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.
Subotica’s mix of candy-colored pastel buildings and intricate Art Nouveau architecture is a must-see on your trip to Serbia — and Subotica is a must-visit city on any Balkan itinerary! I’m sure you’ll also agree once you pay a visit. 
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.
In fact, Subotica makes for an excellent day trip from Novi Sad (1 hour) or even Belgrade (2 hours), although I highly recommend staying overnight — trust me. 
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!).
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 times and is slower than you’d expect. 
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. :)
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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.
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.
As soon as you enter through the heart-shaped gates, you’ll be struck at how large the building really is. In fact, it fit Raichle’s architectural office on the ground floor, as well as a dining room, ballroom, lounge, bedroom and bathroom, and even a children’s room. Unfortunately, Mr. Raichle didn’t have much time to enjoy his home sweet home, as he went bankrupt a few years later.
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.
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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. :)
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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.
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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! :)
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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!
⭐️ 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
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SUBOTICA APARTMENTS
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
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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
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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
Yes, this is a McDonalds!
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 🤤
But seriously, the McDonalds in Subotica is a must-visit! Remember what I said about all the Art Nouveau buildings in the city? Turns out, McDonalds is also located in a gorgeous historical building! I highly recommend walking up the stairs and sitting on the second floor, admiring the details while eating your hard-earned cheeseburger. 
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.
Wow. Very interesting and unusual city! Must visit McDonalds