Cultural capital of Serbia

Novi Sad (Serbian Cyrillic: Нови Сад, pronounced [nôʋiː sâːd]) is the second largest city in Serbia, the administrative seat of the province of Vojvodina. It is located in the southern part of Pannonian Plain, on the border of the Bačka and Srem regions, on the banks of the Danube river, facing the northern slopes of Fruška Gora mountain.

According to the 2011 census, the city has a population of 231,798, while the urban area of Novi Sad (with adjacent urban settlements of Petrovaradin, Sremska Kamenica, and Futog included) has 277,522 inhabitants. The population of the metropolitan area (the administrative area of the city) stands at 341,625 people. The Assembly of Vojvodina, near the city center, operates in 6 official languages. There are 18 different ethnic communities living peacefully together in this small area.

The city was founded in 1694, when Serb merchants formed a colony across the Danube from the Petrovaradin fortress, a Habsburg strategic military post, amazing 120ha giant among fortresses. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became an important trading and manufacturing centre, as well as a centre of Serbian culture of that period, earning the nickname Serbian Athens. The city was heavily devastated in the 1848 Revolution, but it was subsequently restored. Today, Novi Sad is an industrial and financial centre of the Serbian economy, as well as a major cultural center.

Novi Sad is also a major University city, with many state faculties, joined under University of Novi Sad, and quite a few private Universities.

Unlike Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, Novi Sad is small and calm city. Every major spot in the city is in 10 to 20 minutes walking distance, and taxi fare is rather cheap, as distances are short.

Novi Sad is proud to be the home of EXIT music festival, that has European and World recognition.

Being known for its many small and popular pubs, clubs and restaurants, the city has a huge offer in places to go out. The passion of locals for good hanging out and loud fun is a bit contradictory with the peaceful way of living of citizens of Vojvodina during the day. 

Best way to go around the city is by bicycle. Most of the city is covered by bicycle lanes, so you can safely ride around and through Novi Sad. Watch out the pedestrians walking dogs on the lanes, though! 

If you would like to know more about Novi Sad, visit lonelyplanet.