Overview

Named the 2022 European Capital of Culture, Novi Sad is a vibrant and welcoming city nestled along the banks of the mighty Danube River. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Balkans, it’s an ideal stop on a road trip through the region, whether you’re crossing over from Budapest or winding up through Montenegro and Bosnia. Just an hour from Belgrade, it also makes for an easy day trip.

At the heart of Novi Sad lies the charming Old Town (Stari Grad), a pedestrian-only district where you can wander through cobbled streets, admire Habsburg-era architecture, and soak in the relaxed, authentic atmosphere of Serbian life. Unlike more crowded European capitals, Novi Sad remains blissfully under the radar, offering a more genuine glimpse into local culture. It’s an incredibly walkable, laid-back city with friendly locals, making it a perfect choice for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Things to See and Do

Explore the old town. The historic Art Nouveau buildings in Novi Sad’s center are impressive. Take note of the Bishop’s palace and the cathedral. There’s lots to see along the main street, Dunavska, where you’ll find rows of cafes and plenty of outdoor seating to sip your coffee and soak up the sun. This is a fantastic opportunity to absorb more of the culture and learn how the local Serbians live.

Discover the Petrovaradin Fortress, the main attraction of Novi Sad. As its name suggests, it isn't actually in Novi Sad but in Petrovaradin. Petrovaradin is on the opposite bank of the Danube and faces towards Novi Sad. This historic site was in use as early as 3,000 BC as part of a Bronze Age settlement and has been in constant use since. It has an incredible 10 miles of tunnels underneath and many can be explored, as well as the famous clock tower.

Relax in Danube Park. The park is filled with bandstands, manicured lawns, and a small lake to sit by. This is where many open-air concerts, art exhibitions, and festivals are held, especially during the summer months. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland and a picturesque setting. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the nearby Old Town or walking along the Danube promenade.

Exercise like a local on Suncani kej. This is a very pleasant promenad that runs from the Reljkoviceva bridge in teh north to the Strand in teh north. The Strand has beaches and grassy parkland on the bank of the Danube. In the summer months, these areas are packed with locals out running, skating, rollerblading, cycling, and people just enjoying the pleasant atmosphere.

Visit the Beach. The sandy banks of the Danube river offer a few spots to swim and bathe. Just be aware that the currents in the river are pretty strong, so stay close to the edge and where you can still stand. Some of the best beaches include Štrand, Becarac, and Officer Beach, which actually has a little beach bar on it too.

Museums

For a dose of history, there are many galleries and museums to explore – here are some of the best:

Museum of Vojvodina: This is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Serbia. It showcases the history of Novi Sad and key archaeological discoveries of the Vojvodina region, from prehistoric artifacts to 20th-century art. The main collection covers archaeology, ethnography, and history, providing a fascinating look at the region’s past.

Matica Srpska Gallery: Founded in 1847, this is one of the most extensive art galleries in Serbia. You can enjoy art from the 16th to 21st centuries, spanning classic to modern styles.

Memorial Collection of Pavle Beljanski: The museum is named after its art collector founder and showcases Yugoslav art from the first half of the 20th century, Serbian painters.

House of Mileva Maric Einstein: This is the restored house of the first wife of Einstein. A scientist in her own right, in this exhibit, you can see letters between Mileva and Einstein, as well as other prominent scientists of the time.

Petrovaradin Fortress Museum: Part of the City Museum, this section focuses specifically on the history and architecture of the Petrovaradin Fortress, including its underground passages and military history.

Nightlife

Novi Sad’s nightlife is vibrant, diverse, and laid-back, reflecting the city’s youthful energy and cultural flair. Known for its student population and artistic vibe, the city offers a mix of cozy pubs, trendy cocktail bars, live music venues, and pulsating nightclubs, making it a great destination for a night out.

For a start, you can visit one of the Novi Sad cafes or one of the pubs. A popular microbrewery that serves its craft beer is “Brauhaus”, where parties are also held. The “Gusan” and “Irish pub” pubs have a long tradition of serving top-quality beers, and you can also try excellent food there. Enjoying quality music and good beer is also provided by “Gradska pivnica”. The next stop should be Laze Teleckog Street, Novi Sad’s party street…

Novi Sad is also home to the world-famous Exit Festival, one of Europe’s biggest music festivals, held every July at the Petrovaradin Fortress. This multi-day event attracts thousands of partygoers from around the world, with stages featuring everything from electronic dance music to rock, hip-hop, and world beats.

Overall, Novi Sad’s nightlife is an eclectic mix of relaxed riverside vibes, underground clubs, and vibrant student hangouts, making it a great place to party or simply unwind with friends.