First hour in Novi Sad
How to arrive, get around, and not overpay on day one.
The closest airport is Belgrade Nikola Tesla (BEG), about 80 km / 1h20 by road. The easiest options: (1) the direct airport shuttle to Novi Sad main bus station (~1600 RSD, several departures per day, ~1h30); (2) taxi/private transfer around €50–70. Avoid unlicensed drivers at arrivals — book a transfer online or use the marked airport taxi desk.
Walk in the footsteps of history
Isti grad — dvije epohe. Zamislite kako je Novi Sad izgledao nekada.
Novi Sad is Serbia's second city and the calm, elegant counterpoint to Belgrade. Baroque squares, an Austro-Hungarian old town, a river beach on the Danube and a giant Habsburg fortress across the water — all packed into a walkable centre. It's the kind of place where you can knock out the highlights in a morning and still have the afternoon free for coffee, a long lunch and a wine bar. Selected European Capital of Culture in 2022, the city is proud of its multi-ethnic history — Serbs, Hungarians, Slovaks, Ruthenians and more all left something behind in the streets you'll walk.
Walks worth taking in Novi Sad
Old town, fortress and nightlife — pick your pace.
Old Town Classic
Baroque squares, pedestrian streets and the poets' park — the essential half-day.
"Perfect intro to the city. Two hours was exactly right — we did the whole loop without rushing and still had time for coffee at Zmaj Jovina."
"Loved the Danube Park stop — we would have walked past it otherwise. The Matica srpska detour is worth doing even if the gallery is closed."
Petrovaradin Discovery
Cross the Danube on foot to the "Gibraltar of the Danube" and its famous reversed clock.
"The clock terrace at sunset is one of the best views I've had in Serbia. Do this one late afternoon, no earlier."
"Great context on the fortress history. The climb is easy, don't be scared off by the 3 hours — most of it is spent on top."
Night Bites & Bars
A short evening loop from the lit-up cathedral to the bar alley of Laze Telečkog.
"Exactly what a first evening in a new city should be. Laze Telečkog is a vibe."
"Loved the tip about starting on the church steps. Went on a Friday, alley was packed by 22:30."
