City Life - Belgrade
National Geographic Traveller (UK)|June 2018

The Serbian capital is made up of a sprawl of socialist blocks dotted with Ottoman relics. Although it may not be the prettiest capital, it sure knows how to have a good time

Jo Fletcher-cross
City Life - Belgrade

“So, what have you been doing today?” asks the Crown Prince of Serbia. I can’t think what to say. It’s the first time conversation has dried up over the past few days; if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Serbians, it’s that they love to talk — about the war, about their country, about how they are perceived in the wider world, about films, about apples… anything.

This chat is a little different though. As I’d arrived for my visit at the Royal Palace, the prince had been holding court with a small group of American tourists from a cruise ship, regaling them with tales of Serbia’s past royals. They’d listened, enthralled, then queued to shake his hand, and that of his formidable Greek wife, Crown Princess Katherine. I’d expected a brief hello, but instead the prince, princess and I unexpectedly sat down for tea and cake.

“Have you seen anything interesting?” the prince prompts. I don’t think it would be particularly good etiquette to mention that I’ve come straight from former President of Yugoslavia Tito’s tomb at House of Flowers. It might be a little awkward as the Serbian royal family was exiled for nearly 60 years, forbidden to return after the Second World War by the communist regime. Everyone in Belgrade has something to say about Tito, ardent defenders or passionate decriers. I’ve got a feeling what the Crown Prince, born in exile in London, thinks of him. So I lie. “I’ve been… to the fortress.”

Esta historia es de la edición June 2018 de National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición June 2018 de National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER (UK)Ver todo
Annette Arjoon-Martins
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Annette Arjoon-Martins

RAISED BY HER INDIGENOUS GRANDMOTHER IN GUYANA, SOUTH AMERICA, ANNETTE BUILT A FEMALE DRONE UNIT TO MONITOR MANGROVES

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
The Amazon to the Andes
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

The Amazon to the Andes

THIS AUTUMN, PADDINGTON HEADS TO PERU ON THE BIG SCREEN - FOLLOW IN HIS PAWPRINTS FOR AN EPIC FAMILY ADVENTURE

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Serra de Tramuntana
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Serra de Tramuntana

MAJORCA'S MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGE IS EVERY BIT AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE ISLAND'S COASTLINE - AND YOU CAN HIKE STRAIGHT FROM YOUR HOTEL

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 2024
CRAFTING PERFECTION
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

CRAFTING PERFECTION

Carlsberg's old brewing district has been redeveloped, offering creative new ways to enjoy Copenhagen

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
HOTEL AWARDS 2024
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

HOTEL AWARDS 2024

IT'S BEEN AN EPIC YEAR FOR HOTEL OPENINGS, REVAMPS AND EXTENSIONS, AND WE'VE SCOURED THE GLOBE FOR THE BEST OF THEM. WHETHER YOU WANT TO TUNE INTO THE JUNGLE FROM A TREEHOUSE, SLEEP IN A PIECE OF HISTORY OR WATCH THE SUN SET OVER MOUNTAIN PEAKS FROM YOUR BED, YOU'RE GUARANTEED A MEMORABLE STAY FROM OUR WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 2024
MALDIVES
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

MALDIVES

An archipelago of 1,192 coral islands and 26 turquoise atolls looping across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is home to resorts that cater to every imaginable taste, from barefoot escapes to designer digs. The most convenient to reach are located in the South Malé, North Malé and Vaavu atolls, within speedboat distance of Velana International Airport, while more remote atolls are accessible by seaplane or domestic flight. With easy access to the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa and Raa are especially popular. Those around the Equator, including Gaafu Alifu, offer a splendid sense of isolation, abundant marine life and brilliantly starry night skies.

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 2024
TRANSYLVANIA
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

TRANSYLVANIA

The central Romanian region of Dracula fame makes for an intriguing autumn break - sink your teeth into its crafts and culture after discovering its turreted castles.

time-read
7 minutos  |
November 2024
Audio adventures
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

Audio adventures

FROM OVERTOURISM TO HOW THE OLYMPIC GAMES AFFECTS HOST CITIES, HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST PODCASTS THAT EXPLORE THE WORLD

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 2024
NICE
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

NICE

Historically a place where monarchs and aristocrats would escape the winter in favour of warm Mediterranean climes, this southern French city is at its best in the off season

time-read
9 minutos  |
November 2024
BELFAST
National Geographic Traveller (UK)

BELFAST

In the Northern Irish capital, the healing and uniting powers of music and art are being used to reconcile the past, look to the future and bring communities together

time-read
10+ minutos  |
November 2024