travel guide subotica serbia

Subotica Travel Guide: How to Explore Serbia’s Most Beautiful City

travel guide subotica serbia

Tired from the constantly-buzzing capital of Belgrade? Looking for an easy day trip from Novi Sad? Or perhaps you’re looking to be inspired by one of Serbia’s most beautiful cities?

Look no further: this Subotica travel guide has everything you need to know about this gorgeous Art Nouveau wonderland!

Although Subotica is located in northern Serbia (just a few kilometers from the Hungarian border), it feels as if you’re in an entirely different country.  

travel guide subotica serbia

SUBOTICA TRAVEL GUIDE Perfect for …

Art nouveau architecture – Small town feel – A day trip from Novi Sad … or a stopover on your way to Hungary! 

Border towns are often hit or miss places: sometimes you’ll wind up at a place where there’s a beautiful mix of both cultures and plenty of things to do (such as Strasbourg), and other times, it’s just a town where there’s nothing to do and you can’t wait to cross the border.  

Thankfully, Subotica definitely belongs to the first category!

The city is an excellent stopping point if you’re traveling from Hungary to Serbia, going vice versa (Serbia to Hungary), or just want to check out a cool city. 

travel guide subotica serbia

Besides being conveniently located, Subotica offers a wonderfully cozy atmosphere that is typically found in cities of the same size. When you’re here, the clock  moves slower, as if to give you more (time) to soak up the atmosphere of it all. 

However, that’s not even the best part. Subotica is sure to charm you with its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, which there is plenty of. Thanks to Subotica’s golden age in the mid-1800s to early 1900s, the city is full of colorful, intricate, and unique buildings on nearly every corner.  

How many days do I need in Subotica? 

One full day is enough to get a good sense of the city, although if you enjoy small towns or architecture, then you’ll need two days (which you can combine with a trip to the nearby town of Palić!).

travel guide subotica serbia

HOW TO GET TO SUBOTICA  

From serbia.

travel guide subotica serbia

There’s also the option to take the train, which is slightly slower. 

From Belgrade to Subotica – You can also take the bus from Belgrade to Subotica, which will cost around 1,000 to 1,300 SRD ($10 to $13 USD) and take about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. However, I highly recommend doing Belgrade -> Novi Sad   -> Subotica instead, since you’ll spend about the same amount of money and get to visit another city. :) 

FROM OTHER COUNTRIES 

From Budapest to Subotica – Thanks to its location near the border, Subotica is a fantastic introduction to Serbia if you’re coming from Hungary. 

You can either drive from Budapest to Subotica (about 3 hours) or take the Budapest-Subotica train. The train takes around 4 to 5 hours and consists of two legs: you’ll take the first train to Kelebia (the closest town to the border), change trains, go through passport control, and then take the last 20-ish minute journey to Subotica. 

From Timisoara to Subotica – Surprise! If you’re done traveling through Romania, you can drive to Subotica (about 2 hours) from Timisoara and then drive south if you want to explore the rest of Serbia. 

TRANSPORTATION & GETTING AROUND SUBOTICA 

Thanks to Subotica’s small size, getting around is a breeze! Most of the city’s attractions are within walking distance of each other  — and, most likely, from your accommodation as well. Subotica can easily be explored by foot.

However, if you want to visit Palić (a beautiful lakeside town), your best bet is to catch a taxi that can be found near the Town Hall. 

travel guide subotica serbia

THINGS TO DO IN SUBOTICA

Subotica is one of the most well-known cities in Serbia thanks to its charming atmosphere and architecture. In fact, it has the most Art Nouveau buildings in the entire country and is frequented by artists and creatives looking for inspiration! 

If you love color, interesting buildings, quaint towns, or a mix of the three, then you’re sure to fall in love with this endearing city! Here are some of the best things to do in Subotica to get you started: 

Raichle Palace (above) – Is this not the most beautiful building you’ve seen in your life? It looks like it came straight out of a retro fairytale!  

If you’re lucky to arrive in Subotica by train, this is usually the first building that you’ll see as you exit the train station. :)

The history of the palace goes back more than one hundred years ago, when it was built in 1904 as a family palace for Ferenc Raichle, a famous Serbian-Hungarian architect. 

Thankfully, most of the original motifs and decorations have been saved and, since 1970, the building has been used to house the Modern Art Gallery of Subotica! If you’re craving inspiration — either in the form of vintage Art Nouveau architecture or contemporary sculptures —  I highly recommend a visit. 

travel guide subotica serbia

Subotica Synagogue – The Subotica Synagogue was voted as one of the most beautiful synagogues in Europe, and it’s not hard to see why. From the colorful tulips and roses painted on the façade to the colorful stained glass, zig-zag patterns on the roof, and bright colors throughout, it’s as if a beautiful painting came to life. 

The Subotica Synagogue is the only surviving Hungarian art nouveau Jewish place of worship in the world. However, the city government invested money into reconstruction in 2018 and, thanks to this, guests are able to visit the synagogue. Since it’s an active synagogue, be sure to check in with the attendant to make sure you’re visiting when there’s not a service taking place. :) 

travel guide subotica serbia

Walk along Korzo Street – Also famous for being the main pedestrian street of Subotica, Korzo Street is the place to see and be seen. Fun fact: the word ‘korzo’ means a meeting place, usually consisting of a couple of blocks, where people would get together and walk.  

Clocking in at around 300 meters from start (Trg Sloboda) to finish (Park Ferenca Rajhla), the street isn’t fairly long but has dozens of lovely pastel-colored buildings. In fact, one of the most famous ‘residents’ of this street is the Former Golden Lamb Hotel, which offers a great angle for taking photos.

travel guide subotica serbia

See the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings   — Still can’t get enough of this beautiful architecture? Here are a few more must-see Art Nouveau buildings in Subotica:

📍 City Library – Where else can you get greeted by two buff dudes on lions at the entrance of a library? Only here! But seriously: this bright yellow building is interesting inside and out (especially if you get the chance to check out the teal blue interior!) Address: Cara Dušana 2

📍 Subotica Savings Bank Palace – Have you ever seen the words ‘bank’ and ‘palace’ together in the same sentence? Now you have! Although unfortunately there’s no bank here anymore (it’s now occupied by a bookstore), you can still see the original folk art motifs and stone carvings, which was a rarity in Subotica’s architecture back in the day. Address: Korzo 4

📍 Dušan Stojković Palace – Although the history of this spot isn’t as long as the others listed here, this building has one very interesting feature: a bay window with seashell ‘holding’ it underneath! Address: Trg republike 10

If you see any other Art Nouveau-style buildings (or just some cool architecture!) not mentioned here, please share in the comments below! :) 

travel guide subotica serbia

Subotica City Hall – After you’ve seen Subotica from below, it’s time to see it from high above!

Visitors can go up to tower to see an amazing view of the city, including the Blue Fountain in front of the city hall. 

WHERE TO STAY IN SUBOTICA ACCOMMODATIONS IN SUBOTICA 

Since it’s a small town, most of the accommodations in Subotica are guesthouses or apartment rentals. However, there’s no need to worry — the majority of these places are highly rated and have excellent hosts, plus bonus amenities like free parking, a kitchen, and a washing machine!

travel guide subotica serbia

⭐️ TOP PICK ⭐️  

Boki Apartmant   — This was where we stayed during our trip to Subotica, and it was the perfect way to get in the Art Nouveau mood that Subotica is famous for. Located a few minutes from the center, Boki is a cute little retro apartment with hints of grooviness from the 1970’s. Although it’s compact, Boki has everything you need — including plenty of guidebooks and pamphlets about what to see in Subotica! Agoda || Booking.com  

SUBOTICA APARTMENTS

travel guide subotica serbia

Apartment HYGGE — Just like the name suggests, HYGGE is the epitome of coziness. Located on the famous Korzo pedestrian street, HYGGE is very central, spacious, and decorated in a beautiful Scandinavian style. As one reviewer notes, “You can’t get any closer to perfection” — and it’s true, this apartment has a 9.9 rating and almost 200 reviews!  Agoda || Booking.com  

Apartman Prestige Center — Another apartment that’s true to its name, Prestige is a modern 52 sq. m apartment set in a new building. The yellow and black interior design is a nice touch, and so is the fully-stocked kitchen (including a coffee maker!) and private parking. Agoda || Booking.com  

SUBOTICA HOTELS

Hotel Forum Garni — This hotel couldn’t be more central even if it tried — it’s  located right between the historic Subotica Synagogue, City Hall, and Republic Square! Forum Garni has everything you need for a comfortable vacation, including spacious rooms (with a kitchenette!), complimentary breakfast, and free parking. Agoda || Booking.com  

SUBOTICA HOSTELS

Hostel Put Svile — This quaint, family-run hostel is the perfect stop whether you have a few days in Subotica or a few days. In fact, it’s located right near the bus station (perfect if you have a stopover on your way to Budapest!) and just a few blocks from the center. 

The hostel comes with a few bonuses, including electric scooter rentals, free laundry if you stay 3 or more nights, and a complimentary night if you stay more than 5 nights. Agoda || Booking.com  

travel guide subotica serbia

WHERE TO EAT IN SUBOTICA

🍴 McDonalds – After you read the name, you’re probably in one of two categories:

1- I’m on vacation, why should I eat food that I have at home? 2- Aw yessss, I’m gonna order a cheeseburger 🤤 

travel guide subotica serbia

Psst… Can you find the Art Nouveau-inspired McDonalds decor? For a hint, check out the tables. :)  

🍴 Bates – Delicious local dishes that have both Balkan and Hungarian cuisines, friendly waiters, and a very cute design inside. It feels as if I’m visiting my stylish grandma in the Hungarian countryside (if I had one :)) 

🍴 Bodis & Porto – What originally was a confectionary shop in the 1920’s has been restored to a chic restaurant with delicious breakfasts, pastas, and drinks. 

🍴 Kinder’s Cakes – The biggest menu of pancakes that I’ve ever seen in my life… I’m talking 10+ pages of sweet and savory palačinke, crepes, American pancakes, you name it! 

🍴 Fabrika Burger Bar – A classic burger joint with delicious homemade sauces and a variety of options. 

🍴 Boss – If you’re in one of those “I have no idea what to eat” moods, come to Boss. They have a great selection of European dishes, a huge drink menu, and spacious outdoor seating. 

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Wow. Very interesting and unusual city! Must visit McDonalds

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17 Things to Do in Subotica, Serbia’s Magical Art Nouveau Escape

17 Things to Do in Subotica, Serbia’s Magical Art Nouveau Escape

Although Novi Sad and Belgrade usually get the most attention from domestic and international travelers to Serbia, the city of Subotica has its own singular identity and charm that makes it just as exciting. Subotica, the northernmost city in Serbia, only 10 kilometers away from the Hungarian border, contains a wealth of fascinating places suitable for fans of nature, architecture, history, and great food. Here are eleven awesome things to do in Subotica. 

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The Best Things to Do in Subotica

Here are the best Subotica activities for your trip.

Subotica City Hall

Subotica downtown is filled with incredible sights, all within walking distance from one another. At the very center of the city is the grandiose art nouveau City Hall, the symbol of Subotica.

Built between 1908 and 1910, it was designed by renowned Budapest architects, Marcell Komor and Deszö Jakab, in Art Nouveau style, and enriched with a romantic nuance of the Hungarian folklore, with floral elements made of ceramics and wrought ironwork forging.

Serbia - Subotica - Stephanie

A guided tour of the building starts at noon (Tuesdays – Fridays) for 150 dinars  (around 1.3 Euro), and the Grand Hall, decorated with sixteen stained-glass windows, famous Zsolnay ceramics, and elaborate décor, is an absolute must.

You can also climb the 45-meter high observatory, which provides an unforgettable view of the whole city and its outskirts for only 300 dinars (around 2.5 Euros). Today, the City Hall is used for Assembly sessions, concerts, important gatherings, and weddings. So, if you’re so inclined, you could do worse than exchange your wows here.

National Theatre in Subotica

Just across the street from the City Hall is the National Theatre in Subotica. The original building of the theater was built in 1854 as the first monumental public building in Subotica, and it’s the second oldest theater building in Serbia.

Unfortunately, despite widespread protests, it was razed in 2007 with the purpose of reconstruction by the city authorities, due to its poor condition and the dilapidated main stage. The reconstruction of the interior continues to this day, but the exterior, accentuated by six Corinthian pillars and a simple classicist tympanum, is now back to its old glory.

Currently, two stages operate inside the theatre: Jadran Cinema Scene (which allows for 266 theatergoers) and Soltis Studio (60 theatergoers). Every year, four new dramas premiere at the theatre, some in Serbian and some in Hungarian, and the tickets are available for 350 dinars (around 3 Euros).

Serbia - Subotica - center

Once you’ve seen the Theatre, walk down the city center’s main pedestrian street, popularly known as Korzo, where you can enjoy monumental buildings and palaces, built in Renaissance Revival, Classical, Eclecticism, Secession, and Modern architectural styles.

After all that walking, you’ve earned a well-deserved break. Only a 7-minute stroll from the National Theatre in Subotica is Boss Caffé, the most popular place for locals to hang out, enjoy sipping coffee, Serbian wine , or eat one of the many distinctive Serbian food delicacies.

Opened in 1986, it has gradually grown from a basement to include a covered glass terrace, and then extended to the opposite side of the street.

Today, Boss Caffé is a must-visit for both locals and tourists. For seafood aficionados, I particularly recommend grilled sea bream or grilled squid with vegetables.

Meat lovers should try chicken goujons fingers with tartar sauce, beefsteak with pepper sauce, or turkey with homemade pastry.

As far as sides are concerned, you can’t go wrong with grilled mushrooms or spicy potato wedges.

And to top it all off, healthy cake or pistachio and raspberry cake make for a perfect dessert – yummy!

Raichle Palace

Take a 3-minute walk from Boss Caffe to find the marvelous Raichle Palace, a true trademark of Subotica.

Built in 1904 by the architect Ferenc Raichle, it’s an exceptional example of the Art Nouveau architecture style, with its unusual combination of colors, the vibrancy of forms, rich details, masterful decorations, and a variety of materials used for the lavish interior.

Serbia - Subotica - Art Nouveau Palace Inside Stephanie

The giant vault is decorated with Zsolnay ceramics, while the lower part wavy line of the fence is holding metal gates decorated with heart ornaments, exuding a feeling of perfect harmony.

Currently, the building hosts a modern art gallery Likovni Susret, which contains a wealth of artworks of the most influential former Yugoslavian artists from the 20th century.

Serbia - Subotica - Art Nouveau Palace Ticket

It’s open to visitors every business day from 8 am to 7 pm and every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, and the entrance fee is just 100 dinars (less than 1 Euro).

Subotica Synagogue

Next, walk 10 minutes to another stunning example of the Art Nouveau architecture style that perfectly complements Raichle Palace, the Subotica Synagogue.

Built in 1901-1902 based on the plans of Komor and Jakab (the same architects responsible for the City Hall), it’s the second-largest synagogue in Europe. It was designated a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance in 1990 and protected by the Republic of Serbia.

Serbia - Subotica - Synagogue Holocaust Memorial

Fully renovated in a multi-million renovation project financed by Hungarian and Serbian governments, the synagogue was opened to the public in March 2018 and is now visited by more than 10,000 tourists each year.

The building’s dominant architectural feature is the central dome supported by eight steel columns, while the interior dome is constructed of light concrete and built-in an unusual shell-construction technique, while the building’s roof is covered with elaborate Zsolnay-glazed roof tiles.

Serbia - Subotica - Synagogue

It’s open to visitors every day (except Monday) from 10 am to 6 pm and weekends from 10 am to 2 pm. The outside garden visit is free, and the visit to the interior costs 250 dinars (a little over 2 Euros).

Every May, the synagogue is included in the Long Night of the Museums, a very popular event during which Subotica museums are free to all visitors for one night.

St. Theresa of Avila Cathedral

Serbia - Subotica - Cathedral Vertical

One more stop on the tour of historical buildings of Subotica must include Saint Theresa of Avila Cathedral, which is a short 8-minute walk from the synagogue. This Roman Catholic cathedral and minor basilica, built between 1773 and 1779 and renovated several times since then, is known to the locals as “The Big Church.”

Serbia - Subotica - Cathedral in Subotica

Built-in the baroque style with two big towers and minimal decorations at windows and pilasters, it’s devoted to Saint Teresa of Avila, one of the key figures of Catholic reformation, whose face was put on the stamp and coat of arms of Subotica. Its visiting hours are daily from 6:30 am to noon and 5:30 pm to 8:40 pm.

Subotica Flea Market

If you’re worn out from Subotica’s architectural marvels, perhaps you could go for a change of pace and visit Subotica Flea Market, popularly known to the locals as “Buvljak.”

This so-called alternative department store is famous for plenty of character and a wide variety of diverse offerings of everything from clothes to furniture to fresh fruit and vegetables from local growers.

The best part is – prices are very cheap, and most of the sellers are willing to bargain with you. What’s more, many of the products are imported from Hungary and sold for much less than in the department stores.

Even if you don’t feel like shopping, visiting this massive flea market is an experience in and of itself, and part of the fun is observing all the sellers, buyers, and browsers, as well as the chaotic energy, particularly during the Sunday morning rush. 

Spend Time on Lake Palić

Serbia - Subotica - Entering the Palic lake near the town of Subotica

Let’s start with the largest natural lake in Serbia, Lake Palić, which is just eight kilometers away from downtown Subotica and near the town of Palić. The lake is accessible by public transportation if needed.

According to the local legend, Lake Palić was created when shepherd Pavle lost his lamb with the golden fleece and cried so much that his tears flooded the pasture, causing the saltiness of the water. But the only tears you are likely to shed here is from the sheer beauty of this place.

Serbia - Subotica - A beautiful view from the lake Palic to the lakeside in Subotica, Serbia

The lakeshore is seventeen kilometers long and affords stunning views, as well as opportunities for fishing, bird watching, sports, bike riding, sailing, and open-air and covered swimming pools with thermal waters.

In July, Lake Palićhosts the European Film Festival, now in its 27 th year, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and critics from all over the continent. The Festival is held out in the open, and it’s unique in its mission to promote and celebrate the achievements in European film.

Serbia - Subotica - Lake Palic

In addition, if you visit in September, you shouldn’t miss Berbenski Dani, a festival celebrating wine and grapes from the region. Whew, that’s already a lot, but it’s not all you could do at LakePalić.

Visit the Palić Zoo

Serbia - Subotica - A group of cows at the Palic zoo, Serbia

If you’re visiting with kids, the nearby Palić Zoo offers a chance to see animals who are free to walk in fenced areas rather than being caged. This zoo, spreading across 15 hectares of land, hosts more than 150 species of animals, including monkeys, zebras, giraffes, lions, elephants, camels, tigers, wolves, polar bears, emus, snakes, reptiles, and tarantulas.

Just as important, the Zoo has an animal shelter with more than 800 animals. And if that’s not enough, it also provides access to botanical gardens, ponds, fountains, and many species of trees and shrubs, including the majestic sequoias, popularly known as redwoods.

Serbia - Subotica - Bear in Palic Zoo, Subotica. Serbia

Palić Zoo is visited by more than 150,000 tourists a year and is open 365 days a year, 9 am to 3 pm. And the best part is: the price of the adult ticket is a mere 250 dinars (a little over 2 Euros), while children under 15 pay only 200 dinars (around 1.7 Euros). That’s a deal you won’t find in most European zoos, so don’t miss visiting this gorgeous place.  

Zvonko Bogdan Winery

For wine connoisseurs among you, you can’t go wrong with Zvonko Bogdan Winery.

This winery, owned by Zvonimir “Zvonko” Bogdan, a Serbian performer of traditional Balkan folk music, is located less than 3 kilometers away from Palić Zoo in the traditional wine area.

The winery building consists of the production area, a club hall for tourist rounds, and a wine-tasting hall overlooking the Barrique cellar. The winery itself is equipped with high-end technology that produces wines made exclusively from the grapes from these vineyards, and these exquisite wines have won numerous awards in cities like Vienna, London, San Francisco, and Tokyo.

Zvonko Bogdan Winery is open every day from 10 am to 10 pm, except Sundays when it closes at 2 pm. It offers daily tours in English, Serbian, and Hungarian, which include a tour of the winery, as well as tasting of three types of wines for 800 dinars (a little less than 7 Euros), four types of wines for 1200 dinars (around 12 Euros), or if you really want to go all out, six types of wines for 1700 dinars (around 14.50 Euros). So, what are you still waiting for? Get your buzz on!

Read Next:  Your Ultimate Guide to Serbian Wine

Gostiona Gurinovic

Finally, end your day at restaurant Gostiona Gurinovic, just outside of Subotica city center, and a 12-minute walk from St. Theresa of Avila Cathedral.

This is the best Subotica restaurant, famous not only for its beautifully prepared traditional foods but also for its warm, cozy atmosphere.

In addition to a variety of wines and rakija (a fruit brandy extremely popular in Serbia), you can try some of their specials, like paprikash, a paprika-based meat stew, or shopska salad, popular throughout the Balkans.

I particularly recommend Karadjordje’s steak, a rolled veal or pork steak, stuffed with kajmak (a creamy dairy product), then breaded and fried. I can guarantee you won’t regret trying it! The restaurant is open every day, except Sunday, from 10 am to 10 pm.

From magnificent nature, activities for both children and adults, to architectural wonders, and delicious wines and foods, Subotica is a city that truly offers something for everyone. So, plan out your visit and check out this hidden Serbian gem!

More Things to Do in Subotica

If you have more time, here are a few more wonderful things to do in Subotica if you will be in town a little bit longer.

Tour the Orthodox Church of the Ascension of Our Lord

Visit the city museum .

Serbia - Subotica - City Museum

Stop by the Beautiful Chapel of St. Roka

Serbia - Subotica - Small Chapel

Appreciate the Architecture of the City Library

Serbia - Subotica - Library

See a Glimpse of Subotica’s Communist Past at the Memorial to the Victim’s of Fascism

Serbia - Subotica - Spomenik

Finally, if you’re visiting in Winter, stop by the Christmas Market

Serbia - Subotica - Beautiful town hall in Hungarian Art Nouveau style, centre and symbol of serbian city Subotica. It's 76m high. Decorative features of Art Nouveau enriched with romantic nuance of Hungarian folklore.

Read Next:  How to Visit the Subotica Christmas Market for an Art Nouveau Christmas

Where to stay in Subotica

Serbia - Subotica - Art Nouveau Palace Back Entrance

We’re in the process of creating comprehensive guides on where to stay in various Serbian cities, but for now, we recommend checking out  Booking.com  as early as possible since this is a popular time to visit the city.

If you’ll also be spending time in other parts of Serbia, here are our recommendations for where to stay in  Belgrade  and  Kopaonik.

What to Pack for Serbia

Serbia - Gardos - Backpack

We have a full  Serbia packing list , but in case you just want the quick version, here are a few essentials you shouldn’t forget to pack!

A good guidebook:  While travel blogs are great, we still think a good guidebook is always handy.  Lonely Planet Western Balkans  is the main guidebook we recommend for Serbia, as it covers the country well plus others in the region.

Pacsafe Citysafe  or Other Anti-Theft Bag:  This is the bag both Stephanie and I use. It has a pouch with RFID technology so our credit cards can’t get scanned from afar, interlocking zippers to make it harder to pickpocket, and it’s roomy enough to be a perfect sightseeing day bag. If you’d rather bring something smaller, you can pack a  money belt  instead. 

We feel quite safe in Belgrade, which is not overly touristic and full of pickpockets, but we wear it and suggest it all the same.

Unlocked Cell Phone:  Stephanie and I both have unlocked cell phones that we bought in Europe (She uses a  Samsung  and I use an  iPhone ). This allows up to get sim cards when we travel so that we always have the internet. We wrote a guide to  picking up SIM cards in Serbia , as it’s really quite simple!

Being able to pick up a Serbian SIM card is a great way to stay in touch while on the road. If you don’t have an unlocked cell phone that can use a Serbian SIM card, you can buy a cheaper  unlocked phone online  and bring it with you!

Travel Insurance:  We recommend it for everywhere we go! We suggest World Nomads and go into more detail about why at the end of the post.

More Serbia Travel Resources

Serbia - Subotica - Selfie

If this is your first trip to Serbia, check out our guide to  planning a trip to Serbia  and  Serbia travel advice. 

If you’ll be in Subotica in winter, check out  our guide to the Subotica Christmas Market.

Headed to nearby Novi Sad? Start with our guide to the best  things to do in Novi Sad  and our  2-day Novi Sad itinerary . We also have a guide of the best  Instagram spots in Novi Sad  as well as what to do in  Novi Sad in winter  and how to visit the  Novi Sad Christmas Market.

Most people also allocate some time for Belgrade – where we have tons of resources. We have this mega-guide to  101 things to do in Belgrade,  the most  Instagrammable spots in Belgrade , what to do in  Belgrade in winter , and the best  Belgrade street art.  We also have a  Serbian souvenir guide  and  Serbian wine guide  if you want to do some shopping.

If you love guided tours, here are eleven great  Belgrade tours  to pick from. If you want to get out of the city for a day, here are our guide to  Belgrade day trips  and what you should know before  renting a car in Serbia.  We also have lists of our favorite  places to visit in Serbia  and the  best Serbian towns and cities  if you need more day trip inspiration. 

We have tons more Serbia and Balkans resources, and we publish new content nearly daily. Bookmark our  Serbia  and  Balkans  travel pages so you can find any new resources that come out before your trip!

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

If you’re planning a trip to Serbia, it’s a good idea to travel with a valid  travel insurance  policy, so that you will be covered in case of an emergency. Travel insurance covers you in case of theft or an accident, which can save your trip if there’s an incident, fall (a big winter risk!), or cancellation or trip interruption.

For travel insurance, I use  World Nomads .  I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’ve never had an issue when making a claim. I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.

>> Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here. <<

Pin this Guide to the Best Things to Do in Subotica for Your Trip!

travel guide subotica serbia

Ivan was born and raised in Serbia and received his BFA and MFA in Film in New York City. He is a writer, director, editor, and a huge fan of traveling and visiting famous filming locations. He’s been obsessed with David Lynch and Twin Peaks since the age of 10.

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Home » Travel Guides » Serbia » 15 Best Things to Do in Subotica (Serbia)

15 Best Things to Do in Subotica (Serbia)

It’s easy to tell when Subotica in the north of Serbia had its golden age. Because this cultured city is bursting with playful Art Nouveau halls and palaces from the beginning of the 20th century. The tour de force is the City Hall and its 45-metre tower, but this is just one of many masterworks that you have to cram into a sightseeing tour.

Subotica’s places of worship, from the Art Nouveau synagogue to the 18th-century cathedral also deserve your attention. And on the fringe of the city among vineyards is Palić. This is a lakeside resort that also came to the fore in the early 1900s, and is now making a comeback.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Subotica :

1. Subotica City Hall

Subotica City Hall

The majestic city hall is an Art Nouveau masterpiece, completed in 1912. Subotica’s central landmark was conceived by a team of Hungarian-Jewish architects, Dezső Jakab and Marcell Komor.

The pair were students of Ödön Lechner, who has been described as the “Hungarian Gaudí”. What you get is Art Nouveau’s sinuous decoration and use of wrought iron, ceramics and stained glass, combined motifs inspired by Hungarian folklore.

Show up at noon and you’ll be treated to an English-language tour of the opulent interiors, and you’ll be able to go up to the observation platform 45 metres above Trg Slobode.

2. Trg Slobode (Freedom Square)

Trg Slobode, Subotica

Below the colossal town hall, and enclosed by elegant buildings like the People’s Theatre, is the city’s extensive central square.

This is a leafy space with lawns, paths traced by iron gaslights and a few monuments of its own to take in.

There’s a statue of Jovan Nenad, the short-lived Serbian Emperor who was killed in 1527 one year into his reign.

You can also idle for a moment beside the Green (1985) and Blue Fountain (2001), made with the same Zolnay tiles that adorn Subotic’s Art Nouveau masterpieces.

The square is also stages concerts and markets during the year.

And on an ordinary day people will meet up at Trg Slobode to stroll and chat in the greenery.

3. St Theresa of Avila Cathedral

St Theresa of Avila Cathedral, Subotica

The city’s Roman Catholic cathedral is from the 1770s, when Subotica was in the Habsburg Monarchy.

Theresa of Avila is also the patron saint of Subotica and appears on the city’s coat of arms.

The church, which in 1974 was raised by Pope Paul VI to minor basilica, has a Baroque design by Franz Kaufmann from Pest.

Despite its rather narrow plant the bell towers are 64 metres tall and if you look closely you’ll see the image of Mary on the roof between them.

Artists from Pest were also recruited for the interior decoration; see the paintings on the walls and above the central aisle, as well as the stone stele on the Perčić family tomb from 1824.

4. Subotica Synagogue

Subotica Synagogue

Another of Subotica’s Art Nouveau treasures is the city’s synagogue, finished in 1903 and also drawn up by Dezső Jakab and Marcell Komor.

It’s a synagogue that resembles no other, partly because there’s a state-of-the-art steel frame in its walls.

This gave the architects the freedom to create a self-supporting dome, painted with gold.

The carnations, peacock feathers and tulip motifs that show up here and there are all traits of the Hungarian Art Nouveau.

If you’d like to arrange a tour of the interior you can ask at the tourist office in Subotica’s city hall.

5. Municipal Museum

Municipal Museum, Subotica

Even before you consider what’s inside, this museum has to be on your agenda for its architecture.

The Dömötör Palace, which once housed a printing press was designed in the Darmstadt Art Nouveau style by the Hungarian Vágó brothers.

Like all of their works the palace has their signature motif of two birds, so see if you can spot it on the facade.

The building was renovated to fit the museum a decade ago, and has a history exhibition on the lower floor and a gallery for regional art upstairs.

Check the windows, doors and stairway banisters for whimsical Art Nouveau fittings.

6. Modern Art Gallery

Modern Art Gallery (Reichl Palace)

In the same vein, Subotica’s museum of modern art is a must-see for its splendid venue.

This is the Raichle Palace, taking the name of its designer, Ferenc Raichle.

The palace dates to 1904 and was intended as the architect’s home and studio.

It’s a building to relish, with glazed roof tiles, colourful arabesque patterns on the facade and a loggia under an intricate gable.

There are lots of surprises in store inside and in the palace’s garden.

But you can also peruse 1,200 works of modern art from the second half of the 20th century in the permanent collection, alongside temporary exhibitions.

7. Art Nouveau Tour

Former Subotica Savings Bank

There’s still enough Art Nouveau heritage remaining to cram into a walking trip around the city centre.

All of this is in the Hungarian Secessionist style and dates to the end of the 19th or first few years of the 20th century.

One of the standouts is the Former Subotica Savings Bank, also the work of Dezső Jakab and Marcell Komor.

It went up after the Synagogue but before the City Hall.

Then on the cultivated Korzo Street sits the Former Golden Lamb Hotel, in the Jugendstil by Subotica native Titus Mačković.

And lastly, one of the earlier landmarks is the Leović Palace from 1893 by the Ferenca Rajhla Park, and unmistakeable for its gables.

8. Serbian Orthodox Church

Serbian Orthodox Church, Subotica

In a city with large congregations of both Catholic and Orthodox Christians it can be enlightening to step inside the two main churches to compare the interiors.

The city’s Serbian Orthodox Church is tucked in a garden with mature trees and dates to 1726. It has the Baroque architecture that was prevalent in Central Europe at the time.

And although you wouldn’t knower to look at it, the tower is much newer and was raised in 1910. The current iconostasis was also crafted during these works, and this surrounds the gold-painted icons with dainty borders of gilded stucco.

9. Franciscan Church

Franciscan Church, Subotica

Subotica’s Franciscan monastery has been at this location since 1723 and still has communities of monks and nuns.

The church here now is a little newer and boasts a Romanesque Revival design.

You’ll know this beautiful landmark by its twin pointed spires and circular apse.

The whole monastery was built over the ruins of a medieval fortress that had stood since the 1400s.

The friary attached to the church is still intact and has its own chapel with a painting of the Black Madonna on its altar.

10. Buvljak Flea Market

Buvljak Flea Market

In a big compound a couple of kilometres west of the city is the flea market, open for business every day from 06:00 to 15:00. The market does a roaring trade most days, but is absolutely rammed with shoppers on summer weekends.

It’s a good if hectic way to get a snapshot of everyday life in the city.

You can buy almost anything under the sun, from clothing to electronics, and it’s also an affordable way to stock up on fresh produce or pastries.

Hungarians cross the border to shop here as due to a tax loophole they can buy Hungarian items cheaper in Subotica than in their own country!

Palić, Serbia

On a lake next to the city, Palić is a sweet old resort that is practically a suburb of Subotica.

People began to flock to the lake’s shores in the 1880s to bathe in the mud, which was ascribed healing qualities.

And like Subotica Palić has its fair share of Art Nouveau heritage.

So you can come for the picturesque nature as well as the Grand Terrace, Women’s Lido and Water Tower all with that enthralling Hungarian Secessionist design.

On warm days there’s no better place to be: Whether you’re strolling on the promenade, lazing on the beach or making a splash on the lake, sailing, canoeing or fishing.

12. Palić Zoo

Palić Zoo

You may be hesitant about zoos, but the one in Palić is a pleasant surprise.

Apart from the bears, which are in rather cramped cages, Palić Zoo’s animals have roomy habitats and all look well looked-after.

And the park’s deep woodland gives you the feeling of being in wilderness.

There are almost 300 plant species, counting giant Lebanon cedars and sequoias.

And as for the animals there are elephants, zebras, lions and emus, to name some of the 65 species.

13. Ludaš Lake

Ludaš Lake

Another shallow body of water lies on the other side of Palić, also a brief drive from Subotica.

Where Palić is touristy, Ludaš Lake is a serene nature reserve.

The lake is all about nature-spotting and quiet walks and bike rides.

On the lake’s shores are a few isolated villages, arable farms, water meadows and woodland.

And this broad variety of habitats attracts dazzling birdlife, and 140 of the 214 species counted at the lake are endangered.

Bearded reedlings, moustached warblers and white-headed ducks are some of the rarer species and are either permanent residents or stop by on migrations.

14. Wine Tours

Subotica Wine Tour

Subotica’s sandy soils, hot summers and cool winters have nourished vines for more than 300 years.

The industry went into decline after the 1980s, but it has a new lease of life today.

New grapes varieties have been introduced, like Riesling, Merlot and Chardonnay, in addition to the local Kadarka (red) and Kevedinka (white).There are six wineries in within touching distance of Subotica, and what’s great is that the tourist board organises day-long wine trips on the weekend.

You’ll be picked up and taken to the Kelebija and Zvonko wineries, both of which have earned rave reviews for their fruity reds and crisp whites.

15. Gastronomy

Subotica Goulash

In the north of Serbia there’s a slight Hungarian accent to the cuisine, and goulash, the fabled meat and vegetable stew is on the menu.

Famously, this is seasoned with paprika, which is also a big ingredient in chicken paprikash, in which the meat is slowly simmered in a rich paprika sauce.

Now, you have to make sure to get your fill of all the goodies sold at typical Serbian bakeries.

Burek, a savoury filled pastry, isn’t exactly unique to Subotica, but you still have to taste one or two.

Some of the fillings are minced beef, cheese or mushroom, and sometimes your burek will be baked to order while you wait.

15 Best Things to Do in Subotica (Serbia):

  • Subotica City Hall
  • Trg Slobode (Freedom Square)
  • St Theresa of Avila Cathedral
  • Subotica Synagogue
  • Municipal Museum
  • Modern Art Gallery
  • Art Nouveau Tour
  • Serbian Orthodox Church
  • Franciscan Church
  • Buvljak Flea Market

Explore Subotica

Fontanna

Plan Your Trip to Subotica: Best of Subotica Tourism

Essential subotica.

travel guide subotica serbia

Subotica Is Great For

Eat & drink.

travel guide subotica serbia

Art & history

travel guide subotica serbia

  • Patria Hotel
  • Hotel Galleria
  • Hotel Royal Crown Garni
  • Hotel Villa Majur
  • Hotel Forum Garni
  • Gostiona-Vendeglo Gurinovic
  • Fabrika Burger & Pizza Bar
  • Stara Pizzeria
  • Buvljak Flea Market
  • Winery Zvonko Bogdan, Subotica
  • City Hall (Gradska kuca)
  • Modern Art Gallery Likovni Susret
  • Saric Salas

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  • ARCHITECTURE
  • ARCHITECTURE GUIDES
  • WINTER DESTINATIONS
  • THE ISLANDS
  • BOOKS ABOUT GREECE
  • BOOKS ABOUT CHINA
  • 3D PUZZLES OF FAMOUS BUILDINGS

travel guide subotica serbia

What to See and Do in Subotica, Serbia’s Nicest City

Other than Belgrade, a trip to Serbia must include Subotica . According to many, Subotica is the country’s most beautiful city. Additionally, the city is a multicultural heaven, with Hungarians, Serbians and Croatians living next to each other. Although ideally located on the railroad connecting Budapest and Belgrade it has somehow remained undiscovered. There are plenty of things to see and do in Subotica: the city is famous for its elegant architecture, green parks, great food and laid back atmosphere. Hence, spending a day or two in this wonderful place is a must.

Subotica Serbia's Nicest City - National Theater

  • 1 What to See in Subotica – Art Nouveau
  • 2 Religious Architecture
  • 4 What to Do in Subotica
  • 5 Where to Stay – Hotels in Subotica
  • 6 Where to Stay in Palić
  • 7 Moving Around
  • 8 How to Get to Subotica
  • 9 Where to Eat – Restaurants, Bakeries and Cafés
  • 11 Related posts

What to See in Subotica – Art Nouveau

In Subotica you will find outstanding examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Actually, Subotica is probably the city with the most art nouveau buildings in Serbia. In Austro-Hungary, the movement was called Secession . At that time, Subotica was at the forefront of the movement. Most buildings are quite colorful and are decorated with world famous Zsolnai ceramics from Pécs . You will see numerous interesting buildings but the following three deserve special attention.

Hungarian Consulate in Subotica

City Hall (Gradska Kuća)

The City Hall is undoubtedly Subotica’s most famous landmark. Built between 1908 and 1912, it’s Serbia’s most imposing public hall. Budapest born architects Komor and Jakab designed it. Notice how art nouveau’s floral elements blend with Hungarian folklore decorations harmoniously. The impressive Council Hall with stained glass windows is the building’s highlight. You can take any of the daily organized tours through the building.

Subotica - City Hall

Synagogue (Sinagoga)

The Subotica Synagogue is one of Europe’s most exquisite religious buildings. The same architects that designed the City Hall designed it. The temple was built in 1908 and incorporates typical elements of Hungarian Secession like tulips, carnations and peacock feathers. Unfortunately, the building was left to rot for decades, until it got a complete reconstruction a couple of years ago. Strangely enough, it is closed most of the time. Therefore, you can go inside only on special occasions.

Subotica - Synagogue

Raichle Palace (Rajhlova Palata)

If you arrive to Subotica by train, the first building you’ll notice is the fabulous Raichle Palace . Unlike the first two buildings it is not free standing and it’s much smaller in size. Ferenc Raichle built it in 1904 as his home and artistic studio. The Palace was built with expensive materials and is quite exotic. Perhaps, the latter is due to its vibrant colors and odd forms. Fortunately for us, it is still in use, housing Modern art gallery ‘Likovni susreti’.

Reichl Palace

Religious Architecture

As mentioned above Subotica is Serbia’s most multicultural city. Apart from the beautiful Synagogue, the city is full of interesting religious buildings. Amongst these, three churches built in the 18 th century stand out: the Cathedral, the Franciscan church and the Serb Orthodox Church. Considering that Subotica is rather small you should be able to visit all three on foot.

Religious architecture

Subotica Cathedral

The Subotica Cathedral is baroque and dedicated to St. Theresa of Avila, the Spanish Carmelite monk from the 16th century that is the city’s patron. The temple is a so-called minor basilica and the seat of the Diocese of Subotica. On October 15th, 1773, the day of Holy Theresa of Avila, construction began with the laying of the foundation stone. Take note that all structural and decorative elements are baroque. The central part crowned with the statue of Mary Mother of Jesus connects the two towers on the main façade.

Subotica Cathedral

Franciscan Church

On the other hand, the neo-romanticist Franciscan Church is dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. The church and the adjacent monastery are the oldest religious buildings in Subotica, and amongst the oldest in all of Serbia. In fact, locals call it the Old Church. Franciscans moved into the Subotica Fortress in 1686. Initially, they improvised a church inside the fortress. However, in 1729 they began building a brand new church. They incorporated the old fortress walls into the church. That’s why the south tower is part of the church’s main façade.

Franciscan Church

Serb Orthodox Church

Finally, the baroque Serb Orthodox Church is dedicated to the Holy Ascension. In the 18th century, two churches occupied the site, one smaller than the other one. Unfortunately, the small one didn’t survive the pass of time, leaving only the big one for us to admire today. The original church is from 1726, but the present look is the result of a thorough reconstruction done 100 years later. The church is a one nave building with an apse and transept to the east, and a narthex and a bell tower to the west. One could say it’s the typical Orthodox Church in the area, Vojvodina.

Serbian Orthodox Church

Just 8 kilometers to the east of Subotica we find Palić. The place is pretty famous all around Serbia due to beautiful Pali ć Lake , the largest natural lake in the country. The Lake is now connected to Tisa River and apparently unsuitable for swimming. Nevertheless, it is a great place to walk about. Even more, amongst the lush Great Park (Veliki Park) you will spot elegant art nouveau buildings. Our favorites are the beautiful Water Tower, Grand Terrace, Music Pavilion and Ladies Bath (Ženski štrand). There is also a large Zoo, but Happy Frog doesn’t approve of keeping animals in cages for our entertainment, so please avoid.

Palić Lake

What to Do in Subotica

Explore the city center on foot.

Spend some time exploring Subotica’s central pedestrian area . Walk about Freedom Square (Trg Slobode), the main street Korzo and the small Matije Korvina Street. Be sure to notice the pretty buildings that dot the area. You shouldn’t miss the two large fountains on the square, made of colorful Zsolnai ceramic tiles. The beautiful City Library is there too. Finish your walk in the Ferenca Rajhla Park in front of the train station. Some of Subotica’s nicest houses are right across the park.

What to see in Subotica, Serbia - Korzo

Relax in a Forest

Relax in Mulberry Forest ( Dudova Š uma ), a 200 year old city park. You won’t be walking entirely alone, since hedgehogs and squirrels inhabit the park. On the other hand, if you want to exercise there are a couple of basketball courts, tennis courts, and plenty of gym equipment. Additionally, there is a refreshing open air swimming pool. Unfortunately, there are no more mulberries in the park. To get there, walk along the Aleja Maršala Tita Avenue, remnant of socialist times.

Mulberry forest

Bike Around the City

Get a city bike card at the SU BIKE office in Djure Djakovica 23. Bring your passport and a couple of dinars for the card and rental fees. The card allows you to take a bike at any of the five bike stations scattered all around town. Four of them are in the city and one is in Palić, so you can bike all the way to the Palić Lake. We took the bike line that goes all along the road to Palić, and once there, biked around the Great Park and along the lake. You can rent your bike any day from 7 AM to 8 PM and return it at any time.

Biking around town

Go on a Day Trip

As you can see, there are plenty of things to see and do in Subotica to keep you busy for a couple of days. If you are lucky and have more time, we have a few suggestions. If you are into horses, you must go visit the Kelebija Livery Stable , close to the Hungarian border. You’ll be able to ride a horse, relax in a garden, and have lunch in a traditional restaurant. If charming little cities are your thing, visit Sombor , 60 kilometers southwest from Subotica. On the other hand, if you prefer larger cities, cross the border and go to Szeged in Hungary. To us, it is one of the nicest cities in Hungary. Even better, go to Pécs . However, you need a car for that.

Subotica - Palić - Great Park

Where to Stay – Hotels in Subotica

We are sad to report that Subotica’s accommodation offer doesn’t match its beauty. There are only three** hotels inside the city, all of them overpriced. Patria and Galleria are 4 star hotels while PBG Garni Hotel is 3 stars. Hotels in Palić are much better value for money. Nevertheless, staying in downtown Subotica is a better idea, unless you are looking for a quiet getaway. Perhaps the best option is to rent an apartment through the official Subotica web or any other apartment rental website.

** Hotel Forum Garni opened downtown in 2019. The apart-hotel offers spacious rooms in a great location.

Art Nouveau House near the train station

Where to Stay in Palić

Since Palić is a popular resort town in Serbia, it has a wider selection of accommodation. There are 4 hotels in Palić, and all are 4 stars. Besides, several grand old villas are now guesthouses. The best hotel in town is undoubtedly the Garni Hotel & Spa Palić Resort . The award-winning hotel has big rooms, a nice spa, a swimming pool, and views. Garni Hotel Park doesn’t have a spa or a swimming pool, but it is part of the historic park. In fact, the hotel’s building is the original neoclassical pavilion from 1860.   If you prefer staying in a historic villa, then Guest House Vila Lujza is for you.

Vila Lujza Palić

Moving Around

Subotica used to have a tram, but it fell into oblivion. Actually, you can still see an old wooden tram parked at the beginning of Matka Vukovica Street. Today, buses serve the city and the suburbs. Since most of the sights are in a very small area, you probably won’t need them. To get to Palić, bike (as mentioned above) or take bus number 6. There is a bus stop on Maksima Gorkog Street, across the Patria Hotel, in downtown Subotica. Finally, you can also take an inexpensive taxi. Remember to ask if the taxi has a taximeter or agree to a price.

Moving Around - Old Tram

How to Get to Subotica

As mentioned above, Subotica is on the main road that connects the capitals of Serbia and Hungary. Unfortunately, at the moment, no trains operate from Belgrade. The railway line between Belgrade and Novi Sad is under repair, so no trains link the two cities. What’s more, trains from Belgrade to Budapest are affected too. Currently, only one train from Budapest to Novi Sad stops in Subotica. Nevertheless, several trains go from Subotica to Novi Sad . You can take a bus to Novi Sad and then the train to Subotica. The journey lasts 4 hours. Of course, you can take a direct bus from Belgrade and be in Subotica in 3 hours. Buses also connect Subotica with Szeged in Hungary.

Bus to Subotica

Where to Eat – Restaurants, Bakeries and Cafés

Subotica is full of great bakeries, restaurants and coffee shops. However, three places are not to be missed. Without a doubt the best restaurant in town is Caffe Boss in Matije Korvina. The place is so big it practically occupies half of the street. You can sit under a tree and indulge in delicious national dishes as well as in international flavors such as Mexican and Chinese. Special mention goes to their dessert menu! The best burek (baked dough pastry) is in Lipa , and though the place is small the food is first class. Watch out for all the grease! Another place worth mentioning is Pelivan in front of Subotica City Hall. They have been preparing superb ice cream for almost 100 years!

Do not worry about putting on some extra weight. As we mentioned above, you will need energy to walk for hours about the city, bike through the park, play tennis or swim. Who would have thought that Subotica, Serbia’s most beautiful city, has so much to offer?

Subotica - Boss Caffe

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2 Responses

travel guide subotica serbia

The architecture in Subotica really is great, isn’t it?! Glad to see someone else who loved this small city, although I didn’t get to Palić unfortunately.

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happyfrogtravels

I found it absolutely stunning and not just because I am emotionally connected to it (I used to spend summers in this wonderful city). It’s a pitty you missed Palic, perhaps next time!?

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  • 2.1 By plane
  • 2.2 By train
  • 3 Get around
  • 4.1 Squares
  • 4.2 Art Nouveau architecture
  • 4.3 Museums and galleries
  • 4.4 Sacral buildings
  • 5.1 Theatres & cinemas
  • 5.2 Nature reserves
  • 9.2 Mid-range
  • 9.3 Splurge

Subotica is a city in the very north of Vojvodina in northern Serbia . The city is well known for its many great examples of Hungarian architecture (mostly secessionist style, a type of Art Nouveau ; late 19th to early 20th century, but also other styles), and a lively student scene, as well as many festivals of various types. The city is multicultural (Hungarian/Serbian/Croatian) and thus has a unique flavor of culture. In its vicinity are the lake and lakeside town Palić , popular among tourists from the region.

Understand [ edit ]

travel guide subotica serbia

Subotica reached its golden period during the beginning of the 20th century, when the majority of its monumental buildings were built. It was a very important centre of wealth, influence and culture. It was the third largest city in the Kingdom of Hungary and subsequently the third largest city in the newly formed Kingdom of Yugoslavia (after Belgrade and Zagreb). As chance would have, having become a border-city its population growth stopped and stagnated at the same number ever since, and now it's only the second largest city in Vojvodina (after Novi Sad ) and fifth in Serbia . Because of this, today, Subotica is not a huge city population-wise, and is free of the typical congestion and concrete-jungle feel of bigger cities, but it still nonetheless has a disproportionate amount of beauty to offer and a relaxed pleasant atmosphere. One of the things that hasn't changed over the decades though is its multicultural nature (1/3 Hungarian, 1/3 Serbian, 1/3 Croatian, though the city's Jews were murdered during the Nazi occupation and its Germans mostly left after World War II), with all the benefits that come with it, among them a unique and vibrant culture.

Talk [ edit ]

There are two languages in everyday use in Subotica: Serbo-Croatian and Hungarian. The former is spoken by nearly everyone, while the latter is spoken natively by ethnic Hungarians who make up around 35% of the city's population and is also understood/spoken by many others to varying degrees. When it comes to global languages most younger people speak at least some English (many are fluent), but when it comes to older generations (60 and over) German is more useful. Your best bet with middle-aged people is also English (don't expect fluency).

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Subotica doesn't have an intercity airport. The nearest airports are in Belgrade (about 180 km away), Budapest (200 km), and less recommended in Timisoara (160 km, but requires more time to drive from there).

By train [ edit ]

Subotica is on the line between Belgrade , Novi Sad and Budapest . Additionally, there are regional trains from Szeged across the border in Hungary . Timetables can be checked at the operator Serbian Railways .

By bus [ edit ]

Buses are also an option when travelling from some nearby large cities like Novi Sad , Belgrade , Budapest , Zagreb , Szeged or Sombor . They are usually more expensive but are also, more often than not, faster than most local trains, and thus can be recommended, unless you want to experience the more unique domestic experience. Online timetable .

46.09495 19.67427 2 Bus station ( Glavna Autobuska stanica ), Senćanski put 3 . ( updated Aug 2018 )

By car [ edit ]

A1 motorway (E75) , Serbia's longest and most important road, passes through the city limits, if you prefer travel by car. For calculating travel times by car you can use this site .

Get around [ edit ]

Map

Most of the city's important sights are more or less within walking distance of each other (which is also the best mode of travel through the city for appreciating the architecture and atmosphere).

The city bus timetables are available here [dead link] . A single ticket costs RSD95. In a "double-bus" you buy the tickets at the back, in a "single-bus" you buy them at the front, from the driver (or just follow the crowd if there are other people). In case you decide you need a cab (to see some stuff on the other site of town for example) there are taxi stations in many locations, but the easiest places to find for a tourist are probably next to the Town Hall and next to the train station. Taxis are not overly expensive by Western standards. Make sure the meter is on.

If you're in shape you can rent one of the 56 bikes available in 4 parking-points.

Lake town Palić is accessible by public transport: bus #6 stops at the 46.0996 19.67091 3 bus stop to Palic . 120 RSD . ( updated May 2023 ) near Hotel Patria in the city center.

See [ edit ]

Subotica's beautiful town hall is surrounded with a number of pedestrian-only streets where people gather and meet, especially in the evening, giving the town a Mediterranean feel. The water-fountains and cafes in the center of the town are a great spot for people watching. The townhouse itself is lit up at night with spotlights that highlight the beauty of the building. It's also surrounded by a small park (the city center is generally rich with vegetation and trees) in which one of the two big fountains is located. There are several galleries . A tour through the Town Hall is also worth doing. There are also many beautiful religious buildings worth seeing.

Squares [ edit ]

  • 46.09991 19.66574 1 Main Square - Trg slobode ( Liberty Square ). Unlike many European towns, the City Hall in Subotica dominates the city centre instead of a church or a cathedral. The City Hall is a master peace of Hungarian version of Art Nouveau built in 1912. It is flanked by a park with a fountain and a vast square where many concerts and bazaars are organized throughout the year. It is surrounded by the building of People's Theatre that is undergoing a major reconstruction. It was built as a classic style building characterized by six Corinthian columns. On the eastern side of the square there is a neo-baroque building of The Public Library . The two Atlases carrying one of the nicest balconies in the city make this building charming. The Emperor Jovan Nenad Monument in the middle of the square represents a controversial historical figure. He styled himself emperor and pronounced Subotica his capital in 1527, but all lasted for a very short period of time. Not far from the monument there were two ceramic fountains. The Green Fountain (1985), and the Blue Fountain (2001). Both were made of Zsolnay tiles, likewise all decorative ceramics and roof tiles of the city’s Art Nouveau buildings. Unfortunately, the Green Fountain could not be easily renovated and was substituted by a generic one.  
  • 46.098959 19.659573 2 Trg žrtava fašizma ( Square of the Victims of Fascism ). The Cathedral, that dominates the square, was built in late baroque style in 1779. It is dedicated to the patron saint of Subotica, St. Theresa of Avila . The bell towers are 64 m high. It has valuable altar paintings and organs. On the same square lies the monument to the Victims of Fascism . It is 18 m wide and 8 m high what makes it the largest monument in Subotica. In front of the monument there is a rest area with a small fountain and a sculpture the Hands made by a local artist. Opposite to the monument is the Lifka Art Cinema and Kosztolány Dezső Theatre that produce plenitude of cultural events.  

Art Nouveau architecture [ edit ]

  • 46.09774 19.75635 6 Women's Lido , Obala Lajoša Vermeša bb, Palić . This, another magnificent example of Hungarian Art Nouveau style building, extends out into the lake. The fairytale-like wooden Women’s Lido is rich in details and reminiscent of folk art. The unusual architecture of this building, intended for rest and relaxation still, after a hundred years, attracts visitors to stop by and have a look  
  • 46.10205 19.66103 8 Dömötör Palace , Trg sinagoge 3 , ☏ +381 24 555 128 . Tu-Sa 10:00-18:00 . The Dömötör family house built in the style of Darmstadt Art Nouveau. It was designed by the Vágó brothers in 1906. Their works had always been decorated with the motive of two birds, which is present on this facade, too. Now it houses the City Museum .  
  • 46.1005 19.66622 10 Former Golden Lamb Hotel , Korzo 3 . Example of the Munich Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) in Subotica is the building number 3 in the Korzo Street. The facade of the 19th century the Golden Lamb Hotel was adapted in 1904 by the local architect Titus Mačković. In the 1980s it was pulled down and built as it once looked like.  
  • 46.09959 19.66672 11 Former Town's Tenement Building , Nušića 2 . The architect, Pál Vadász although being the creator of the genuine geometric Viennese Secession in Subotica, designed this building in simple, almost modern concept in 1913. This was a tenement building and it was commissioned by the Council of Subotica.  

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

travel guide subotica serbia

  • Municipal Museum , Trg sinagoge 3 ( inside the Dömötör Palace ), ☏ +381 24 555 128 . Tu-Sa 10:00-18:00 . It is a complex museum with archaeological, ethnographic, historical, art and natural collections and a collection of bequests. Today the museum awaits visitors with seasonal exhibitions, while the permanent exhibition is under construction. This Art Nouveau building, was restored in 2008 by the local government to fit the needs and purposes of the museum.  
  • Modern Art Gallery Likovni susret , Park Ferenca Rajhla 5 ( inside the Raichle palace ), ☏ +381 24 553 725 . M-F 08:00-19:00; Sa 09:00-13:00 . Modern Art Gallery was founded in 1962. It safeguards more than 1200 works of art of the most prominent artists from the former Yugoslavia of the second part of the 20th century – paintings, graphic works, sculptures and ceramics. The gallery produces solo and collective exhibitions, artists' performances and other artistic events.  
  • 46.10197 19.66493 13 Open University Gallery , Trg cara Jovana Nenada 15 , ☏ +381 24 554 600 . 08:00-20:00 . The gallery had the privilege to host many eminent artists from the whole Serbia and also many ensembles of international artists during the International Children's Festival and also during the Palić European Film Festival.  
  • 46.097471 19.663986 14 Native gallery Dr Vinko Perčić , Maksima Gorkog 22 , ☏ +381 24 559 063 . M-F 07:00-14:00; during temporary exhibitions 09:00-13:00 and 17:00-19:00 . This gallery features presentations of visual artists of various art practice: painting, sculpture, graphics, multimedia, performance, etc. It also exhibits art objects, the legacy of Subotica's doctor of medicine Vinko Perčić.  
  • 46.046788 19.489788 15 [dead link] Straw Art Gallery , Marka Oreškovića 3, Donji Tavankut ( 17 km from Subotica ). Visits by appointment . Straw-work art is a unique naive folk art that is fostered in Subotica and its region. The Straw-work Art Colony has been organized in Tavakut near Subotica since 1986. Some of the straw-works made during these colonies are displayed in the Gallery. Except for the permanent exhibition, gallery organizes exhibitions to popularize this art technique. The gallery is located in an authentic village house in the center of Donji Tavankut.  

Do [ edit ]

The town comes alive at night. The street Matija Korvina (off the main pedestrian street Korzo ) seems like the most happening, with a number of popular bars and restaurants (Boss, Stara, Beer&Co).

In the summer there are many festivals of music, film, food, and any other excuse creative people can find.

8 km to the east is Palić , an idyllic lakeside town of 6,000 people. The parks surrounding the lake are popular with tourists from the region. There's also a very green and well kept Zoo located in the parks (by all accounts the best in Serbia).

There's also a big traditional horse farm/stables/range near Kelebija (a couple of kilometers from Subotica) for those interested in experiencing and ridding in traditional horse carriages .

Theatres & cinemas [ edit ]

  • 46.10085 19.66994 1 National Theatre , Park Ferenca Rajhla 12 , ☏ +381 24 557 436 . Ticket office open daily 10:00-13:00 and 18:00-19:30 . The National Theatre fosters cultural identity of all national communities in Subotica and it is a unique theater in our country because it has two ensembles: one that plays in Serbian and the other that plays in Hungarian language. In terms of repertoire, it tries to satisfy the diverse interests of the audience of different ages. Both ensembles play on Jadran stage till the completion of the theatre building. ( updated Jan 2019 )
  • 46.09959 19.65927 2 Kosztolányi Dezső Theatre , Trg žrtava fašizma 5 , ☏ +381 24 557 471 . Ticket office: 10:00-13:00 and 17:30-19:30 . Kosztolány Dezső is devoted to producing alternative theatre. From Shakespeare to Mrozek, from Beckett to Brecht. Each new performance brings an entirely different experience.  
  • 46.09977 19.65905 3 Lifka Art Cinema , Trg žrtava fašizma 5 , ☏ +381 24 531 991 . Art Cinema Alexander Lifka fosters the European cultural orientation of Aleksandar Lifka, a pioneer of cinematography in this region. Beside artistic and documentary movies, box-office movies are shown in the cinema, too. Ticket office: half an hour before the movie show.  
  • 46.101821 19.664812 4 Eurocinema , Trg cara Jovana Nenada 15 , ☏ +381 24 554 600 . Ticket office: daily 08:00-20:00 . EuroCinema has on its repertoire mostly European films including Serbian ones and the award-winning productions at prestigious European film festivals. Beside that some box-office films are occasionally shown in the cinema, too.  
  • 46.101174 19.66988 5 Children's Theatre , Park Rajhl Ferenca 12a . It also houses Athletes' Centre. ( updated Aug 2018 )

Nature reserves [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ].

There are many large supermarkets scattered around the city. There's also a large mall located in a street off the main square. For a more unique experience visit the city's main large market about 2 km west of the center called Buvljak or Ocskapiac (meaning flea market), where a morning can be gone in a flash.

Eat [ edit ]

travel guide subotica serbia

The local dishes are definitely worth seeking out, as they are done really well and are quite cheap as well.

The region's famous fast-food is Burek . It is a pastry with various fillings like cheese, mince, mushroom, etc. It costs about RSD100, a bit more with (tekući) jogurt (a liquid form of savory yogurt). Most bakeries will have it, as well as specialized shops where it is made in front of you. An experience not to be missed!

Some other domestic fast-foods are pljeskavica (roughly pronounced as plyeskaveetsa ; basically a kind of Serbian hamburger) and palačinke ( palachinkeh ; European pancakes/crêpes filled with either savory or sweet stuffing, folded in fat/wide rectangles). The savory filling can be chicken, vegetables and sour cream or cooked minced meat plus cream and bolognese sauce. Sweet versions can be had with Nutella, whipped cream and cookie crumbs. There are "to-go/in-hand" fast-food variants and also restaurant variants.

Also worth seeking out is ćevapi (chevapi), small skinless sausages served in a flat bread called "lepinja".

Grilled or barbecued meats are also a tradition, so they are done masterfully. Look for places displaying the sign Roštilj .

Also don't leave the city without trying gulaš and paprikaš (traditionally Hungarian, and just generally local, types of meat stews) popular among the locals.

  • 46.10165 19.66833 1 Boss Cafe . If you're looking for a full service, an upmarket ambiance and international menu, check out this place in the center of town; is a really nice place to spend time and the pizza is excellent. ( updated Aug 2018 )

Drink [ edit ]

Since the region grows a lot of fruit, a lot of households make schnaps ( Rakija ) from the various stone fruit, apples, pears, grapes, etc. grown locally. Try to find some that was made for own consumption (and not for sale) for the best quality!

Another local specialty is a bitter herbal liqueur called Gorki List (various knock-offs are called Pelinkovac, as they are all made from the herb called Pelin, but this is the real deal). It aids digestion, so drink it some time before the meal. There are also traditional wineries near the city if you prefer wine.

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

  • 46.07089 19.672837 1 Guesthouse Denis , Aksentija Marodica 56 , ☏ +381 24 567210 . ( updated Aug 2017 )
  • 46.066744 19.513572 2 Konak Ljutovo , Čikerijska 28, Ljutovo ( 20 km away from the city ), ☏ +381 63 518 004 . ( updated Aug 2017 )
  • Hostel . There is a hostel with clean modern private rooms for RSD900 per night. It is behind the station, Segedenski, behind the Economics Faculty at number 14. The tourist information can supply maps and directions too. ( updated Aug 2017 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

  • Gat , Gundulićeva 42 , ☏ +381 24 4557345 . Wifi and rooftop patio. ( updated Aug 2018 )
  • Aleksander A ( Prenoćište Aleksander ), Segedinski put 86 , ☏ +381 60 6323336 . Continental breakfast. ( updated Aug 2018 )
  • Mali Hotel , Harambašićeva 25 , ☏ +381 24 552977 . This one is great if you like using wifi to surf the internet while looking at parquet floors. $30 . ( updated Aug 2018 )
  • Vila Inn , Aleja Maršala Tita 13 , ☏ +381 24 544122 . this one feels pretty nondescript, hopefully maybe you brought a crossword puzzle. Comfortable nonetheless. ( updated Aug 2018 )

Go next [ edit ]

  • If you haven't already included it in your Subotica visit go check out the nearby lake and lake-town Palić .
  • Otherwise take Bus n.1 (in front of the train station) to Kelebija Granica (the Hungarian border). From the border you can walk to Tompa Bus station and take buses from there to Szeged , Pécs (via Baja), and Kiskunhalas .
  • Due south is Novi Sad and Sombor , if you plan to stay within Serbia .

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Wander-Lush

See the Best of Northern Serbia: Easy 7-Day Serbia Itinerary

My one-week Serbia itinerary visiting three of the top cities in Northern Serbia plus one national park is ideal for first-time visitors.

From the concrete jungle of gritty Belgrade to the pretty Art Nouveau towns in the north, Serbia is a haven for wine-lovers, electronic music fans, architecture buffs, Yugo-nostalgics and hikers alike.

Admittedly I’m none of those things – but I thoroughly enjoyed trying a little bit of everything when I spent a fortnight travelling around Serbia last winter.

My Serbia itinerary brings sews together the best parts of the country’s north for an easy 7-day tour by bus or train.

Based off the route I followed on my trip around the Balkans, it’s packed with actionable advice – including the best things to do in Serbia, instructions for getting around, and other handy tips.

Are you planning a visit to Serbia? – Don’t miss my in-depth guide to Novi Sad , Serbia’s coolest city. – Check out my Balkans Travel Guide for tips and recommendations for bordering countries. – If you love road tripping, don’t miss my Balkans road trip planner for inspiring routes around Serbia and beyond.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Serbia itinerary essentials

I travelled pretty extensively through all 12 Balkan states and I think Serbia is one of the easiest countries in the region for travellers. The intercity bus system is great and easy to navigate, accommodation options are plentiful, and English is widely spoken, which makes it easy to troubleshoot any logistical issues.

Here are my tips for planning the perfect Serbia itinerary.

Do you need a visa for Serbia?

Serbia’s tourist visa policy is very similar to the Schengen countries (although it is not included in the Schengen Area). Citizens of 96 countries (including Australia, the UK and the US) can visit Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Some nationalities (including some countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa) are required to apply for a visa in advance.

I recommend using iVisa to check if you need a visa and to apply for an expedited visa online .

Where to start your Serbia itinerary

Belgrade (Serbia’s capital city) is the country’s main transport hub and the natural place to start your travels if you’re flying into the country. There are also regular coach bus connections between Belgrade and neighbouring countries: Hungary, Romania, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Having said that, I don’t necessarily recommend starting your Serbia travels in Belgrade.

Belgrade is quite a polarising city that many people find overwhelming (or underwhelming, depending how you look at it). I wasn’t a huge fan of Belgrade myself, and I think that if I had started my trip there, it probably would have coloured my impression of the whole country.

Instead, I recommend you start your Serbia itinerary in Novi Sad, the second-biggest city, also located in the north. The two are a mere hour-and-a-bit apart, so you can easily transit to Novi Sad by bus after you arrive in the capital. If you’re flying into Belgrade, I recommend pre-organising an airport transfer to take you to the bus station.

Of course this is just my opinion – you could easily flip this itinerary and start with a few days in the capital before continuing north.

If you happen to be entering Serbia overland from Hungary, western Romania or eastern Croatia, you can easily find bus services to either Novi Sad or Subotica. We entered the country from Osijek in Croatia and had Novi Sad as our first stop.

A concrete building in Belgrade, Serbia topped with a Coca Cola advertisement sign.

When is the best time to visit Serbia?

Belgrade, Novi Sad and Subotica are all destinations you can visit at any time of year.

Because of the way our 6-month Balkans itinerary worked out, we ended up in Serbia in March, which was admittedly still a little chilly and grey for our liking. If I had a choice, I would visit Serbia in late springtime as this season seems to have the best weather conditions.

Summer (June to August) is the hottest time of year in Serbia, and temperatures in concrete-heavy Belgrade can be oppressive. On the other hand, summer and early fall is a great time to go hiking in Serbia’s national parks. If you’re interested in food and wine, fall is also great for experiencing the wine harvest .

Getting around Serbia by bus

Serbia’s bus system is one of the best we encountered in the Balkans. Services are plentiful, fares are well-priced, and in our experience, everything runs true to schedule. We travelled around the country (and the entire Balkans region) exclusively by coach bus. Lasta is the most popular and reliable coach company in Serbia.

I suggest using the Polazak website to find bus schedules and fares in English. We always bought our bus tickets from the station a day in advance – especially recommended if it’s summer or a holiday. You also have the option to buy your tickets online using the Polazak website, although extra charges usually apply.

Bus stations in Serbia have a few quirks. Some of the bigger stations charge entry to access the platforms (usually a couple of dollars equivalent in local currency), meaning you have to buy a platform token in addition to your bus ticket.

Coaches always charge extra for any luggage you want to store under the bus. When we travelled in Serbia, the cost was 60 denars (approx. 60 US cents) per piece of luggage. Bags are tagged before being stowed and you have to present your ticket stub to collect them again, so don’t lose it.

Hiring a car in Serbia

Self-driving can be a good option for confident drivers if you want more flexibility in your itinerary. Serbia has some of the best roads in the region and cheap car rentals; however fuel prices and tolls are on the expensive side. Here are more tips for driving in Serbia .

Personally I recommend using Serbia’s bus network – it’s cheap and efficient. If you do decide to self-drive, I suggest using the Discover Cars website to explore your options and find the best price on a rental. They aggregate a good range of manual and auto transmission cars from international hire companies, with the option to pick up a vehicle in either Belgrade or Novi Sad.

Click here to find a rental car in Serbia using Discover Cars.

A green building in Subotica, Serbia.

Where to stay in Serbia

The final piece of the Serbia logistics puzzle is accommodation. Finding a place to stay in Serbia is very easy, especially in the cities. Hostels, guesthouses and boutique hotels are all widely available. Private apartments are also very popular and can be booked either through Airbnb or Booking.com.

We used Airbnb throughout Serbia and had consistently good experiences. As with the rest of the region, Airbnb is a great choice if you want something self-contained and well-priced.

I’ve included specific accommodation recommendations (including links to the places we stayed at) in the itinerary below. 

How much to budget for your trip

Serbia is a very affordable travel destination by European standards. For context, we found prices cheaper than Croatia or Slovenia, but slightly more expensive than Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro.

Belgrade was one of the more expensive Balkan capitals we visited. To keep costs down, I recommend using Airbnb and eating at local restaurants.

  • Budget traveller: 20-30 USD/day (hostel, buses, local meals)
  • Mid-range: 30-50 USD/day (guesthouse or Airbnb, buses & taxis, restaurant meals)
  • All-out: 50-100+ USD/day (boutique hotel, taxis & private transfers, restaurant meals)

We spent roughly 56,000 denars (approx. 570 USD) for two people for two weeks of travel in Serbia, excluding accommodation.

The perfect 7 days in Serbia itinerary

[belgrade] – novi sad – subotica – belgrade – tara national park (mokra gora).

This Serbia itinerary focuses almost exclusively on the north, with more options to continue your travels in the south at the end. True to my travel style, it prioritises culture, history, food and wine over outdoor activities – although there is one national park included.

As I mentioned, we spent two weeks in Serbia and followed this exact itinerary, albeit at a slower pace. I think one week is the perfect amount of time to spend in Serbia if you’re a first-time visitor and you don’t mind moving around at a reasonably face pace.

Days 1 & 2: Start your Serbia itinerary in Novi Sad

Serbia’s second-largest city and capital of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Novi Sad is the perfect introduction to Northern Serbia.

Novi Sad has a classic European feel thanks to its Hapsburg-era architecture and multitude of outdoor cafes. The Danube runs through the heart of the city, giving it notes of Budapest with a distinctly Serbian edge. One of the many must-dos in Novi Sad is to try the locavore restaurants and wineries that make use of local produce.

Roam the pedestrian boulevard in search of your next kafa hit, duck into Danube’s Park for a stroll under the trees, and seek out the pretty walkways and interiors along the main street.

Novi Sad was considered Serbia’s cultural capital up until the early 20th century and was at one time known by the nickname ‘Serbian Athens’ . This legacy lives on in the dozens of literary and music festivals held throughout the year, most famously EXIT Festival , which takes place on the grounds of Petrovaradin Fortress every summer.

In 2021, Novi Sad will take up its position as European Capital of Culture , an accolade that’s sure to cement its reputation as one of the loveliest cities to visit in the Balkans.

I recommend spending a full day in Novi Sad and adding an extra day to your itinerary for a side trip to the town of Sremski Karlovci.

Cafes and pastel buildings in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Things to do in Novi Sad

  • Saunter down Dunavska Street to Trg Slobode. Novi Sad’s pedestrian mall is lined with beautiful architecture, cute shops and outdoor cafes. The main square, Trg Slobode, is where you can find some of the city’s most spectacular buildings including the Name of Mary Cathedral.
  • Eat lunch at Project 72. A locavore feast in one of the city’s most beautiful dining rooms.
  • Sunset at Petrovaradin Fortress. Wander across the river to take in the views from Novi Sad’s fortress. There is an outdoor terrace bar perfectly positioned for a sunset view over the river. Arrive early to explore the complex, with its clock tower, draw bridges and stone tunnels.
  • Take a day trip to Sremski Karlovci. Northern Serbia’s prettiest town is just 30 minutes from Novi Sad by bus. Discover the Baroque architecture (including the colourful Grammar School) and visit the gorgeous Museum of Beekeeping. There are several small wineries in town that offer tastings (Podrum Bajilo and Winery Mrdjanin are both recommended). A local bus to Sremski Karlovci from Novi Sad costs 300 denars (approx. 3 USD) per person return. 

For more excellent things to do in Novi Sad, read my Novi Sad city guide.

The town of Karlovci Sremski, an easy day trip from Novi Sad.

Where to stay in Novi Sad

When we visited Novi Sad, we stayed at this centrally located Airbnb . Nikola, the host, is very kind and helpful, and the location of the self-contained flat can’t be beat.

If you prefer a hotel, these properties are all centrally located and have excellent ratings (9/10 or higher) on Booking.com:

  • Budget hostel: City Hostel
  • Mid-range hotel: Garni Citi Hotel Veliki
  • Boutique hotel: Hotel Fontana

Day 3: Make your way north to Subotica

Subotica is located an hour north of Novi Sad, very close to the Hungarian border. A small, quiet city by any measure, Subotica is full of architectural treasures and stands out as my absolute favourite place in Serbia.

Subotica is normally associated with one thing: Art Nouveau . Along with its sister city Szeged over the border, Subotica boasts some of the most divine examples of this architectural style anywhere in Europe. The most famous of all is the Raichle Palace (pictured at the top of this article and again below), a private residence built in 1904.

Like Novi Sad, Subotica is an outdoor city whose streets beg for long afternoon walks. A day is the perfect amount of time to explore Subotica on foot, with time for a trip to Palic Lake in the late afternoon.

How to get to Subotica from Novi Sad

There are bus departures at least once an hour from Novi Sad’s MAS Central Bus Station to Subotica, starting from 6am and continuing until around 9pm. (Note that Novi Sad has multiple bus stations – be sure to double check in advance.) Travel time to Subotica is just over 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

When booked online through Polazak, Tickets cost between 4-7 Euros depending on the service. We paid 7.90 denars (approx. 8 USD) per person for tickets when we travelled. Check times and prices here .

Details of the painted facade of Raichle's Palace in Subotica.

Things to do in Subotica

  • Take a self-guided walking tour of Subotica’s architecture. Subotica Tourism has put together several DIY audio tours through the city that you can follow to see the prettiest buildings. We listened to three of the four tracks and really enjoyed the experience. Highlights of the Art Nouveau tour include the Town Hall building on the main square, the National Theatre and of course the Raichle Palace.
  • Go inside Subotica Synagogue. If Raichle Palace has the prettiest facade, Subotica Synagogue definitely holds claim to the most impressive interior. This is seriously one of the most evocative buildings I’ve ever been inside (I liken the experience to visiting the Sagrada Familia). Completed in 1902, it’s no longer active but has been expertly restored with help from the World Monuments Fund. The story of Subotica’s Jewish community is wrapped up in the building and is very, very moving – I highly recommend reading up before you go. The synagogue is open from 10am-6pm every day except Monday. Entrance costs 250 denars (approx. 2.50 USD) per person and is worth every cent.

The facade of Subotica Synagogue viewed from behind a black gate.

  • Eat lunch at Boss Caffe. Located in the courtyard behind Richle Palace, this local favourite features outdoor dining surrounded by flourishes of Art Nouveau. We ate here twice and really enjoyed the food. The menu is huge and well-priced; we paid 1000 denars (approx. 10 USD) for lunch for 2 people.
  • Take a side trip to Lake Palic . Just 10km from Subotica (around 20 minutes by local bus), Lake Palic used to be an elite spa retreat. It features yet more beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, most notably the Grand Terrace complex on the shore of the lake (it now houses a cafe), and a handful of villas tucked in the forest beyond. We walked around the lake accompanied by one of the audio tour tracks.

Where to stay in Subotica

We stayed at the cute Apartment Libra in Subotica , a very comfortable, well-positioned flat with a great kitchen. It was very warm and cosy in winter, and our host Ljubomir even picked us up from the bus station when we arrived.

Other options in Subotica:

  • Budget hostel: Hostel Put Svile
  • Mid-range hotel: Hotel Forum Garni

Days 4 & 5: Continue to the big city, Belgrade

Now that you’ve eased your way into Northern Serbia, it’s time to hit the big city. 

Before visiting, I only ever associated Belgrade (the ‘White City’) with socialism and Yugoslav history, not realising that it’s actually one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe . Yes, it’s mostly grey concrete on the surface, but there are countless layers of Roman, Ottoman and Yugoslavian heritage to peel back, and no shortage of excellent museums and walking tours to help you do it.

For a balanced experience, I recommend dividing your time in Belgrade between the distinctive ‘old’ and ‘new’ (Socialist) parts of the city, located on the eastern and western banks of the river respectively.

How to get to Belgrade from Subotica

There are a dozen coaches to Belgrade from Subotica every day, departing from the bus station near the railway station and terminating at the BAS Central Bus Station in Belgrade. Buses start running in the early morning (around 4am) and continue until 6pm. Travel time is 3-3.5 hours depending on the service.

Tickets cost 8-12 Euros when purchased online. When we travelled, we paid 1,235 denars (approx. 12.70 USD) per person for tickets purchased at the bus station. Check times and fares here .

St Sava Church in Belgrade.

Things to do in Belgrade

  • Visit Kalemegdan Fortress. Belgrade Fortress sits at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers and affords magnificent views of New Belgrade. Entrance is free.
  • Get hands-on at the Nikola Tesla Museum . Serbia holds claim to inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla as their favourite homegrown hero. His museum in Belgrade is fascinating – even (or especially) if you don’t know much about his work. The Tesla Coil Demonstration will make your hair stand up on end. Entrance to the museum costs 500 denars (approx. 5 USD) per person.
  • Visit the House of Flowers. This is the final resting place of another historical icon associated with Serbia, albeit for very different reasons. Josip Broz Tito’s mausoleum is an extravagant greenhouse-like atrium surrounded by lovely gardens. The adjacent Museum of the History of Yugoslavia is a huge, fascinating display of Yugoslav history. The whole thing is slightly macabre, but it’s a must-see in Belgrade

A collection of Yugoslavia-era artefacts on display at a museum in Belgrade.

  • Wander back in time in Zemun. Located behind New Belgrade, Zemun was described to me by a local as ‘a city within a city’, and it certainly feels that way. This was a separate town until it was absorbed into Belgrade in the 1930s, and locals have managed to hold onto that romantic small-town feel. You’ll find a picturesque town square, lively outdoor markets, and more cafes than you can count.
  • Summit Avala Tower for a view. This icon of Belgrade’s skyline was famously destroyed during the war and later rebuilt. Today it contains an observation deck and cafe at the top. Access to the tower is via a lovely hiking trail that starts on the outskirts of the city. Entrance costs 300 denars (approx. 3 USD) per person.

Read more: My complete guide to visiting Avala Tower from Belgrade.

The spire and walkway of Avala Tower, an iconic building in Belgrade, Serbia.

  • Bike around New Belgrade: The best way to explore New Belgrade, the western half of the city, is by bike. This area is pancake-flat and there are a number of pathways that link monumental concrete buildings such as the Hotel Yugoslavia with Belgrade’s vast commieblocks and pockets of green parkland. We joined a guided cycling tour with local company iBike and loved it.
  • Try a slice of Moscow Shnit. Belgrade’s favourite sweet treat is a delicious cake prepared at Hotel Moscow in the city centre. The recipe is a guarded secret, but I can tell you it’s very light and fruity (perfect for enjoying on the outdoor terrace under a blue sky). The hotel and cafe are iconic in Belgrade.

Where to stay in Belgrade

We stayed at the exceptional Downtown Art Deco Studio , located right in the centre of the city. It was one of the best apartments we stayed at anywhere in the Balkans.

Most Belgrade Airbnbs are concentrated around the northern end of the city on the eastern side of the river. This is also where you’ll find most museums and tourist attractions, plus some great restaurants.

I recommend staying in either the Skadarlija or Dorcol (the oldest part of Belgrade) neighbourhoods.

  • Budget hostel: Balkan Soul Hostel
  • Mid-range hotel: Hotel Rex
  • Boutique hotel: Mama Shelter Belgrade or 7 Rooms Suites

Days 6 & 7: Finish on a high in Tara National Park

It’s a bit of a mission to reach central Serbia’s western corner, but it’s more than worth the long bus ride. Tara National Park is the most heavily forested part of the country and is widely considered to be Serbia’s most pristine pocket of nature . Yet relatively few foreign tourists ever make it here.

Aside from hiking and river sports on the Drina , this area is also brimming with cute villages , history and culture, so there’s something for everyone at any time of year.

Tall trees and mossy rocks in Tara National Park in Serbia.

How to get to Tara National Park from Belgrade

There are no direct buses from Belgrade to the towns of Mokra Gora or Mitrovac, so you need to transfer through the town of Zlatibor to access the park.

There are a dozen direct buses to Zlatibor leaving Belgrade’s main station from 6.15am onwards. Travel time is around 4 hours , and tickets cost around 13 Euros (or 18 Euros return) when reserved online. Check times and prices here .

Travel time from Zlatibor to Mokra Gora is 30 minutes and can be done either by local bus or taxi.

If you want to avoid a long morning of travel and you have to get back to Belgrade for your flight home anyway, another option is to take a day trip to Tara National Park from Belgrade. This full-day tour includes transfers from Belgrade with a professional driver and a guide to show you all the highlights of the beautiful Drina River Valley.

We did something similar and visited Tara National Park on a day trip from Sarajevo.

Things to do in and around Tara National Park

  • Go hiking. There are marked trails all over the park, ranging from short day hikes to multi-day affairs. Most start from Mitrovac where there is a tourist office that can furnish you with maps.
  • Photograph the cute Drina River House. A wooden house perched on a stone in the river that marks the border between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, this is one of the icons of Tara National Park.
  • Admire the frescoes at Raca Monastery. A 13th-century monastery containing a set of important paintings. There are several hiking trails to fresh water springs in the area.
  • Visit the weird and wonderful Drvengrad village. Originally built as a film set for the movie Life is a Miracle, this charming model village has become a symbol of Serbia. The film director’s personal collection of vintage cars are scattered amongst the wooden houses and churches. There is a film festival held here every summer.

A vintage car and a traditional Serbian wooden house in Serbia.

  • Ride the historic Sargan Eight Steam Train. Construction on this narrow-gauge railway started during World War I to link Serbia and Austro-Hungary. Today it’s a scenic railway that runs between the towns of Mokra Gora and Vitasi via tracks that cling to the side of the mountain valley.
  • Catch the view from Banjska Stena. It was a sea of fog when we visited Tara National Park’s most famous viewpoint, but I’ve been reassured that the panorama is phenomenal on a clear day!
  • Venture to Zlatibor. Serbia’s most popular mountain resort town is located south-east of the National Park, in the shadow of Mount Zlatibor. Here you can find lovely accommodations and more hiking trails.

Where to stay near Tara National Park

The most popular places to stay when visiting Tara National Park are Mitrovac (a good base for hiking) and Mokra Gora . There are some lovely homestyle accommodations in and around the national park – my favourite is this sweet cabin .

See more options in Mokra Gora on Booking.com.

Extend your Serbia itinerary: Other places to visit

If you have more time, you might consider including one or more of these additional destinations to your Serbia itinerary.

Uvac Nature Reserve – add 1-2 days

Located south of Mokra Gora and Tara National Park, this park features biodiverse wetlands and a very picturesque winding river.

To get there, you can take a train to Nova Varos and spend a few nights inside the park, or you can join a day tour from Belgrade .

Nis – add 1-2 days

Serbia’s third-largest city, Nis is located in the country’s south-east, around 230km from Belgrade. It’s accessible by coach from the capital or if you want to add it to the end of your itinerary, you can take a bus from the city of Uzice near Tara National Park.

I didn’t get to visit Nis this time, but I’d love to go back and spend some time exploring the city that traditionally linked Belgrade and Istanbul. (I had no idea Nis was the birthplace of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.)

If you’re planning a visit, I recommend this guide to Nis.

Novi Pazar – add 2-3 days

Also located in southern Serbia, Novi Pazar has always been considered Serbia’s cultural and religious crossroads. It has a long and fascinating history, as evidenced by the many important monuments located in and around the city.

You can learn more about Novi Pazar here.

Onward travel from Serbia

If your flight home is departing from the capital, you can simply loop back to Belgrade from Tara National Park (departing Uzice or Zlatibor) by bus.

If you’re continuing on overland, you can transit west into Bosnia and Herzegovina (first stop: Visegrad) or north-west into Croatia. Another option is to head to Novi Pazar from Tara National Park then continue overland to Montenegro .

Can you cross into Kosovo from Serbia?

If you want to continue your travels in Prishtina and Prizren , you’ll need to read up on the different options for getting to Kosovo to Serbia. There are rules in place that could prevent you from visiting Serbia again in the future, so it’s very important you do your due diligence.

Refer to this detailed guide about crossing into Kosovo legally.

The perfect Serbia itinerary, featuring Belgrade, Novi Sad, Subotica and Tara National Park. Includes transport details & travel tips. #Serbia #Balkans | Where to go in Serbia | Serbia travel | Serbia guide | Travel Serbia

Easy Serbia itinerary: Save it for later

One of the best blogs I have come across online. Everything a traveler should know about a country/place is very well captured and explained. Thanks a lot. More power to you!

Thanks Nabeel for the kind words!

Absolutely very useful blog, am sure this help me plan well for my serbia trip.

Thanks for your comment, Dheepan! Happy travels to Serbia!

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Travel Blog, Itineraries & Guides, Hotel Reviews

The Perfect Itinerary for Belgrade, Novi Sad & Subotica – Serbia in 4 Days

June 17, 2019 by Bino Leave a Comment

It goes without saying that Serbia is one of the most underrated countries in Europe. Even within the European community, Serbia is seen as slightly exotic, with most trips to the Balkans going in favor of neighboring Croatia, Montenegro and even Bosnia & Herzegovina. Serbia probably remains as one of Europe’s best kept secrets with plenty to keep the traveler busy, whether it be for a quick city break or a longer trip covering the great outdoors. This itinerary is meant to cover the main things to do in Serbia within a relatively short span of time, and portions of this can be done in as little as 2 days if a weekend city break to Belgrade is all you are after, to as much as 5 days if you have more time to spare to visit the cities of Vojvodina as well.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Belgrade (City Center)

Tip: taxis in Belgrade are notorious for scamming passengers, especially foreigners. I went with a taxi after arriving in Belgrade station thinking it was safe because it had a meter. Turned out to be a fake meter. It jumped so fast I ended up paying 20 Euros for a 10 minute ride (should have been more like 5 euros or less). To distinguish a real taxi, make sure it has the city’s coat of arms on the roof with a number. Reliable taxi companies include: Pink Taxi and Beogradski Taxi and you can request any establishment you’re in (i.e. hotel, restaurant, shop) to call one for you.

Arrive in Belgrade, literally the “white city” and the capital of Serbia. If you are arriving through Nikola Tesla International Airport, you need to be wary of unscrupulous taxi drivers who may overcharge you for a ride to the city. The usual taxi fare to the city center of Belgrade from the airport is 1800 to 2000 Dinars and you can get a cab from the taxi desk.

kalemegdan fortress belgrade

kalemegdan fortress belgrade

Start your day with a stroll to Knez Mihaila which is Belgrade’s high street. Here, you’ll find plenty of chic shops interspersed with cafes and fine restaurants. In case it is still too early to do some decent shopping – no problem. There are a number of points here to interest tourists including the old National Bank of Serbia building with its fine neoclassical interiors, Hotel Moskva which is just one or two blocks south from the beginning of Knez Mihaila as well as Trg Republik (Republic Square). At the northern end of the street, you will find pathways leading up to a hill with a fortress. This is the Kalemegdan Fortress which is one of the most recognized landmarks in all of Belgrade. Look out for the instagrammable spots here including the arches that look out to fine views of the river as well as the highest point which allow for views of the point where the Danube and Sava rivers meet.

prolece restaurant in belgrade

prolece restaurant in belgrade

After working up an appetite, you can head back to the Knez Mihaila area for lunch. A popular spot for local food is Prolece which serves up a number of hearty dishes including meat stews that are just perfect during cold days. If you are feeling luxurious, you can check out Salon 1905 which is probably the city’s most over-the-top restaurant with its plush palatial interiors.

Tip: To navigate Belgrade’s public transport system, I recommend using Moovit. This app is useful if you plan to travel around the Balkans. They also cover other cities in Serbia such as Novi Sad as well as Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina. skandalija in belgrade

You can spend the afternoon exploring the rest of Belgrade’s inner city areas. Skandarlija is probably the closest that the city has to an old town. It’s one relatively long street paved in cobblestone. There are restaurants lining the streets. Some are proud to display the famous people who have eaten in their establishments.

st. sava temple

st. sava temple

During the late afternoon, take a long stroll down Kralja Milana and admire the beautiful buildings along the way as you walk towards the imposing St. Sava Temple . Admission to the largest church in Serbia is free. The highlight is the crypt in the basement which is adorned with religious artwork in the columns as well as ceiling. Opening times to the actual crypt vary. I was in Belgrade for four days and attempted to enter the crypt each day I was there. However, I was only successful during the first day. Nevertheless, even if you don’t manage to see the crypt, the exterior of St. Save Temple is also a sight to behold especially at night when it is floodlit. Hardworking photographers sometimes book a cheap room in the nearby Hotel Slavija where they can capture a higher view of the St. Sava Temple.

Day 2 – Belgrade (Suburbs)

belgrade skyline

belgrade skyline

The second day in Belgrade can be utilized to explore the suburban parts of the city. A popular excursion is to Zemun . The Sava River once served as the border between Serbia and Austria-Hungary so anything east of the river was part of Austria-Hungary. This is why the suburb of Zemun has a distinctive small town Austrian feel with its church towers and charming buildings. You can climb up to Gardos Tower for a bird’s eye view of Zemun. On the way to Zemun from downtown Belgrade, you can also pass by the boxy Museum of Contemporary Art (open 10AM to 6PM daily except Tuesdays). Even if you don’t have a passing interest for art, the exterior of the museum is worth checking out for its striking architecture.

If you have time, you can also head south and check out The Royal Palace and White Palace in the suburb of Dedinje. The Royal Palace in particular is adorned with intricate frescoes. Admission fee is RSD 650 and tours need to be booked in advance. You can find more details here .

Tasmajdan Park

tasmajdan park

You can then choose to depart for Subotica in the evening or wait til the next morning for the 2.5 hour trip. If you decide to stay in Belgrade, Restoran Tri (Kosovska 51, open daily except Sunday from 12PM to 12AM) is a nice hipster-ish dining option for food and cocktails. Belgrade’s scenic Tasmajdan Park is also just next door which makes an after dinner stroll a good option. If you happen to be in Belgrade around October, Tasmajdan Park is also said to be one of the best places in Belgrade to see autumn colors.

Day 3 – Subotica

Subotica used to be one the largest cities in Serbia but waves of emigration to Hungary which is just across the border has kept the local population on a slight gradual decline. The city is known for its multiculturalism and a good proportion of the city folk are actually bilingual in Serbian and Hungarian.

I specifically made the effort to visit Subotica after seeing photos of its beautiful art nouveau architecture. And indeed, despite having visited several old towns in Europe, the cityscape of Subotica did not disappoint.

Subotica is a relatively small town with a compact and walkable center. The entire city can be explored in as short as 2 hours but I opted to stay overnight in order to capture photos of the old town in the evening.

city hall of subotica

city hall of subotica

While here, make sure to check out the City Hall which serves as the focal point of the city. The beautiful red building was built in the early 20th century and even features elements of Hungarian folklore. Entry is possible at 12 noon from Tuesdays to Fridays. The highlight of the admission, other than the sumptuous interiors, is access to the observatory with views of the city. There are two fountains surrounding the city hall, one blue and another green. While often touted as a tourist attraction in the local guides, I found it a bit of a distraction especially in my attempts of taking good photos of the city hall.

korzo street in subotica

korzo street in subotica

Afterwards, head east towards the direction of the Neo-classical Public Library . You will see a pedestrian-only shopping street called Korzo which serves as the “high street” Subotica. You won’t really find any big-name brands here but the area is worth a stroll in order to see more art nouveau structures including the former Golden Lamb Hotel and former Subotica Savings Bank .

beautiful raichle palace in subotica

beautiful raichle palace in subotica

Turn left at the end of Korzo Street and walk a few meters to reach the unusual Raichle Palace . Pictures can speak a thousand words and honestly, it was a photo of this building that made me want to go to Subotica (and Serbia generally). The house was built in 1904 by noted architect Ferenc Raichle as a personal home. Today, it serves as an art gallery.

travel guide subotica serbia

synagogue of subotica

While in Subotica, also make sure to visit the Synagogue which is one of the largest in Europe. The interiors have been renovated and now feature a palatian concert hall look. Visits are available by appointment.

Before leaving Subotica, make sure to visit the nearby lake called Palic . To get here from Subotica, take #6 bus which runs every 20 minutes. Palic is a popular day trip option for locals looking to relax and cool off during the summer months but regardless of the season, you can appreciate the fine art nouveau architecture here including the Water Tower and Women’s Lido.

Where to eat in Subotica: Even locals recommend having dinner at Boss Cafe (Matije Korvina 7-8, open daily until late). There is a wide array of dishes here including Asian! I tried the pizza and pasta and these were delicious.

Day 4 – Novi Sad

From Subotica, Novi Sad is about an hour’s bus ride away. There are several departures daily which you can check here . Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia but its places of interest are near each other that you can comfortably get an overview of the city within a day. From the Novi Sad main bus terminal, you can take a number of local city buses to the old town.

travel guide subotica serbia

old town hall of subotica

Novi Sad has one of the most charming old town squares ( Trg Slobode ) in Europe. With a strong Austrian influence, it is definitely unlike any other in Serbia. It is also especially atmospheric in the day while local violinists play music such as the Blue Danube Waltz (an especially apt number given the Danube snakes its way across town). The main buildings to see here are the Old Town Hall and the imposing Name of Mary Church .

If you happen to be near the old town square during lunch time, I highly recommend checking out Fish & Zelenis (Skerlićeva 2, Novi Sad 21000). For a landlocked country, the quality of seafood here really surprised me. Do check out the daily special. They were offering Turbot when I was there and it was cooked to tender perfection! The staff members here are also very friendly and highly knowledgeable about the food and drinks.

From the main square, make your way towards Dunavska – the city’s high street – with its array of charming shophouses. The street conveniently ends right by the Danube, affording one of sweeping views of Petrovardin Fortress .

Where to Stay in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Subotica

Belgrade – I can’t recommend the Hilton Belgrade enough. Located in Kralja Milana, you can walk to either Trg Republik or St. Sava Temple with its central location. Rooms are very new. This is probably the most luxurious hotel today in Belgrade but prices are reasonable at just above US$100 per night on average.

Subotica – Hotel Galleria is the most popular hotel in Subotica. From its rooftop restaurant, you can even get a partial view of the Old Town Hall.

Novi Sad – Since Belgrade is just an hour away by bus, I would recommend spending the night in Belgrade instead.

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The Hidden Beauty of Serbia’s Subotica and Lake Palić

Living in istanbul, our author can appreciate the tranquil atmosphere of subotica — and the fact that it’s flat and the old town is pedestrian-only means biking is the best way to see it here’s dario de santis in another installment of his tour of central europe., story and photos by dario de santis.

From Novi Sad it took us less than two hours to reach Subotica by bus. Already the day before, upon entering the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina , we had left the Balkans for Central Europe. Subotica, Vojvodina’s second-largest city, is the northernmost Serbian city, lying about 10 kilometres from the Hungarian border.

My trip had begun seven days earlier from Sarajevo. It’s hard to believe that, just over 20 years ago, Sarajevo and Subotica were part of the same country, Yugoslavia. The cultural differences are very pronounced. Not much remains in Subotica of the heavy Turkish influence that characterizes the Bosnian capital and, to a lesser extent, south Serbia. 

Likewise, the Orthodox Church, so dominant in Belgrade (the colossal proportions of St. Sava’s temple come to mind), cedes supremacy to the Catholic Church, which most people in Subotica follow. The mosques that dotted the townscape of Sarajevo have disappeared (except for one single mosque built in recent years), and Catholic temples outnumber the Orthodox ones.

Subotica National Theatre

The National Theatre in Subotica.

Like Novi Sad, Subotica is a vibrantly multicultural city, with one important difference: whereas in the former the absolute majority is made up of Serbs, in the latter the distribution of the ethnic groups are more balanced. Hungarians represent the relative majority (35%), followed by Serbs (25%), Croats (10%) and Bunjevacs (10%). These data also explain the supremacy of the Catholic Church, as Catholicism is the faith of the vast majority of Hungarians, Croats and Bunjevacs.

The local languages are just as diverse as the religions. During our short stay, we believed we heard people speaking Hungarian as much as Serbian. Road signs are bilingual. The proximity to Hungary affects also the food, as goulash is served in many restaurants. That said, in Subotica we had the best burek pastry of our entire trip.

We booked a room in a sort of old cottage not far from the center. In confirmation of Subotica’s multiculturalism, our hosts, Kristof and Zuzana, were a Serb-Slovakian couple with three dogs. One of them, a Hungarian sheepdog, was the largest dog I have ever seen.  

Exploring the city by bike (kindly borrowed from our hosts) turned out to be an excellent decision. Given its limited population of around 100,000, Subotica looks more like a big town than a city. Traffic, pollution and chaos are unknown here.

Living in Istanbul, one of the largest metropolises in the world, I always appreciate the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere of small urban centers. The fact that the city is completely flat and that most of the old town is pedestrian-only made our ride even more enjoyable. We could comfortably look around from our saddles without worrying about cars, road signs and hectic intersections.   

Grand Terrace Palic

Biking through the Grand Terrace of Lake Palić.

Subotica’s main draw surely lies in its marvellous architecture, boasting some fine examples of several styles. The grandest of these monuments is the massive yet well-proportioned City Hall, built in Secession style (the Hungarian version of art nouveau) in the early 20th century during Subotica’s golden age. Apart from the size, what really struck us were the lavish decorations, including woodcarvings, ceramic tiles, stained glass windows and floral motifs. The City Hall towers over the main square and a lush park embellished by two fountains made of blue and green Zsolnay tiles. Quite obviously, locals love to hang out in this beautiful spot, chatting, reading newspapers, playing with children or just killing time. 

I can’t mention all the remarkable buildings that line the elegant and neat boulevards of the old town. The Raichle Palace, home of the modern-art gallery, is a true little jewel of art nouveau worth of the best Gaudí. Even with just religious buildings, all the faiths are represented: there are Catholic churches, Protestant churches, Orthodox churches, a Franciscan monastery, a mosque and a grand synagogue, also a magnificent example of both art nouveau and the tiny but once-flourishing local Jewish community that sadly was almost wiped out from the Second World War. 

Raichle Palace Subotica

The Raichle Palace in downtown Subotica might be the closest you’ll come to walking through a giant dollhouse.

Completing our tour of the city, we headed to Lake Palić. Covering the eight-kilometre distance between Subotica and the lake was not hard. The road is flat and the heat in mid-April was still bearable. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, Palić used to be an elite resort and spa. In the summer it is still popular, but when we were there it was extremely peaceful. We can only imagine the groups of people having picnics on the patches of grass, strolling along the shore and crowding the cafes and the porches facing the water. 

To be honest, the brownish colour of the water, rippled by the wind, was not inviting at all. Maybe we happened to be there on the wrong day, or the lake is more suited for paddleboats and sailing. Adding to the beauty of the place are some enchanting buildings, yet more examples of great architecture in Vojvodina: the water tower, the grand terrace, the Women’s Lidospa and more.

Lake Palic Serbia

Beautiful to bike along, but you wouldn’t want to swim in Lake Palić.

These extravagant structures, all of course in art-nouveau style, blend with the surrounding nature to create a fairy-tale landscape. Palić was built for a comfortable elite, but today it can be enjoyed by everyone.

Back at the cottage, we found a pleasant surprise: Kristof and Zuzana cooking up a barbecue for us and the other guest. Our last night in Serbia was a memorable one, dining on smoky meat in the garden; drinking rakia, a homemade brandy; sitting around the fire, surrounded by dogs, sharing travel stories with our new friends under a starry sky. We couldn’t have hoped for a better way to kiss Serbia goodbye.

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Dario De Santis

Dario De Santis is a longtime Outpost contributor and European travel guide. An architecture and history buff, he probably speaks more languages than you do.

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Dear Dario, This is a great article about Subotica and Lake Palic! I’m traveling there with my family in two weeks for a roots trip and I would like to ask you the email address for Kristof and Zuzana’s place. It sounds really nice and we would like to visit them. If you can send it to my email, I will appreciateit very much: Tamar Adler [email protected] Thank you!!!

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Wanderlustingk

Why you must visit Subotica, Serbia: an art nouveau dreamscape

May 4, 2018 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

When I was researching my trip to Serbia, I was intrigued when I read about a city in Northern Serbia with art nouveau architecture. One of my favorite pastimes when traveling is to find beautiful architecture, so when I decided that I’d visit Serbia, I knew that I had to find my way to Subotica.  Keep reasons for reasons to visit Subotica, Serbia and a little miniature guide to Subotica with tips on things to do in Subotica, Serbia.

Subotica is quite different than other places in Serbia.  With stunning art nouveau buildings, a large Catholic population, and friendly people, Subotica is a nice change from other Serbian cities.  I simply loved walking around the historic center to experience the cheerful atmosphere and dreamy art nouveau architecture.  (I did edit the photos, but the buildings look every bit as beautiful in person!)  Although I already knew that I’d love Subotica, I truly felt like I was in a dream while walking around…

travel guide subotica serbia

After choosing to visit Subotica, I spent a while trying to find good information about what you  even do once you arrive in Subotica, Serbia besides simply to go.  (I completely agree: you should visit Subotica simply for the architecture if it’s up your alley!)  I stopped by the tourism board office and ended up chatting with the kind workers who gave me some local recommendations.  I also ended up checking out some places recommended by the owner of my hostel in Novi Sad and Serbian followers on Instagram (thank you for the warm welcome!).   In this post, I’ll be focusing on the architecture of Subotica, however I include some some recommendations on things to see in Subotica, where to eat, and where to stay below.

Sunset over City Hall in Subotica Serbia. Read why you must visit this art nouveau architecture gem, one of the most beautiful cities in Serbia! #travel #serbia #balkans #subotica #europe #artnouveau

The most beautiful buildings in Subotica, in my opinion, are the Subotica City Hall, the Subotica Synagogue, the Raichle Palace, the Former Subotica Savings Bank, the City Library, and the main churches.   Most are easily to spot as soon you enter the city.  The City Hall is the large tower on the left.

Raichie Palace, one of the best things to see in Subotica Serbia. This art nouveau masterpiece in Serbia is a must-see! Read about visiting Subotica, Serbia! #travel #serbia #architecture

As soon as you walk from the train station, you will spot the Raichie Palace along with some other beautiful buildings. This stunning art nouveau building was built in 1904 by Ferenc Raichl to be used as his home.  You can now view modern art inside.  Just get there earlier than I did as I was rushed out as I tried to enter too late.

Beautiful former Subotica Savings Bank Palace in Subotica Serbia. Read about the art nouveau architecture in Subotica Serbia! #travel#balkans #serbia #subotica #europe #architecture #artnouveau

Afterward, follow Korzo to see Subotica’s ornate commercial street.  What makes Subotica so unique is that it has the Hungarian separatist style of art deco architecture, which has been influenced by Asian and folk influences.

Architects at this time were concerned that modern art would lose the touches that made culture and beauty unique.  Art Nouveau buildings built in this style typically were decorated with ceramics from Pécs, Hungary.  Despite quite a bit of time passing, these tiles’ colors have not faded!

The tourist information has a great PDF pamphlet that I’d recommend downloading prior to your visit, so you can enjoy the sights on your own.  Be sure to circle the City Hall to see the most beautiful buildings in Subotica and the city hall from all angles.  I heard the interior was incredible, but security wasn’t amused by my attempts to enter.

Art Nouveau synagogue in Subotica

I was unable to visit the Subotica Synagogue, an art nouveau masterpiece that survived WWII as I was unable to obtain an appointment.  You must reserve ahead if you’re not visiting during the main tourist season (April to October).  Otherwise, you can visit during the day on Saturdays.  Historically, Subotica had the largest Jewish population in Serbia, however many perished during World War II.  The interior is absolutely beautiful in photos!

View of city center in Subotica. Walking around the city center in Subotica is one of the best things to do in Subotica Serbia. Read why you need to visit this art nouveau architecture lover's dream city! #travel #balkans #serbia #subotica #europe #architecture #artnouveau

A miniature guide to Subotica

For a peak into an authentic art deco interior, consider stepping into Papillon Café (Dimitrije Tucović Street 11).  I had considered staying in Subotica, but ended up staying in Novi Sad.   Hotel Galleria came highly recommended to me if ended up returning.  (You’ll also find lots of affordable guesthouses .)

I ended up having a meal at  Gostiona-Vendeglo Gurinovic  (Bajski Put 32) as I was interested in trying the regional dishes that are harder to find outside of Vojvodina although an Italian restaurant was also recommended to me by my host.  I also had a coffee at  Poslasticarnica Ravel because you can never not drink enough coffee in Serbia!  

The beautiful art nouveau building that is city hall in Subotica Serbia. Read why you need to visit Subotica, one of the cutest cities in Serbia! #travel #balkans #serbia #subotica #europe #architecture #artnouveau

If you have extra time, Palić lake comes highly recommended by locals for relaxing and wine tasting. This easy day trip from Subotica is perfect for a day of relaxing by the lake, biking, and general recreation activities. 

The area produces wine as well as rakija (probably not a surprise).  I left Serbia with a bottle of quince rakija as I enjoyed it more than I expected as a sipping drink.

How to get to Subotica, Serbia by train or bus

Subotica City Hall in Subotica Serbia. Read about why you need to visit this beautiful city in Serbia with the best things to do in Subotica Serbia! #travel #balkans #serbia #subotica #europe #architecture #artnouveau

If you’re coming from Belgrade or Novi Sad, you have the option of the train or the bus.  The train is about 2-3x as slow as the bus, just ask before you get on the bus if it’s the direct bus that goes on the highway.  I ended up taking the train, which every Serbian that I met winced at. 

It was about 800 dinars for the direct bus from Subotica to Novi Sad, if I recall correctly.  If you’re heading south from Hungary, it’s possible catch the train from Budapest to Subotica. Just be prepared for a delay at the border. Note: The bus station is a ten minute walk from the city center (Glavna Autobuska stanica).

Have you visited Subotica, Serbia?

In case you missed it, the tourist information has a great PDF pamphlet that I’d recommend downloading on your phone prior to your visit, so you can enjoy the sights on your own.  Any tips about Subotica welcome!

Considering visiting Subotica Serbia? Read about what to do Subotica Serbia, one of Serbia's most beautiful cities. Read about art nouveau architecture in Serbia and why you must visit this beautiful Serbian city! #travel #balkans #serbia #subotica #europe #architecture #artnouveau

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

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May 5, 2018 at 8:55 am

Wow I absolutely love this! I think I’ll need to add Subotica to my bucket list, I’m a massive sucker for Art Nouveau architecture and would not have known about this lovely city if I didn’t stumble across your article. Thanks for sharing!

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January 21, 2020 at 7:11 pm

I”m heading to Serbia in April and Subotica is on my list. Should we stay for a night or just do it as a day trip from Novi Sad?

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January 22, 2020 at 12:05 pm

You can do it either way, but it is possible as a day trip, yes. My train was very slow, so that’s why I recommend an overnight trip.

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Subotica Travel Guide: Best things To do, Places To Stay & Food 2024

travel guide subotica serbia

Northern Serbia is a true hidden gem, and one of the finest spots is Subotica. Streets lined with beautiful art nouveau architecture and very few tourists, you can get a true taste of Serbia while beating the crowds.

In this blog, I share everything you need to know to plan your trip. From how to get there and when to visit, to the best things to see, do and eat – discover my tried and tested tips.

My first tip starts right here – it’s how to pronounce Subotica. Don’t make the mistake I did in thinking it would be ‘sub-ot-icka’ as you’ll get blank looks from locals. Make sure you say ‘sue-bo-titza’ to book transport or ask questions , you’ll get there much faster! 🤣

Now, let’s get into the rest of tips – use the options below to jump to the section you’re most interested in or read from the top for all the info.

  • Where is Subotica?
  • Is Subotica worth visiting?
  • When to go + how long to stay
  • How to get there
  • Best things to do in Subotica
  • Best places to stay
  • Best restaurants + cafés
  • How much a trip to Subotica costs

1. Where is Subotica?

As a first time visitor, you’re probably wondering exactly where Subotica is. As you can see from the map below, Subotica is in the far north of Serbia, super close to the border with Hungary (just 10km away to be exact). Which means not only can you enjoy more of a cultural blend of Hungarian and Serbian but it’s easy to travel to from Budapest too.

It’s also in the vicinity of Lake Palić which offers more nature and wildlife if you fancy exploring beyond the city – but more on that later!

Map of Subotica, Serbia

2. Is Subotica worth visiting?

If you’re a history lover, art appreciator or simply enjoy soaking up new cultures (while drinking coffee) then Subotica is the perfect spot. It’s worth visiting to see some of the best examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the world, explore a whole lot of history and enjoy the super friendly and chilled atmosphere.

With just under 100,000 residents, Subotica is small but perfectly formed offering the chance to experience more of Serbia outside the rush of the capital, Belgrade. Expect al fresco coffee in the sunshine, families taking walks together and beautiful streets. Just bear in mind, if it’s shopping, adventure or lots of food and drink choice you’re after, Serbia’s second city, Novi Sad may be a better choice for you.

3. When to go + how long to stay

Subotica city centre buildings, Serbia

The best time to visit Subotica is in summer – specifically from late May to early October. This is when the temperatures will be warmer, you’ll have maximum chance of sunny days and you can enjoy strolling in the sunshine and drinking coffees in the parks.

As Subotica is a small city you could get a feel for it in one day or take things at a slower pace and explore for a weekend. I had 24 hours here while interrailing through Serbia which was perfect – enough time to see the major sights, soak up the atmosphere and explore a little. You could also visit Subotica on a day trip from Novi Sad but we’ll get into that in more detail next…

4. How to get to Subotica

Now you know when’s best to visit Subotica and for how long, it’s time to look at how you’ll get there. As Subotica doesn’t have an international airport, your options are travelling from another city in Serbia or across the border from Hungary – find the key routes below.

From Belgrade, Serbia

By bus (my recommendation).

The bus takes around 3 hours from Belgrade and there’s multiple services throughout the day ranging from €14-€15. These are all direct so you can sit back and relax! You can find the full timetable and by mobile tickets ready on GetByBus here .

It’s just over two hours drive to Subotica from Belgrade. Just be aware there are toll roads on the way – you can get a list of the toll roads and prices here . The fee can be paid by cash or card at the toll station.

From Novi Sad, Serbia

By bus, the journey will take 1.5 hours and cost between €9-€11. You can find the full timetable of departures on GetByBus and book your mobile ticket in advance.

Driving from Novi Sad will take you 1 hour 15 minutes and again takes you on toll roads. Get the latest list of toll roads and prices here .

Unfortunately, the new high speed rail link that’s underway between Novi Sad and Subotica is delayed and as of publishing, this line is not currently open. When it is reopened I’ll update this blog as it’s the best way to travel when active.

From Budapest, Hungary

Terra Travel offer a bus service connecting the two that takes 3.5 hours and costs €20. Just note, there’s only one service per day that leaves at 7pm from Budapest. You can get more information and book your ticket through CheckMyBus here .

It’s a 2.5 hour drive from Budapest on the M5. This does become a toll road later on which you can avoid by switching onto Route 53.

Just note, as you’re not only travelling into a different country but out of the Schengen region – you will have to pass full border control so have your passport ready. You can cross the border on the M5 if you stay onto the Horgos-Röszke crossing. Or use one of the other eight crossings into Serbia.

Traffic is known to build up at the main borders so allow a little extra time and try to avoid rush hour and weekends when families are travelling.

There is a great train link here but unfortunately this section was closed for repairs in November 2023 and is still yet to reopen. Once it does, this will be the best option to get to Subotica from Budapest (and indeed all of Serbia from Hungary). I’ll update this blog post when the line is back in action.

5. Best things to do in Subotica

Here are the best sights to see during your time in Subotica. The best part is – most of them are free or low entry cost which means you’ll have more money for tasty treats… But onto that next! 😋

Take a tour of Subotica City Hall

Subotica City Hall, Serbia

First things first, no visit to Subotica is complete without seeing City Hall . This is the city’s main landmark built in 1912 in Hungarian Art Nouveau style. While you can appreciate its beauty from the outside, you can admire the stained glass windows better and get views over the city from the top of the tower on a guided tour. Simply go through the main entrance and ask to join the next tour – I believe they’re usually at 12 noon.

Visit beautiful Subotica synagogue

Subotica Synagogue, Serbia

After a tour around City Hall, head to what is potentially an even prettier building – the synagogue . Not only is this again a stunning art nouveau building and the second largest synagogue in the whole of Europe, but it explains the history of Jews in Subotica which is important to understand.

Wander the outside to take in the features then head inside to get a closer look at the incredible detail in the stained glass that’s meticulously cared for. Entrance tickets are €2.20 – just be aware the synagogue is not open on Mondays.

Subotica Synagogue window

Admire the National Theatre

Subotica Theatre, Serbia

Stroll past the theatre to appreciate the classical style building that we reconstructed based on the original 1850s or venture inside to see a performance. This theatre is unique in Serbia as it features acts in Serbian and Hungarian (just note, not in English!)

If you do want to see a show – you can book tickets through their website here .

Visit Raichle Palace

Raichle Palace, Subotica, Serbia

This incredible building was actually a personal project for architect, Raichle Ferenc who built the property as his family home and office. Sadly, only four years after moving in Ferenc went bankrupt and had to sell the property and it now houses the Subotica Gallery of Modern Art .

You can visit the gallery and enjoy the architecture Tuesday – Saturday with a €1.70 entrance ticket.

Soak up the café culture

Coffee stop in Subotica, Serbia

After a day of exploring, you’re probably ready to relax a little. One of the best things to do is grab a cup of coffee in the main square and soak up the summer atmosphere. While I was there the high school students were graduating and taking photos around town in their fancy dresses and suits for their yearbook. It was so lovely to watch the proud families and get a flavour of celebrations in Serbia.

6. Best places to stay

That’s your itinerary planned, let’s look at the best accommodation options. The incredible thing about Subotica (and Serbia in general) is that you’ll find really high quality of AirBnBs and hotels for incredibly affordable prices. I’ve included some of my favourites below whether you’re on a tighter budget or want to treat yourself a little.

Budget: Korzo Apartment (€29 per night)

Korzo Apartment, Subotica, Serbia

It’s hard to believe this apartment is under €30 a night! Positioned in the centre of the city with lots of natural light, a spacious floor plan and everything you could need for a super comfy stay, this AirBnB is a fantastic option on a budget.

Plus, if you’re travelling with a friend or partner too – you’re splitting the cost further and looking at less than €15 each for your own apartment – what’s not to love!?

Mid-Range: Srafko Apartment (€34 per night)

Srafko Apartment, Subotica, Serbia

Ever so slightly more expensive is Srafko Apartment which is actually where I stayed. What sold me on this was the balcony – it’s a cute spot to eat breakfast in the sunshine. Plus, the entire place is really well done, spotlessly clean and the host was fantastic and gave us lots of local recommendations.

Luxury: Artist Hotel (from €105 per night)

Artist Hotel, Subotica, Serbia

Lastly, if it’s a touch more luxury you’re after, there are a couple of great hotels in the city. Taking the top spot with fantastic reviews is Artist Hotel. Set in a beautiful classic building with stylish communal spaces, restaurant and rooms, it’s a great place to base yourself. Plus, breakfast is included in the price so again compared to other parts of Europe, this really is excellent value!

7. Best restaurants + cafés

Boss caffe $$.

A must visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner in Subotica. Boss Caffe serve dishes from around the world, from traditional Serbian favourites to Asian, Italian and French, you’re sure to find something you like. Plus, the service is known to be top notch so you can sit back and enjoy in their beautiful restaurant.

For 30 years Bates has been serving delicious Serbian dishes that don’t disappoint. Expect big portions, great value and authentic food – what more could you want!?

Fabrika Burgers $$

Sometimes all you’re craving is a juicy burger and fries. For those times, Fabrika has you covered. With brilliant reviews, their burgers are tender, tasty and fresh.

Poffy Shop $

A newer addition to Subotica is Poffy Shop – a cute little takeaway spot serving little Dutch pancakes with tasty sweet and savoury fillings. I stopped here a couple of times as they’re just so good, so affordable and a sweet little treat after a day of exploring. 10/10 would recommend!

Kafe Priča $$

For coffee and waffles, look no further than Kafe Priča. Serving a whole range of waffles with various tasty toppings and high quality coffee, you can easily spend a morning here relaxing and fuelling for a day of exploring.

Klein House Bar & Gallery $

Lastly, for afternoon into evening activity – Klein House is a fun spot. With wine tastings at incredibly low prices, trays of nibbles and often live music and new artists, it’s a great place to spend an evening.

8. How much a trip to Subotica costs

Now you know the best spots to stay, explore and eat in Subotica, you can start to see just how affordable the city is. For one full day and night in Subotica with mid-range accommodation, all meals out and visiting the major attractions, you can expect to spend €60 – €70 (and even less if you’re splitting the accommodation with a friend or partner).

That’s my complete guide to visiting the hidden gem that is Subotica in Serbia. I hope this has helped you plan the perfect trip and that you enjoy your time there as much as I did!

If you have any tips to add – please comment and let me know. We love sharing more travel knowledge in this community!

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TravelSerbia.Info - Your travel guide for Serbia

travel guide subotica serbia

Subotica is situated on the far north of Serbia on the border with Hungary. Being populated by many different nationalities it represents beautiful blend of different cultures. Because of that you should pay attention to architectural sites in Subotica such as Catholic and Orthodox churches, Synagog, City Library, "Rajhl" palace... You will enjoy this peaceful, slow and calm city, with many beer gardens opened during the summer, where you can have a glass of locally produced wines.

Things to do

  • Visit the Palić lake
  • Visit the City Museum: Trg Slobode 1, tel: +381 24 555 128
  • Visit the "Dr. Vinko Percic" Gallery: Maksima Gorkog 22, tel +381 24 555 128
  • Relax in one of the many city beer gardens!

Main Events

  • May: International Children's theatre festival
  • Third week of July: International film festival "Palić"
  • August: "Duzijanca" end of harvest celebration
  • Beginning of fall: "Berberski dani" fruit picking celebration

Subotica Hotels

Main Travel Menu

  • Getting There
  • Getting Around
  • Accommodation
  • Monastery Tours

Practical Help

  • Visas and Embassies
  • Manners and Customs
  • Food and Drink
  • Health Tips
  • Electricity
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  • Buying Property in Serbia
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Subotica and Palic Travel Guide

Author Carina Klein

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Comprehensive travel guide including Subotica what to see and Palic what to see.

During our visit to Subotica and Palic, we fell in love with these two towns close to the Hungarian border. Don’t miss out on these two gems while travelling Serbia! Here’s our comprehensive Subotica and Palic travel guide:

Where is Subotica Located?

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Subotica is located in the very north of Serbia only a 15-minute drive from the Hungarian border.

Subotica is best known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture.

Subotica is absolutely worth a visit. Due to its location close to the border, it’s also a great stopover destination on your way from Serbia to Hungary.

We stayed at Hostel Put Svile and can 100% recommend it. The location is right at the bus station which is amazing for backpackers. It’s impeccably clean and the owners are always there to help and give advice.

Although Subotica is a border town (and border towns do not have the best reputation in general) we felt very safe.

Subotica has a small-town feel and I felt very safe – also walking around alone as a woman.

  • Bates is the number 1 recommendation for food in Subotica.
  • Bates Expres is a cantine-style restaurant on the other side of the road. It is amazing if Bates is full or if you need a lower price point.
  • Speaking of cheap, cantine-style restaurants: There is one at the bus station which is surprisingly decent.
  • If you’re looking for Western-style food,  Boss Caffe  is your go-to address.

1. Stroll Along Korzo

The main pedestrian street of Subotica is lined with beautiful buildings as well as plenty of shops and cafes.

Picture of Korzo, Subotica

2. Subotica Savings Bank Palace

Designed in the Hungarian style, it was built in 1908 for the Subotica Savings Bank. Look out for the symbols: Squirrel for diligence, beehive for thrift, owl for wisdom.

3. Subotica City Hall

Constructed between 1908 and 1912, the City Hall seamlessly blends the decorative elements of Art Nouveau with a touch of Hungarian folklore romance including ceramic floral motifs and intricately forged wrought ironwork.

You can visit from Tuesday to Friday at noon.

Picture of Subotica City Hall

4. National Theatre

The National Theatre was built in the classic style and is characterised by six Corinthian columns.

5. McDonald’s

Don’t miss the stunning Art Nouveau interior of the Subotica McDonald’s.

Picture of Subotica McDonald’s

6. City Library

The most distinguishing feature of the neo-baroque building of the Public Library is the two Atlases carrying one of the nicest balconies in the city.

7. Subotica Synagogue

Constructed in 1902, Subotica Synagogue is one of Europe's finest examples of religious architecture in the Art Nouveau style. It is also Europe’s second-largest synagogue. Adorned with stylised tulips, carnations, and peacock feathers, it is a typical example of the Hungarian style.

You have to pay a small fee to enter but it’s absolutely worth it!

Picture of Subotica Synagogue

8. Chapel of St. Roch

A small Roman-Catholic chapel on Matka Vukovica and a nice pit stop on your way to the cathedral.

9. St. Theresa of Avila Cathedral

Constructed in the late Baroque style, the cathedral is dedicated to St. Theresa of Avila, the patron saint of Subotica.

10. Raichle Palace

This is probably the finest example of Art Nouveau architecture in Subotica. Nowadays, it houses the Modern Art Gallery “Likovni Susret”.

Picture of Raichle Palace

11. Orthodox Church of the Ascension of Our Lord

Constructed in 1726, the Baroque church stands on the highest point of the old city.

12. Subotica City Museum

The Art Nouveau building houses archaeological, ethnographic, historical, art and natural collections.

Buses from Subotica to Palic run super regularly. Bus line 6 leaves from the stops along Maksima Gorkog around every 20 minutes.

Some buses run to and from the main bus station as well. We took the direct bus at 9:00 a.m. which is a great choice if you stay at Hostel Put Svile .

Picture of Bus Subotica - Palic

Palic Travel Guide

Palic is located a 15-minute drive east of Subotica.

Palic is most known for Lake Palic.

Palic is absolutely worth a visit, especially if you like

  • Spa architecture.

While there are several baths and beaches around Lake Palic, the water is not considered safe for swimming.

The best places to eat in Palic are

  • Paprika Carda for local fish.
  • Feher Akac for Hungarian cuisine.

1. Grand Terrace

At the time of its opening in 1912, the Grand Terrace was used as a multipurpose facility including a monumental ballroom. It was constructed in the style of Hungarian Art Nouveau which is especially visible on the two open terraces.

2. Owl's Tower

Bagojvar, translated as the Owl’s Tower, was constructed in 1892 as part of the sports complex established by Lajoš Vermeš, a distinguished athlete and the founder of the 1880 Palic Olympics.

Picture of Owl's Tower Palic

3. Vila Lujza

Vila Lujza was constructed together with the Owl’s Tower in the Swiss style, characterised by the extensive use of wood and tiles made from the renowned Zsolnay ceramics.

4. Women’s Lido

The Women’s Lido is another example of the Art Nouveau style. The wooden building features an abundance of folk art details.

At the time of its construction in 1912, its primary purpose was to shield female swimmers from the prying eyes of curious men.

Today, the site has transformed into a cafe.

Picture of Women’s Lido Palic

5. Men’s Lido

An open wooden construction which is the men’s equivalent to the Women’s Lido.

6. Palic Sign

A nice photo spot.

Picture of Palic sign

7. Paddle Steamer

Back in the day, you could go on steamboat cruises on Lake Palic. Nowadays it’s abandoned but still a nice photo spot.

8. Stroll Along the Lake

There are plenty of small sights along the Palic lakefront which should not be missed like

  • Lajoš Vermeš Monument.
  • Music Pavillion.
  • Memorial Fountain.
  • Blue Palic Vases.

9. Winery Vinarija Zvonko Bogdan

The building and the scenery of the winery are stunning. You can sample wine during the opening hours. If you want to take a tour, be smarter than us and pre-book!

Picture of Winery Vinarija Zvonko Bogdan

10. Water Tower

The Palic Water Tower, located next to the main road, is a symbol of Palic. Unfortunately, it was under construction when we visited.

11. Post Office

Located near the Water Tower along Szeged Road, one of Palic's finest villas was built by industrialist Rafael Hertman in the late 19th century. The summer house, adorned with a beautifully decorative wooden porch, showcases lace ornamentation in the Swiss architectural style.

Picture of Palic Post Office

12. Art Studio - Likovni Atelje Maria Karlović Gabrić

A small art studio you can visit for free along Splitska Aleja which is lined with many nice villas.

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About Subotica

  • Souvenirs & Handicrafts
  • Tastes of Subotica
  • Prominent people of Subotica
  • Restaurants
  • Theatres and Cinemas
  • Art Nouveau Architecture in Subotica
  • Museums and Galleries
  • Sacral Buildings
  • Cultural Monuments
  • Subotica sands
  • Kelebija Forest
  • Accommodations
  • Why Subotica?
  • Congress Hotels
  • Congress Halls
  • Useful Information
  • Travel Agencies
  • Guide Service
  • How to get to Subotica
  • Public Transportation
  • Taxi Services

Experience Subotica

The City of Subotica is located on the north of the Republic of Serbia, along the main European corridors and between two rivers: the Danube and Tisa rivers.

Rich cultural heritage assets, lavishly decorated buildings, multicultural spirit and European charm – these are the features that make this city distinctive.

Subotica is known for its relaxed atmosphere, good food and quality wines. Festivals, events, concerts and vibrant cultural life all year long are a reason more to visit our city. On top of that, Subotica offers a lot of interesting places for rest and leisure, for activities around the lakes, on horse-farms, farmsteads, forests and hunting areas.

Palić, the lake and the settlement with the same name is located 8km east from Subotica. Palić offers something new, unrepeatable and enriching at any season. Outstanding facilities from the beginning of the 20th century: the Water Tower, the Grand Terrace, the Women’s Lido and the Music Pavilion, Great park, the well-known lake, peace and quietness make Palić an ideal space for rest and relaxation.

Currently, Palić provides high category hotels, renovated luxury and comfortable villas built in the so called “Palić style”, several lodgings and private accommodation. Excellent restaurants and bars, sports and recreational fields, three beaches, Zoo, a variety of events, dynamic cultural life, entertainment and additional facilities make a comprehensive offer of the Palić tourist center.

  • Country: Serbia
  • Geographic location: 46°05'N 19°39'E
  • Number of citizens (2012): 140.538
  • Currency: Dinar 1 RSD
  • Country and Area Code: +381 (0) 24

History of Subotica

History: Subotica was, for the first time, mentioned in written documents in 1391 as Zabatka. Since then it has changed more than 200 names. The most characteristic names were: Szent-Maria, Maria Theresia Polis, Maria Theresienstadt, Szabadka and Subotica. It became a settlement of greater significance after the Tatar conquest at the beginning of the 13th century.

Then, those who had survived from the nearby villages were brought together at the strategically chosen place, at the elevated plateau which was then surrounded by water, on which the Franciscan church stands today. It was the ideal place for the people from the plain land to defend themselves against the conquerors.

For a long time, Subotica was situated at the border of two clashed powers, Hungarian and Turkish. Subotica began to develop as a town only after it had lost its military significance. In 1779 Subotica got status of the Free Royal City that brought greater autonomy and privileges to the town and also has attracted entrepreneurs: craftsmen and traders from the Middle Europe.

In the second half of the 19th century, after the railway came to the town (1869), the trade of agricultural and cattle goods was abruptly developed. The industrialization came into the town at the end of the 19th century. Subotica became a modern Middle European city.

After the WW I, Vojvodina province was united with the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenians (Treaty of Trianon in 1920) and in 1929 Subotica was affiliated to the new state, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Since then Subotica has not changed its name but the country has – five times.

During the WWII, Subotica shared the ill-fate with the rest of Europe. Reconstruction of the country and economic growth followed till the turbulent times in the 90s.

travel guide subotica serbia

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Ultimate Serbia Travel Guide

Introduction.

Serbia – a country beautiful in many different ways. 

Serbia in the West Balkans is a wonderful country, perfect for all kinds of travelers. It offers amazing nightlife, the most delicious food, hospitable people and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the whole of Europe.

Located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula , where the Mediterranean wind blows…  It is the land of contrast, with Pannonia plain, which is the most fertile land in Europe, and on the other side, with mountain peaks with 2000 m altitude.  Brightly and crystal clear streams flow through Serbia, and believe it or not, you can still drink water directly from them. Of the 6 bioregions in Europe, 5 are represented in Serbia, which speaks volumes about the richness of biodiversity in our country.

Having been fought over by Romans, Ottomans, Hapsburgs, and various other people, Serbia of today is a true blend of cultures, religions, and nationalities and a place filled with perfect tourist destinations.

The majority of the population are Serbs, and in addition to Serbs, 40 different national communities are living next to each other and respecting all the differences between them. It is a country of emotional, hospitable, and kind people who possess a sense of sportsmanship, extraordinary traditions, and a huge cultural heritage that enriches the entire European culture.

Isidora Duncan said about Serbs:

”Nice world, you Serbs. A rare sense of hospitality and a confidential intimacy that adorns only those who know how to be great friends.”

We can not fail to mention that Serbia is a land of basketball, with numerous gold medals on European and world championships and the land of best tennis player Novak Djoković!

Serbia Information

Much like its Balkan neighbors, the national language of Serbian is a Slavic language. Now, if you’re afraid of not understanding signs in the Cyrillic alphabet, there’s some good news. While Serbia does officially use the Cyrillic alphabet, they also use the Latin alphabet you’re used to. Signs are generally in both or just Latin.

The Serbian language has the phonetic rule “write as you speak and read as it is written”. If you do want to learn a little Serbian, which local people always appreciate, here are a few basic phrases to get you started. They include ’’Zdravo’’ which means Hello; ’’Hvala’’ for Thank you; ’’Izvinite’’ for Excuse Me; ’’Molim’’ for Please; and ’’Da’’ and ’’Ne’’ for Yes and No.

Want to know what makes Serbian different from other Slavic alphabets? Read here.

Serbian currency is dinar, officially ”RSD,” but you will find it written as ”DIN” as well. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and shops, and nearly all ATMs accept international bank cards. If you want to pay in cash, it is necessary to have money in local currency.

Foreign currency can be exchanged in all banks and post offices and the many authorized exchange offices.

The exchange rate is stable for the past couple of years. You can check the current rate at the official National bank of Serbia here.

Belgrade is one of the safest cities with very low levels of street crime, but pick-pocketing and purse snatchings might happen, like in bigger cities. Travelers in Belgrade should keep their belongings on them at all times and never out of sight.

The great variety in Serbia’s cuisine originates from its geographical, national, and cultural diversity and the jigsaw of centuries of population changes. Influences on Serbian cuisine have been rich and varied – it first began as a mixture of Greek, Bulgarian, Turkish, and Hungarian cuisine.

Generally, Serbs are real gastronomes, enjoying preparing the food and eating it. All Serbs are very proud of their food, and they should be, having a rich cuisine and a large diversity of alcoholic beverages that accompany these amazing dishes.

Be prepared for your visit to Serbia, find out more about our food and specialties here.

Interesting facts

We present to you some of the most interesting facts about Serbia and some of them you maybe even know: https://www.serbiaincoming.com/magazine/interesting-facts-about-serbia/ .

Belgrade – Serbia capital

Tourist Look Sights of Belgrade By Sightseeing Bus

Where to stay?

You’ll enjoy your trip more if you stay in a place that suits your travel style. Whether you like peace and quiet or want to be in the middle of everything, whether you’re on your own or with your family, here are the best areas to stay in Belgrade.

Belgrade is located at the intersection of the Sava and Danube Rivers and offers everything you could want to do, eat, or see for a long or short stay. The city is filled with amazing architecture, the food’s awesome, and the vibe is bright, cheerful, and modern.

That’s why there are many great accommodation options whether you’re deciding where to stay in Belgrade for your first time or on return trips.

Stari grad is the best area in Belgrade to stay in on your first trip or a return visit. It’s right in the center of all the attractions and close to more cafes and restaurants than you could ever visit. From here, you have easy access to the major sites of Belgrade, such as the Kalemegdan Fortress and many museums and galleries.

Terazije is also a good alternative to Old Town. It’s centered around Terazije Square, a historic area full of shops, cafes, restaurants, and several hotels.

Dorćol was once the city’s bohemian quarter and frequented by poets, writers and actors. And it’s also the best neighborhood to stay in Belgrade for people-watching and relaxing vacation. You’ll experience this history when you hang out in one of Dorćol’s many cafes or taverns.

The main pedestrian street connects all of these locations with a view of wide eclectic architecture, raised during WWI and WWII. Secession also made its stamp on the perspective of this historical area. This is a popular area for hotels, so you won’t have trouble finding a comfortable place to stay during your trip.

Savamala – urban neighborhood of Belgrade. One of the river’s favorite places is Beton Hala, where you can find several restaurants and clubs overlooking the confluence of the Sava and the Danube. In Savamala district, you can see the most famous murals and graffiti, the most amazing architectural trademarks of the former industrial zone, wonderful art galleries, cultural center, Belgrade Waterfront project, and many, many more.  This is one of the coolest places to stay in Belgrade.

Vračar – small romantic area, and it’s densely populated despite its small size. The bars, restaurants, and hotels in this area are a little more affluent than in other parts of the city, offering a high level of hospitality and service. Vračar is also close to Old Town and several attractions you’ll want to see on your trip. One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world is situated at Vračar – Saint Sava Temple . So, you won’t miss out on the more tourist-oriented areas if you decide to stay in this neighborhood.

New Belgrade – a final area to consider for Belgrade accommodation is New Belgrade or Novi Beograd. This is a business area. Most of the companies are located in it, shopping centers, fantastic trim track along Danube river, and two large rivers: Danube and Sava.

This is the largest district of Belgrade and sits across the river from Old Town, next to Zemun, so it’s still a very central location for your Belgrade holiday.

Belgrade has world-class luxury hotels, historic and boutique hotels. Take a look at our recommendation of hotel accommodation here.

Where to eat?

Serbia is a country of true gourmets, and every part of the country has its specialties.  In Belgrade, you can enjoy all the traditional flavors and meals in many different restaurants, and you can find all types of world cuisine.

The place everyone will recommend is definitely Skadarlija – the bohemian quarter of the city, filled with restaurants with traditional Serbian food and music. A place to enjoy your meal and drink like a real bohemian. Also, there is one very interesting and unique restaurant in Skadarlija that serves and offers various dishes made of truffles.

Restaurant on the old street Skadarlija, Belgrade, Serbia

If you are more fan of the places with a good view, then you shouldn’t miss the restaurant at Kalemegdan fortress , offering amazing food accompanied with the best panoramic view over the fortress to Sava and Danube rivers.

As we said, modern cuisine is a big part of Belgrade, especially on the banks of the Sava river in Beton hall – an urban district with various restaurants, of interesting concepts, from the open kitchen, fusion cuisine to cabaret show!

When talking about world cuisine, worth mentioning is the restaurant at Belgrade’s first world-class luxury hotel with luxury design – Square Nine hotel and Ebisu restaurant . The restaurant takes an Asian theme and is named after the Japanese god of fisherman and luck. It is located on the hotel’s rooftop, offers views over Belgrade’s most charming historic district, serving the finest Japanese cuisine in the Balkans.

What to do?

How to spend a day in belgrade.

The capital of Serbia is usually described as a city with its own personality and soul, a city that will indulge all your senses. It is like a magical place where all the artists and bohemians used to gather. It is a place that had a huge part of rich history and a place where all of the greatest ideas were made. In Belgrade, you can find the oldest cultural and architectural monuments of great significance.

As locals, we are going to recommend our favorite way to spend a day in Belgrade.

To feel the city’s essence, our recommendation is to visit the Old part of the city – Dorćol . Just by walking through its narrow streets, you’ll feel the special vibe of this part of the city. Spirit of Dorćol is felt and recognized through its magical, lively streets, the facades of the old buildings, vintage shops and cafés, restaurants, ice cream trucks, authentic Serbian cafes, museums and art galleries, and many, many more.

Take a cup of coffee in one of the finest cafes in the city, hunt down the most delightful murals in the city depicting famous Serbian actors, musicians, and artists or just explore many old beautiful buildings and houses. Feel the mixture of the cultures that once upon a time ruled over the Balkans while visiting The Bajrakli Mosque (the only one that remained in the city).

Dorćol is a trendy place to live and visit since it has plenty of interesting content to offer and the variety on offer is impressive.

Couple enjoy by the river side in Belgrade at sunset

Staying for a weekend in Belgrade?

During the years, Belgrade became an ideal destination for city break travels as the capital city offers various options for accommodation, excursions, sightseeing. A city with a great connection, affordable, yet classy and modern.

Here are the most important things and places you shouldn’t miss during your weekend stay in this magnificent city – a must-see in Belgrade .

Certainly, be prepared for a lot of walking because that’s the best way to truly meet and feel the soul of the city. Many people say that Belgrade has an amazing atmosphere which is not easy to describe but only feels.

Top 3 day excursions from Belgrade

  • Pannonia Wonderland
  • Oplenac Mausoleum of Royal Dynasty Karadjordjevic
  • Medival Capital and Roman Legacy 

Nightlife in Belgrade

If you are planning to visit Belgrade, you probably heard about its popular nightlife. Belgrade is usually described as the city that never sleeps, and we couldn’t agree more!

Over the years, the capital of Serbia gained its popularity partially thanks to its floating river clubs (famous ’’splavovi’’), many nightclubs, bars, and lately, there are more alternative places to go out and have fun.

The most popular among tourists in Belgrade are floating river clubs along the banks of the Sava river. Most of them open after midnight, when the real party in the city begins. There are so many floating clubs that every music taste could be satisfied, from pop, rock, techno, electro to even domestic Serbian music. Parties at those clubs last until early morning hours. Just to mention some of them: Lasta, Kućica, Shake’n’Shake, Nacionalna klasa, Šlep…

A vibrant city, such as Belgrade, has many bars of different concepts , with live music bands. In those bars, music is lighter, such as jazz sounds spreading over the streets. If a bar is located in the city center and urban area, it’s usually open until 01 or 02 a.m. After that, you are continuing to the club as a true Belgradian.

The most attractive zone with bars is Cetinjska street , an alternative zone in the city center, with various bars (Zaokret, Berlin Monroe, Dvorištance, Zgaženi Golub…). Many of them have lovely yards, such as the Bajloni bar, which used to be one of the first breweries in Belgrade. The other one is Dorćol Platz and Strahinjića Bana street . You could easily just wander around Dorćol, and you’ll find at least one bar in every street. The one that will attract your attention is Blaznavac bar, located in Kneginje Ljubice street.

There are also romantic parts of Belgrade with bars, like Kosančićev Venac , where light music from the bars echoes through cobblestoned streets and the Jazz garden leading to the Beton hall.

Beton Hall is currently the most attractive place to go out in town. Filled with restaurants of various cuisine, followed with live music bands, that every night is different, overlooking the Sava river and floating club on the other side.

The offer wouldn’t be complete without kafana (tavern) – a meeting place for Serbs. Skadarlija is the best place to feel the spirit of kafana and its true meaning. To date, the most famous taverns are Tri šešira (Three hats) and Dva Bela goluba (Two white pigeons) in Skadarlija, tavern ’’?’’ in Kralja Petra Street across the street from Saborna Church, and once famous tavern Dardaneli located between Čika-Ljubina Street and Vasina Street, that doesn’t exist anymore.

Check out some nightlife examples https://www.serbiaincoming.com/magazine/belgrade-ultimate-party-and-nightlife-city/

Novi Sad – the second-largest city

Novi Sad is the second-largest city in Serbia, the administrative seat of Vojvodina. The city has a population of around 250,000 people, and it is located in the southern part of Pannonian Plain, on the banks of the Danube river and the Danube-Tisa-Danube Canal.

Novi Sad square and architecture street view

Known as the Serbian Athens, Novi Sad has been built, destroyed, and rebuilt over the centuries and is an interesting mixture of old Serbian cultural heritage, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and scenic beauty. It was founded in 1694. and its name means new plant.

The city sits on the banks of the Danube River. It is surrounded by fertile farms and vineyards and framed with hills in the distance.

If you want to reveal a peaceful town in a beautiful Serbia that looks like a place from a fairy tale, then you are just about to meet Novi Sad: https://www.serbiaincoming.com/destination/novi-sad/ .

Tons of hotels can be found in the city. Whether you’re looking to stay in a trendy neighborhood or you’re interested in a more secluded spot, you’ll be sure to find your ideal place to stay in Novi Sad. Popular neighborhoods in Novi Sad:

City Center – it’s compact, charming, and well-restored with plenty of beautiful buildings.

Petrovaradin – located on the other side of the Danube, this municipality houses the fortress and plenty of green space.

Liman – another riverside district, Liman is a bustling business area with plenty of residential units as well.

Novi Sad can boast with a varied offer of accommodation facilities that meet the needs of tourists of different affinities. As the administrative center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad has developed into a congress tourism destination with many modernly equipped congress halls and event centers.

Novi Sad has always been the place where food was good, and meals could be eaten at a slow pace. If you wish to enjoy autochthonous dishes, excellent wines, fruit “rakija,” and music of “tamburica” players we recommend you to go to one of the “čardaš” along the Danube or “salaš” restaurants in the nearby farms. The wines from Fruška Gora geographical wine region are served traditionally with local dishes.

Novi Sad’s plentiful restaurants lean towards typically meat-heavy Serbian cuisine, although fish lovers can try the Mediterranean-influenced menu. For an old-fashioned, traditional Serbian meat blowout, head to ’’salaš’’ – farmhouse restaurant and try grilled meats – ćevapi, pork neck, and kobasice (piquant sausages).

How to spend a day in Novi Sad?

Walk to Liberty Square, the heart of Novi Sad’s city center, and a fantastic place to start getting the city’s pulse. The City Hall is stunning with its pastel green colors and beautiful neo-Renaissance styling. At the top of the building is a tall tower with the bell of St. Florian, the city’s patron saint. In due time, it served to announce the place of the fire in the city by the number of bells.

Opposite City Hall is an exceedingly beautiful roman catholic Church of the Name of Mary , also known as “The Cathedral,” with a colorful roof. The Hotel Vojvodina and the Bank of Vojvodina are both wonderful and picturesque buildings with amazing facades. And the main spot on the square is the monument to Svetozar Miletić – famous lawyer, politician, and former mayor of Novi Sad. The square is maybe our favorite place in Novi Sad. It’s so wide and open and has all these beautiful buildings, and we just loved it.

Happy couple on vacation sightseeing in Novi Sad city

Continuing on your way from Liberty Square, wander along Zmaj Jovina street in the direction of the beautiful peachy-pink Bishop’s Palace, an architectural gem that combines some Serbian-Byzantine motifs with traditional monastic elements. It has historical importance as the residence of the Bishop of Bačka (which encompasses Vojvodina) – who still lives there today. Next to it is a baroque-style Orthodox church – Saint George Church dates from 1734. It’s definitely worth visiting and admiring the beautiful iconostasis done by famous Serbian painter Paja Jovanović.

Wander on the colorful pedestrianized street of Novi Sad – lovely Dunavska street . It’s full of joyful colors, cozy cafes, wine bars, and delightful places to stop and have a snack, gelato, or coffee.

Its enchanting facades and street lamps may feel a bit nostalgic as they lead you to Danube Park , a lovely urban park that is a great place to sit and unwind after some city wandering. Sit on a bench by the lake and rest your feet while enjoying nature at this lovely green space in the heart of Novi Sad.

Seasonal: Visit the summer river ‘beach’ at Štrand

If you’re visiting Novi Sad in the hot summer months and you want to do some relaxing in between your sightseeing, make your way down to Štrand – Novi Sad’s urban beach on the banks of the Danube, with soft sand, beach bars, lively music, chairs and umbrellas for rent, and great views of the bridges over the Danube.

Check out popular Serbia summer spots https://www.serbiaincoming.com/magazine/serbia-summer-spots-many-options-to-refresh-and-enjoy/

End the day with the sunset at Petrovaradin Fortress . Whether or not you stopped at Štrand, you’ll want to make your way towards Petrovaradin Fortress for a late afternoon wander, and be sure to stay for the epic sunset views! Going up the hill to the fortress through a series of steps and tunnels is really magical, and once you get to the top and see the iconic clocktower – a symbol of Novi Sad – you’ll be totally enchanted by the views.

If you are hungry, thirsty, or desperately in need of caffeine, you can stop at the restaurant on the fortress grounds. Time it for when the sun goes down, and you are guaranteed to have a magical meal in Serbia’s second-largest city.

Top 3 excursions from Novi Sad

Sremski karlovci and fruška gora monasteries.

Sremski Karlovci is a small village, perfect for discovering entirely on foot. Life revolves around the town’s main square named Branko Radičević Square, named after the town’s greatest poet who lived and worked in this village. This square is home to the town’s most beautiful sights. The Four Lions Fountain, which stands directly in the center, is thought to hold the secret to happiness and love for the whole region. The Church of St. Nicholas is believed to be the finest example of the town’s architectural style and holds some of the most beautiful relics in the country.

Local wine cellars are part of the centuries-old wine tradition of this geographical region. Its tasty wines hide stories waiting to be told and hedonic sips to be relished during degustation time.

Visit the incredible medieval monastery Krušedol , one of the most significant monasteries of the region, keeps within its walls ancient frescoes and paintings.

Subotica with Palić and wine tasting

On this tour, you will experience the true multiculturalism of Serbia, amazing architecture, and some really tasty wines to appeal to your palates.

Subotica – The City of Subotica is located in the north of Serbia, along the main European corridors and in between two rivers: the Danube and the Tisa. Rich cultural heritage, intricately decorated buildings, multicultural spirit, and its European charm – these are the features that make this city distinctive. Subotica is known for its relaxed atmosphere, good food, and quality wines.

Zvonko Bogdan Winery – one of the most modern wineries in Europe, located in the famous fruit and wine-growing area around Lake Palić and Ludaš. The winery is equipped with modern technology to produce high-quality wines solely from grapes from their own vineyard.

Palić Lake – Palić , the lake, and the settlement by the same name are 8 km east of Subotica. Palić Lake is enveloped in peace and quiet, making it an ideal space for rest and relaxation. Excellent restaurants and cafés, a thermal pool, the cageless Zoo, bike paths, walking paths, energetic cultural life in full swing, and entertainment opportunities in varied shapes and forms make up the comprehensive offer of the Palić Tourist Center.

Palic lake coast at dawn near town of Subotica view

During your stay in Novi Sad, we recommend discovering the Serbian capital – Belgrade; and an ancient city with a charming mix of medieval and modern architecture. Stroll along its lively streets to meet Belgrade’s cultural and historical wealth; get to know its legendary reputation of a fantastic host in remarkable world-class restaurants. Visit some of the best shops or simply enjoy a cup of coffee with Belgrade’s panorama. Sightseeing of Belgrade gives the first impression of the most important Belgrade sights.

Vojvodina – North Serbia

Destinations, subotica and palić.

The City of Subotica is located in the north of the Republic of Serbia. Rich cultural heritage assets, lavishly decorated buildings, multicultural spirit, and European charm – these are the features that make this city distinctive. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere, good food, and quality wines. On top of that, Subotica offers a lot of interesting places for rest and leisure, for activities around the lakes, on horse farms, farmsteads, in forests, and hunting areas.

Palić, the lake, and the settlement by the same name are 8 kilometers east of Subotica. Palić offers something new, unrepeatable, and enriching at any season. Outstanding facilities from the beginning of the 20th century.

Sombor, a city of rich cultural heritage, guardian of an old tradition, and nurturer of a lavish history in which many artists and poets found their widely known plain peace in which they created their most prominent works.

Sombor is widely known for its greenery, more precisely for the bodies brought from the Mississippi Valley in 1903, and rightly bears the epithet of the greenest city in Europe. We should not forget the old carriage that still wanders the city’s streets, maintaining the tradition of the past.

Zrenjanin, a medieval town in the heart of Banat, in eastern Vojvodina. Upon entering the city, you will feel a strong blend of past and present, the rich history that we have preserved, and the modern solutions we have created. If you pay attention, you will hear that the population speaks different languages – Serbian, Hungarian, Slovak, Romanian…

Vrsac, a beautiful town – a city of art, business, and sports. Located at the foot of the Vršac Mountains, from which the fresh air of the forest and the breath of the vineyards descend, this city vividly reflects both tradition and modernity. The people of Vršac chose only three words to admire their city. Although they were written 165 years ago, they are dear to the people of Vršac. Close to their hearts, they say: “Vršac is a beautiful town.”

Sremska Mitrovica

Sremska Mitrovica is the center of the District of Srem. The ancient city of Sirmium, which was located on the territory where Sremska Mitrovica is nowadays, was the capital of the Roman Empire during the Tetrarchy period. It was also called ‘the glorious mother of all cities.’ Many Roman emperors were born in or near Sirmium. There are popular excursion sites and recreation centers in the National Park of Fruška Gora near Sremska Mitrovica and numerous monasteries of Fruška Gora.

Fruška Gora

Fruška Gora is the biggest mountain in Vojvodina province, not far from Novi Sad, and since 1960 it has also been one of 5 national parks of Serbia. Scientists like to call it ‘the mirror of geological past’ because of many animal fossils found on the mountain.

Besides that, Fruška Gora is the best place for those who like to explore nature and enjoy the fresh mountain air since it has numerous marked hiking trails. Also, the national park is filled with monasteries, 35 of them to be precise, built in the period from the 15th to 18th century.

Fruška Gora was the inspiration for many great poetry such as: Branko Radičević, Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj, Milica Stojadinović and many others. On the mountain, there are several fortresses, among them the Petrovaradin fortress and tower Vrdnička, built in Roman times and is now in ruins.  Apart from monasteries, other cultural monuments are remains of Roman Acumincum in Stari Slankamen, Vrdnik and Ledinci towers, castles in Čortanovci and Beočin, a monument on Iriški Venac, etc.

Fruška Gora monasteries

Fruška Gora isn’t known only for being the only mountain in Vojvodina – it has so much more to offer, give, tell and portray. One of such unique stories is the one about the monasteries that decorate the infinite greenery of its deciduous forests. While historical sources state that the monasteries had been built in the first half of the 16th century, legends tell us they originate from a period between the 12th and 15th centuries.

Aerial view of Monastery Krusedol, Fruska Gora

17 monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church, spread out across the mountain, were raised as endowments of the Serbian royal family, after which, in the late Middle Ages, under the pressure of the Turks, the center of Serbian spiritual and cultural heritage, moved to the north. Monasteries at Fruška Gora , well-known as Serbian mount Athos are: Beočin, Bešenovo, Vrdnik, Velika Remeta, Grgeteg, Đipša, Jazak, Krušedol, Kuveždin, Mala Remeta, Novo Hopovo, Petkovica, Privina glava, Rakovac, Staro Hopovo, Fenek, Šišatovac.

In monasteries were staying Vuk Stefanovic Karadzić, Dositej Obradović, Filip Višnjić, Karadjordje, and many other famous persons from Serbian history. Apart from monasteries, other cultural monuments are remains of Roman Acumincum in Stari Slankamen, Vrdnik and Ledinci towers, castles in Čortanovci and Beočin, the monument on Iriški Venac, etc.

’’Salaš’’ – tourist farms of Vojvodina

Vojvodina is famous for its rich agricultural soil and proud history of farming, among other things. What happens when you mix this rural tradition with a little bit of that fantastic Serbian hospitality? In a word – ’’salaš’’. There are many reasons to visit a ’’salaš’’ when in Vojvodina, but even more, reasons to organize an overnight stay. Visiting one for lunch will give you a glimpse into traditional ways of life in this part of the world, but it will ultimately be too short a time to get any real idea of the culture and traditions. Tranquility and tradition live hand in hand here on the ranches, and the neurosis and pressure of the capital feel a million miles away.

Learn more about Serbia ethno villages https://www.serbiaincoming.com/serbia/nature/ethno-villages/

Castles of Vojvodina

Castles were once intended for occasional or permanent stays (holiday and entertainment) of richer and richer social layers. These magnificent buildings were built in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, reflecting the brilliance and power of those times and their owners.

Fantast Castle is located near the town of Becej and was built by the landowner Bogdan Dunđerski as his summer house. The castle has one tall square tower with a magnificent view over the plains, surrounded by a huge park, a church, active stables with a horse farm, and some utility buildings.

Fantast castle in Becej Serbia

The “Kaštel” castle is situated about 60 kilometers north of Belgrade and only 7 kilometers away from Zrenjanin, in Ečka village. It was built in the English style. Nowadays, this old edifice has been completely redecorated and adapted, so that today it is an object that can offer its guests an unforgettable holiday in the authentic atmosphere, which is inspired by its aristocratic past.

As with many other old European countries, Serbia boasts a rich historical heritage that involved numerous wars and struggles, and as you already know, mighty citadels were the main line of defense during medieval times.

Flaunting unique appearances and stories that spark the imagination, the fortresses of Serbia are undoubtedly deserving of a personal visit, and we would like to recommend you 2 well-preserved fortresses in the Vojvodina region:

Bač fortress is located on the outskirts of a small town in northern Serbia. Bač Fortress is the most important medieval monument in the province of Vojvodina. There are records of a fort at the site dating back to at least the 9th century. The fortress originally stood on a historic island on the Mostonga river—back in those days, it was only approachable by a drawbridge. The fortress that stands in Bač today was built by the Hungarian king Charles I in the 14th century. The castle complex originally had eight towers, along with residences, a chapel, well, barn, cistern, and storage buildings.

Read more on the following link: https://www.serbiaincoming.com/destination/bac-fortress/ .

Petrovaradin fortress lies on the right coast of the Danube river, where the picturesque old town of Petrovaradin meets Serbia’s second-largest city of Novi Sad. The fortress, whose construction started in 1692, was an important strategic point throughout history. The strategic importance of the fortress has earned it the nickname “Gibraltar of the Danube.” Though it’s a popular site, most tourists are not aware of the secret underground tunnels hidden beneath the fortress. The underground military galleries—often referred to as the catacombs—create a four-story, roughly 10-mile-long (16 kilometers) network of passageways.

Read more on the following link: https://www.serbiaincoming.com/destination/petrovaradin-fortress/ .

The best way to explore Vojvodina is true cuisine. Vojvodina cuisine is varied and rich, with a lot of meat, vegetables, spices, and fruits. This comes from the wealth of Vojvodina plains, forests, and rivers. Vojvodina cookery is a mixture of different cuisines of the people who have lived for centuries on this territory.

Check out our gastronomy tour: https://www.serbiaincoming.com/travel-offers/tours/mouthful-of-serbia-tour/ .

Lunch at the traditional salaš farm in Vojvodina

Šumadija – Central Serbia

If you are thinking green and about perfect preserved nature, then Šumadija is a place for you to explore.

Both tamed and wild at the same time, the Serbian central region got its name from thick and prodigious forests. Beautiful hills interspersed with countless streams and rivers make Šumadija one of the most desirable destinations for hiking and recreation.

Kragujevac is a significant economic, cultural, educational, and health center of Šumadija, Pomoravlje, and neighboring regions. It is the fourth largest town in the Republic of Serbia, and it wears the title of the city of national importance.

Aranđelovac

Aranđelovac is a fairytale town located beneath Bukulja and Venčac mountains, in central Šumadija as such, Aranđelovac has the ideal climate and relaxing atmosphere in the town and spa. Today, this town is famous for Bukoviča Spa, an appealing spa resort that extends on 24ha together with the park.

Mineral water from the springs of Bukovička Spa is famous in Serbia and the region. Its exploitation and production of soft beverages are significant activities for the economy of Aranđelovac territory.

Besides the famous spa, Aranđelovac is famous for Risovača cave – one of the biggest local archaeological discoveries.

Kraljevo 

Kraljevo – a town of seven crowns, a city in central Serbia that deserved its name after it was the place of the coronation of seven medieval Serbian Kings.

Among the elfin nature surrounding this peaceful, charming town, down in the valley of river Ibar, keepers of history and witnesses of royalty are rising in all their glory.

Topola – a small town rich in history tells us a story about the royal family Karadjordjevic, whose history began here. Karadjordje Petrović, the leader of the First Serbian Uprising and founder of Karadjordjević Royal dynasty, was born here, beneath Oplenac.

The biggest tourist attractions in Topola are the memorial complex, comprising of the Saint George Church , Mausoleum of Karadjordjević Dynasty, and the house of the royal family. Famous gorgeous mosaics in the Church and in the crypt are the best achievements of fresco painting in Serbia. The Mausoleum, built by King Petar I, is covered with white marble from nearby Venčac Mountain and from Carrara in Italy. The house of Petar Karadjordjevic was the summer residence of the King.

Inside of St George's Church at Oplenac, Serbia

Besides the Royal family, this area is known for the world-famous wine production. When visiting Topola and Oplenac, visit at least one of the famous wineries is a must.

This part of Serbia is very rich in history and, as such, has an enormous cultural heritage.

As we already mentioned, once upon a time, Kraljevo was a very important city and place where 7 kings had their coronation. All 7 kings were crowned in the Žiča monastery . Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, monasteries  Žiča , Studenica , Gradac, Sopaćani are living monuments of the culture and religion of this region.

The town of Topola beneath Oplenac Hill is the symbol of Serbian Royal dynasty Karadjordjević, preserving the memory of the Royal family through many cultural monuments. Learn about Serbian heroes who fought for their freedom, feel the sheer beauty of the Serbian heart, explore the magnificent complex of the last Serbian Royal family .

Activities/excursions

This part of Serbia is very well connected with the Serbian capital – Belgrade and all destinations are on approximately 2 to 3 hours ride. Many one-day guided tours are organized the whole year-round.

The most popular is the tour to the Royal Mausoleum Karadjordjevic . There are also many religious tours that include visits to the monasteries of this region.

Keeping in mind that Central Serbia is also rich in thermal waters, a visit to Vrnjačka Spa – the queen of SPAs in Serbia is a must. Vrnjačka Spa is the largest and the most famous resort in Serbia.

As Kraljevo is settled on the Ibar river, very rich in water, it offers several options for adrenaline activities on the water, like rafting and kayaking. As fast mountain river – Ibar is a real rafting paradise .

West Serbia

This is the place where people greet each other by saying “svako dobro” (“best wishes”), and where famous Serbian hospitality reached a completely new level of meaning.

This is where Serbian Ethno-tourism was invented. But not only that – Western Serbia is where Serbian modern tourism has started from… West Serbian Ethno housing covers the whole region – from the very banks of Drina River to the West to the slopes of Mt. Povlen and Divčibare to the East; from beautiful Zasavica Natural Reserve all the way North to Mt. Zlatibor and Uvac gorge to the South.

Zlatibor is one of the most favorite resorts for Serbs. Settled in West Serbia, well-known for its specific mountainous architecture, all Mt. Zlatibor objects are specially designed to blend perfectly into the environment.

Sheep eating grass on a meadow on a summer day at Zlatibor mountain

If you are looking for a relaxing holiday with options for recreation, then Mt. Zlatibor will suit you perfectly. Beautiful mountain, rich in many interesting sites, such as Stopića cave, Gostilje waterfall, Sirogojno open-air museum surrounded by beautiful countryside scenery . Thick pine forests gave name to the mountain, meaning „Golden Pine. “ Organic food is a trademark of this area, so the gastronomic quality is admirable.

Mountain Tara and National park are located In the far West of Serbia, encompassing an area bounded by the Drina River between Višegrad and Bajina Bašta. Leaning over the beautiful Drina River, Mt. Tara is a true gem of nature.

Tara is a typical forest area an,d for its preservation and diversity of forest ecosystems (many of which are relict), one of the richest and most valuable forest areas in Europe. Tara is considered one of the most beautiful mountains of Serbia, and it is an oasis of intact and well-preserved,d and protected nature.

Beautiful view on Tara mountain

What makes this Serbian Mountain so adorable are landscapes covered by bushy larch forests, meadows, and endless fields.

Uvac river is a place where the magic never ends because it is born there and there it lives. It is hard even to try to describe a place like this. Unique, irresistible, charming…so beautiful.

It is a natural southern border of the Zlatibor mountain, and it is the main tributary of the river Lim. At the end of its course, river Uvac is a natural border between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Famous meanders make the Uvac river looks like a glittering maze filled with crystal green water. The largest cave complex in Serbia featuring numerous caves tasseled with pure nature jewelry, halls, and siphon. The best known are Usak cave, Tubićeva cave, and Ice cave. The ornaments in the Ice cave are in the form of drapery and can reach a length and can reach up to ten meters.

At the westernmost point of Mt. Tara , you will find the greatest ethno-complex in Serbia. World-famous „Kustendorf“ or „Wooden Town , “made by our famous film director Mr. Emir Kusturica, provides a unique experience to the visitors.

Traditional village Drvengrad Mecavnik in Serbia

Other cultural monuments of this region are:

Church in Kućani – the oldest representative of log cabin churches in this area. Its gates origin in 1780. dedicated to the birth of the Holy Mother of God.

Log cabin church in Radijevići village – erected in 1808. It treasures precious and well-preserved icons made in wood.

Dubnica monastery – in the village of Božetići, belongs to the type of churches from the XVIII century.

The ethno village of Štitkovo is the museum under the open sky. The church, the houses, and the school preserved the authentic look of the second half of the XIX century.

Kajmakama is the building of the old municipality. It represents a very rare building of Islamic architecture built at the end of the XIX century.

When on Zlatibor mountain , numerous programs are organized during the whole year and depend on the season you choose to visit, and you can also choose the activities you wish for.

There are skiing, riding, and swimming schools for kids, while the adults can enjoy long walks among pine trees, fresh air, swimming pools, fitness programs, saunas, massage salons, tennis courts, golf courses, basketball courts, football fields.

Stopića Cave, Potpec Cave, Waterfall in Gostilje village, Open Air “Old Village” Museum in Sirogojno, Uvac and Dubrava Monasteries, log churches in the villages of Jablanica and Dobroselica, art galleries in Borova Glava, Trnava and Sljivovica villages, birth houses of Dimitrije Tucovic and Sava Jovanovic Sirogojno, observation points of Tornik and Cigota are just some of the sights you can explore in numerous organized tours.

Tara mountain is a more peaceful destination, and it is ideal for numerous activities such as hiking, climbing, horse riding, skiing, boat ride, zip line, canyoning, and Perućac Lake. Tara’s rivers are rich in fish and suitable for any water sports you can imagine.

There are 5 well-arranged and secured observation points at the Tara National Park, with breathtaking panoramas: Biljeska Stena, Osluša, Sjenić, Banjska Stena, and Crnjeskova.

We can not but mention the most famous attraction of this area – the renowned „Šargan 8“ rail track dating from the earliest days of the rail. Wriggling on the slopes of Mt. Tara canyons, this steam train ride provides some unforgettable memories.

Uvac river gives you the chance to explore one of the most beautiful landscapes of Europe – the mountainous meandering gorge , which is the home of the largest European bird of prey – Grifthe fon Vulture.

Uvac gorge meander

Eastern Serbia

The area of ​​Eastern Serbia is filled with a large number of natural and cultural-historical sights. This is the place where legends were created, where mysteries are revealed. Eastern Serbia offers something at every step. This is an area where the real and the unreal merge, where the most beautiful buildings rise, the most beautiful river spring, and the best wine is produced.

In Eastern Serbia, the best carpets are made, beautiful caves are revealed, the most beautiful food is made. Eastern Serbia is adorned with unusual sights.

Throughout its 2.850 km of flow, Danube has its widest, narrowest and deepest point in Serbia, in an area called Djerdap (translated from Turkish / whirlpool) or Iron Gates . Throughout the gorge, hills and slopes rise from 50 to 900 meters above the Danube. In addition to unusual natural features and a large number of plant and animal species-specific to this area, Djerdap is also an area that has been a favorable place to live since prehistoric times. This is confirmed by many archeological finds and historical monuments, such as Lepenski Vir , Golubac Fortress , the remains of Trajan’s bridge , and Trajan’s tablet .

Lepenski Vir is one of Serbia’s most important archeological sites, and the findings found during archeological excavations date back to the period from 7,000 to 6,000 years BC.

Golubac Fortress, renovated and opened to tourists, is located on the right bank of the Danube at the entrance to the gorge.

*Distance from Belgrade: 177km – approximately 2h 55 min by car.

*Distance from Nis: 204km – approximately 4h by car

Tourist visiting ancient Golubac fortress on Danube river in Serbia

Rajačke pimnice are complexes of wine cellars located about 2 km west of the village of Rajac, at the top of the hill Beli breg. The complex consists of more than 200 buildings, most of which have wine cellars. They are located around the central square decorated with a fountain. They are built of hewn stone and logs and are covered with shingles. The complex was built from the middle of the 18th century to the late 1930s.

Whether due to the specific environment, the way in which the warehouse is produced, or the land from which the grapes are harvested, the wines from this area are renowned for their fabulous smell.

Furthermore, legend says that wines from this region have healing properties and encourage good thinking and even better singing. The most famous white wines are made from varieties such as Smederevka, Bagrina, and White Incense, while red wines are made from Prokuplje, Red Burgundy, and Gamma.

At the southwestern end of the Rajačke pimnice complex, there is a village cemetery with about 200 well-preserved tombstones from the 19th century.

Rajačke pimnice is a candidate for the List of World Cultural Heritage – UNESCO.

*Distance from Belgrade: 297km – approximately 3h 53 min by car.

*Distance from Nis: 140km – approximately 2h 45 min by car

Gamzigrad , also known as Felix Romuliana near Zaječar, is the archeological site of the ancient Roman palace of Emperor Gaius Valerius Maximilianus Gallery.

The palace, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2007, was built during the 4th century but was never completed. It was destroyed in the 5th century by barbarians, and Justinian I rebuilt it a century later as a border fortress.

Felix Romuliana

Felix Romuliana, as an imperial residence, was a powerful and large city, with about 20 fortified towers and a magnificent palace with two pagan temples, numerous churches, and floor mosaics is considered the best achievements of late antiquity in Europe.

*Distance from Belgrade: 240km – approximately 2h 50 min by car.

*Distance from Nis: 154km – approximately 1h 54 min by car

Mountain Rtanj belongs to the Carpathian Mountains, with the highest peak Šiljak, which reaches an altitude of 1,565 meters. This mountain is perfect for adventurers. It is known for numerous underground springs, caves, pits, medicinal herbs. It is also well known for fireball natural phenomenon and many other curious and inexplicable things. A special challenge is an ascent to the top of Šiljak, from where there is a view all the way to the confluence of the Sava and the Danube. Mount Rtanj is known for numerous mysteries and legends related to supernatural phenomena.

*Distance from Belgrade: 237km

*Distance from Nis: 73km – approximately 1h 30 min by car

Gornjak Monastery is located in the valley of the river Mlava. It was built in the period from 1376 to 1380. years. This is the endowment of Prince Lazar Hrebeljanović. According to the basic structure, the Gornjak church belongs to the Moravian school of construction. Of the medieval buildings which have been preserved, there is the main monastery church, dedicated to The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the chapel in the cave, dedicated to St. Nicholas.

*Distance from Belgrade 133km– approximately 2h by car

*Distance from Nis: 148km – approximately 2h 20 min by car

Krupajsko vrelo is a real oasis and a natural rarity of eastern Serbia. The spring is surrounded by greenery and tall trees, with the turquoise color of the water, which is why many say that it looks “exotic.” The Krupa spring, which is about 40 meters long and 17 meters wide, is especially interesting because of the transparency of the water – up to 6 meters deep, the water is completely transparent. Diving research is also fascinating, revealing that the spring is 70m deep and forms tunnels in a cave. When the divers explored Krupajsko vrelo in 1998, a rope was used that was tied to them so that they would not get lost in a series of passages and tunnels that are underwater.

Krupajsko vrelo and the entire area around it are protected as a natural monument of national importance and one of Serbia’s strongest karst springs.

*Distance from Belgrade 150km– approximately 2h 25 min by car

*Distance from Nis: 139km – approximately 2h 06 min by car

Southern Serbia

Niš is the largest city in southeastern Serbia and the headquarters of the Niš district. The Niš city area is home to about 290,000 people, more than 250,000 in the city itself. With that population, it is the third city in Serbia.

Niš has been part of many empires and states throughout its long history, playing the role of administrative, military, and trade center and important transport links on Rome’s Via military road later called the Imperial Road, which merged Europe and Little Asia.

The most interesting tourist sights of city Niš are:

  • The Ottomans built niš fortress at the beginning of the 18 th century.
  • The skull tower is a monument from the First Serbian Uprising, built by the Turkish government in Serbia from the skulls of dead Serb warriors from the Battle of Cegar. It is 4 km from the center of Nis, on the road to Niška Banja.  It is classified as a cultural monument of great importance for the Republic of Serbia and is now a museum building.
  • Medijana an Ancient site on the road Niš-Niška Banja, which testifies to the richness and glow of imperial Nais during the leadership of Constantine the Great.

In the heart of the spacious and fertile Leskovac valley, 50 kilometers long and 45 kilometers wide, is the town of Leskovac full of various geographical and tourist motives and objects. It is an important transit center that connects the south of Europe (Greece), through Belgrade northwestern Europe, through Pristina, the Adriatic Sea, and through Sofia and the Black Sea, the Eurasian Corridor.

Festivities have an almost decisive role in the development of tourism in this region. It is nearly certain that the Leskovac Grill Specialties Festival became a brand name by which Leskovac is recognized beyond the borders of Serbia.

Caričin grad / Iustiniana Prima

Iustiniana Prima , also called the Empress’ City, built in the 6 th century, is one of the most important Byzantine cities in the interior of the Balkan Peninsula. It is located 29 km west of Leskovac. Emperor Justinian I, who came from southern Serbia, decided to build a city in his homeland that would glorify his name.

Vranje is a town in the south of Serbia, the main city of the Pčinja district. Vranje is the birthplace of famous Serbian writer Bora Stanković.

Vranje is located in the extreme south of Serbia, in the valley of the South Morava, 45 km from the Macedonian and 80 km from the Bulgarian border. The city is located on the communication route Corridor 10, which connects Central Europe with the South. Distance from Belgrade 350 km, Nis 120 km, Sofia 170 km, Pristina 100 km, Skopje 90 km, and Thessaloniki 350 km.

Vranje is a modern picturesque city with many details that cannot be found in other parts of Serbia. Many call it “yellow flowers,” and it is also known for its specific melodies, folklore, trumpets, and songs.

Tourist places in Vranje:

  • Hamam Turkish steam bath is an old Turkish bath, built at the end of the 17th century around 1690, now renovated but inaccessible to visitors. The writer Bora Stanković often mentions him in his books.
  • Markovo Kale is a fortress – a medieval historical monument located 4.5 km north of Vranje. The fortress was built in the 13th century. Today it is in ruins.

Attractions

Prolom spa is one of the favorite places for family holidays in Southern Serbia. It is the ideal spot for recreation and relaxation – in addition to the therapeutic water and mud, there are several outdoor and indoor swimming pools and a well-equipped wellness center.  Not far from Prolom Banja is another spa – Lukovska Banja . During the winter months, Lukovska Spa offers visitors the unique experience of enjoying a swim in the hot water pool whilst it’s snowing.

After visiting those two beautiful spas, the journey continuous toward Devil’s town, a scenic site composed of 202 beautiful natural human-shaped stone formations. This natural monument embraces two rare world phenomena: soil figures as specific relief forms rendering an attractive sight and two wells of strong acidic waters with high mineralization. This geo-morphological phenomenon is a unique occurrence in Serbia and very rare in the world. There are similar occurrences in Europe, but Devil’s Town towers are much larger and much more stable, making them one of the most renowned natural monuments of the kind in Europe.

Djavolja varoš – Devils town is a geomorphological phenomenon, located at an altitude of 660-700 m above sea level, surrounded by forests and hills of Radan mountain. It is considered a true miracle of nature due to the fact that it consists of two very rare, natural phenomena. The first is earthen figures, unusual forms of relief that give the Devil’s Town a special attractiveness, and the second are two sources of very acidic water with high mineralization.

Devils Town stairs

Devil’s Town was shortlisted for seven world wonders of nature, although, unfortunately, despite great public support, it did not manage to place among the first seven.

*Distance from Belgrade 321km– approximately 3h 50 min by car

*Distance from Nis: 98km – approximately 1h 50 min by car

Hisar fortress is located on a hill above the town of Prokuplje, which surrounds Toplica on three sides, creating its epigeny. In its present form, the fortification was built in the second half of the 14th century to protect this area from the Ottoman invasion. The oldest traces found at this site belong to the ancient pre-Roman period, and later fortifications were built on a Roman basis. The fortification itself consisted of an oval citadel, protected by a dry moat, on top of a hill around which two ramparts fanned out, within which two suburbs were formed in which the church of St. Procopius from the 10th and the Latin Jug Bogdanov church from the 14th century.

*Distance from Belgrade 260km– approximately 2h 55 min by car

*Distance from Nis: 37km – approximately 35 min by car

Vlasina lake is located in southeastern Serbia on the territory of the municipality of Surdulica, 30 km from the valley of South Morava to the west and from the Yugoslav-Bulgarian border to the south. Located at 1213 m above sea level and covering an area of ​​16 km2, it is the largest and highest artificial lake in Serbia.

Floating islands of peat, scattered on the water surface whose colors range from light gray to dark blue, provide a unique experience. This natural rarity is located on Lake Vlasina, the highest and largest artificial lake in Serbia, known for its clear water, reflecting the endless forests and mountains surrounding it.

Records about the beauty of this lake, created by the confluence of the rivers Vlasina and Vrla, date back to the 18th century. In the immediate vicinity of the lake, there are important cultural and historical monuments.

Lake Vlasina, as still insufficiently known to tourists, is an undiscovered gem – the right place for everyone who wants to spend their vacation in peace, away from the hustle and bustle of major tourist centers. And if you come here, you will be able to say that you have also seen something really unusual – real “floating islands” apart from the beautiful nature and cultural monuments.

*Distance from Belgrade 349km– approximately 4h 10 min by car

*Distance from Nis: 126km – approximately 2h 25 min by car

At 20 km from the main road Belgrade-Thessaloniki and 30 km distance from Vranje, there is one of the oldest Serbian shrines – the monastery of St. Prohor Pcinjski . Located at the foot of Mount Kozjak, overgrown with oak forests, full of wildlife and numerous springs, in an area of ​​extraordinary climatic characteristics, the monastery lives its turbulent life of nine hundred years. Demolished and burned, attacked and looted, now renovated, it is visited by tourists and pilgrims from all over the world who are attracted by the secrets of the monastery chambers, but also by the untouched beauty of the ambiance of the area, traditionally known as the air spa.

Nine centuries have passed since the Byzantine emperor Roman Diogenes (ruled from 1067 to 1071) built this monastery and dedicated it to Father Prohor.

*Distance from Belgrade 372km– approximately 4h 10 min by car

*Distance from Nis: 149km – approximately 1h 50 min by car

One of the largest and most important Byzantine cities in the interior of the Balkans is the archeological site from the 6th-century Justiniana Prima (Empress’ city), built 7 kilometers from Lebane, in the south of Serbia. It was built by a great founder, Emperor Justinian I, who was born in that area, and is also known for completing the construction of the famous Church of Holy Wisdom, today the Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul.

Justinian decided to build a city that would glorify his name in his hometown, at the confluence of the river Caricina and Svinjarica, 30 kilometers from Leskovac.

The Empress’ City was built on the site of the autochthonous hillfort of Bederiana. This is supported by the remains of a monumental basilica with an authentic Justinian monogram and a large episcopal basilica on the acropolis.

In addition to profane buildings, ten basilicas were discovered in the city. Raised on gentle slopes that descend from the mountain Radan to the Leskovac valley, Caricin Grad spreads on a plateau of 42,000 square meters.

Tours/excursions

Manasija monastery, resava cave, and lisine waterfall.

This tour includes first visiting the Manasija monastery , which is a Serbian Orthodox monastery founded by Despot Stefan Lazarević between 1406 and 1418. The walls around the monastery are forming fortress, and the frescoes inside of the monastery are the best Byzantine decoration from the 15th century. The church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It is one of the most significant monuments of medieval Serbian culture, and it belongs to the “Morava school”.

Manasija Monastery

Resava Cave is one of the oldest in Serbia, whose existence estimate to 80 million years, with the oldest cave ornaments date 45 million years back. Decoration in the form of stalagmites and stalactites is something splendid and for sure will live the mark in your memory. The Resavska Cave is very rich in cave ornaments, various shapes, and colors of exceptional beauty. The average temperature is 7 degrees Celsius, and the humidity varies between 80 and 100 %.

Waterfall “Lisine” is a monument of Nature located on the slopes of the Mountain Beljanica. The spring with a watercourse and the waterfall makes the Geo-morphologic complex of picturesque beauty and provides Serbia’s unique natural value. The waterfall is located on the right tributary river Vrelo of the Resava river, near Resava Cave on 380 meters above sea level.

Fascinating land at the heart of the Balkans that rewards visitors with welcoming smiles, charming mountain towns, incredible hiking opportunities, and 13th-century domed Serbian monasteries, just for starters. It’s safe to travel and indeed is one of the last corners of Europe that remains off the beaten track for travelers.

Mountains on Kosovo and Metohija form natural borders between Albania to the west and FYROM to the South. Mountain range Prokletije has the highest peaks in Serbia, with 2.656 meters of Djeravica as the highest Serbian point. The southern mountain range of Šar Planina is one of the most famous ski-resorts in Ex-Yugoslavia, with dozens of ski tracks.

Information

Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008, with the support of NATO, and while 110 countries have diplomatically recognized it, there are still 82 nations that do not accept Kosovan independence, including Serbia, Russia, China, Brazil, etc.

We consider it a cradle of our nation. A vast number of churches and monasteries are among the most valuable historical sites in Europe. That is why some of the most beautiful monasteries from Kosovo are enlisted as Serbian UNESCO Cultural Heritage .

Hundreds of Serbian Medieval fortresses are spread through plateaus and hills of Kosovo and Metohija. The first Serbian Patriarch’s Court was founded here, in the town of Peć, all the way back in 1346. However, by 1389, after the epic Battle of Kosovo , Serbia began to fall to the powerful Turkish Ottoman Empire, which ruled the region for the next 500 years.

Thank you for reading, we hope you got a lot of valuable info. If you need a tailor-made Serbia experience designed by Serbia travel experts get in touch with us .

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travel guide subotica serbia

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Diverse, welcoming and a hell of a lot of fun – everything you never heard about Serbia is true. Best of all, this landlocked country in the heart of the Balkans is still delightfully off the tourist trail. While the feisty Serbian spirit is embodied in Belgrade’s world-class nightlife and Novi Sad’s epic EXIT Festival, look beyond these historic metropolises and you’ll discover a crucible of cultures and unsullied outdoors ripe for exploration.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Belgrade Fortress

Belgrade Fortress

Some 115 battles have been fought over imposing, impressive Belgrade Fortress (aka Kalemegdan); the citadel was destroyed more than 40 times throughout…

Uvac Canyon

Uvac Canyon

The Uvac River's spectacular meanders are the highlight of the 75-sq-km Uvac nature reserve in southwestern Serbia. The incredibly green river snakes…

Studenica Monastery, Kraljevo, Serbia ; Shutterstock ID 631705469; Your name (First / Last): Brana V; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Serbia destination pages

Studenica Monastery

One of Serbia's most sacred sites, Unesco-listed Studenica was established in 1196 by the founder of the Serbian empire (and future saint) Stefan Nemanja…

Kadinjača Memorial Complex

Kadinjača Memorial Complex

Serbia's most grandiose spomenik (Yugoslav-era memorial), Kadinjača commemorates the Partisans from the Workers' Battalion who perished on this spot…

Memorial Museum '21st October'

Memorial Museum '21st October'

Šumarice Memorial Park is home to a sombre museum that tells the harrowing story of the 1941 massacre of around 3000 Kragujevac civilians during the…

Petrovaradin fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia

Petrovaradin Fortress

Towering over the river on a 40m-high volcanic slab, this mighty citadel, considered Europe's second-biggest fortress (and one of its best preserved), is…

Vratna Gates

Vratna Gates

The remote Negotin region hides one of the country's more dramatic natural phenomena. Three gigantic stone arches – known as Small Gate (Mala kapija), Big…

Museum of Yugoslavia

Museum of Yugoslavia

This must-visit museum houses an invaluable collection of more than 200,000 artefacts representing the fascinating, tumultuous history of Yugoslavia…

Top picks from our travel experts

7 unmissable experiences in serbia.

Drvengrad

Drvengrad ('Timbertown') in Mokra Gora was built by enigmatic filmmaker Emir Kusturica in 2002 for his film Life Is a Miracle. Quirky flourishes are…

Tito's Mausoleum.

Marshal Tito's Mausoleum

A visit to Tito's mausoleum is obligatory. The big man rests in an aptly gigantic tomb in peaceful surrounds. Also on display are thousands of elaborate…

Šargan Eight

Šargan Eight

The Šargan Eight tourist train, stationed in Mokra Gora, was once part of a narrow-gauge railway linking Belgrade with Sarajevo and Dubrovnik. The joy of…

Golubac Fortress

Golubac Fortress

The remains of this 10-tower fortified town brood majestically by the entrance to Đerdap National Park. Originally a Roman settlement, the fortress was…

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Serbia travel guide

Although its reputation took a hammering during the disastrous collapse of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Serbia has since become one of Eastern Europe’s most entertaining destinations. Much of that is down to Belgrade, which, despite NATO bombing during the Milosevic regime, has emerged as a dynamic, edgy city with an appetite for hedonism.

Home to numerous excellent museums and galleries, a wide range of restaurants and cafés, and some of the best nightlife in southeast Europe, Belgrade is drawing comparisons with some of the world’s coolest cities. It is also helping lead the rest of the country into a bright and hopeful future, with a young generation of creative and outward-looking Serbs reshaping the historic land that was founded as a principality some 1,200 years ago.

Away from the capital, Novi Sad is an attractive, lively city with an elegant centre and picturesque fortress overlooking over the Danube. In the far north, Subotica has an array of secessionist architecture and a notable Hungarian character.

The province of Vojvodina, north of Belgrade, has some excellent wetland habitats that are home to numerous bird species, while south of the capital the countryside consists of lush, wooded valleys with hidden-away Orthodox monasteries. Scattered among the country's more mountainous regions are a number of vast national parks.

Serbia is known for the forthright character of its citizens; its resilient culture has survived numerous occupiers and foreign rulers over the centuries. Despite their formidable reputation, visitors will find Serbs to be passionate but welcoming. As an Orthodox Christian country, it remains to a large degree deeply religious, though this fact is belied somewhat by the hedonism found in its bigger cities.

While there are still some political problems in Serbia, which has yet to formally recognise Kosovo after it unilaterally declared independence in 2008, the country has turned a corner. It is officially a EU candidate and many Serbs are hopeful of the change in economic fortunes that might be brought by becoming a full member.

77,474 sq km (35,246 sq miles).

8,812,705 (UN estimate 2016).

92.6 per sq km.

President Aleksandar Vucic since June 2017.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic since June 2017.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

  • advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
  • information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Serbia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Serbia’s embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Serbia.

Passport validity requirements

If you are visiting Serbia, your passport should be valid for at least 90 days after your planned date of departure from Serbia.

Registration

You must register with the local police where you’re staying within 24 hours of your arrival in Serbia. If you’re staying in a hotel, check-in staff will register you automatically. If you do not register, you could get a fine, and face arrest and a court appearance.

Visa requirements

British nationals do not need a visa to visit Serbia for up to 90 days. For further information on entry and exit requirements, contact the Serbian embassy in the UK .

If you want to extend your stay in Serbia, you must apply for temporary residence status. You must do this at the police station where you’re registered at least 30 days before the 90-day period expires. For more information visit the website of the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Checks at border control

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

When entering Serbia, make sure border guards stamp your passport. Temporary residents should have an exit-entry visa as well as a residence stamp. If you try to leave Serbia without an entry stamp or exit-entry visa, you may face charges of illegal immigration, a heavy fine and a prison sentence.

You should only enter Serbia through recognised border crossings. Serbian borders remain open for entry and exit, subject to any entry requirements currently in place in neighbouring countries.

Travelling between Serbia and Kosovo

The authorities in Serbia do not consider the designated crossing points with Kosovo to be official international border crossing points.

It is possible to travel from Serbia to Kosovo, and back again.

You cannot travel from Kosovo to Serbia without a Serbian entry stamp from Belgrade, Niš or Kraljevo airports, or one of Serbia’s other border crossings with:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • North Macedonia

You are likely to be refused entry without a valid Serbian entry stamp. You should take a route through a third country.

Border guards have denied foreign nationals entry to Serbia if they have Republic of Kosovo stamps in their passports. We are also aware of isolated incidents where Serbian authorities have cancelled Kosovo stamps in passports of foreign nationals.

Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo can cause difficulties at border crossings with Kosovo.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Serbia guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Serbia . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You must declare items of value if you are temporarily bringing them to Serbia to avoid customs charges – for example, jewellery, cameras and computing equipment.

Taking money into Serbia

If you are carrying more than 10,000 euros (or an equal amount in other currencies), you must:

  • complete a declaration form at customs on arrival in Serbia – a customs officer will certify this by signing or stamping the form
  • keep a copy of the certified form while you are in Serbia
  • show the certified form when you leave Serbia
  • show a receipt if you are carrying Serbian dinars bought from a foreign bank

Customs officers may seize your money if you do not follow these rules.

You should exchange any unwanted dinars before you leave Serbia. British banks do not normally exchange dinars. Do not use street dealers. Only change money through banks or official exchange offices.

It is not possible to exchange Scottish and Northern Irish banknotes in Serbia.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Serbia

Terrorist attacks in Serbia can’t be ruled out.

There is a general threat from terrorism. There may be increased security in place over the festive period, including at Christmas markets and other major events that might attract large crowds. Remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Terrorists may target religious sites, including churches.

Political situation

There is the potential for disturbances in Belgrade and other towns and cities. There have been mass gatherings in Belgrade and other cities since May 2023. Further gatherings are planned. These can cause significant disruption, including to public transport. You should:

  • keep up to date with local developments
  • plan ahead to avoid disruption
  • avoid crowds or demonstrations to avoid injury

Protecting your belongings

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime, particularly in larger cities. Pickpockets work in tourist areas, airports, on public transport and at motorway petrol stations.

As a foreigner, criminals may assume you are carrying large amounts of cash. Four-wheel drive and luxury vehicles are also popular targets.

Some sporting events have had incidents of violence and petty crime. Report all incidents of crime to the local police and get a report.

Unexploded landmines and bombs

There is still some danger from unexploded landmines and bombs from the 1999 war in Kosovo and Serbia. Most of the affected areas are in the mountains to the north and east of Kosovo. Take special care in these areas and keep to marked roads.

Thick vegetation covers most of the dangerous areas. Do not touch anything suspicious and report it to the police.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

It is a legal requirement to carry your passport (as a tourist) or ID card (as a resident) with you for identification purposes. Keep a copy separately in a safe place.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

There are strict penalties for possessing and trafficking drugs, including long prison sentences.

Using cameras in secure areas

Taking photographs of military and police installations, personnel or vehicles anywhere in Serbia may lead to arrest or difficulties with the authorities.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are legal in Serbia, and there are anti-discrimination laws. There are LGBT+ friendly hostels, clubs and other events in Belgrade. However, the level of public prejudice against LGBT+ people is still relatively high. Be aware that showing affection in public could result in unwanted attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Transport risks

Road travel.

You need either a 1968 international driving permit ( IDP ) or a valid UK driving licence to drive in Serbia. The 1949 IDP is not accepted anymore. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You can buy an IDP in person from some UK post offices – find your nearest post office branch that offers this service.

You can drive with a UK driving licence or IDP for a series of short visits up to a year after you first entered Serbia, or for a single stay of up to 6 months. If you’re staying longer than 6 months, you must get a local licence.

If you are planning to drive in Serbia, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC Serbia guide .

The general standard of roads in Serbia varies widely. Roads are worse in rural areas, especially after bad weather. One particularly dangerous road is the Ibarska Magistrala (linking Belgrade, via Čačak and Užice, to Montenegro).

Dial 1987 for roadside assistance.

You should only use registered taxis – look for a municipal registration number alongside the cab number. Instead of hailing a taxi, you can call one of the radio taxi phone numbers (most operators speak English). See information about taxis and public transport from the Belgrade tourism organisation .

Many Serbian car hire firms will not allow you to drive their vehicles to Kosovo, Albania or Bulgaria because of security concerns. There have been some incidents where Serbian registered cars have been vandalised, or in some cases set on fire, in more isolated areas of Kosovo.

Bringing a vehicle into Serbia

If you are bringing a vehicle to Serbia, you must have vehicle registration and ownership documents and a locally valid insurance policy. European green card vehicle insurance is now valid in Serbia, but you no longer need to hold a green card. Confirm with your insurance company that your policy covers Serbia.

Contact the Serbian embassy in London if you have more detailed questions about bringing a vehicle to Serbia. The British embassy cannot help you if you arrive at the border without the correct documents.

Rail travel

Trains can be slow, particularly in winter when there are often long delays. On overnight trains, sleeping berths can be locked from the inside for safety. Each carriage has an attendant. Local police carry out random ID checks onboard trains in Serbia. Thieves operate on trains, so take particular care that documents and other valuables are safe.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Forest fires.

During especially hot and dry periods there is a danger of forest fires. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. Make sure cigarette are properly extinguished and do not light barbecues.

Parts of Serbia can flood after heavy rain. See flood warnings from the Serbian Hydrometeorological Service . If floods affect your area, follow the instructions of the Serbian authorities.

Earthquakes

Serbia lies in a seismically active zone, and earth tremors are common. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but can occur. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice on what to before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

your destination can provide the healthcare you may need

you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 194 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Serbia guide

where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Serbia

You can view a list of English-speaking doctors in Serbia .

There is a reciprocal healthcare agreement for British nationals visiting Serbia, which entitles you to free emergency treatment. To get treatment you must show:

  • a British passport
  • evidence of registration with the local police (if you’re not staying in a hotel)
  • a certificate confirming entitlement to benefit under the UK Social Security Acts – you can get the certificate from HM Revenue & Customs before you travel or contact the British Embassy if you need assistance

You may need to pay cash for non-emergency treatment or treatment that is not covered under the reciprocal agreement. Make sure you can access money to cover medical treatment.

Some private clinics in Serbia offer treatment for addiction which may not meet UK standards. Seek advice from your local GP or health provider in the UK before undertaking any treatment.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Serbia

All emergencies: 112

Ambulance: 194

Police: 192

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

  • where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
  • how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

  • finding English-speaking lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Serbia.
  • dealing with a death in Serbia
  • being arrested in Serbia
  • getting help if you’re a victim of crime
  • what to do if you’re in hospital
  • if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission .

You can also contact FCDO online .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges .

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Serbia travel guide: Everything you need to know

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Buzzing cities, elegant architecture, a mind-bendingly varied history and some truly astonishing landscapes make Serbia one of the most compelling countries in Eastern Europe. It’s exuberant, hospitable (bring a big appetite) and crammed with cultural and culinary legacies from Ottoman and Habsburg times.

It’s also one of the most affordable places to visit: some of the prices, particularly food, drink and transport, will make you do a double take. Its national parks – encompassing river canyons, mountains, lakes, caves and forests – show off Serbia’s untamed nature and beauty.

Travel restrictions and entry requirements

Serbia no longer has any Covid entry requirements, including proof of vaccination or negative Covid test. Masks aren’t mandatory, although some parts of the population are still wearing them.

Best time to go

The months from spring to autumn are the best times, as winter can be cold and snowy (unless you want to go skiing in Serbia’s main ski resort of Kopaonik). Serbia has a busy schedule of festivals from May to September, especially in the capital, Belgrade, as well as the Exit Festival in Novi Sad in early July. Niš’s Nišville Jazz Festival takes place in August, as does the Belgrade Beer Festival and the riotous Guča Trumpet Festival. The Belgrade Book Fair in October is one of the biggest and oldest in the region. Christmas is also a popular time to come, especially Orthodox Christmas which is on 7 January (with the main festivities on 6 January).

Top regions and cities

Serbia’s capital hums with activity and is constantly on the move. With more and more of Stari Grad (Old Town) becoming pedestrianised, it’s a pleasure to wander its café-filled thoroughfares using the main artery, Knez Mihailova, as your starting point. Check out the fabulous art at the National Museum of Serbia in Republic Square before ambling along to Kalemegdan, the enormous and historic park that overlooks the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. You’ll see the riversides teeming with floating restaurants and clubs, while wide waterside paths invite lazy strolls and bike rides. Cross the Sava to the old Habsburg suburb of Zemun and wonderful views from its Gardoš Tower. Back in Stari Grad, you’ll be faced with the dizzying choices of places to eat and drink in the tree-lined streets of Dorćol. Further south in Vračar, you can’t miss the round white neo-Byzantine domes of Sveti Sava temple, whose fantastically glittering interior is finally nearly finished after more than a century in the making.

  • Belgrade city guide: Where to stay and what to do in Serbia’s capital

There’s a wonderfully relaxed pace of life in Novi Sad, the European Capital of Culture for 2022 and the largest city in northern Serbia’s multicultural Vojvodina region. Its pedestrianised centre is filled with handsome Habsburg architecture harbouring café terraces, with more bars and restaurants tucked away in little alleyways and minuscule squares. Start off among the pastel-coloured townhouses of Zmaj Jovina and along to Dunavska where you’ll soon come to the Museum of Vojvodina – an excellent place to bone up on the history of the region. Cross the Danube to reach the massive 18 th -century Petrovaradin Fortress (where the Exit Festival takes place) and the Novi Sad City Museum within. When the weather warms up, follow the wide footpath along the Danube to reach the city’s beach at Štrand.

  • Novi Sad guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Serbia’s second city

The southern Serbian birthplace of Constantine the Great has some fascinating things to see, including the imposing Niš Fortress built by the Turks in the 18 th century. It’s now part of a collection of sights in the main city park that features an amphitheatre for summertime events, the 16 th -century Bali-Beg Mosque, a zoo and a 15 th -century Turkish hammam that’s now a café. Join the evening korso (the Serbian version of the Italian passeggiata – a leisurely evening stroll) along pedestrianised Obrenovića and the Ottoman-style cafés and restaurants of Kopitareva. For a more sobering look at Serbian history, there’s the infamous Skull Tower, erected by the Turks in 1809, which is studded with the skulls of Serbs who died defying Ottoman rule.

Western Serbia

The region of western Serbia is packed with sights, including the mountains of Zlatibor, the Gostilje waterfall and the marvellous subterranean world of Stopića cave. You’ll find a few delightful oddities too: the open-air museum of Sirogojno reconstructed to look like a 19 th -century village, the feat of Austrian engineering that is the Šargan Eight heritage railway winding through the Mokra Gora mountain and the eccentric Drvengrad village created by the film director Emir Kusturica. The most spectacular sight, though, is the dramatic karst landscape of Tara National Park, which includes the Drina River that forms a natural border with Bosnia. It’s one of the most sublime places to hike and cycle along its 200km of trails. Hire a kayak and get a close-up look at the House on the Drina, a wooden fishing lodge perched on a rock in the middle of the river.

Fruška Gora National Park

Just south of Novi Sad is Fruška Gora, whose thickly forested mountains shelter 16 monasteries dating from the 15 th to the 18 th centuries, hiking and cycling trails and, in the foothills, vineyards producing top-class wines. Keep an eye out for wildlife including eagles, deer and lynx. It’s easy to visit from Novi Sad and the nearby town of Sremski Karlovci, the latter an enchanting place of baroque and neoclassical architecture.

Best under-the-radar destinations

You’re barely a dozen kilometres from the Hungarian border at Subotica, so it won’t come as a surprise to see this northern Serbian city decked out in bilingual signs. In fact, it was part of Hungary longer than it’s been in Serbia. It’s not just the liberal use of paprika in its restaurants that gives this city its spice. Subotica is a riot of colourful art nouveau/secessionist architecture, from its city hall (whose clocktower you can climb) to the wonderfully over-the-top Raichle Palace, now a modern art gallery. There’s more art nouveau loveliness in the neighbouring spa resort at Lake Palić, a 10km bus ride or cycle away.

At the point where the flatlands of Vojvodina’s Banat region get close to the Romanian border and the Carpathian mountains, the welcome sight of the Vršac hills come into view, with the attractive city of Vršac at its base. Some of Serbia’s best wine comes from the vineyards that cover the slopes above Vršac, and the city’s streets of 18 th -century classical and neo-gothic architecture make it a pleasure to explore. Go hiking in the Vršac hills and look out for the 14 th -century defensive tower from where you can get sweeping countryside views.

The Romans were among the first people to make use of Sokobanja’s thermal springs, and they’ve been enjoyed ever since. The hammam built by the Turks in the 17 th century is still in use today within this attractive spa resort an hour north of Niš. Surrounded by forested peaks and bisected by the Moravica River (which offers several river beaches to cool off in), Sokobanja is also in prime hiking and mountain biking territory. One of the trails leads to the ruins of Sokograd, a medieval fortress that offers impressive mountain vistas.

Best things to do

Explore uvac nature reserve.

The crazily serpentine Uvac River has the sort of twists and turns that can be best appreciated from one of several viewpoints above. Here you can see the steep forested slopes rising above vivid turquoise waters, while griffon vultures fly above. While you’re there, add a boat trip or a kayak journey along the river to your list of must-do activities.

Go to Djerdap National Park

Serbia’s largest national park hugs the right bank of the Danube and has several of the country’s most extraordinary sights. Nicknamed the Iron Gates, the Djerdap Gorge – actually a series of four gorges and three ravines – turns up on itineraries of river cruises and really is quite jaw dropping. At its head is the medieval Golubac Fortress, the sort of castle that belongs in a fairy tale. Soon you’ll come across one of Serbia’s most important historical sights: the Mesolithic and Neolithic Lepenski Vir archaeological site, which dates back to at least 7000BC.

Visit the monasteries

Serbia’s medieval monasteries are a fundamental part of the country’s heritage and history. One of the most visited is the 12 th -century Studenica Monastery in central Serbia, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site and is in the suitably peaceful setting of the Golija-Studenica biosphere reserve. It’s about an hour from one of Serbia’s prettiest monasteries, Žiča, which, like most of the others, is built in lavish neo-Byzantine style.

Follow the wine routes

Serbia makes superb wine that regularly wins international awards, but isn’t particularly well known outside its borders. Luckily there are official wine routes where you can visit vineyards for tastings, including around Subotica, Fruška Gora, Vršac and the Tuscan-like countryside outside Belgrade. In eastern Serbia where the borders of Romania and Bulgaria meet is Negotin; here, delectable Prokupac red wines are made in absurdly picturesque village stone cellars called pimnice .

Getting around

Serbia’s public transport is very affordable. While the Serbian Railways network is relatively limited, there’s a new high-speed train that connects Belgrade to Novi Sad in only 30 minutes. There are frequent buses around the country, although you might want to hire a car if you’re exploring beyond the major cities.

How to get there

The quickest way to get to Serbia is to fly to Belgrade, although flights can be very expensive unless booked far in advance. Other airports in Niš and Kraljevo are used for internal and regional flights. Getting there by train takes at least two days: take the Eurostar to Paris, change for the Munich train to Zagreb. Unfortunately, the Zagreb-Belgrade train is currently suspended and is replaced by a bus service.

Money-saving tip

If you arrive in Belgrade airport and need a taxi, order one from the official tourist information desk in the baggage claim area. You will pay a set price and avoid the touts outside the terminal charging more.

What’s the weather like?

Serbia has a typically Continental climate – long, hot summers and cold, snowy winters. It can get very hot in the summer and regularly is in the 30Cs.

What time zone is it in?

What currency do i need.

Serbian dinar.

What language is spoken?

Serbian is spoken, and many people in tourism and the hospitality business speak English.

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Travel Guide Serbia

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Serbia is a buzzy and boisterous country, compact enough for visitors to sample both Belgrade’s urban hedonism and the gentler pace of the smaller towns or national parks within a few days – and it’s one of Europe’s most affordable destinations to boot. Grittier than its blue-eyed neighbour Croatia, it is nevertheless an integral part of any backpacker’s Balkan tour: at the heart of the region, it gives easy access to the cluster of cultures and histories crammed into this small corner of Europe.

Where to go in Serbia

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Explore Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina

Explore the highlights of Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Enjoy interactive ways of sightseeing and get ready to discover some beautiful natural sites like the Zlatibor Mountain and the Međuvršje Lake. Don't forget to sample some local specialities like burek or ćevapi.

The treasures of Serbia

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The treasures of Serbia

The treasures of Serbia are ready to be discovered. The trip starts in the capital city of Belgrade, where you can explore the bohemian heart of the city. You will be able to explore the natural and historic beauty of Serbia like Tara National Park and the century-old winery Aleksandrović.

Balkan Puzzle

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Balkan Puzzle

A visit to the Balkans is an incredible experience, get ready for memorable flavours of the traditional cuisine and hospitable locals while you explore the sights: stunning panoramic views, tiny to the Adriatic coastline, idyllic and fertile valleys, pristine rivers and lakes.

Serbia & Montenegro

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Serbia & Montenegro

If you are curious and looking for a remarkable journey filled with true wilderness, lovely people and life-changing adventures then Serbia & Montenegro are a must-visit! Enjoy the diverse UNESCO sites, glorious mountain peaks and crystal blue waters during this exciting 14-day trip.

Balkan Extended

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Balkan Extended

The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.

Balkan & Adriatic

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Balkan & Adriatic

The most relaxing Balkan & Adriatic tour! This trip is for travellers who are interested in visiting different locations in the Balkans but prefer a comfortable way of travelling. Get to know parts of Serbia, Montenegro and the beautiful towns of Croatia, all while travelling at a slow pace.

Balkan Essentials

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Balkan Essentials

The Balkans are stunning and you will have a chance to experience their beauty during this 10 day-multiple country trip. Feel the welcoming vibe of Belgrade, visit Kotor, Europe's unmissable town, walk down the famous Bridge on Drina and observe stunning Plitvice Lakes.

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Explore the Balkans

Enjoy the sights of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia in one trip - the best of the Balkans! Stroll through the old towns, marvel at the historic buildings and stunning natural landscapes as you make your way through these four interesting countries.

Serbia’s young, European-minded population brings a bubbling energy to its bars, cafés and clubs, producing an adrenaline-charged nightlife unmatched anywhere else in the Balkans. The general determination to have a good time confounds the expectations of many a traveller, arriving with memories of the 1990s, when Serbia’s name was not often off war reporters’ lips. Today, it’s just as likely to attract headlines for its crop of world-class tennis players or the annual EXIT festival in Novi Sad.

Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, is a sociable, hectic city that energizes and exhausts by turns. Northwest of the city on the iron-flat Vojvodina Plain sits lovely Novi Sad, window to the Fruška Gora hills, while further north – a stone’s throw from the border with Hungary – enchanting Subotica is sprinkled with early twentieth-century Secessionist architecture. Deep in the mountainous tract of land to the south of Belgrade are three key struts of Serbia’s religio-cultural heritage – Žiča, Studenica and Sopoćani monasteries. East of here, Niš is a pleasant small city to pause in en route to or from Bulgaria or Macedonia.

Belgrade

Top image © Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock

Discover more places in Serbia

danube-gardos-hill-zemun-serbia-shutterstock_762615139

Population 7.5 million (excluding Kosovo)

Area 88,361 sq km

Language Serbian

Currency Dinar (din)

Capital Belgrade (population: 1.6 million)

International phone code 381

Serbia uses the Cyrillic alphabet as well as the Latin one. Many street signs and bus and train timetables are in Cyrillic only, so it’s worth being able to decode at least the first few letters of a word. Serbian, like Bosnian, is very closely related to Croatian and all three languages will be understood in all three countries.

Travel advice for Serbia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Serbia

  • Eating and drinking in Serbia
  • Getting around Serbia: Transportation Tips
  • How to get to Serbia
  • Sports and Outdoor activities in Serbia
  • Travel Tips Serbia for planning and on the go
  • Best time to visit Serbia

The Rough Guides to Serbia and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

The Rough Guide to the A-Z of Travel

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Andy Turner

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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IMAGES

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  3. Subotica Travel Guide: How to Explore Serbia's Most Beautiful City

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COMMENTS

  1. Subotica Travel Guide: How to Explore Serbia's Most Beautiful City

    HOW TO GET TO SUBOTICA FROM SERBIA. From Novi Sad to Subotica - This is the most common way that people travel to Subotica, since they're both major tourist cities and within close distance to each other. It costs around 500 to 900 RSD (about $5 to $9 USD) and takes 2 hours. However, a word of caution: don't plan anything on a tight schedule in Subotica, since the bus stops multiple ...

  2. 17 Things to Do in Subotica, Serbia's Magical Art Nouveau Escape

    More Serbia Travel Resources. If this is your first trip to Serbia, ... Pin this Guide to the Best Things to Do in Subotica for Your Trip! Ivan Bukta. Ivan was born and raised in Serbia and received his BFA and MFA in Film in New York City. He is a writer, director, editor, and a huge fan of traveling and visiting famous filming locations. ...

  3. 15 Best Things to Do in Subotica (Serbia)

    Let's explore the best things to do in Subotica: 1. Subotica City Hall. Source: Nenad Nedomacki / shutterstock. Subotica City Hall. The majestic city hall is an Art Nouveau masterpiece, completed in 1912. Subotica's central landmark was conceived by a team of Hungarian-Jewish architects, Dezső Jakab and Marcell Komor.

  4. Subotica travel

    Subotica. Serbia, Europe. Sugar-spun art nouveau marvels, a laid-back populace and a sprinkling of Serbian and Hungarian flavours make this leafy town - the second largest in Vojvodina and practically at the Hungarian border - a worthy day trip or stopover. Once an important and wealthy hub of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Subotica attracted ...

  5. Subotica, Serbia 2024: All You Need to Know Before You Go

    Subotica Tourism: Tripadvisor has 2,459 reviews of Subotica Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Subotica resource. ... Restaurants. Travel Forums. Hire a Trip Designer. Flights. Rental Cars. Add a Place. More. See all photos. Europe. Serbia. Vojvodina. Subotica. ... Bed and Breakfast Subotica Vacation Rentals Flights to ...

  6. What to See and Do in Subotica, Serbia's Nicest City

    What to See in Subotica - Art Nouveau. In Subotica you will find outstanding examples of Art Nouveau architecture. Actually, Subotica is probably the city with the most art nouveau buildings in Serbia. In Austro-Hungary, the movement was called Secession. At that time, Subotica was at the forefront of the movement.

  7. Subotica

    Subotica is a city in the very north of Vojvodina in northern Serbia.The city is well known for its many great examples of Hungarian architecture (mostly secessionist style, a type of Art Nouveau; late 19th to early 20th century, but also other styles), and a lively student scene, as well as many festivals of various types.The city is multicultural (Hungarian/Serbian/Croatian) and thus has a ...

  8. 7 Day Serbia Itinerary: See the Best of Northern Serbia

    Day 3: Make your way north to Subotica. Subotica is located an hour north of Novi Sad, very close to the Hungarian border. A small, quiet city by any measure, Subotica is full of architectural treasures and stands out as my absolute favourite place in Serbia. Subotica is normally associated with one thing: Art Nouveau.

  9. The Perfect Itinerary for Belgrade, Novi Sad & Subotica

    Day 4 - Novi Sad. From Subotica, Novi Sad is about an hour's bus ride away. There are several departures daily which you can check here. Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia but its places of interest are near each other that you can comfortably get an overview of the city within a day.

  10. The Hidden Beauty of Serbia's Subotica and Lake Palić

    Like Novi Sad, Subotica is a vibrantly multicultural city, with one important difference: whereas in the former the absolute majority is made up of Serbs, in the latter the distribution of the ethnic groups are more balanced. Hungarians represent the relative majority (35%), followed by Serbs (25%), Croats (10%) and Bunjevacs (10%). These data also explain the supremacy of the Catholic Church ...

  11. Why you must visit Subotica, Serbia: an art nouveau dreamscape

    Keep reasons for reasons to visit Subotica, Serbia and a little miniature guide to Subotica with tips on things to do in Subotica, Serbia. Subotica is quite different than other places in Serbia. With stunning art nouveau buildings, a large Catholic population, and friendly people, Subotica is a nice change from other Serbian cities.

  12. Best Places to Visit in Subotica

    Popular Attractions & Places to Visit in Subotica. Best things to Do, See & Enjoy. Where to eat? Where to stay? How to be safe? How to save money? Fun facts & Pro tips.

  13. Subotica Travel Guide: Best things To do, Places To Stay & Food 2024

    For one full day and night in Subotica with mid-range accommodation, all meals out and visiting the major attractions, you can expect to spend €60 - €70 (and even less if you're splitting the accommodation with a friend or partner). That's my complete guide to visiting the hidden gem that is Subotica in Serbia.

  14. Subotica

    TravelSerbia.Info - Your travel guide for Serbia. Home News. Subotica. Subotica is situated on the far north of Serbia on the border with Hungary. Being populated by many different nationalities it represents beautiful blend of different cultures. Because of that you should pay attention to architectural sites in Subotica such as Catholic and ...

  15. Subotica and Palic Travel Guide

    Best Things to Do in Subotica. 1. Stroll Along Korzo. The main pedestrian street of Subotica is lined with beautiful buildings as well as plenty of shops and cafes. Korzo, Subotica. 2. Subotica Savings Bank Palace. Designed in the Hungarian style, it was built in 1908 for the Subotica Savings Bank.

  16. About Subotica

    About Subotica. The City of Subotica is located on the north of the Republic of Serbia, along the main European corridors and between two rivers: the Danube and Tisa rivers. Rich cultural heritage assets, lavishly decorated buildings, multicultural spirit and European charm - these are the features that make this city distinctive.

  17. Northern Serbia Travel Guide

    A visit to the Balkans is an incredible experience, get ready for memorable flavours of the traditional cuisine and hospitable locals while you explore the sights: stunning panoramic views, tiny to the Adriatic coastline, idyllic and fertile valleys, pristine rivers and lakes. view tour ⤍. 14 days / from 2807 USD.

  18. Ultimate Serbia Travel Guide

    Check out the ultimate Serbia travel guide written by the Serbia tourism experts to help you get around quickly and don't miss out on important todos. ... Subotica - The City of Subotica is located in the north of Serbia, along the main European corridors and in between two rivers: the Danube and the Tisa. Rich cultural heritage, intricately ...

  19. Serbia travel

    Serbia. Diverse, welcoming and a hell of a lot of fun - everything you never heard about Serbia is true. Best of all, this landlocked country in the heart of the Balkans is still delightfully off the tourist trail. While the feisty Serbian spirit is embodied in Belgrade's world-class nightlife and Novi Sad's epic EXIT Festival, look ...

  20. Subotica

    Subotica (Serbian Cyrillic: Суботица, pronounced ⓘ; Hungarian: Szabadka, Rusyn: Суботица) is a city and the administrative center of the North Bačka District in the autonomous province of Vojvodina, Serbia.Formerly the largest city of Vojvodina region, contemporary Subotica is now the second largest city in the province, following the city of Novi Sad.

  21. Serbia travel guide

    Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel. Emergency services in Serbia. All emergencies: 112. Ambulance: 194. Fire: 193. Police: 192. Contact your travel provider and insurer. Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad.

  22. Serbia travel guide: Everything you need to know

    Serbia travel guide: Everything you need to know. Hospitality, history, untouched landscapes and fantastic-value meet in this Eastern European gem ... Subotica is a riot of colourful art nouveau ...

  23. Serbia Travel Guide

    Fact file. Population 7.5 million (excluding Kosovo). Area 88,361 sq km. Language Serbian. Currency Dinar (din). Capital Belgrade (population: 1.6 million). International phone code 381. Serbian. Serbia uses the Cyrillic alphabet as well as the Latin one. Many street signs and bus and train timetables are in Cyrillic only, so it's worth being able to decode at least the first few letters of ...