Unlock Northern Serbia: Places to Visit in Novi Sad in 2024

Tips for Visiting Novi Sad and the Region

How Many Days to Spend?

North Serbia is a fairly small region, especially in comparison to the east and the west. It’s also closer to Belgrade, making it feasible day trips from the capital. 

However, we would recommend taking three days to do a road trip around the region. This would give you a day in each of the big cities (Novi Sad and Subotica) and a day in the mountains to explore Fruška Gora fully.

If you have more time, here are some additional, less well-known spots in north Serbia that are worth exploring. 

How to Get Around?

This is one of the best-connected parts of the country, so there are lots of trains running from Belgrade to Novi Sad and Subotica. You can compare schedules and prices directly through Omio. The train to Novi Sad takes a bit over an hour, while the one further north to Subotica takes around 3 hours. Both cities are very walkable, so you won’t really need a car once you’re there.

However, if you’re looking to travel around Fruška Gora or have more control over your schedule, it is safest to rent a car. Just be careful throughout the mountains as the roads tend to be narrow and windy.

There are local rental options that we’ve used before, including Zim Car Rental Beograd. But pick-up options are only offered in Belgrade and they do run out of cars pretty quickly in peak season. For a larger option with more variety, we recommend using Discover Cars. The site is very user-friendly and aggregates all types of vehicles and prices to make sure you find the best deal. 

When to Visit?

For us, the best time to visit north Serbia is between April-June and September-November. The mountains are blooming and the weather is absolutely perfect. You’ll also notice people really come alive once Spring hits and temperatures become milder, and the Fall months push everyone to enjoy the last few months of sun and the turning leaves. 

We took our north Serbia road trip in February and we got lucky with the weather since it wasn’t too cold. However, if you choose to come in the winter, we would recommend avoiding bigger cities and sticking to the mountains as the air can become very unpleasant when people start burning coal for heat.

Things to do in Northern Serbia

Places to Visit in Novi Sad

As the second-largest city in Serbia, there is no shortage of places to visit in Novi Sad. It’s about 70 minutes away from Belgrade, right on the Danube River, and overseing the northern slopes of the Fruška Gora mountain. The city is known for music, art, and liberalism, becoming the 2022 European Capital of Culture and the 2019 European Youth Capital.

It’s also one of Serbia’s most diverse cities, with six official languages today and an array of different places of worship. The city was ruled by the Austrian and later Austro-Hungarian Empires for over 100 years, so it’s filled with buildings and houses that resemble that beautiful style of architecture.

Petrovaradin Fortress

The city’s fortress is actually located on the other side of the Danube River, away from the center of the city. You’ll have to cross the Varadin Bridge to get from one side to the other, but it is an absolute must when you think of the places to visit in Novi Sad. This bridge was actually built in the year 2000 since the previous one was destroyed during the 1999 bombings. 

There are buses going back and forth, but we would highly recommend walking over for some incredible views of the fortress and the river. For reference, the walk takes about 20 minutes.

Entrance to the fortress is free and truly worth it. It is quite large, so it rarely feels crowded, and there are a couple of restaurants and cafes inside, including the popular Restoran Leopold. Additionally, make sure to check out the Clock Tower at the top. It’s almost impossible to miss since it was used for sailors on the Danube to be able to see the time from far away.

The fortress is also the space where Serbia hosts its most popular music festival, EXIT Fest. It takes place every year in July or August, with more than 1000 artists (including David Guetta) performing on over 40 stages. We attended in 2021 and getting to watch bands perform from all over the world in an ancient fortress is an unforgettable experience!

Pedestrian Street

The Dunavska and Zmaj Jovina streets are some of the prettiest in Novi Sad. The streets are largely pedestrian-only. They were torn down during the 1999 bombings but have since been completely rebuilt. Today, the streets are wide and filled with cafes and shops and certainly a one of the more popular places to visit in Novi Sad.

You’ll want to make sure to check out one of the prettiest H&Ms we’ve ever seen, as well as a Serbian leather store called the Manual Co. This store is also in Belgrade, but it originated in Novi Sad back in the 1980s. Note that there are two shops on Zmaj Jovina Street, but the bigger one is almost like a museum with frescos on the ceiling and an antique cash register. We’ve found some of our favorite purses, wallets, and belts here.

We’re not huge fans of souvenir shops, but the Suveniri Souvenirs shop on Dunavska Street is also worth a stop. It has really nice traditional goods, but we especially recommend the raspberry jam they sell. It’s won prizes and it’s become a house favorite.

Freedom Square

Trg Slobode is Novi Sad’s main plaza, translating directly to “Freedom Square.” It’s right off of Zmaj Jovina street and has two of the most impressive buildings in the city – the neo-gothic Catholic Cathedral and the neo-renaissance town hall. It was particularly beautiful during the Christmas season with vendors selling malt wine and horse-drawn carriages, but it’s a beautiful plaza all year round and worth a stop during any season. 

As one of Serbia’s most diverse cities, there are ample places of worship including the Name of Mary Catholic Cathedral and Saint George’s Orthodox Cathedral right behind it. Additionally, a 5-minute walk away from the plaza is Novi Sad’s beautiful synagogue. 

We went in for a bit of history and highly recommend it. Prior to World War II, more than 4,000 Jews lived in Novi Sad, but only about 1,000 survived. Today, they say there are about 400 Jews still living in the city. The synagogue isn’t currently used for religious ceremonies, but it is used for concerts and events. 

Danube Park

This is one of the great places to visit in Novi Sad if you’re looking to get away from the busy plaza or pedestrian streets. It is a lovely park in the center of Novi Sad with a lake in the middle and around 250 species of plants and flowers.

There’s also a beautiful white gazebo, which will often host smaller concerts and shows. Locals say that also all newlyweds use the gazebo as background for their wedding photos.

Štrand Beach

This is the city’s main “beach” on the Danube River. While we have never visited in the summer for a swim, it is one of our favorite places to visit in Novi Sad when we have our dog. There is a specific area for people to swim, which we hear gets very busy during the hot summer months, but we quite enjoy the nearby areas on the river for a walk or a run.

Favorite Restaurants

Novi Sad has some of our favorite restaurants and cafes in all of Serbia, which we strongly recommend checking out if you stop by the city: 

Project 72: This is probably our favorite restaurant in Serbia and a stop we always make when we’re in Novi Sad. They offer some traditional Serbian dishes, but with a modern twist. The staff is incredibly friendly (we always leave with some sort of gift) and the wine list is lengthy. The decor inside is a combination of rustic and modern, showcasing their many wine bottles, and in the summer they have a lovely outdoor patio. Make sure to make a reservation as the space can get quite busy, especially on weekends. 

Kombinat: This is another wonderful spot close to the Synagogue. It has a great outdoor patio, with some creative street art on the walls nearby. What makes it special is that they offer an array of healthy plates, including avocado toasts and salads. They are well-known for their brunch and fresh juices.

Trčika: This is a really cool cafe since it operates in an old tram carriage that used to take people to the Štrand Beach in the 20th century. The cafe is at the end of the pedestrian zone and also has a nice patio for warmer days, which is great for people-watching

Places to Visit in Subotica

While there are many incredible places to visit in Novi Sad, the region in Northern Serbia is packed with other incredible cities like Subotica. This city is a 2-hour drive north of Belgrade, and just 15-minutes away from the Hungarian border. Subotica is particularly unique in Serbia for having the most number of buildings in the art nouveau style. City Hall and the Synagogue are two great examples.

Subotica has a strong Hungarian connection. Prior to World War I, it belonged to the Habsburg Monarchy and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire (as part of Hungary). In fact, Subotica took part in the development of Hungary in the late 1860s and the arrival of a railway line made the town even bigger and more well-known. 

As the Art Nouveau website explains, this brought in many Hungarian architects and engineers who transformed the city’s look and also educated local architects, building over 100 establishments in that period. This helps explain why the city almost resembles a different country than that of Belgrade or Niš.

Subotica City Hall

This is the city’s main landmark and the center of Subotica. The building was designed by renowned architects from Budapest and was finalized in 1912, following the art nouveau style. The building is truly stunning, radiating with colors and flower patterns throughout its four inner courtyards and four entrances. Today, it’s used for meetings of the City Assembly, as well as concerts and even weddings. There is also a beautiful park on the north side of the hall.

They offer guided tours of the building from Tuesdays through Fridays starting at noon and there is also a high observatory that you can climb for an aerial view of the city. 

Raichle Palace

This is another example of the city’s art nouveau influence, just minutes away from City Hall. It was built in 1904 as a palace for the Serbian-Hungarian architect Ferenc Raichle. Apparently, four years after moving in, Raichle went bankrupt and the palace and belongings were sold in an auction.

Today, the palace is home to the Modern Art Gallery of Subotica.

Religious Sites

Like Novi Sad, the city of Subotica is quite diverse and has some beautiful places of worship. Chief among them is the Subotica Synagogue, considered to be one of the most impressive pieces of art nouveau architecture.

As World Monument Fund writes, the design for the synagogue was originally submitted as a proposal for the synagogue in Szeged, Hungary. The design placed second and it was eventually adapted to be built in Subotica.

Additionally, Subotica is home to the Catholic  St. Theresa of Avila Cathedral and the Orthodox Church of the Ascension of Our Lord.

Monument to Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Fascism

This is an impressive monument in Subotica, erected in memory of those who died in the fight for freedom in this part of Serbia. It has served as a mausoleum since November 1946, when the remains of 15 members of the Subotica worker’s movement were laid to rest. It is only a 10-minute walk away from City Hall and is located in a calm and peaceful park.

Hotel Galleria

This is a great hotel in Subotica, but the reason we’re highlighting it is for its rooftop patio, which offers a panoramic view of the city. It’s only a 10-minute walk away from City Hall, but it’s a great spot to grab a drink or a coffee and enjoy the beautiful view. 

Art Nouveau Architecture

While we’ve highlighted some of the more well-known art nouveau buildings, the truth is that there are many more scattered throughout the city. We typically don’t like to recommend things like “walk around and get lost in the city”, but this is a great city for just that. There are so many beautiful buildings around Subotica and some magical cobblestone streets as well.

Palić 

The town of Palić is a 15-minute drive away from City Hall. What makes the town particularly impressive is the Palić Lake, the largest natural lake in Serbia, and the gorgeous homes that surround it.

The lake has had spas since 1845 when they were wooden baths. Some say that the first “modern Olympic games” were held along the lake in 1880, including fencing, running, stone-throwing, and bike riding. This was 16 years before the first modern Olympics. 

Today, the lake is partially encircled by a long pedestrian and bike path. It has a spa and over 450 guest houses. The Palić Water Tower, located on the perimeter of the park, is worth checking out if you’re a fan of unfamiliar architecture.

Places to Visit Fruška Gora

Fruška Gora is Serbia’s oldest national park, known as the Jewel of Serbia, and only a little over an hour’s drive from Belgrade. The region is somewhat of a dichotomy. On the one side, it is well known for its beautiful landscapes and hiking trails, and on the other, it’s considered a magical space of thorough historical significance because of the many monasteries built in the area.

Additionally, it’s highly regarded for its wonderful wine. Being so close to Belgrade, it is a popular destination for many locals and for many foreigners looking to experience some of the paradoxes within Serbia.  

Monasteries

Hundreds of years ago, 35 monasteries were built in these hills, and today 17 of them remain, including Krušedol and Vrdnik. This is why the region is known as Serbian Athos (The Holy Mountain). The monasteries were primarily built between the 16th and 18th centuries and were used as shelter as Serbs fled from Ottoman rule. As a primarily Orthodox nation, these monasteries are still fundamentally significant to the Serbian people and their culture.

Wineries

The area is also known for its wonderful wine. Legend says that the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus brought the first vine from southern Italy and planted it in Fruška Gora. Since then, wine has flourished in the region.

Today, there are more than 60 privately owned wine cellars. One of the most popular continues to be the Kovačević Winery – family-owned and famous for its beautiful Wine House and authentic Serbian dishes. If you decide to go, make sure to make a reservation in advance.

Komuna Winery is less well-known, but one of our favorites. The winery is a little magical oasis south of Fruška Gora. The property itself is deceptively large and was deemed a historical site by the Serbian authorities. This is why the people at Komuna had to maintain a certain historical aesthetic when they renovated. The Rajnski Rizling is what they’re most proud of as it’s made from the local Kopjar grape. You’ll notice their love for the area in their labels too – all inspired by rare bird species that live in the Fruška Gora.

Traditional Cuisine 

Serbia is well-known for its “Salaš, meaning house or accommodation in Hungarian, but they are particularly popular in north Serbia. These are restaurants, oftentimes with a barn or a stable, that offer traditional meals of the region. 

The portions are generally quite large, and often involve a soup to start, delicious homemade bread, tomato, cucumber and cheese salad, and different kinds of meats. A stop here definitely makes for a great day, especially when the sun is shining. 

Hikes

As the oldest national park, Fruška Gora has lots of hiking trails available, with its pros and cons. Pros being the trails are cleared and worn in, but because of the proximity to Belgrade, it can get quite crowded.

Up to this point, we still haven’t found a hiking trail we enjoy or feel comfortable with. It’s either been too close to the street, too busy, or a bit dirty. You can see the potential and there are nice cafes, so we haven’t fully written it off. However, next time we go back, we will go with a plan of attack. This is what we’d recommend – use an app like Komoot or All Trails and find the hike in advance. This way you can avoid any confusion or disappointments. 

Spas in Vrdnik

Fruška Gora has many bodies of water, including thermal springs in the thermal settlement of Vrdnik. If you’re looking for some time to relax, we would recommend visiting one of the spas available in the Vrdnik area. We haven’t yet tried these out, but have heard great reviews about Hotel Premier Aqua and Spa Resort & Hotel Fruške Terme, both offering nice wellness treatments and incredible accommodations. 

Sremski Karlovci

Sremski Karlovci is a beautiful, little town 20 minutes east of Fruška Gora, with a certain charm to it. The entire town can be walked in under a few hours, and there are multiple small wine houses to pop into. 

Within 5 minutes of the main parking lot, you’ve already taken in all of the most beautiful buildings: the Karlovci Grammer School, the residence of the Serbian Patriarch, the Orthodox Cathedral, and the rest of the buildings and monuments that make up the town square.

If you’re looking for a nice panoramic view or a walk through the park, you can make the quick hike up to Vidikovac and Dvorska Bašta. On the way back to town, you can pick out a winery to try. There are more than a few, but we like Vinerija Dosen and Podrum Bajilo, with good wine and a charming outdoor area.

Places to Stay in Northern Serbia

Hotel Pupin (Novi Sad)

Hotel Pupin has a great location, right in the center of Novi Sad and very close to the Danube river. It offers private parking and breakfast. Overall, it’s a modern hotel with wonderful reviews about the rooms and the staff.

Hotel Leopold I (Novi Sad)

Hotel Leopold I is across the Danube, away from the city center, but directly on the Petrovaradin Fortress overlooking the river. The decor is much more unique, with baroque architecture in those rooms on the first floor. The hotel has a great restaurant and spa that guests can enjoy.

Apartments (Subotica)

The town of Subotica doesn’t have many hotels. Instead, there are multiple apartments managed by private hosts. They have great reviews online and are directly in the center of the city. You can check out some of the best ones here.

Garni Hotel & Spa Palić Resort (Palić)

Garni Resort is one of the most popular and sought-after hotels near Lake Palić. It’s only a 12-minute walk from the lake and offers all the activities you can think of. It has tennis courts dating back to the 1870s, a wellness center with a spa and hot tub, and they even offer excursions around the city.

Hotel Premier Aqua (Fruška Gora)

Hotel Premier Aqua is a beautiful and modern 5-star hotel in the thermal settlement of Vrdnik, within Fruška Gora. The hotel offers a range of spa, fitness, and, beauty treatments, as well as an indoor and outdoor pool. It also houses the Aqua Medica specialist clinic for physical medicine and rehabilitation. We haven’t yet gotten the chance to visit, but it is high on our list. Note that the hotel is only for adults. 

Spa Resort & Hotel Fruške Terme (Fruška Gora)

Hotel Fruške Terme is another wonderful hotel within Fruška Gora. It has comfortable and modern rooms, as well as a nice outdoor and indoor swimming pool. The wellness area, which is the main attraction is comprised of a spa center and a sauna. This one is certainly more geared towards families but also described as a wonderful place to relax. 

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