The four options
1. Petrovaradin and Gradić (the fortress side)
Gradić is the baroque Lower Town directly beneath the fortress. You walk up to the festival in minutes and walk down again at sunrise without crossing the river. From Petra’s Loft the EXIT entrance is about a 7-minute walk. The trade-off is that properties here are few, so they book first and cost more during festival week.
2. Novi Sad city centre
The pedestrian centre around Trg Slobode and Zmaj Jovina has the most restaurants, bars and hotels. The walk to the gates is about 25–40 minutes across the Varadin Bridge, plus the climb. After the festival the bridge is crowded and taxis are scarce, so most people walk.
3. Liman
Liman is the residential district south of the centre, near the university and the Štrand beach. It is quieter and usually cheaper, but it is 40–50 minutes on foot from the festival, so you will depend on taxis or festival shuttles.
4. The festival campsite
EXIT normally runs an official campsite with shuttle buses. It is the cheapest option and the most social, but sleep is short, showers are shared, and you have nowhere to cook or store things safely. The location and rules change by edition.
Side-by-side comparison
Noise and sleep
Sound from the main stages carries over Gradić at night during festival week. Inside a closed apartment it becomes a low background bass; light sleepers should bring earplugs. In the centre and Liman you hear very little, but you trade that for a long walk home. Outside festival week, Gradić is one of the quietest neighbourhoods in Novi Sad.
From the host
When to book
Fortress-side apartments usually sell out four to six months before the festival. Book as soon as the dates are announced, check the minimum stay for festival week, and read the house rules on guests and late check-in before you pay.
Practical information
Gates, shuttles, campsite location and festival dates change every year. Check the official EXIT channels before you travel.
For walking access, security and post-festival tips, read our EXIT Festival guide. Arriving by plane? See Belgrade Airport to Novi Sad.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Petra’s Loft from the EXIT Festival entrance?
About 7 minutes on foot. The loft is at Štrosmajerova 9 in Gradić, directly below the fortress, so there is no bridge to cross and no taxi needed after the last set.
Is Petrovaradin noisy during EXIT?
Yes, the music carries over Gradić at night during the festival. Inside a closed apartment it is muffled; earplugs help light sleepers. Outside festival week the neighbourhood is very quiet.
Is it better to stay in Novi Sad city centre for EXIT?
The centre suits guests who want restaurants and nightlife between festival nights. Expect a 25–40 minute walk to the gates across the Varadin Bridge, or a taxi that may be slow near closed roads.
How early should I book accommodation for EXIT?
Apartments near the fortress are usually booked four to six months ahead. Book as soon as the festival dates are announced.
Is there a campsite at EXIT?
EXIT usually runs an official campsite with shuttle connections. Its location and rules change by edition, so check the official EXIT website.
Seasonal · July
EXIT Festival from Petra’s Loft
A practical local guide to attending EXIT Festival while staying in Petrovaradin — walking access, noise, security, transport, preparation and post-festival tips.
Read the guide
Getting here
Getting from Belgrade Airport to Novi Sad and Petrovaradin
Taxi and private transfer, bus via Belgrade, and the fast train from Beograd Centar to Novi Sad — realistic journey times, approximate prices and the last step to Petrovaradin.
Read the guide
Getting here
Parking in Petrovaradin and Novi Sad
Free on-street parking in Gradić, how the paid zones in Novi Sad work, which bridges to use and practical tips for arriving by car at Petra’s Loft.
Read the guide
Stay in the heart of Petrovaradin
Petra's Loft places you just below the fortress, with Gradić outside the door and Novi Sad across the Danube.
