Savamala: The Cultural and Creative Heart of Belgrade

• HelloЗдраво
  [Zdravo]
• GoodbyeДовиђења
  [Doviđenja]
• YesДа
  [Da]
• NoНе
  [Ne]
• Please/You're welcomeМолим/Нема на чему
  [Molim/Nema na čemu]
• Thank youХвала
  [Hvala]
• Excuse me/SorryИзвините
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• How are you?Како си?
  [Kako si?]
• Fine. And you?Добро. А ти?
  [Dobro. A ti?]
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  [Da li govorite engleski?]
• I don't understandНе разумем
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• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseЖелео/желела бих да видим мени, молим
  [Želeo/želela bih da vidim meni, molim]
• I don't eat meatНе једем месо
  [Ne jedem meso]
• Cheers!Живели!
  [Živeli!]
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• I'd like to buy...Желео/желела бих да купим...
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• I'm just lookingСамо гледам
  [Samo gledam]
• How much is it?Колико кошта?
  [Koliko košta?]
• That's too expensiveТо је превише скупо
  [To je previše skupo]
• Can you lower the price?Можете ли спустити цену?
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• What time is it?Колико је сати?
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• It's one o'clockЈедан сат је
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• MorningЈутро
  [Jutro]
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  [Popodne]
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• TodayДанас
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• 1Један
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• 2Два
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• 3Три
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• 6Шест
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• 7Седам
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• 8Осам
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• 9Девет
  [Devet]
• 10Десет
  [Deset]

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• A ticket (to ....)Једну карту (за ...)
  [Jednu kartu (za ...)]

Savamala, situated on the banks of the Sava River, has a rich history that dates back to the medieval period. The area was predominantly agricultural until the Ottoman Empire established control over Belgrade in the 16th century. During this time, Savamala began to develop as a commercial and residential neighborhood, influenced by Ottoman architecture and urban planning.

The 19th century marked a significant transformation for Savamala as Belgrade underwent rapid modernization. Following Serbia's liberation from Ottoman rule, the neighborhood became a hub for trade and commerce. The construction of the first railway line in Serbia in 1884 further stimulated growth, leading to the establishment of warehouses and businesses, which attracted a diverse population.

Savamala's strategic location has made it a cultural melting pot throughout history. The area has been home to various ethnic groups, including Serbs, Jews, and Hungarians, contributing to a rich tapestry of cultural influences. The architectural styles in Savamala reflect this diversity, with buildings showcasing Baroque, Secessionist, and modernist elements.

After World War II, Savamala experienced a period of decline as industries moved out of the city center and urban planning favored other areas of Belgrade. Many historical buildings fell into disrepair, and the neighborhood struggled to maintain its identity amidst the changes occurring in the city.

In recent years, Savamala has witnessed a renaissance, becoming a vibrant cultural and artistic district. The local government and private initiatives have focused on revitalizing the neighborhood, leading to the emergence of galleries, cafes, and creative spaces. Events such as the Belgrade Design Week and the Savamala Art District have further cemented its status as a center for contemporary culture and creativity in Belgrade.

Savamala is conveniently located in the heart of Belgrade, easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From the city center (Terazije), you can walk to Savamala in about 15 minutes. Public transport options include trams (lines 2 and 5) and buses (lines 15, 21, and 75), which connect to Savamala. The nearest train station, Prokop, is about 1.5 kilometers away, while the main bus station is approximately 2 kilometers away, making it easy to reach Savamala by taxi or on foot.

Savamala is a walkable neighborhood, allowing visitors to explore its vibrant streets on foot. Public transport options include buses and trams that connect to other parts of Belgrade. For those who prefer cycling, bike rentals are available at various spots in the area. Taxis and rideshare services like CarGo are also widely used and relatively inexpensive for longer distances.

Savamala is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to remain cautious, especially at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places like markets and cafes. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur, particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic. It's advisable to stay alert, especially around the riverfront and lesser-known alleys.

In case of an emergency, dial 192 for police, 193 for fire services, and 194 for medical assistance in Serbia. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital; the Clinical Center of Serbia is a reliable option. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical situations. Pharmacies are widely available for over-the-counter needs.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious contexts. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; when visiting churches, dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers, and don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and handshake, and don’t interrupt when they are speaking. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food or drink offers; don’t waste food, as it’s considered disrespectful.

To experience Savamala like a local, visit the vibrant street art installations and cultural events that often take place in the area. Explore local coffee shops and bars to enjoy the lively atmosphere and engage with residents. Don’t miss the Savamala Riverfront Walk, which offers stunning views of the Sava River, particularly at sunset. For a unique experience, check out the various art galleries and creative spaces that often showcase local talent.