Things To Do
in Novi Sad

Novi Sad is the second-largest city in Serbia, located on the banks of the Danube River. Known for its rich cultural heritage, it hosts the famous EXIT music festival every summer at the Petrovaradin Fortress. The city boasts a mix of Baroque and modern architecture, vibrant street life, and a welcoming atmosphere.

With its beautiful parks and riverside promenades, Novi Sad is a perfect blend of history and contemporary urban life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the City
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a local café, then visit the Petrovaradin Fortress for stunning views of the city.

afternoon
:

Explore the central square, Trg Slobode, and check out the nearby Name of Mary Church and the Museum of Vojvodina.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by a stroll along the Danube promenade, soaking in the sunset.

day 2
Day 2: Culture and Nature
morning
:

Visit the Novi Sad City Museum and then head to the Danube Park for a relaxing walk.

afternoon
:

Take a boat trip on the Danube River or visit the nearby Fruška Gora National Park for some outdoor fun.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional Serbian restaurant and experience the local nightlife at a nearby bar or club.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a mid-range restaurant$15
Coffee$2
🍺Local beer$3
🚌Public transport ticket$1
🏨Budget hotel (per night)$40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural scene with various festivals and events.
  • Beautiful parks and outdoor activities.
  • Welcoming locals and affordable prices.
  • Limited options for international cuisine.
  • Public transportation can be infrequent.
  • Language barrier for non-Serbian speakers.
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please
  • "Gde je toalet?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Kako si?" - How are you?

Places to Visit in Novi Sad

Visit one of these nice places.

Petrovaradin Fortress

Offers panoramic views of the Danube River and the city, perfect for sunset shots.

Dunavska Street

A picturesque pedestrian street lined with colorful buildings, cafes, and shops.

Danube Park

A serene park featuring lush greenery and beautiful floral arrangements, ideal for nature photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Novi Sad

Novi Sad's culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Serbian flavors and modern influences, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

Novi Sad Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Sarma

Cabbage rolls filled with minced meat and rice, often served with sour cream.

Must-Try!

Čevapi

Grilled minced meat sausages, a popular street food often served in a flatbread.

Gibanica

A traditional pastry made from layers of dough, cheese, and eggs, often enjoyed as a snack.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Novi Sad Market

A vibrant market offering fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional snacks.

Street Vendors

Various vendors throughout the city selling quick bites like pastries, grilled meats, and local sweets.

Climate Guide

Weather

Novi Sad experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures reach around 30°C (86°F), while winters can drop to -5°C (23°F). Rainfall is common in spring and autumn, making those seasons lush and green. The city enjoys plenty of sunshine during the summer months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting Customs

A firm handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time.

Dining Etiquette

Wait for the host to start the meal or say 'Dobar tek' (Enjoy your meal) before beginning.

Dress Code

Casual but neat attire is appreciated in restaurants and public places.

Safety Guide

Safety

Novi Sad is generally considered safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Avoid displaying valuables and opt for reputable transportation options at night.

Tipping in Novi Sad

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

It is customary to tip around 10-15% in restaurants and cafes.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild weather with blooming flowers makes it perfect for outdoor activities and festivals.

Summer

Warm temperatures and vibrant nightlife, ideal for enjoying outdoor cafes and the EXIT festival.

Autumn

Cooler weather with beautiful fall colors, great for hiking and exploring the landscape.

Winter

Cold with occasional snowfall; the city transforms with holiday decorations and winter markets.

Nightlife Guide

Novi Sad at Night

Novi Sad has a vibrant nightlife scene with a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues. The area around the city center, especially near the Danube, is buzzing with energy. Popular spots include the EXIT festival in the summer, where international artists perform, and various local bars offering live music and DJ sets throughout the year.

Hiking in Novi Sad

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Fruška Gora National Park

A beautiful national park offering numerous trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes amid lush forests.

Kopački Rit Nature Park

Located nearby in Croatia, this park offers unique wetlands and trails for nature enthusiasts.

Airports

How to reach Novi Sad by plane.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport

Approximately 80 km away, this is the main international airport serving the region with various connections to Europe and beyond.

Getting Around

Walkability

Novi Sad is quite walkable, especially in the city center where most attractions are located within a short distance. The well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian zones, and numerous parks make it easy to explore on foot. However, some areas may have steep inclines, particularly around the Petrovaradin Fortress.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Serbs

The majority ethnic group in Novi Sad, contributing significantly to the city's culture and traditions.

Hungarians

A notable minority in the city, with cultural influences visible in local cuisine and festivals.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Football (soccer) is highly popular, with local clubs like Vojvodina attracting passionate fans.

Basketball

Basketball enjoys strong support in the region, with several clubs competing in national leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Novi Sad is generally manageable, but it can become congested during peak hours. Public transportation is available through buses and trams, which cover major areas of the city, though schedules may vary. Biking is also a popular mode of transportation, with dedicated bike lanes in many parts of the city.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Novi Sad.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to check if they use meat-based broths.

Gluten-Free Options

Some restaurants cater to gluten-free diets; however, options may be limited.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Novi Sad is generally accessible, with both public and private hospitals available. EU citizens can use European Health Insurance Cards for emergency treatment, while travelers from outside the EU are advised to have travel insurance. Pharmacies are widespread and often have English-speaking staff.

Discover Serbia

Read more in our Serbia 2025 Travel Guide.

Serbia Travel Guide