As we all know, your local host or new friends are grateful if you show some interest in their city. But if you want to astonish them than it would be excellent if you knew some important names from their history. And I don’t mean ancient history, I mean people who shaped Belgrade as it is now. Certainly, if you speak about Timothy John Byford you can't go wrong. Timothy was born in UK, worked for BBC then fell in love and became a citizen of Belgrade. During the ’80s, his influence with his TV children's series on many generations was enormous.
Timothy is not with us any more, but during his life, he very much enjoyed walking through the Banjica forest and was a passionate watcher of the birds nesting in the treetops. Today this forest is named after Timothy, Byford's Forest, and has special government protection. It’s a great walking zone in quite peaceful environment.
Near the forest, you can find public swimming pool “Banjica”, where our great water polo club Partizan practices, tennis courts and an excellent closed gym.
Bulevar Oslobođenja
RSD
free
Explore Belgrade like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Belgrade guide.
"Stari šlep" is the perfect restaurant for the summer days/daze in Belgrade. Its name means 'the old barge' - I'd recommend a fish soup and salad here.
By
"Radecki club/restaurant" on Belgrade's Zemun quay: a true local oasis - no espresso here, just plain good old 'domestic' Turkish coffee. Lots to see here.
By
"Balkan Ekspres restaurant" is in Belgrade's Zemun, a city of its own. This place is worth visiting if only just for the views from inside the train car...
By
"Illegal Cinema" in Belgrade is a very special institution. Everyone can suggest a film for screening, if they start a discussion about it at the end...
By
The daily menu can, for example, include pumpkin with leek and poppy seeds, Thai curry with dried banana, chutney and raita. Or the good old veggie burger.
By
The Residence of Princess Ljubica in Belgrade is one of the few buildings that date to early the 19th c. Discover the bourgeois Serbia of the past!
By
Sinnerman Jazz Club in Belgrade hosts great jazz bands of course, but I really like their terrace with the great city views and its dark beer on tap!
By
After 40 years of providing the people of Belgrade with the best steaks, "Morava Butcher Shop" is now the first Meat Concept Store in town...
By
The "Stefan Nemanja Monument" in Belgrade is the city's largest - it always reminds me of The Lord of the Rings...
By
Pljeskavicas are like Serbian burgers, but much bigger and tastier. Mile makes some amazing pljeskavica, some of the best in Belgrade in my opinion...
By
"The Black Turtle Pub" is one of the original Belgrade microbreweries, and no other has the modesty, atmosphere and affordable prices you'll find here.
By
197 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 197 Insider Tips from our local Spotters