On the banks of the River Danube, Serbia’s second-largest city of Novi Sad is a rhythmic mix of history and pulsing modernity. A diverse music scene, the city's famous EXIT festival and walls adorned with street art have made it an official destination for youth culture in Europe. Discover the backstreet bars and kafanas (taverns) filled with students and artists, and savour the peace of the city’s lush green spaces.
Lots of Novi Sad hostels are steeped in history. Bed down in one of the oldest buildings in the city in the heart of the historic town, or stay in a baroque-style boutique inn at the foot of the fortress. Most hostels make it easy to meet new people with sun-filled outdoor terraces, or arty spaces hosting sociable supper clubs. Whether you choose a traditional dorm or a private room, you'll usually get free Wi-Fi and towels in a Novi Sad hostel. Some put on walking or wine tours too.
Liberty Square is the central 18th-century plaza leading to the pedestrianised boulevard of Zmaj Jovina Street, lined with tree-shaded bistros where you can try Serbian treats like krem pita (custard slice) and strudel. Nearby Dunavska Street is one of the city's oldest, with colourful buildings, rustic lanterns and historic shop facades. Cross over the Varadin Bridge to Petrovaradin, home to the unmissable fortress, art studios and riverside cafés. The former industrial zone of the Chinese Quarter is now a creative district that revs up after dark with off-the-radar bars and clubs.
Famous sights include the 19th-century Name of Mary Church and the ornate Bishop's Palace. There are plenty of relaxing corners of the city to explore too. At the waterfront playground of the Danube strand, you’ll find a strip of sandy beach, volleyball courts and mini-golf. In Dunavski Park you can escape the crowds and wander leafy walkways. Fruška Gora National Park is 25km out of the city, with dozens of mountain wineries and picturesque monasteries to discover.
If you’re flying in, you’ll land at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport. A shared taxi transfer from there to Novi Sad will take about an hour. Or you can take a 30-minute shuttle into central Belgrade, where buses and trains leave regularly and take between 1 and 2 hours. It's easy to walk around Novi Sad’s sights and it’s bicycle-friendly too, so you’ll find bike lanes and rental shops all over.
