If you’re coming to Serbia and thinking, ‘What to visit in Novi Sad? ‘ you’re in the right place!
Novi Sad is the second-largest city in Serbia, located on the banks of the Danube River.
It is a city of culture, history, architecture, delicious Serbian cuisine, and friendly people, and it is one of the tourists’ favorite cities in Serbia.
But let’s keep this introduction short and start right away with a presentation of this Serbian city.
#1 What to Visit in Novi Sad: Petrovaradinska tvrđava
Petrovaradin Fortress is one of Novi Sad’s most important landmarks and our first answer to the question ‘What to visit in Novi Sad’.
Author: Stefan Kostić for Unsplash
It is located on the banks of the Danube and the Fruška Gora mountain slopes.
This is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe. The Austrians built it on the foundations of a previous medieval edifice. According to previous research, the first human settlement at the Petrovaradin Fortress existed as early as 4500 BC!
One of the Petrovaradin fortress’s landmarks is Pijani sat (= Drunk Clock), in which the small pointer shows minutes and the bigger one shows hours.
Inside the fortress, you can explore tunnels and gates that have been preserved for centuries. And when you climb the fortress, a fantastic panoramic view awaits you.
At the Petrovradin fortress, you can enjoy many cultural events, including the world-famous EXIT Festival. EXIT takes place every summer and gathers people from all around the world. Months in advance, you can see the lineup and decide if this event is your cup of tea. But, even if you’re not a fan of that kind of music (there are many genres, actually), you would probably enjoy the one-of-a-kind vibe.
#2 What to Visit in Novi Sad: Štrand
Štrand is the most popular Danube beach in Novi Sad. It is the main place where people spend time during spring and summer.
There are many cafes, restaurants, children’s playgrounds, and sports fields. On Štrand, you can find people of all ages swimming, chilling and hanging out.
From July to August, there are different manifestations such as the regatta or the Danube Days.
#3 What to Visit in Novi Sad: Muzeji
As a city of culture (Novi Sad won the title of the European Capital of Culture for 2022), it can offer different kinds of museums.
Here are 3 you should not miss:
- Muzej grada Novog Sada (The Museum of the City of Novi Sad)
Source: Muzej grada Novog Sada
This is a place where you can learn more about the daily life of the people of Novi Sad and some of the city’s most important moments in history!
It is also interesting that this museum is located in former military barracks.
Here, you will see paintings by some of the most famous Serbian painters, such as Sava Šumanović. There is also authentic furniture, clothing, and documents from the 16th to the 21st century.
- Muzej savremene umetnosti Vojvodine (Contemporary Art Museum of Vojvodina)
In this museum, you can see the art created in the 20th century in Vojvodina.
There are more than 2500 drawings, sculptures, and paintings.
- Muzej Vojvodine (Museum of Vojvodina)
This museum is a gem among Serbian museums because you can learn much about Serbian culture and tradition.
The museum is divided into several parts; each is specific and offers a unique setting.
#4 What to Visit in Novi Sad: Gradski trg
The main city square is Trg Slobode (= The Square of Freedom), which is one of Novi Sad’s prettiest areas.
Walking through the centre of Novi Sad is not just an ordinary daily walk because there are different attractions all around you.
These are just some of them:
- Matica srpska
- Crkva Imena Marijinog
- Saborna crkva Svetog Đorđa
- Novosadska Sinagoga
When you decide to take a break, there are plenty of charming places to enjoy a cup of coffee, delicious cakes, or tasty Serbian dishes.
#5 What to Visit in Novi Sad: Dunavska ulica and Dunavski park
Dunavska Street is one of the oldest streets in Novi Sad.
You will also find many boutiques, cafes, and restaurants here. It’s a place where you can see a blend of Novi Sad’s old and modern architecture.
Danube Park is very close to Dunavska Street. During the 19th century, the site of today’s park was a branch of the Danube covered with vegetation and later a meadow where fairs were organized.
The park is full of beautiful flowers, and in the center is a lake with ducks. It’s perfect to sit on a bench and enjoy the view!
Source: Vikipedija
Beautiful Places Near Novi Sad
When you come to Novi Sad, you should not miss the chance to visit two more beautiful places nearby. Let us introduce you to Fruška gora and Sremski Karlovci!
#6 What to Visit near Novi Sad: Fruška gora
The national park Fruška gora is situated near Novi Sad. It takes less than one hour to drive there.
If you’re a nature lover, this is a trip you cannot miss. Fruška gora offers hiking and walking trails, picnic spots, and all that surrounded by forest and grasslands.
It is also famous for its vineyards. There are around 60 wineries! Some of the most famous ones are Vinarija Kovačević and Erdevik.
When it’s about Serbian spiritual heritage, there are 17 Serbian Orthodox monasteries on Fruška gora.
So, now you know, you will need a couple of days to explore this mountain as it deserves.
#7 What to Visit near Novi Sad: Sremski Karlovci
One of the favorite tourist destinations in Vojvodina is the small, charming city of Sremski Karlovci, which is located 8 kilometres from Novi Sad.
It is known for its historical significance and amazing architecture, so it isn’t surprising that it has been nicknamed ‘A Living Museum’.
One of the town’s main attractions is the Patriarch’s Palace, an impressive building that now houses a museum dedicated to the town’s religious and cultural history.
Source: Turistička organizacija Sremski Karlovci
Karlovačka gimnazija should be your next stop. In addition to being crucial for Serbian education (the idea of establishing a Serbian public school was born here), this was also the place wheere are filmed some of the most popular Serbian movies. For example, Lajanje na zvezde and Balkan Ekspres.
Besides these attractions and places nearby, you should not forget to take your time and just enjoy the city itself, because Novi Sad has a specific energy. This city can offer you lots of relaxing and hedonistic moments.
Do you want to learn how to communicate with the people of Novi Sad? Then you should start learning the Serbian language with a Serbian tutor! Don’t miss your chance to enjoy Novi Sad like the locals!
