My Visit to Serbia
Serbia formed part of my first big adventure through the Balkans in 2016. I travelled from Sarajevo to Belgrade by minibus, a journey that turned out to be a wonderful way to experience the region. Travelling overland gave me the chance to see the changing landscapes, small villages and everyday life that you simply miss when flying between destinations.
My time in Belgrade ended up being much shorter than planned. After missing a bus in Sarajevo, I arrived later than expected, leaving me with just one evening to explore before the weather turned and the rain arrived. It wasn’t quite the city break I’d imagined, but travel doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s all part of the adventure.
Even with only a few hours, Belgrade left a lasting impression. I wandered through the city on foot, passing lively cafés and restaurants before spotting a place called Betty Boos. Although I was tempted to stop there, I decided to return to a small café near my hostel that I’d passed earlier. I picked up a few slices of freshly made pizza, found a seat and simply enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere as the evening unfolded around me. Sometimes those simple travel moments become the ones you remember most.
The following morning I set off early, once again walking through the city to Belgrade’s railway station. Ahead lay one of the highlights of my entire Balkans journey—the famous railway to Bar in Montenegro. As the train left the city behind and climbed into the mountains, the scenery became more spectacular with every passing hour. Crossing towering viaducts, winding through countless tunnels and eventually descending towards the Adriatic coast, it remains one of the most memorable train journeys I’ve ever taken.
Although my visit to Belgrade was brief, it gave me a glimpse of a vibrant capital that deserves much longer. It’s a city I’d happily return to, not only to explore its historic fortresses and riverside cafés, but also to experience more of the welcoming atmosphere I discovered during that short stay.
