Skadarlija Bohemian Quarter

Today, Skadarlija is a well-known bohemian quarter in Belgrade and one of its favorite tourist attractions, but also a popular place among the locals who come here to relax and have fun. This cobblestone street, lined with vibrant bars and restaurants offering local food and live music, brings the vintage charm of pre-war Belgrade. Before its 1870 makeover that gave it the look it has today, Skadarlija was a Roma settlement and a small stream flowed through the winding alley – Bibija’s Stream,named after the Roma god of salvation. The stream is still there, but it has been relocated into the underground. The alley was connected with an aqueduct.The largest arch of this aqueduct was named after the old Serbian town of Skadar, hence the name Skadarska Street. It used to be the favorite gathering place of Belgrade’s elite and bohemians – actors from the nearby National Theater, writers, poets, painters. Amidst the restaurants with authentic local ambience, an art gallery found its home in the House of Djura Jakšić, formerly the residence of this celebrated Serbian Romantic poet and painter. You can also shop for souvenirs, or spend the evening listening to tamburica orchestras.If traditional music is not your thing, you can choose among the other available, more modern clubs and bars. Ladies visiting Skadarlija are advised to avoid wearing high heels and stilettoes.

Belgrade Brewery

The first breweries in Belgrade were opened in the city district of Dorćol at the time of the Austro-Hungarian occupation. In 1855, Ignjat Bajloni, originally a Czech, came to Serbia with his wife and four sons. They were on their way to the USA, where Bajloni intended to build his wealth as a leather worker.However, after receiving a message from his sister that read: ‘You won’t find a better USA than Serbia’, he decided to stay. Bajloni would become a Serbian entrepreneur,the founder of a dynasty. He openeda brewery that would later be carried on by his sons. The brewery was equipped with the latest technology developed by renowned factories around the world.Also, it wa sone of the first users of electrical energy produced by the Belgrade Electrical Power Station.As soon as in 1900,its products won some very important prizes at the World Exhibition in Paris. Bajloni greatly contributed to Belgrade’s progress. Today, the market located next to the former brewery has his name. Interestingly, while digging the foundations of the brewery, Bajloni found mammoth bones.

Next to the market, you will see the building of  BITEF,the famousavant-garde theater, which has wonglobal acclaim as the organizer of its namesake international theater festival with decades of tradition. Situated in a former synagogue,‘Bitef’ is a unique architectural space with an authentic ambience.