Serbia’s second largest city, Novi Sad, has been elected as one of the three European capitals of Culture for 2022.
Set on an idyllic stretch of the Danube River, Novi Sad is unique for its history and architecture, and it’s also the hometown of world-known Serbian artists and scientists.
The “For New Bridges” campaign, program of events named after bridges crossing the Danube, will turn the city’s old industrial complexes into galleries, art studios, and theatre stages. There are over 1,500 events scheduled for 2022.
If that’s not enough, here are 10 reasons Novi Sad is worth a visit.
It has a laid back, inclusive vibe
Novi Sad is the capital of one of Serbia’s most ethnically diverse regions, which has been home to groups such as Hungarians, Croats, Slovaks, and Romanians over the centuries. Today it has six official languages and is home to a medley of places of worship – a neo-gothic Catholic church standing proud in the main square, a pink-hued Orthodox Bishop’s palace, and the majestic Synagogue of Novi Sad.
It's easy to explore
Novi Sad is a great place to see by bicycle thanks to the city’s flat terrain, the bike-friendly attitudes of locals and extensive cycle paths. Rates are reasonable and there are lot of pick-up and drop-off points. It’s also very walkable. Tour guides offer free 90-minute tours, leaving from in front of the Serbian National Theatre. For those looking for an adventure, it’s possible to rent a kayak or canoe and see the sights from the water.
It has a thriving urban art scene
Novi Sad takes its street art seriously. Drab building facades have been turned into a colourful display of large-scale murals and awe-inspiring street art. You can find the best street art outside Kombinat and hidden in the alleyways along Dunavska Street. Be sure to check out the huge portrait of a girl wearing cat ears and holding a cat puppet by renown Serbian Street artist Artez. The work is named after a famous Serbian saying, “when the cat’s away, the mice will play”.
You can go to the beach
Visit the 700-metre long beach alongside the Danube, Štrand, to swim, sunbathe, and build sandcastles. At low tide, it’s possible to walk over to Fisherman’s Island and find a secret spot for a picnic or enjoy a late-night drink at one of the floating bars.
Nature is around the corner
The rolling hills of Fruška Gora National Park is a short drive or bike ride away. There are lots of hiking and cycling trails to explore, as well as several lakes that are popular swimming and fishing spots. This is wine country, so make time to stop at the vineyards with wine cellar on the door to try some of the local varieties. Bermet, a dessert wine, from this region is supposed to have been served on the Titanic.
Maja visited Bajilo Wine Cellar (Podium Bajilo) in Sremski Karlovci. The cellar is a family winery operated by the Bajilo family since 1925. Bajilo Wine Cellar wines have won numerous awards which proves the quality of their wines.
Very inspirational for cultural and art lovers
Preparations for 2022 have added even more venues to the city. This includes the Cultural Station Eđšeg, which hosts theatre, exhibitions and literary events inside a former belle-époque shooting club. There’s also the reconstruction of an old industrial silk-dyeing factory, now known as the Svilara Cultural Station. The old factory and the distinctive chimney serve as a reminder of the economic and social development of the time. Today the Svilara Cultural Station is filled with contemporary art on ongoing cultural events.
The best food in Serbia
You’re in the heart of Serbian farming country which means you have to try the local fare. Raspberries, local cheeses and charcuterie are available in abundance, as well as hearty dishes such as burek, ćevapi (grilled meat served in a flatbread with sour cream), and the indulgent Index Sandwich (a roll stuffed with melted cheese, ham, mushrooms and lashings of sauce), which was invented in Novi Sad.
The shopping
Get an authentic Serbian experience by bargain hunting at the city’s markets. Locals stock up on cheap seasonal fruit and veg at Riblja, Pijaca and Futoška Pijaca. The fish market, Trg Republike, is also worth a visit. If you’re looking for some unique souvenirs, The Manual Company, which dates back to 1985, is well known for its leatherwork. When you’re ready for a break, head to Trčika, a cafe housed in a former city tram car.
History-buffs will love it
The Museum of Vojvodina has an estimated 400,000 artefacts, covering 70,000 years of life in this area dating back to the Stone Age. Visitors shouldn’t miss stopping by the Petrovaradin Fortress called Gibraltar on the Danube. It took 88 years to build in the eighteenth century and explore its impressive 16km network of tunnels.
It’s home to EXIT festival
Since 2000, the iconic EXIT Festival has evolved into one of the biggest and best music festivals in Europe. Once a modest festival with a few bands, recent years have seen more than 200,000 young people from 60 countries descend on Novi Sad’s Petrovaradin Fortress to experience the world’s best international artists. David Guetta, Tyga, Fat Boy Slim Massive Attack, Beastie Boys, Missy Eliot, The Sex Pistols, The Prodigy, Madness, Lilly Alen, Placebo are just some of the world known names that have performed at the Exit festival.
Have you traveled to Novi Sad? What was your favourite thing there? Let us know in the comments section.
