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Things to Do in Novi Sad

Things to Do in Novi Sad

Novi Sad Vojvodina, Serbia Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Novi Sad and the nearby Fruška Gora National Park are settings for outdoor pursuits.

Hiking & Trekking

Fruška Gora National Park

This park provides a wide range of marked hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels.

Difficulty Levels

Easy paths around Iriški Venac or short loops around specific monasteries. Moderate trails connect multiple monasteries or viewpoints for a more challenging hike. Maps of Fruška Gora trails are available locally or online.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Swimming: Enjoy swimming at Strand Beach on the Danube River during summer. This popular public beach offers a refreshing break from the heat.
  • Kayaking/Canoeing: Options exist on the Danube River or smaller rivers. Local clubs may arrange rentals or guided tours to explore the waterways.
  • Fishing: Fishing is popular on the Danube. A license is needed, which you can obtain locally.

Cycling Routes

  • Danube Cycle Path (EuroVelo 6): This international cycling route runs directly through Novi Sad, offering flat and scenic paths along the river for relaxed rides.
  • Fruška Gora: The hills of Fruška Gora provide mountain biking trails, some of which are quite challenging.
  • Bicycle rentals are available in Novi Sad if you do not bring your own.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Birdwatching: Fruška Gora is recognized as an important bird area, especially for raptors. Birdwatchers can spot various species here.
  • The national park also has deer and other small mammals, though direct "safaris" are not a feature.

Adventure Sports

  • Specific adventure sports are limited within Novi Sad itself.
  • Activities like paragliding and ziplining might be available in other parts of Serbia (e.g., Zlatibor), but typically not in Vojvodina.

Important Reminders

Always check local regulations for outdoor activities, like fishing licenses, and respect designated areas to protect natural environments.

Cultural Immersion

Novi Sad offers opportunities for deep engagement with its cultural fabric.

Workshops & Classes

  • Art Studios: Some art studios within Petrovaradin Fortress or in China Town may offer workshops. Inquire locally about participation and discover local artistic expression.
  • Cooking Demonstrations: Formal cooking classes are limited, but you can inquire if local tour operators can arrange a private cooking demonstration to learn about Vojvodinian cuisine and experience traditional food preparation.

Cultural Performances

Serbian National Theatre

Offers a program of drama, opera, and ballet. Check their schedule for performances during your visit.

Novi Sad Synagogue

This historic venue hosts classical music concerts and other cultural events.

Tamburica Orchestras

Experience traditional Vojvodinian music at Kafanas (taverns) or Salaš restaurants. These live performances offer a genuine local experience.

EXIT Festival

One of Europe's largest music festivals, held annually at Petrovaradin Fortress in July. It draws international crowds.

Sterijino Pozorje & Street Musicians Festival

Sterijino Pozorje (May/June) is a prestigious theater festival. The Street Musicians Festival (September) is a lively outdoor festival in the city center.

Novi Sad Jazz Festival

An event for jazz enthusiasts, typically held in November. Check local event listings for other seasonal cultural events.

Relaxation & Wellness

Novi Sad has opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Many hotels, like Sheraton Novi Sad and Hotel Pupin, have their own spa and wellness facilities.
  • These typically include pools, saunas, and massage services.
  • Several independent wellness centers and beauty salons also offer various treatments.

Natural Therapy & Retreats

Hot Springs

Vrdnik Banja: A thermal spa resort located in Fruška Gora National Park, about 25 km from Novi Sad. It offers thermal baths and various wellness treatments.

Yoga & Meditation

Some yoga studios exist in Novi Sad, offering classes. Dedicated yoga or meditation retreats are more likely found in the natural settings of Fruška Gora.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Strand Beach

Novi Sad's main public beach on the Danube River. It offers swimming, sunbathing, cafes, and sports facilities during the summer months.

SPENS Sports Center

This facility has indoor and outdoor swimming pools open to the public for recreational use.

Riverside Relaxation

Enjoy various spots along the Danube River for peaceful relaxation and scenic views.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Novi Sad’s nightlife has diverse options, from live music to clubs.

Live Music Venues

  • Irish Pub Red Cow: Popular for live rock, blues, and pop music performances.
  • Gerila Bar: A well-known venue for local bands and alternative music.
  • Vojvodina Jazz Club: A place for jazz enthusiasts to enjoy live performances.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Clubs

Clubs are concentrated in the city center and near the university. Popular ones include The End and Paradiso.

EXIT Festival

During the EXIT Festival, Petrovaradin Fortress transforms into a massive clubbing venue with multiple stages.

Laze Telečkog Street

This street is famous for its concentration of bars and pubs. It remains bustling late into the night and serves as the main nightlife street in the city center.

Theater & Performance Spaces

Serbian National Theatre: The main venue for plays, opera, and ballet. Novi Sad Theatre (Újvidéki Színház): A Hungarian-language theater offering a different cultural experience.

Late-Night Entertainment Options

Bars and clubs on Laze Telečkog Street often stay open until the early morning hours, especially on weekends, providing ample late-night entertainment.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

  • Laze Telečkog Street is famous for its concentration of bars and pubs.
  • Dunavska Street and Zmaj Jovina Street also feature numerous cafes and bars that become lively in the evenings.

Safety Notice

While Novi Sad is generally safe, always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded nightlife areas. Keep an eye on personal belongings.

Shopping & Markets

Explore Novi Sad’s shopping scene, from traditional markets to modern malls.

Traditional Markets

  • Futog Market: A large open-air market for fresh produce, local products (cheese, honey, cured meats), and household items. A great place to experience local life and find authentic goods.
  • Riblja Pijaca (Fish Market): Located closer to the city center, this market offers fish, fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Artisan Workshops & Crafts

Petrovaradin Fortress Studios

Many former barracks within the Fortress now house artist studios and galleries. You can find unique handmade crafts, paintings, and souvenirs directly from the creators.

Dunavska Street Shops

Some smaller shops along this historic street sell local crafts and unique items.

Local Spirits & Wine

  • Rakija: Local fruit brandy (plum, apricot, quince) is a popular souvenir.
  • Wine: Purchase wine from Fruška Gora vineyards, a nearby wine region with a long tradition.

Food Delights

  • Honey & Propolis: High-quality local honey products are available.
  • Kajmak & Ajvar: Traditional Serbian creamy dairy spread (Kajmak) and roasted red pepper relish (Ajvar). Ensure these are sealed properly for travel.

Handicrafts

  • Look for ceramics, traditional textiles, and wooden items as unique gifts.

Modern Shopping & Ethical Guidelines

Retail Therapy
  • Promenada Shopping Mall: A modern mall featuring international and local brands.
  • Mercator Centar: Another large shopping mall with a variety of stores.
  • Novi Sad has limited luxury shopping compared to major European capitals.
Ethical Shopping & Customs
  • Support local artisans and producers by purchasing directly from markets or small workshops. Inquire about the origin of products to ensure they are locally made.
  • For shipping larger items, inquire with local postal services (Pošta Srbije) or international couriers (like DHL or FedEx).
  • Be aware of customs regulations in your home country regarding alcohol, food items, and tobacco when planning your purchases.

Shopping Tip

Visiting local markets is not only for shopping but also for experiencing the local culture and interacting with vendors.

Activity Planning Summary

Adventure & Culture Focus

  • Utilize Fruška Gora for hiking and cycling experiences, exploring its diverse trails.
  • Enjoy the Danube for swimming and water sports during the warm summer months at Strand Beach.
  • Attend local festivals like EXIT or the Street Musicians Festival for a and immersive atmosphere.
  • Explore artisan studios at Petrovaradin Fortress or the alternative cultural hub of China Town.

Relaxation & Practicalities

  • Visit traditional Kafanas for authentic Serbian dining and the chance to experience live Tamburica music.
  • Plan market visits to Futog or Riblja Pijaca for local produce, unique souvenirs, and a genuine local experience.
  • Always check opening hours and consider booking in advance for peak season activities and popular attractions.