[Explore the Balkan Pearl] Novi Sad Serbia's most worthwhile niche travel

A literary secret place on the Danube River As the second largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad shines as the "Athens of Serbia". It is not only the favorite university town for European students, but also listed as one of the top ten best travel cities in 2022 by Lonely Planet thanks to the Petrovaradin Fortress. It is only a 1.5-hour drive from the capital, perfectly connecting an in-depth tour of the Balkan Peninsula. 🌟Top 5 must-visit places 1️⃣ Petrovaradin Fortress｜Gate of Time and Space → The largest existing military fortress in Europe (built between 1692 and 1780) → Climb to the top and overlook the wonder of the three colors of the Danube River → Secret Passage Experience: 1.6 km underground corridor 📌Tips: The Exit Music Festival venue transforms every Friday night, summer only! 2️⃣ Cathedral of the Name of Mary｜Neo-Gothic Cathedral √ The spire is 72 meters high, and the stained glass depicts the legends of saints √ Organ Concert: 15:00 every first Sunday of every month ⚠️ Visitors please note: Ladies are required to wear headscarves (provided at the entrance) 3️⃣ Freedom Square｜Open-air Museum ◼️ Surrounded by three landmarks: City Hall / Bishop's Palace / National Theatre ◼️ Hidden gem: Smoked venison sausage at Trpeza restaurant ◻️ Saturday Creative Market: Handmade Copperware and Traditional Slivovitz Plum Wine 4️⃣ Varadin Bridge｜Steel Rainbow ◇ Legend of World War II: Self-destruction to stop the German army in 1941 ◇ Best photo spot: Strazilovo viewing platform on the river bank ◇ Night view: Light show every Wednesday/Saturday at 21:00 5️⃣ Red Wine Tunnel｜Underground Treasures 🍷 170-year-old family winery Vinarija Kovačević 🍇 Must-try wine: Bermet sweet wine (once supplied to the Titanic) 🕒 Experience: DIY bartending workshop (appointment required) 🚗 Golden Route Planning D1 Belgrade (Church of Saint Sava + Kalemegdan Fortress) D2 In-depth tour of Novi Sad (fortress + cathedral + red wine tasting) D3 Danube Ecological Day (Kovo Monastery + Lake Palic) D4 Explore the small town of Zemun before returning (Gardoshta sunset) 💡 Things to know before you go ✅ Visa: 30 days visa-free (with ordinary passport) 💰 Consumption: Coffee ≈ 8 yuan, dinner ≈ 50 yuan 🚌 Transportation: There are 15 buses to Beicheng every day (fare ≈ 35 yuan) 📷 Best season: Rose Festival in May / Exit Music Festival in July “Touching the bullet marks from the 17th century on the fortress walls and listening to poets reciting in the century-old café, this is the magic of Novi Sad – turning every corner into a line of poetry.”