Belgrade or Paris?
 

I'm working in Belgrade for 3 days at the end of November. Because of airline schedules and prices, I will have to stay over on Saturday night, either in Belgrade or Paris.

I like Paris a lot, and have friends there, so it seems to make sense to go there.

On the other hand, I will probably never get another chance to go to Belgrade. But I haven't been able to find much information about the city or the food (a primary interest for me), so staying there could result in a lost day.

So, what would you do: spend a night in Paris with friends, or take a chance and explore a new place by yourself?

Thanks...

I'd hang out in Belgrade.

My husband and I are beginning to feel surrounded by tourists in many of the major cities in Europe. (Yes, I know we're tourists, too, but...) London used to be my favorite city in the world; we were there in April of 2004 and everything was jammed. I can't imagine what it would be like in the summer. We're starting to cast about for less-traveled places. Just made our 3rd trip to Edinburgh, loved the Orkneys, also love Prague and Budapest. Not that they lack tourists, but they're not on the usual London/Paris/Rome itinerary of the package tours.

Without even knowing what there is to do in Belgrade, that would be my choice. You might want to find an interesting day trip by train from there, too.

My first reaction, when I read the thread title, was "Exactly what is the question here?" Then I read your explanation and it all made sense.

For one day, I'd stay in Belgrade. Paris is - well, it's Paris, but it will be Paris next year too. Even my little home town in Massachusetts has enough to keep someone interested for one day. A full day would have to include poking around the antique steam roller parked outside the public works department and the cave where Chief Metacomet used to rest on his fishing trips, but there's stuff to see. Belgrade will be at least as good, probably better.

(Athena53: We spent a week in Edinburgh and two weeks in the Hebrides last summer, it was great, but went to Paris this year anyhow. If you want less-traveled places, consider Scandinavia. Gotland is beautiful and historic. There are lots of other spots.)

There are city guides at:

http://www.tob.co.yu/english/
http://www.timeout.com/travel/belgrade/

among many other places.

An Independent article mentions a few restaurants:
http://travel.independent.co.uk/euro...rticle1054.ece

Hope this helps.

jg70124,

I spent a couple of days in Belgrade (holidays) in 2002. I also like Paris very much, but I would definitely recommend Belgrade this time. As you said, you might not have another chance to visit the place again - so I think there's your answer.

Can't really say much about food - I recall we went to some cheaper places, and the food was nothing special. However, cafes, pubs and bars were great, and I also liked the atmosphere in the city. People were very polite and helpful - and the absence of tourists was a major plus. Taxis were very inexpensive so getting around wasn't a problem at all - and people tended to be very honest; waiters in restaurants didn't even accept tips!

BTW, I recommend you visit the aviation museum in Belgrade - it's just a few minutes' walk from the airport.

have a nice time in Belgrade!
okko

I used to live in Belgrade, let me know (PM) if you need anything by way of advice.
BEG has fun stuff, but not that much.. and not as much as CDG. I'd be tempted to spend the night at CDG.
If you could go EWR-MXP-BEG-CDG-EWR you'd be fine as CDG is lousy for transits.
-JBLU

Well, that's a tough question to answer. How often do you get to see your friends in Paris? Do you travel there or do they see you much? If you don't get to see them, than I'm sure a night in Paris after three days in Belgrade would be good. You would see both.

However, if I were in your situation I would probably go to Belgrade unless I wasn't planning to go to Paris anytime in the near future and they were my dearest friends :) I've always wanted to see Belgrade. And you are right, you might not go back there.

Good luck with your choice. Either way, it's a great choice to have!

Belgrade was just written up in LA Times or NYT travel as an undiscovered happening party spot. Check out the article online.

Exactly. Belgrade is liable to undergo a lot of development in the next decade or so I suspect it's charms are best appreciated sooner rather than later.

Plus you never know if the Paris riots will be gone or grow come late Nov :(