How would you describe Belgrade in one sentence to someone who has never visited it?

I haven’t received such a simple yet genuinely interesting question in a long time. The first association that came to my mind was the number two. Belgrade is a city of more than two million inhabitants, located at the confluence of two major European rivers and divided into two main parts – Old Belgrade and New Belgrade. Even its name is made up of two Serbian words. Belgrade is a city that offers entertainment, rich history, culture and tradition, combined with an urban and dynamic lifestyle, exceptionally warm hosts and outstanding gastronomy.

What do foreigners most often want to know at the very beginning of a Free Walking Tour?

I must say that most foreigners arrive in Belgrade with very little prior knowledge, so almost all the information that feels ordinary and everyday to us is new to them – and often very impressive and entertaining. It frequently happens that, if I don’t mention it in advance, they ask whether we will see the Belgrade Fortress and the confluence of the rivers during the tour.

Which place on your tour tells the story of Belgrade best?

The first location that comes to mind is the area above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. This is where visitors receive a clear explanation of Belgrade’s extremely important geostrategic position throughout history, which helps them understand the city’s more than 2,000-year-long and turbulent past. Over the centuries, Belgrade has witnessed around 115 major battles and conflicts, more than 70 bombardments and approximately 40 destructions.

Of course, King Peter Street, which connects the Sava and the Danube, as well as Skadarlija, are absolutely unavoidable.

Which story from the tour surprises guests the most?

I would say that the history of Belgrade itself surprises them the most – a city shaped by Celts, Romans, Byzantines, Serbs, Bulgarians, Hungarians, Ottomans, Austrians, Germans and many other, lesser-known peoples. Equally surprising for them is the city’s positive, urban and vibrant atmosphere.

These are two things most visitors simply do not expect before arriving.

How do you explain Belgrade’s layered history in a simple and engaging way?

I always try to make the story entertaining, so I never miss the chance to mention that in just the last 150 years, Belgrade has been the capital of ten different countries. If that were a criterion for the Guinness Book of Records, Belgrade would certainly deserve a place in it.

What does Belgrade look like in winter through the eyes of a tourist guide?

We, tourist guides, work the most during the season from March to November, so winter months are often used for a short break. However, since our work is freelance-based, we never turn down a job – not even in winter.

Wintertime Belgrade almost always looks magical and can satisfy even the most demanding visitors. With festive decorations, mulled-wine stands, small street music performances, outdoor ice rinks, nightclubs offering music for every taste, a wide selection of museums and traditional taverns, everyone feels welcome.

Which part of the city is personally your favorite, and why?

Without a doubt, my favorite and most important part of the city is Old Town. This is where I meet friends, as well as visitors and my tour guests.

I would especially highlight Republic Square, right by the monument to Prince Mihailo Obrenović, where the free walking tour begins and where encounters with new, curious visitors start.

Do guests remember the stories more, or the encounters with Belgraders?

Although stories about Belgrade – its history, geography, culture and traditions – often pleasantly surprise them, I believe that the main reason they leave with such wonderful memories is the people, the city’s atmosphere and the friendly spirit of Belgraders.

Where would you send visitors after the free tour to truly feel the spirit of the city?

I always tell our guests, no matter how tired they are, to save at least two or three hours of energy for Belgrade evenings. To feel the true spirit of the city, they should stroll along the riverbanks of the Sava and Danube, visit Ada Ciganlija in spring and summer, then explore Skadarlija, Savamala, Gastrošor, Silo, Old Dorćol, Knez Mihailova Street, Kosančićev and Obilićev Venac, Old Zemun, Flower Square, Njegoševa Street, Vračar, and many other lesser-known places. These are often discovered with the help of locals and all carry the unmistakable spirit and atmosphere of Belgrade.

In your experience, what most often brings people back to Belgrade?

The atmosphere. The people. The energy. Prices. Friends. Rivers. Nightlife. A sense of safety and genuine hospitality.