Heading to Belgrade? Add Novi Sad to your list too!
The essentials
- Getting there: Fast train from Belgrade, ~40 min
- Time needed: 1 day is enough, 1 night is nice
- Best time: Spring and autumn
- Good to know: EXIT Festival in July
- Our number one tip: Schedule your return train for after sunset. Watching the city lights come on from Petrovaradin is the best moment of the day.
About 40 minutes by fast train from Belgrade. With its pastel buildings along the Danube, its massive fortress and quiet streets, Novi Sad is a perfect fit for a day trip.
Petrovaradin Fortress
On the far bank of the Danube, this fortress is nicknamed “the Gibraltar of the Danube” because of its size. Look at the clock tower: the hour hand is longer than the minute hand. The story goes that it was built this way so boatmen far out on the river could read the time easily.
Freedom Square and Name of Mary Church
On the square at the heart of the city, the neo-Gothic Name of Mary Church rises with its colorful tiled roof. The streets leading off the square, Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska, are lined with cafes and ice cream shops.
Strand and the Danube riverfront
In summer, Strand, the Danube’s sandy beach, is the city’s meeting spot. For a quieter day, walk along the river and cross the bridge to the fortress.
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Places in this story
- Petrovaradin Fortress (Petrovaradin, Novi Sad) — Viewpoint. A fortress famous for its reversed clock tower, where the hour hand is longer than the minute hand. The best view of Novi Sad is from here. Must try: Photo in front of the clock tower
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Belgrade to Novi Sad?
The fast train takes about 40 minutes, which makes Novi Sad ideal for a day trip.
What is there to see in Novi Sad?
Petrovaradin Fortress with its clock tower with reversed hands, Freedom Square and Name of Mary Church, the Dunavska and Zmaj Jovina streets, and in summer, the Strand beach.
When should I visit Novi Sad?
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons. During the EXIT Festival in July, the city gets very crowded.
Authors
This story was written by Tuğba & Burak. We have been traveling together for 13 years and we visit every place we recommend ourselves. Instagram: @gezsekdedik