Best Things to Do in Novi Sad, Serbia: Budget Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Novi Sad, Serbia? Discover the best things to do, budget-friendly restaurants, transportation tips, where to stay, and why we fell in love with this charming Balkan city.
TRAVEL BLOGSERBIA
Samantha
6/7/202615 min read
Bishop's Palace
Why We Fell in Love with Novi Sad, Serbia
Looking for a picturesque city in the Balkans with a European feel? Novi Sad completely stole our hearts. With its cobblestone streets, colorful architecture, outdoor cafés, and relaxed atmosphere, the old town honestly felt like it could belong in some of Europe’s most famous cities. Located only a few hours from the Hungarian border, you can clearly see their neighbor's influences in both the architecture and the food scene. The mix of Balkan culture with Central European charm gives Novi Sad a unique character that feels different from anywhere else we’ve visited. As Serbia’s second largest city, Novi Sad has plenty to offer without feeling overwhelming. You’ll find historic landmarks, museums, shopping streets, incredible restaurants, riverside beaches, and beautiful parks all packed into a walkable and welcoming city. We spent most of our time wandering around the old town, but what we loved most was how easy it was to move between quiet historic streets and the more modern downtown areas filled with everything you might need. Above all though, it was the people who made Novi Sad so memorable. Everyone we met was incredibly kind, welcoming, and happy to help.
Quick Travel Tips for Novi Sad, Serbia
📍 Location:
Northern Serbia on the banks of the Danube River, approximately 90 km (56 miles) northwest of Belgrade.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is popular for outdoor cafés, river activities, and music festivals, including EXIT Festival.
⏳ How Long to Stay:
2-3 days
🛂 Visa Requirements:
US citizens can visit Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Always verify current entry requirements before traveling.
📱SIM Card
We went to A1 Serbia and bought a tourist SIM card. The 10 day package with 100GB cost about $10USD. The employee who helped us was incredibly friendly, spoke fluent English, and warmly welcomed us to Serbia. (learn more about how we use E sims here)
🚌 Getting Around:
Novi Sad is very walkable, and most attractions in the city center can be reached on foot. Local buses are available for longer distances, and taxis are affordable.
💰 Currency:
Serbian Dinar (RSD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is useful for markets, bakeries, and smaller vendors. Most ATM's in Serbia charge fees for cash withdrawals on foreign cards but ALTA Bank's ATM's were free for our U.S. cards.
💲 Budget:
Budget-friendly. Prices are generally comparable to or slightly lower than Belgrade, making Novi Sad an affordable destination for travelers and significantly less expensive than Western Europe.
🗣️ Language:
Serbian. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, restaurants, hotels, and by many younger residents. (Link to Helpful Serbian Phases Guide)
Things to Do in Novi Sad, Serbia on a Budget
Freedome Bike Rental
Address- Ćirpanova 8, Novi Sad, Serbia
Hours- Open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm Saturday 9 am-3pm and closed Sunday
Price- 1004rsd ($9.93usd) for four hours per bike
Payment- Cash or Card
We rented two bikes for four hours from Freedom Bike, the rental process only took a few minutes. The gentleman working there took a photo of my passport and held onto my driver’s license while we had the bikes. Novi Sad is honestly the most bike friendly place I have ever visited. Through the heart of the city there are wide two lane bike paths completely separate from the roads and pedestrian sidewalks, making them feel incredibly safe. We even rode all the way to the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci. While there wasn’t a dedicated bike path the entire way, I still felt comfortable sharing the road with cars.On the way back, Don got a flat tire from a thorn and we ended up returning the bikes late. The owner was extremely kind and didn’t charge us for the extra hour or the damaged tire. Overall it was an amazing experience and one of our favorite things we did in Novi Sad.
Muzej Vojvodine (Museum of Vojvodina)
Address: Dunavska 35–37, Novi Sad, Serbia
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 9am–7pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am–6pm, closed Monday
Price: 300 RSD ($3 USD)
Payment: Cash
(Google map location)
The Museum of Vojvodina is a history and art museum located beside Danube Park. The exhibit displays were written in both Serbian and English and each room also had laminated English translations available near the entrance. It’s a smaller museum, but definitely worth visiting. The exhibits were well organized and covered everything from archaeology and traditional clothing to regional history. We spent about an hour exploring everything and really enjoyed it.
Futoška Pijaca (Futoška Market)
Address: Zike Popovica 4, Novi Sad, Serbia
Hours: Open daily from 7am–2pm, though individual stall hours may vary
Payment: Cash
Futoška Pijaca is a beautiful open-air market filled with vendors selling fresh produce, meat, fish, baked goods, flowers, and household items. Unfortunately, we discovered it after we had already finished grocery shopping for our stay, but we still stopped to buy some delicious local grapes. The produce looked incredibly fresh and the prices were some of the best we saw in Serbia. I definitely recommend visiting the market before heading to a grocery store. The vendors were all smiles and very welcoming.
4th century CE Roman parade helmet made of iron, silver, gold and decorated with glass gems
Petrovaradin Fortress
Address- Sat, Tvrđava BB Petrovaradinska tvrđava, Petrovaradin, Serbia
Hours- Open daily between 8am-4pm
Price- Free
Petrovaradin Fortress is probably the most famous attraction in Novi Sad and absolutely worth visiting. Located across the Danube River, the fortress offers incredible panoramic views over the city. You will also find the famous clock here known as the "Druken Clock" that is often wrong due to its temperature sensitive mechanims. You can spend hours wandering through the pathways, viewpoints, tunnels, cafés, and art studios. We especially loved visiting around sunset when the entire city started glowing. If you visit in the summer, this is also where the famous EXIT Festival takes place.
The Church of Almashka
Address l- Almaška 13, Novi Sad, Serbia
Hours- Open daily from 8am-7am
Price- Free
Dress- Dress modestly, shoulders and knees should be covered.
The Church of Almashka, also known as Almaška Crkva, is one of the most beautiful churches in Novi Sad. Built in the late 1700s, the church stands out with its bright yellow exterior, tall bell tower, and peaceful atmosphere. We stumbled across it while wandering through the city and were surprised by how quiet and charming the surrounding neighborhood felt compared to the busier parts of the old town. The inside of the church is beautifully decorated with detailed artwork, chandeliers, and traditional Orthodox icons. Even if you are not religious, it’s worth stopping by to admire the architecture and history.
Relax in Danube Park
Address- Dunavska 31, Novi Sad, Serbia
Hours- Open 24-7
Price- Free
Danube Park is a peaceful green space right beside the Museum of Vojvodina. It’s a great place to sit and relax after exploring the city. We saw families feeding ducks, people jogging, and friends gathering on benches to chat. It felt like a nice glimpse into everyday life in Novi Sad.
Visit Sremski Karlovci
If you have extra time, I highly recommend taking a trip to Sremski Karlovci, a small town just outside Novi Sad. We biked there, but you can also take a bus or drive. The town is known for its colorful buildings, wine culture, churches, and slower pace of life. It felt completely different from Novi Sad while still being close enough for an easy day trip.
Explore Novi Sad and Beyond with a Viator Tour
While Novi Sad is easy to explore on your own, booking a tour through Viator can be a great option if you're short on time or want to learn more about the area's history and culture. Viator offers a variety of experiences, including guided city tours, wine tastings in Sremski Karlovci, and day trips to Fruška Gora National Park and its famous monasteries. Many tours include transportation, making it easy to visit attractions outside the city without the hassle of renting a car. If you're looking to make the most of your time in Novi Sad, a guided tour can be a convenient and stress-free way to explore the region.
Where to go on Dunavska Street & Zmaj Jovina Street
These two streets form the main pedestrian heart of Novi Sad and are best explored slowly without any real plan. They connect the old town with Liberty Square and are filled with cafés, bakeries, bookstores, and beautiful historic buildings. We spent a lot of time just wandering here, grabbing coffee, and people watching.
Monument to Jovan Jovanović Zmaj
Right in the centre of the pedestrian zone, you’ll find a monument dedicated to one of Serbia’s most famous poets, Jovan Jovanović Zmaj. It’s a popular meeting point and there’s often a relaxed buzz here with street musicians and locals sitting nearby.
Bishop’s Palace (Vladičanski dvor)
Address- Zmaj Jovina 13, Novi Sad, Serbia
Hours- You can visit anytime, but you cannot go in the building.
(Google map loaction)
The Bishop’s Palace is one of the most striking buildings in the area with its beautiful architecture and bold presence. It marks one of the key visual highlights of Zmaj Jovina Street and really adds to the historic feel of the old town.
Roman Catholic Church of the Name of Mary
Address- Katolicka porta Novi, Sad, Serbia
Hours- Tuesday,Wednesday, Friday & Saturdays 8am-6:30pm Thursday 8am-7pm Sunday 7am-12:30pm and closed Monday
Price- Free
Attire- Dress modestly, knees and shoulders should be covered.
Just off the pedestrian zone near Liberty Square, this tall neo Gothic church is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Novi Sad. Its spire can be seen from multiple points in the city, and it adds a dramatic backdrop to the surrounding square.
This ended up being one of my favorite areas to simply wander around without a plan. The atmosphere felt relaxed and lively at the same time, especially in the evenings when everyone was out enjoying coffee or drinks.
Day Trips from Novi Sad
If you have extra time during your stay, I highly recommend taking a day trip outside the city. The area surrounding Novi Sad is filled with beautiful nature, historic towns, monasteries, and wineries that are easy to explore in a day. While some places can be reached by bus, renting a car or booking a tour will give you the most flexibility.
Fruška Gora National Park
Address- Zmajev trg 1, Čerević, Serbia
Hours- 24-7
Price- Children 50RSD ($.49 USD) Adults 100RSD ($.99USD) Car or motorcycle 300RSD ($2.97USD)
Getting there- You will need to rent a car or book a tour (like to tour options)
Fruška Gora National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Novi Sad and is known for its rolling hills, hiking trails, viewpoints, and historic Serbian Orthodox monasteries. The area feels peaceful and completely different from the city, making it a great escape if you enjoy nature and slower-paced travel.
Visit Sremski Karlovci
Getting there- You can ride a bike, rent a car or take a train (OR book a tour with Viator here)
Sremski Karlovci is a small town located just outside Novi Sad and was one of our favorite places we visited in the area. We biked there from the city, but you can also reach it by train, taxi, or car. Known for its colorful buildings, wine culture, historic churches, and relaxed atmosphere, it felt completely different from Novi Sad while still being close enough for an easy day trip. Although small, the town is packed with history and beautiful architecture. While wandering through the streets, be sure to visit the Four Lions Fountain, where local legend says anyone who drinks from it will one day return. Nearby, you'll find the impressive Patriarch's Court and St. Nicholas Cathedral, two of the town's most important landmarks. The colorful Karlovci Gymnasium, the oldest Serbian secondary school, is another beautiful building worth seeing. The town is also famous for Bermet, a traditional Serbian dessert wine that can be sampled at several local wineries. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, wine, or simply strolling through a charming town square, Sremski Karlovci is an excellent day trip from Novi Sad.
Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Novi Sad, Serbia
Burek Plus
Address- Rumenačka 106, Novi Sad, Serbia
Hours- Monday-Friday 5am-3pm Saturday 5am-12pm closed Sundays
Price- $2-$5 usd per persone
Payment- Cash
We wanted to try one of Serbia’s most popular street foods, burek, which is a flaky puff pastry filled with options like cheese, meat, potato, or fruit. Don found this spot with great reviews, and when we arrived the line was already out the door,which is always a good sign! We ordered one 250g meat burek and one potato burek. Both were absolutely delicious. The pastry was buttery, crisp, and flaky, while the fillings were well seasoned and comforting. It’s easy to see why this place is so popular. Both portions cost 500 RSD ($4.98 USD), making it an amazing budget friendly meal.
Grill Sa Still
Address- Preradovićeva 78, Petrovaradin 21131, Serbia
Hours- Monday-Saturday 8am-10pm Closed Sunday
Price- $4-$8 usd per person
Payment- Cash
We stopped here to try pljeskavica, one of Serbia’s most iconic dishes. It’s a grilled meat patty made from a mix of pork, beef, and lamb, usually served in a bun with toppings. Don ordered the gourmet version with spicy peppers and cheese, while I had the pljeskavica mala with cheese and bacon. The portions were huge and came assembled like a burger, with the option to add vegetables and sauces. Everything was flavorful and filling, honestly one was enough to share between two people. The total for both meals was 1087 RSD ($10.63 USD), and it was easily enough food for 4–5 people. Next time, we’ll definitely share one.
Pivnica Gusan
Address- Zmaj Jovina 4, Novi Sad, Serbia
Hours- Open Sunday-Thursday 9am-11pm and Friday & Saturday 9am-1am
Price- $15-$20 usd per person
Payment- Cash or card
Pivnica Gusan was one of our more traditional sit down meals in Novi Sad. I ordered the Novi Sad chicken, which came with grilled chicken, ham, cheddar, mushroom sauce, and a baked potato (which was actually roasted potato pieces, simple but really good). Don had the pork shank with baked potatoes, and it was massive. The meat was incredibly tender and full of flavor. We also shared a Serbian salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh chili peppers, which were surprisingly spicy in the best way. With two bottles of water and a side of sour cream, our total came to 3200 RSD ($31.78 USD), which was still very reasonable for the amount of food we received.
A Budget-Friendly Stay Within Walking Distance of Novi Sad's Historic Center
Hann Apartments
Address- Jug Bogdana 24 54, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Price- $26-$41 per night depending on season
(Booking link)
We booked Hann Apartments, a studio apartment with a private kitchen, bathroom, and a small balcony terrace. The space was a great size and the kitchen was well equipped, making it easy to cook a few meals during our stay. The location was also excellent. We were within walking distance of the old town, restaurants, and grocery stores. Check-in was simple and the apartment was clean on arrival. The only downside was the mattress, which we found a bit uncomfortable as you could feel the springs. A foam topper or replacement mattress would make this place perfect. For 4 nights, the total cost was €102 EUR ($119 USD), which was great value for the location and space.
Still not sure where to stay: Try Trivago
Trivago will search all the major booking sites for the best price, guanteed, making your life a little simpler. Use the search bar here to find your next hotel!
How to Get from Budapest, Hungary to Novi Sad, Serbia
FlixBus from Budapest to Novi Sad
Durations- ~5hr
Price- $30-34 USD)
We took a FlixBus from Budapest to Novi Sad and overall found it to be an easy and affordable way to travel between the two cities. The bus departed on time, the seats were comfortable, and the check-in process was very straightforward. Border crossings were also fairly smooth during our trip.There were a few downsides though. Despite our reservation stating that Wi-Fi would be available, it didn’t work during the journey. The onboard bathroom also had no toilet paper, hand soap, or running water, so I’d definitely recommend bringing tissues and hand sanitizer just in case. Even with those issues, we would still use FlixBus again because of the low price and convenience.
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Novi Sad, Serbia
Here are some more helpful tips to know before visiting Novi Sad, Serbia. Some of these are things we researched before arriving, while others are things I wish I had known ahead of time. Overall, we found Novi Sad easy to navigate, very walkable, and filled with warm and welcoming people.
🚶♀️Is Novi Sad Pedestrian Friendly?
Absolutely! Novi Sad is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities I’ve ever visited. There are sidewalks everywhere, plus dedicated bike paths separated from the roads, making it easy and safe to get around. And if you're like Don and fancy a jog on your vacation some of the parks even have running tracks!
🛒Grocery Stores
We primarily shopped at the Idea grocery store near our apartment and found both the prices and selection to be great. When buying produce, you need to weigh and label items before checkout. Each item has a number on the price tag that you enter into a scale or select on a touchscreen, which then prints a sticker for your bag. One thing that surprised us was that they re-check the weight at the register. Also, prices are listed per kilogram, not per pound.
🚾Public Restrooms
We didn’t come across many public toilets, either paid or free, but gas stations, restaurants, and cafés almost always had washrooms available for customers.
🚗Rental Cars
We had originally planned to rent a car in Novi Sad, but most rental companies required a minimum three-day rental by the time we went to rent we weren’t staying long enough. The companies we visited were friendly and prices seemed very reasonable. If you have the time, I highly recommend renting a car so you can explore nearby monasteries and mountain areas outside the city.
Public Transportation in Novi Sad, Serbia
🚌Bus
Buses around Novi Sad were fairly easy to use and had clear route information posted at most stops. While we mostly walked, buses are a good option if you need to get a bit farther outside the city center. You can buy a single ticket directly from the driver for 100 RSD (about $1 USD), or if you plan to use buses more frequently, a 24-hour pass costs 278 RSD ($2.76 USD). The system is simple enough once you understand the main routes, and it’s very budget friendly.
🚕Taxis
We used the Yandex app to book taxis in Novi Sad, which was easy to set up and use once everything was installed. The app gives you an estimated price before confirming the ride, which helps avoid surprises. Overall, the taxis were clean, reasonably priced, and the drivers were professional. It was a convenient option for short distances or when we didn’t feel like walking.
🚆Trains
At the time of our visit, the main downtown train station was still closed following the tragic accident on November 1st, 2024, when the station canopy collapsed. Because of this, trains now depart from Petrovaradin Station, located a few miles outside the city. It’s accessible by city bus or taxi, and once there, the station itself is small and easy to navigate. Tickets can be purchased at the station or online, and there is a digital departure board that clearly shows train numbers, times, and platforms. Despite the relocation, the process was still straightforward once we got there.
Conclusion
Novi Sad turned out to be a very charming and tourist friendly city, and we hope this guide helps you plan your own visit. If you’re heading to Serbia or the Balkans, be sure to check out our other Serbia travel guides, including our full post on travel tips and practical information for getting around the country.
You can also watch Don’s full YouTube video to see more of our time in Serbia, including the places we explored. (Link here)
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Meet the Author
Hi! I'm Samantha Matthews-McCarty and at 39 I changed careers, moving from construction into travel blogging to follow my passion for exploring the world. Now I document our journeys through history, culture, food and outdoor adventures and I hope to inspire others to do the same.
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