Subotica
Subotica is a city in Central Europe 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, as well as in the Serbian part of the Bačka geographical region, following the city of Novi Sad. It is the fifth largest city in Serbia, having - according to the 2022 census - a population of 88,752.
Getting to Subotica
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). Subotica is on the mainline between Belgrade (1:20 h), Novi Sad (0: and Budapest with frequent services. Additionally, there are regional trains from Szeged across the border in Hungary.
- 01Subotica
- 02Bus
Worth seeing
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.
- 01Main Square - Trg
Unlike many European towns, the City Hall in Subotica dominates the city centre instead of a church or a cathedral.
- 02Trg žrtava
The Cathedral, that dominates the square, was built in late baroque style in 1779.
- 03The City Hall
The City Hall was built between 1908 and 1912.
- 04Synagogue
Built in 1902, it is one of the finest surviving pieces of religious architecture in the Art Nouveau style in Europe, and Europe's second largest synagogue.
- 05Raichle Palace
It was built in 1904 by the architect Ferenc Raichle to be his home and his design studio.
- 06Women's Lido
This, another magnificent example of Hungarian Art Nouveau style building, extends out into the lake.
Things to do
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.
- 01National Theatre
- 02Kosztolányi Dezső Theatre
Kosztolány Dezső is devoted to producing alternative theatre.
- 03Lifka Art Cinema
Art Cinema Alexander Lifka fosters the European cultural orientation of Aleksandar Lifka, a pioneer of cinematography in this region.
- 04Eurocinema
EuroCinema has on its repertoire mostly European films including Serbian ones and the award-winning productions at prestigious European film festivals.
- 05Children's Theatre
Park Rajhl Ferenca 12a.
- 06Ludaš Lake
Shallow lake that's a special natural preserve and, since 1977, designated as a swamp area of international significance by the Ramsar Convention.
Where to eat
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.
- 01Boss 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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons (see Commons), Wikimedia Commons.