Kragujevac might not have the chaotic cool of Belgrade or the elegant charm of Novi Sad, but there is more to the capital of Šumadija than meets the eye. Serbia’s fourth largest city brings plenty to the table on the coffee front, with many great places situated on Kralja Aleksandra I Karadjordjevica street and around.
Kragujevac might not have the intangible cool of Belgrade, but there are a number of establishments that wouldn’t be out of place in Dorćol, Vračar and the rest. Kafemat 27 is one such cafe, a bustling spot that attracts a big crowd all day long. Plenty of coffee variety is on offer, in an enviable location in the belly of Kragujevac.
While we’re a little reticent to dive in with two feet and say ‘hip, hop and happening’, this hyper-stylish bistro just outside the centre of Kragujevac is more deserving of the term than anywhere else in town. Opened in 2017, this open space comes with wine bottles on the walls, an interesting array of lights and no small amount of beautiful people. It is easy to see why it has become so popular so quickly.
Who doesn’t love a cafe located in an old tram? We’re fully on-board with the gimmick, and the unique setting offers something different to the rest of the cafes in Kragujevac. Peron offers the standard selection of coffees, teas, beers and stronger drinks, but many come here for the excellent pancakes. Well, everyone comes here for the whole ‘coffee on a stationary tram’ thing, but you get the point.
One of the largest coffee chains in Serbia, Coffee Dream is a welcome addition to the roster of cafes in Kragujevac. Sometimes you just need the reliable security of a solid black coffee in classy surroundings, and the city centre location offers that and a little bit more. The walls tell us that ‘life is too short for bad coffee’, and we’re more than inclined to agree. The garden is a delight as well.
We’re pretty sure the name is intended to be the word for something that moves steadily as opposed to a diminutive of the name Florence, but questionable English shouldn’t put you off this place. A popular place with the beautiful people, it is easy to spend entire days sat out on the terrace watching the world go by. A decent spread of hot and cold drinks certainly helps.
Another stylish joint just off Kralja Aleksandra I Karadjordjevića, Fox is a lounge cafe with sophistication to spare. Sit outside with a hot coffee or dangerously refreshing cocktail, or head inside for a game of pool — the choice is yours. You could always combine the two and take your cocktail to the billiard room of course, but don’t blame us for missing those easy pots.
Every city has a cafe that feels like it truly is in the very heart of the city, and Marabu holds that spot in Kragujevac. This prime location at the head of Lole Ribara and Miloja Pavlovica makes the most of its spot, with plenty of comfortable outdoor seating wrapping around the cafe itself. Cocktails are the name of the day once the sun goes down, replacing the conveyer belt of coffee that is imbibed throughout the day.