Getting there BA and Jat operate daily flights from Heathrow to Belgrade's Nikola Tesla airport. On 20 June low-cost operator Wizz Air starts flights from Luton, twice a week, rising to four in August. The airport is located 18km from the city centre. Taxis to the centre cost 1,200 dinars (about £10).

Business climate Belgrade was the economic powerhouse of the Balkans until the late 1980s. Following 21 years of wars and sanctions, Serbia is opening up again to investment and it has applied for European Union membership. The economy has grown at about six per cent a year since 2000. There are significant opportunities for major capital investment, often backed by international lenders such as the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Don't miss The tremendous views from Kalemegdan Fortress, high on a hill where the Sava and Danube rivers meet. The fortress, above, dates back to pre-Roman times and sits in a beautiful park, one of many green spaces in the city. Visit the quirky Nikola Tesla Museum dedicated to the life of the pioneering scientist, or hop onto the number two tram for an unofficial circular tour of the city.

Etiquette Most office workers work regular office hours (8am to 4pm). Cumbersome bureaucracy can slow down negotiations but most Serbian entrepreneurs are keen to forge business links with western Europe. Communication is not a major problem as English is popular as a second language.

Culture Belgrade is home to the National Museum, two opera houses and several theatres. There is a vibrant café culture and nightlife. On StrahinjiCa Bana you can stroll between 30 cafés and bars—most are busy all day and late into the night. In summer, check out the popular floating bars and clubs on the Danube.

Where to stay New Belgrade, north of the Danube, is the main business district and where the top five-star chain hotels are located. For more character, stay at the Hotel Moskva, a beautiful art nouveau building dating back to 1906 or Townhouse 27, the city's first boutique-style hotel. In the heart of the bohemian district on Skadarska, a cobbled pedestrian street, is the charming Le Petit Piaf hotel—the rooms aren't huge but they are comfortable and the staff friendly and helpful.

Eat like a local The stylish Zaplet in Vraaar has superb Serbian-fusion meals and an extensive wine list. Iguana has settled into its new riverside location at 2-4 Karadjordjeva and still offers the same excellent service, good-quality food and value for money. For traditional dishes try Kod Daae, it's very much on the tourist trail but remains popular with locals for good food and a wide range of rakija—it never disappoints.