Unforgettable Day Trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad

Planning a day trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad is an excellent idea if you want to explore Serbia beyond its capital. Serbia’s second-largest city, Novi Sad, has a lot to offer, from picturesque streets and vibrant city squares to historical monuments and lush green parks.

I spent 2 weeks in Belgrade and did one day trip to Novi Sad and I loved the young and hip atmosphere of the smaller city.

For those who have a bit more time and want to enrich their experience, consider combining your Novi Sad day trip with a visit to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci, known for its wineries and rich cultural heritage.

A guided full day tour can include a walking tour of Novi Sad and a wine-tasting experience in Sremski Karlovci, allowing you to fully enjoy your visit to this alluring region.

🤩 I love this Novi Sad tour for the additional stops on the way!

How to get from Belgrad to Novi Sad

Taking a day trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad is a great opportunity to explore another beautiful Serbian city. In this section, we’ll cover the main ways you can travel from Serbia’s capital to the second-largest city in Serbia: by train, bus, car and tour.

I took the bus and I managed to get there and back alright. But I would not recommend getting the bus, it was too much of a hassle.

By bus

Taking a bus from Belgrade to Novi Sad seems like a practical and affordable option. Buses are frequent and cheap. The bus from Belgrade to Novi Sad takes about one and a half hours and the bus tickets cost between 6€ and 10€ depending on which bus company you choose.

To catch a bus, head to the Main Bus Station in Belgrade, which should be a 15-20 minute walk if you’re staying in the city centre.

Upon arriving at the bus station, you’ll find a row of ticket agents where you can purchase your ticket to Novi Sad.

I bought my ticket online but at the Belgrade bus station, they told me I have to buy a separate ticket to enter the platform.

On the way back, I had to once again buy a separate ticket to access the platforms and there were no signs whatsoever. I asked around where I needed to go and the bus wasn’t there.

The bus arrived 15 minutes late and I had to argue with the staff that I had bought a ticket but they almost wouldn’t let me get on. I had no idea why since they only spoke Serbian and to me they just kept saying “NO”. Eventually, they let me on the bus and seemed really annoyed by it.

And this was not my only bad bus experience in Belgrade, when I took the bus to Budapest I had to wait for 8 hours at the border!

So, overall I don’t like buses in Serbia.

By train

When I looked into taking a train from Belgrade to Novi Sad I couldn’t find a timetable at first glance. That’s why I opted for the bus.

There are supposed to be some trains but since it’s apparently impossible to find online times, I recommend opting for the bus as well unless you stay near the train station and it’s no detour for you to simply pop into the station and check times there.

By car

If you prefer travelling independently, renting a car is a great option.

With a rented car you can do the day trip completely at your own pace and do as many stops and detours on the way as you want.

By tour

If you want to skip the hassle of finding the right public transportation, you can simply do a guided tour from Belgrade to Novi Sad.

The best thing about taking a tour is that you can combine a trip to Novi Sad with a trip to the beautiful baroque town of Sremski Karlovci, where you can try some Bermet wine in traditional wine cellars.

Another great stop on the tour is Krušedol Monastery at Fruška Gora or “The Serbian Holy Mountain”, a very important sight for the Orthodox church. There are a total of 17 medieval Ordothox monasteries in Fruška Gora National Park.

Best things to do in Novi Sad

1. City Center

When you arrive in Novi Sad, you’ll quickly notice the vibrant and beautiful city centre. It’s a great place to begin your exploration, as it offers a true taste of the local culture and history.

I really liked the Novi Sad timeline with the main events from the first settlers in this area in the 4th century B.C. to recent events.

There are also some vegan restaurants in the centre of Novi Sad. But there are not as many vegan restaurants as in Belgrade.

🤩 I love this private day trip to Novi Sad for its customizability!

2. Trg Slobode

One of the main attractions in the city centre is Trg Slobode, or Liberty Square. Trg Slobode is the main square of the beautiful city of Novi Sad.

This iconic square is surrounded by elegant buildings, making it an excellent spot to admire the blend of architectural styles and snap some stunning photos of your visit.

The most prominent buildings around the square are the town hall and a beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral.

I really liked the benches on the square which invite you to take a seat. You can just sit down and watch the life on the square.

🤩 I love this tour for the included walking tour in Novi Sad!

3. Zmaj Jovina Street

Next, stroll down Zmaj Jovina Street, a lively pedestrian area filled with shops, restaurants, and bars.

This bustling street is the perfect spot to grab a bite or drink and to soak up the atmosphere of Novi Sad.

4. Novi Sad Synagogue

During your visit, make sure not to miss the Novi Sad Synagogue, an impressive architectural landmark, showcasing a unique blend of style and history.

It’s supposed to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Novi Sad inside and out.

Unfortunately, when I visited the outside was under construction and there was an event going on inside so I couldn’t enter.

🤩 I love this guided tour for visiting all the best places in Novi Sad!

5. Danube Park

Finally, after a day of sightseeing, relax and unwind with a visit to Danube Park or Dunavski Park.

This green oasis offers a serene escape from the bustling city streets and provides the perfect setting to enjoy a leisurely walk or simply sit down and people-watch.

You might have guessed, the name Danube Park comes from the location of Novi Sad at the banks of the Danube River. After the Danube River flows past Novi Sad it continues toward Belgrade.

6. Museum of Vojvodina

Novi Sad is the capital of the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina which is an autonomous province.

You can learn all about the turbulent history of this area in the Museum of Vojvodina.

Petrovaradin Fortress

History

Petrovaradin Fortress, often referred to as the “Gibraltar on the Danube,” is a significant historical site in Novi Sad, Serbia.

The cornerstone of this fortress was laid in the 17th century and it was completed in the 18th century.

As you explore its rich past, you’ll discover its strategic location and role under the rule of various empires and kingdoms such as the Celts, Romans, Barbarians, the Ottoman Empire and eventually the Habsburg Monarchy.

Throughout history, the fortress has served as a military stronghold and a hub for trade and commerce.

🤩 Learn more about the history of Petrovaradin Fortress from a tour guide!

Sightseeing

When visiting Petrovaradin Fortress, you’ll have the opportunity to explore various attractions.

A must-see is the well-preserved artillery bastion, which boasts more than 10 miles (16 km) of underground tunnels and passageways. These impressive tunnels are open for guided tours, offering a unique glimpse into the fortress’s past.

You may also want to take a leisurely stroll along the walls, which provide stunning views of the Danube River and the surrounding landscape.

Another interesting feature of Petrovaradin Fortress is its iconic clock tower, which has become a symbol of Novi Sad.

This beautiful tower has an unusual characteristic: the clock’s hour and minute hands are reversed, making it easier for fishermen on the Danube to tell the time from a distance.

🤩 I love this private tour to Novi Sad for its many stops along the way!

Exit Music Festival

If you’re a music lover, don’t miss the chance to attend the EXIT festival, held annually at Petrovaradin Fortress.

This world-renowned festival brings together a diverse lineup of international artists across various genres, such as rock, electronic, and world music.

Since its inception in 2000, EXIT has grown in popularity and is now considered one of the top music events in Europe.

The unique setting of the fortress adds to the festival’s charm, creating an unforgettable experience for both performers and attendees.

FAQ about a day trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad

🤩 I love this Novi Sad tour for making the most out of a day!

Final thoughts: Is Novi Sad worth visiting?

I’ll be honest with you if you have to choose between Belgrade and Novi Sad I think Belgrade is the better option since there are more things to do in the Balkan capital, Belgrade.

But if you’re spending some time in Belgrade visiting Novi Sad makes for a great change of scenery and it’s one of the best day trips you can do.

I love how beautiful and colourful the buildings are in Novi Sad compared to Belgrade.

Read more about Serbia:

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• Belgrade vs Novi Sad: Comparing Serbia’s Vibrant Cities
• Unforgettable Day Trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad
• Where to Get the Best Vegan Food Novi Sad Has to Offer
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