Are you a German traveler who loves old buildings and small cities? This road trip from Belgrade to Subotica mixes history, culture, and some of the best architecture in Serbia. Subotica is famous for its buildings, including grand town halls, art nouveau homes, and churches built by early settlers.
The city is different from the rest of Serbia, and you’ll see colorful facades with floral designs and decorative shapes. These were popular in Central Europe in the early 1900s, which is rare in other Serbian cities. The best part is you can explore it all. Once you’ve rented a car in Serbia, there are many places to stop and explore along the way.
Subotica has one of the most unique mixes of architecture in Serbia. Many buildings reflect German, Hungarian, and Austro-Hungarian stles, especially from the early 1900s, when the region saw a boom in culture and design.
A lot of the architecture comes from the Art Nouveau movement, known locally as Secession stle. You’ll see curved shapes, stained glass, ceramic tiles, and floral patterns. Walk around the city, and you’ll spot buildings like the City Hall and Synagogue, which show off this detailed and colorful design.
German settlers helped shape Subotica’s look. They brought symmetry, gables, and brickwork that you’ll see in homes and churches. Some buildings are made of frames, wooden details, and ceramic facades, a sign of how builders at that time. Subotica is easy to get around, especially if you’re driving. Parking is available near the center, and most landmarks are just a short walk apart.
Belgrade is the best place to pick up your rental car. German travelers can also find rental options in Nis, but Belgrade has more choices and better car availability. Make sure to book early, especially in summer. Most companies ask for a passport, a valid driver’s license, and sometimes an international driving permit.
The best time to leave Belgrade for Subotica is in the morning, around 8 or 9 AM. That way, you won’t get stuck in traffic. International visitors should keep a few things in mind. You must always carry your passport, driver’s license, and car rental papers. Speed limits are in kilometers, and headlights must stay on during the day, even in sunlight. It’s simple but easy to forget, so double-check before hitting the road.
The drive from Belgrade to Subotica takes 2 hours and covers a distance of 191 kilometers.
From Belgrade, you’ll pass through Terazije and Kralja Milana Street. Then, you’ll weave through several local roads like Svetozara Markovića and Birčaninova before joining the main E75 highway. After about 15 kilometers, the road opens up, and you’ll stay on the A1 toll road for most of the trip. It’s a long stretch, but the signs are clear and easy to follow.
Near Subotica, you’ll exit and join Route 11. From there, you’ll pass landmarks like the wastewater treatment plant and Senćansko Cemetery. A few more turns through town, and soon you’re at the roundabout near the city center. It’s a smooth ride with a good mix of city views and open road.
Here are five worthy stops on your road trip from Belgrade to Subotica:
Subotica’s cityscape reflects its multicultural past. Most of the buildings in Subotica were constructed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a period when Art Nouveau and Historicism were popular stles across Central Europe. Look closely and you’ll also notice metalwork on balconies, ceramic tiles on facades, and even inscriptions in German or Hungarian, depending on the building's original owner or purpose.
The City Hall (Gradska kuća) is one of the most famous landmarks in Subotica. It was finished in 1912 and designed by two Hungarian architects, Marcell Komor and Dezső Jakab. The building shows a mix of Hungarian Art Nouveau with touches of German-stle design, especially in its tile work, iron details, and symmetry. The colorful roof is covered in Zsolnay ceramics, which shine under the sun and give the building a unique look. This stle was very popular in Central Europe during the early 20th century.
Today, City Hall is still in use. It houses the city’s local government, including the mayor’s office. But it is also open to visitors. You can explore the inside by taking a guided tour. The main hall and staircases have stained glass, carved wood, and wall paintings that tell stories about the city's past. One of the best parts of visiting is going up to the observation tower. It offers a great view of Subotica's rooftops and surrounding streets.
City Hall is located in the heart of the city, right on the main square. Events, markets, and festivals often take place nearby. If you're walking through Subotica, this is the best place to start your tour.
The Subotica Synagogue, also known as the Jakab and Komor Square Synagogue, was built between 1901 and 1903. It was designed by Marcell Komor and Dezső Jakab in the Hungarian Art Nouveau stle. This stle mixes German and Hungarian motifs with natural shapes like flowers and leaves. The roof is covered in colorful ceramics from Zsolnay. The tall dome reaches 40 meters, and the main hall is 23 meters high. You can find it near the city centre, a short walk from the City Hall.
Today, the synagogue is a cultural gem. Its stained glass is by the famous Miksa Róth studio. Inside, you’ll see ornate gypsum work, iron‑crafted columns, a dome with palm‑leaf design, and even an old organ. Since 2018, the restored space has hosted concerts and visitors. It is also the place of worship for the small local Jewish community.
The Raichle Palace is an Art Nouveau jewel on Subotica’s main street. It was built in 1904 by architect Ferenc Raichle as his family home and studio. Raichle used many bright materials, such as blue, yellow, and green Zsolnay ceramic tiles, Murano glass mosaics, stained glass, terracotta, wood, and wrought iron. The heart‑shaped portal and romantic floral patterns on the facade are a special feature.
Raichle lived here for only four years. He spent too much and went bankrupt in 1908. All his furniture and art were sold at auction. The building later became apartments and offices. In 1970, it found a new life as the city’s Modern Art Gallery, called “Likovni susret.” Today, you can walk inside and enjoy exhibits in rooms that once held his studio and winter garden.
The Raichle Palace is located at Park Rajhl Ferenca 5 in Subotica. It faces the Park Ferenca Rajhl, right by the entrance to the railway station axis. This is a short walk from the city centre.
The Franciscan Church of St. Michael is at Trg franjevaca 13 in Subotica, right by the old fortress site and close to the city museum and train station. Its two tall towers stand out in the city center, giving the area a landmark feel. This church is known locally as the "Old Church."
The church was first a chapel 1695 built by Franciscans in the fortress tower. It became a full church in 1730, and its monastery grew in 1716. The stle combines Gothic and Romanesque features, like thick stone walls, pointed arches, and plain surfaces marked only by a simple string course. Inside are peaceful vaults, a calm central nave, and works of art by artists like Sebastian Stettners. His altar paintings include St. Michael and St. George.
The Municipal Library of Subotica is housed in a striking Art Nouveau building, built in 1897 in a neo-baroque stle. Its green and yellow facade stands out, with two sculpted male figures (called Atlantes) supporting a balcony at the front. Inside, the library offers more than books. There are reading rooms, special collections, and a small gallery. It also occasionally hosts small exhibitions and events for the public. The library is located on Cara Dušana Street, near the center of Subotica.
The City Museum is housed in the former Reichl family palace, a beautiful example of Hungarian Secession stle. This early 20th-century design includes floral decorations, curved lines, and ceramic details reflecting the Art Nouveau influence across Subotica. The building was originally a private residence for the wealthy Reichl family.
Today, the palace serves as the City Museum of Subotica. Inside, you’ll find exhibits covering local history, folk traditions, and archaeology. Some rooms still have original design elements like wooden staircases and ceiling decorations. The space is quiet and ideal for a slow, curious visit. The museum is located across from the main train station and next to Park Ferenca Rajhl.
The Cathedral of St. Teresa of Avila was built from 1773 to 1779 in a mix of late Baroque and early Classicist stle, designed by architect Franz Kaufmann from Pest. It has two tall bell towers reaching 64 m and a strong central facade crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary. The building stands at Harambašićeva 7 on St. Teresa Square, dominating one of the main public spaces in Subotica.
Inside, the cathedral features a single nave with semi-spherical vaults, side chapels, and richly decorated pilasters. The main altar shows paintings by Josef Schoefft, Kasper Schleibne, and Emanuel Walch, while a pipe organ and pulpit from the late 19th century add to its historic feel. The cathedral remains active and was named a minor basilica in 1974. Sitting in front of one of the benches is a lovely way to enjoy the view and feel the peaceful atmosphere.
Subotica is a window into a different side of Serbia, shaped by various designs, slow living, and streets built for wandering. Many travelers assume that impressive architecture can only be found in big capitals, but Subotica proves otherwise. With a rented car and a flexible plan, you can take your time. You can stop in quiet towns, follow scenic detours, and stay longer where you want. To fully enjoy your Belgrade to Subotica road trip, book your car with FinalRentals. You can pick up your car in Belgrade or Niš airports, start your drive, and focus on your travels.
