In Europe, the word “old” is relative. What is old in Stockholm may not pass as such in Athens for example. People in Dublin and Florence may have different ideas as to what constitutes a precious relic as well. Somewhat lost in the passive yet passionate struggle for ancient supremacy is the capital of Serbia. In a continent that boasts Neolithic Bronze Age hill forts from Portugal to Poland and Cro-Magnon rock shelters at Les Eyzies-de-Tayac in France, Belgrade has a legitimate claim as a senior city.

The “White City” is a foremost hub in Southeastern Europe and trails only Istanbul and Athens in importance in the region. As the political capital, economic heart and cultural nerve center of Serbia, Belgrade is home to a quarter of the country’s population. The city on the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers strikes a beautiful balance between rough-around-the-edges Old World charm and cosmopolitan sex appeal.

With archaeological evidence to suggest that the city of 1.6 million people was a settlement as far back as the 6th millenium BC, there is a host of gems in Belgrade to discover. From superb architecture to nightlife, cultural monuments and cuisine, here are ten must-see attractions in Serbia’s premier city.

10. Cathedral of Saint Sava

Serbia built a tremendous monument to honor the founder of the Orthodox Church in the country. No other cathedral in the faith looms more large than the one that sits on the Vracar plateau in Belgrade. The temple has the form of a Greek cross, a wonderful facade of marble and granite and can hold more than 10,000 people at a time.

9. Kalemegdan

In the Stari Grad area of Belgrade, Kalemegdan is a park and fortress complex with origins that pre-date the common era. Indeed, the first semblance of the city was within the ancient walls. With four sections to explore, Kalemegdan contains many wonderful landmark in Belgrade, from Ružica Church and the Military Museum, to the superb city zoo, observatory and planetarium.

8. Museum of Contemporary Art

With a vast collection of works in excess of 35,000 from 1900 on, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a prime point of interest in Belgrade, with a great location near the Sava and Danube rivers.

7. Knez Mihailova

Prince Michael Street, or Knez Mihailova, is one of the best pedestrian promenades in Europe, let alone Serbia. A precious Belgrade landmark, with a plethora of shops and important architecture to explore, Knez Mihailova is where locals congregate by day and night.

6. Sveti Marko Orthodox Church

Built from 1931 to 1940, the Serb Orthodox Sveti Marko (or St. Mark’s) Church is a gem on the Belgrade skyline. The Byzantine design evokes another era and the interior boasts a priceless exhibition of 18th and 19th century icons.

5. Old Palace

The Royal Palace of the House of Obrenovic, rulers of Serbia for most of the 19th century, is home to the City Assembly of Belgrade. With one of the most famous architectural facades in the country, tours of the vast interior are available to visitors.

4. National Theater

The grand Republic Square is the main congregation point in Belgrade and the ideal vantage point to admire landmarks such as the monument to Prince Michael, National Museum and National Theater. The theater has a memorable interior and no visit to the city is complete without a visit. Whether for ballet, drama or opera, be sure to secure your tickets in advance.

3. White Palace

Known as Beli Dvor, Belgrade’s White Palace is a prominent mansion on a terrain that covers more than 100 hectares. Part of Serbia’s Royal Compound, the palace became home to Crown Prince Alexander and his family again after the country’s revolution in 2000. The White Palace is open to the public on weekends, from April to November.

2. Nikola Tesla Museum

With over 165,000 documents, photographs and instruments to explore, the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade is the definitive facility to learn about perhaps the most famous and influential ethnic Serb in history.

1. National Museum

National museums abound in Europe of course, from London to Moscow. The one in Belgrade however, open since 1844, is special and worth more than a cursory tour. With more than 400,000 artifacts, works of art and objects, the collection is a veritable representation of the people and culture of Serbia.

Going to Belgrade? The city makes for a quick and easy side trip from a variety of destinations in Europe. Check out hotel deals for Romania and Croatia, both on the border of Serbia.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7