You arrived in a city in the north of Serbia, and you are wondering what is there to see in Subotica? What places you can visit in and around the city? Located in the north of Serbia, in the Pannonian Plain, Subotica is a popular town for a weekend break. Not only people from Serbia come to Subotica, but also folks from Hungary, Croatia, and Romania. The best time to visit is spring and early fall.
With more than 100,000 residents, Subotica is among the biggest cities in Serbia. Believe it or not, there are so many places to visit in Subotica, that you probably won’t make it one day. The best thing to do is to find good accommodation in Subotica and spend a couple of days exploring the city and its surroundings.
Places to visit in Subotica city center
The City Hall dominates the main square. It’s probably one of the biggest attractions of Subotica. You can join one of the guided tours and admire the beauty of this building. In front of the City Hall is a square with the Blue and green fountain. The City Library is also located in the square.
Unlike the rest of Serbia, Subotica was under Austro-Hungarian rule for a while, and this also affected the city’s architecture.
Museums in Subotica
Raichle’s Mansion is one of the most beautiful examples of secession-style construction. This lavish palace used to be the family home of architect Ferenc Raichle. Today, it houses the Modern Art Gallery “Likovni susret”.
In addition to visiting this gallery, we also recommend visiting the Municipal Museum in Subotica. There, you can enjoy some of the seasonal exhibitions.
The downtown also houses the National Theater. The building has been recently refurbished and features several theater performances a month.
Religious buildings in Subotica
One of the most representative baroque style buildings in Subotica is the Cathedral. It’s dedicated to the patron saint of the city – St. Theresa of Avila. It was built in the late 18th century and it features two high bell towers.
Just a few decades earlier, a Franciscan church, dedicated to St. Michael, was built on the remains of a medieval fortress.
On the highest point of the old town is the Orthodox Church. It was built in 1726, and dedicated to the Holy Ascension.
There is also the Muhajir Mosque in Subotica, the first Islamic building built in the area in the last two centuries.
In addition, Subotica and its Jewish community have beautiful Synagogue. It was built in the early 20th century, and at that time it was considered the second-largest in the world. Today it is still one of the most beautiful buildings in the style of Viennese Art Nouveau.
Cafes and restaurants in Subotica
Subotica has many cafes and restaurants where you can get a cup of coffee or something to eat. Some of the best rated are Cafe Story, Pelivan, followed by Grunf, Boss, Bates Restaurant, and others. Be sure to try local specialties, especially cakes.
Events and festivals in Subotica
There are several events in the city throughout the year. You can visit Subotica during the Palic Wine Ceremonies, the Film Festival, or the Summer3p Music Festival. There are other events, such as the Harvest Days, the Wine Marathon, or the Subotica Half Marathon. Before leaving for Subotica, make sure to fit at least some of these events into the schedule.
What to see in the vicinity of Subotica?
Only 15-20 minutes’ drive from Subotica is Lake Palic. It is the most popular tourist destination in Vojvodina and definitely one of the places you should visit in Subotica. There is a promenade next to the lake. Here, you can take a walk and enjoy the view.
There are many restaurants along the trail, where you can stop for fish soup and local specialities. The trail runs past beautifully landscaped parks that house more than a century old mansions. In the park by the lake, there is also a playground for children.
The Great Park houses the Summer Stage, with as many as 1000 seats under the open sky. Performances, concerts, and similar art events are organized here. There is also the Grand Terrace, a beautiful secession-style facility. The Summer Stage and the Grand Terrace are a part of the Congress Center Palic.
In the middle of the last century, a zoo was built not far from the lake. It’s one more place you should definitely visit when you are in Subotica. At that time, it was the second biggest in the country, after the one in Belgrade. With more than 150 animal species and a botanical garden, the Palic Zoo attracts more than 150,000 visitors annually. It’s open to visitors every day.
Palic will soon get another big attraction: an aqua park. It will have several indoor and outdoor pools and a spa. That will be another good reason to visit Subotica and Palic.
In the vicinity of Subotica, there is also Ludasko Lake. It is a special nature reserve and home to 38 bird species. It is only 12 km away from the city. Around the lake are farms, vineyards, and wine cellars. Nearby is an adventure park Furioso, which offers an exciting experience for kids.
Salas near Subotica
A salas is a traditional type of farm in the Pannonian Plain region. It’s a type of farmhouse, with land and pastures around it. If you are wondering what else is there to see in Subotica, a salas is a must. Most of them feature breathtaking gardens and pounds. Some of the most famous are the Majkin Salas, then Sumski Cardak, and Rokin Salas. In addition to the beautiful surroundings, you will find a rich gastronomic offer. Peppers, fish stews, and other specialties are worth a try.
Wineries near Subotica
Wineries are also among things to see in Subotica. The area around Lake Palic and Ludas Lake is a traditional wine region. There are several wineries. The most famous are the Zvonko Bogdan winery, Dibonis, and Vinski Dvor. All the wineries have tasting rooms where you can sip some wine, as well as guided tours.
Kelebija Horse Farm
Kelebija Horse Farm is 11 km from Subotica. As part of the info tour, you can explore the history of the Lipizzaner horses and see the collection of horse-drawn carriages. With the help of an instructor, you can even ride horses at the Stud Farm. Riding ponies or horses will certainly impress your kids.
There is also a pond, a race track and a nice park where you can relax. You can complete the tour of the Kelebija Horse Farm with lunch at their restaurant, featuring the specialties of Vojvodina’s cuisine.
Accommodation in Subotica
Considering there are many things to see and places to visit in Subotica, for a lovely weekend break, it is essential to find a suitable apartment in Subotica, near the city centre. Make it a starting point, from where you can explore Subotica, Palić, and the farms in the area.