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Belgrade'Come to a city where you will feel at home.' This is the call put out by the Tourism Organization of Belgrade on its website, but one that potential visitors to Serbia's capital may feel is rather exaggerated, given the city's reputation as one of the most turbulent European cities. The history of Belgrade, originally known as Singidunum, goes back 6,000 years; the tales of conflicts and devastation it has experienced in all that time would fill many tomes. Belgrade, however, always bounces back and is currently lifting itself up and shaking itself off amid the scars of its
most recent conflagration, when NATO forces bombed the city for 78 days in 1999.
Belgrade (or Beograd in Serbian) is situated in a strategic spot of south-eastern Europe where the Sava and Danube rivers join on the Balkan Peninsula. It is not a pretty city, but rather one layered with the relics of its many generations and invaders, resulting in a conglomeration of architecture and cultures, which have somehow melded together to imbue the modern city with its own unique charm. From the pile of rubble, which is all that remains of the bombed-out former military headquarters on Kneza Milosa, to the techno wildness of its famed nightclubs beneath the Kalemegdan Citadel, Belgrade tells many stories and offers dozens of experiences.
The best place to begin understanding the city is on the site of its original ancient settlement, the hill called Kalemegdan, now a fascinating park-like complex of historic buildings above the Old Town (Stari Grad). The Military Museum situated here traces the history of the city's bloody past, from its first conflict with the Roman Legions in the 1st century BC, to an exhibit of parts of a United States Stealth Bomber, shot down in the 1999 air raids.
Those who choose to ignore history and enjoy Belgrade as it is today will find a myriad of leisure and pleasure opportunities, all offered by the incredibly hospitable inhabitants who are justly proud of this indomitable city.
Getting Around: Having a car in busy Belgrade is often more of a liability than an asset, the traffic being hectic and parking in the city limited. The best way to get around the city is on public transport, which consists of hundreds of buses, trams and trolley buses. It is wise to avoid rush hour. Tickets for all types of transportation can be bought from kiosks in the streets, each journey costing 27 dinars. Tickets can be bought from the drivers, but these are more expensive. If you need to ask directions be aware it is best to approach a younger person, as most elderly Belgrade residents will not understand English. Taxis are cheap and safe, and can be hailed in the street. Ensure that you pick a licensed taxi: these are indicated with a small blue sign featuring the city's coat of arms and a number. Privately owned taxis, sporting a white marker on the roof, are likely to be extremely expensive.
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