Novi Sad travel guide
Novi Sad Tourism | Novi Sad Guide
You're Going to Love Novi Sad
Novi Sad is the capital of Vojvodina and has been a cultural hub in northern Serbia for hundreds of years. Magnificent architecture and a thriving local arts and crafts scene make this city special.
With convenient connections to many of the region's finest attractions, Novi Sad is a wonderful jumping-off point for Balkan adventures.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Novi Sad
1. Historic Architecture
From Freedom Square to the city outskirts, Novi Sad has plenty of fantastic architecture dating back hundreds of years.
2. Petrovaradin
This fortress sits on the banks of the Danube and proudly claims that it has never been stormed by an enemy army.
3. Foreign Art Collection
Housed in the City Museum of Novi Sad, this is the largest collection of international artwork in the country and a must for art lovers.
4. EXIT Festival
Originally founded as part of the nation's democratic revolution, this festival now regularly hosts top names in rock, techno, hip-hop, and folk genres.
5. Fruska Gora Mountain
Hikers will love the chance to get out and up onto Fruska Gora Mountain and the neighboring hills.
What to do in Novi Sad
1. The Mightiest Music Venue In Europe
You can't avoid the Petrovaradin Citadel in Novi Sad: this immense fortress looms over the city on a 40 meter high platform. Its imposing appearance is hardly a surprise. After all, the citadel was built in the 18th century by the city's Austro-Hungarian rulers to ward off Turkish invasion - and it worked. The Turks were beaten at the foot of the walls in 1716, and never returned. Nowadays, you can visit the fort, with its interesting museum, or make a date to attend the EXIT music festival in July.
2. Novi Sad's Bustling Commercial Center
Zmaj Jovina runs through the center of town, linking Freedom Square with Dunavska Street, but it's not a traffic black spot. Instead, the street has been totally pedestrianized, offering a wonderful place to window shop or settle down for a sip or two of Serbian beer and some regional eats. Or you can just pick up a pastry or two as you flit between the downtown sights. Either way, you won't want to miss out on Zmaj Jovina during your stay.
3. Amazing Acoustics And A Haunting History
Novi Sad used to have a thriving Jewish population, and the city's synagogue (located on "Jewish Street") bears witness to their wealth and refinement. This gorgeous building was constructed in the early 20th century, but left almost deserted after World War Two. However, there's a hopeful end to the story. Recently, the beautiful building has been restored and become a focal point for Novi Sad's remaining Jewish community. And the city has also started to use it as a concert venue. With incredible acoustic properties, it's a magical place to take in a performance.
4. A Fitting Monument To Freedom
Definitely the focal point for Novi Sad as a whole, Liberty Square (or Trg Slobode in Serbian) hosts two architectural masterpieces in the City Hall and the Neo-Gothic Church of St Mary, as well as a civic treasure with the statue of Svetozar Miletic, a 19th century Serbian patriot. But the real attraction of Liberty Square is the constant program of events that it hosts. In the summer, expect festivals and concerts every week, and seasonal markets come Christmas time. And you can count on lively evenings throughout the year thanks to the warren of bars and clubs in the nearby downtown area.
5. A Beautiful Fusion Of Byzantine And Moorish Architecture
Still the palace of the Orthodox Bishops of the Diocese of Backa, Vladičin Court is at the end of Zmaj Jovina and is easily reached by foot from the town center. Built in an opulent Byzantine-Moorish style, it's a delight for the eyes, with its rose red stone and elegant arches. Visitors cannot go inside, but the exterior is a feast for the senses, and it's certainly one of Serbia's most beautiful buildings.
1. The Mightiest Music Venue In Europe
You can't avoid the Petrovaradin Citadel in Novi Sad: this immense fortress looms over the city on a 40 meter high platform. Its imposing appearance is hardly a surprise. After all, the citadel was built in the 18th century by the city's Austro-Hungarian rulers to ward off Turkish invasion - and it worked. The Turks were beaten at the foot of the walls in 1716, and never returned. Nowadays, you can visit the fort, with its interesting museum, or make a date to attend the EXIT music festival in July.
2. Novi Sad's Bustling Commercial Center
Zmaj Jovina runs through the center of town, linking Freedom Square with Dunavska Street, but it's not a traffic black spot. Instead, the street has been totally pedestrianized, offering a wonderful place to window shop or settle down for a sip or two of Serbian beer and some regional eats. Or you can just pick up a pastry or two as you flit between the downtown sights. Either way, you won't want to miss out on Zmaj Jovina during your stay.
3. Amazing Acoustics And A Haunting History
Novi Sad used to have a thriving Jewish population, and the city's synagogue (located on "Jewish Street") bears witness to their wealth and refinement. This gorgeous building was constructed in the early 20th century, but left almost deserted after World War Two. However, there's a hopeful end to the story. Recently, the beautiful building has been restored and become a focal point for Novi Sad's remaining Jewish community. And the city has also started to use it as a concert venue. With incredible acoustic properties, it's a magical place to take in a performance.
4. A Fitting Monument To Freedom
Definitely the focal point for Novi Sad as a whole, Liberty Square (or Trg Slobode in Serbian) hosts two architectural masterpieces in the City Hall and the Neo-Gothic Church of St Mary, as well as a civic treasure with the statue of Svetozar Miletic, a 19th century Serbian patriot. But the real attraction of Liberty Square is the constant program of events that it hosts. In the summer, expect festivals and concerts every week, and seasonal markets come Christmas time. And you can count on lively evenings throughout the year thanks to the warren of bars and clubs in the nearby downtown area.
5. A Beautiful Fusion Of Byzantine And Moorish Architecture
Still the palace of the Orthodox Bishops of the Diocese of Backa, Vladičin Court is at the end of Zmaj Jovina and is easily reached by foot from the town center. Built in an opulent Byzantine-Moorish style, it's a delight for the eyes, with its rose red stone and elegant arches. Visitors cannot go inside, but the exterior is a feast for the senses, and it's certainly one of Serbia's most beautiful buildings.
Where to Eat in Novi Sad
There are many good restaurants in town. Leskovacki Rostilj serves a great "Serbian Hamburger," and Fish and Zelenish has good fish. An inexpensive meal in Novi Sad costs about РСД500.
When to visit Novi Sad
Like much of Serbia, Novi Sad enjoys warm summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are the best times to visit this city.
How to Get to Novi Sad
Plane
Nikola Tesla International Airport (BEG) in Belgrade is the closest airport to the city at about 35 miles. The Belgrade Airport Transfer company charters private vehicles into town for РСД11,000 per vehicle (8 person max).
Train
Novi Sad has lots of train connections to other cities. Return tickets from Belgrade cost РСД460.
Car
Novi Sad is located right off the E75, which connects Belgrade and Budapest.
Bus
Numerous bus services link to Novi Sad, with nearly 100 options connecting to Belgrade in each direction. A return ticket costs РСД400.
Airports near Novi Sad
Airlines serving Novi Sad
Where to stay in Novi Sad
City Center - it's compact, charming, and well-restored with plenty of beautiful buildings.
Popular Neighborhoods in Novi Sad
Petrovaradin - located on the other side of the Danube, this municipality houses the fortress and plenty of green space.
Liman - another riverside district, Liman is a bustling business area with plenty of residential units as well.
Where to stay in popular areas of Novi Sad
How to Get Around Novi Sad
Public Transportation
Buses run all over Novi Sad. One-way tickets cost РСД55 and can be purchased from the driver.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and offer cross-city transport for about РСД200.
Car
Several car rental companies are based in Novi Sad, including Sixt and Europcar. Typical prices are about РСД2,200 per day for an economy car on a short-term rental.
The Cost of Living in Novi Sad
Shopping Streets
As a moderately sized city, Novi Sad has plenty of shopping areas. Futoska pijaca is a popular open-air market with affordable clothes and produce. Coats and leather goods are specialties in town. A pair of jeans costs about РСД7,300 in the city.
Groceries and Other
Maxi and Tempo supermarkets are dotted throughout Novi Sad. A dozen eggs will cost РСД150, while fresh bread can be had at РСД46 a loaf.