Belgrade

Destroyed more than twenty times, Serbians rebuilt Belgrade or Beograd each time with stubborn nonchalance, fortitude and civic pride. An outspoken hunger for independence and liberty is definitely part of this city’s DNA, which was a hotbed for journalistic outcry and rebellion against Communism.

Belgrade blends a unique mixture of Slav, Austrian and East Ottoman cultures, with a marked affinity for Turkish coffee.

Though situated on several hills above the Danube and Sava Rivers, Belgrade’s very walkable city center is best explored on foot. Republic Square, the central city’s main square, fronts the National Theater, the National Museum, Kulturni Centar Beograda and several movie houses showing current films with Serbian subtitles. A favorite meeting place is the Konj, a huge statue of Prince Mihailo, the 1867 liberator from the Turks.

Knez Mihailova, the city’s main artery is a pedestrian-only street bustling with activity 24/7, and dotted with Viennese-style cafes. It crosses Stari Grad’s academic, financial and cultural quarter.

Skadarlija, the bohemian quarter, bustles with gypsy art studios and cabarets, many restaurants, plus some of Belgrade’s 30 theaters and 50 art galleries.

For science aficionados, Nikola Tesla Museum documents Tesla’s contributions, particularly his Tesla coil and alternating current, electricity production advancements.

Nine miles outside Belgrade lies Belo brdo, the famous Neolithic archeological site. Excavations of the 25 acre site began in 1908, unearthing 7500 year old remains of prehistoric man.

Try some of the many varieties of Rakija, traditional Serbian brandy made with plums, grapes or herbs, available at Rakija Bars.