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Things to Do in Novi Sad, Serbia
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Plan language: EnglishNovi Sad is the #7 city for nightlife in the world, based on our data across hundreds of destinations.
Most popular attractions in Novi Sad, Serbia
If you are looking for tips on things to do in Novi Sad, Serbia, start with the massive Petrovaradin Fortress from the 17th century, rising 125 meters above the Danube. Take a walk through the three-hectare Danube Park founded in the 19th century. The nearby Liberty Square with the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary offers a lively café atmosphere.
1. Petrovaradin Fortress
Rising above the Danube stands a monumental fortress with a fascinating underground labyrinth. You will walk along ancient ramparts, taste local wine, and experience a breathtaking view.
Quick facts: Underground corridors stretch over 16 kilometers in four levels beneath the entire fortress. Every year the EXIT festival takes place here, attracting over 200,000 visitors from all over the world.
Highlights: The Clock Tower has a unique mechanism: the big hand shows the hours and the small hand shows the minutes, so that even boatmen on the Danube can tell the time from a distance. In the underground there is a secret room of the former prison where you can still see inscriptions that prisoners carved into the stone centuries ago.
2. Danube Park
A peaceful oasis just steps from the center of Novi Sad, where you can relax in the shade of centuries-old trees. Stroll along the promenade by the Danube, watch the swans, or stop for coffee at one of the cozy kiosks.
Quick facts: It stretches over more than 50 hectares along the Danube and offers a view of the historic center of Novi Sad. Inside you will also find an open-air stage with a capacity of over 1,000 seats, where outdoor concerts are held.
Highlights: When the sun sets over the Danube in the evening, the whole park turns golden shades and all you can hear is the murmur of the river and the birds singing. Locals come here for picnics with a view of the Petrovaradin Fortress, which rises on the opposite bank like a stone guardian.
3. Novi Sad Cathedral
The tallest tower of Novi Sad offers a view that will take your breath away. Inside, colorful stained glass and a calm atmosphere will amaze you.
Quick facts: The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary has stood in the center of Novi Sad since 1895, and its 76-meter-high tower is the tallest building in the entire city. The original Romanesque church on this site was destroyed by bombing in 1849.
Highlights: The carillon hidden in the tower plays a melody every hour, and on calm days it can be heard all the way to the opposite bank of the Danube. The interior surprises with its radiant neo-Gothic decoration, where golden details blend with colorful stained glass windows.
4. Dunavska Street
Walk down the street where the history of Novi Sad was written. A mixture of original craft workshops, the aroma of fresh coffee, and stories etched into stone walls await you.
Quick facts: Danube Street is the oldest preserved street in Novi Sad with a continuous history dating back to the 18th century. Every year, over 500,000 visitors walk through it, drawn by the unique atmosphere of the old town.
Highlights: Did you know that the original stream that once supplied the entire city with water still flows beneath the cobblestones of Danube Street? Locals say that if you put your ear to the ground near the old fountain, you can hear the murmuring of water from the 18th century.
5. Strand Beach
The longest Danube beach in Central Europe attracts with kilometers of golden sand and refreshing swimming. Sink into a deck chair, watch the passing ships, and enjoy gelato for a few dinars.
Quick facts: Every year, over 300,000 visitors come here to enjoy 7 kilometers of sandy beach along the Danube. In 2017, it received the prestigious Blue Flag award for water cleanliness and ecological approach.
Highlights: At the northern tip of the beach you will discover a concrete bunker from World War II, which locals have turned into an unusual lookout spot with a view of the opposite bank. In the evening, students gather here with candles and guitars, so the atmosphere feels more like a private picnic than a busy beach.
6. Novi Sad Synagogue
One of the most beautiful Art Nouveau synagogues in Europe will amaze you with its colorful interior. You will walk through a space where hundreds of people once prayed and where jazz tones now resound.
Quick facts: Originally built as a Neolog synagogue in 1909, it can hold up to 900 worshippers and still captivates with its Art Nouveau decoration. After the Holocaust it served as a warehouse; today it is a protected cultural monument and concert hall without regular religious use.
Highlights: An unassuming building from the outside hides an interior where, under a dome 22 meters high, thousands of floral motifs light up in pastel colors. The organ with 2,500 pipes still works, and during concerts it fills the hall with a sound that sends shivers down your spine.
7. Matica Srpska Gallery
The largest collection of Serbian painting under one roof guides you through the development from Baroque to Modern. Walk through halls full of portraits, landscapes, and historical scenes that tell the story of an entire nation.
Quick facts: The Gallery of Matica Srpska owns over 8,500 works of art, most of which come from Serbian painters of the 18th and 19th centuries. Among the most valuable pieces are paintings by Konstantin Danilo, who is considered the founder of modern Serbian painting.
Highlights: In room number 7 hangs the painting "Portrait of a Blind Girl" by Đura Jakšić, which the painter painted blind after he himself lost his sight for several days due to a fever. They say he applied paint to the canvas purely by touch and memory, and the result is so evocative that visitors often fall silent in front of it.
Where to Stay in Novi Sad, Serbia
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Krofne (Serbian Doughnuts)
Krofne are fluffy, jam-filled doughnuts popular across Serbia. In Novi Sad, they are often sold fresh at the famous Futoška market and are a beloved treat during winter street festivals.
Šnenokle (Snow Egg Noodles)
Šnenokle is a delicate vanilla custard dessert topped with poached meringue islands. Its name means "snow dumplings" and it is a staple dessert in Novi Sad's traditional restaurants.
Alme (Quince Jam with Walnuts)
Alme is a traditional sweet from Vojvodina made by candying whole quince fruits and stuffing them with walnuts. Novi Sad, as the capital of Vojvodina, is one of the best places to try this artisan treat.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Sarma
Sarma consists of rolled cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice. In Novi Sad, it is traditionally prepared for large family gatherings and is said to taste even better the next day after reheating.
Fićok (Vojvodina Stew)
Fićok is a hearty pork and vegetable stew from the Vojvodina region, heavily associated with Novi Sad's agricultural heritage. It is named after the Hungarian word "ficsók" and is slow-cooked with paprika and root vegetables.
Čvarci (Pork Cracklings)
Čvarci are crispy pork cracklings, a beloved snack in Novi Sad often enjoyed with bread and onions. They are a byproduct of traditional lard rendering and are especially popular during the winter pig slaughter festivals called "kolinje."
Traditional Beverages
Rakija (Fruit Brandy)
Rakija is Serbia's national fruit brandy, and in Novi Sad, plum rakija (šljivovica) is the most cherished variety. It is traditionally homemade and served as a welcoming gesture to guests.
Kuvano Vino (Mulled Wine)
Kuvano vino, or mulled wine with cinnamon and cloves, is a winter staple at Novi Sad's famous Christmas markets and the EXIT festival winter editions. Locals sip it while strolling along the Danube riverfront.
Jabukovača (Apple Juice/Cider)
Jabukovača is a traditional non-alcoholic apple beverage from the fertile orchards of Vojvodina surrounding Novi Sad. It is often homemade and slightly sparkling, enjoyed as a refreshing drink during the hot summer months.
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Most popular day trips
Fruska Gora National Park
Scenic national park with hiking trails, monasteries, and vineyards.
Sremski Karlovci
Historic town known for wine cellars and Baroque architecture.
Subotica
Art Nouveau gem near the Hungarian border with beautiful palaces.
Petrovaradin Fortress
Iconic 18th century fortress across the Danube river.
Zlatibor
Mountain resort area with scenic landscapes and outdoor activities.
Rent a car in Novi Sad, Serbia
Getting there
Train stations
Belgrade to Subotica line, international connections to Budapest and Vienna
From Belgrade Airport, take a direct bus or shuttle to Novi Sad (about 1.5 hours). The train from Belgrade to Novi Sad takes about 40 minutes.
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Comments (5)
Skip restaurants with English menus near the center. Walk towards the Danube or into Podbara neighborhood for proper Serbian food at local prices. The grill places there are unbeatable.
Novi Sad was way more chill than Belgrade. Weather was perfect in late September, not crowded at all. Petrovaradin Fortress views are incredible at sunset.
Food scene is solid if you skip the tourist spots near the main square. Walk a few streets over and prices drop by half. Definitely stay 2-3 days minimum.
Honestly a bit underwhelmed. Maybe my expectations were too high. The fortress is cool but everything else felt like a smaller, less exciting version of Belgrade.
If you're going to Petrovaradin Fortress, go on a Sunday morning when it's dead quiet and the Danube looks unreal. Also, bring cash because a lot of smaller cafes don't take cards.