If you’re planning to travel to Novi Sad, Serbia’s second biggest city, why not check out the surrounding area as well?
Thankfully, there are plenty of fantastic day trips from Novi Sad!
From exploring the quirky and colorful Art Nouveau palaces of Subotica to enjoying a peaceful hike in nature at Fruska Gora National Park, tasting local wine in Sremski Karlovci, or even chilling in the desert (seriously!), there’s something for everyone in Vojvodina.
Ready to explore what Novi Sad’s neighbors have to offer? Let’s check it out!
ART NOUVEAU AND PLENTY OF CHARM IN SUBOTICA
Distance from Novi Sad: 105 km (65 mi)
If you only have time for one city, choose Subotica! There are so many words to describe Subotica, from artistic to colorful, quirky, charming … but let’s just call it a masterpiece. 
Known as the (other) darling of Northern Serbia, Subotica is right on the border between Serbia and Hungary. If you’re planning to travel to Hungary afterwards, this is an excellent stopping point.
The main attractions in Subotica are all of the gorgeous Art Nouveau buildings, from the famous Raichle Palace palace (seen above) to a seashell-shaped balcony, the multicolored town hall, and even a McDonalds that looks like it came from 1910!
Likewise, thanks to its location as a border town, Subotica enjoys a unique mix of Hungarian and Serbian influences. When we were there last time, we chatted up a local shopkeeper who was a fifth-generation Subottican and could speak Hungarian, Serbian, English, and Russian!
If you’re interested in visiting this Art Nouveau gem, check out my Subotica travel guide for everything you need to know. :)
Where to stay in Subotica:
📍Hotel Forum Garni — This hotel couldn’t be more central even if it tried — it’s located right between the historic Subotica Synagogue, City Hall, and Republic Square! Forum Garni has everything you need for a comfortable vacation, including spacious rooms (with a kitchenette!), complimentary breakfast, and free parking. BOOK HERE
📍Boki Apartmant This was where we stayed during our trip to Subotica, and it was the perfect way to get in the Art Nouveau mood that Subotica is famous for. Located a few minutes from the center, Boki is a cute little retro apartment with hints of grooviness from the 1970’s. Although it’s compact, Boki has everything you need — including plenty of guidebooks and pamphlets about what to see in Subotica! BOOK HERE
GO PALACE HOPPING AT ZRENJANIN
Distance from Novi Sad: 59 km (37 mi)
Although Zrenjanin is the third largest city in Vojvodina (just behind Novi Sad and Subotica), it’s still very much off the beaten track and not as famous as its bigger brothers.
Let’s change that!
Honestly, Zrenjanin is the best of both worlds: you get the beautiful pastel-colored buildings that are similar to those in Subotica and the wide avenues and European atmosphere of Novi Sad… and a few more bonuses that are unique to Zrenjanin!
As you find out more about the city, you’ll notice that Zrenjanin loves its palaces and castles.
Right in the middle of the city’s riverbank is Dundjerski Palace (Palata Dundjerski), whose cheerful yellow facade has brightened up Zrenjanin’s skyline for more than 100 years. The building was originally used as a brewery, but unfortunately the company fell into disrepair and abandoned the palace. However, not all is lost: the area around the palace is used for the yearly Zrenjanin beer festival. :)
Likewise, just seven kilometers north in the town of Ečka lies the Kaštel castle, a beautiful English-style complex that’s nearly 200 years old. When the castle first opened, the country’s finest aristocrats and the crème de la crème attended the housewarming party, as well as 9-year old child prodigy Franz Liszt, who later became a famous composer.
Over the years, royalty used the castle as a retreat, including Franz Ferdinand and Serbian heir to the throne Aleksandar Karadjordjevic. The castle was recently converted into a comfortable four-star hotel, and if you’re interested in seeing the inside, you can book a night at Kaštel Ečka.
Last but not least, Zrenjanin is famous for its confectioneries, delicious desserts, and cafes. One of the most unusual and interesting places in the city is Central Perk which — you guessed it — is a replica of the set from the TV show Friends. Who knows, maybe you’ll even see Joey or Phoebe there. :)
Where to stay in Zrenjanin:
📍Centar Lux 2 — This lovely guesthouse is located in the center of Zrenjanin (right around the corner from Dundjerski Palace!) and features a variety of rooms, a shared lounge and garden, and a friendly host who will tell you about the best spots in the city. BOOK HERE
📍Hotel Vojvodina — Although this hotel was founded in 1886, there’s nothing old about it: the rooms are decorated in a lovely modern design, there’s a delicious breakfast every morning, and there’s even an aperitif bar! BOOK HERE
SOMBOR: ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIES IN SERBIA
Distance from Novi Sad: 98 km (61 mi)
Only 1.5 hours north of Novi Sad is the quaint town of Sombor, or what I like to call Subotica’s biggest competitor. 
(Just kidding, I’m sure they’re BFFs)
Seriously, look at that charm! It’s no wonder why Sombor is regularly called one of the most beautiful cities in Serbia, don’t you think?
The town itself is fairly small (there are only 50-something thousand inhabitants), but it sure manages to pack a lot into its perimeter. Don’t forget to check out the City Hall, stroll through the park, or catch a play at the gorgeous National Theatre.
If you’re a foodie and/or visiting Sombor in a car, I highly recommend making the 10-minute drive out to Sedam Dudova Salas — your tastebuds will thank you! Sedam Dudova (Seven Mulberries) serves traditional Vojvodina cuisine with a gastronomic twist in a beautiful outdoor space. In fact, Sedam Dudova was listed as one of the best restaurants in Serbia!
Where to stay in Sombor:
📍Apartment Penthouse Festina Lente — Honestly, this is one of the most beautiful accommodations in this blog post (and probably in all of Serbia) 
The penthouse is a beautiful split level apartment that features a modern design (worthy of any architecture magazine!), spacious digs, and a jaw-dropping view of the city. BOOK HERE
📍Hotel Barcode Wellness & Spa — Barcode is a recently-built hotel and spa that has luxurious rooms (marble, neutral colors, and smart technology!), welcoming staff, and an amazing wellness area (sauna, gym, and pool included). BOOK HERE
VISIT THE WINE CAPITAL OF SERBIA: SREMSKI KARLOVCI
Distance from Novi Sad: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Do you love to try local wines when traveling? Then keep reading, you’ll also love this next spot.
But first, a little bit of history: back in the 19th century, the Balkans were famed European wine producers… that is, until the entire region had a bout of vineyard infestations, then war, and finally stagnation from a new government.
Although it had a series of bad luck, Serbia is trying to change its fate with a new generation of vineyards and winemakers — and you can check them out in Sremski Karlovci!
Nestled between the Fruska Gora National Park and the bank of the Danube River is this hidden gem. There’s a joke that every household has their own wine cellar in Sremski Karlovci, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s actually true. The entire town is proud of its winemaking heritage and wants to share it with the world.
The most famous ‘local’ from Sremski Karlovci is none other than bermet, a wine that has around 17% alcohol and can be used as an aperitif or dessert wine. Locals note that bermet is the stuff of legends, as it’s reported that this delicious drink was served in both the royal palace of Vienna and the Titanic!
Even though some basic information about bermet is known — such as that it’s made of red or white grapes and a mix of about 20 different herbs — the exact recipe is a closely-guarded secret that’s passed down from generations in winemaking families. 🤫
Interested in checking it out for yourself? Good news: Sremski Karlovci is only a 15-minute taxi ride from the center of Novi Sad and makes for a great day trip. If you’re visiting during the end of April, don’t miss the Spring Festival of Wine. Otherwise, you can spend the entire day hopping between wineries, trying new flavors, and picking out souvenirs.
Here are some wineries to add to your itinerary: Dulka Winery, Winery Dosen, and Winery Mrdjanin. If you’re short on time, Bermet Villa restaurant also has a fantastic assortment of local wines.
Besides wine, don’t miss some other interesting attractions in Sremski Karlovci, like the beautiful red and yellow building that was the first high school founded in Serbia (Karlovci Gymnasium), the Fountain of the Four Lions (Trg Branka Radičevića) and the Chapel of Peace (Католичка капела Госпе од мира).
Where to stay in Sremski Karlovci:
📍Lala Vineyard Glamping Resort — If you saw my Unique Hotels in Serbia blog post, you might recognize this place, but I had to include it one more time because it’s so amazing! BOOK HERE
📍Premier Prezident Garni Hotel and Spa — This opulently-decorated hotel features intricate fabrics, gold accents, plenty of Renaissance-style portraits, crystal chandeliers, and much more. Think of it as a mini Serbian Versailles! BOOK HERE
RECHARGE IN NATURE AT FRUŠKA GORA
Distance from Novi Sad: 22 km (13.5 mi)
Remember how I mentioned Fruška Gora above? Why not add it to your itinerary as well!
Just 20 kilometers south of Novi Sad you’ll find one of five Serbian national parks (check out my Tara NP post for another one!), which offers the perfect chance to get in touch with nature and enjoy the fresh air.
Although you might think of lush forests, azure lakes, and massive mountains rising from the horizon when you see the words national park, Fruška Gora is a little different. Yes, it has rolling hills and forests, but it’s also fairly flat and home to 16 different monasteries.
You read that right: this compact little national park fits more than a dozen unique and interesting monasteries! How cool is that?
Perhaps the most famous is Krušedol Monastery, which was constructed in the 15th century and is still in use to this day (as a female monastery). Travelers from all over Serbia visit Fruška Gora NP to check out this beautiful red, white, and orange building complex.
Looking for the full list of monasteries at Fruska Gora? They include the following: Privina Glava, Divša, Kuveždin, Mala Remeta, Beočin, Rakovac, Jazak, Vrdnik, Petkovica, Šišatovac, Bešenovo, Staro Hopovo, Novo Hopovo, Grgeteg and Velika Remeta.
Speaking of which… If you’re planning to spend one or more days traversing through the park, I highly recommend checking out this very neat interactive map that shows you all of the attractions in Fruska Gora.
Where to stay in Fruska Gora:
📍Zvuk Tišine — If you’re looking for peace and quiet on your trip to Fruska Gora, you’ll find it here. The name of this super cute A-frame cabin literally translates to “the sound of silence” and is located on the outskirts of the national park, and a short drive from Novi Sad. BOOK HERE
📍Holiday Home Jazacka Bajka — These traditional Serbian cottages have everything you need for your trip, including a kitchen, parking, and garden. BOOK HERE
UNPLUG AT A SPA IN VRDNIK
Distance from Novi Sad: 25 km (15.5 mi)
Fruska Gora’s entry was getting a little long, so I split it up into 2 parts. :)
If you prefer to spend your vacation relaxing and recharging (*high five*), then you’ll love this next idea.
Around the foothills of Fruska Gora, there are thermal spring waters that are alleged to have healing effects. Constantly hovering around a pleasant 30C (86 F), the waters are used in pools, jacuzzis, and water therapy to treat skin, lung, and bone conditions.
If you’re looking to enjoy a spa day, check out these hotels:
📍Spa Resort & Hotel Fruške Terme — Featuring 5 different sauna rooms, a salt therapy cave, tepidarium, and a long list of massages, facial treatments, and more. BOOK HERE
📍Hotel Borkovac — Nestled in a secluded forest, Borkovac lets visitors connect with nature thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, a glass pool overlooking the pine forest, and complimentary bike rentals to check out the nearby lake. BOOK HERE
EXPERIENCE SERBIAN HOSPITALITY AT A SALAŠ
Distance from Novi Sad: Varies
If you’re looking to experience rural Serbia — away from the noise and fast-paced lifestyle of big cities — then you should definitely look into staying at a salaš!
Simply put, a salaš is a type of farmstead. Salaš is borrowed from the Hungarian “szállás,” which means accommodation or house. In Serbia, a salaš is a small farm complex that’s similar to a ranch.
It’s no surprise why salaš can be found all over Vojvodina — the region is famous for its rich soil and agricultural heritage and, naturally, a great fit for farmers.
Over the past few years, more and more salaš have opened their doors to curious travelers who want to have a peek at traditional Serbian life.
Guests can enjoy typical elements of agro-tourism, such as tending to the animals, enjoying homemade food from a traditional brick oven, and experiencing a simpler way of living.
If you want to visit a salaš, here are some great places to start. :)
Although it doesn’t offer accommodations, Salaš Lujza has some of the best locally-sourced and homemade food in Serbia! Definitely stop by if you’re near Zrenjanin. The same can be said for Sedam Dudova Salas, which is near Sombor.
SUMMIT UP TO VRŠAC
Distance from Novi Sad: 150 km (93 mi)
You won’t find Vršac in many guide books, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting. In fact, it’s probably better that this charming town remains off the beaten path.
Vršac could be described in many different words, but famed Serbian intellectual Jovan Popović Sterija put it succinctly: “Vršac, beautiful town.”
With such a way with words, it’s no wonder why he was the country’s most famous playwright, poet, and philosopher (he was also born in Vršac, but that’s another story )
Vršac, which means summit in old Slavic, certainly lives up to its name. The mountains around the city (the aptly-named Vršac Mountains) offer a fantastic opportunity to do some hiking at over 600+ meters (1,970 ft).
For something a little less strenuous, consider walking up (or taking a taxi) to Vršac Castle, which has an awesome view of the surrounding city.
Where to stay in Vršac:
📍Apartments 135 — Located in a quiet neighborhood, Apartments 135 is a cute guesthouse that offers stylish double, twin, or studio apartments. As a bonus, there’s also a bike storage, comfortable beds, and a friendly host. BOOK HERE
📍Hotel Villa Breg — Nestled on the side of Vršac Hill, Villa Breg is a luxurious 4-star hotel that features an indoor and outdoor pool that overlooks the city, a restaurant and bar, and gym. BOOK HERE
LEARN ABOUT SERBIA’S TONY STARK AT PANČEVO
Distance from Novi Sad: 112 km (70 mi) — close to Belgrade
Even though Pancevo is often overshadowed by its bigger neighbors, this dynamic city is a great place to stop and explore for a few hours.
In fact, one of the first things that you’ll probably notice is the unusual mishmash of architecture. Thanks to its versatility and multifaceted buildings, Pančevo has attracted filmmakers from around the world who come here to shoot their movies. That’s why it gained the title of Film City among the locals!
Okay, that’s great, you might wonder, so what should I see in Pančevo?
I would recommend starting off in the heart of the city: at Trg Đorđa Vajferta (Georg Vajfert Square), because here you’ll be able to understand the history behind Pančevo.
The square was named after Georg Weifert (Đorđe Vajfert), who was born in the city and an olden day Tony Stark. Seriously, this guy was it: he founded the first brewery in the Kingdom of Serbia, used that money to buy a coal mine, then a copper mine, and finally a gold mine.
But that’s not all! He was appointed Governor of the National Bank of Serbia and, thanks to his mines, became the richest man in Serbia.
But wait again, there’s more! Georg wasn’t satisfied being rich — he wanted to be rich and nice, so he built (among other things), a foundation that cared for deaf children, a medical clinic for women and children, and donated money to construct the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Belgrade. During the first Balkan War, Georg paid for 60,000 loaves of bread, which were given to the poorest families in Belgrade.
… And that’s not all. Georg was such a badass that he even went and volunteered during the Serbian-Ottoman War, which he received an order of bravery for.
Oh, and did I mention his regal face graces the 1,000 Dinar bill? I wasn’t kidding when I said he was the original Tony Stark. This guy is so cool!
Anyway, I’m getting a little carried away with history. What I’m trying to say is that you can’t mention Pančevo without talking about Georg, because his legacy is everywhere.
Just a few meters away from the square is Weifert’s Brewery (Вајфертова пивара), an abandoned brewery that used to belong to Georg’s family. Although it hasn’t been used in many years, urbex explorers will love poking around. If you’re lucky, you can ask the cafe next door and they may have someone show you around.
Across town, the Church of Saint Anne (built in honor of Weifert’s mother) is a lovely place to stop and see the colorful mosaics on the windows.
Other interesting places to check out include the colorful Gimnazija Uros Predic and the beautiful historic murals atop the People’s Bank (the building next to the Банка Поштанска штедионица). If it’s nice outside, take a stroll along the Tamis river — just type in Tamis Quay into Google Maps to get there.
Where to stay in Pančevo:
📍Hotel Grand Hedonist — You’ll feel like a hedonist (in the nicest way possible) at this hotel! Set in a historic European-style building, Grand Hedonist’s stylish rooms are decorated with portraits of famous Serbians and have a spacious design. BOOK HERE
📍Hotel Borneo — Recently opened in 2021, Borneo is located near the central square and has beautiful modern rooms, an open terrace, and restaurant. BOOK HERE
FEEL HISTORY COME ALIVE AT BAČ FORTRESS
Distance from Novi Sad: 63 km (40 mi)
Fans of medieval history, this one’s for you!
No trip to Vojvodina is complete without visiting Bač Fortress, which is the largest and best preserved fort in the region.
Built in the mid-1300s, Bačka Fortress is set on a former island that was surrounded by the Tisza-Danube river and was given the name Water Town because it could only be accessed by drawbridges.
The walls of the fortress have certainly witnessed plenty of history, especially if you take into consideration that many kingdoms and governments took control of the area, starting with the Kingdom of Hungary, then the Ottoman Empire, the Habsburg Monarchy, and finally the Kingdom of Yugoslavia followed. The fortress was badly damaged in the 1700s and abandoned until 1948, when it became a cultural monument.
Nowadays, the fortress is part of UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage Sites and makes for a fantastic day trip from Novi Sad.
VISIT THE DESERT AT DELIBLATSKA PEŠČARA
Distance from Novi Sad: 155 km (96 mi) — close to Belgrade
Have you ever wondered what would happen if the Sahara Desert were to blow into Europe?
Now you don’t even have to guess — just check out the Deliblatska Peščara!
This is definitely one of the coolest (and most unusual) attractions in Vojvodina, especially when you consider that
a) it’s a literal desert in the middle of Europe, and
b) it was formed during the Ice Age
Seriously! Back in the day, the wind blew so much sand from the banks of the Danube that it created the modern-day Deliblatska Peščara, which has an area that covers more than 300 square kilometers.
Nowadays, people come to check out the sand (or as Serbians call it, the ‘European Sahara’), enjoy the yearly gathering of a local artist colony, or hike around the area.
If you’re planning to visit the Deliblatska Peščara, you can check out Vršac and Pancevo on your trip, since both are within an hour’s drive.
Where to stay near Deliblatska Peščara:
📍Kastel Marijeta — Located on the outskirts of the Deliblatska Peščara desert, Marijeta castle offers a traditional local accommodation, complete with a beautiful garden, terrace, and beautiful antique furniture throughout the house (check out the kitchen!) BOOK HERE
📍Ladybird Lodge — Is it just me, or does this look like a cottagecore fairytale? Ladybird Lodge is a sweet wooden cabin that’s close to the Danube River (and inside the Peščara reserve!) that can hold up to 6 guests. BOOK HERE
HOW TO GET AROUND VOJVODINA
As you can see by the variety in this list, the region of Vojvodina offers anything and everything.
From beautiful emerald forests to relaxing spa escapes, gastronomic delights, and undiscovered treasures, there’s something for everyone here. In fact, you could spend a few months making your way through the region and still not scratch the surface!
One of the biggest questions you still might have is, how do I get around Vojvodina?
I tried to compile this list of day trips with different modes of transport in mind, including places that are easily accessible by bus or train (Subotica, Sombor, Pančevo) or on a guided tour (the wineries of Sremski Karlovci).
However, if you want to see some of the ‘out there’ destinations — like staying at a salaš farm or visiting the sand dunes of Deliblatska Peščara — you’ll most likely need to rent a car.
Although it might sound scary to drive in another country (that’s what I thought before I drove in Turkey!), it’s actually very easy and stress-free.
Serbia has excellent roads and well-marked signs everywhere, and, in case you need some help from Google Maps, there is fantastic internet coverage so that you can get up-to-date directions.
If you’re planning to rent a car in Serbia, I recommend checking out RentalCars. We booked through this site when planning our West Serbia road trip and had a great experience. Best of all, they have multiple car rental companies in Novi Sad. :)
With that, I hope this post inspired you to take a day trip (or two) from Novi Sad! Let me know which places you liked the most, and if there are any that I missed. Happy travels!
Photo Credit: Zrenjanin – Mister No (Wikipedia) | Sombor – Sarah Simpson | Sremski Karlovci – Ванилица (Wikipedia) | Fruska Gora – Epistola8 (Wikipedia) | Vrdnik – Hotel Borkovac | Salas – Jelen Salas | Vrsac – Jorge Láscar (Wikipedia) | Pancevo – Unknown (Wikipedia) | Bac Fortress – Pudelek (Wikipedia) | Deliblatska Pescara – Isidora Filipovic (Wikipedia)
Oooo it’s soooo interesting. Thank you so much:)