Once upon a time, there was a Bermuda triangle in the middle of Belgrade. However, unlike the real one, the one in Belgrade had missing days and nights that were well-oiled with a glass (or more) of rakija (Serbian plum brandy), since it was located between kafanas Grmeč, Šumatovac and Pod lipom.
Since I moved to Belgrade, I have been listening about poets, actors, musicians and other famous locals who used to spend their bohemian days in this area.
After years of dealing with some property issues, Grmeč started welcoming guests again and I always feel super lucky whenever I manage to get a table at lunch hours. Once seated, it is easy for your mind to drift away among those checkered tablecloths, wooden chairs, old-school waiters and photographs of people that shaped Belgrade's scene during the last century.
Grmeč is one of the rare places suitable for having an all-generation family lunch, a beer with friends, a romantic date, or just for taking some time for yourself to read, write or just enjoy people-watching. Sometimes I sit there surrounded by journalists, sometimes lawyers, students, or grandmas.
Yes, the food is good (my personal favorite is the roasted lamb prepared in milk and ribs with kajmak -- a creamy dairy product similar to clotted cream) but I usually come to Grmeč for the atmosphere.
Find your way with 197 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Bioskop Zvezda" in Belgrade is an impressive, historical, occupied, or should we say liberated cinema that's run by a small group of enthusiastic people.
by
"Belgrade Design District" used to be an abandoned shopping mall - now it's an emerging space where established artists and designers showcase their work!
by
"Savska Promenada" Belgrade is a brand-new walking zone on the bank of the river Sava. It's a perfect place w/ many terraces for working out brain & body.
by
"Beton Hala", or 'Concrete Hall' in Belgrade is a popular restaurant oasis with restaurants lined up just 10m from the Sava. Everything's quality here...
by
"Cetinjska 15" is Belgrade's new hotspot. It's the Serbian Kreuzberg at what once used to be a beer factory. Much more worth it than Skadarlija...
by
The "Kaimaktsalan Watchtower" in Belgrade was constructed by stones brought back from its namesake 1916 battle. This monument always gives me goosebumps...
by
"The Clock" is a mural in Belgrade created in 2011. It's a working clock made of 20,000 LEDs. It's a symbol of time passing and a new, digital era...
by
The "Televizorke" in Belgrade always take my childhood, to idyllic Yugoslavia, when this building with the windows that look like televisions was built...
by
In Belgrade there aren't many murals, though the art form has gained recognition in last few decades. One of these rare examples is on the garden wall...
by
197 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 197 Insider Tips