A study in the majesty and magnificence of Art Nouveau design and architecture is what awaits in the cultural center of Subotica. Cobbled piazzas and lanes here are lined with pastel-tinted buildings that are alive with filigreed window boxes and flamboyant tiled roofs. That all comes courtesy of a rich past that's wrapped up with the nobles of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

Thousands visit each year and a Subotica tour guide can help marvel at and unravel the town’s history. From the brick-inlayed Town Hall to the grand Raichle House gallery, there are plenty of places in the chocolate-box heritage district, not to mention open-air eateries serving frothy beers and Balkan dumplings and pastries all down vibrant Matija Korvina.

When the time comes to escape the city, the go-to option is always Lake Palić. It's just to the east and can be reached on public bus. It's surrounded by small beaches and grassy meadows for picnicking, but also comes with a sprawling spa complex that draws on the natural mineral content of the water to offer all sorts of aqua-based treatments and therapies.