Explore The Top Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Novi Sad

May 14, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 4177 Views

Novi Sad is the capital of Vojvodina province in Serbia and also the nation’s second-largest city. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, interesting culture and rich history. The places to visit in Novi Sad have attracted tourists from Europe and beyond. Novi Sad was crowned Europe’s Capital of Culture for the year 2021. So you should definitely indulge in cultural experiences such as art, food, festivals, theatre, and so on when you visit Novi Sad.

The city was founded by Serbian Merchants who settled on the banks of the Danube river. Historically the was also called Neusatz in the German language. The current name Novi Sad means New Plantation which may refer to it being a relatively new settlement in the region. The city has been held and fought over by several empires. If you are interested in history, there are numerous things to do in Novi Sad for you. For instance, the city held great significance under the Habsburg Empire. The city held great significance under the Habsburg Empire. You will see the influence of the Empire in many of the historical Novi Sad tourist attractions. One of the most renowned remnants of the Habsburg Empire is the Perovarading Fortress, which was an important strategical stranglehold of the empire.

Many of the things to see in Novi Sad exhibit the influence of multiple cultures and empires. This influence is most evident in the churches, palaces, and synagogues of the city. You can see a variety of architecture and design styles such as Baroques, Neo-Gothic, Byzantine, Turkish, and so on. The mix and match of styles give a very unique look to these Novi Sad attractions and consequently to the city as a whole.

Another major aspect of Novi Sad travel is the nature and leisure surroundings of the city. You can explore the mountains and forest or kick back at the river beaches of the Danube river. You can also take a nice cruise on the river for Novi Sad sightseeing. There are some hidden gems to explore in the mountains around the city like the monasteries in Fruska Gora. You will have to hike a little to get there, but the effort is worth it. This trip will also satiate your inner explorer as you get to enjoy outdoor and adventurous things to do in Novi Sad along with exploring historical monuments.

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Table of Contents

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Novi Sad

1. Petrovaradin Fortress

This great fortress overlooks the Danube river and holds an important strategic location that saw several wars fought to take its possession. It is among the most well-known historical places to visit in Novi Sad. You will need about 2 to 3 hours to explore it.

2. St. George Cathedral

This is the primary orthodox church of the city and one of the most well-known Novi Sad tourist attractions. The Baroque revival style of design and architecture is one of the most iconic aspects of this church. You will need about an hour to explore it.

3. Petrovaradin Clock Tower

This tower is part of the Petrovaradin Fortress and is especially known for its baroque-style design. One distinguishing feature about this clock tower is the size of its hands. They have been so designed as to assist fishermen in the river below tell time. It is among the most interesting things to see in Novi Sad. You will need 15 to 20 minutes to explore this clock tower.

4. Matica Srpska Gallery

This gallery is known for exhibiting amazing works of art by Serbian artists. The gallery holds more than 7000 works of art including sculptures and paintings. You will need 2 hours to explore this gallery.

5. Dunavska Street

Also known as Danube street, it is well known for 19th-century buildings lined along the sides of this street. Also, If you are looking to go shopping or enjoy nice local food joints then this street is among the best Novi Sad attractions to visit. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this street on foot.

6. Liberty Square

Also known as Trg Slobode and Svetozar Miletic Square, this is the central square of the town. There are several Novi Sad tourist attractions surrounding this square. You will need about 30 minutes for this square.

7. Danube Park

This park is among incredibly beautiful things to see during Novi Sad sightseeing. This is also the venue for several events in the city including being a venue for the city’s ice skating rink. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this park.

8. Museum of Vojvodina

This 19th-century palace is home to 8000 years of history of the region. You can see various artifacts from different time periods going all the way back to the 4th century. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

9. Roman Catholic Church of the Name of Mary

This church is among the most iconic landmarks of the city. It is known for its Neo-Gothic style of architecture and several interior design elements. It is also the tallest church in the city and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Novi Sad. You will need an hour to explore it.

10. Novi Sad Synagogue

This synagogue has a history going back to the 18th century. Though it has undergone several reconstructions and renovations. The current state is the fifth iteration of the building and is one of the most important historical buildings to explore when you visit Novi Sad. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.

11. Vladicanski Dvor

Also known as the Bishop’s Palace, this building is among the most aesthetically pleasing things to see in Novi Sad. The palace was heavily damaged in 1848 and rebuilt. The current iteration expresses an amalgamation of Serbian and Byzantine styles of design and architecture. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this palace.

12. Strand Beach

This river beach is one of the most popular spots for fun things to do in Novi Sad. You can relax by the beach or partake in one of many activities happening around it. Keep at least a couple of hours to enjoy the beach during Novi Sad travel.

13. Danube River Cruise

This is one of the best means for Novi Sad sightseeing. The boat cruise comes in a variety of packages. You can pick those with lunch or dinner as well. You will get to see the city from a unique perspective as you cruise the Danube river. You will need an hour for this activity when you visit Novi Sad.

If you are looking for more Novi Sad tourist attractions, then check out the section below. It has an exhaustive list of almost all the places and activities you can explore in Novi Sad.

Things to do in Novi Sad

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Novi Sad

Petrovaradin Fortress
Muzej Vojvodine
The Gallery of Matica Srpska
Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection
Roman Catholic Church of the Name of Mary
City Museum of Novi Sad
Matica Srpska Museum
Dunavska
Novi Sad Synagogue
Beocin Monastery
Rakovac Monastery
The Gallery of Fine Arts
Monument of Svetozar Miletic
St/ George’s Cathedral
Petrovaradin Catacombs
Patriarchate Court
Monument to the Victims of the Raid
Ustanova za izradu tapiserija Art Gallery
Muzej Sibica
Tomin Palace
Menrat’s Palace
Palace Iron Man
Belgrade Gate
St. Nicholas Cathedral
Zavod za Zastitu Prirode
Monument Sloboda
Museum of Contemporary Art
Ilion Castle
Gradski Muzej
Museum of Beeking & Winery
House of Mileva Maric Einstein
Fountain of Four Lions

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Novi Sad

Orlovo Bojiste
Fruska Gora
Kraljeva Stolica
Jezero Podvezirec Lake
Dvorska Basta
Popovicko Jezero
Zmajevac

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Novi Sad

Karadorde Stadium
Vinarija Zivanovic
Winery Dulka
Podrum Bajilo
Probus Winery
Djurdic Winery
Kis Saraphanesi Winery
Veritas Winery
Zabvani Park
Theatre Square Apartments
Planetarijum

Shopping in Novi Sad

Big Cee Mall
Merkator Mall
Sad Novi Bazar Mall
Dunavska Street
Zmaj Jovian Street

Beaches in Novi Sad

Strand Beach
Ostrvo na Dunavu
Officer Beach
Koh Chang Island

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Novi Sad

Hiking
Camping
Trekking
River Cruise

Sightseeing in Novi Sad

Danube Park
Iriski Venac
Kamenicki Park
Varadin Bridge
Limanski Park
Futoski Park
TV Toranj da Vencu
Liberty Bridge
Liberty Square

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Novi Sad

Project 72
Aqua Doria
Terasa
Alla Lanterna
Cafe Veliki
Camelot
Toster bar
Astal Saren
Zak
Modena
Savoca Picerija
Akva Doria
Kombinat
Petrus

Where to Stay in Novi Sad?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Novi Sad. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Novi Sad.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Novi Sad

How to Reach Novi Sad?

By Air

The closest airport for Novi Sad travel is Nikola Tesla International Airport, which is close to Belgrade. You won’t get direct public transport from the airport, but you can get cabs to travel the distance. The other option is to take a bus to Belgrade and then continue your journey to visit Novi Sad from there. You can also pick from Ferihegy International Airport in Budapest or Traian Vula International Airport in Timisoara.

By Road

You can get daily trains for Novi Sad travel from Budapest. You can also get trains to and from several towns and cities in Serbia. If you comfortable traveling by bus, you can visit Novi Sad from Sofia, Budapest, Zagreb, Vukovar, Osijek, Sarajevo, Banja Luka and many more.

If you plan to go for Novi Sad sightseeing by car, you should head towards route E75 or E70. Both routes will get you to the city.

By Water

There are river cruises along Danube which are used for Novi Sad sightseeing, but other than that there are no travel routes via water.

Image Reference

Petrovaradin Fortress – Ana_J / PixaBay
St. George Cathedral – David Mark / PixaBay
Petrovaradin Clock Tower – MastG / Flickr
Gallery of Matica Srpska – Sadko / Wikimedia Commons
Dunavska Street – Mister No / Wikimedia Commons
Liberty Square – John Menard / Flickr
Danube Park – Byron Howes / Flickr
Museum of Vojvodina – Djordje510 / Wikimedia Commons
Roman Catholic Church of the Name of Mary – Bicanski / Pixnio
Novi Sad Synagogue – Vanjagenije / Wikimedia Commons
Vladicanski Dvor – craggyisland21 / Flickr
Strand Beach – Danilo Krnjaić / PixaBay
Danube River Cruise – Paul Jeannin / Flickr