What is it?

Novi Sad is Serbia's easygoing, culture-soaked second city — a place of buttercream Austro-Hungarian facades, café-crammed pedestrian streets and long, golden evenings on the banks of the Danube. Founded in 1694 in the shadow of the mighty Petrovaradin Fortress, it earned the nickname 'Serbian Athens' in the 19th century as the heartland of Serbian literature, theatre and national revival. Wander Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska streets past antique shops and bakeries, sip strong Turkish coffee under the neo-Gothic spires of the Name of Mary Church on Liberty Square, then cross the river to climb up to the fortress, where an eccentric clock tower with reversed hands (big hand for hours, so boatmen could read it from afar) presides over one of Europe's finest river panoramas. Each July the fortress's underground tunnels and ramparts erupt into EXIT, one of Europe's most storied music festivals, born out of a student movement for democracy. As Vojvodina's capital, the city also serves up a delicious multicultural table — Serbian, Hungarian, Slovak and German influences layered into its food, language and easy, unhurried spirit.

Where is it?

Novi Sad sits on the Danube in the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina, about 80 km (an hour by the new high-speed train) northwest of Belgrade. Base yourself in the old town near Liberty Square, and make time for Petrovaradin Fortress, the Štrand river beach, and day trips to the wine cellars of Sremski Karlovci and the monastery-dotted hills of Fruška Gora National Park. Late spring through early autumn is loveliest — May, June and September offer warm terrace weather, while early July brings the EXIT Festival crowds.

What makes it worth it?

Novi Sad is the kind of city that seduces you slowly and then refuses to leave you. Visitors consistently describe it as 'Belgrade's calmer, prettier sibling' — all the warmth and irrepressible hospitality of Serbia, with none of the rush. Sitting on the fortress ramparts as the sun sinks behind the Danube and the whole city glows amber is one of those quiet, perfect travel moments people talk about for years. Then there's the nightlife: Laze Telečkog street packed shoulder to shoulder, live tamburica bands, rakija poured by strangers who become friends by midnight. Crowned European Capital of Culture in 2022, it delivers galleries, festivals and museums far beyond its size — yet it still feels like a genuine discovery rather than a checklist stop. Most people leave saying the same thing: 'I only planned two days and wished I'd stayed a week.'

How accessible is it?

Very accessible and gloriously affordable. Most travellers fly into Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and reach Novi Sad in around 35 minutes on the high-speed Soko train (roughly €5–10) or by frequent buses; the city itself is flat and easily walked end to end. Serbia is visa-free for EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian and many other passport holders for up to 90 days, and the currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD). Budget travellers can get by on €35–50 a day including a hostel bed, hearty meals and drinks, while mid-range visitors should plan €70–120 a day; a coffee costs around €1.50 and a good dinner with wine €15–25. The only real strain is the walk or short climb up to Petrovaradin Fortress, which is manageable for most fitness levels, and the cobblestones underfoot in the old town. Book accommodation months in advance if you're coming for EXIT Festival in July — tickets run roughly €130–180 for a four-day pass and the whole city fills up.