A travel guide to the best things to do in Novi Sad, Serbia

A towering hilltop fortress, centuries-old churches and streets lined with pastel neo-Renaissance facades make Novi Sad one of the best places to visit in Serbia, and a worthy stop during any Serbia itinerary.

Situated along the banks of the Danube River, Novi Sad has a young energy despite its long history thanks to the university and lively plazas lined with outdoor cafes.

In fact, it was billed as the European Youth Capital in 2019 and the European Capital of Culture in 2022, and hosts more than 200 festivals per year.

The city centre is quite compact and walkable, making it easy to see the highlights in just a day. From top landmarks to quirky sites, here are the best things to do in Novi Sad, Serbia.

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What to do in Novi Sad: Petrovaradin Fortress

The so-called ‘Gibraltar on the Danube’ is one of Europe’s best preserved fortresses, constructed between 1692 and 1780.

Petrovaradin Fortress features 12 gates and 400 cannon outlets spread over 120 acres, and is a shining example of military architecture from the 18th century. Three main sections have been preserved: the Upper Town on Petrovardadin Rock, Lower Town (or Suburbium) and a two-horned bastion.

The most notable feature of the Upper Town is the famous Clock Tower, which is surrounded by art studios that visitors are welcome to poke their heads into and watch the artisans at work.

There are a few restaurants, churches, the City Museum of Novi Sad, a planetarium and fantastic views looking back at the city and river below from the Fortress Terrace.

History buffs won’t want to miss the Underground Military Galleries, a four-storey communication and defence system that boasts a network of corridors and mine systems stretching 16 kilometres long.

Petrovaradin Fortress hosts events including the EXIT music festival every July, and the annual Tamburica Fest in August.

Liberty Square

This elegant square is the heart of the city, framed by City Hall (built in 1895, featuring statues of Greek goddesses on its facade and a tower once used as a fire lookout) and the Roman Catholic Name of Mary church. Simply as ‘The Cathedral’, it has a 72 metre high tower making it the highest religious temple in Novi Sad.

There are shops and restaurants all around, and it gets particularly busy in the evening when locals come down to hang out at the outdoor cafes to enjoy happy hour.

Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska Streets

These are the main laneways of the lively pedestrian zone, and some of the prettiest in all of Novi Sad thanks to their rainbow-hued streetscapes.

Here, you’ll find notable spots like the city library, Novi Sad’s oldest house, parks and the stately Bishop’s Palace of the Backa Bishopric.

Shops and restaurants are tucked down passageways, where you can pick up traditional goods, souvenirs and sweet treats.

Štrand

During summer, this strip of beach along the left bank of the Danube is one of the top places to visit in Novi Sad.

Along with plenty of palapas and loungers for rent, the hangout spot hosts sporting events, festivals and concerts and is a great spot to beat the heat.

Trčika, a tram-turned cafe

Trams (Trčika, which means ‘running tram’) were once used to connect downtown Novi Sad to the Štrand. When they were eventually decommissioned, one was turned into a fun cafe and restaurant complete with a large outdoor patio and a bar where the passengers once sat.

You’ll find it at the end of Kralja Aleksandra street, and it’s also a great people watching spot.

Exploring beyond Novi Sad

If you have a few days in Novi Sad, it’s worth getting out of the city to see some of the surrounding marshes, islands, resort towns and even wine regions. Some of the best are:

Ribarsko Ostrvo and Kamenjar: These weekend resort areas are the launch point for Danube cruises, with birding opportunities, quaint guesthouses and great seafood restaurants.
The Picnic Routes: Enjoy the nature of National Park Fruška Gora by heading out along one of the so-called picnic routes that pass by farmsteads, wine areas, and towering Serbian Orthodox monasteries and thermal spas.

How to get from Belgrade to Novi Sad

It only takes about 90 minutes to drive, take the train or bus from Belgrade to Novi Sad, making it possible to visit as a day trip for those short on time.

To leave from Belgrade’s central bus station, pre-book a ticket on Flix Bus for about $20 round trip. Taxis from the Novi Sad bus station to the city centre cost about $7. Passengers are also required to pay 190 dinar to enter the bus terminal in Belgrade, which can be purchased from the ticket booth on the far left hand side.

There are also guided day trips from Belgrade to Novi Sad, including some with wine tasting.

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Where to stay in Novi Sad, Serbia

Garni CitiHotel Veliki: This top-ranked boutique hotel is conveniently housed in the heart of Novi Sad’s city centre, in a 19th century building protected as a cultural landmark. It’s intimate with just over a dozen rooms, each one is individually decorated and half/full board options are also available. Click here to book

Hotel Centar: The modern rooms at this downtown property are large, light and airy, which isn’t that common in eastern Europe. Guests can enjoy the cafe bar, buffet breakfast, 24 hour reception, laundry facilities, complimentary on-site parking and even a free airport shuttle. Click here to book