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Novi Sad and Belgrade are two of the most prominent cities in Serbia, each with its own unique charm and attractions. However, there is often a debate about which city is actually bigger in terms of population and size. While Belgrade is the capital of Serbia, Novi Sad is also a significant urban center known for its cultural and academic achievements.
So today, I’ll be answering the question of whether Novi Sad is bigger than Belgrade. I’ve looked at several factors, including population, land area, population density, and cultural impact. Through these, I’ve gained a better understanding of the size and importance of each city within Serbia.
In this article, I’ll explore everything you need to know about the size and population difference between Novi Sad and Belgrade, and I will finally answer the question – is Novi Sad bigger than Belgrade?
What Does The Data Say?
So, it’s time to dive into the numbers and see what they have to say! Together, we’ll take a closer look at the population, geographical size, density, and cultural relevance of these two Serbian cities.
But don’t worry – this will be more than just a bunch of boring statistics. And it will also give the long-awaited answer to the question of which city is truly bigger than the other!
Read later – Is Novi Sad Worth Visiting?
Population
Novi Sad, known as the “Serbian Athens,” is a charming city that is a hub for arts, music, and technology – attracting people from all over the world.
According to recent data from World Population Review, this charming city nestled on the banks of the Danube River has a population of approximately 215,400 people.
According to this same data, Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 1.27 million. This makes Belgrade approximately six times larger than Novi Sad based on population alone.
So, Belgrade definitely has the upper hand in terms of population, but how do these cities compare as far as land area?
Geographical Size
So I’ve covered the population, and we know Belgrade has a larger population. Now, let’s get into the geographical size of each of these cities.
Novi Sad, located in the northern part of Serbia, covers an area of around 700 square kilometers. For reference, you can fit two Maldives Islands in that amount of land.
Meanwhile, Belgrade is significantly larger, covering an area of over 3,000 square kilometers. That’s almost as big as Hong Kong, China!
This means Belgrade wins again, with more than four times the land area than Novi Sad. Next, I’ll get into the population density of these two cities to see which one has more people per square kilometer!
Also read – Things to Do in Novi Sad
Population Density
So we know the population and geographical size of both Belgrade and Novi Sad – let’s calculate the population density of these two cities and compare. (Don’t worry, I’ll do the math for you!)
Let’s start with Novi Sad. With a population of 215,00 and about 700 square kilometers of land, the population density of this city is 308 people per square kilometer.
Belgrade’s population of over 1.2 million and a land area of about 3,200 square kilometers means that the population density of this city comes out to be 395 people per square kilometer.
I honestly find this to be so interesting! Despite having a smaller population and geographical size, Novi Sad actually has a similar population density to Belgrade. So while Belgrade is the winner here, Novi Sad still gives the Serbian capital some competition when it comes to population density!
Read about Serbian currency (Dinars) – What Is the Currency of Serbia?
Cultural Impact
Hey, size isn’t everything, right? Well, in this case, it may be. Belgrade has taken the lead in each category we’ve compared so far, but there’s one last factor I want to look into – cultural impact!
Let’s break down the cultural significance of these two gorgeous cities.
Novi Sad was founded in the 18th century, and this city has a rich history dating back to Roman times. It’s known for having stunning architecture, and Novi Sad is often referred to as the “cultural capital” of the country, with a rich tradition of music, art, and theatre.
On the other hand, Belgrade has a history that spans over 7,000 years. It was once the capital of Yugoslavia, and this city has experienced its fair share of culture and history. However, its resilience and determination have made it a powerhouse of Serbia. Today, Belgrade is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and art scene.
How Do You Get Around Novi Sad?
Now, let’s compare these two. While Novi Sad may be smaller in size, it certainly doesn’t lack charm. Its winding streets and colorful buildings make it a picturesque destination for tourists. And Belgrade is an energetic city with a rich cultural scene and thriving nightlife that brings people back time and time again.
So, in this category, there’s no clear winner. Both Belgrade and Novi Sad are culturally significant, and each offers a unique experience to those who visit these beautiful cities and those who live there.
Belgrade is known for its cosmopolitan vibe and eclectic mix of cultures, while Novi Sad is more laid-back and has a distinctly bohemian feel. Ultimately, a visit to either city is sure to provide a rich and rewarding cultural experience – and if you can make time for it, I recommend traveling to both!
Read next – Is Novi Sad Safe To Visit
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, Belgrade is clearly the big brother here. This Serbian capital, also known as “The White City,” wins in population, land area, and population density against Novi Sad.
However, Novi Sad can claim the title of the second biggest city in Serbia – and as I’ve said, the cultural impact of both cities really can’t be compared! Each city has its own culture, history, and charm, making them both a worthy visit while traveling in Serbia.
So while I’ve finally answered the question of which city is bigger, I’ve also discovered that both Novi Sad and Belgrade are valuable and important parts of Serbia’s rich cultural heritage.
Hello, I’m Emma! I’ve been exploring the world since 2015. People always ask me lots of questions when I travel and come back. So, I started a blog to answer them all and share with the world. If you are curious about something, use the search bar on my site or send me an email emma@timetositback.com