NOVI SAD: FASCINATES WITH ITS ARCHITECTURE
It's time for the second largest city of Serbia: Novi Sad which has a population of 400 thousand inhabitants and only 93 Km ,approximately 1 hour away the Serbian capital Belgrade. When you come to Belgrade make sure you set a day apart for this beautiful city because it will fascinate you with its architecture.
As Belgrade again Novi Sad is also situated on the banks of the Danube and has been the home of Austria-Hungary Empire for many years. That's why it reflects all the architectural features of this period. Much more relaxed compared to Belgrade, the capital city, there's an atmosphere here reminiscent of coastal towns. People relax in cosy cafes, lush parks and of course on the banks of the Danube. Novi Sad also hosts one of Europe's largest music organizations: the Exit Festival. This festival is held in July every year, in the historic atmosphere of Petrovardin Castle which is one of the landmarks of the town.
Why should one see Novi Sad?
In the city which reflects one of the most impressive architectural silhouettes I've ever seen to date, you will feel history and intimate atmosphere together. You can eat very good quality meals at very reasonable prices and enjoy views of the old town and the Danube from the infamous Petrovardin Castle.
Is it easy to transport from Belgrade to Novi Sad?
From Belgrade, Novi Sad can be reached by train or road. Belgrade's bus and train stations are next to each other. We've opted for the bus. Get your ticket as a return so that you can get it at a more affordable price. For two return tickets we a paid nearly 1000 Dinars, whereas it would have been a total of 1500 if we had bought singles. You also pay a small amount to buy tokens to pass the toll gates at the terminal. So for two people the whole trip costs about 10 Euros total.
How can I access the Novi Sad City Centre?
You can take the bus No. 4 to the city center from the right end of the terminal.
What is Novi Sad eating and drinking culture like?
Şehrin merkezinde muhteşem mimarilerin içerisinde oturun ve keyfinize bakın. Çünkü Novi Sad da aynı Belgrad gibi çok ucuz ve her şey çok lezzetli. Porselen demlikte yanında sütüyle gelen Earl Grey hayatımda içtiğim en güzel çaydı diyebilirim. Belgrad’dan Novi Sad’a gelirken yolda göreceğiniz üzüm bağları ise şarabının ne kadar meşhur olduğunun göstergesi. Belgrad’da olduğu gibi et konusunda yine çok başarılılar. Bu arada Psikopoz Sarayı’ndan Danube Park’a doğru döndüğünüz yol üzerinde hemen sağ tarafta Nejat isimli Türk abimizin dondurmacısı var. Kendisi pek hoş sohbet birisi. Dondurmaları da çok lezzetli. Mutlaka bir uğrayın 🙂
What is Novi Sad shopping culture like?
Novi Sad many huge stores of major brands available. Products are varied; the prices are very affordable. Again, you can see Turkish brands everywhere here just like Belgrade. You will see many familiar names. Souvenir shops and stalls forces you not to return empty-handed with both their designs and cheapness.
Do I encounter a language barrier?
The answer is no :-) The city is has a more touristic atmosphere compared to Belgrade. Almost everyone knows English.
Where to stay in Novi Sad?
We came here for a day and didn't stay. But especially if you come for the Exit Festival staying near Freedom Square which is located in the historic center of the city will be particularly close to everywhere. You can find a room for two for 30 euros in the vicinity. It is also possible to find a bed in a hostel around 5 euros. If you want to stay in a historic building, the city's famous hotel Hotel Vojvodina is waiting for you.
Novi Sad Things to Do
1. Liberty Square (Trg Sloboda):
When you get off the bus at the the Novi Sad city center, walk straight across the road and you will reach this large square. A large number of Neo-Renaissance architecture built during the Austro-Hungarian rule surrounds this truly magnificent historic square.
2. Church of the Name of Mary:
Built in the style of Neo-Gothika this huge church is the first striking structure in the square. Its construction was completed in 1893. Also situated just at the opposite side, the municipal building which was constructed in 1895 is worth seeing.
3. Zmaj Jovina Street:
This street is full of cafes and restaurants just like Belgrade's Knez Mihalov. But there is a difference. The architecture is more charming. As you continue further down the square you will see this street.
4. Orthodox Psikopoz Palace:
This red color Orthodox Psikopoz Palace which has a beautiful style of eclectic style emerges at the end of the street. Originally built in 1741 by bishop Visarion Pavlovic, the palace was damaged by several rebellions and wars and this latest version was completed in 1901.
5. Saint George's Cathedral
Just right next to the Psikopoz Palace there is this elegant white Serbian Orthodox Church. Originally built in 1734 the church received its present form with the last restoration in1905.
6. Danube's Park (Dunavski Park)
When you turn right from the Orthodox Psikopoz Palace, at the end of Dunavska Street, you will see a very nice park. Lush nature, pretty pools, the work of art scultures...You can get rid of the day's tiredness here.
7. Petrovaradin Fortress and the Danube River
The city's castle which is home for the iconic Exit Festival overlooks the Danube and Novi Sad old town. There is a museum in the castle where it is possible to see many works of our history due to Ottoman rule for 150 years . There is a clock tower in the castle built in the style of Austro-Hungarian architecture and it is just beautiful.