Discover the jewels of Serbia: Novi Sad
Let me introduce you a little bundle of colours and joy: Novi Sad ♥
I spent last weekend in this amazing Serbian city and it was such a pleasure to discover what it had to offer. Truth be told, I didn’t know much about it before getting there. Heck, I knew almost nothing! I even thought it was just a tiny town while it turned out it’s the 2nd largest city in Serbia with around 250,000 inhabitants! Plus, it has an incredibly rich history, dotted with unfortunate and sad happenings, that molded it and its inhabitants into what we see today. Did you know it’s also in the race to become a European Capital of Culture in 2021?! And if you ask me.. the chances are high!
Luckily, the weather was fabulous for most of the time: sunny, although a bit cold, yet perfect to enjoy a coffee at one of the plentiful street terraces – that if you could find a seat! From Friday morning to Sunday morning Novi Sad was bustling with life on the streets, people taking a walk or just relaxing on a bench, handmade merchants, children running around and giggling, colorful balloons, (roller) skaters. At lunch, the restaurants were all full! We barely found a seat outside in the cold at a lovely location (thankfully, the waiter moved us inside as soon as there was a free table).
This is what I loved most about Novi Sad: the hustle and bustle at the core of the city contrasting with the silence around the Fortress area. I loved seeing people spend the good weather outside with their friends and family, having fun, enjoying life simply. Add to the list the cleanliness of the streets, the well-kept buildings and the amazing Serbian food and you’ve got the recipe for spending a nice weekend getaway in a city that offers you anything you need to have a good time.
What to see: the old city center (duh!) and the Petrovaradin Fortress. You might also want to chill out on the beach by the Danube (around 15-20 minutes walk away from the center). If you’re a music aficionado, add to the list the Exit Festival in July (and it’s Sea Dance edition).
Where to eat: we had lunch at Masa and breakfast at Corso (twice!). Also, we had burgers at the Red Cow pub. I recommend any of these wholeheartedly! We had great experiences in all three and the food was, as I mentioned before already, amazing (plus, really big portions for very affordable prices).
Coffee spots: Corso, Absolut and various others whose names I don’t remember anymore :))
Out for a drink: I loved Red Cow pub! We had a great evening here on Friday, but on Saturday night it was just too full to find a seat. Also, I feel the need to add that most of the pubs I spotted have quite funny animal related names 🙂
Where to stay: We booked the loveliest tiny apartment via airbnb, perfect for a weekend with everything you could need. And 5 minutes away from the center! Perfect, I tell you!
Now onto the photos! Enjoy ♥
Eastern Europe interests me a lot. There are probably many up and coming holiday destinations there. This was a good tip. Your photos are amazing!
Thank you Anna! There’s so much to see in Eastern Europe – I think you’re right when saying there are many up and coming holiday spots around here!
Beautiful pictures!
Thank you! ^_^
Your photos are gorgeous! I’d love to go to Serbia and try all that delicious food 😀
Mmmm.. if only for the food and it’s still worth a visit! 😀 Thank you!
These photos are stunning! I really wanted to visit Serbia last time I was in Europe but ran out of time. Next time!
Thank you Elizabeth! More reasons for you to return soon! ^_^
It’s funny. I live in Norwich England and just learned about Novi Sad recently because the bridge I live by is named the Novi Sad friendship bridge. For the longest time I thought Novi Sad was a person, then I learned it was Norwich’s sister city in Serbia. Nice to see some pictures, would love to visit myself one day.
Really? Wow, had no idea about that! Small world! 🙂
Looks beautiful! We missed out on Serbia last time we visited the Balkans but it’s absolutely on my list for when we return. Novi Sad looks right up my street 🙂
Yay! Happy to hear that Alice! Hope you’ll return soon! ^_^
I’m really keen to visit Serbia and the Balkans in general – it’s all so much more interesting than the rest of Europe. I’ve added this to my list – your photos are stunning!
Thank you Caroline, I’m glad you like them! ^_^ The Balkan countries have a character of their own and they’re often way too underrated or advertised badly, but would make for wonderful destinations! I’m sure you’d love them!
I have never even heard of Novi Sad but now I really want to go. It looks amazing! I’ve never even been to Serbia so I think this needs to be added to my list.
Definitely! It’s such a beautiful country! ^_^
Love your photos! Some of my family actually lives in Belgrade and I have always wanted to go to Novi Sad! My mom went as a child and loved it! Great post!
Well, that’s a plan for the next time you’re in Belgrade! ;)) Thank you!
Serbia has never been on my radar for traveling, but judging from your photos, it definitely should be! Wow! It looks absolutely beautiful, with lovely architecture and landscapes:)
Glad my photos inspired you to give it a chance! ^_^ The natural areas out of the cities are also amazing and worth checking them out!
Lovely photos! The food and architecture look amazing. And how convenient to be so near the river beach!
Thank you Kristin! Right? They really nailed it! 😀
Wow, this place looks amazing! I have only been to Belgrade and Kragujevac in Serbia and I loved both cities and surely loved the food a whole lot! I will look into the distance from Bucharest to Novi Sad and put it on my list 🙂 Love your pictures of this place.
Thank you Ingrid! Belgrade is an interesting city too! If you’ll be going all the way from Bucharest to visit Novi Sad I recommend you Subotica as well, close to the borders with Hungary and Romania: it’s small but really cute! ^_^
I pics are so adorable. And honestly I knew nothing about this place. Thanks for sharing such an interesting post. Loved it.
Thank you Madhu <3