Visit Novi Sad: what are the best things to do and see in this city that some nickname "Serb Athens"?
Do you want to get out of the beaten paths and go to the discovery of a country and especially a little known city? Take the direction of Novi Sad, town of northern Serbia on the banks of the Danube. Novi Sad, which has just over 307,000 habitats, is the capital of Vojvodina and the second city of Serbia after Belgrade . It's 1 hour away. Do not take into account the bad image or reputation that one can have of this country, which is absolutely not dangerous and which has so much to offer! The only advantage of that bad reputation? The absence of mass tourism!
Much different from other cities in Serbia and especially in Belgrade, due to the well-present Austro-Hungarian influence that gives the city a particular charm, Novi Sad will offer you an authentic and disappointing setting. Shaded Ruins, great decorated temples, parks, remarkable museums, this is all you will be entitled to! Are you wondering what to do in Novi Sad? This way.
1. Petrovaradin fortress
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Zeljko511
If you come to visit Novi Sad, then know that Petrovaradin fortress is a must-see place, only because of its perched situation at the top of a cliff, which offers a magnificent view of the Danube, the city and the mountains in the background. Built between 1247 and 1252, this masterpiece has undergone many changes related to influences, especially Turkish. Extended over 112 hectares, the fortress has a network of 16 km of tunnels and 13 bridges. This device is named after him as “Gibraltar du Danube”.
For the little story, know that the clock at the top of the fortress is nicknamed the drunk clock. The mechanism fails to support temperature changes, which results in delaying it in winter with cold and advancing in summer with heat.
2. The historic centre
Photo credit: Flickr – Felix Montino
Are you wondering what to do in Novi Sad? The historic centre is also a must in the city. Mostly pedestrian, it is therefore very pleasant to walk there, and to observe the buildings of the nineteenth century and all their architectural details, which gives the city a truly special charm. It is articulated around the main square Slobode , or the Austro-Hungarian influence is well present. The flagship example is the city hotel!
The street Zmaj Jovina is the main artery, holding many shops and restaurants, while Dunavska Street is probably the one that has the most charm. It will lead you straight to a very pleasant green space. Don't miss Pasiceva, one of the oldest streets in the city. It was the historic centre of Novi Sad which earned it the nickname “Serb Athens”, from its heritage to different styles.
3. The Church of the Nom-de-Marie of Novi Sad
Photo credit: Facebook – The Balkans (Aleksandar Milutinović)
Located on the square of Liberty, the church Župna Imena Marijana , also called the Church of the Name of Mary, it is called the " Cathedral" by the inhabitants. It is a must if you look for what to do in Novi Sad.
Completely rebuilt in 1894, this sublime neo-Gothic-style church has three naves and measures almost 52m long. The bell tower at the entrance is 72m high. The interior is decorated with different portraits of holy people and you will find four altars there. Unlike the Orthodox churches, in this Catholic church, there is an organ and stained glass. Its colorful roof is remarkable!
4. The Museum of Vojvodina
Photo credit: Facebook – Digital Design Center
Founded in 1847, the Vojvodina Museum houses a permanent collection dedicated to Serbian culture and life in Vojvodina through history. You will discover amazing collections of archaeology, history and ethnology. The main building in which it is located, 35 Dunavska Street, is listed on the list of protected cultural monuments of Serbia.
5. The Contemporary Art Museum
Photo credit: Facebook – MSUV- Muzej savremene umetnosti Vojvodine
The Museum of Contemporary Art was inaugurated in 1966. The museum collection consists of a standard exhibition that presents important works by contemporary artists and Serbian interpreters, and also extends to the entire Balkan region, including works by post-Yugoslav artists, and even wider by presenting several world-renowned artists. The colourful collection of the Museum contains paintings, new media, sculptures, installations and drawings, with more than 2,500 works of art.
6. Kovije and Petrovaradin reserves
Photo credit: Facebook – Budjism
If you are wondering what to do in Novi Sad to discover its surrounding nature, direction the reserves. Easy bike access, Kovije swamps and Petrovaradin are natural reserves where you can observe about 380 species of birds. Every year, at the beginning of June, a photo safari is organized to meet its inhabitants sometimes unknown.
7. Fruska Gora National Park
Photo credit: Flickr – Budjism
By following the river about 20 kilometers, you will find the Fruska Gora National Park , who promises you a lot of surprises! You will fall under the charm of this large area covered with forests and lakes, a place of favorite nesting of some species of birds, which offers many places of excursions and allows the visit of its famous monasteries, some of which date back to the 15th century.
8. The Exit Festival
Photo credit: Facebook – Exit Festival
If you’re going to visit Novi Sad in the summer, then don’t miss the largest music festival in the country and even in Europe. Created in 2000, the Exit Festival was crowned "Best European Festival" in 2007 by the UK Festival Awards. This award is probably due to the quality and diversity of artists from all walks of life that are presented there every month of July.
How to get to Novi Sad?
Know that if you want to go to Novi Sad, there is no direct flight from France. You will have to take a flight to Belgrade: they are also known to be very cheap if you take it in advance, especially via our partner’s website Ulysses .
To reach Novi Sad, go to the centre of Belgrade to take either a bus or a train, which will take you to Novi Sad in about 1h30/2h drive. Otherwise, as soon as you arrive at Belgrade Airport, you can rent a car to reach Novi Sad and thus enjoy greater freedom of movement on site during your stay, especially to visit the surroundings.
Where to stay in Novi Sad?
If you choose to visit Novi Sad, you can read our article on areas where to stay in Novi Sad . From the city centre to the Danube, staying in Novi Sad will be relatively affordable, with the cost of living lower than in France. Thus, of the Airbnb to the cottage, by the hotel (you will find the best hotel deals on this Compare hotels ) or even the youth hostel, Novi Sad covers a beautiful offer of accommodation for all traveler profiles.
Are you still wondering what to do to Novi Sad?
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