One day in Novi Sad: The best things to do and see

Searching for an unforgettable day trip from Belgrade? Hop on a fast train to Novi Sad, a culturally diverse city known for its rich history, amazing architecture, and enticing cuisine.

The capital of Vojvodina and the second-largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Compared to Belgrade, life here in Novi Sad is slow-paced and unhurried. It is a city of art galleries, theaters, museums, and libraries.

To help you make the most out of a day trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad, I’ve put together this one-day itinerary. I’ll cover the best things to do and see in Novi Sad in one day (with a few bonus attractions if you will have more time).

Don’t have time to read it all?

This day trip tour from Belgrade to Novi Sad covers all of the must-sees in the Vojvodina region. It even includes wine tasting in Sremski Karlovci!

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How to get to Novi Sad from Belgrade

Being the two largest cities in Serbia, Novi Sad and Belgrade are very well connected so transport is easy and fast. It will take you around 1 hour and 30 minutes to get from Belgrade to Novi Sad by bus.

Driving your car from Belgrade to Novi Sad is also a good option. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Need to book a car for your trip? Check the best offers on Discover Cars.

The fastest way to get from Belgrade to Novi Sad is via the new fast train. For less than 5 euros, you can book a train ticket and reach Novi Sad from Belgrade in less than 40 minutes.

Read also: Driving in Serbia – all you need to know

10 Things to do in Novi Sad in one day

1. Visit the 17th-century Petrovaradin Fortress

Kick off your Novi Sad travel itinerary with a visit to the Petrovaradin Fortress. Built between 1692 and 1780, the fortress is the most popular tourist attraction in Novi Sad. It is one of the largest, most complex, and best-preserved artillery bastions in the region!

Nowadays, the fortress is home to one of the biggest music festivals in the region, the EXIT festival. You can also book a tour of the underground catacombs, snap a photo from the iconic Clock Tower in the upper part of the fortress, or shop for cool souvenirs at Studio Radošević.

To learn more about the history of the fortress, I recommend paying a visit to the Museum of Novi Sad. To enjoy panoramic views of the city from the fortress and try delicious food, make a reservation at the Terasa Restaurant.

2. Go For a walk in Dunavski Park

Novi Sad has a beautiful park that is located right in the heart of the city center. Dunavski Park is a charming public park that dates back to the end of the 19th century. With numerous walking paths, this tiny park in the center of Novi Sad is an ideal spot for a nice and quiet stroll around nature.

The park is home to nearly 250 species of trees, flowers, and plants. Visitors will come across numerous monuments and statues, a small artificial lake, a gazebo, and colorful flowerbeds. Dunavski Park hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year including everything from art exhibitions to concerts and festivals. In winter, a part of the park is transformed into an ice skating rink.

3. Learn about history at the Museum of Vojvodina

If you are interested in the history of Vojvodina and wish to know more about the archeology, history, art, and ethnology of this region, spend a few hours at the Museum of Vojvodina. Located adjacent to Dunavski Park, the Museum of Vojvodina is one of the best cultural attractions in Novi Sad.

This fabulous museum is situated inside a beautiful 19th-century palace and houses more than 40,000 artifacts and 50,000 publications. Guests will have an opportunity to see collections of art paintings, colorful folk costumes, a large collection of period furniture, and famous paintings of the renowned artist Sava Shumanovic. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum organizes various guest thematic exhibitions.

4. Shop for local produce at Riblja Pijaca

To mingle with the locals and purchase groceries visit Riblja Pijaca! Located just a 3-minute walk away from the Museum of Vojvodina, Riblja Pijaca is an open-air marketplace where locals arrive early in the morning to purchase everything from veggies and fruits to meats, fish, cheeses, and other produce.

One of the best things to do when you arrive at a new destination is to check out the local market, so you can get a real feeling of the local culture and gastronomy. This is why a visit to Riblja Pijaca is a must-do during your one-day trip to Novi Sad.

In addition to food, this vibrant market is also a great place to score homemade liquor (rakija), buy flowers, and get your morning coffee fix. Keep in mind that most of the stalls at Riblja Pijaca are closed in the afternoon, so make sure you go there during the morning time.

5. Wander down Zmaj Jovina

Lined with ice cream parlors, bookstores, boutiques, cute cafes, and restaurants, Zmaj Jovina is the main street in downtown Novi Sad. Go for a stroll down this busy pedestrian-only street to admire the beauty of art nouveau buildings, sit in one of the cafes, and maybe go on a shopping spree.

The only downside of Zmaj Jovina is that it gets super busy with both locals and tourists. During busy hours, you may have a challenge to find a free table and get a drink. However, there are a bunch of quieter side streets here that offer a more laid-back vibe.

Zmaj Jovina is one of the best areas to go to in Novi Sad for an afternoon snack or a coffee.

6. Admire the beauty of the Catholic Cathedral

Your next stop will be the grandiose Catholic Cathedral. Located right in the main square in Novi Sad, the Catholic Church is definitely the most beautiful historical site in Novi Sad. With an impressive neo-Gothic design with stone carvings and a bell tower, this late 19th-century church looks absolutely amazing. It was rebuilt from the WW2 bombing and today proudly stands in the main square.

Step inside the cathedral to find soaring ceilings and beautiful frescoes decorating the large windows. There are also many religious artifacts inside the cathedral, as well as a few artworks.

Standing right in that square is the Name of Mary Catholic Church, one of the most prominent churches boasting an impressive neo-Gothic design with intricate stone carvings and a soaring bell tower, the tallest structure in the region.

7. Stop for Lunch or a Snack

The Novi Sad downtown area is home to some of the best dining establishments in the city. After all the sightseeing, it’s time to grab something to eat. From fast food eateries to burger joints to traditional Serbian taverns and upscale dining establishments, there is plenty to choose from when dining in the center of Novi Sad.

If you opt for fast food, I recommend getting the signature Novi Sad Index sandwich. This type of sandwich was actually invented in Novi Sad, making it a must-try street food snack. There are also lots of pizza parlors, places that sell gyros, and other fast-food eateries. In the mood for some tasty burgers? Go to Tosteraj and you won’t be disappointed.

For upscale dining, I recommend Fish and Zelenish and Project 72 which are two of the highest-rated restaurants in the city. To sample traditional Vojvodina cuisine, restaurant Veliki and Lazin Salas is where you should go.

8. Visit the Synagogue

Located just a 5-minute walk from the city center, the beautiful Novi Sad Synagogue is an amazing piece of architecture, which is why it is featured in this guide as one of the top things to see in Novi Sad.

Built in the early 20th Century in the Art Nouveau style by Hungarian architect Lipót Baumhorn, the Synagogue is a Jewish place of worship fitted with an adorable ornate façade and stained glass windows.

The interior with its pulpit and central nave also looks amazing. The Novi Sad Synagogue also serves as a cultural center and houses a wide range of events.

9. Hit the Beach (Štrand)

If you are going on a day trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad in summer, make your way to Štrand Beach. Located close to Most Slobode, this sandy beach along the Danube River is one of the most popular summer destinations among the locals and attracts thousands of people on a daily basis.

With a bunch of cocktail bars, fast food joints, sun loungers, and deckchair rental spots, Štrand offers well-developed beach facilities. There are several playgrounds for the little ones, as well as sports facilities.

If the weather allows it, one of the most popular things to do in Novi Sad is to go swimming in the Danube River. Just keep in mind that Europe’s second-biggest river has strong currents, so you should be careful when swimming here.

10. Go on a shopping spree in Promenada

Located just a short walk from Štrand, Promenada is one of the newest additions to the shopping scene in Novi Sad. This enormous shopping mall is a great place to spend a few hours. It is home to hundreds of stores and boutiques ranging from world-famous brands like Zara and Tom Taylor to local Serbian stores. 

There is an amazing food court on the top floor where you can enjoy both local food delicacies like cevapi and international cuisine. If you are looking for more entertainment, Promenada is also home to a big cinema with regular screenings of the latest Hollywood blockbusters. 

Best day trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad

These are my favorite tours for a day trip to Novi Sad from Belgrade:

• Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci: This is a full-day tour that will first take you to a wine tasting experience, and then for a tour through Novi Sad. You will be able to explore the city center and have a great feeling of the region.
• Novi Sad Walking Tour: If you want an in-depth tour of Novi Sad, this is a great option! This tour will take you around town and the historic Petrovaradin Fortress.

Will you have more time in town? Bonus ideas of things to do in Novi Sad

If you have more than one day in Novi Sad, you can visit the nearby Fruska Gora National Park, as well as the cute town of Sremski Karlovci which is known for its wineries and architecture. 

Fruska Gora National Park

Drive your car or hop on a bus to reach Fruska Gora National Park.  Whether you wish to enjoy hiking, visit orthodox monasteries from the 15th and 16th centuries, or admire the beauty of lakes, there is so much to look forward to when visiting this beautiful national park.

Read also: Best hiking destinations in Serbia

Sremski Karlovci

The town of Sremski Karlovci is one of the most popular day trips from Novi Sad. Located just a 20-minute drive from the city center, this historical town is famed for its churches, palaces, and wineries. Stop by Zivanovic Wine Cellar for wine tasting or try the regional specialty called Bermet, a sweet fortified wine only produced here in Sremski Karlovci.

Is Novi Sad worth visiting?

Yes! Novi Sad is definitely worth visiting.

The capital of Vojvodina offers so much in terms of culture and history. Novi Sad is only a short drive away from Belgrade, which makes it a perfect day trip destination. 

Whether you are visiting Novi Sad for one day or you are planning on staying a bit longer, you will probably have a good time here.

Where to stay in Novi Sad?

There is no shortage of accommodation options in Novi Sad, especially in the city center. From rooms and apartments to boutique hotels and villas, there is plenty to choose from. 

The good news is that short-term rentals in Novi Sad are reasonably priced. For example, you can find a small apartment in the city center for less than 40 euros per night. If you wish to stay in a hotel in the city center, expect to pay between 50 and 100 euros for a room.

Here are our top recommendations for places to stay in Novi Sad:

• Corso Rooms City Centre: A smaller hotel located right in the city center of Novi Sad. They offer breakfast and have great prices for different types of rooms. 
• Hotel Element: A modern 4-star hotel, Element is a great place to stay in Novi Sad for solo travelers, couples, and even families. It is located a bit out of the city center, which can be a good option if you will be traveling with your own car through Serbia.
• Boutique Macchiato House: If you like a hotel with a strong personality, this is it. Macchiato House has very unique rooms and styles, which will make for a great experience.

FAQ – Most popular questions about visiting Novi Sad

When is the best time of the year to visit Novi Sad?

I recommend visiting Novi Sad between April and July and from September to November. During the winter season, temperatures here can drop below zero making it difficult to enjoy the outdoors. 

However, if you are into Christmas markets, I definitely suggest staying in Novi Sad during the Christmas holidays  (check our guide about visiting Serbia during winter). If you are not a fan of large crowds of tourists, avoid visiting Novi Sad at the beginning of July when the popular Exit festival takes place.

Is one day enough to visit Novi Sad?

Novi Sad is not a big city and you can easily see the main attractions in one day. However, if you wish to scratch beneath the surface and get to know the city a bit more, don’t hesitate to book accommodation in Novi Sad for a few extra days.

Is Novi Sad better than Belgrade?

Novi Sad and Belgrade are the two largest cities in Serbia, but they are each unique when it comes to things to do and see. I would not really say one is better than the other… instead, I would recommend visiting both so you can experience a bit of what Novi Sad and Belgrade have to offer.

If you are in doubt about which city is a better fit for your trip, check our comparison guide between Novi Sad and Belgrade.

Conclusion

A visit to Novi Sad is definitely one of the most popular day trips from Belgrade. The good news is that most of the city’s popular tourist attractions are located in the downtown area, making it easy to experience the city in just one day.

Other resources to help you plan your trip to Serbia:

• Serbia 5-7 Days Road Trip Itinerary
• 3 Days in Belgrade: A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary
• Most beautiful places in Serbia
• How many days do you need in Serbia
• Best areas to stay in Belgrade
• Visiting Tara National Park
• 10 Best Things to Do in Niš (One-Day Itinerary)