Things To Do
in Novi Bečej

Novi Bečej is a small river town in the Bačka region of Vojvodina, Serbia, perched along the Tisa River. Its landscape features flat, fertile plains, wide skies, and a tranquil pace that invites relaxed exploration. The town reflects a multiethnic heritage with Serbian, Hungarian, and Roma influences visible in architecture, food, and local customs.

Visitors can enjoy riverside strolls, markets, churches, and warm hospitality that define everyday life here.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day by wandering through the charming streets of Novi Bečej, where you can admire the beautiful architecture that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps pick up some fresh produce or handmade crafts. Don’t forget to stop by the Church of St. George, a stunning example of Baroque architecture that offers insight into the town’s rich history.

afternoon
:

After enjoying a leisurely lunch at a local café, head to the Bečej Fortress, where you can explore its ancient walls and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Spend some time at the nearby park, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and perhaps enjoying a book or a leisurely stroll. As the afternoon sun begins to set, visit the local art galleries showcasing the work of Serbian artists.

evening
:

In the evening, dine at a traditional Serbian restaurant where you can savor local dishes such as sarma and ajvar. After dinner, take a peaceful walk along the banks of the Tisza River, where you can watch the sunset paint the sky in vibrant colors. End your day with a nightcap at a cozy bar, enjoying the sounds of live music or local conversations.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife Exploration
morning
:

Begin your morning with a guided birdwatching tour in the nearby wetlands, where you can spot a variety of migratory birds and learn about the local ecosystem. With binoculars in hand, take in the stunning views of the tranquil water and lush greenery. The fresh morning air and the sounds of nature will invigorate your spirit.

afternoon
:

After a morning filled with exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the many scenic spots along the riverbank. In the afternoon, take a kayak or canoe out on the water, experiencing the serene beauty of the Tisza River from a different perspective. Paddle at your own pace while soaking up the natural surroundings and perhaps catching sight of local wildlife.

evening
:

As evening falls, return to shore and head to a local eatery to enjoy a hearty dinner featuring river fish specialties. After your meal, take a twilight stroll along the river, enjoying the calming sounds of water lapping against the shore. Consider engaging with local fishermen to hear their stories and learn about fishing traditions in the region.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee in a cafe$2-3
🥗Three-course meal for two$25-40
🏨One-night stay in mid-range hotel$40-90
🛒Milk (1 liter)$0.80-1.20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm, small-town charm with river access
  • Affordability and easy day trips to nearby towns
  • Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale attractions
  • Public transport options can be intermittent
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gde je..." - Where is...
  • "Izvinite" - Excuse me

Places to Visit in Novi Bečej

Visit one of these nice places.

Tisa Riverbank at sunset

Golden light over the wide river and calm water with boats and tree-lined banks makes for serene landscape and reflection shots.

Novi Bečej town center

Pastel-colored façades, a compact square, and a mix of architectural styles provide classic shutter opportunities.

Local church and square

A quiet religious structure framed by old streets, perfect for capturing street life and architectural details.

Riverside path and pedestrian bridge

A simple bridge and green walkway ideal for candid portraits and long-exposure water shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Novi Bečej

Novi Bečej sits in nutrient-rich plains that support hearty, farm-to-table cooking. Expect simple, flavorful dishes centered on meat, fish from the Tisa, dairy, and seasonal vegetables, all enjoyed with bread and regional wines or rakija.

Novi Bečej Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Bački paprikaš

A rustic meat stew finished with paprika and aromatics, often served with polenta or bread.

Must-Try!

Čevapčići

Grilled minced meat sausages served with onions, flatbread, and ajvar.

Gibanica

A savory cheese and egg strudel pastry, perfect for a quick bite or shared plate.

Riblja čorba

Fish soup or stew using freshwater Tisa fish, brightened with herbs and paprika.

Kajmak with bread

Creamy dairy spread served with rustic bread and sometimes paired with peppers or onions.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Gradska pijaca Novi Bečej

Daily market where you can buy fresh produce, cheeses, meats, bread, and seasonal specialties; great for tasting local snacks.

Street food corners

Casual stalls offering ćevapi, pljeskavica, burek, and fritters near the riverside or central squares.

Climate Guide

Weather

The town experiences a continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and mild springs and autumns. Rain is possible year-round, with the heaviest summer showers typically in July and August.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake with eye contact is common when meeting someone. Address people with formal titles until invited to use first names.

Religion and spaces

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; speak gently inside churches and mosques, and follow local etiquette when entering sacred spaces.

Mealtime manners

Wait for elders to start eating in more traditional settings; bread and dairy products are common elements at meals.

Safety Guide

Safety

Novi Bečej is generally safe for visitors. Common-sense precautions apply: keep valuables secure, especially in crowded markets, and be mindful when swimming in natural waters and near the river after dark.

Tipping in Novi Bečej

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is customary but not obligatory. If service is good and no service charge is included, 5-10% is typical in restaurants and cafes.

Payment methods

Cash (Serbian dinars) is widely accepted, as are debit and most major credit cards in town centers and restaurants. Turkish lira and similar currencies are rarely accepted; contactless payments are becoming common in larger establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot days with occasional thundershowers; stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and take advantage of riverside breezes.

Autumn

Pleasant, mild days with colorful foliage; great for outdoor markets, cycling, and walks along the river.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; indoor cultural venues and cafes are cozy refuges; layer up for outdoor strolls.

Spring

Mild temperatures with fresh greenery and budding trees; ideal for photo walks and outdoor markets.

Nightlife Guide

Novi Bečej at Night

Novi Bečej’s nightlife is low-key and friendly. Expect cozy bars, riverside cafes, and occasional live music or small performances, especially in summer when terraces fill with locals and visitors.

Hiking in Novi Bečej

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Fruška Gora National Park

Rolling hills with forested trails, monasteries, and viewpoints, roughly 60-80 km from Novi Bečej; a popular day trip for hiking and nature.

Vršac Mountains

Scenic slopes to the northeast offering longer hikes, scenic overlooks, and vineyards; accessible within a couple of hours by road.

Tisa Riverbank Trails

Riverside walking and light trekking along the Tisa provide easy-to-moderate hiking with birdwatching opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Novi Bečej by plane.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)

Main international hub for Serbia; approximately 165-190 km by road from Novi Bečej, with regular domestic and international connections.

Osijek International Airport (OSI)

Nearby in Croatia; serves several European destinations and offers a practical alternative for travelers heading to western Vojvodina, about 120-150 km away.

Timisoara Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR)

In western Romania; additional option for regional travel with connections to European cities, roughly 180-210 km away.

Getting Around

Walkability

Novi Bečej is compact and walkable in the town center, with most sights close to each other. Sidewalks are common, though occasional streets may have uneven surfaces, so watch your step in older areas.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Serbs

Major ethnic group in the town; culturally traditional with strong community ties.

Hungarians

Historical influence in the region reflected in some bilingual signs and local cultural mixes.

Roma

A vibrant minority with its own traditions and community activities.

Other

Smaller communities from across Serbia and neighboring regions contribute to the town’s diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular team and amateur matches can be found in local clubs and regional leagues.

Basketball

Interest in indoor and outdoor basketball grows during the colder months and in community centers.

Handball

A traditional sport with local clubs and youth programs in the region.

Cycling

Flat countryside makes cycling a popular activity for locals and visitors alike.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Novi Bečej is typically light within town limits. Regional connections to Zrenjanin, Novi Sad, and Belgrade operate mainly by bus; car travel is straightforward, and rail service is more limited. In peak hours, rural roads can get busier near market days or events.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Novi Bečej.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options include dumplings, gibanica, salads, roasted vegetables, and dairy-based dishes; communicate clearly with servers about avoiding meat stocks and broths.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in town through local clinics; for more advanced care, regional hospitals in nearby larger towns (e.g., Zrenjanin or Novi Sad) are typically used. Carry necessary insurance information and a list of medications if needed.

Discover Serbia

Read more in our Serbia 2025 Travel Guide.

Serbia Travel Guide