Things to do in Belgrade
Catch a classical concert at the National Theatre
Belgrade supports a strong theatrical tradition (although most performances are in Serbian) and there are several good theatres in the city. One of the best has to be the National Theatre (tel: +381 11 2620 946; www.narodnopozoriste.co.rs/en). Expect some of the greatest dramas in history to be played here, with performance of Shakespeare as well as Serbian, Italian and Russian greats.
Get all square-eyed at Musej Kinoteka
Belgraders are very passionate about film and there are numerous cinemas in the city, most of which screen the latest Hollywood blockbusters in English. For more unusual films, try Musej Kinoteka which is famed as the home of one of the most comprehensive film collections in Europe (tel: +381 11 262 2555; http://www.kinoteka.org.rs/wp)
Seek out Serbia’s best street art
Belgrade's street art is a recent phenomenon but the sheer amount of quality work is impressive. What started as an explosion of brash graffiti in the final stages of the Milosevic regime has evolved into complex artistic efforts that would make Banksy proud. You can, of course, pound the pavements yourself to seek out the many murals and stencils, but several outfits such as Belgrade Alternative Guide run street art tours (tel: +381 64 2395 704; www.belgradealtguide.com).
Take a vow of silence in a medieval monastery
Serbia boasts some very impressive Orthodox monasteries, many within easy reach of Belgrade. Their bold medieval architecture is a reminder of one of the more critical phases in the country's history, when Serbia eventually gained independence from the Byzantines. Serbian Heritage Tours (tel: +381 65 241 0746; www.serbianheritagetours.com) offer terrific two-day trips to visit some of the best preserved.
Toast the night with some local rakia
Depending on who you're talking to, rakia originates from Serbia, Bulgaria or Montenegro. Whoever you believe, this punchy plum spirit is a real chest-hair cultivator, and turning down an offer to share a round is simply not an option. For the widest selection in town, head to the handily named Rakia Bar (tel +381 (0)11 3286 119; www.rakiabar.com).
