Belgrade, Serbia

• Belgrade sits where the Sava and Danube rivers meet. It's cheap by European standards - hostels around $9, cocktails under $8 - and has lower crime rates than most Western European capitals. Walking around at night in busy areas is generally fine.
• The architecture is a mix of everything: Ottoman remnants, Austro-Hungarian buildings, and a lot of communist-era concrete. Coffee culture is big here - sitting alone at a café for two hours reading is normal, not weird.
• People under 40 usually speak decent English. Older locals, not so much. Public transport works fine (buses, trams, trolleybuses) and it's cheap. Don't flag taxis on the street at night - use CarGo or Bolt instead.
• The club scene goes until dawn, especially the river clubs (splavovi) in summer and warehouse spots in Savamala. Watch your phone on crowded transport, and stay away from protests if they're happening - they sometimes get ugly.

Serbian is the official language. People under 40 usually speak decent English, especially in tourist areas, cafés, and restaurants. Older locals often don't. Emergency services (112) have some English speakers. Hotel and hostel staff generally speak English. 'Hvala' (thank you) and 'molim' (please) are nice to know but not necessary.

• Coffee here takes a long time - meeting someone for coffee means 1-2 hours minimum. Taking coffee to-go is considered strange. Nobody will bother you for sitting alone at a café.
• People are direct and can come across as blunt, but it's not meant as rude. Avoid bringing up Kosovo or the 90s wars - let locals raise it if they want to. Football, food, and travel are safe topics.
• Tip around 10% if you want, but it's not expected. Cards work most places, but carry some cash. Dress is casual in summer, but nicer restaurants and clubs expect you to make an effort.

• Buses, trams, and trolleybuses run throughout the city and are cheap. Main routes are actually free now. Keep your stuff close during rush hour - pickpockets work the crowded lines. The BusPlus app helps with route planning.
• Use CarGo or Bolt for rides - they're more reliable than hailing taxis off the street. If you do take a regular taxi, make sure the meter is on. Skip unmarked cars entirely.
• The center is walkable and main streets are well-lit at night. BG:Voz trains connect Zemun and Novi Beograd to downtown. In summer there are small boats running between Ada Ciganlija and Novi Beograd.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Belgrade with local guides and curated experiences.