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Updated June 2026, visited December 2018
Our final stop in Serbia was Subotica, a city close to the Hungarian border that felt completely different from anywhere else we visited during our Balkan trip.
We arrived during the festive season, with the Christmas market still taking place in the city centre. On our first afternoon we wandered around town and were immediately struck by the colourful architecture and elegant buildings. After travelling through much of the Balkans, Subotica felt surprisingly Central European, with strong Hungarian influences visible throughout the city.
Unfortunately, both of us became quite sick shortly after arriving. As a result, we spent far less time exploring than we had planned, including spending New Year’s Eve in bed instead of celebrating.
Even though we only had a short time to properly experience the city, Subotica still left a lasting impression on us and remains one of the most beautiful places we visited in Serbia.
This is our short guide to Subotica.
Admire the Architecture
The reason to visit Subotica is the architecture.
Unlike Belgrade or Novi Sad, Subotica feels much more Central European than Balkan. The city has strong Hungarian influences, and many of the buildings are beautiful examples of Art Nouveau architecture.
Simply walking around the city centre was one of our favourite activities. Colourful façades, decorative details and elegant public buildings can be found throughout the old town, making it a fantastic place for photographers and architecture lovers.
Almost every street seemed to reveal another beautiful building.
Explore the City Centre
Subotica’s centre is compact and easy to explore on foot.
The main square is surrounded by some of the city’s most impressive buildings and serves as the heart of local life. Even during our short time in the city, we enjoyed wandering through the streets, admiring the architecture and taking in the atmosphere.
Compared to the larger cities we had visited earlier in the trip, Subotica felt calm, relaxed and easy to navigate.
A Different Side of Serbia
What surprised us most about Subotica was how different it felt from the rest of Serbia.
The architecture, culture and atmosphere felt noticeably influenced by neighbouring Hungary. In many ways, it felt more like a Central European city than a Balkan one.
That contrast made it one of the most memorable stops on our journey through the region.
Final Thoughts
We only got to experience a small part of Subotica before illness put our plans on hold, but what we did see left us wanting to return one day.
The beautiful architecture, relaxed atmosphere and Central European character made it one of the most distinctive places we visited in Serbia. If you’re travelling between Serbia and Hungary, it’s well worth spending a day or two here.
For us, Subotica was an unexpected surprise and a memorable final stop before crossing into Hungary and continuing our travels.