Located just northwest of Belgrade, Novi Sad is Serbia's second largest city after the capital. The city is positioned in the heart of the Balkans and on the banks of the Danube, making it an ideal stopping point on a road trip, as you can hop across from Budapest or travel up through Montenegro and Bosnia. Because it's so close to Belgrade, you can easily take a day trip if you're tight on time.

Because Novi Sad is slightly off the beaten tourist track, it offers an experience to see Serbia's more authentic side. It is a relaxed, friendly and walkable city. It's not a place to go if you are expecting jam-packed sightseeing and adventure. It's the perfect city for culture and history lovers looking to enjoy a more relaxed city. It's also very family-friendly.

Novi Sad is also known for the annual EXIT Festival, one of Europe’s largest and most popular music festivals held at the Petrovaradin Fortress.

The closest international airport is Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport from which you can easily travel to Novi Sad using the options below. Or cross in from a neighboring country like Croatia, Hungary or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The easiest way to get to Novi Sad from the capital is by train. In the last couple of years, the country has invested in a new high-speed rail link between the two cities and you can now get to Novi Sad in just over half an hour using the SOKO line. The trains are clean and generally run on schedule.

If you have a car, you can drive to Novi Sad in around 1.5 hours. Just be aware that the fastest route does have tolls, which can be paid by cash or card at the toll booth. It's a small charge, but it's something to be aware of.

A bus to Novi Sad from Belgrade will take between 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on traffic. Buses leave from the Main Station in Belgrade every 20 minutes to Novi Sad. If you're traveling from Bosnia, Croatia, Romania or Bulgaria, you're likely to arrive via international bus into Belgrade, so stay at the station and head straight out to Novi Sad.

While you can fly directly from Budapest to Belgrade, you can also cross by train, car and bus.

Yes, the city has a reliable public bus system. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like CarGo are also widely available.

Both bus and trains to Novi Sad arrive into stations that are located next to each other, just north of the city center.

Bus #61, #62, #62 from these stations to get to the city center or simply walk across the bridge to the Fortress and Old Town. Once in the downtown area, it's then safe and easy to walk everywhere in Novi Sad.

Yes, the city center is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. Many popular attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Novi Sad may be the second biggest city in Serbia, but it's still pretty compact. with under 300,000 residents and an old town centered around 3 main streets, a day or two here is perfect.

The best time of year to visit is summer. From May to October, the city opens up, cafes serve coffee on talbes in the sun and the parks lining the Danube river come to life.

Yes, Novi Sad is a safe, quaint city, known for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant cultural scene. As with anywhere you travel, keep your wits about you, stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night, and keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded places.

Yes, popular day trips include the nearby Fruska Gora National Park, Sremski Karlovci wine region, and the historic city of Subotica.

Tipping is generally appreciated in Serbia and is a nice way to show appreciation for good service. In restaurants, 10 - 15% of the total bill is customary if the service is good.

The currency is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). U. S. dollars are generally not accepted for everyday transactions in Serbia. You can exchange money for dinars at exchange offices, banks, or ATMs, which are widely available in Novi Sad and other major cities. Credit cards are widely accepted in Novi Sad, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops or taxis.

The official language is Serbian, which is a South Slavic language that uses both the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets, although the Latin script is more commonly used in everyday life. English is widely spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. You might also encounter some German, Russian, and Italian speakers, especially in the hospitality industry. We suggest that you get a good English-Serbian dictionary, or app on your phone, and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me, and numbers 1-10.

The city's cuisine is a blend of traditional Serbian flavors and modern culinary innovations. Local foods worth trying include Burek and Kajmak. One of the city's iconic street foods is the Index sandwich, named after university student index books. This hearty sandwich typically includes melted cheese, ham, mushrooms, and various sauces, all in a crusty bread roll. Overall, the city caters to a wide range of tastes, offering everything from traditional Serian dishes to modern and international cuisine.

Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink throughout Serbia, including Novi Sad.

The general emergency number is 112, and you can reach the police at 192, and the ambulance at 194.

The main hospital in Novi Sad is the Clinical Center of Vojvodina (Klinicki Centar Vojvodine), which provides comprehensive medical services.