11 Exciting Things to Do in Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia. It has over 360,000 people. You can easily reach it by train, bus or car. New and faster trains are running from Belgrade to Novi Sad, and the journey takes about 40 minutes and costs around 5 EUR. There are plenty of reasons why to visit this stunning town. This post will give you all the information on what to do in Novi Sad to explore and enjoy the city. You can spend around 2 to 3 days in Novi Sad to discover its full potential, including a visit to the Petrovaradin Fortress.

Petrovaradin Fortress

The history of Petrovaradin Fortress goes back to 1692-1780 when the Austrian Empire used to rule the world. They decided to build the fortress against Ottoman invasions. That is the reason why it is sometimes called Gibraltar of the Danube. It lies on the right bank of the Danube River and offers a great view of the Novi Sad and its surroundings. What is very enticing about it is the fact that there are 16-kilometer-long catacombs or underground tunnels beneath it. The military used them in the past. Today, they are open to the public, and you can access them with a guide.

Some other iconic features of the fortress include the Clock Tower. The hour hand is larger than the minute hand, so even fishermen from a distance can read the time easily. If you wish to learn more about its history, you can visit the museum.

The fortress is also a renowned cultural and artistic hub, hosting numerous studios and galleries. It serves as the venue for the EXIT Festival, one of the largest and most famous music festivals in Europe.

EXIT festival

The festival started in 2000. Students of the University of Novi Sad found it to fight against the government and advocate for freedom and democracy in Serbia.

It draws around 200,000 visitors annually and attracts tourists from over 90 countries. Sister festivals are held in other countries, such as Montenegro (Sea Dance Festival) and Croatia (Sea Star Festival).

There are usually many stages, but the most iconic are the Main Stage and the Dance Arena. The music genres include electronic, reggae, rock, hip-hop, and many more.

The festival also supports social and environmental initiatives such as raising awareness about human trafficking or promoting sustainable living.

Danube river cruises

Cruising down the Danube River is a perfect option for admiring the scenery from a boat. You can enjoy views of Novi Sad’s skyline, landmarks, bridges, and wildlife. Some cruises offer deeper insights into the history of Novi Sad. You can also choose from many options: short trips lasting only a few hours to full-day cruises that include dinners, wine tastings, or nighttime excursions.

City center and Freedom square

The city center of Novi Sad, especially Freedom Square, has been the most significant part and heart of the city since the 18th century. Local architecture is a mixture of styles, including Art Nouveau, Baroque, and Neoclassical.

Significant points of interest include the City Hall (built in 1895), the gothic cathedral The Name of Mary Church, the Serbian National Theatre, the Statue of Svetozar Miletić, Museum of Vojvodina, Danube Park, Matica Srpska Gallery, Zmaj Jovina street, and Dunavska Street.

Beach

The beach, known as Štrand, lies on the banks of the Danube River, right under the Most Slobode bridge. The area attracts many locals during the summer season (May to September). Swimming in the river is also possible. The beach is well-maintained, with soft sand, stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers.

Amenities include sunbeds, changing rooms, lockers, umbrellas, cafes and restaurants. Lifeguards are also present.

The beach is easily accessible by car, bike, motorbike, or even wheelchair for those with disabilities.

Museums

Novis Sad has many museums and galleries. Some are at the Petrovaradin Fortress, such as the Petrovaradin Fortress Museum. It showcases maps, weapons, and historical documents. Novi Sad City Museum is situated there as well. It gives people a better insight into the history of the city, its development, culture, and significant people.

Some others include the Museum of Vojvodina, and the Gallery of Matica Srpska (the oldest in Serbia dedicated to Serbian art – paintings, graphic works, sculptures). The Museum of Contemporary Art of Vojvodina focuses on modern and contemporary art (national, and international artists). The Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection is a unique private collection of Pavle Beljanski. He was a diplomat and big art lover who collected a lot of artworks from the first half of the 20th century.

Graffiti and street art

Novi Sad has some similarities with Belgrade – both have a lot of street art, or graffiti present everywhere. In Novi Sad, I have found many near the historical city center on Poštanska Street, Petra Drapšina street that leads you to the synagogue to its backyard.

Another great place is Bulevar Oslobodenja, mostly 43-51. But you need to turn into one of the smaller streets with blocks. There is big park with basketball courts and a playground in the middle. For example, Sarajevski ćevap kod Dakca is near those blocks. Also, Omladinski kreativne Centar OKCe is in the park area.

The last place with the best street art was near the beach. When approaching it from the Bulevar Oslobodenja you enter the bridge area. The path to the parking area at Štrand is lined with plenty of murals.

Architecture

If you like different styles ranging from baroque, art nouveau, neoclassical, and modernist to brutalism, then Novi Sad has all this. The Austro-Hungarian influence is present in the city center – decorative details, and ornate facades. Art Nouveau buildings include The Tomin Palace, the Synagogue, or the Vojvodina Bank.

Already mentioned, City Hall was built in neoclassical style and completed in 1895.

Novi Sad does not have many concrete skyscrapers like the capital city (its famous Westerns or Eastern Gates). But there are some gems worth visiting. One is the University of Novi Sad, especially the Philosophical faculty. Another one is on the Bulevar Oslobodenja called Elektrovovodina opossed the new shopping mall Promenada.

The third one is the Stokes Department Store, now named Bazaar Shopping Mall located on the Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 1.

I would also recommend walking down the whole street of Bulevar Oslobodenja from the Bus-Train station down to the beach. There are many blocks, some administrative buildings such as Erste Bank, or BIA intelligence agency.

Synagogue

This staggering place is an excellent example of Art Nouveau style. Locals completed it in 1909. Novi Sad used to have a significant Jewish population before WWII. At the present it is no longer used for religious purposes. It functions as a cultural hub for art exhibitions, or concerts.

Thrift shopping

The list of what to do in Novi Sad continues with shopping. I’ve already mentioned some big malls, including Stokes Mall and Promenade, with the Merkator Center next to it. Additionally, near the train station on Bulevar Oslobođenja, you can find several Chinese shopping centers, such as Panda and Elephant.

But if you do not like fast fashion, you can explore the small shops around the Synagogue. For example, you can visit the Vienna Fashion Store, a small thrift shop. Another one is next to it (although I couldn’t find it on the map). Near Menrat’s Palace, you’ll find the Textile House, or you can check out Ofinger – Fashion Office on Železnička 50 Street.

Visit nearby towns and villages

If you have enough time, you can visit small towns or villages neaby. For example, Bački Petrovac is located northwest of Novi Sad and has a significant population of Slovaks. The place boasts Slovak cultural heritage, traditional architecture, institutions, and galleries, and it also hosts many Slovakian events such as Klobásafest, or Slovak Folk Festival. The village is 24 km away, and you can reach it in 30 minutes by bus from Novi Sad bus station.

Sremski Karlovci is a historic town only 11 kilometers away from Novi Sad. Its dominants are the wineries, Four Lions Fountain, and baroque architecture.

Around 20 km from Novi Sad lies Temerin. It offers many beautiful parks, thermal spas, and cultural events.