Novi Sad | Top 10 in Cities of Serbia

Freedom Square

An unavoidable destination during any visit to the Serbian Athens is Freedom Square - the main city square in Novi Sad and a true symbol of this city. With its appearance, it resembles typical Central European squares that were created during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, preserving that spirit to this day. Throughout history, it has changed its name several times, and before the unification in 1918, it was called Franz Joseph Square, and after the First World War, it was called Liberation Square. It got its current name after the Second World War. Freedom Square is located in the central city core and is part of the pedestrian zone of Novi Sad. During most of the year, it has a vibrant carnival atmosphere. The square is surrounded by numerous significant buildings such as the famous Novi Sad Cathedral, or the Roman Catholic Church of the Name of Mary, then City Hall, the former Hotel Vojvodina, and others, while the central part of the square is adorned with a monumental sculpture dedicated to Svetozar Miletić.

Gallery of Matica Srpska

Matica Srpska represents the oldest cultural and educational institution in Serbia. It was founded back in 1847 in Pest and has been one of the most important museums in this area ever since. It was relocated to Novi Sad in 1864, and in 1958, it was moved to the building of the Commodity Exchange, where it is still located today. Gallery of Matica Srpska possesses a valuable collection of Serbian art from the 16th century to the present day. It consists of more than 10,000 works of art, including works by Paja Jovanović, Đura Jakšić, Sava Šumanović, Uroš Predić, and many others. In addition to the artworks, the museum can also boast of a rich library and extensive archival material.

Museum of Vojvodina

Zavičajni muzej Vojvodine was established in 1947. It emerged as a separation of museum exhibits from the Gallery of Matica Srpska. It possesses a large and valuable collection of objects that can be divided into several collections: archaeological, historical, ethnological, botanical, zoological, geological-paleontological, artistic, and petrographic. The museum's permanent exhibition contains about 6,000 items representing a period from 70,000 years ago to the present day. Within the museum, there are also the Etno Park "Brvnara" in Bački Jarak and the Museum Complex "Kulpin" in the village of the same name.

Mileva Marić Ajnštajn House

The family house of the prominent mathematician and first wife of Albert Einstein is located on Kisačka Street. Mileva Marić was educated in Serbia, Switzerland, and Germany. She studied mathematics and physics and during her studies, she met Einstein, with whom she was married for sixteen years. The Mileva Marić Ajnštajn House was designed by architect Manojlo Petljanski and built by Laslo Lehner. The house is now protected by the state as a monument of great cultural significance.

Štrand (Beach)

The favorite swimming spot of Novi Sad residents is located on the Danube, not far from the Liberty Bridge. It was formed in 1911 and initially divided into a male and female section. After World War I, the tram called "Trčika" transported people to Štrand, which was visited by numerous writers, painters, and politicians. Within the seven hectares around Štrand, there are over 400 trees, and during the summer, the beach is visited by over a million people. For over a century, this sandy beach has been a cult place in Novi Sad and the most beautiful location by the river that can be visited in this city. Beautifully landscaped, Štrand beach is a place that attracts visitors, strollers, and enthusiasts of the unique view of the great river throughout the year.

Raid Victims Quay

Raid Victims Quay is a part of the Danube quay where Hungarian authorities carried out mass shootings of residents of Novi Sad and surrounding areas in South Bačka during the Novi Sad raid in World War II. The raid took place over two days, from 21st to 23rd January 1942. In memory of the victims, the Monument to Raid Victims (Family) was erected on the quay in 1971. The monument is the work of sculptor Jovan Soldatović, and in 1992, the same artist installed 78 bronze plaques. The event is described on four plaques, while the names of the deceased citizens are inscribed on the remaining ones. The monument is protected as a immovable cultural property of great significance.

Petrovaradin Fortress

Built during the Austrian rule from 1692 to 1780, on the site where a Celtic fortress existed during the 3rd and 4th centuries, Petrovaradin Fortress is likely the biggest attraction of Novi Sad. During the first century, the Cusum fortress was located on the same spot, and during the Byzantine period, it was known as the Petricon fortress. It was built according to the system of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, like numerous other European fortresses. Petrovaradin Fortress is the largest fortress built in Vauban's system, which means it had the best defensive characteristics for that era. The most famous structure within the fortress is the Clock Tower with the so-called "Tipsy Clock", where the large hand shows the hours and the small hand shows the minutes. Other notable structures in the fortress include Leopold I Gate, Ludwig of Baden Gate, Officers' Pavilion, Long Barracks, Arsenal Building (Novi Sad City Museum), and many others. Petrovaradin Fortress offers an incredibly beautiful view of the Danube and Novi Sad, making it one of the most beautiful and well-preserved medieval fortresses in Serbia. For over 20 years, it has been the venue for one of the most popular music festivals in the world - EXIT.

Fishing (Kamenica) Island Tourist Resort

Similar to Štrand, but on the western side of the Liberty Bridge, you'll find Fishing Island. It used to be an island that gradually connected with the mainland over time. The former industrial zone of Novi Sad now serves as a tourist and weekend resort, consisting of numerous cottages, restaurants, and private rafts. This attractive location by the Danube offers a beautiful view of Sremska Kamenica and entices a large number of Novi Sad residents to organize their weekends and celebrations in one of the many hospitality establishments on Fishing Island.

Religious Buildings

As the largest city in Vojvodina, a region known for its traditional multicultural and multiconfessional character, Novi Sad boasts an exceptionally rich religious architecture. The majority of religious buildings in the city are Christian (Orthodox, Catholic, Greek Catholic, Protestant), but there is also a synagogue and an Islamic mosque. Among the Orthodox religious buildings, notable ones include the Cathedral, Uspenska Church, Nikolajevska Church, and Almaška Church, alongside numerous newer churches. Adjacent to the Cathedral is the magnificent Episcopal Palace, the seat of the Orthodox Eparchy of Bačka.

Among the Protestant religious buildings, notable ones include the Slovak Evangelical Church, the Reformed Christian Church, and many others. Regarding Catholic churches, the aforementioned Parish Church of the Name of Mary - the Cathedral on Liberty Square, the Church of St. Roch, the Church of St. Elizabeth, and the Franciscan Monastery of St. John Capistran are noteworthy. In the city center, on Jevrejska Street, stands the monumental building of the Novi Sad Synagogue.

Kamenica Park

On the right bank of the Danube, opposite Štrand, lies the beautiful Kamenički Park. It originated as a court park surrounding the Marcibanji-Karačonji Castle, which began construction in the late 18th century. István Marcibanji, who initiated its construction, was an advisor to Empress Maria Theresa. In the early 19th century, the castle was taken over by the Karačonji family and remained in their possession until the First World War. The park was designed following the model of English parks and features trees from all parts of the world. Covering an area of 20 hectares, over two-thirds of the park is covered by forests consisting of more than 88 species of deciduous and evergreen trees. The park also houses several sculptures, such as "Five Heads" on Rose Hill, "Reclining Girl," "Sphinx," and others. The park is protected by the state as a natural monument.