In Belgrade people smoke hookah (locals call it nargila) just about everywhere, from basements on Knez Mihailova to garden terraces on the Zemun quay. Our directory currently lists more than fifty places in the city, and you'll find the full list on our all hookah bars in Belgrade page. To pick the best hookah bars in Belgrade, we went through guest reviews, looked at what each place offers and how it feels inside, and singled out ten spots people actually keep going back to. The order isn't a ranking. Each of these places is the best at something different. Reviews are quoted in translation.
Caffe Wood Mije Kovačevića 10d, Palilula
A Palilula spot that keeps changing for the better. Guests notice the new touches to the interior, and also that the hookah stays just as good year after year. On top of that, they serve one of the better freddo espressos in town, and peanuts land on your table without you having to ask.
“Top marks, excellent hookah. The freddo espresso is one of the better ones in town. They hand out peanuts to guests.” Bogdan, Google review
Kandahar Strahinjića Bana 48, Dorćol
If you want an oriental feel without plastic and knockoff decor, Kandahar is your address. The heated garden stays open in spring and fall too, traditional Serbian coffee is served the way it should be, and the regulars are the best recommendation the place could ask for.
“Best hookah bar in town! The staff are always pleasant and friendly... that's why we keep coming back and won't trade Kandahar for anything.” Miran, Google review
Soho Lounge & Bar Venizelosova 33N
A big tobacco selection and a tea menu you rarely see in Belgrade. The teapots with little “tea gods” on them have become a small trademark of the place. Visitors from abroad single it out again and again.
“One of the best hookahs I've ever tried. If you're in Belgrade, you have to visit, 100%.” Rosen, Google review
APEX LAB Strahinjića Bana 71
An urban, “lab” kind of vibe and one of the widest tobacco selections in Dorćol. The kitchen is a real strength here. Guests keep bringing up the fish and chips, which for a hookah bar is no small thing.
“The variety of hookah flavors is incredible, both in how many there are and how different they are.” Sandra, Google review
Rodina bar Dunavska 2D, Old Town
The premium option: hookah, signature cocktails and a serious kitchen under one roof. It's the place for a night out when you want everything to be a cut above. The bill reflects that, but guests rarely regret it.
“Everything here is amazing! The food is delicious, the hookah is top-notch, they even personalized our cocktails.” Mihaella, Google review
Hookah House Mladena Stojanovića 4, Savski Venac
A spacious room where a big group fits without anyone getting squeezed, attentive waiters, and a flavor list that covers pretty much “anything you can think of.” A good call when more of you show up than you planned.
“Best hookah in Belgrade! They have every flavor you can imagine.” Jelena, Google review
Tyman na Vodi Savska 40, Belgrade Waterfront
A shisha lounge in the BW Eterna complex, next to the Galerija mall. Not sure what to drink? Ask for the “Surprise me” cocktail: you describe what you like and the bartender works out the rest. There's also a VIP room for groups who want some quiet. The thing reviews bring up most often is the level of service.
“I didn't expect such a high level of service! Everything was great and I'll definitely be back.” Vlada, Google review
Gotcha Hookah Lounge Bulevar maršala Tolbuhina 27, New Belgrade
New Belgrade's entry: music that doesn't blast your ears, enough room for a group of friends, and drink prices that are worth the trip even if you skip the hookah. One guest put it better than we ever could:
“The music isn't too loud, no kids, which is unusual for a hookah bar in Belgrade. Martini Asti for 500 dinars [about €4]! What more can I say.” Dušan, Google review
Luxura Bar Jurija Gagarina 20ć, New Belgrade
A place with a concept you'll remember: there are pandas and teddy bears everywhere, and in summer the terrace by the fountain does the heavy lifting. Sounds like a gimmick, but the hookah keeps up with the decor.
“The shisha rocks, and the teddy bear thing is brilliant and original!” Miloš, Google review
Shisha Bar Kneza Mihaila 19a, Old Town
An institution in the basement of the Millenium shopping center, on the busiest street in the country. Half the city has been through this place, and plenty of tourists too, and after all these years it still keeps a solid standard.
“If you're a hookah lover, visit this place.” Goran, Google review
Honorable mentions: more hookah bars in Belgrade
This list could easily be twice as long. LoFi Lounge on Majke Jevrosime is a favorite with people who like a calmer atmosphere, and Divan in Zvezdara has been doing its own thing since 2012. If where you are matters more than which place is best, see hookah bars by Belgrade neighborhood. We keep the complete list, with opening hours and reviews, on the Belgrade hookah bars page.
Find every Belgrade spot, with addresses, opening hours and guest reviews, on the Belgrade page, or narrow it down to hookah cafes and hookah-friendly bars. To see how Belgrade compares with the rest of Serbia, read Hookah in Serbia by the numbers.
