Novi Sad, Serbia

JUNE 2025: Novi Sad is the 2nd largest city in Serbia, located on the banks of the Danube River, about 80km from Belgrade.

It was European Youth Capital 2019 and European Capital of Culture 2022. Famous for the EXIT Festival, a major European music festival held annually at the Petrovaradin Fortress, often ranked among the world’s best. Unfortunately, 2025 may be the festival’s last year, due to a dispute between the organisers and the Govt.

We were in Novi Sad during the whole month of June, and experienced the summer heatwave of up to 39 degrees. First time that we sweated while walking in Europe! There were ongoing low-key student protests during our stay. On one occasion, a major road intersection was blocked by the student protestors, some of whom made a show of playing badminton on the road !

Also, very surprised to see so many small Asian eateries here :)


POETIC REFLECTION ON OUR STAY IN NOVI SAD :)

“As the Serbian sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets, I found myself reflecting on our recent 1-month stay in Novi Sad. This vibrant city, nestled on the banks of the mighty Danube, had woven its way into our hearts, leaving an indelible mark on our soul. Our journey began with a one-hour flight from Podgorica, Montenegro to Belgrade airport, followed by another one-hour taxi ride to Novi Sad, a relatively painless transit that brought us to this city that we have always wanted to visit.

Our Airbnb, a cozy haven with great spacious layout, proved to be the perfect base, its proximity to the city center a constant invitation to explore. Located in a very safe middle-class neighbourhood, it was an easy walk to the main boulevard which is lined with many shops on both sides of the street.

Our initial foray into Novi Sad’s city center was met with an overwhelming sense of wonderment. Freedom Square, a grand expanse, immediately captured our attention. The majestic Church of the Name of Mary, with its intricate Neo-Gothic interior and breathtaking stained-glass windows, stood as a testament to architectural prowess. We lingered, absorbing the quiet reverence within its walls, a stark contrast to the bustling square outside. Here, the statue of Svetozar Miletić, a former mayor, stood proudly, while the City Hall exuded an air of historical significance. Dunavska Street, a lively pedestrian artery, beckoned with its array of shops and cafes, eventually leading us to the tranquil embrace of Dunavski Park, a verdant oasis complete with a serene pond.

But it was the Petrovaradin Fortress, often hailed as "Gibraltar on the Danube", that truly stole our breaths away. The ascent, though a series of steps, was a pilgrimage rewarded with panoramic vistas of the city and the Danube River, Europe's second-longest waterway. The iconic Clock Tower stood sentinel, its hands a constant reminder of time's passage. Within the fortress walls, the City Museum offered a glimpse into the past, with guided tours of its extensive underground tunnels, a mere kilometer of which is accessible. The very air within those ancient stones seemed to whisper tales of bygone eras, a feeling amplified by the unique ventilation structures that hinted at a hidden world beneath. A 360-degree walk around the fortress perimeter revealed ever-changing perspectives, each more captivating than the last.

Beyond the historical grandeur, Novi Sad offered unexpected delights. Strand Beach, a 700-meter stretch of golden sand on the Danube's northern bank, was a revelation. It felt almost surreal to find such a vibrant beach in an inland city, yet the wide, slow-moving river created perfect conditions for locals to bask in the sun. The Liberty Bridge stood majestically in the background, connecting the two banks of this remarkable city.

As dusk settled, we witnessed how Novi Sad steadily transformed deep into the night. Zmaj Jovina Street, the main pedestrian thoroughfare, buzzed with an infectious energy. The Bishop's Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Orthodox Church's Bishop, stood with quiet dignity, while the Novi Sad Synagogue, a masterpiece of Hungarian Secession style, now echoed with the sounds of modern-day concerts. Freedom Square, bathed in the soft glow of evening lights, took on an almost mystical aura, the illuminated City Hall and Church of the Name of Mary creating a scene of serene beauty.

Novi Sad, we discovered, is more than just a city; it's a feeling. It's the relaxed pace of life, the warmth of its people, and the effortless blend of history and modernity. It’s also a fantastic springboard for further exploration to nearby cities like Sremski Karlovci and Subotica, as well as the wineries of Fruška Gora National Park. Our time here (as captured in our Youtube video) will forever be a cherished chapter in our personal travel journal, a reflective musing on a city that truly knows how to embrace life.”

#europetravel #slowtravel #novisad #serbiatravel