Belgrade’s Savamala district was previously abandoned, but today its once-dilapidated warehouses are being transformed into forward-thinking cultural centers, art galleries, bars, and clubs. It’s a great example of neighborhood revitalization and adaptive reuse of buildings.There are several churches inside Belgrade’s Fortress. On the right is the St. Petka Chapel.
Novi Sad
Admire Novi Sad’s lovely Austro-Hungarian-era architecture, as you stroll through the Old Town. You’ll likely brush shoulders with bubble blowers and jubilant children. The pedestrianized lane paralleling the Danube offers pretty views of the riverside, too. This was one of Shawn’s favorite jogging spots.
Familiarize yourself with Serbian cuisine by perusing bins of overflowing cherries, peppers and strawberries at Novi Sad’s fresh market. I’ll never forget the kind gesture bestowed upon us by a merchant there. When Nada heard we loved ajvar, she insisted we come back the next day so she could give us a jar of the popular condiment she’d made herself. To this day, it’s one of the best we’ve had – smoky and delicious!
Spend the day in pretty Sremski Karlovci, which is a mere 8 km away from Novi Sad. Our highlight? Sipping wine, tasting honey, and learning about beekeeping at the Beekeeping Museum / Živanović Family Winery.
Using a frame, a man creates giant soap bubbles. He’s overlooked by a statue in Novi Sad’s Freedom Square (Trg Slobode).The mighty Petrovaradin Fortress overlooks the Danube.The Petrovaradin Fortress boasts lovely views of Novi Sad (left), plus cafés, and art galleries (right).
Subotica’s Town Hall building, which was built in the early 1900s. The observation tower (left) offers splendid views of Subotica’s old-town core.
Pretty Lake Palić is dotted with early 20th-century resort buildings and villas.
Accommodation
Subotica (Lake Palić) – We spent a few – very pleasant – nights in the family-owned Stara Breza Apartments (affiliate link) in Palić. Tiny Palić is only about 7 km away from Subotica. In the early 20th century, Palić was a popular resort town, thanks to its lovely lake. We enjoyed the Stara Breza Apartment’s quiet atmosphere, made even more picturesque by its small fishpond and pleasing garden. It’s about a five-minute walk from the Stara Breza to a bus stop, and the bus there can take you to Subotica in about 15-20 minutes. As of May 2014, the bus-fare for one adult was 86 Serbian Dinar, about $1 USD each way.
