Novi Sad sits on the Danube, with the flat streets of the old town on the left bank and the Petrovaradin Fortress rising on the right bank opposite. The city is the capital of Vojvodina and has a long history as a trading and cultural centre, which shows in its mix of architecture and its lively central streets.
For a visitor, the practical question is which side of the river to base yourself on. The left bank holds the historic core, the pedestrian zone, the main square and most of the bars and restaurants. The right bank holds Petrovaradin and Sremska Kamenica, reached by crossing the Danube.
1. Central Novi Sad (around the main square and pedestrian zone)
This is the historic core on the left bank, where the pedestrian zone, the main city square and the densest concentration of bars and restaurants are found. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk to the sights, eat and drink without needing transport at the end of the evening.
Accommodation here ranges from small hostels to comfortable apartments and mid-range hotels, often on or just off the pedestrian streets. The practical advantage is that you are already in the middle of things; the trade-off is that central rooms can be noisier at night because of the nearby bars.
2. Around the main train and bus station
The area near the main train and bus station, on Bulevar Oslobođenja and the streets around it, is the most convenient base if you are arriving or leaving by public transport or using the city as a stopover. It suits budget travellers and anyone with an early departure.
You will find hostels and larger hotels here, some directly across from the station. The centre is reachable on foot or by a short ride, so you are not cut off from the old town, but the immediate surroundings are more about transit than about atmosphere.
3. Petrovaradin (right bank, at the fortress)
Petrovaradin sits on the right bank of the Danube, on the site of the fortress that predates the city itself. Staying here means being up on the fortress side, with views back across the river toward Novi Sad. It suits travellers who want a quieter base and don't mind crossing the Danube to reach the old town.
Accommodation on this side is limited and tends toward the upper end, including rooms and apartments within the fortress complex. The practical point is the river: you are separated from the pedestrian zone and main square, so plan on crossing the bridge rather than walking out your door into the centre.
4. Sremska Kamenica (right bank, beyond Petrovaradin)
Sremska Kamenica is a separate town on the right bank that forms part of the wider urban area of Novi Sad, lying toward the slopes of Fruška Gora. It suits travellers with a car or those who prefer a residential setting away from the centre.
This is not a sightseeing base in the same way as the old town; you are relying on transport to reach the left-bank sights. Treat it as an option if you want space and quiet and are comfortable commuting into the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Hostels and simple guest accommodation, mostly in the centre and near the main train and bus station, with dorm beds and some private double rooms.
- Mid-range: Comfortable apartments and small hotels, often in the centre within walking distance of the pedestrian zone, with breakfast and Wi-Fi commonly included.
- Splurge: Larger hotels and upscale rooms, including options on the Petrovaradin fortress side with views across the river, and properties with parking and fitness facilities.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in central Novi Sad, around the main square and pedestrian zone. You are within walking distance of the bars, restaurants and the historic core, and the river and fortress are a short trip away rather than a daily commute. It is the simplest base for getting oriented before deciding whether to spend time on the right bank.
Should I stay on the left bank or the right bank?
The left bank, in central Novi Sad, puts you in the pedestrian zone and near the main square, with the most bars and restaurants. The right bank, at Petrovaradin and Sremska Kamenica, is quieter and separated from the centre by the Danube, so you cross the river to reach the old town.
Where should I stay if I arrive by train or bus?
The area around the main train and bus station on the left bank is the most practical, with hostels and hotels close by, including some directly across from the station. The centre is a short walk or ride away.
Is central Novi Sad noisy at night?
The centre is where the bars and restaurants are concentrated, so rooms close to the pedestrian zone can be affected by nightlife. If quiet matters to you, look at the edges of the centre or across the river.
Do I need a car to stay in Sremska Kamenica?
It helps. Sremska Kamenica is a separate town within the wider urban area on the right bank, so you rely on transport to reach the left-bank sights rather than walking to them.
Compare live prices for the areas above using the booking tools on this page before you decide.