Destinations
As much as I enjoyed exploring Belgrade and Novi Sad, Serbia has so much more to offer. I recommend spending at least a week in Serbia, and if possible, make it a road trip! Driving may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Serbia’s roads are amazing (well, in most part) and their highways are a pleasure to drive on! It also gives you the flexibility to get out of the large cities and explore the laidback, charming smaller towns in the outskirts. I’m writing here about why you should visit Subotica from Novi Sad, an art nouveau town in Serbia.
Hardly a 1-hour drive via A1 (which I absolutely recommend you take instead of the toll-free Route 100), Subotica is a sleepy, quiet town which is multi-cultural and has immense historical significance. But what stands out about Subotica is the architecture – it almost feels like you are walking into a fairy tale town with colourful buildings & charming, cobbled stone streets. The town has been correctly identified as one of the most beautiful in Serbia and makes for a great half-day trip.
Here’s
another tip to make your trip even better: learning
Serbian can make your stay even more enjoyable! It can really add to the
fun and immersive experience. The locals are super friendly and welcoming, and
being able to communicate in their language, even with just a few phrases, can
make your interactions and overall experience even more awesome.
What to do in Subotica
City Hall
Firstly, try not to land here on a Monday as most of the tourist sites are shut. Having said that, if you don’t have much choice and Monday’s the only option available, don’t skip it!
Visiting Subotica from Novi Sad is a must because you will still love looking at the stunning mosaics, or simply sit in a patio café and watch the people go by. Park your car in the city center and walk around exploring the key sights. The most eye-catching building here is the magnificent City Hall, which is also the centerpiece around which you will find several lanes strewn with cafes and restaurants. Walk 5 minutes and you will come across another aesthetically delightful building – the Subotica Synagogue (closed on Mondays). One can tour this building which has immense historical and cultural significance as the “only Synagogue in Europe which contains elements of the Hungarian Art Nouveau”. Take a tour inside (tickets are very inexpensive) because the interiors are as awe-inspiring as the exterior façade of the building. If you’re interested to know more about its history, then you have the option of taking a guided tour too.
Subotica synagogue
Raichle Palace
Also in the same area is the Raichle Palace (closed Sundays & Mondays), home to Subotica’s Museum of Modern Art. I am not much into museums (or modern art) so I chose not to go inside the building. Nevertheless, the architecture is so unique & different that I recommend passing by anyway. Some of the hidden lanes away from the town center are even more charming to explore so do not restrict yourself to the beaten path.
Click here for money-saving tips when traveling.
Due to its proximity to Hungary, you will find a lot of restaurants in Subotica serving Hungarian dishes such as goulash & burek. Take some time to find a restaurant of choice in the city center or head out away from the crowds into the nature & peace of Palic Lake.
Although I wouldn’t classify this lake as being beautiful, the area is lively on weekends and a great place to enjoy a nature walk and lunch/ coffee with a view (or even a picnic). The lake itself stretches 17 kilometers long with promenades, and several hotels, restaurants and smaller villas surround it. There is also a zoo for the younger visitors. You will need to drive to this location from the city center as it is about 10 kms.
Subotica is known for it’s unique & remarkable architecture, as well as being the melting pot for several cultures & religious beliefs. There are Catholic churches, Protestant churches, Orthodox churches, a Franciscan monastery, a mosque, and a grand synagogue. Include it in your 1-week itinerary for Serbia, you will not regret it.
Palic Lake
Palic Lake
Click here to book your stay in Novi Sad.
Ami Bhat
What a pretty town this is. And with tons of history too. I would love to visit the synagogue in particular. Glad you warned in advance that one should not plan this for a Monday. I sure would not want to miss out the tours.
Jackie
I love the look of Subotica – it truly looks like something out of the pages of a children’s book! It’s easy to see why it’s been named one of the most beautiful places in Serbia. Even if you do end up going on a Monday, it seems worthwhile since it’s so picturesque. I hope to walk these cobblestone streets some day!
Maria Veloso
I can understand why you gave this advice. The place is unquestionably a wonderful area to admire architecture. It’s charming and it showcases an excellent mix of cultural and historical attractions.
Puloma Bhattacharya
Subotica is indeed a fascinating town creating fairy tale vibes with it’s colorful architecture. These small towns lying in different corners of Europe need to be explored so people come to learn more about them.
Ambica Gulati
Well, this is one road trip I would certainly like to do. They have a mosque there, that’s amazing. And I would love to see the Franciscan monastery and the synagogue. But even a walk through would be pleasing, going by your post.
Renee
I would love to visit the under the radar Serbia. It’s great to read that road trips and renting a car to take various day trips is easy and enjoyable. I love exploring beyond the well known cities to places like Subotica. Such interesting architecture too.
Angela
I had never heard of Subotica before reading this post and although I have visited quite a few Eastern European countries, Serbia is not one of them. Having seen the beautiful architecture and read your post I think I might have to add it to my travel list!
Natascha
A visit to Serbia has been on my wish list for a while now. Never heard of Subotica, although I really like the name. Very Eastern European. It looks like a town I would really enjoy to visit: Small, not too touristy with some sighteseeing and good food. You had great weather on your visit!
Kat
Serbia has never been on my radar for a vacation, but it looks like a great place to explore! Thanks for sharing and opening my eyes to this beautiful location.
Polly
I am from Bulgaria and it is a shame that I have been to Serbia just once! Subotica looks so beautiful and vibrant – would absolutely love to pay a visit and explore more!
Walk Along With Us
Your photos are beautiful! Serbia is on our travel bucket list and now adding Subotica. Thanks for sharing this trip!
Linda (LD Holland)
On the travel wish list! Would love to visit Serbia. And I will need to now make sure we look at visiting Subotica on that trip. It does indeed look like a fairytale trip.