Underrated European Cities That Are Cheaper and Less Crowded Than Paris

39. Novi Sad, Serbia – The Fortress City on the Danube

While Belgrade buzzes, Serbia’s second city, Novi Sad, offers a more laid-back yet equally vibrant cultural experience. Dominated by the magnificent Petrovaradin Fortress, which hosts the famous EXIT music festival, Novi Sad boasts a charming old town, beautiful parks, and a lively Danube riverfront. Known as the "Serbian Athens" for its historical role as a cultural hub, it’s a city of art galleries, theaters, and a youthful energy from its university. Affordable, friendly, and rich in Austro-Hungarian architecture, Novi Sad is a perfect base for exploring Serbia's Vojvodina region.