The city of Belgrade |
Position Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and has about 2 million inhabitants. It is situated in South-Eastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, at the crossroads of routes that connect Western and Central Europe with the Aegean and Black Sea, Turkey and the Near East. Its coordinates are 44°49'14" of northern latitude and 20°27'44" of eastern longitude, 116.75 m above sea level (city center, middle of Knez Mihajlova Street). Time zone is Central European - CET (GMT + 1 hour). Belgrade lies at the point where the river Sava merges into the Danube, on the slope between two alluvial planes. The river waters surround it from three sides, and that is why since ancient times it has been the guardian of river passages. Because of its position it was properly called "the gate" of the Balkans, and "the door" to Central Europe. Along the ridge of the slope, from Kalemegdan, along the Knez Mihailova street, across Terazije to Slavija, stretches the main city traffic artery. Climate Belgrade has a moderate continental climate. The average annual air temperature is 11,9°C. Autumn is longer than spring, with longer sunny and warm periods. Winter is not so severe, with an average of 21 days with temperature below zero. January is the coldest month, with average temperature of 0.1°C. Spring is short and rainy. Belgrade has a characteristic south-eastern and eastern wind called "košava", which brings fair and dry weather. It is most frequent in the fall and winter, lasting for 2-3 days. The average košava speed is 25-43 km/h, particularly when there is a high air pressure over Ukraine and Bessarabia, and low pressure over the Adriatic Sea. Currency Serbian official currency is the dinar (DIN). One dinar consists of 100 para. Currency exchange is done in all banks and exchange offices. Differences in rates of exchange are minimal. 1 € is approximately 103 RSD (Serbian Dinar). Electricity Voltage is 220V, frequency 50 Hz. Water Tap water is chemically and bacteriologically safe, it has agreeable taste. Tourist Information Centers Belgrade Airport (9.00 - 20.00) Makedonska Street 5, (9.00h -21.00h, sat 9.00-17.00, sun 10.00-16.00) Central Railway Station (09.00-20.00, sat 09.00-17.00, Sunday closed) Terazije, pedestrian subway by "Albanija" Tower, (09.00-20.00, sat 09.00-17.00, sun 10.00-16.00) |
