Novi Sad is the capital of Vojvodina and Serbia's second largest city (340,000 inhabitants). Called „Athens on the Danube" for its concentration of cultural institutions. European Capital of Culture 2022. Multicultural city with Serbian, Hungarian, Slovak, Romanian and Rusyn populations.
🏰 Petrovaradin Fortress — „Gibraltar on the Danube"
On a rock above the Danube, across from Novi Sad. Austro-Hungarian fortress from the 17th–18th c., one of Europe's largest preserved military objects. 16 km of underground tunnels (part open for tours, 6 EUR), upper town with artists' studios, 360° view.
Symbol of the fortress — large clock tower (1764), shows „backwards" — big hand minutes, small hand hours, so fishermen on the Danube can see the time.
🎉 EXIT Festival
One of Europe's best music festivals, at Petrovaradin Fortress. 4 days in early July. 200,000+ people from 60+ countries. EU Festival Award 2017 (best). Performers: Pet Shop Boys, Prodigy, Skrillex, David Guetta, Hardwell.
🏛️ Novi Sad Centre
- Freedom Square — main square with City Hall (neo-Renaissance 1894).
- Zmaj Jovina Street — pedestrian street with kafanas.
- Danube Park — by the Danube.
- Museum of Vojvodina — history of the region.
- Matica Srpska Gallery — Serbian art of the 19th–20th c.
- Sremski Karlovci (15 km) — historic town with Patriarchate, wineries.
🍷 Fruška Gora wineries
Fruška Gora — traditional wine region of Serbia (16 monasteries, „Holy Mountain"). Wineries: Kratošija, Kovačević, Zvonko Bogdan (Palić, premium).
🍴 Cuisine
Vojvodina cuisine — mix of Hungarian and Serbian influences. Classics: goulash, čorba, kulen, sarma, paprikash, štrukli. Kafanas: Project 72, Boss, Plava Frajla.
🚆 Transport
From Belgrade — 80 km, motorway 1 hour, bus 1.5 hours. Nikola Tesla airport (BEG) 80 km.