Must-see nightlife in Serbia

Throughout history Lower Dorćol, with dozens of Jewish and Turkish stores, has had a special relationship with coffee. It’s no wonder that the tradition…

Indie-music lovers will feel right at home with carefully selected playlists of resident and guest DJs at Zaokret. Thematic evenings, occasional gigs and…

This is the HQ of Serbia's Association of Bartenders, a fact made evident after one sip of any of the sublime cocktails (515RSD to 1165RSD) on offer. With…

Retro, run-down and loads of fun, this alternative splav (river-barge nightclub) is named for Belgrade's map coordinates. Open year-round, it has become…

If you want an authentic Serbian Friday-night experience, this wildly popular (reserve several days ahead) kafana (tavern) in Zvezdara has it all:…

Raise a glass to Tito at this frantic, festive kafana (tavern). Lined with communist memorabilia and packed to the rafters with revellers and grinning…

Belgrade-based Kafeterija produces Novi Sad's best 'Third Wave' java in this cosy coffeehouse chock-full of plush lounge furniture and exposed cement…

Hopheads seeking local salvation should settle in at this intimate, industrial-chic craft beer bar featuring 14 rotating offerings on draught (pints…

Part-cafe, part-bar, part-wonderfully-wacky-gallery, this pocket-sized place is one of the city's best spots for pre-drink drinks. Plastered with murals…

Hidden up an out-of-service escalator that leads to an abandoned shopping arcade, Samo Pivo – 'just beer' in Serbian – feels like a brash, unconventional…

Centrala is one of those neighbourhood haunts that immediately feels like home, if home was a lively, jam-packed, but somehow laid-back, bar on a street…

The cosy open-roofed cafe set up in one part of the semi-ruined Isa-Beg's Hammam is an atmospheric place to have a Turkish coffee or a lemonade along with…

Ministarstvo is one of Niš' go-to craft beer destinations, with 15 options on draught (mostly Serbian, a bit of mainstream German and Czech) and a gaggle…

There are literally Vespas coming out of the woodwork at this happy, happening bar in the centre of town. Chat with the friendly 'bikies' over beer (local…

Part gallery, part bar, part avant-garde exhibition space, this is a cool, cultured place to spend an evening. It's a favourite haunt for local and…

This rusting cargo ship attracts a fun indie crowd for its eclectic playlist, cheap drinks and exceedingly welcoming atmosphere. Open year-round.

Part of a popular chain, this Kafeterija branch occupies the early-20th-century building that's one of Belgrade's finest examples of Secession-style…

Rainbow-bright cafe by day and an absolute ripper of a bar/performance space by night, whimsical little Dvorištance is textbook Cetinjska 15. It regularly…

A slick, colourful lounge that plays the likes of Lou Reed on one of Subotica's leafy streets, Bodis & Porto has a small but creative selection of…

An ideal spot for rakija rookies to get their first taste of the spirit of Serbia. English-speaking staff will gently guide you through the 51 options,…