Novi Sad

Food | Wine | Architecture

Novi Sad Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go

Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, is located on the banks of the Danube River. It offers a fantastic blend of food, wine, and architecture. Significantly, the old town is home to numerous architectural gems, including the Gothic Revival Name of Mary Church and the neo-Renaissance City Hall.

Petrovaradin Fortress is across the river on top of a bluff. It dates to the 17th and 18th centuries and has a network of tunnels.

Steeped in history and culture, Novi Sad beckons travelers with charming streets lined with colorful buildings. Every corner of this city has a story, from the vibrant cafes to the diverse restaurants.

Prepare to be captivated by Novi Sad’s unique charm and immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey through its culinary delights and stunning edifices. This travel guide is your key to unlocking the secrets of Novi Sad, offering insights and tips to make the most of your visit to this enchanting destination.

We spent the entire month of August exploring Novi Sad. Below is a guide to our favorite food, wine, and architecture, plus some additional travel tips and resources we picked up along the way.

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Novi Sad Food

Embark on a gastronomic journey through Novi Sad, where flavors from the past and present converge to create a culinary experience like no other. Explore the rich tapestry of local dishes, each telling a tale of tradition and creativity. From hearty local dishes like cevapi and sarma to delicate desserts such as krofne and hurmasice, the city’s food scene is a feast for the senses.

Novi Sad Food

Novi Sad Wine

As you savor the delicacies, don’t forget to pair them with wines that reflect the region’s long winemaking history. Discover the nuances of Novi Sad’s wine scene, where every sip encapsulates the essence of the land and its people. From crisp whites to robust reds, Novi Sad offers a diverse selection of wines waiting to be explored. Unveil the flavors that have been aged to perfection and raise a glass to the rich tradition of winemaking in this enchanting city.

Novi Sad Wine

Novi Sad Architecture

Step into a world where history meets modernity, as Novi Sad’s architecture is a testament to its past and future aspirations. Wander through the cobbled streets lined with Baroque buildings, marvel at the grandeur of Petrovaradin Fortress, and lose yourself in the intricate details of the city’s iconic landmarks.

Novi Sad’s architecture is a blend of styles that reflect its diverse cultural influences, from the elegant Austro-Hungarian facades to the ornate Serbian Orthodox churches. Each structure tells a story of resilience and evolution, shaping the city’s unique identity.

Novi Sad Architecture

Where Is Novi Sad Located?

Novi Sad is located in northern Serbia on the banks of the Danube river. The city faces the northern slopes of Fruška Gora.

Novi Sad is approximately 56 miles (90 km) northwest of Belgrade, 175 miles (280 km) northeast of Sarajevo, 183 miles (295 km) south of Budapest, and 236 miles (380 km) east of Zagreb.

Where Is the Best Place To Stay In Novi Sad?

Hotels in Novi Sad

If you are planning a trip to Novi Sad, there are plenty of excellent places to stay. However, for the best experience, we strongly recommend staying in the pedestrian area near Liberty Square. The castle marker on the map below is the heart of the pedestrian area. We suggest staying as close to it as possible, depending on your budget and preferences.

The below interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

What Is The Best Time To Visit Novi Sad?

The best month to visit Novi Sad depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.

Weather

The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. The weather in Novi Sad during the summer is relatively mild.

Below is a chart showing each month’s average high and low temperatures so you can decide what is best for you.

Bratislava Slovakia Weather Graph

Shoulder Season

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Novi Sad is April through May and September through October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.

We spent the entire month of August in Novi Sad. The weather was hot during the day but cooled off a bit overnight.

Best Value

May and September are good months to visit Novi Sad for the best value, good weather, and fewer crowds.

Other Things to Know About Novi Sad

Airport

Nikola Tesla Airport, or Belgrade Airport, is the international airport serving Novi Sad, Serbia. It is located 47 miles (75 km) southeast of Novi Sad, near the Belgrade suburb of Surčin.

Time Zone

Central European Time (CET; UTC+01:00) and Central European Summer Time (CEST; UTC+02:00).

Currency

The Serbian Dinar (abbreviation: DIN; code: RSD) is the currency of Serbia.

Language

Serbian is the official language of Serbia. However, English is widely spoken in Novi Sad.

Visa

Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Serbia if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Serbia, check out our article on traveling visa-free.

Electricity

Serbia’s electrical outlets are Type C and F. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter. It’s the same adapter used for the rest of Europe.

Serbia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

We recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins if you have many items to plug in. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.

SIM Card

Travelers will want a SIM card for Serbia. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.

To get a local SIM card, you must find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.

We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased before arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.

Car Rental

Serbia has a limited train system, and rental cars or private transfers are often required when visiting the country.

In addition to the major car rental companies found in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe. For a comparison of rental car offers from large international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.

FAQs About Novi Sad

Why is Novi Sad famous?

Novi Sad is famous for its annual music festival called EXIT, which is one of the largest and most popular music festivals in Europe. The city is also known for its picturesque architecture, historic Petrovaradin Fortress, vibrant cultural scene, and being named the European Capital of Culture in 2022.

Is Novi Sad worth it?

Novi Sad, with its rich local culture and relaxed atmosphere, is indeed worth a visit. The charming city offers a mix of historical landmarks, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant music scene that is sure to captivate any traveler.

How many days to spend in Novi Sad?

The ideal number of days to spend in Novi Sad can vary depending on your interests and what you would like to see and do in the city. However, most visitors find that spending 2-3 days in Novi Sad allows enough time to explore the main attractions, experience the local culture, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this charming Serbian city. This duration typically gives you ample time to visit landmarks such as Petrovaradin Fortress, The Name of Mary Church, and Liberty Square, as well as to savor local cuisine, stroll along the Danube River, and immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene for which Novi Sad is known.

How safe is Novi Sad, Serbia?

Novi Sad is considered a safe city for visitors. Like any other destination, it’s advisable to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Is Novi Sad walkable?

Novi Sad is a very walkable city, with many attractions, shops, and restaurants within walking distance of each other. The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. You can enjoy strolling along the picturesque streets, visiting historical sites like Petrovaradin Fortress, or simply taking in the charming atmosphere of this beautiful Serbian city. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, shopping, or dining, Novi Sad offers a delightful walking experience for locals and visitors alike.

Is Novi Sad Expensive?

Novi Sad is known for being an affordable destination compared to many other European cities. While prices may vary depending on your preferences and spending habits, overall, Novi Sad offers good value for money when it comes to accommodation, dining, and attractions. You can enjoy a fulfilling travel experience without breaking the bank in this charming Serbian city.

We prepared a budget for a month in Novi Sad that analyzes all the necessary expenses.

Is Novi Sad better than Belgrade?

Any comparison between Novi Sad and Belgrade is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Both cities have their own unique charm, cultural attractions, and history. If you have time, we recommend visiting both cities.

If you only have time for one, you should choose Belgrade if you’re looking for a lively party atmosphere. However, if you’re looking for a charming old town with beautiful architecture, Novi Sad is a better choice.

Novi Sad Blog Posts

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