Belgrade

Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It sits where the Sava and Danube rivers meet, making it an important place in the Pannonian Plain and the Balkan Peninsula. With over 1.6 million people living in its area, Belgrade is one of the biggest cities in Southeast Europe and the third-largest city along the Danube River.

Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe that has been lived in continuously. Thousands of years ago, a culture called the Vinča culture lived there. Over time, many different groups such as the Thraco-Dacians, Celts, Romans, Slavs, and others have ruled the city. It has been a center for many kingdoms and empires, including being an important city for Serbia and later Yugoslavia.

Today, Belgrade is very important for Serbia. It is the home of the government, many big companies, and important schools and hospitals like the University Clinical Centre of Serbia. The city has many famous buildings, such as the big Church of Saint Sava and the large Belgrade Arena. Belgrade has also hosted many big international events, like the first meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit and the Eurovision Song Contest. Soon, it will host a big world exhibition called Expo 2027.

History

Main article: History of Belgrade

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Belgrade.

Prehistory

See also: Prehistoric sites in Serbia and Prehistory of Southeastern Europe

Stone tools found in Zemun show that the area around Belgrade was inhabited by nomadic people in very old times. These tools belong to different cultures, showing that people lived here between 50,000 and 20,000 years ago. The first farming people to settle in the region are linked to a culture that flourished between 6200 and 5200 BC. This culture was later followed by another farming culture known for its large settlements and early forms of writing.

Antiquity

See also: Serbia in the Roman era

In ancient times, the area was home to different groups of people. Belgrade became an important city under the Romans, who named it Singidunum. It grew into a major settlement and was later proclaimed a municipium and then a colonia, the highest city class.

Middle Ages

See also: Serbia in the Middle Ages

Over the centuries, Belgrade was ruled by various groups, including the Huns, Ostrogoths, Gepids, Byzantines, and Slavs. It became part of the Bulgarian Empire and later changed hands between the Byzantine Empire, the Kingdom of Hungary, and the Bulgarian Empire. The city served as the capital of the Serbian Despotate and flourished under Serbian rulers.

Ottoman rule and Austrian invasions

See also: History of Ottoman Serbia and Ottoman–Habsburg wars

In 1521, the Ottomans captured Belgrade, and it became an important city in their empire. The city was occupied by the Habsburgs several times but was recaptured by the Ottomans each time. During this period, Belgrade saw the arrival of Ottoman architecture and culture.

Principality and Kingdom of Serbia

See also: Principality of Serbia and Kingdom of Serbia

In the early 19th century, Belgrade began to shake off Ottoman influence. It became the capital of the Principality of Serbia and later the Kingdom of Serbia. The city saw significant changes in its architecture and urban planning, moving away from Ottoman styles towards European influences.

World War I: Austro–German invasion

The First World War brought heavy fighting near Belgrade. The city changed hands several times between the Austro-Hungarian and Serbian forces. After the war, Belgrade became the capital of the new Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

Kingdom of Yugoslavia

After the war, Belgrade experienced fast growth and modernisation. New infrastructure, including airports and radio stations, was built. The city grew in population and became a more modern urban centre.

World War II

During World War II, Belgrade was bombed by both the Axis powers and the Allies. The city was occupied by German forces and became the seat of a puppet regime. Resistance movements fought against the occupation. After the war, Belgrade became the capital of the new Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia.

Socialist Yugoslavia

In the post-war period, Belgrade grew rapidly as Yugoslavia’s capital. New neighborhoods like New Belgrade were built, and the city developed into a major industrial and cultural centre. The 1960s brought modern architecture and international events, making Belgrade a vibrant city.

Breakup of Yugoslavia

In the 1990s, Belgrade was affected by the breakup of Yugoslavia and the wars that followed. The city saw protests, bombings, and an influx of refugees. After the 2000 elections, major protests led to political change in Serbia.

Recent period

In recent years, Belgrade has seen significant development and urban renewal projects. The city continues to grow, with new construction and infrastructure projects shaping its future.

Geography

Belgrade is the capital city of Serbia, sitting at the meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers. The city lies about 117 meters above sea level and has a mix of hilly and flat areas. Central Belgrade has hills, with the highest point being Torlak Hill at 303 meters. South of the city are two small mountains, Avala and Kosmaj.

Belgrade has a humid subtropical climate, meaning it has warm summers and cool winters. Temperatures usually range from about 2°C in January to 24°C in July, with an average of around 13°C year-round. The city gets about 698 mm of rain each year, and it often has sunny days and occasional thunderstorms, especially in spring and summer.

Administration

See also: Mayor of Belgrade

Belgrade is a separate territorial unit in Serbia, with its own autonomous city authority. The Assembly of the City of Belgrade has 110 members, elected every four years. A smaller City Council, led by the mayor, helps manage the city's day-to-day affairs. The city is also home to all of Serbia's important government offices, including the National Assembly, the Presidency, and the Government of Serbia.

The city is divided into 17 municipalities. These areas were once split into urban and suburban groups, but now they all have equal status. Most municipalities are located on the southern side of the Danube and Sava rivers, while a few are on the northern side.

See also: Subdivisions of Belgrade

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of Belgrade and Demographic history of Belgrade

Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and has many people living there. In 2022, about 1.2 million people lived in the city itself, with even more in the surrounding areas.

People in Belgrade come from many different backgrounds. Most are Serbs, but there are also smaller groups such as Roma, Yugoslavs, Montenegrins, Russians, Croats, Macedonians, and others. Many people moved to Belgrade for jobs or because they had to leave their homes during conflicts in the 1990s. Today, Belgrade continues to attract people from around the world.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Belgrade

See also: Belgrade IT sector and Architectural projects in Belgrade

Belgrade is the financial center of Serbia and Southeast Europe. It has lots of office space and is home to the country’s Central Bank. Many people work in the city, and it plays a big role in Serbia’s economy.

New Belgrade is a busy business area with hotels, conference halls, and office buildings. It’s also where you’ll find the Belgrade Stock Exchange. The city is a key spot for technology, with many global IT companies setting up offices there. Belgrade has produced some well-known tech innovators and startups over the years.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Belgrade

Belgrade is known for its creative spirit and hosts many cultural events each year, such as film, theatre, and music festivals. Famous authors like Ivo Andrić, who wrote The Bridge on the Drina, and artists such as Charles Simic and Marina Abramović, were born in Belgrade. The city is home to most of Serbia’s film industry and several important theatres, including the National Theatre and the Yugoslav Drama Theatre.

Belgrade has a rich musical history, being a center for the Yugoslav new wave in the 1980s and today a hub for Serbian hip hop. The city features numerous museums, libraries, and opera houses, making it a vibrant cultural center.

Museums

See also: List of museums in Belgrade

Belgrade’s most famous museum is the National Museum, which houses over 400,000 exhibits, including works by famous artists like Van Gogh and Picasso. The Museum of Contemporary Art features modern Yugoslav artists, and the Belgrade City Museum offers collections from the city’s history. Other notable museums include the Ethnographic Museum, the Museum of African Art, and the Nikola Tesla Museum, which preserves Tesla’s inventions and personal items.

Architecture

See also: List of buildings in Belgrade, List of streets and squares in Belgrade, Bridges of Belgrade, Architectural projects in Belgrade, Religious architecture in Belgrade, and Gates of Belgrade

Belgrade’s architecture is diverse, ranging from the old Turkish-influenced buildings in Zemun to modern structures in New Belgrade. Famous landmarks include the Kalemegdan Fortress, the Church of Saint Sava, and Knez Mihailova Street, the city’s main shopping area. The city also features brutalist buildings from the socialist era and modern skyscrapers.

Tourism

See also: Tourism in Serbia

Belgrade attracts visitors with its historic sites such as Skadarlija, the National Museum, and the Kalemegdan Fortress. Ada Ciganlija, an artificial lake, is a popular spot for sports and relaxation in the summer. The city also offers extreme sports like bungee jumping and water skiing, along with many parks, monuments, and cafes.

Nightlife

Main article: Nightlife in Belgrade

Belgrade is famous for its lively nightlife, with many clubs open late into the night. The city’s barges along the Sava and Danube rivers are popular spots for socializing. Skadarlija, a historic neighborhood, offers traditional Serbian music and restaurants, providing a unique cultural experience.

Fashion and design

Since 1996, Belgrade has hosted semiannual fashion weeks that showcase both local and international designers. The city also features major design events like the Mikser Festival and Belgrade Design Week, attracting architects and industrial designers from around the world.

Media

See also: List of media organisations in Belgrade

Belgrade is the main media center in Serbia. It is home to the national public broadcaster Radio Television Serbia (RTS) and popular commercial channels like RTV Pink and B92. These stations create entertainment shows, news, and other programs for viewers.

The city also has many newspapers, such as Politika, Blic, and Danas. There are special newspapers for sports fans and business people, too. Belgrade is also where Serbian versions of famous magazines like Harper's Bazaar, Elle, and National Geographic are published.

Sport and recreation

See also: List of sporting events in Belgrade

Belgrade has about one thousand sports facilities, many of which can host events at all levels. Ada Ciganlija island, with its lake and beaches, is a major recreational spot, especially in summer, offering bars, cafés, restaurants, and sports facilities. Nearby, Košutnjak Park Forest provides running and bike trails, sports areas, and indoor and outdoor pools.

Belgrade has hosted many important international sports events. In the 1960s and 1970s, it held events such as the first World Aquatics Championships, the 1976 European Football Championship, and several European Championships in athletics, basketball, and volleyball. Since the early 2000s, Belgrade has continued to host major events, including EuroBasket, European Handball and Volleyball Championships, and the European Athletics Indoor Championships. The city is home to Serbia's top football clubs, Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade, and features large venues like the Belgrade Arena. Belgrade also has produced world-class tennis players and hosts the annual Belgrade Marathon.

Education

Belgrade has two main universities and many other schools. The University of Belgrade is the oldest university in Serbia, with almost 90,000 students. It has beautiful buildings that are important to the city's history and culture.

The city also has 195 primary schools and 85 secondary schools. These schools teach around 230,000 students and have many teachers and staff working in over 500 buildings.

Transportation

Main article: Transport in Belgrade

See also: Trams in Belgrade and Bridges in Belgrade

Belgrade has many ways to get around, including buses, trams, trolleybuses, and the BG Voz train service. These help people travel within the city and to nearby towns. Tickets can be bought using SMS or paper tickets. Since January 2025, riding public transport in Belgrade is free.

The city is also connected by trains and highways to places like Novi Sad, Budapest, and Niš. Belgrade has many bridges over the Danube and Sava rivers, making it easy to travel around. The city has an airport, Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, which serves millions of passengers every year.

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Serbia

Belgrade has many friends and partners around the world. Some of these are called "twin towns" or "sister cities." Belgrade is twinned with cities like Coventry in the United Kingdom since 1957, Chicago in the United States since 2005, and Ljubljana in Slovenia since 2010. Other partner cities include Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Rabat in Morocco.

The city has also received many honors from other countries for its efforts during wars. It was given special awards by France, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia for its bravery. In 2006, it was named "City of the Future of Southern Europe" by a magazine.