Charming Zemun: Belgrade's Riverside Gem

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdra-vo]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Do-vi-đen-ja]
• YesDa
  [Da]
• NoNe
  [Ne]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim te
  [Mo-lim te]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hva-la]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Iz-vi-ni-te]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Ka-ko si]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Do-bro. A ti]
• Do you speak English?Da li govorite engleski?
  [Da li go-vo-ri-te en-gle-ski]
• I don't understandNe razumem
  [Ne ra-zu-mem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolim vas, mogu li videti meni?
  [Mo-lim vas, mo-gu li vi-de-ti me-ni]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Ne je-dem me-so]
• Cheers!Živeli!
  [Ži-ve-li]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHteo bih da platim, molim
  [Hte-o bih da pla-tim, mo-lim]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Po-moć]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [I-di o-da-vde]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Po-zo-vi-te po-li-ci-ju]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Po-zo-vi-te dok-to-ra]
• I'm lostIzgubio sam se
  [Iz-gu-bi-o sam se]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [Bo-le-stan sam]

• I'd like to buy...Hteo bih da kupim...
  [Hte-o bih da ku-pim]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sa-mo gle-dam]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Ko-li-ko kos-ta]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [To je pre-vi-še sku-po]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cenu?
  [Mo-že-te li spu-sti-ti ce-nu]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Ko-li-ko je sa-ti]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Je-dan je sa-t]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Po-la (de-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Ju-tro]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Po-po-dne]
• EveningVeče
  [Ve-če]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Ju-če]
• TodayDanas
  [Da-nas]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Su-tra]
• 1Jedan
  [Je-dan]
• 2Dva
  [Dva]
• 3Tri
  [Tri]
• 4Četiri
  [Če-ti-ri]
• 5Pet
  [Pet]
• 6Šest
  [Šest]
• 7Sedam
  [Se-dam]
• 8Osam
  [O-sam]
• 9Devet
  [De-vet]
• 10Deset
  [De-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gde je...
  [Gde je]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Ko-ja je a-dre-sa]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [Mo-že-te li mi po-ka-za-ti (na ma-pi)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?
  [Ka-da je sle-de-ći (au-to-bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ...)
  [Je-dnu kar-tu (do)]

Zemun's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlements from the Roman period. The area was known as 'Singidunum', a strategic military outpost on the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Archaeological excavations have revealed remnants of Roman architecture, including fortifications and residential structures, indicating the significance of Zemun as a trade and military hub.

In the 16th century, Zemun fell under Ottoman rule, becoming a key administrative center. The Ottoman influence is still evident in the architecture and street layouts of Zemun, with features such as the Gardoš Tower and the preserved old town, representing the rich cultural blend from this period. The neighborhood flourished as a trading post, connecting various cultures along the Danube.

After the Great Turkish War in the late 17th century, Zemun came under Austro-Hungarian control. This transition brought significant urban development, with the construction of baroque buildings and a new urban plan. Zemun became a popular retreat for the Austro-Hungarian elite, leading to the establishment of cafes, parks, and public squares, which contributed to its vibrant local culture.

The early 20th century saw Zemun evolve into an important industrial center, with factories and warehouses emerging alongside residential areas. The neighborhood was integrated into Belgrade in 1919, further enhancing its cultural and economic significance. Zemun continued to develop through the Yugoslav period, becoming a multicultural hub with diverse communities.

Today, Zemun retains its historical charm while embracing modernity. The neighborhood is known for its lively riverside promenades, traditional fish restaurants, and cultural events. The preservation of its historical sites, such as the Zemun Cemetery and the old town, alongside contemporary developments, showcases the dynamic blend of history and culture that defines Zemun within the broader context of Belgrade.

Zemun is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Belgrade. The most convenient way is to take a taxi or rideshare service, which typically costs between 500-1000 RSD depending on your location. Public transport options include buses and trams; lines 15, 83, and 84 connect Zemun to central Belgrade. You can also take the train from Belgrade's main railway station to the Zemun train station, which is a short walk from the historic center.

Zemun is a compact neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. Public buses are available and can take you to various points of interest. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle, as many areas have bike-friendly paths. Taxis are also readily available and affordable, providing a convenient option for reaching destinations that are further away.

Zemun is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, especially near the riverbank. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, be cautious in crowded places like markets and public transport. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 192 for police, 194 for fire services, and 193 for an ambulance. The nearest hospital is the Zemun General Hospital, located in the neighborhood. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout Zemun for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites such as churches. Avoid overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; when entering churches, it is customary to cover your shoulders. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and be mindful of your volume. Don't consume food or drinks on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'sarma' and 'rakija.' Don't refuse food offerings, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Zemun like a local, visit the Gardoš Tower and enjoy panoramic views of the Danube River. Explore the local markets for fresh produce and traditional Serbian products. Engage with locals at cafes and taverns, where you can enjoy authentic Serbian hospitality. Consider taking a leisurely stroll along the Danube promenade, especially during sunset, to enjoy the scenic views.