It could be said that Belgrade is not at the top of everyone’s “to visit” list, however I like to be a little different. The mystery surrounding a new city exudes excitement and intrigue, as does the cuisine. I went to Serbia with no expectations (the best way to be), even spending my 28th birthday there (an even bigger decision).

I mean, if every local is asking why on earth we travelled to Serbia, it does at time make you question if you made the right choice when travelling on a strict 4 week trip. However, we had an absolute blast in Belgrade. Despite the questionable industrial area we stayed in, I could not resist booking a gigantic penthouse with a rooftop spa, disco ball, sauna and in-built sofa for $500 for the week (Avangarda Suites) just to make our stay extra quirky. Complete with our own 90 year old security guard nestled in his seat at the building entrance.

Upon strolling the local streets (and obviously the need to visit a local supermarket on arrival), I was encapsulated by the architecture within the city given the destruction caused from the recent war and how it had rebuilt into what felt like a quaint, urban city.

Summer in this city is unbearably humid; so my hot tip is to make sure you stay super hydrated with the local alcohol, Rakija. This stuff is lethal. So lethal that this 65% alcohol shot is pumping through your blood within seconds. This was welcomed after we visited a shooting range underneath the housing apartments in the outer suburbs. It is legal to shoot in Serbia if you a) have a licence (they are extremely strict with applications) or b) at a shooting range under supervision of a professional. I never thought I would spend my 28th birthday shooting an AK-47 in a Kappa jacket but heck, it was a good time.

Given the local currency, everything from food and Uber’s were extremely cheap; you have the ability to eat like an absolute king. The hospitality sector is extremely welcoming and grateful for tourists to sample their cuisine. I was extremely blown away with the quality of the dishes, and the innovative restaurants being established by global chefs.

To cope with the heat and to break up the visits to historical sites and museums, there is no shortage of rooftop bars. We were particularly fond of Mama Shelter, with an abundance of Asian influenced snacks and view over the main street Knez Mihailova.

Serbs also know how to party. Much to my delight, there are rows of floating bars, clubs and restaurants along the Danube waiting for my arrival. And if you don’t like one? Move onto the one next door. What I loved about Belgrade was how cheap the food and drink are, which made the motivation to immerse oneself in the hospitality industry just that much better.

Salon 5 (sister restaurant of Salon 1905)

If you’re in search of a quirky city a bit different to Paris or Berlin, then add Belgrade to your list. An hour’s flight from Montenegro adds the perfect mix of relaxation by the water and city life, with an abundance of cats and always time to party (if you can handle the Rakija).

Belgrade Breaks