Novi Sad: what to do in one day?

Written by Victoria Poux

Published on August 28, 2025

If you don’t know Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city, it’s only 36 minutes from Belgrade* thanks to the high-speed Soko train, often called the “Balkan TGV.” In the heart of Vojvodina, the city is surrounded by the Fruška Gora mountain range, famous for its many monasteries and national park. In addition to its closeness to nature, Novi Sad is a paradise for cycling, with an extensive bike path network that makes it Serbia’s number one cycling city. The EuroVelo 6 route, which connects Budapest to Belgrade, also passes through Novi Sad along the Danube.

Historically, between the 17th and early 20th centuries, the region was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. You can still see traces of this today in the city center’s architecture as well as in the Hungarian villages scattered across Vojvodina.

Now that introductions are made, it’s time to enjoy a wonderful stay with the ideas below!

* Good to know: Following the collapse of the Novi Sad train station canopy on November 1, 2024, trains now depart from Petrovaradin station.

Novi Sad City Center

Once you arrive in Novi Sad, head to the city center, where you’ll find colorful buildings and plenty of cafés, bars, and kafana (traditional Serbian cafés). One of the most iconic landmarks is the Name of Mary Catholic Church (Crkva Imena Marijinog), recognizable by its neo-Gothic style and glazed ceramic tile roof.

Walk down Dunavska ulica and you’ll reach Dunavski Park. In summer, it’s a gathering place for locals—perfect for a picnic, playing with children, or simply strolling around. In winter, the park transforms into a festive space with a skating rink and Christmas market.

Address: Stare cigle 6

Nom-de-Marie Church - © Roman Guberman, Unsplash

Galerija Matica Srpska

A few minutes’ walk from Dunavski Park, you’ll find the Galerija Matica Srpska. Its two floors have been recently renovated, showcasing works by several Serbian painters inspired by France, such as Sava Šumanović, Bogdan Šuput, and Milan Konjović.

From time to time, the museum also offers guided tours in French—make sure to ask at the reception desk.

Price: 300 dinars (around €2.56)
Address: Trg galerija 1

Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection

Right next door, you’ll discover the Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection. This private collection, assembled by the diplomat and collector of the same name, features Yugoslav modern art (paintings, sculptures, etc.) from the first half of the 20th century. Many of the works were created in France or pay homage to the artists’ stays there.

Price: 200 dinars (around €1.70)
Address: Trg galerija 2

Petrovaradin Fortress

Just like in the city center, the buildings at the foot of Petrovaradin Fortress are painted in various colors. Before climbing the stairs up to the fortress, take your time wandering through the charming streets and exploring small local shops offering Serbian-made souvenirs.

At the top, you’ll find the recently renovated clock tower, along with stunning views of the Danube and Novi Sad. We recommend two museums: the Museum of Novi Sad and the Museum of Space.

Petrovaradin Fortress is also home to the world-famous EXIT Music Festival, which has been taking place here for 25 years.

If you’d like to bring home a souvenir, we recommend Werkštat Concept Store, located at the foot of the fortress. You can also browse Novi Sad’s local markets (Limanska piaca or Futoška piaca) for culinary specialties such as ajvar, honey, and homemade rakija.

Price: Access to the fortress is free; museums have separate entrance fees.
Address: Ulica tvrđava 1

Written by Victoria Poux

Originaire du Sud-Ouest de la France, Victoria Poux est membre active de l'association de bénévoles "Les Aventuriers d'HOURRAIL !". Elle aime découvrir de nouvelles boulangeries pour goûter leurs chocolatines et cookies. Passionnée par l’écologie et le zéro-déchet, elle s’intéresse aussi aux manières de voyager autrement. Après avoir vécu dans cinq pays en moins de trois ans, elle a pris la décision de toujours voyager de manière bas-carbone.