Novi Sad is Serbia’s second largest city. The city is the capital of the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina and lies on the banks of the Danube. Seen from a vantage-point in the Fruška Gora hills, Novi Sad gently and easily spreads across the Pannonian Plain, opening its doors wide to every guest. This is a Pannonian city rich in tradition and culture, where everything flourishes and everything is preserved, most of all the relaxed nature of the people. Novi Sad also has many great buildings reflecting a variety of architectural styles. Some of the most important Serbian cultural and academic institutions were located in Novi Sad and still are today: Matica Srpska, the Serbian National Theatre, Sterijino Pozorje, Novi Sad University and many others. In addition, Novi Sad can boast of being a multinational and multicultural to an extent that few others in Europe can. In this city, differences and diversity are considered advantages. Testament to this are the Újvidéki Színház (the multilingual Novi Sad Theatre), as well as departments of Novi Sad University both holding lectures in the languages of ethnic minorities and courses devoted to their study.
Novi Sad is also a city of science and art. Novi Sad University has nineteen faculties with departments specialising in many areas of science and arts. Besides the great number of young people from Novi Sad who study in their own city, the university also draws a great number of students from all over Serbia, as well as from abroad. The city also has many great museums and galleries, where there is an ever-changing variety of displays and exhibitions. Almost every week a new exhibition opens or a new collection is put on display in one of the museums. No list would be complete without mentioning the Museum of Vojvodina, the Novi Sad City Museum, the Vojvodina Museum of Contemporary Art, the Matica Srpska Gallery, the Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection and the Rajko Mamuzić Gift Collection. All of these institutions guard a wealth of cultural heritage and attract a great number of both foreign visitors and locals.
Another trait of Novi Sad and its people is that they love to have a good time and party, and there are few months in the year when there is not some major event going on. Surely one of the best-known and attended is the EXIT Festival, held every July at the Petrovaradin Fortress. All of these events are popular among many visitors of the city which creates the spirit and relaxed atmosphere of Novi Sad.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that Novi Sad has a population of 400,000 and that it is one of the most promising cities in Serbia, if not the most promising, in terms of future economic development.
The three century-long tradition of this city is a matter of pride for its people, and its roots are visible wherever you go. This is one of those rare places where it is possible to live a lifestyle that is both peaceful and dynamic, a city made to suit its inhabitants. In this time of haste and modern communications, Novi Sad and its people continue to preserve their relaxed pace, the peacefulness and friendliness typical for the people living in the Pannonian Plain.
How to get to Novi Sad?
By plane: The nearest airport is Nikola Tesla International Airport near Belgrade, located some 70 kilometres to the south of Novi Sad. There are no direct bus lines, but you can get a taxi to Belgrade bus or train stations, or you can get on A1 mini bus which takes you directly to the stations. The price of the bus is 300 Dinars (about 2.5 Euros).
By bus: There are buses from Belgrade to Novi Sad almost on every 15 minutes. If you catch a direct bus (going on the highway), it takes you about 80 minutes to get to Novi Sad. The price of the bus is about 800 Dinars (7 Euros) Additionally, there are international buses that go to Novi Sad from central Europe.
By train: The railway system in Serbia is not the most reliable one. There are thirteen departures from Belgrade to Novi Sad per day. The train station in Belgrade is right next to the bus station. Additionally, there are international trains from Budapest to Novi Sad.
Local transport
Taxis
Taxis are quite cheap and a very popular form of transport in Novi Sad. It is best to make a phone call or hail one of the taxis that are situated on the plateau to the left of the main entrance of the Railway Station. It is a good idea to avoid taxis outside the plateau because they charge unrealistically high prices.
In most cases you will have to pay in cash, although some companies (Nacionalni taxi) take credit cards as well..
Bus service in Novi Sad
Bus/Train station – Center – University – 4, 11
Center – University – 4, 8
Center – Petrovaradin Fortress – 3, 9
Tickets can be bought on the bus from the bus driver (55 RSD).
In case you need further information, feel free to contact the Organizer.