Things To Do
in Novi Sad
Novi Sad is the second-largest city in Serbia, located on the banks of the Danube River. The city is known for its picturesque architecture, vibrant arts scene, and lively festivals such as EXIT Festival. Novi Sad is also home to the Petrovaradin Fortress, a historic landmark with stunning views of the city.
Overall, Novi Sad offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty for visitors to explore.
- "Dobar dan" - Good day
- "Kako ste?" - How are you?
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Izvinite" - Excuse me
- "Gde je toalet?" - Where is the bathroom?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the picturesque streets of Novi Sad. Visit the iconic Petrovaradin Fortress for stunning views of the city.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Serbian dishes. Afterward, explore the vibrant Danube Park and its beautiful greenery.
Experience the lively atmosphere of the city at night. Dine at a riverside restaurant and enjoy some local music.
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art to appreciate local and international art. Take time to explore the exhibits and learn about Serbian culture.
Head over to the Serbian National Theatre for a guided tour. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café offering local delicacies.
Attend a performance at the theatre or a local music venue. Wrap up your day with a nightcap at a cozy bar in the city center.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene
- Beautiful architecture and historic sites
- Friendly and welcoming locals
- Affordable cost of living compared to Western Europe
- Host of the famous EXIT music festival
- Stunning location along the Danube River
- Diverse culinary offerings, including traditional Serbian dishes
- Limited job opportunities for foreigners
- Public transportation can be inconsistent
- Language barrier for non-Serbian speakers
- Potential bureaucratic challenges for expats
- Extreme weather conditions during winter
- Healthcare services may not meet Western standards in some areas
- Occasional issues with traffic and road maintenance
Best Activities in Novi Sad
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful trails and enjoy the scenic views in Fruska Gora National Park.
Take a leisurely bike ride along the scenic Danube River and enjoy the picturesque landscapes.
Experience the Danube River from a new perspective by kayaking and enjoying the tranquility of the water.
Places to Visit in Novi Sad
Visit one of these nice places.
Offering stunning panoramic views of Novi Sad and the Danube River, especially at sunset.
A picturesque park with beautiful gardens, scenic walking paths, and great views of the city and river.
Provides a lovely beachside setting with views of the river and city skyline, ideal for photography.
A nearby mountain, offering exceptional natural beauty and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Food in Novi Sad
Novi Sad Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ćevapi are grilled minced meat sausages, usually made from a blend of pork, beef, and lamb, served with lepinja bread and ajvar sauce. Must-try at 'Pivnica Kod Rajka' and 'Pivnica Medison.'
Must-Try!
Gibanica is a mouthwatering pastry filled with layers of cheese, eggs, and phyllo dough. Find authentic Gibanica at 'Restoran Proleće' and 'Lazin Salas.'
Pljeskavica is a Serbian-style burger made of spiced ground meat, usually a mix of beef, pork, and lamb, served in a bun with kajmak (cream) and fresh onions. Enjoy it at 'Loki' and 'Project 72.'
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Futoška pijaca is a bustling food market offering an array of local produce, dairy products, and traditional Serbian snacks. Don't miss the opportunity to savor street food delights like burek and grilled corn.
Tržnica Riblje piće is a fisherman's market where you can relish the freshest catch of the day and indulge in grilled fish and seafood specialties from the food stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When greeting someone in Novi Sad, it is customary to shake hands, and common to use both the Serbian and Hungarian forms of greeting, depending on the person's cultural background.
Respect for elders is an important cultural norm in Novi Sad. It is customary to address older individuals with a formal title, and to show deference and respect in interactions.
When dining in Novi Sad, it is respectful to wait for the host to begin eating before starting your own meal. It is also customary to keep both hands above the table during the meal and to keep elbows off the table.
Safety
Tipping in Novi Sad
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Novi Sad, Serbia, but it is appreciated in restaurants and for good service. A 10% tip is customary in restaurants if the service charge is not included.
Cash is widely used in Novi Sad, especially for small purchases and in local markets. However, credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments, particularly in larger businesses and hotels. It's advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller establishments and when traveling to more remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and outdoor activities. Annual Exit music festival usually takes place in July.
Ideal for warm weather, outdoor events, and enjoying the beaches on the Danube River.
Great for sightseeing, cultural events, and enjoying the autumn foliage. Grape harvesting and wine festivals often occur in September.
Suitable for experiencing the festive atmosphere, visiting Christmas markets, and trying traditional winter dishes like sarma and mulled wine.
Novi Sad at Night
Hiking in Novi Sad
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful national park located close to Novi Sad, known for its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails.
A large wetland area located on the border of Serbia and Croatia, offering hiking opportunities with stunning views of flora and fauna.
A sandy region with unique ecosystems, featuring trails for hiking and exploration of its diverse landscapes.
Although a bit further from Novi Sad, Tara National Park is well-known for its scenic hikes, stunning views, and the Drina River canyon.
Located near Belgrade, Avala offers various hiking trails and the famous Avala Tower, providing panoramic views of the surroundings.
Aiports
How to reach Novi Sad by plane.
The main international airport serving Belgrade, located approximately 80 km from Novi Sad.
An international airport located in Osijek, Croatia, approximately 90 km from Novi Sad.
An international airport located in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, about 130 km from Novi Sad.
The main international airport serving Zagreb, Croatia, located around 150 km from Novi Sad.
An international airport serving Thessaloniki, Greece, situated approximately 200 km from Novi Sad.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Novi Sad, constituting a significant majority of the population.
A prominent minority in Novi Sad, particularly in the northern parts of the city.
A smaller minority group in Novi Sad, known for their cultural contributions.
A minority group with a historical presence in the region.
An ethnic group primarily found in the northern Vojvodina region, contributing to the local culture.
Includes smaller communities such as Roma, Ukrainians, and others.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Novi Sad, with numerous clubs and a strong local fan base.
Basketball enjoys significant popularity in Novi Sad, home to several competitive teams and a rich history in the sport.
Volleyball is widely played and followed in Novi Sad, with several local clubs competing at various levels.
Handball is a popular team sport in Novi Sad, featuring competitive leagues and teams within the city.
Athletics is favored by many, with local competitions and events being held regularly in Novi Sad.
Water polo has a strong following in Novi Sad, particularly due to the city's location by the Danube River.
Tennis is a popular sport in Novi Sad, with numerous courts and clubs available for enthusiasts.
Cycling is increasingly popular in Novi Sad, supported by various trails and cycling events throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Novi Sad.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Novi Sad provide vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, with an increasing number of dedicated eateries offering a wide range of plant-based options.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can enjoy a variety of gluten-free alternatives at select restaurants and cafes across the city, ensuring a hassle-free dining experience.