The Petrovaradin Fortress, the second largest in Europe, is situated in the city of Novi Sad, on the banks of the Danube. Due to its great importance to the Habsburg Monarchy, it was dubbed the Gibraltar of the Danube. The fortress has an important place in history thanks to the many battles, for supremacy in the region, that were fought here. A walk through the upper town brings you to the Arsenal, the Officers' Pavilion and some more simplistic, elongated barracks. The tourist’s favourite, the infamous ‘Reversed Clock’, rises above the Upper town overlooking the Danube. Created with the minute and hour hand of the clock reversed so that fishermen could see the time from a long distance.

Laid-back, relaxed, surrounded by fertile plains from the one side and a mountain and a river from the other, Novi Sad stands out as a true gem among Serbia’s cities. Also known as “the Serbian Athens” and “the Gibraltar of the Danube”, its architecture and spirit have been shaped by various nations throughout its history. Continuity of Novi Sad’s cultural development is also reflected in the persistence and evolution of its institutions of national relevance, including Matica srpska, the oldest Serbian cultural and scientific institution and the Serbian National Theatre.

Once a major Austro-Hungarian city on the Danube’s northern bank, Zemun became part of Belgrade after World War I. As you marvel at its classy buildings, built in baroque, classicism, romanticism and secession styles, you will feel you have stepped into a completely different Central European city. Take a stroll along the Zemun Quay by the Danube and enjoy the view of swans gliding across the river, as you prepare to take on Zemun’s main landmark. You really need to be in shape to climb the Millennium Tower on Gardoš Hill, with its splendid views of the city.

Not far from the urban centre of Belgrade lies Ada Ciganlija, an ecological oasis of sorts, ideal for walking, bathing and recreation. The largest river peninsula of Belgrade is also one of its largest sports and recreation areas. Known also as “the Belgrade Sea”, Ada Ciganlija is a favourite retreat from the summer heat for the city’s residents. Its picture-perfect blue flag beaches will make you forget you are practically at the heart of a metropolis with more than a million inhabitants.

Serbia’s capital is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Ruins of a Neolithic settlement have been unearthed nearby, while the first settlement on the site of the modern city was the Celtic town of Singidunum, which was built here in the 3rd Century BCE. Throughout history many nations have fought over it – Hungarians, Ottoman Turks, Austrians – resulting in the city being razed to the ground and rebuilt as many as 38 times throughout its history. In 1841, Belgrade became the capital city of Serbia.

What gives Belgrade its unique identity is its location: it lies at the confluence of two large rivers, the Sava and the Danube, with popular promenades on their banks. This is an area lined with parks, dotted with many restaurants and cafés, most of them on river barges, with stunning views of the river and the city itself.