Niš: Where History and Modernity Meet in Serbia

• 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
  [Izvinite]
• How are you?Како си?
  [Kako si?]
• Fine. And you?Добро. А ти?
  [Dobro. A ti?]
• Do you speak English?Да ли говорите енглески?
  [Da li govorite engleski?]
• I don't understandНе разумем
  [Ne razumem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseЖелео/ла бих да видим мени, молим
  [Želeo/la bih da vidim meni, molim]
• I don't eat meatНе једем месо
  [Ne jedem meso]
• Cheers!Живели!
  [Živeli!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseЖелео/ла бих да платим, молим
  [Želeo/la bih da platim, molim]

• Help!Упомоћ!
  [Upomoć!]
• Go away!Иди одавде!
  [Idi odavde!]
• Call the Police!Позвате полицију!
  [Pozvate policiju!]
• Call a doctor!Позвате доктора!
  [Pozvate doktora!]
• I'm lostИзгубио/ла сам се
  [Izgubio/la sam se]
• I'm illБоли ме
  [Boli me]

• I'd like to buy...Желео/ла бих да купим...
  [Želeo/la bih da kupim...]
• I'm just lookingСамо гледам
  [Samo gledam]
• How much is it?Колико кошта?
  [Koliko košta?]
• That's too expensiveПревише је скупо
  [Prevše je skupo]
• Can you lower the price?Можете ли снизити цену?
  [Možete li sniziti cenu?]

• What time is it?Колико је сати?
  [Koliko je sati?]
• It's one o'clockЈедан сат
  [Jedan sat]
• Half past (10)Пола (10)
  [Pola (10)]
• MorningЈутро
  [Jutro]
• AfternoonПоподне
  [Popodne]
• EveningВече
  [Veče]
• YesterdayЈуче
  [Juče]
• TodayДанас
  [Danas]
• TomorrowСутра
  [Sutra]
• 1Један
  [Jedan]
• 2Два
  [Dva]
• 3Три
  [Tri]
• 4Четири
  [Četiri]
• 5Пет
  [Pet]
• 6Шест
  [Šest]
• 7Седам
  [Sedam]
• 8Осам
  [Osam]
• 9Девет
  [Devet]
• 10Десет
  [Deset]

• Where's a/the...?Где је...?
  [Gde je...?]
• What's the address?Која је адреса?
  [Koja je adresa?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Можете ли ми показати (на мапи)?
  [Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Кад је следећи (аутобус)?
  [Kad je sledeći (autobus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Једну карту (за ....)
  [Jednu kartu (za ....)]

Niš, one of the oldest cities in Europe, was founded by the Celts in the 3rd century BC. Originally named Naissus, it became a significant stronghold and trading hub for various ancient civilizations, including the Romans.

Under Roman rule, Naissus gained prominence as a military and administrative center. The city is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Constantine the Great in 272 AD, who would later become the first Christian Roman Emperor.

During the medieval period, Niš was a contested territory between the Byzantine Empire, the Kingdom of Hungary, and the First and Second Bulgarian Empires. It was an important cultural and economic center during the reign of the Nemanjić dynasty in Serbia.

Niš fell under Ottoman control in 1386 and remained part of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. This era left a lasting impact, evident in the city's architecture and cultural influences. The Niš Fortress, built on the foundations of earlier Roman and Byzantine structures, was significantly expanded during this period.

Niš was liberated from Ottoman rule in 1878 and subsequently became part of the newly established Kingdom of Serbia. The city underwent significant modernization, including the construction of new infrastructure and the establishment of educational institutions.

During World War I, Niš served as the wartime capital of Serbia after the fall of Belgrade. The city was heavily bombarded and suffered significant damage, but it also became a symbol of Serbian resilience and resistance.

Niš was occupied by Axis forces during World War II and was the site of significant resistance activity. The city is also known for the Niš concentration camp, where thousands of Serbian Jews, Roma, and political prisoners were detained and killed.

After World War II, Niš became part of socialist Yugoslavia. The city experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization, transforming into a major economic and cultural center in southern Serbia.

Today, Niš is a vibrant city that blends its rich historical heritage with modern development. It is an important cultural and educational hub, home to numerous festivals, museums, and the University of Niš.

Niš is conveniently accessible by air, rail, and road. The Niš Constantine the Great Airport serves several international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to the city center. Niš is also well-connected by train, with regular services from Belgrade and other major Serbian cities. If you prefer traveling by bus, numerous bus lines connect Niš with cities across Serbia and neighboring countries. Driving to Niš is another option, as it is located at the crossroads of several major highways.

Public transportation in Niš consists mainly of buses, which are reliable and cover most of the city. Taxis are also widely available and relatively inexpensive, but make sure to use registered taxi companies. Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. Niš is a walkable city, and many of its attractions are located within walking distance from each other.

The official currency in Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit places that do not accept cards. ATMs are readily available throughout Niš, and currency exchange offices can be found in the city center.

Niš is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any urban area, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some neighborhoods, such as Palilula, have higher crime rates, so exercise extra caution when visiting these areas. Always use registered taxis and avoid accepting rides from strangers.

In case of an emergency, dial 192 for police, 193 for fire, and 194 for medical assistance. Niš has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing in formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, cover your head and shoulders. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It is customary to say 'Zdravo' (Hello) or 'Dobar dan' (Good day). Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and accept hospitality graciously. Don’t refuse food or drink offered by your hosts, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Niš like a local, visit the Niš Fortress and stroll through the nearby park. Explore the local markets, such as the Niš Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Serbian goods. Engage with locals, who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Don’t miss the chance to try local dishes like ćevapi and burek. For a unique experience, visit Skull Tower (Ćele Kula), a historical monument that tells the story of the city's past.