus station. As you can see, there's no timetable. Good luck!
For the public transportation, you have to go up one level. If you decide to use this option, I wish you even more luck.

And, when you finally grab your transportation, whatever it might be, this is the way you'll leave the airport. WELCOME TO BELGRADE! :o)

Belgrade "Nikola Tesla" Airport - Surprisingly small

Belgrade "Nikola Tesla" Airport is located some 20 km from Belgrade. Since Belgrade is a city of two million inhabitants, you would expect a much larger airport, but even this one seems to be big enough. It has only one runway, so delays of all sorts are not unexpected, but surprisingly rare. It is consisted of two buildings which are simply called Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. There is not much to see in Terminal 1, as the building is old and not so well preserved, but the good news is that you probably won't have to use it at all - since Terminal 2 was built few years ago, all passenger traffic was moved to the new terminal. The only thing you can look in terminal two is one kiosk which is very hard to find, because it's almost hidden, but worth a try (IF you have time to spend) considering the fact that prices are normal - unlike in all other shops in the airport. So, if you need something, it is better not to buy it in the airport, or else you'll have to pay even double or triple price (except for cigarettes and magazines).

Arrivals are in the underground floor of Terminal 2 and that gives a very ugly first impression. Glass doors and walls are white, so you cannot see if someone's waiting for you until you pass Custom and Passport check points and step outside in the "lobby". The "lobby", or should I rather call it "waiting room" is something like a narrow corridor, with little space, so it creates a problem if you want to meet someone. You can go outside using the exit doors on the ground floor, but if you want to grab a taxi, it is better to use the stairs and go to the ground floor of the terminal. The ground floor and first floor are much better looking, spacious with lot of natural light during day. It is quite clean. There are modern check in desks, cafes and shops (but don't say I didn't warn you about prices), banks and exchange offices. Smoking is still allowed within cafes. During seasons' holidays terminal is nicely decorated so it has the holiday atmosphere. Exchange offices on the ground floor (I haven't checked those in underground floor) are OK, there is no significant difference in exchange rate from ones in the city, so you can freely exchange your money here. Duty free shop has some special offers, and they're OK, but all other prices are similar (sometimes even higher) as prices in the city.

Departures are on the 1st floor, where you also have bank, post offices and cafes. The waiting area is spacious enough, but there is not enough seats, which forces you to sit in cafe. If your flight is delayed, I would recommend you not go inside as the prices in cafes behind Passport Control check point are even higher.

If you need special bags for carrying liquids, you can find them all over the airport, or you can as personnel at the check-point desk to provide it to you. Unfortunately, that is not the case with pushcarts at the departure.

TRANSPORTATION

If you don't have prearranged transfer (the option which I recommend warmly) you'll have to exchange your money at the airport, as the only acceptable currency is Dinar.

Transportation from the airport is questionable, since you don't have much choice. There are taxis, which should be around 10-15 Euros for ride and some additional money for your luggage (per piece) that is where problems can occur, so be sure that taxi driver tells you price for the luggage BEFORE you enter the vehicle. Not to mention that the taximeter should be turned on - do not except any bargains.

The other possibility is the bus of the JAT Airways, but it's timetable is depending on its carrier's flight schedule, so check if there is some flight near your time of arrival. The bus goes through New Belgrade to Slavija Square (pronounced as "Slaviya"), which is in wider territory of city center. The ticket is about 2 Euros and some additional Euros for each piece of luggage.

The third possibility is the worst one, and that is public transportation. You can buy the bus ticket in newsstands at the airport, or you can buy it in the bus (it costs less than 1 Euro, no additional charges for the luggage, as far as I know). The bus goes every 30 minutes, but during afternoon rush-hour (between 3 and 5 P.M.) it might be late up to 1 1/2 hours. It goes in the very center of the city, but has a strange route, which is 3 times longer than normal, so it takes at least 45 minutes to reach the center (during rush hour it takes a lot more than 1 hour).

I took all photos during winter Holiday season 2008 (with mobile phone).

What to see when you're in Belgrade? EVENTS Summer 2009

If you are already in Belgrade, you still have a chance to see Bluestock, the International Rythm and Blues Festival, held in the open air, in Košutnjak, the largest park in Belgrade. It is an annual festival, so don't worry, if you miss it this year, there's always next year. Bluestock time is always scheduled on the last Saturday of June.

From 1st to 12th July 2009, Belgrade will be the host of 25th Universiade. There's no need to present the Universiade, as it is world-wide known sports event. Around 9000 students-athletes, from 140 countries will compete in 15 sports and 208 disciplines.

And in the end: you can visit the exhibition Dinosaurs of Argentina - Giants of Patagonia, which will be in Belgrade until 15th January 2010. This exhibition was brought to Belgrade as a result of cooperation between GGPCLA Grupo Cultural from Argentina and Belgrade Natural History Museum. The exhibition has 40 exhibits and 15 different complete and partial skeletons of various dinosaurs, including over 17 meters long Rebbachisaurus tessonei and one of the oldest dinosaurs that ever lived - Herrerasaurus.

Although over 2 million people all over the world have already seen this exhibition, Belgrade will be the host of one premiere - new skeleton of one of the biggest carnivore dinosaurs (forgot the name, LOL).

The exhibition is located in Impulse Hall, near hotel Continental. Exhibition is opened every day from 10.00 h - 21.00 h. Tickets are available at the Impulse Hall and Natural HistoryMuseum. There are special group and family discounts.

Restaurant Peking, Belgrade

I wonder why they have four stars

 

Restaurant Peking (Beijing in Serbian) is the first and the oldest Chinese restaurant in Belgrade. When I was adding this Restaurant to trivago, I was surprised to find that it has 4 stars. As long as I remember (and I remember it since it was opened), the food wasn't that good, even when it was the only Chinese restaurant in Belgrade, not to mention what happened when other Chinese restaurant opened in Belgrade, beating it with quality, taste and price. OK, I thought, maybe things have changed in past 15 years - after all, I haven't been there since 1995. But I was wrong...

 

Few days ago, I was invited to lunch, which was a farewell to one lady leaving Serbia. I couldn't wait to see the changes that happened in Peking restaurant, since all those awards and four stars categorization made me think that the restaurant improved since I've been there many years ago, especially since nowadays Belgrade has so many good quality and fair priced Chinese restaurants, along with many other Asian food restaurants.

 

First impression? Now, THAT was quite an impression! Or better to say, it was quite a shock to me. Peking restaurant is located next to Knez Mihailova Street (in fact, it is behind the corner, just some 10 meters away from it), which is the busiest pedestrian zone in Belgrade, and majority of tourists pass it for at least two times. That means that all connecting and neighboring streets are also "dressed up" to be nice and attractive. Street did look nice, but the entrance to the restaurant looks like it belongs to a long-time-ago-abandoned restaurant. For a moment, I even thought that this was maybe delivery entrance and that we should find another entrance for guests - but there was no other entrance.

 

The interior was disappointment as well. It is not ugly looking, but all furniture, decoration and lightings haven't been changed (and when it comes to ceiling lamps, I have to add, even cleaned) for years - and I even dare to say that I think that everything is the same since they've opened the place, which was in late 70's or early 80's. That is a real pity, because I can see that the furniture is of very good quality, but heavily worn down, and one simple reparation, actually, few coats of lacquer, would make them shine again. There are also some very nice pieces of vases and porcelain statues, which are pushed away in corners, without being displayed properly as they deserve. In fact, the most obvious things, when you enter the dining hall on the first floor, are those awfully dirty and ugly plastic bouquets placed on each table. Not only that they are totally unnecessary, but those dirty things can even spoil your appetite if you look at them while eating. We had to ask waiter to remove it from our table, because the leaves were touching our food.

 

About the food... what can I say? Not bad, but nothing special, although they have a celebrity guest Chef from China. What was really bad is the rice! It was unacceptable, and I have to emphasize that I was there with a group of people who are Asians, which means that they eat rice every day, so they can tell the difference. When the Chef came to ask us if we have enjoyed our lunch, we simply couldn't tell him that, because it was too embarrassing. How is it possible that he does not know that? On top of that, it was completely impossible to eat that rice with chopsticks. Comparing to other Chinese restaurants in Belgrade, portions are too small and prices are too high.

 

Staff is friendly and polite, but sometimes it was hard to find them - they simply vanish and they're nowhere to find.

 

I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone - there are so many other nicer restaurants in Belgrade that there is no need to come here at all. I strongly stand behind my opinion that major changes should be done in it in order to make it competitive and pleasant.

There are no photos here, because there wasn't anything nice to photograph.

Belgrade Hostels

During last April I was unemployed, so I've decided to take a few days for a little research. Since Belgrade started to be more and more popular as a tourist destination, I wanted to check the accommodation. I've prepared myself for the task by choosing two areas around center of Belgrade and to check out budget hotels and hostels.

The result of my research was quite surprising for me, because I've found hostels cleaner and nicer than 3 stars hotels. To be honest, if I would come to visit Belgrade as a tourist, I would choose hostel over a 3 stars hotel. Even though I'm very picky about cleanliness, especially when it comes to bathroom (I hate common bathrooms!), I would still choose hostel. All hostels cost between 10 and 12 € per person, but during major events (like it was last year's Eurovision Song Contest, or this year's Universiade), prices go up, but I don't think that they ever exceed 20 € per person. Comparing to 4 stars hotels, which are 4 to 6 times more expensive, and also raise their prices during major events, it is worth considering this option. Some hostels have private rooms or apartments where you can stay alone, and sometimes have your private bathroom, for a price which is still much lower than in a 3 stars hotel.

Most of hostels are actually redecorated apartments in residential buildings, but some of them are actually in separate buildings. None of them can be easily accessed by disabled people, except for those with regular elevators if they are big enough to carry the wheelchair. All of these hostels are located in areas with parking zones, so if you're coming by car, you'll have to find the nearest public garage, which basically is not a problem (plus, your car will be safer) as there are enough garages.

In some hostels they were very uncooperative, so they're not listed here, but most of hostels in my itinerary had very friendly staff and here are the results, sorted by alphabetical order (not by preference). So, if you are planning to travel to Belgrade, you might like to check out these hostels.

Hostel Central Station is located across the Main Bus Station and Main Train Station. The entrance is through one larger building, which is connected to one smaller, where the hostel is. It is actually one huge apartment, modified to serve the purpose. This hostel even has a cute terrace, overlooking backyard, protected from noise coming from main street. Rooms are nice and clean, they are mixed (meaning both sexes) and smoking is not allowed. Kitchen is surprisingly small and it's the biggest minus of this hostel, but as a contrast, (ladies) bathroom is huge with multiple showers and clean. There is one PC with complimentary internet connection, but it is in the narrow corridor, so it's a little bit uncomfortable. There is no common room, so if you want to watch TV or hang with someone, you have to do it on the terrace or somewhere else. This hostel has a small reception room, but too small to fit more than 3 persons. The interesting thing is that receptionist said that children are allowed (like they are some sort of pets). More details can also be found here.

Entrance from the main street.

Nice terrace with sitting area

Rooms

PC corner

Kitchen???

Ladies bathroom

Chillton Hostel has a cool name, and the hostel itself is pretty cool. It is located in area around Slaviya Square (the wider range of city center) in a charming old building, near St. Sava Cathedral. This is also an adaptated apartment, but it is spacious, with a large common room and a connecting big kitchen, where you can also do your loundry. There is only one bathroom, but it is very clean. Some more detailes can be found here.

Reception "hall"

Bathroom

Common room

Kitchen

City Center is located across the Main Train Station. This is the only hostel which is occupying the complete building and even has additional small building in the back yard, with cheaper beds. Hostel is huge, with large rooms, so it is convenient for large groups. When I was visiting it, in April 2008, they were doing some adaptations and renovations, so today it might look better than it did at that time. The owner said that thy will add some sort of elevating device for wheelchairs, so you should chek the situation directly with them. There was also a restaurant, which was closed for renovation, and next to it was a small casino. Most of rooms are very big, with so meny beds, that it was very surprising for me. All the furniture is very basic, and rooms and corridors have no decoration at all (once again, it could be different now). What impressed me the most was a beautiful view from a balcony in one of the rooms.

Bathrooms are very old, but seems to me also that there are not enough bathrooms comparing to all those beds - but, this problem also might be solved by now. On the toppest floor, there are few appartments, consisted of bedroom, living room and bathroom - thay are nice and decent, but also very simple. More info can be found here.

Hostel's outer building

Reception

Apartment: Bedroom, living room and bathroom

Empty hallway

Men's bathroom

Different types of rooms

The best part: view from the terrace from the first floor room. It's overlooking the building of the Main Train Station.

Green Studio was the hostel that I liked the most. It's because of its atmosphere which is so positive that it gets you from the first moment you step inside. Unfortunately, this hostel does not have the official web site, so I'll give you the list of hostel booking links, instead: hostels.net, iwb, hostels.com and hostelworld. The owner is a foreigner (meaning not Serbian), but he is very proud to say that this hostel is offering free rakija (rakiya is very strong national liquor) along with free coffee and tea. Hostel has lockers, large common area with TV and computers, which is connected to dining area with average sized kitchen. Using laundry machine is free of charge. Hostel is clean and nice, so this would definitely be my choice. It's across the Main Bus Station, which is literally next to the Main Train Station. There is no elevator in this building, so you'll have to use the stairs. The hotel is on the last floor, so it has roof windows, which is very charming. Every room is bright and with lot of natural light.

Entrance to Green Room Hostel

Bathroom

Kitchen, photographed from dinig area/common room

Computers in common room

Rooms

Happy Hostel is the most lovely designed hostel of all. It is located very near Slavija Square and you can actually see the part of the square from the terrace. It is also made from an apartment located in the building, but the elevator seems big enough to carry the wheelchair. Every single detail is carefuly chosen and nicely designed: from lazy bags in the common room, through cover of the kitchen door, to toilet seats. There are two toilettes, one is separate and the other is within the bathroom, where you can also find laundry machine. The only thing I did not like about this hostel is the fact that one room is in the middle of the appartment and it's on the way to other rooms, so I cannot imagine how can anywone sleep in that room, since there is no curfew. It is near St. Sava Cathedral More info.

Dining room (in the common room) - the kitchen is on the left

Bathroom

Toilette :o)

View from the terrace - the yellow and blue ball that you can see in the right corner was placed in the middle of Slavija Square at that moment

Common room

Hostel Belgrade is located opposite to Beogradjanka building, in the city center. From the outside you can see a large building, but actually, when you go through the doors you can see on the photo below, after a short corridor, you enter to the large backyard (the size is almost like a small park) wiyh a house surounded by buildings. Hostel is located in that house. Both rooms and bathrooms are clean, and there are small lockers for yor precious possesions (but only for small-sized ones). There is also a reception, with the computer you can use, and a dining area, which was closed at the moment for painting (so I did not see it). More info.

Hostel's building (what you can see down, in a half-basement, is a private appartment, probably the owner's home)

Reception

If you would like to stay in the quiet neighborhood, but still to be in the city center and very very close to one of the main attractions in Belgrade, the so-called Silicon Valley (street wit the most cafes in one place), Hostel California is your choice. It was still unfinished when I came to see it, but most part it was finished and funstioning. It occupies a small house, and has three levels. Everything inside is new, so it is pleasant and clean. Common room was not finished at the momet, so I could not see it. This hostel is the closest (from these ones) to Kalemegdan, the most popular attraction in Belgrade. Also, it is just few minutes walk away from other famous attraction, bohemian street Skadarlija. More info about hostel can be found here.

Hostel In Old Shoes, located in the center of the city, 5 minutes walking distance from Main Train Station and 3 minutes form pedestrian zone Knez Mihailova Street, which is surrounded by other tourist attractions.. Rooms are clean and nice, and this is the special private room, overlooking the backyard (quiet area). Other rooms have several beds and they are on the side of the very busy street. Hostel is actually an apartment in a large building. This hostel has pleasant atmosphere and its clean. There are two private rooms, one of them is shown below. More info.