Exploring Serbia allows Turkish travelers to enjoy lively cities like Belgrade, peaceful parks like Fruška Gora, and colorful towns like Subotica. The best way to experience these highlights is to rent a car in Serbia. This road trip brings you through historic fortresses, vineyard towns, and lakeside retreats, offering a rich journey filled with culture, history, and beautiful scenery.
Serbia warmly welcomes Turkish visitors with traditions and hospitality that feel familiar. From hearty meals to lively bazaars, cultural touches will make you feel right at home. You will experience firsthand how Serbia’s customs and atmosphere mirror Turkish warmth and friendliness.
Exploring Serbia by car gives Turkish travelers flexible freedom. You can stop by small villages, discover quiet parks, and sample local food without being tied to a strict tour schedule. Roads are smooth and well-marked, making the drive stress-free. Costs are another reason why a road trip is a smart choice. Car rental prices, fuel, meals, and hotel rates are much lower than in Western Europe. Travelers can enjoy a full week on the road without overspending.
Before the road trip, Turkish travelers need a valid passport, a Turkish driving license, or an International Driving Permit. A credit card must also be deposited at the rental counter. Car rental agencies are easy to find. You can pick up a car directly at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport or convenient downtown locations. Book early to ensure the best prices and a wider selection of vehicles. Compact cars are perfect for city streets and parking in busy areas. However, an SUV offers more comfort if you plan to venture into nature parks.
Here’s a list of Serbia road trip ideas for Turkish tourists:
Before starting your road trip from Belgrade to Subotica, enjoy the heart of Serbia’s capital. Begin at Kalemegdan Fortress, a historic site where the Sava and Danube Rivers meet. Enjoy sweeping views of the rivers, green parks, and parts of the city skyline from the fortress walls. Inside the park, you will also find old cannons, monuments, and small museums worth exploring.
Afterward, stroll down Knez Mihailova Street, Belgrade’s main pedestrian avenue. It is lined with historic buildings, lively cafés, modern shops, and art galleries, and often features musicians and street performers. It is the best place to feel the city's pulse and pick up souvenirs.
Before you hit the open road, enjoy a meal of ćevapi, grilled minced meat served with soft bread and fresh onions. Many local restaurants offer homemade versions. Pair your meal with a strong Turkish-stle coffee, known locally as "domaca kafa." It will give you the perfect boost for the scenic drive ahead.
Breaking up the 180-kilometer drive with a few key stops makes the trip even more memorable. Here are places you should not miss:
Zemun
Your first stop after leaving Belgrade should be the town of Zemun. Once a separate town, it now feels like a peaceful riverside escape compared to Belgrade’s busy streets. Walk along the Danube Promenade, known as the Zemun Quay, where colorful houses, leafy trees, and floating restaurants create a calm, scenic vibe. Grab breakfast at one of the riverside cafés, where you can enjoy fresh pastries or a hearty Serbian meal with river views. Before you leave, climb up to the Gardoš Tower, a historic stone tower that offers great panoramic views over the rooftops and the river.
Novi Sad
After Zemun, continue north to Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city and a lively cultural hub. Begin your visit at Petrovaradin Fortress, known as the "Gibraltar on the Danube." Walk along its stone paths, explore hidden tunnels, and enjoy amazing river and city skyline views from the fortress walls.
Afterward, head to the Old Town, where pastel-colored buildings, open squares, and cozy cafés create a welcoming atmosphere. Stop by Zmaj Jovina Street for shopping and street performances, or visit one of the many art galleries showcasing local talent. If you have time, visit the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Mary, known for its tall spire and colorful stained glass.
Fruška Gora National Park
Take a short detour from Novi Sad into the green hills of Fruška Gora National Park. Fruška Gora is home to over a dozen ancient Serbian Orthodox monasteries, many hidden among the trees. You can choose an easy hike or a relaxing walk through the forests, vineyards, and meadows. It is the perfect place to stretch your legs and breathe fresh air. Many travelers also stop for a simple picnic or visit a local winery at the park's edge.
Sremski Karlovci
As you leave Fruška Gora, make your way to Sremski Karlovci, a small town with a deep connection to Serbian history and winemaking. Walk through the main square, where you will find beautiful baroque buildings like the Patriarch’s Palace and the Four Lions Fountain. Visit the local churches, especially St. Nicholas Church, one of the oldest in the region. A stop here would not be complete without tasting the famous Bermet wine, a sweet, spiced wine once served at European royal courts. Many family-run wineries around town offer short tours and tasting sessions.
Palić Lake
Before reaching Subotica, take one last relaxing stop at Palić Lake, a peaceful spot known for its gardens, traditional architecture, and quiet waterside cafés. Walk along the lake promenade, where elegant old villas and art nouveau-stle buildings add charm to the view. If you have time, visit the Palić Zoo, one of the oldest in Serbia, or simply enjoy a coffee or ice cream by the lakeside. The calm atmosphere at Palić makes it the perfect final pause, with Subotica just 5 kilometers away.
After a scenic drive through northern Serbia, Subotica makes a beautiful and rewarding final stop. This colorful city stands out with its unique blend of cultures, artistic spirit, and relaxed charm. It feels different from other parts of Serbia because of its strong Central European influence, visible in its architecture, cuisine, and daily life. While much of Serbia leans toward a Balkan atmosphere, Subotica feels more Hungarian and Austro-Hungarian, with ornate buildings, street signs in multiple languages, and a slower and more graceful rhythm of life.
Explore Stunning Art Nouveau Architecture
Subotica is best known for its breathtaking Art Nouveau architecture. Buildings like the City Hall and the Subotica Synagogue are masterpieces of design, filled with detailed mosaics, floral patterns, and bright colors. Both landmarks are easy to visit on foot and give you a glimpse of European art and stle from the early 1900s. The Synagogue, in particular, is one of the finest examples in Europe and has been carefully restored to show off its full beauty.
Discover Turkish Touches in Food and Traditions
Turkish travelers will feel at home in Subotica. The food scene reflects centuries of shared history between the Balkans and the Ottoman Empire. You will find Turkish-stle coffee in many local cafés, served strong and rich like back home. Local dishes blend Hungarian, Balkan, and Ottoman flavors, offering a familiar yet exciting taste.
Try burek or goulash at Boss Caffe, which is known for its cozy setting and hearty meals. For a traditional experience, visit Stara Pizzeria, where you can enjoy wood-fired dishes and classic Balkan stews. If you're craving grilled meats and meze-stle sides, Etno Restoran Riblja Čarda near Palic Lake offers a scenic view and rich menu inspired by local and regional traditions.
Stroll Through Liberty Square
Walking through Liberty Square is one of the best ways to experience the city's relaxed pace. This large, open area is the heart of Subotica. It is filled with gardens, fountains, and shady spots perfect for resting. Around the square, you will find handmade crafts, colorful souvenirs, and sweet pastries for sale. It is also a great place to enjoy a coffee break while soaking up the local atmosphere. Liberty Square often comes alive on weekends with festivals, music performances, and lively markets.
Relax at Đačko igralište Park
After exploring Liberty Square, take a short walk to Đačko igralište Park, one of the locals’ favorite green spaces. This park is perfect for a peaceful break from sightseeing. It has wide walking paths, tall shady trees, and plenty of benches where you can relax. The park feels lively but never crowded, with families, students, and older residents enjoying the outdoors. If you visit in spring or summer, you will also see colorful flower beds in full bloom.
Choosing the right season can make your road trip even better. Here is a look at what each season offers:
Driving is the easiest way to explore the route from Belgrade to Subotica. Public transport between stops like Zemun, Novi Sad, Fruška Gora, and Palić Lake is limited and slow. With a rental car, you can move at your own pace, reach hidden spots, and make the most of your travel time. Finalrentals offers pick-up locations in Belgrade and vehicles suited for highway and city driving. Our simple booking process and flexible rental terms make it easy to start your trip without delays. Book your car before arrival to get the ideal vehicle for your journey.
