Novi Sad

Vojvodina's capital on the Danube, where Petrovaradin Fortress hosts the EXIT festival, with the wine town of Sremski Karlovci and the monasteries of Fruška Gora close by.

Novi Sad is Serbia's second-largest city and the capital of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. It sits on the left bank of the Danube, about 80 km from Belgrade, which is around 35 minutes away by high-speed train. Founded in the 18th century by Serbian merchants and craftsmen, the city mixes colourful Austro-Hungarian buildings with Catholic and Orthodox churches and a synagogue, reflecting Vojvodina's multi-ethnic character; it was a European Capital of Culture in 2022. The heart of the old town is Liberty Square with its City Hall and the Name of Mary Church; from there, Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska streets lead on foot to the Bishop's Palace, the main art galleries and Danube Park. Across the river, Petrovaradin Fortress is the city's landmark and hosts EXIT every July, one of Europe's best-known music festivals. South of the city, Fruška Gora National Park has forest trails and more than a dozen medieval monasteries, while Sremski Karlovci at the foot of the hills is a Baroque town in wine country. The best time to visit is May–Sep: in summer you can swim at Štrand beach, September brings the grape harvest festival, and spring and autumn suit hiking and wine tasting; winters are cold but have holiday markets. Allow 2 days: one for the old town and fortress, one for Karlovci and the Fruška Gora monasteries. The old town is walkable; for the surrounding area, drive or hire a car with driver.

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