Overlooked European city has secret floating bars, £3 beers and short flights

A city often overlooked by Brits is said to have secret floating nightclubs serving £2 beers and £5 cocktails.

While places like Italy, Spain and Greece have been among Brits’ favourite destinations for years, one European country has often been overlooked.

Serbia is a country that often slips under the tourist radar despite its fascinating history, stunning landscapes and cheap prices.

The country’s capital city of Belgrade has been growing in popularity in recent years, with tourist numbers increasing by 17 per cent, according to the Belgrade Tourist Organisation.

Set on two huge rivers, the Serbian capital has been dubbed a “hidden highlight” of Europe by travel experts in recent years.

In the summer, the city becomes a hive of activity thanks to its riverside location.

From scenic riverside walks to secluded beaches and wild islands, holidaymakers are spoilt for choice when the weather heats up.

The city is also home to around 300 floating restaurants, bars and nightclubs called “Splavs” that are said to cover the banks of both the Sava and Danube River.

The word “Splavs” simply translates to floating river clubs in English, and they certainly seem to live up to their name.

Belgrade’s floating nightclubs are divided into two distinct themes – one for each river.

The Splavs found along the Sava River will play music like Pop, House and R&B, which typically means they draw in a much younger crowd.

Meanwhile, the floating nightclubs found lining the banks of the Danube River play Rock, Jazz and Folk Music

The Splavs only open during the summer, from late April until early September because temperatures in the city average around 28C.

Prices onboard the floating nightclubs are cheap too, with beers costing 470 RSD (£3.40) cocktails costing 650 RSD (£4.75) and wine for 620 RD (£4.50).

Holiday company First Choice recently launched packages to Belgrade, with a 7-night stay in the capital, including flights, starting from £501 per person.

Services operate between London and Belgrade, with a flight-time of just three hours.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO?

There are plenty of other things to do in the Serbian capital too, including Belgrade Fortress.

Built in the 3rd century to protect the city from outside invaders, the fortress has since become a hub for tourist activity.

It boasts a number of activities and attractions, including museums, playground, lush pathways and panoramic viewpoints.

The Church of Saint Sava is another popular site for tourists as it’s one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.

Its striking neo-Byzantine façade looms over the Serbian capital, and it’s arguably even more spectacular at night when lights illuminate its windows and domes.

There’s also the National Museum in Belgrade, which houses everything from medieval icons to modern masterpieces.

For history buffs, there’s also the Museum of Yugoslavia where the former country’s history is explained.

Belgrade isn’t the only overlooked city in Europe, as there are plenty of others that often slip under the radar.

OTHER OVERLOOKED CITIES IN EUROPE

One of those places is Tirana, which is the capital of Albania.

Tirana has some of the cheapest beers in Europe, with an average pint costing £2.06.

Not only are the pints cheap, but plates of grub in the city are extremely affordable too, with a three-course meal costing just over £20.

In addition to the bargain food and drink, there are plenty of things to do in the capital city.

One of those places is Bunk’Art 1 – a massive Cold War bunker turned museum.

The bunker opened as a tourist attraction in 2014, and it now houses modern history exhibitions as well as pieces of contemporary art.

There’s also Bunk’Art 2, which opened more recently, and covers the history of the Albanian Ministry.

Meanwhile, this city break destination has cheap flights, music festivals and pretty beaches.

And this is the best value city break in Europe for 2024.