7 days in Novi Sad, Serbia: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
As the treasure of the Balkans, Novi Sad is a delightful blend of old-world charm and modernity. This buzzing Serbian city is peppered with Austro-Hungarian architecture, cozy cafes, bustling squares, and a legendary fortress overlooking the Danube River. In Novi Sad, you’ll find unique art, a thriving nightlife, and an array of food that caters to every palate. This cultural capital is also famous for hosting the annual EXIT music festival, so there’s plenty of excitement in store for you!
Things to consider before arriving to Novi Sad
Affordable cost of living
Friendly and welcoming residents
Limited public transport within the city
Great for history buffs, foodies, and festival-goers
What to bring with you
Pack a mix of casual and smart clothing for exploring the city and enjoying its nightlife. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a light jacket for chilly evenings. If you’re visiting during winter, bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes. Finally, an electrical adapter will come in handy to charge your electronics.
Best time of the year to visit
The ideal time to visit Novi Sad is between May and September. These warm months offer perfect weather for outdoor activities and greater opportunities to explore the surrounding areas. To experience the city’s most significant event, plan your trip in July to attend the EXIT music festival.
How to get into Novi Sad
1. By air: Fly into Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) and take a shuttle or bus to Novi Sad. It’s approximately an hour-long drive.
2. By train: From Belgrade’s main train station, hop on one of the available trains to Novi Sad. The journey takes about 2 hours.
3. By bus: Numerous bus companies operate daily routes between Belgrade and Novi Sad, making this option convenient for travelers. Some of the companies offer online booking, and the travel time usually spans around 1.5 hours.
7 day city guide trip to Novi Sad, Serbia
Day 1 – Arrival and Exploring the City
Start your day by visiting the iconic Petrovaradin Fortress and enjoy the scenic view of the Danube River. Afterward, walk around the historic city center, Stari Grad, where you’ll find charming coffee shops and restaurants. Later, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Novi Sad Synagogue and the Museum of Vojvodina.
For lunch, head to a traditional Serbian restaurant called “Jevremovac” and try the local delicacy, Ćevapi. End your day by watching the sunset at the city’s most famous park, Dunavski Park.
Day 2 – Day Trip to Sremski Karlovci
Take a day trip to the charming town of Sremski Karlovci, known for its wine production and historic architecture. Visit the town’s wine cellars and try some of the best wines Serbia has to offer. Don’t miss out on visiting the city’s Baroque-style landmarks such as The Four Lions Fountain and The Chapel of Peace.
For lunch, try the traditional “Kuglof” cake at the nearby family-owned bakery “Jona” and end your day trip with a panoramic view of the town from Stražilovo Hill.
Day 3 – Novi Sad’s Art Scene and Nightlife
Begin your day by visiting the Matica Srpska Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary Art for a taste of Novi Sad’s vibrant art scene. Take a walk along the Danube River and enjoy the street art installations along the way.
For dinner, visit “Ambar” for traditional Balkan-style tapas and drinks, followed by live music and dancing at the nearby “Vrtoglavica” club.
Day 4 – Relaxation at the Beach
Take a break from the city and head to the sandy beach resort of Štrand. Relax under the sun and enjoy the recreational activities the beach has to offer, such as boat rental and sports courts.
For lunch, try the fresh seafood at “Tako je suđeno,” a family-owned restaurant located at the beach’s promenade.
Day 5 – Historic City Tour
Find out more about Novi Sad’s rich history by visiting The City Museum and The Synagogue Museum. Enjoy a traditional Serbian lunch at “Luda Kuća” and afterward, walk around the historic neighborhoods of Salajka and Liman.
End your day by climbing up the “Sloboda” hill and enjoying the panoramic view of the whole city.
Day 6 – Day Trip to Fruška Gora National Park
Visit Fruška Gora National Park and enjoy the beautiful nature and historic sites it has to offer, such as the Krušedol Monastery and the Vrdnik-Ravanica Monastery. Take a wine tasting tour at the nearby wineries and enjoy the local cuisine in one of the park’s many restaurants.
Day 7 – Local Food and Shopping
Explore Novi Sad’s local markets, such as the Riblja Pijaca and the Limanska Pijaca, where you’ll find fresh produce and traditional Serbian products. Try the local dessert called “Fruškogorski Kolač” at the nearby bakery “Casa Nostra.”
In the afternoon, visit the “Promenada” shopping center and enjoy some retail therapy.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Novi Sad
After spending a week in Novi Sad, there are two more cities close by that are worth visiting:
Belgrade
Belgrade, Serbia’s capital city, is located around 80km south of Novi Sad and is easily accessible by train or bus. Visit the city’s iconic fortress, Kalemegdan, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife and street food scene. Take a walk down the bustling Knez Mihailova Street and visit the Nikola Tesla Museum, dedicated to the famous inventor and scientist.
Subotica
Subotica, located around 120km north of Novi Sad, is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and the nearby Szeged Wine Region. Visit the city’s famous synagogue, the “Mostovi” Gallery, and the Palics Castle and Park. Take a wine tour at the nearby wineries and visit the famous Palić Lake.
Both of these cities are easily accessible by train or bus, so make sure to include them in your Balkan travel itinerary.
