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A return to old and somewhat forgotten habits, traditions, food and a healthy environment has become a growing trend in recent years. Digitalization and virtual reality have brought certain advantages, but also some drawbacks. The benefits of reconnecting with nature are becoming more evident, and it is expected that they will increasingly take the lead. Across Belgrade and Serbia, old buildings are being restored and new ones are being built in the traditional style once common in the region, with authentic atmospheres characteristic of this area. At the same time, long-forgotten stories are being told again. Modern design combined with natural materials and traditional construction techniques, enriched with details from the past, enhances the cultural offer of the city and contributes to the growing importance of traditional experiences in Belgrade’s tourism.
Handmade crafts, artistic and traditional trades also aim to preserve memories of old professions from both urban and rural environments, as well as the materials used to create high-quality goods. Leather, wool, cotton, wood, clay and similar natural materials are used to produce clothing, footwear and household items. Pottery, basket weaving, traditional footwear making, embroidery, crochet, weaving and knitting combine modern technologies with traditional techniques. Skilled artisans prepare raw materials and create items such as flasks, traditional bottles, small bags, scarves, traditional shoes, blankets, tablecloths, icons, miniature models in bottles, woven chairs and tables, and similar products that can be used daily or kept as authentic souvenirs.
In addition to architecture and crafts, food is one of the strongest connections to cultural heritage. Ethno restaurants, farmsteads, and traditional taverns styled like old Serbian houses and rural lodgings are becoming increasingly popular. Their offer is based on natural, often organic ingredients, prepared according to centuries-old traditions — or as many would say, the way our grandmothers used to cook. Meals prepared in traditional clay pots over natural fire give a unique flavor to dishes such as gibanica, cornbread, kajmak, cheese, ajvar, pindjur, kavurma, aspic, roasted meat, sarma, homemade goulash and sausages, fresh bread, strudels, apple pies, pumpkin desserts, preserves and jams. These are just some of the dishes prepared according to traditional recipes that are now considered specialties in these venues. In addition, cured meat, dried fruit, mangulica pork products, honey and medicinal herbs are all strongly connected to tradition and widely offered to guests. Homemade wines and rakija (plum, grape and quince brandy) are essential, as well as popular souvenirs to take home. Traditional confectionery shops, dessert places and even beer halls that follow old recipes should not be overlooked. The history of Belgrade and Serbia is rich with stories and examples of past life, inspiring modern creativity that we have the privilege to experience today.
In traditional farmsteads and ethno restaurants, the atmosphere is often enhanced by tamburica musicians, while traditional folk music is a must in old kafanas. If you prefer enjoying ethno music in a more intimate setting, you can also find CDs with traditional sounds at local stands, performed by artists such as Bora Dugić, Balkanika, Bilja Krstić, Trio Gušt and others.
Related to music, it is also worth mentioning various cultural events and festivals that showcase traditional customs through dance, music and entertainment, often performed by folklore groups. Events such as the Ethno Food and Drink Fair, Trumpet Festival, Beekeeping Day, traditional gatherings, the International Folklore Festival “Kreni kolo” and “Vlaška” further promote tourism in Belgrade.
Ethno venues that Belgrade is proud of include: