Novi Sad: The Serene Heart of Serbia

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jeh-nyah]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Eez-vee-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Da li govorite engleski?
  [Dah lee goh-voh-ree-teh ehn-gleh-skee?]
• I don't understandNe razumem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih meni, molim
  [Moh-lee-oh bee meh-nee, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živeli!
  [Zhee-veh-lee!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim da platim, molim
  [Zheh-leem dah plah-teem, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-mohch!]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh!]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo!]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah!]
• I'm lostIzgubio sam se
  [Eez-goo-byoh sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želeo bih da kupim...
  [Zheh-leh-oh bee dah koo-peem...]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh kohs-tah?]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [Toh yeh preh-vee-sheh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tseh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-seht)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Yoo-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Gde je...
  [Gdeh yeh...]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li da mi pokažete (na mapi)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee dah mee poh-kah-zheh-teh (nah mah-pee)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedna karta (za ....)
  [Yeh-dnah kahr-tah (zah ....)]

Novi Sad was officially founded in 1694, when Serb merchants established a settlement across the Danube from the Petrovaradin fortress. The strategic location on the river facilitated trade and helped the town grow into a bustling commercial hub.

The Petrovaradin Fortress, often called the 'Gibraltar of the Danube,' dates back to the Roman era but was significantly expanded by the Habsburgs in the 17th and 18th centuries. The fortress played a crucial role in defending against Ottoman invasions and has a labyrinthine network of tunnels stretching over 16 kilometers.

During the Revolutions of 1848, Novi Sad was a key battleground. The city was heavily bombarded by the Hungarian army, resulting in significant destruction. The aftermath saw Novi Sad being rebuilt and gaining a reputation as a center of Serbian culture and political thought.

By the late 19th century, Novi Sad had become known as the 'Serbian Athens' due to its vibrant cultural scene. Institutions like Matica Srpska, the oldest Serbian cultural and scientific institution, were established, fostering an environment of intellectual and artistic growth.

World War I had a profound impact on Novi Sad. The city, part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was transferred to the newly formed Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later Yugoslavia, following the Treaty of Trianon in 1920. This shift marked a new era in the city's development.

During World War II, Novi Sad was occupied by Axis forces. The city witnessed atrocities, including the infamous 1942 Novi Sad Razzia, where Hungarian forces executed thousands of Serbs, Jews, and Roma. Liberation came in 1944 with the advance of the Red Army and Yugoslav Partisans.

In the post-war period, Novi Sad underwent rapid industrialization. The establishment of factories and modernization of infrastructure transformed the city into an industrial and economic powerhouse within Yugoslavia. This period also saw significant urban expansion and population growth.

During the Kosovo War in 1999, Novi Sad was heavily bombed by NATO forces, targeting key infrastructure such as bridges, factories, and the oil refinery. The bombing caused widespread damage and had a lasting impact on the city's economy and development.

Today, Novi Sad is a vibrant, multicultural city known for its festivals, including the world-renowned EXIT music festival held at the Petrovaradin Fortress. As the European Capital of Culture for 2022, Novi Sad continues to celebrate its rich history while embracing a modern, dynamic future.

Novi Sad is easily accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG), located approximately 80 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Novi Sad. Additionally, Novi Sad is well-connected by train and bus services from major Serbian cities and neighboring countries. The city lies along the E75 highway, making it convenient for those traveling by car.

Novi Sad has a well-organized public transportation system, primarily consisting of buses. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or directly from the driver. Taxis are also readily available and relatively affordable. For a more flexible option, consider renting a bicycle, as the city is bike-friendly with numerous cycling paths. Walking is another great way to explore the city's compact center.

The official currency in Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Novi Sad, making it easy to withdraw cash as needed. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and public transportation.

Novi Sad is generally considered a safe city for tourists. Standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to be vigilant. The neighborhoods of Liman and Rotkvarija are known for being particularly safe and welcoming.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which will connect you to police, fire, and medical services. The main hospital in Novi Sad is the Clinical Center of Vojvodina, which provides comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. Having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is highly recommended.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Casual attire is acceptable in most other places. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious settings. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; a friendly 'Zdravo' (Hello) is commonly used. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept hospitality graciously. Don't leave food on your plate, as it may be seen as wasteful.

To experience Novi Sad like a local, visit the vibrant farmers' market at Futoška pijaca, where you can buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Spend an evening at one of the kafanas (traditional restaurants) to enjoy live music and authentic Serbian cuisine. Don't miss the Petrovaradin Fortress, which offers stunning views of the Danube River and the city. For a unique cultural experience, attend the EXIT Festival, one of Europe's largest music festivals held every July.