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Getting around Belgrade

Public transport

Belgrade's trams, trains, trolley buses and buses make it easy to move around the city. BusPlus smartcards are available from street kiosks found at most stops and stations. You can either buy a paper card, which is valid for one, two or five days, or a plastic one, which you can load up with money to be deducted each time you travel. A particularly useful route for visitors is tram 2, which circles the city centre, connecting the train and bus stations with Trg Slavija and the Old Town.

Taxis

There are numerous taxi ranks throughout the city or you can flag one down on the street. Most hotels are happy to book you a taxi with a reputable company and advise on the likely cost of the fare. Prices are reasonable whenever you travel, but rise a little after midnight and on Sundays. Try Alfa Bell Taxi (tel: 19807, in Serbia only), Beotaxi (tel: 19999, in Serbia only) or Beogradski (tel: 19801, in Serbia only).

Driving

Belgrade's streets are not easy to navigate and parking in the city centre can pose a problem, so many visitors prefer to rely on public transport.

Car hire

Hiring a car can be a rewarding experience for anyone wishing to explore beyond the city itself. There are numerous hire companies to choose from in the city, including Avis (tel: +381 11 209 7062; www.avis.rs), Europcar (tel: +381 11 228 6362; www.europcar.rs) and Hertz (tel: +381 11 202 8200; www.hertz.rs), which all have offices at the airport, in the city or both.

Bicycle hire

Steep hills, heavy traffic and cobbled streets will deter all but the most determined cyclist from taking to the saddle in the city centre, but once away from the main drag there are numerous cycle routes and bicycle hire companies. Particularly recommended on a warm summer's day are the bar and restaurant-lined paths that run along the banks of both the Sava and Danube Rivers. For bike hire, try iBikeBelgrade, Dobračina 35-6 (tel: +381 66 900 8386; www.ibikebelgrade.com).

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Kasina

Conveniently located in the city centre across the road from the Balkan Hotel, this is a good-value option with decent rooms and its own pavement café. Built in 1856, this sizable property has plenty of history about it, and a rather decent restaurant to boot.

Le Petit Piaf

Located in the eastern part of the old city close to the bars and restaurants of the Skadarlija quarter, Le Petit Piaf is a small modern boutique hotel with plenty of character and elegant, spacious rooms.

Hotel Zira

Not far from the centre, Zira Hotel is one of the sleekest, most futuristic of properties in Belgrade. The rooms, hallways and dining area are ultra-modern, with contemporary art, plenty of space and science-fiction style design. Breakfast is of superb quality and dinner on the terrace is becoming a favourite with the city's affluent. There are 127 rooms, a fitness centre and sauna.

Union

Located in the heart of the city, the Union offers more than 100 clean and comfortable rooms in a pleasant, smart environment. If you want to splash out a little more, there are also a few luxury suites. The hotel also has a restaurant, a piano bar and even a casino.

Royal

With an excellent location close to Kneza Mihala and Kalemegdan Park, this long-established budget hotel offers good-value, no-frills rooms close to the action. Receiving visitors since 1886, the welcome is still as friendly today, while the admirable onsite restaurant is quietly affordable.

Belgrade City Hotel

Within easy reach of the shopping district, historic centre and commercial zone, Belgrade City Hotel is a handsome 4-star property right next to the main railway station. There are more than 80 slick rooms, with warm, unpretentious décor, a great breakfast buffet and friendly staff.