Are you eager to take your Serbian to the next level? Listening is the perfect way to learn on the go, while scrubbing the bathroom
Sanja Markovic
January 16, 2025
Famously, Serbia is a promised land for coffee lovers. With a fine selection of cozy cafes, fair prices, and grade-A service, it’s a caffeine addict’s paradise. There’s a catch, though: cigarette smoke is everywhere, spoiling the fun and putting people’s health at risk. But don’t worry — if you’re after smoke-free cafes in Belgrade and Novi Sad, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll spill the beans on the top non-smoking coffee shops Serbia’s most populous cities have to offer. So, take a deep breath and dive in — nicotine-free!
Tourists and foreign residents in Serbia all wonder the same thing — why is cigarette smoke (duvanski dim) everywhere? Also, is it possible not to come home smelling like a chimney sweep’s apprentice?
Indeed, Serbia is a smoker’s haven, and if you like to light up as well, most of the country is your smoking lounge.
The local park, out on the street, the riverside, behind your building, in front of your building — you can have a smoke (or ten) wherever you like.
On the other hand, folks who can’t stand the smell of cigarettes might not like this freedom at all.
So, why does this country favor smokers? Why are most coffee shops and even restaurants full of thick cigarette smoke all the time?
The likely answer is — smoking is still hot in Serbia. In fact, a whopping 40% of the population are smokers (pušači), as statistics suggest.
And, yes, most tobacco enthusiasts can’t imagine enjoying a coffee without having a smoke.
So, it’s safe to say that cafes would likely have too many unsatisfied customers if they decided on a ban out of the blue.
Some coffee shops tried to strike a compromise by having smoking and non-smoking zones (pušačka i nepušačka zona). As good as this sounds, these areas often lack separation. In other words, both zones are in the same room with nothing to stop the pesky smoke from getting into your clothes and lungs.
Luckily, you can enjoy both coffee and clean air. Where? Let’s find out!
In Serbia, smoke-free cafes are like pearls — rare and precious. Yet, you’ll find a fair share of them if you know where to look, especially in big cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad.
One option is to go from place to place looking for the well-known sign with a crossed-out cigarette or the words zabraneno pušenje (smoking not allowed). Alternatively, you could limit yourself to places inside shopping malls — these are always smoke-free.
Third and the most convenient alternative is looking it up on the internet. Here are some of the tools that locals use to hunt down smoke-free cafes in Serbia:
If you’re in Belgrade and looking for clean air to pair with your caffeine fix, you’re in luck! Here are five fabulous smoke-free cafes in the Serbian capital where you can sip without the smoky side effects.
Kafograf is the kind of place where you feel right at home the moment you walk in. The baristas know their beans and are always up for a chat or a coffee recommendation. Add a cozy, smoke-free vibe, and you’ve got a perfect spot to relax, catch up, or caffeinate in peace.
Can’t decide whether to go to a cafe or a bookstore? You can have both in Bookastore — a spot that blends caffeine and culture. There, you can sip your coffee while flipping through their curated selection of books, all in a chill, artsy, smoke-free environment.
With a clever name and amazing coffee, Way Cup also serves sandwiches, pastries, teas, and all sorts of sweet and savory delights in a smoke-free haven. Bright and modern, with a hint of a hipster vibe, it’s the kind of place where your cup (and mood) is always half full.
A beloved cafe in the Zemun area, Fuka went smoke-free in 2024, and thank goodness for that! The welcoming staff brews up some of the best specialty coffee in Belgrade, making every visit a treat. Meanwhile, the cafe’s modern look and quirky details make it a perfect place to sip, relax, or get some work done.
Another cafe that has gone smoke-free, Užitak, is ideal for coffee, breakfast, or craft beer. Thanks to its bright, cute interior and a great selection of drinks and meals, it truly lives up to its name — pleasure (užitak) in every sip and bite.
Novi Sad might be smaller than Belgrade, but it’s big on charm — and smoke-free cafes! Check out these top spots and enjoy your brew without the nicotine haze.
Want to rent a bike, but you’re also in the mood for coffee? Then, Biciklana has you covered! This spot blends cycling with cafe culture, so you can grab a bike and enjoy a perfectly brewed coffee all in one place. It’s where two passions meet in perfect harmony!
Although Sweet and Green isn’t a cafe, it earns its place on this list for its vibrant, healthy menu and lack of cigarette fumes. With freshly squeezed juices, fruity oatmeal, zesty salads, and sugar-free desserts, it’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves their treats as wholesome as they are delicious.
If the coffee aroma makes you smile, head to Freeshka Coffee Co. Since they roast and grind their coffee beans on the spot, you won’t find a fresher brew even if you try. You can enjoy a latte or macchiato at the cafe or get a bag of fragrant coffee and enjoy it at home — it’s up to you.
Le Bol is a cute spot that welcomes pets but draws the line at cigarette smoke. With fast Wi-Fi and a fresh, clean vibe, it’s ideal for working or relaxing. Pair that with a laid-back atmosphere and excellent coffee, and you’ve found the perfect spot where productivity and comfort go hand in hand.
While smoke-free cafes in Belgrade and Novi Sad may be in the minority, they’re a breath of fresh air, offering a much-needed caffeine fix without the lingering smell. If you like the idea, pick a spot and enjoy Serbian coffee culture without choking on second-hand smoke.
And hey, if you’re ready to practice your Serbian while you sip, don’t forget to grab our free worksheets to make your coffee adventure even more stimulating and rewarding!
Are you eager to take your Serbian to the next level? Listening is the perfect way to learn on the go, while scrubbing the bathroom
Pressed for time in the Serbian capital? Worry not! You can see, taste, and experience plenty in a single day — as long as you