Belgrade,  Serbia

Wearing its elegant but crumbling facades as a badge of honour, Belgrade has emerged as Europe’s in-the-know destination in recent years. Its boisterous nightlife has brought comparisons to those much more famous (and expensive) ‘Bs’ in the west, Barcelona and Berlin. Add in hearty cuisine, a blossoming hostel scene and improved air connections to the rest of Europe, and the stage is set for exploring beyond the river-barge clubs.

Destroyed and rebuilt countless times in its 2300-year lifetime, Belgrade is a history buff’s dream: the Kalemegdan Fortress, the Royal Palace and a handful of fascinating museums have stories to tell. For a unique perspective, join new kayaking, biking or underground tours (tob.rs/belgrade-sightseeing-tours/other-sightseeing-tours).

Historic hoods and destinations du jour include the cobblestoned bohemian Skadarlija strip and the creative hotspot of Savamala (home of the hip Mikser Festival – festival.mikser.rs). And with a Dubai-style makeover of the waterfront slated to start this autumn, you’d better catch some of that spirit before it’s gone.

text taken from:  http://www.lonelyplanet.com