Things to Do in Novi Sad, Serbia (By a Local)

Looking for the best things to do in Novi Sad? I’m a Serbian local and I’m here to help!

Novi Sad is one of the most popular places to visit in Serbia, but it’s not a huge city packed with flashy, trendy tourist traps like your usual European metropolis. Novi Sad attractions, just like its people, have a more laid-back nature. It takes a bit of patience to unravel the secret life of the city, but it’s definitely worth it.

Take it from me, I’ve spent over 8 years living in Novi Sad. I know all the top activities and attractions by heart. Here are the ones you need to know about!

24 Best Things to Do in Novi Sad

Liberty Square

One of the best spots in the city to snap some photos of historic landmarks.

📍 Google Maps | Website

As photo spots in Novi Sad go, the central Liberty Square is one of the best. In the same area, you will find several other Novi Sad attractions worth visiting: These include the Monument to Svetozar Miletić, a Roman Catholic Church of the Name of Mary aka “The Cathedral”, a Neo-Renaissance style Town Hall, and Tanurdžić palace.

These are all important landmarks that should definitely find a spot on your list of things to do while visiting Novi Sad.

Zmaj Jovina Street

Stroll down this historic street in the middle of the pedestrian zone in Novi Sad.

📍Google Maps

There are two streets I recommend walking down in the middle of the pedestrian zone of Novi Sad. Zmaj Jovina Street and the below-mentioned Dunavska Street.

Zmaj Jovina Street starts with Liberty Square.

It stretches to the red, Serbian-Byzantine style Serbian Orthodox Bishop of the Diocese of Backa – Vladičin dom.

Dunavska Street

Another charming historic street that runs perpendicular to Zmaj Jovina Street.

📍Google Maps

The facades of Zmaj Jovina will make you think that the time has stopped here. Expect the same with Dunavska Street which continues from Zmaj Jovina. 

Mind you, the entire stroll takes less than 10 minutes!

Dunavski Park

Take some time to relax in the oldest park in Novi Sad.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24 Hours daily

There is nothing in Novi Sad that is as authentic as simply – relaxing. The entire vibe of the city and Vojvodina, in general, is laid back and relaxing. 

Dunavski Park is the perfect place for that. 

It is Novi Sad’s oldest park and it was created to resemble the marshy area on which the city was built. It even has a pond that represents the little lakes that used to be here.

People-Watching at Zmaj Jovina

Spend the afternoon people-watching at one of the cafes.

📍Google Maps

Seriously, of all the activities on this list, this is definitely one you should do along Zmaj Jovina street. This is especially true if you are lucky and the weather is fine.

Do what the locals do: Sit in one of the city’s cafes, order an espresso and sparkling water, put on some shades, and watch the people.

When you think you’ve had enough, pass through the Dunavski Park and you’ll reach the Danube waterfront.

Monument to the Victims of the Raid

Pay homage at this somber monument representing events from WWII.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24 Hours daily

Among the city’s local attractions is the Danube waterfront. Here, you will find one of the saddest monuments in this area. 

Also called “The Family,” the monument represents the memory of the atrocious act committed by the Hungarian Nazi soldiers during WWII. 

Jewish, Serb, and Roma families were forced to walk on the frozen Danube. The Hungarian soldiers fired at the ice, so it broke and thousands of people drowned. This entire raid happened in only three days of January.

Such a harsh history lesson might not be high on your list of activities. Still, it is important to honor the difficult bits of this amazing city since they are just as important as Novi Sad’s more cheerful attractions.

Strand

Enjoy beach sports, stop at laid-back cafes, and meet friendly people at this city beach.

📍 Google Maps

The grim part is over. That’s a promise. The Danube is wide in Novi Sad and one of the top attractions is the city beach called Strand.

If you happen to visit during summer and you are wondering what to do, head here.  All sorts of beach sports, laid-back cafes, and friendly people await. It’s the perfect place to sit down, relax, and make a plan for the rest of your trip.

Picigen

Learn to play this popular summer game while in Novi Sad.

This is definitely one of the local activities you should try if you visit in the summer – and you’ll need to enlist some Serbian friends to find out how (we’re surprisingly friendly though!).

The rules are quite simple and there’s no winner.

You just need to be in shallow waters, in a circle of friends and keep a small ball from hitting the water. As you do it, it is recommended that you be as dramatic as possible.

After all, it is all about fun and nothing more.

Varadinska Duga Bridge

Take time to cross the bridge that separates the city of Novi Sad from Petrovaradin.

📍 Google Maps

The Danube separates the city of Novi Sad from Petrovaradin. Petrovaradin Fortress is just across the Danube and you can reach it by walking across the Varadinska Duga Bridge.

During the night, the bridge glows in the colors of the rainbow. That’s where the name Duga comes from. It means – a rainbow.

Petrovaradin Tvrdjava

See the famous “drunk clock” and take a peak at the artist’s ateliers.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm daily

Crossing the Danube will land you at the bottom of the Petrovaradin Fortress. Now, it’s time to climb way too many stairs to reach the famous “drunk clock.” It got its name because the small hand shows minutes and the big hand shows the hours. 

Snap a selfie with the clock and the gorgeous Novi Sad city panorama. Next to the clock plateau, there is a line of ateliers in which Petrovaradin artists create their art. 

Some of them are closed to the public, but others won’t mind you if inspect their art and some will even sell it. Some of them even offer coffee!

Petrovaradin Fortress Catacombs

Explore some of the over 10 miles of underground corridors that branch out underneath the Petrovardin Fortress.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 62 345600 | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily

Basking in the sun, right by the Danube, you’ll find the Petrovaradin Fortress. What is not visible at first glance is its mysterious underworld. 

Namely, it is said that there are over 10 miles of underground corridors that branch out underneath the fortress. However, only a small portion of them are available to the public. 

These corridors are most likely an elaborate countermine system rather than catacombs. However, the Novi Sad locals call them catacombs, even though that’s not the best name.

Festival of Street Performers

Enjoy this colorful event that takes place at the foot of the Petrovaradin Fortress.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Usually by the end of August, one of the most amazing Novi Sad attractions takes place – the Festival of Street Performers.

The entire festival lasts for days and it has been happening ever since the year 2000. 

Today, it takes place at the foot of the Petrovaradin Fortress and it gathers hundreds of different performers from all over the world. This colorful event is not to be missed since it’s fun and ever so cheerful. Also, all the events are free!

Exit Fest

Let loose at this music festival that’s won Best Major Festival twice at the European Festivals Awards.

📍 Google Maps | Website

For years, Exit Fest was Novi Sad’s biggest attraction. It is safe to say that this festival put the city back on the tourist map of Europe. For all the music and festival lovers, this is a must-do.

This festival was awarded twice as Best Major Festival award at the European Festivals Awards. Exit Fest takes place on the Petrovaradin Fortress.

Nightlife at Laze Telečkog

Experience the nightlife and rock and roll vibes by bar hopping along this street.

📍 Google Maps

Wondering where to go when night falls? Start with Laze Telečkog. This street is located at the heart of Novi Sad, packed with different types of bars. 

A lot of locals will tell you that Laze Telečkog is not what it used to be and that there are too many “turbo-folk” places there now. Still, Lazino Tele Pub still manages to maintain the rock and roll vibe, so it’s worth visiting. 

Foxtrot Club

Listen to blues and jazz at this iconic venue.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 21 6622904 | Hours: 8 am – 11 pm Mon-Thu; 8 am – 1 am Fri; 9 am – 1 am Sat; 5 pm – 11 pm Sun

The city of Novi Sad has a long and good tradition of blues and jazz. The best place to experience this is the Foxtrot Club. For more than 30 years Foxtrot was one of those iconic venues that every big city has.

After all, one of the activities on your list should definitely be sipping a drink and enjoying amazing old-school music.

Tamburitza

Listening to tamburitza and drinking wine is one of the most authentic local experiences you can have in Novi Sad.

You haven’t been to Novi Sad city unless you have participated in one of its most authentic activities – going to see tamburaši.

The experience involves an old-school bar, amazing food, gallons of perfect wine, and tamburitza music.

Tamburitza is the national instrument of Vojvodina and its lovely sounds usually go with the idyllic lyrics about Vojvodina and love. It is hard to describe. You have to put it on your itinerary and see for yourself.

Index Sandwich

Stop by Vanessa’s or Maja’s for this iconic street food in Novi Sad.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 60 3589803 | Website | Hours: 24 Hours daily

I know. Having a sandwich probably isn’t at the top of your list. But, hear me out. Novi Sad street food is a big deal here, especially in the after-hours, when you are dragging your feet after a night out. Grab your index sandwich at Vanessa’s or Maja’s. Those are iconic spots!

Limanska Market

Get to the market early to get the best produce along with smoked sausages, dried meat, cheese, and kajmak.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 21 4893299 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, 6 am – 2 pm Sun

Another essential activity? Eating. Seriously, it is possible to write an entire article on food and places to eat only. The people of Novi Sad love their food.

Visit Limanska Market in the early hours and look for smoked sausages, dried meat, cheese, and kajmak. You will also find amazingly fresh fruit and veggies, as well as eggs from free-range chickens. 

Don’t be afraid to ask to taste the produce before you shop. Your request will gladly be obliged.

Omladinski Centar CK13

See what cultural offerings are going on during your stay in the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 21 4737601 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 11 pm Mon – Fri, 9 am – 1 am Sat, 11 am – 11:30 pm Sun

Exploring the musical and cultural scene of Novi Sad city should be at the top of your list. Start with checking out what CK13 has to offer during your stay.

CK13 is much more than just a place for students and youth, although it certainly is that. It organizes events such as shows, exhibitions, open panels, discussions, and much more. 

Bulevar Books

You’ll find books at Bulevar Books, but you might also run across a live music performance!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 21 3008166 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10 pm Mon-Sat; 1 pm – 8 pm Sun

When you have just an hour or two to kill and you don’t know what to do, check out Bulevar Books.

First, you will find tons of books, even in English. Secondly, they may have a band playing if it is the weekend. The band performances are very intimate and interesting as Bulevar Books doesn’t have a stage. It feels like a band came to play in your friend’s living room. 

Museum of Vojvodina and the Museum of Modern Art

Spend the day at these two museums within walking distance of each other.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 21 420566 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm Tue-Fri, 10 am – 6 pm Sat-Sun, Closed Mon

Wondering where to go to see a bit of art in the classical sense of the word? Museums!

Visiting the Museum of Vojvodina and the Museum of Contemporary Art are two activities that you can do within the same day.

They are within walking distance from one another, so calculate that into your daily itinerary. The Museum of Vojvodina is the perfect place to learn more about the rich history of these parts, which is a topic you cannot avoid when in Serbia, Novi Sad or anywhere in this region.

Novi Sad Synagogue

Watch a concert at this landmark that is said to have the best acoustics of all the venues in the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: +381 21 423882 | Website

This stunning old Synagogue in Novi Sad is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. While it is still used for its initial purpose, it has been turned into a music venue as well. People say it has the best acoustics in the whole city.

So, whip out this list and add a concert in the synagogue to your itinerary.

Fun fact: there is an inscription on the Novi Sad synagogue from the Book of Isaiah 56:7 that reads “For my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations…’ It resonates so much when you know that Novi Sad is a melting pot of many nationalities living in peace with one another.

Sremski Karlovci

Go wine tasting at this village just outside of the city.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci with Wine Tasting Tour

Sremski Karlovci is a village just nearby Novi Sad. If you run out of ideas about what to do or where to go, escape to Sremski Karlovci for a day.

Go wine tasting and you won’t be sorry. Sremski Karlovci are among the best and most popular wine producers in the country.  If you need someone to take care of logistics, this is a great tour to consider joining.

Fruška Gora

Fruška Gora National Park is perfect for hiking – whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.

📍 Google Maps

When in Novi Sad, you will see a mountain on the horizon. That’s Fruška Gora National Park.

Vojvodina used to be at the bottom of the Pannonian Sea. That’s why it is so flat.  The only two mountains are Vršacke Mountains further north and Fruška Gora near Novi Sad.

Fruška Gora is the perfect hiking terrain for both beginners and advanced hikers. You definitely won’t be sorry if you take a day to go exploring here.

Consider taking this tour of the national park if you’re more comfortable going with a local guide.

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There you have it! I hope you enjoyed my article and found it helpful. To help you plan your trip, check out these other useful articles:

• The Ultimate Guide to Zemun Serbia
• Things to Do in Belgrade, Serbia
• Things to Do in Budapest
• Backpacking Europe: The Ultimate Guide