Best things to do in Novi Sad

Sitting on a hill above the Danube River, Petrovaradin Fortress features centuries-old monuments, numerous museums and entertainment venues, and hosts internationally known festivals. Although the present-day fortress was built between 1692 and 1780, 21st-century archeological excavations show traces of Paleolithic civilizations living at the site some 20,000 years ago. Walk around the fortress to see these remains and numerous medieval structures. You can also reserve a guided tour of the underground tunnels that total 16 km (10 mi) in length. Grab a drink at one of the cafes and snap photos of the wide, open views across the river, enjoying a panoramic view of Novi Sad. You'll do a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Note that access to the fortress requires climbing a lot of steps, which might be difficult for people with mobility issues.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the Danube, Strand is suitable for swimming and boating and features a plethora of recreational activities. Officially open in 1911, it has offered lifeguard service, swimming lessons, and modern facilities ever since. Indigenous sports developed at the site include picigen and kurendol. Head to this lushly landscaped beach for a swim or a drink, and stop by the many sports facilities, which feature basketball, volleyball, and miniature golf courts, as well as a rock-climbing area. Every year, the beach also sees the Danube regatta--the world's longest race of its kind.

Stroll along , a shopping and leisure area considered to be one of the city's oldest streets. The zone is pedestrian-only along most of its length and features a wide range of cafes, pastry shops, and museums. Here you can find anything from bohemian-style venues to zany bars. Observe the neo-Baroque houses and buildings along the way and take photos of the many picturesque sights. Check out the museums of art, history, and army. At the end of this street, you'll encounter the lush Danube Park, with a lake and plenty of shaded benches. Look for the well nearby, which is the oldest preserved one in the city, dating to 1720.

Right in the heart of the city, the Roman Catholic The Name of Mary Church commands attention with its 72 m (236 ft) steeple, Neo-Gothic ornamentation, and intricate stained-glass windows. Prior to its creation, another cathedral stood on the site, but the town's Catholic population considered it to be incorrectly built. The architect Georg Molnar designed this new structure free of charge, earning him a bust inside. Snap photos of this slender yellow-brick structure, with its multicolored ceramic roof and large gilded cross. Inside, notice the altar made of fine wood from the Austrian Alps and look up to see intricate gothic arches.

Take a scenic walk through peaceful Danube Park, nestled just by the city center and featuring a pond with fish, ducks, and swans. A favorite spot among locals, this park is adorned with numerous trees and colorful plants, numbering around 250 species. You can encounter anything from local chestnuts and pines, to exotic herbs and rare oaks protected by law. This 3.3 hectare (8.2 acre) marshy land also houses a number of sculptures of important persons, as well as a renowned fountain with a nymph--the work of the first Serbian-educated sculptor. Snap photos of the monuments and take a break in this pristine urban oasis, while feeding the ducks and swans.

Nestled in a pristine hilly environment, have maintained spirituality and provided aid to millions of worshipers during wars, occupations, and times of peace. Originally numbering 35, they have suffered numerous lootings and destruction, most recently from the NATO bombing in 1999, when six monasteries were severely damaged. Today you can see 16 of them still standing, dating back to the Middle Ages. The oldest historical records place them in the 16th century, while legends claim they have been there since the 1100s. Tour some of these structures to see their harmonious facades and vibrant Orthodox decoration, and take a break in the peaceful setting of the hills. Wear comfortable shoes, as roads can be bumpy here.