Northern Serbia tour: Subotica, Novi Sad & Palic Lake

Walk three Serbian landmarks in one day without arranging transport

A full-day guided tour from Belgrade through Northern Serbia's Vojvodina region, visiting Palic Lake, the Art Nouveau town of Subotica and the fortress city of Novi Sad. You stroll the 17-kilometer lakeshore, tour Subotica's synagogue and city center, then explore Petrovaradin Fortress and Novi Sad's main squares and parks before returning to your Belgrade accommodation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Northern Serbia: Palic, Subotica, Novi Sad

• Start tour from Belgrade accommodation
• Drive to Palic Lake
• Stroll around Palic Lake promenade
• Drive to Subotica
• Visit Subotica Synagogue
• See Subotica City Hall and Freedom Square
• Free time for lunch or shopping
• Drive to Novi Sad
• Explore Petrovaradin Fortress
• Visit Serbian National Theatre and Liberty Square
• Stroll main streets and Dunavski Park
• Free time in Novi Sad
• Drive back to Belgrade accommodation

The experience

The tour departs from your Belgrade hotel between 7:30 and 8 a.m., heading north through the Pannonian Plain toward Palic Lake. After a two-hour drive you reach the lake's 17-kilometer shoreline, where you walk past the Water Tower, Big Terrace and Music Pavilion: landmarks built around what legend says are the tears of a shepherd who lost his herd. The lake is Serbia's largest natural body of water and the promenade gives you time to move at your own pace before continuing to Subotica.

Subotica sits between the Danube and Tisa rivers and is built almost entirely in Art Nouveau style. The city tour centers on the Subotica Synagogue, one of Europe's most ornate synagogues, then moves to the City Hall: a Hungarian Art Nouveau landmark that dominates the center instead of a cathedral. You see Freedom Square with its National Theatre, City Library and Blue Fountain, then have an hour free for lunch or exploring on your own. The guide speaks English throughout and the group stays small enough that you're not herded through the streets.

After Subotica, the drive to Novi Sad takes you to Serbia's second-largest city. Petrovaradin Fortress, called the "Gibraltar on the Danube," sits on a bluff above the river and is the main draw. It hosts the Exit Festival each summer. You then walk through the city center on Liberty Square and the main streets Zmaj Jovina and Dunavska, ending in Dunavski Park, the city's largest green space, where you have an hour to yourself before the drive back to Belgrade. The return journey takes roughly two hours, with drop-off at your accommodation by evening.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide and hotel pickup and drop-off from your Belgrade accommodation.
• air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi and bottled water.
• entrance fees to Palic Lake, Subotica Synagogue and Petrovaradin Fortress.

Options for this experience

2 options

Shared tour: Novi Sad & SuboticaGuide in English · Available from 1 Apr 2027Shared group tour for up to 7 passengers, includes pickup

Gems of Northern Serbia Tour: Subotica & Novi Sad, departing from BelgradeGuide in English · 08:00pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to FridayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by SERBIA INSPIRED TOURS

Is this one for you?The fixed 10- to 12-hour schedule and included transport mean you see three major sites in one day without renting a car or navigating between towns: suited to travelers with one free day in Belgrade who want to reach Northern Serbia's landmarks without the logistics.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Palic Lake and why is the water salty?

Palic Lake is Serbia's largest natural lake, located in the Vojvodina region north of Belgrade. According to local legend, the water became salty from the tears of a shepherd named Paul who lost his herd. The lake's 17-kilometer shoreline has a promenade with historic structures including a Water Tower, Big Terrace and Music Pavilion.

What can I see inside Subotica Synagogue?

Subotica Synagogue is one of Europe's most beautiful synagogues, built in Art Nouveau style with exceptional interior design. The tour includes entry to the building, though you should wear appropriate clothing as it is a place of worship.

What is Petrovaradin Fortress and where is it located?

Petrovaradin Fortress is Novi Sad's main attraction, perched on a bluff above the Danube River and nicknamed the "Gibraltar on the Danube" because of its dramatic position and size. It is the second-largest fortress in Europe and hosts the Exit Festival each summer, which draws over 150,000 visitors.

How much free time do I get in Subotica and Novi Sad?

You have one hour free in Subotica's center for lunch, shopping or wandering, and another hour in Novi Sad's Dunavski Park after the walking tour of the city's main squares and streets.

What does the tour include and what should I bring?

The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off in Belgrade, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, WiFi on board and all entrance fees to Palic Lake, Subotica Synagogue and Petrovaradin Fortress. Bring your passport or ID card. Lunch is not included but you have free time to eat in both towns.