A weekend in Belgrade, Serbia

Visiting Serbia was part of my ongoing journey to visit every country in Europe—after this trip, only North Macedonia and Kosovo remain on my list. My time in Belgrade was short, but it left a strong impression. The city itself is quite compact compared to other European capitals; you can easily walk across the center in under an hour.

During my stay, I noticed groups of people regularly crossing one of the main bridges—a routine that started with anti-corruption protests back in November 2024. The atmosphere felt lively and engaged, and people! So focused!

I was surprised to discover that, contrary to my expectations, Serbian is very much its own language and not mutually intelligible with Russian.

Throughout the city, I saw many signs and artifacts referencing Kosovo and calling for its "return home," reflecting ongoing local sentiments.

One unusual sight: I encountered a man in a balaclava waiting by a doorway in broad daylight—something I hadn’t seen elsewhere. Despite this, Belgrade felt generally friendly and welcoming.

Overall, Serbia offered a unique and memorable experience on my European journey.