Things to do in Novi Sad

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Serbia

Petrovaradin Fortress

Petrovaradin Fortresstowers over the cliffs on the right bank of the Danube River, guarding the waterway from its strategic position, and is often called the "Gibraltar of the Danube". During the Roman Empire, a fortress named Cusum was built here as part of the Danube River defense line. The existing fortress is a bastion-style structure that the Austrians began building in the late 17th century, a project that took nearly a century to complete. The ancient fortress is divided into two main parts: above ground and underground. The underground works consist of several levels with tunnels stretching over 10 km, winding and crisscrossing like a labyrinth. Such a large-scale underground military system is rare in Europe. The above-ground section is particularly famous for its clock tower. On the clock, the hour and minute hands are swapped in length, with the long hand indicating the hour and the short hand indicating the minute. It is said that this design was intended to allow fishermen on the Danube River to see the time from a distance, and because the movement runs fast or slow depending on the temperature, locals jokingly call it the "drunken clock". Climb to the top of the fortress for a panoramic view of the Danube River and the old town. Today, the upper barracks house the City Museum, a planetarium, and numerous artist studios, transforming the ancient fortress into a space for exhibitions and creation. Every summer, the famous European EXIT Festival is also held on these walls.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Serbia

Trg slobode

Trg slobode is located in the center of Novi Sad's old town and has been the city's heart since it took shape in the 18th century. Novi Sad was a cultural center of Serbia in the 19th century, earning the nickname the Athens of Serbia, and its multiethnic character is especially evident in the square. In the center stands a bronze statue of Miletić, a 19th-century Serbian statesman who once served as mayor of Novi Sad. The statue was created by sculptor Ivan Meštrović. Looking up and around, the town hall tower rises on one side with an elegant façade, while on the other the neo-Gothic Church of the Name of Mary faces it with a slender spire.Serbian National Theatre also sits near the square and now stages opera, ballet, and drama. The square is ringed with outdoor restaurants, cafes, and small bars. It is also a natural starting point for a walking tour of the old town. Follow the adjacent pedestrian street to reach the old town lanes toward the Danube River.

Dunavska

Dunavska is a pedestrian street that took shape as early as the 18th century. One end connects to Zmaj Jovina Street, which extends from Trg slobode, and the other end leads directly to the banks of the Danube River. Together, the two streets form the pedestrian zone of the Old Town. The street was destroyed in the fires of 1849 and subsequently rebuilt. Today, it is lined with low-rise historic buildings, with cafes, restaurants, dessert shops, and souvenir stores scattered throughout, many of which are tucked away in the passageways of old houses. The area around the entrance to the street is worth slowing down for: the "White Lion House," built in the early 18th century, is one of the few buildings that escaped the fires, and an old well with a windlass is still preserved in its passageway. The City Library opposite was formerly a 19th-century printing house and publishing house. Continuing towards the Danube River, you will find museums such as the Muzej Vojvodine and the Museum of Contemporary Art along the street, and the City Museum's foreign art collection is also located here. When you reach the Danube River embankment at the end of the street, you can see the Petrovaradin Fortress across the river. The nearby Danube Park is surrounded by greenery, making it a perfect place to take a break if you get tired of walking.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in South Backa District

Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church

Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, located at the center of Trg slobode in Novi Sad, Serbia, is one of the city's iconic landmarks. Built in the late 19th century, this Neo-Gothic building is known for its towering spire and exquisite stained glass windows, attracting the attention of architecture and history enthusiasts. The church's interior is magnificently decorated, where visitors can admire delicate murals and sculptures and experience a strong religious atmosphere. Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church enjoys a prime location surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops, where visitors can enjoy local food and shopping after their visit. We recommend visiting during the day to fully appreciate the church's architectural details and the surrounding city views. Whether you are interested in architectural art or wish to experience the local culture, this is a destination worth visiting.

Danube Park

Danube Park is located in the South Backa District of Serbia and is one of the representative urban green spaces in the area. Established in 1895, it was designated as a natural monument of Serbia in 1998. Located near the old town and adjacent to the Danube River, the park is an ideal place for citizens to relax, take walks, and socialize. The park is shaded by lush trees and features over 600 trees and more than 7,000 ornamental plants, covering 250 different plant species, including silver birch, white poplar, European hazel, European maple, and horse chestnut. Among them, an ancient English oak is listed as a protected tree species due to its rarity and historical value. At the center of the park is a small lake, which features the "Water Nymph" fountain sculpture created by Serbian sculptor Đorđe Jovanović in 1912, becoming an iconic view of the park. In addition, the park features a white pavilion, which is often used for small concerts, literary salons, and exhibitions, making it a popular spot for newlyweds to take wedding photos.

Petrovaradin Fortress Clock

Located at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Serbia, the Petrovaradin Fortress Clock is one of the highlights of this historic military structure. Built in the 18th century, this clock tower attracts numerous visitors with its unique design and historical significance. The design of its hour and minute hands is the reverse of the conventional style, with the hour hand being longer and the minute hand shorter, making it easier for boats on the Danube River to read the time clearly—a feature that has become the clock's trademark. The Petrovaradin Fortress is also worth exploring, boasting a rich historical and cultural background. The fortress houses museums, galleries, and cafes where visitors can enjoy a leisurely time. When visiting, listen for the clock's chimes and experience the blend of history and modernity. The Petrovaradin Fortress Clock is not only a guide to time but also a part of Serbia's cultural heritage.

Sremski Karlovci

Sremski Karlovci is an ancient town famous for its history, culture, and wine. Although small in size, it holds an important place in the history and cultural development of Serbia. The Treaty of Karlowitz was signed here in 1699, making the town an important site in modern European diplomatic history. During the 18th–19th centuries, it gradually developed into an important religious, educational, and cultural center for Serbia, and it has preserved a large number of historical buildings with Baroque features. The area is also a significant representative of Serbian wine culture, possessing a tradition of grape growing and winemaking that has continued for hundreds of years. The famous Bermet dessert wine originated here. Strolling through the town, you can feel the unique atmosphere created by the intertwining of ancient streets, historical buildings, and vineyards. Today, it combines features such as historical and cultural sightseeing, architectural appreciation, and wine experiences, making it an important destination for understanding traditional Serbian culture and the history along the Danube River.

Synagogue

Synagogue is located on Jevrejska Street in the city center of Novi Sad, South Backa District, Serbia, and is an important local historical building and a representative of Jewish cultural heritage. The synagogue was built in the early 20th century and completed in 1909. Designed by Hungarian architect Lipót Baumhorn, it is one of the representative Art Nouveau buildings in the Vojvodina region. The building features a symmetrical layout with a towering central dome, and the towers on both sides echo the decorative details. Its facade blends Art Nouveau style with traditional religious architectural elements, showcasing the aesthetic characteristics of early 20th-century European urban architecture. The interior of the synagogue is spacious and was once able to accommodate a large number of worshippers. Its exquisite structural design and good acoustic effects also give it high artistic value.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in South Backa District

Serbian National Theatre

Serbian National Theatre has a history spanning over 100 years, has experienced different stages of architectural and artistic development alongside the fate of its people and the nation, and exists as a symbol of Serbian culture, tradition, and spirit. In 1983, the Serbian National Theatre was declared a monument of great cultural importance and is protected by the Republic of Serbia. Today, under its roof, there are 3 artistic ensembles: opera, drama, and ballet.

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