Discover Novi Sad: Culture, the Danube and Cycling Paths

Novi Sad combines impressive culture, waterside paths and diverse opportunities for active days away. Those planning a trip with children or wanting to bring together different interests in a group will find points of connection here for art and history as well as cycling, exercise and relaxing hours outdoors. Choosing a holiday apartment can therefore be guided by whether you want to focus on the historic city centre, the waterfront areas or varied excursions.

Culture and History in Novi Sad

An important cultural landmark is Matica srpska, which has been based in Novi Sad since 1864. The Library of Matica srpska contains more than 3,000,000 books and other publications. The Gallery of Matica Srpska was founded in 1847 under the patronage of Matica srpska. Its permanent exhibition consists primarily of Serbian painting and graphic art from the 16th to the 21st century and is divided into three sections. In addition, significant works of Serbian art from the first half of the 20th century form the core of the Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection.

The city’s stage and urban history are also present. The Serbian National Theatre was founded in Novi Sad in 1861 as the first professional theatre of the Serbs and has drama, opera and ballet ensembles. Sterijino Pozorje has taken place there since 1956. During a walk through the historic city centre, you will also encounter Novi Sad City Hall, built in 1894 in the Neo-Renaissance style to a design by Đerđ Molnar, and the Novi Sad Synagogue. The monumental complex was completed in 1909 and is one of the largest synagogues in this part of Europe.

Cycling Paths and Waterside Routes

Novi Sad has a cycling network with more than 100 kilometres of cycle paths and cycling lanes. The proposed Novi Sad city cycling route is seven kilometres long and connects sights in the historic city centre with attractions along the Danube. Depending on the breaks you take, you should allow one to two hours for it. Those wanting to include a longer cycle tour in their trip can follow EuroVelo 6: the European cycling route runs through Novi Sad and mainly follows the embankment on the left bank of the Danube.

A footpath, a running route and a cycle path run along the entire length of the Novi Sad quay. This allows you to vary your days without having to plan every activity in the same way. For shorter periods of exercise, Trim Track 1 at the Novi Sad quay is a suitable option. It is 2 metres wide, 1,500 metres long and has a tartan surface.

Leisure for Different Age Groups

In Limanski Park, the skatepark can be used for skateboarding, BMX riding, roller skating and parkour. There is also a large children’s playground with a variety of play equipment for outdoor recreation. Štrand beach has cafés, sports fields and children’s playgrounds. This makes it possible to combine active and quieter parts of a trip with children without limiting the day’s schedule to just one attraction.

Another distinctive route leads at Petrovaradin Fortress from the Lower Town to the Clock Tower and the Upper Town. The staircase has 214 steps; it consists mostly of stone and partly of brick. Take this specific route into account when planning. Dunavski Park has a lake in its centre; the park is also designated as a natural monument.

Regional History and Local Traditions

The Museum of Vojvodina houses valuable collections that bear witness to the region’s history. A prominent memorial in the cityscape is the Svetozar Miletić Monument, a 5-metre-high bronze statue. It was created in 1939 by the Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. At Riblja pijaca, traditions involving the production of food, handicraft products, wine and honey are showcased. Alongside museums and buildings, these places provide a regional, artisanal and culinary perspective on your stay.

The Right Holiday Apartment for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Novi Sad, it is worth first deciding on the rhythm you want for your trip. For a culture-focused stay, the historic city centre, theatres, galleries and museums take centre stage. Those wanting to include cycling and exercise can consider the waterside paths, the seven-kilometre city route and EuroVelo 6. Trips with children can be made varied with playgrounds, the skatepark, sports fields and Štrand beach. Your accommodation should therefore suit the experiences you actually want to combine during your stay.

Other Destinations for Orientation

For further trip planning, you can also view Čenej, Futog, Novi Bečej, Turija, Petrovaradin, Gložan, Temerin and Čerević.

To the higher-level travel overview: Juzna-Backa.