When winter or bad weather comes, those amazing months of sipping drinks on floating river bars and open air pleasures come to a sudden halt for Belgrade. Luckily, some of the capital’s best kept secrets are its cozy living room bars, just waiting to be discovered. Here are six homey hideaways which will help you make the city’s last cold days more bearable. Enjoy!

Knjigodrom Topolska 18

Kojom se knjigom opijaš? (my translation: Which books give you the best buzz?) is the slogan of Knjigodrom Topolska 18, an independent bookstore and definitely the ultimate place to escape to. Located in a calm street of Vračar one has to pass a door gate and walk to the little house in the backyard. Once inside, you’ll see a bright and colourful living room with an interesting book section, a community table and cozy arm chairs. They serve exotic tea blends, very good coffee but also interesting Gin combinations and wine from Barcelona. The atmosphere is always welcoming and relaxed, especially on Sundays  during the art house film screenings (19:30). Fun fact: The bar got its name after the street they are located in, which is referred to Snežana Savić”s song – Topolska 18 and Srećni Ljudi, a series from the 90ties. 

credits: Lidija Stojic
credits: Lidija Stojic
credits: Lidija Stojic

Od Usta do Usta

Od Usta do Usta is an effortlessly cool, minimalist place perfectly squeezed in a small concrete building block right next to the Kralja Aleksandra Boulevard. It’s a light, tasty place to escape the snowy streets of Vračar and enjoy seriously good coffee. They serve light mediterranean food like home made ravioli, tarte flambée and plenty of other good dishes which can be found on their chalkboards. This place has a laid back vibe, good music and an intimate atmosphere. People usually work on their laptops, enjoy a cup of coffee or a after work-drink with friends. And not to forget, breakfast is served here all day. Stop by, relax, and see why it’s a local gem.

Meduza

Meduza, Topolska 18’s bigger sister, is located in a calm street of Dorćol, close to the Kalemegdan Fortress. The warm lighting and intimate atmosphere make it an ideal destination on chilly days and nights. Meduza is that kind of place, where one can sit for hours all by oneself, drink delicious coffee and eat home made brownies. Known for its open and very relaxed vibe, this place offers a unique mixture of cultural vibrance and entertainment on two floors. That means, that they host exhibitions, support the LGBT community and organize interesting happenings from time to time. Try one of their interesting Gin combinations.

credits: Lidija Stojic
credits: Lidija Stojic

Gajba

Gajba is a bar/club hidden on the attic of the same house where the well known clubs Mladost, Ludost and Gadost are located. It is a mysterious and vibrant place with vintage interior such as bold chandeliers, velvet accents, heavy carpets and scratched wallpaper. The comfortable armchairs and sofas turn the high ceiling attic into an elegant parlor. The low-lighting and smoke-filled atmosphere will take you on a trip back in time. Gajba organizes different dance parties during the week and on weekends. I prefer this place on early evenings during the week, though, before it gets too crowded. Watch out for Chorbika’s events.

  • Karađorđeva 44
  • Mon-Thurs: 19:00-04:00
  • Fri-Sat: 19:00-05:00
  • Sunday: 19:00-04:00

Klub Svetskih Putnika

Klub Svetskih Putnika (engl. The Federal Association of Globe Trotters) is located inside an apartment close to the city center. So, you have to ring a doorbell, pass a hallway and head down to the basement. The entrance is easy to miss but once you are inside, though, it’s totally worth it. The colourful interior is a all over the world collection including books, instruments, vintage decor and Singer sewing machines, which are used as tables. The place is a bit expensive and not my every day choice but it is still cool to experience it once or visit it when you need something more quiet in the city center. P.S.: They have a winter garden too.

  • Bulevar Despota Stefana 7
  • Mon – Sun: 09:00-02:00

Kaste (update: closed)

Kaste’s whole underlying concept is to make you feel at home. And indeed, there is a very  homey atmosphere at this cozy place. The constant presence of cool locals passing through its doors and interesting interior makes Kaste a very quirky little place: equally perfect for a coffee whilst working away online during the day or indulging yourself to some refreshing drinks later on in the evening. This adorable hangout serves classic but high quality cocktails and home made food inspired by original Italian recipes. For Happy Hour, which is between 6 pm and 9 pm they serve an Aperitivo all’ Italiana which means that you are getting Italian canapes with every drink you order.