Knez Mihailova Street is the favorite city promenade of most Belgradians and lies between Terazije Square and Kalemegdan. It is the main meeting point, easy reachable from every part of the city. As the epicenter of culture and history, Knez Mihailova was named one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets in Eastern Europe.
Soul of Old Belgrade
During Roman rule, Knez Mihailova was the central point of Singidunum (Latin name for Belgrade) and later under the Turks, it was a street within the fortress walls. By the end of the 19th century its winding streets with gardens, fountains and mosques disappeared, but a new street "coloured" with European spirit had appeared. In 1870 this street was officially named after Serbian Prince Mihailo Obrenović.
Up until the 1950s, most of Knez Mihailova Street belonged to a couple of very rich Belgrade families. However, during communist rule those family buildings were taken away by the state. Dating from the second half of the 19th century, these buildings are easily recognizable by their sumptuous facades, decorated with colorful flowers during summer. In the mid-20th century, Knez Mihailova was the place for the young to meet and flirt, but today it is also the cultural and commercial centre of the city.
Knez Mihailova nowadays
Due to its massive historical and cultural value, the street is under the protection of the state. Although its original look hasn’t changed, the purpose of the buildings certainly has. Instead of residential buildings, you will now find branded stores, cultural centers, bookstores, restaurants, cafes and airline offices.
At the beginning of Knez Mihailova stands "Vapiano" restaurant, and a little bit further along you will find the most important building, the Serbian Academy of Science and Art (SANU). The ground floor of SANU has been transformed into a huge exhibition space where concerts and exhibitions are held regularly. If you pay attention, you will notice a pyramid standing in front of the building. This pyramid shows the coordinates of Belgrade and celebrates science at the same time.
At the very end of Knez Mihailova stands the City Library that used to be known as the most modern hotel in Belgrade in the mid 19th Century, the Serbian Crown Hotel.
Besides these buildings, the French, Spanish and German cultural centers and the Zepter Museum are also located in Knez Mihailova. In the vicinity of the street lie the National Theater and National Museum, cinemas, and many hotels and hostels. It’s easy to spend a few hours wandering along Knez Mihailova and its side streets, and there’s certainly a lot to discover.
Ideal place to spend your money
Until a couple of years ago, Knez Mihailova was the main shopping zone of the city. Although now Belgradians predominantly spend their money in shopping malls, there is something special about shopping in Knez Mihailova. While strolling down the street you can visit famous chains such as Max Mara, H&M, Zara, Mango, Diesel, Miss Sixty, Springfield... You can find more information about Knez Mihailova shopping in our shopping section.
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