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Stone Bridge

Old Bazaar, Skopje

Porta Macedonia

Church of St. Clement of Ohrid

Warrior on a Horse

Memorial House of Mother Teresa

Skopje Aqueduct

Skopje fortress.

Museum of the City of Skopje

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Wander-Lush

21 Things to Do in Skopje: A Curated Guide to Europe’s Quirkiest Capital City

Discover the best things to do in Skopje, North Macedonia . My city guide also includes a detailed Skopje itinerary, Skopje Map, plus my best North Macedonia travel tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Say what you like about Skopje, there’s no denying that this is one of the most intriguing cities in Europe.

I spent a full week in Skopje (pronounced skop- yhee ) as part of my 6-month journey around the Balkans. Although it definitely wasn’t my favourite city in the region (that accolade is shared by Tirana and Ljubljana ), I definitely found it the most bizarre, and probably the most entertaining.

The capital of North Macedonia (itself a bit of an unusual holiday destination ), Skopje is roughly divided into two. One half of the city is an expansive Old Bazaar that dates back to Ottoman times, while the other half is all polished facades, manicured parks and a plethora of sculptures and monuments, all erected as part of an ambitious urban project called Skopje 2014 that aimed to make the city appear ‘more classical’.

These two ‘halves’ combine to create a city of ultimate contrasts.

In this list of things to do in Skopje, you’ll find hammams that have been converted into art galleries, brutalist architecture, trendy cafes, a museum dedicated to Skopje’s most famous resident and another to the earthquake that flattened the city in 1963. I’ve also included a detailed guide to the Old Bazaar, the highlight of Skopje for me.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative city break or a place to start a more in-depth North Macedonia itinerary , a day in Skopje is one you won’t soon forget.

Call it weird, whacky, eccentric, crass or even crazy – the one thing Skopje’s definitely got going for it is that it’s completely and utterly memorable.

Planning a trip to North Macedonia? Check out these other resources:

– My guide to Bitola , North Macedonia’s second city. – My guide to Krusevo , a charming hilltop town in the country’s south. – My guide to visiting the painted mosque in Tetovo , the best Skopje day trip. – My North Macedonia Travel Guide , all my posts for the country in one place, along with plenty more travel tips.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

21 best things to do in Skopje + suggested Skopje itinerary

You only need one day in Skopje (albeit a rather full one) to see the city’s highlights.

For your convenience, I’ve organised my list of the top 21 things to do in Skopje into a logical one-day Skopje itinerary . If you prefer to take things at a slower pace (I spent a whole week in Skopje so I completely understand), you can easily extend this itinerary by spreading the morning and afternoon sections out over 2 or more days.

At the end of the list, you’ll find all these plots plotted on a downloadable map, plus a list of recommended Skopje day trips.

First, here is a quick overview of my Skopje itinerary:

• Morning: Debar Maalo, Saint Clement Church, Macedonia Square, Macedonia Gate, Woman Warrior Park, Art Bridge, Memorial House Mother Teresa, Museum of the City of Skopje.
• Afternoon: Stone Bridge, Daut Pasha Hamam, Destan restaurant, Skopje Old Bazaar, Suli An Local History Museum, Hotel Arka, Bit Pazar, Mustafa Pasha’s Mosque, Ascension of Jesus Church.
• Evening: Skopje Fortress, Brewery Old Town, Pivnica An restaurant.

Morning: New Skopje

1. start your one day in skopje with a coffee in debar maalo.

Debar Maalo is Skopje’s bohemian neighbourhood , characterised by wide tree-lined boulevards, street art and outdoor bars and cafes. There are lots of apartment blocks in this area so if you want to start each day in Skopje’s coolest suburb, you should try to find an Airbnb here. I stayed in this neighbourhood myself and loved it.

Debar Maalo is very central, just west of Skopje’s main square along the river, so you can easily wander here from the centre, too. There are plenty of cafes in downtown Skopje, including around Macedonia Square, but I think this is a much better place to start your morning and get a feel for Skopje’s ‘hip’ side at the same time.

Aminta Treti , Debar Maalo’s main street, is crowded with contemporary cafes (most of which become cocktail bars at night) and kafanas (traditional Macedonian restaurants) where you can grab a morning brew and/or breakfast.

Recommended cafes in Debar Maalo:

• Coffee Factory (from 9am) – often named the best barista coffee in Skopje
• Krug (from 8am) – sit underneath the fig tree
• RadioBar (from 8am) – my local when I visited Skopje
• Bruklinski (from 9am) – come back on Saturday night for live jazz
• Friends Caffe (from 10am) – located further towards the centre

For something more substantial, Staro Skupi is a popular kafana close to the park where you get a traditional North Macedonian breakfast. Simit-pogacha (a bun stuffed with burek), kozinjak (a soft bread flavoured with lemon and dotted with dried fruits) and zelnik stuffed pie (my favourite is the spinach and cheese version) are all solid breakfast choices.

2. Saint Clement of Ohrid Church

Visit time: 15 minutes Get there: 5 minutes’ walk from Debar Maalo

As you wander east from Debar Maalo into central Skopje, stop by Saint Clement of Ohrid Church on the way. The largest Macedonian Orthodox cathedral in the country, this is one of the most distinctive buildings in Skopje and an interesting example of the city’s quirky modernist architecture .

Completed in 1990 by Macedonian architect Slavko Brezovski, the church comprises a series of domes and arches which give it an unusual ‘bubble’ shape. Inside, the wall frescoes and iconoclasts feature beautiful carvings and paintings, including a giant mural of Jesus.

The fountain in front was gifted to the Orthodox church by Skopje’s Islamic community.

Traveller’s tip If you’re interested in seeing more of Skopje’s unusual modernist and brutalist buildings, read up on the work of Japanese architect Kenzo Tange , who was invited to redesign parts of the city after the earthquake in 1963 (more on this event in a moment). The Skopje Central Post Office , designed by Janko Konstantinov, is another must-see for architecture buffs. Sadly, there are plans to demolish many of Skopje’s futuristic concrete buildings, so this might be your last chance to see them in person.

3. Count the sculptures in Macedonia Square

Visit time: 20-30 minutes Get there: 10 minutes’ walk from Saint Clement of Ohrid

Skopje’s main plaza, Macedonia Square, is unusual because it stretches over both sides of the Vardar River. This is the nucleus of the city and ground zero for Skopje 2014 , a massive urban renewal project designed to give the capital a ‘more classical’ feel.

More than 100 sculptures and monuments and 20 new building facades were added to Skopje’s skyline under the controversial and costly scheme, which also sought to reaffirm Macedonian history and identity on the 20th anniversary of the country’s independence from Yugoslavia.

You can see a great many of these new additions when standing in Macedonia Square, including various ministry buildings, museums, and the National Theatre.

The bronze cast ‘Warrior on a Horse’ monument, unofficially known as ‘Alexander’, stands in the middle of the square. There are cafes and bars all around the periphery, framed by ornate lamp posts, marble pavers that shimmer in the sunlight, and over-the-top plaster moulding.

Beautiful or kitsch – I’ll let you be the judge!

4. Walk through the Macedonia Gate

Visit time: 10 minutes Get there: 2 minutes’ walk from the centre of Macedonia Square

The Macedonia Gate (Porta Macedonia) is a triumphal arch on the south-east side of Macedonia Square. It marks the 11th October Street entrance to the square, itself named after the Macedonian Uprising of 1941.

Much like the Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest , the gate is a symbol of North Macedonia’s struggle for independence.

Finished in January 2012, the arch stands 21 metres tall and is decorated with relief carvings that depict different historical events. Walk around the arch to admire the alabaster-and-gold artworks, or you can venture inside via a doorway inside the arch to visit the souvenir shop, gallery and observation deck.

5. Woman Warrior Park

Located just behind the Macedonia Gate on 11th October Street, Woman Warrior Park (Zena Borec Park) contains yet more stone and bronze sculptures , including the distinctive ‘Fallen Heroes of Macedonia’ (pictured above), a set of statue-topped columns that reminded me of Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate.

It’s one of the city’s smaller parks, but it’s well worth walking through to see the sculptures and admire the foliage, which takes on a beautiful rainbow of colours in spring and fall.

Come summer, this is a great place to take a break from the heat of Macedonia Square – all that concrete and polished stone does make things steamy! There are plenty of shady spots to stop for a sit down amongst the groups of friends playing chess.

6. Admire the Art Bridge

Visit time: 10-20 minutes Get there: 6 minutes’ walk from Woman Warrior Park

The Art Bridge is one of two new pedestrian bridges built under Skopje 2014. It stretches over the Vardar River, connecting the eastern side of Macedonia Square and Woman Warrior Park to Mother Teresa Square on the opposite bank.

This is one of Skopje’s most iconic attractions and in my eyes, the most beautiful part of the ‘new’ city. When I was in Skopje, the Pope visited for a public mass and many streets and bridges were closed as a result. So I got to see the Art Bridge completely empty – a rare sight, as it’s usually teeming with people!

The bridge is 83 metres long and bestowed with 29 larger-than-life sculptures of noteworthy North Macedonian artists and musicians, including the late pop idol Tose Proeski, who was born in the town of Krusevo and has his commemorative museum there.

The bridge is slightly arched in the middle, and when viewed from either end, the stone railings and central row of lamp posts look perfectly symmetrical. I especially like the aspect from the Macedonia Square side, with the rotunda-shaped Primary Public Prosecutor’s Office in the background.

I suggest walking down one side of the Art Bridge and back along the other. Standing on the bridge, you can see the modern Eye Bridge to the west and the bizarre Happiness Boat floating restaurant docked on the opposite side.

Traveller’s tip: Take a Skopje city tour If you only have one day in Skopje, it’s well worth taking a guided city tour in the morning. Exploring the city with a local guide will give you a much deeper appreciation for North Macedonian culture and politics, and it will give you clarity on how Skopje has evolved over the years. Most walking tours start from Macedonia Square at around 10am, so you can easily squeeze a few things in beforehand if you get up early. All include the last three sights mentioned above and typically conclude in the Old Bazaar area. Of all the itineraries available, I recommend this private walking tour of Skopje with a local guide . It lasts for 4 hours and the start time is completely flexible, so you can get going as early as 8am. Save a spot ahead of time by booking through Get Your Guide .

There is also a very good free walking tour in Skopje which we took on a friend’s recommendation. Lead guide Vasko Markovski is absolutely brilliant and really brings Skopje to life with his narrations and local insights. It’s essential to leave a healthy tip at the end of the tour.

7. Add the Memorial House Mother Teresa to your Skopje itinerary

Visit time: 25-30 minutes Get there: 10 minutes’ walk from the Art Bridge

Before crossing the river to visit the old part of Skopje, there are a few more things to see around Macedonia Square. These next two museums are totally optional, but I do recommend visiting both if you have time.

The first is the Memorial House Mother Teresa, which is located just behind Macedonia Square. The 20th century’s most famous Saint – also known as St. Teresa of Calcutta – was born here in Skopje in 1910 and spent her first 18 years in the city.

Her Memorial House features a touching display of photographs, news clippings and personal items associated with her life, including her signature white-and-blue striped sari and a copy of the Nobel Peace Prize she received in 1979. Outside, a plaque marks the original location of her birth house.

Even if you have no interest in Catholic history, it’s worth visiting the memorial to see the building itself – a rather unconventional mishmash of styles, with a tall glass chapel and a viewing deck.

The display of old photographs of Skopje from the early 20th century when North Macedonia was still part of the Ottoman Empire is also quite interesting.

Tips for visiting the Memorial House Mother Teresa Opening hours: 9am-8pm weekdays & 9am-2pm weekends. Visitors are welcome to attend mass, held at 8am every Tuesday. Entrance price: Free (including a guide if you want one). All signage is in English.

8. Museum of the City of Skopje

Visit time: 20 minutes Get there: 4 minutes’ walk from the Memorial House of Mother Teresa

The second Skopje museum that’s well worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Skopje. You can find it at the end of Macedonia Street, a short stroll back from the square.

As the name suggests, the museum displays a collection of photographs, artefacts and ephemera related to the city’s history, from the first recorded settlements in the 2nd century BC up to present day. I especially loved the display of vintage Yugoslav posters .

But the most interesting part of the exhibition is by far the section that covers the 1963 earthquake, a devastating 6.1 magnitude quake that claimed more than 1,000 lives and flattened 80% of Skopje. The reconstructed household scene from the time of the earthquake – including a kitchen turned upside down – is a powerful reminder of the devastation.

The museum’s location is also noteworthy: It’s housed in the old Skopje Railway Station building, itself partially destroyed by the quake. The clock on the building’s facade is frozen at 6.17 – the exact time the earthquake struck.

Tips for visiting the Museum of the City of Skopje Don’t expect a state-of-the-art museum – when we visited, it was totally empty save for a security guard who flicked the lights on for us. Some of the displays are a bit dated and faded, but there is some information in English. Pay a visit to the original station restrooms while you’re here. Opening hours: 9am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday & 9am-1pm Sunday (closed Mondays). Entrance price: 25 denars (approx. 50 US cents) per person.

Afternoon: Old Skopje

9. cross the stone bridge.

Visit time: 10 minutes Get there: 10 minutes’ walk from City Museum via Macedonia Square

Once you arrive at the foot of the Stone Bridge, you’ll immediately see the contrast between old and new that Skopje is so famous for. A symbol of Skopje, the bridge’s distinctive shape is immortalised on the city’s coat of arms.

The Stone Bridge starts directly in front of Macedonia Square and stretches 200 metres across the river to the Old Bazaar. It was built by the Ottomans in the year 1451 atop foundations that date back to Roman times . The robust stone arches and gently rounded walkway are a feature of many bridges across the Balkans region , including the famous Stari Most in Mostar and the UNESCO-Listed stone bridge in Visegrad .

I mentioned that the Stone Bridge symbolises the division between old and new Skopje . For many locals, it also represents the drift between the city’s different ethnic groups. After you’ve crossed the bridge, you’ll almost immediately notice the difference in urban planning, architecture, and general atmosphere.

10. Daut Pasha Hamam

The first point of interest in Old Skopje is Daut Pasha Hamam. You reach the entrance by crossing through Philip II Square , another grand plaza with a huge monument to Philip II of Macedonia in the centre.

This is one of several 15th-century Ottoman bathhouses in North Macedonia that has been converted into an art gallery . (A few hammams in Bitola have received the same treatment, as has the one in Tetovo.) It presents a very unique chance to see this type of architecture up close and from the inside.

The hammam was commissioned by the Grand Vesir of East Rumelia, apparently for the needs of his harem. When he departed Skopje, he left the building to the city. It’s huge by hammam standards, with two parallel zones for males and females, and a series of bathing rooms and dressing rooms set beneath domed roofs.

Cathedral ceilings, polished stone floors and beautiful stonework cornices are just some of the original features on display. The interior has been beautifully restored and most of the walls whitewashed, which adds to the drama.

Some of the domes still have their tiny stone cutouts which let star-bursts of daylight through.

Tips for visiting Daut Pasha Hamam The exhibition of contemporary art hanging inside the Daut Pasha Hamam is administered by the National Gallery of Macedonia. It’s nice, but nothing special – the main reason to visit is the architecture. Opening hours: 10am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays. Entrance price: 50 denars (approx. 1 USD) per person.

There is a second gallery located inside Cifte Hamam deeper inside the Old Bazaar.

11. Eat Macedonian food at Destan

Visit time: 60 minutes Get there: 6 minutes’ walk from Daut Pasha Hamam

Destan is a good example of an old-school North Macedonian kafana . At least it’s styled that way. It’s a chain brand with restaurants around the city, but my favourite is the one at the entrance to the Old Bazaar, where the tables spill out onto the sidewalk.

Destan has been operating since 1913 and is most famous for its kebab ( kebapi ) , which you might know as cevapi . At Destan, this oily, meaty Balkan staple is best eaten with a refreshing shopska salad (pictured top left under a layer of grated cheese), some ajvar (roasted pepper spread) and kaymak cream cheese on the side. Plus lots of bread, of course.

They also do a tasty version of tavce gravce , North Macedonia’s national dish, but I recommend saving this one for dinner. Don’t eat dessert either – that’s coming up next!

If you fall in love with the food and prices at Destan, there is a second branch in the Debar Maalo neighbourhood and another on Macedonia Square.

12. Grab a sweet treat

Visit time: 20 minutes

Fair to say that North Macedonia has a sweet tooth. Even I found a lot of the cakes too sweet for my taste – and that’s really saying something. The trick is to pair your dessert with a cup of punchy Turkish coffee to strike the right balance.

There are dozens of atmospheric retro dessert shops inside the Old Bazaar where you can pause for an after-lunch treat. Many sweets are taken from old Ottoman recipes, including kadaif (Skopje’s version of kanafeh ), lokum (AKA Turkish delight) and of course baklava , arranged in pretty rows and topped with green pistachio dust.

Another popular choice is trilece , a sponge cake soaked in evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream. It’s calorie-dense and indulgent for sure, but at the same time it can be surprisingly light and subtle in flavour (and not too sweet).

Skopje’s most famous sweet vendor is this woman, who serves baklava, lokma and glistening tulumba (round donuts soaked in syrup) from her little stall inside the Old Bazaar.

Her shop is called ‘Turska baklava Angela Merkel’ . You can’t miss it – it’s the only shop with pictures of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and a huge poster of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the window. There’s usually a line out the front, too.

Other recommended dessert shops inside the Old Bazaar:

• Mado Prom – for delicious trilece (pictured above)
• House Ice Gelato – for the best boza (sweet Turkish smoothie-like fermented drink) and all the desserts
• Baklava Naxho – for excellent baklava

13. Skopje Old Bazaar

Visit time: 1.5-2 hours

The Old Bazaar is one of the few parts of Skopje that survived the 1963 earthquake. It’s the oldest part of the city and a neighbourhood steeped in heritage and tradition .

In its heyday, this was the second-largest Ottoman bazaar of its kind after the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul . It’s still one of the largest in the Balkans (despite parts of it being gentrified in recent years), stretching from the riverside up to Nikola Karev Boulevard and west to the foot of Skopje Fortress.

The sheer scale of the market goes to show how important Skopje was as a trade centre in years gone by.

Get lost in the maze of jagged alleys, roam the rows of cute jewellery, clothing and wooden furniture shops, and go inside the undercover shopping area, called the bedesten .

When it was built, every shop in the Old Bazaar was designed to have a uniformly sized floorspace and frontage , a measure to ensure equity between Muslim and Christian traders.

Specialty crafts such as leather shoemaking, goldsmithing and millinery all had their own dedicated streets – just like in Sarajevo’s Old Bazaar and Hanoi’s Old Quarter – although this tradition has mostly been lost to time. During my visit, I got to sit down and chat with Iljco Trajkovski, the last hat-maker in Skopje.

Several huge caravanserais ( Silk Road trader’s inns also called by their Ottoman name, hans ) are located within the Old Bazaar as well, along with mosques, hammams and medressas.

Read my complete guide to visiting Skopje Old Bazaar for a DIY walking tour of the Old Bazaar .

14. Suli An Local History Museum

Visit time: 20-40 minutes

Located within the Old Bazaar area, Suli An is one of the Skopje’s three caravanserais. It was badly damaged during the earthquake but has since been restored and now houses Skopje University’s Academy of Fine Arts.

The small Local History Museum inside deals with the Old Bazaar specifically and exhibits tools, handmade products and other artefacts collected from the area. There are a few recreated rooms that show what the inn would have been like back in the days of the Silk Route.

I didn’t get a chance to visit the museum but it’s on my list for next time.

Tips for visiting Suli An Local History Museum Opening hours: 8am-2pm Monday to Friday (closed on weekends). Entrance price: 100 denars (approx. 2 USD) per person.

15. Catch the view from Hotel Arka

Visit time: 60-90 minutes

One of the best things to do in Skopje Old Bazaar is head up to the bar at Hotel Arka for a view of the market. I have my friend and fellow blogger Kami to thank for this excellent tip!

One of the tallest buildings in the area, Hotel Arka is located on the eastern side of the Old Bazaar. Enter via the main doors and take the lift to the 7th floor to find the cafe/bar.

Drinks are reasonably priced (we paid 3 Euros for two macchiatos) – and the view is priceless. There is outdoor seating on two terraces, both affording unique vantages over the narrow alleyways and rows of shops.

From up here, you can better appreciate the shape of the han inns with their inner courtyards, and get a feel for just how sprawling the Skopje Old Bazaar really is. You could happily sit up there for hours watching the silent chaos unfold below. It’s really something special.

16. Bit Pazar

Visit time: 30-45 minutes Get there: 3 minutes’ walk from Hotel Arka

Skopje’s largest and oldest produce market is a separate entity from the Old Bazaar, but the way vendors and shoppers move between the two spaces makes it feel like one huge, cohesive market.

The Bit Pazar (Turkish for ‘Flea Market’) is a hodgepodge of tarpaulin-covered and open-air stalls located at the northern boundary of the Old Bazaar.

Don’t be put off by the first section, which is mostly for apparel and cheap plastic goods. The juicy stuff – the fruit and veg, mountains of richly coloured spices , nuts and loose leaf tobacco – is deeper inside.

Take your time moseying around the colourful displays and deliciously retro shop fronts (I spotted more than one soda fountain in the cafeteria’s around the Pit Bazaar). This is how Skopje’s residents have been doing their shopping for generations.

17. Mustafa Pasha’s Mosque

Visit time: 15 mins Get there: 6 minutes’ walk from the Bit Pazar

Sitting on a low plateau above the Old Bazaar behind the Museum of Macedonia and beneath the fortress, Mustafa Pasha’s Mosque is one of the most beautiful Islamic buildings in the city .

It was completed in 1492 on the orders of Mustafa Pasha, the same vesir who commissioned the hammam I mentioned earlier. In a word, the design is elegant , all alabaster domes, pretty fountains and rose gardens. The delicate blue paintings under the domes at the front entrance look like Delftware pottery.

Visitors are welcome to visit the mosque without charge outside of prayer times. When we showed up 15 minutes before afternoon prayers and a group of men who had gathered in the garden warmly welcomed us inside.

Note that if you want to go inside the mosque, conservative dress is required and women must cover their hair.

18. Go underground at the Ascension of Jesus Church

Visit time: 15-20 minutes Get there: 4 minutes’ walk from Mustafa Pasha’s Mosque

Just around the corner from Mustafa Pasha’s you’ll find one of the only religious buildings in the Old Bazaar area that’s not a mosque. This tiny church is sealed off with a high brick wall and is easy to miss as a result.

Turns out this design feature is intentional. During the Ottoman period, the Turks forbid the construction of new churches until the last days of the Empire when the rules were relaxed. Churches like Ascension of Jesus had to comply with strict rules and weren’t allowed to feature prominently on the city’s skyline. They certainly couldn’t reach higher than a mosque’s minaret.

Thus the chapel was built underground, sunken into the earth and enclosed by a high stone wall for good measure. Today you can visit the pretty courtyard that holds the graves of several notable figures (including revolutionary hero Goce Delčev), view the unusual wooden tower that was added later, and venture into the church itself, which incorporates frescoes from an older chapel destroyed by fire in 1689.

It’s worth paying the ticket price to go downstairs and see the iconoclast , an extravagant piece of woodwork that measures 10 by seven metres and is known throughout the country as one of the best examples of Macedonian woodcarving .

Rumour has it that in the 1920s, the British Museum tried to acquire the iconoclast by offering Skopje a blank cheque. They decided to hold onto it!

Tips for visiting the Ascension of Jesus Church Opening hours: 9am-5pm Tuesday to Friday & 9am-3pm Saturday and Sunday (closed Mondays). Entrance price: 120 denars (approx. 2.30 USD) per person. Note that photography is not permitted inside the church.

Evening: Sunset at Skopje Fortress

19. climb skopje fortress for a view.

Visit time: 20-40 minutes Get there: 4 minutes’ walk from the Ascension of Jesus Church

As your day in Skopje winds down, there’s only one way to go – up. Skopje Fortress (AKA Kale Fortress or Tvrdina Kale ) is located on the western edge of the Old Bazaar and is the perfect place to finish your Skopje itinerary with some breathtaking city and sunset views.

The fortifications were built in the 10th century and added to during Ottoman times, when there were an estimated 70 towers in total. Just three are left standing today. Visitors can climb up the towers and walk along the walls that connect them, all the while looking down over the river and Skopje’s newer half. 

The eastern walls were still closed for restoration at the time of our visit, but once complete, they should afford lovely views over the Old Bazaar.

Tips for visiting Skopje Fortress Take care when climbing the walls as some stairs are broken and the rocks have crumbled away in some sections. If you’re travelling with kids , be extra careful as there are no safety rails to guard you from the sheer drop. Opening hours: 8am-7pm daily. Entrance price: Free.

20. Drinks at Brewery Old Town

Visit time: 1-2 hours Get there: 2 minutes’ walk from Skopje Fortress

Brewery Old Town, one of Skopje’s favourite outdoor bars, is located right at the bottom of the fortress, making it the perfect place to stop off for evening drinks before you walk back through the now-silent Old Bazaar.

Craft beer and pizza (or ribs) is the thing to order here. There are a dozen or so brews on tap, and beer tasting trays are available. Outdoor seating is offered in a lovely courtyard, and there’s usually live music on weekends.

21. End your day with dinner inside an old caravanserai

Visit time: 60 minutes Get there: 4 minutes’ walk from Brewery Old Town

There’s no better way to end a day in Skopje than with dinner in the Old Bazaar. Restaurant Pivnica An is located on the bottom level of the historic Kapan Han, another of Skopje’s 15th-century caravanserais.

The atmosphere is terrific, especially at night when the courtyard is lit up. The menu is great, albeit a touch more expensive than Destan – expect to pay a still-reasonable 300-500 denars (5-10 USD) for a main. I think it’s worth splashing out for the experience of eating inside a stone inn. Mind you, the dining room is located where traders used to stable their animals!

I had a delicious tavce gravce here, North Macedonia’s national dish of flavoursome beans cooked and served in a clay dish. Other specialties include pasha meatballs (veal meatballs in a rich sauce), sarma stuffed grape leaves, and muckalica (pork in a tomato sauce).

This is one of the restaurants in the Old Bazaar that serves alcohol so if you want to order a bottle of local Tikves to go with your meal, this is a good place to do it.

Map of things to do in Skopje

To help you plan your Skopje itinerary, I’ve put all the attractions and restaurants listed above on a handy map.

Click here to access the interactive map on Google Maps and save a copy to your device.

Best day trips from Skopje

If you have extra time to spend in Skopje, consider taking a day trip from the city. National parks, canyons and wineries are all within a few hours’ drive by bus or car.

Matka Canyon – 25km (45 mins) from Skopje

Matka Canyon is Skopje’s most popular day trip. I personally found it a bit underwhelming – but that’s not to say you won’t like it.

The environment is quite pretty and well-kept. The best thing to do in Matka is charter a small boat to take you out on the artificial lake. We paid 400 denars (approx. 8 USD) for a 40-minute jaunt on the water.

Matka is easy to reach from Skopje by local bus #60. If you’re not confident using public transport, you can join a day tour from the city. I recommend this half-day itinerary that also includes Vodno Mountain.

Tetovo – 42km (1 hour) from Skopje

Tetovo was my favourite day trip from Skopje by far. The painted mosque here is unbelievably beautiful (the most magnificent in the Balkans in my opinion) and is honestly a must-see.

Tetovo is a large city and there are frequent bus connections with Skopje taking a little under an hour each way, which makes it one of the easier and shorter day trips on this list.

My detailed guide to visiting Tetovo by bus on a day trip from Skopje includes public transport directions.

Stobi Winery – 80km (1 hour) from Skopje

North Macedonia is fast becoming one of Europe’s premier wine destinations thanks to vineyards like Stobi. Located south of Skopje in the village of Gradsko, this is a great day trip option for anyone who’s interested in learning more about Macedonia’s vineyard culture – or just unwinding with a wine degustation and a delicious meal.

Since public transport is limited (and drink driving is obviously a no-no), I highly recommend visiting Stobi as part of an organised day trip that includes a tour of the wine-making facilities. This four-hour itinerary includes door to door transfers, lunch, and a tasting of four local wines.

Lake Ohrid – 180km (2-3 hours) from Skopje

Lake Ohrid is North Macedonia’s most popular destination and deserves at least two full days. But if you’re really pushed for time or just visiting Skopje as a city break and still want to see the iconic lake, it is possible to get there and back in a day from Skopje if you travel on an organised tour.

This epic 12-hour itinerary hits all the highlights of Ohrid and includes a professional guide plus transfers in a comfortable car. I wouldn’t even think about attempting this day trip independently unless you have your own car. Transfers by public transport are too tight.

Where to stay in Skopje

We stayed at a terrific little Airbnb apartment in Debar Maalo, just west of Centar. As I mentioned earlier, Debar Maalo is Skopje’s bohemian neighbourhood. I highly recommend it for first-time visitors as it’s nice and central while still feeling ‘local’.

How to get to Skopje

Skopje International Airport is serviced by budget carriers from cities across Europe. If you’re flying into North Macedonia, this is likely where you’ll start your trip.

If you’re coming from Ohrid (3 hours), Bitola (2 hours), Prilep (2 hours) or elsewhere in North Macedonia, you can easily find coach buses to Skopje. There are usually multiple services throughout the day. It’s best to check times at the local bus station as the official transport website isn’t reliable (as I discovered the hard way). Skopje’s main bus station is located on the east side of the city, right next to the railway station (see the exact location here ).

If you’re entering North Macedonia overland from a neighbouring country, coach or minivan is still the best way to go. There are direct services to Skopje from all neighbouring countries except Greece:

• Bus from Prishtina to Skopje – 2.5-3 hours (this is the route we took)
• Bus from Tirana to Skopje – 5-6 hours
• Bus from Sofia to Skopje – 4-5 hours
• Bus from Nis to Skopje – 3-4 hours

To get to Skopje from Thessaloniki or elsewhere in Greece, you’ll first need to travel by train to Florina near the border, cross to Bitola by taxi (there are no buses or trains), then continue on from there by coach. This journey requires two days – a good excuse to spend a night in lovely Bitola .

Here is my detailed guide to travelling between North Macedonia and Greece .

How to get from Skopje Airport to the city

Skopje International Airport is located 25km (roughly 30 minutes by car) east of the city centre. Unmetered airport taxis are a surefire way to start your trip on the wrong foot, so I recommend pre-booking a transfer instead.

This private transfer costs just 35 USD for a group of up to 3 people and can be organised online through Get Your Guide. I prefer this no-fuss option because it includes drop off right at your hotel.

Alternatively, Vardar Express company operates a bus from Skopje Airport to the city. The fare is 150 denars (approx. 3 USD), and buses are timed to depart when flights land (see the schedule here ). You can either get dropped off at the bus station or in the centre near Macedonia Square.

Moving around Skopje

Skopje is super compact and very easy to navigate on foot. It’s mostly flat, too.

Note that there is no Uber (or Uber equivalent) in Skopje yet, so if you want to take a taxi, you have to do it the old fashioned way. A fare across town should be somewhere in the neighbourhood of 200 denars (approx. 4 USD). Remember to always settle the fare before you get in the car.

If you want to travel further beyond the city centre for one of the day trips mentioned above, you’ll need to either join an organised tour (recommended for ease) or figure out the bus system. Buses are the best way to get around North Macedonia as rail connections are limited.

Buying a Skopska card

To ride the bus in Skopje (this goes for city buses, intercity buses and buses to Matka Canyon), you need to purchase a reloadable transit card, called a Skopska card . 

I spent a full afternoon trying to buy a Shopska card. It was one of the most frustrating experiences I went through in my entire 6 months in the Balkans – I was tearing my hair out by the end. The issue is finding where to buy the card.

We ended up getting ours from a transport office in the bottom of a shopping centre because news stands don’t sell them. I later found out that you can purchase a card from the main bus station, so if you’re arriving in Skopje by bus, you should definitely pick one up before you leave.

You can find a list of Skopska card resellers here .

When you do manage to find a card, you need to pay 50 denars (approx. 1 USD) for the card itself, plus add credit for fares. A single city bus fare costs 40 denars (approx. 75 cents). I recommend adding a bit extra so that you don’t have to go back and repeat this painful process ever again.

Driving in North Macedonia

If you’re planning on driving around North Macedonia or you just want to hire a car for a couple of days to do some Skopje day trips, several international companies have agencies in the capital. I recommend using Discover Cars to find the best deal on a rental car.

If you’re thinking of doing a Balkan road trip, check out this collection of self-drive itineraries for the best routes around North Macedonia and beyond.

How much to budget for Skopje

Skopje is very affordable by European standards and prices are comparable to other capitals in the Balkans.

We kept a detailed travel budget when we visited. Here is a breakdown of our expenses to help you plan your own Skopje budget.

The local currency in North Macedonia is denars (MKD).

• One night’s accommodation in an Airbnb: Average 4000 denars
• One night’s accommodation in a hostel: 500-700 denars
• Local sim card + data package: 500 denars
• Shopska card: 150 denars
• Single bus fare: 30 denars
• Coffee at a trendy cafe: 120 denars
• Museum entrance fees: 25-50 denars
• Drink at Hotel Arka: 240 denars
• Meal for 2 at a local restaurant (such as Destan): 500 denars
• Meal for 2 at an up-market restaurant (such as Pivnica An): 800 denars

Total budget: 1795 denars (approx. 35 USD) per person, excluding accommodation.

5 things to pack for Skopje

• An anti-theft backpack. As a general rule, Skopje is a pretty safe city. Still, trading your regular day bag for a good anti-theft day pack is worth it for peace of mind.
• A scarf for visiting mosques and churches (women). A lightweight cotton scarf is my number one travel item. In North Macedonia, it’s essential to carry one daily to cover your hair when entering a mosque or Orthodox church, or indeed to drape over your shoulders when visiting a market or a rural area in summer. This neutral travel scarf goes with anything, and it even has a hidden pocket.
• A reusable water bottle. Avoid single-use plastics whenever you can. I love my S’Well water bottle for warm climates because it doesn’t sweat.
• Wine Wings. Local wine is one of the best souvenirs you can take home from Skopje. These handy custom-made bottle protectors will keep your vino safe and sound in your luggage.
• Biodegradable wet wipes. Did you see how icky sticky those donuts at the Skopje Old Bazaar are!? Try this convenient travel pack .

Have you been to North Macedonia? What are your favourite things to do in Skopje? If I missed anything, let me know in the comments below!

Things to do in Skopje: Share it on Pinterest

Fabulous itinerary, Emily, as usual. You found many places of fascination that we missed in Skopje back in 2016. My only addition would be another museum (of course, in a one-day sprint, museums are something of a liability). The Archeological Museum of (Northern) Macedonia is at the eastern end of the Eye Bridge, and from the outside is ludicrously grandiose of course. Inside, it’s outstanding – well-signed, well-exhibited. The Iron Age origins of Northern Macedonia are described beautifully.

Thank you very much, Steve! I do remember seeing the museum from the outside but sadly I overlooked it. It sounds terrific though – definitely on the list for next time.

Thanks for the tip, I’m sure many readers will find this helpful!

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Skopje has plenty of charm. Its Ottoman- and Byzantine-era sights are focused around the city's delightful Čaršija, bordered by the 15th-century Kameni Most (Stone Bridge) and Tvrdina Kale Fortress – Skopje's guardian since the 5th century. Don't miss the excellent eating and drinking scene in Debar Maalo, a lovely tree-lined neighbourhood.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

National Gallery of Macedonia

The Daut Paša Amam (1473) were once the largest Turkish baths outside of İstanbul and they make a magical setting for the permanent collection of Skopje's…

Čaršija is Skopje's hillside Ottoman old town, evoking the city's past with its winding lanes filled with teahouses, mosques, craftspeople's shops, and…

Tvrdina Kale Fortress

Dominating the skyline of Skopje, this Game of Thrones–worthy, 6th-century AD Byzantine (and later, Ottoman) fortress is an easy walk up from the Čaršija…

Archaeological Museum of Macedonia

This supersized pile of Italianate-styled marble has been a giant receptacle for Skopje's recent splurge on government-led monuments to boost national…

Sveti Spas Church

Partially submerged 2m underground (the Ottomans banned churches from being taller than mosques), this church dates from the 14th century and is the most…

Museum of Macedonia

Sitting inside a concrete brutalist structure – awful to some, fascinating to others – the museum's solid historical and ethnological displays are housed…

Holocaust Memorial Center for the Jews of Macedonia

The mirrored-glass entrance is bizarrely unwelcoming, but once inside this is a moving museum with fascinating displays that commemorate the all-but-lost…

Ploštad Makedonija

This gigantic square is the centrepiece of Skopje's audacious nation-building-through-architecture project and it has massive statues dedicated to…

Latest stories from Skopje

Feb 10, 2019 • 5 min read

Skopje has been through a lot lately. Whether it wanted it or not, in recent years the capital of North Macedonia has undergone an incredibly costly – and…

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Map of Skopje Region — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Skopje Region, Republic of Macedonia for travelers! Check out Skopje Region’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Skopje Region? See our Skopje Region Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Skopje Region. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Skopje Region map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Skopje Region by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
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• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 17 attractions in Skopje Region

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St. Panteleimon

Stone bridge.

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Millennium Cross

Macedonia square, mother theresa memorial house, mustafa paša, monument "warrior on a horse", macedonian orthodox church of saint clement of ohrid, archaeological museum of macedonia, skopje city mall, museum of the macedonian struggle for independence.

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Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Macedonian Holocaust Museum

National gallery of macedonia daut pasha hammam, top 10 restaurants in skopje region, amigos mexican restaurant & bar.

Vodenica Mulino

Restaurant fitness house, public room, restaurant skopski merak, restaurant „lyra“, markt kitchen, pizza & pasta enriko, transportation in skopje region, nearby airports, skopje international airport, prishtina international airport “adem jashari”, ohrid st. paul the apostle airport, highways and major roads.

• E75 Motorway
• M1 Expressway
• R1201 Regional Road
• R2013 Regional Road
• R2112 Regional Road
• R2108 Regional Road
• R2203 Regional Road
• R2138 Regional Road
• R2204 Regional Road
• R2104 Regional Road

What's the weather like in Skopje Region?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Skopje Region for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Skopje Region in January
• Weather in Skopje Region in February
• Weather in Skopje Region in March
• Weather in Skopje Region in April
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• Weather in Skopje Region in August
• Weather in Skopje Region in September
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• Weather in Skopje Region in November
• Weather in Skopje Region in December

Explore nearby places

• Skopje Region
• Gorno Nerezi
• Dolna Matka
• Markova Susica
• Staro Nagorichane
• Makedonski Brod

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Skopje Region throughout the year

• Skopje Region in January
• Skopje Region in February
• Skopje Region in March
• Skopje Region in April
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Your city guide to Skopje, Macedonia.

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Skopje: Complete Guide to The North Macedonia Capital

Skopje Macedonia’s capital city, isn’t anything like I expected. 

To be honest, I wasn’t sure what I was picturing in my head. Maybe something with a more Mediterranean flare – because of its proximity to Greece. 

Maybe I expected something more rustic, or a city less geared toward tourism. Whatever my expectations, Skopje Macedonia blew them away!

It’s hard to find the descriptive words for Skopje. Skopje isn’t your typical European city. It is an odd melting pot of cultures. 

The city’s biggest influence is Eastern European, followed closely by middle-eastern and with a little bit of Mediterranean thrown in for good measure.

This gives it a different vibe compared to the hundreds of other cities I have visited, including some of the best cities in Greece , backpacking Europe over the years.

Reasons to  Visit Skopje

• Not Overly Crowded With Tourist
• Awesome Food
• Great Local Food
• Fun Day Trips
• Hundreds of Statues
• Iconic City

Skopje Macedonia:  The 2023 City Guide

What to expect when visiting skopje.

Skopje is a strange mix. Part of the capital is clearly Eastern European with just a touch of Mediterranean thrown in for flavor, while other sections are slightly middle eastern. Eastern orthodox and catholic churches are minute walking distance to mosques and Bazaars.

Skopje is packed, almost to the point of being covered, with statues that look like they are remnants left over a time long past. Like the seven wonders of the ancient world . . It makes the entire city a strangely beautiful place.

On the surface, the city looks and feels old. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover that most of the statues and buildings are newly reconstructed, yet made to look like they have been aging for hundreds of years. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it is just a little deceiving at first.

The major reason for all the reconstruction is due to the massive earthquake that hit Skopje in 1963, which destroyed 80% of the buildings.

The locals in Skopje are also friendly. As I mentioned above, the city wants more tourism. They are happy to help you, give you directions, share about their city, and suggest local foods to try.

Getting to Skopje

Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia. It is a vibrant city and a popular tourist destination. The easiest way to get to Skopje is by train or plane. The Skopje International Airport is the primary airport for the region and is located just outside the city. From there, travelers can catch a train to the city center, the rebuilt railway station. Drawn by the Kenzo Tange. Kenzo Tange is a Japanese architect. The journey takes about half an hour and tickets can be purchased online. For those who prefer to travel by train, regular services run from both Belgrade and Sofia to the city. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the route chosen. Both train and plane are easy and convenient ways to get to Skopje. If you are already traveling through Europe , you can also take a train to Skopje railway station from other countries in Europe. However, it can be tricky for some countries. For example, from Athens to Skopje Railway station isn’t an easy route. And involves a bus at certain points. But it can be done.

Architectural Style in Skopje

Skopje is the capital of North Macedonia and is known for its unique and diverse architectural style. The city is home to a multitude of influences from Ottoman, Byzantine, and Yugoslavian architecture, as well as more contemporary styles. Visitors will find a wide variety of colors and textures as they wander the city. Skopje’s architecture is a unique blend of styles, as the city has seen an influx of modern buildings and renovations to its historic sites.

One of the most famous examples of Skopje’s architectural style is the Stone Bridge, which dates back to the 15th century and is an iconic symbol of the city. The Kale Fortress, another historic landmark, is a great example of Ottoman-style architecture. Additionally, visitors will find many modern buildings, such as the Millennium Cross and Skopje City Mall, that make Skopje an interesting and diverse city to explore. North Macedonia is a substantial area of Europe to visit. And a great international destination full of beautiful concert halls and fun entertainment.

Skopje Earthquake and Reconstruction.

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake that rocked Skopje, Macedonia, in July 1963 left the city in ruins. The quake caused over 1,000 fatalities, injured over 3,000 people and destroyed over 80% of the city’s buildings. And the magnitude of the destruction led to a massive reconstruction effort that lasted for almost a decade.

The project focused on rebuilding residential buildings, schools, and other public facilities, as well as developing infrastructure such as roads to connect the city. The international community, including the United Nations and the World Bank, provided aid and resources to Skopje to help with the reconstruction. Today, the city is a vibrant, modern European capital with a mix of old and new architecture, a testament to the resilience of the city and its people.

Best Time to Visit Skopje

Peak season (skopje in june – november).

Skopje gets its highest number of travelers from June – August. With the busiest month being July. The evenings are comfortable, but the days are hot — temperatures reach almost 100°F during the day and 60°F at night.

Accommodation is in high demand due to the sheer number of tourists, which means that the cost of hostels and hotels rise during the summer months. But at no point during the year would I say that accommodation in Skopje is unaffordable.

The fall is the second busiest time of the year for tourism in Skopje. What draws visitors to the city in the fall are the mild temperatures. This makes September – November the second busiest time for tourism in Skopje.

Note: Temperatures drop rapidly in November, and there is a good chance you will see a little snow

Shoulder Season (Skopje in March – May)

Spring is the mid-tourist time in Skopje. Shoulder season is a combination of low and high tourist season. Tourists take over the city in March, but April and May are slow months for tourism.

At night, the high humidity and mild temperatures make it feel chilly. The springtime also gets a fair amount of rain, with May being the rainiest month of the year.

Off Season (Skopje Macedonia in December – February)

The winters in Skopje get chilly with temperatures dipping down into the low 30°F, and sometimes drops as low as 25 °F.

The city also receives a fair amount of rain and snow during winter, which slows down tourism drastically. Prices fall with the temperatures making it the cheapest time of the year to visit, like the best time to visit Copenhagen ..

Average Temperatures in Skopje

 79°F (26°C) – 51°F (10°C)

90-100°F (37°C) – 51°F (16°C)

84°F (29°C) and 50°F (10°C)

48°F (7°C) – 28°F (-2°C)

Cool Things to do in Skopje

Skopje! The city of statues, mosque, a mini Arch De Triumph knockoff, and English Double Decker Buses.

Sightseeing in Skopje might make you fill like you are going on a little tour around the world.

One of the recent leaders of Macedonia – I can’t remember which one, sorry – spent a lot of his time in office abroad. He would see things he liked on his travels and come back to Skopje and commission them to be built.

A common joke among the locals goes like this, “Soon, no one will travel the world; instead, they will just come to Skopje.”

“Why,” I asked.

“Because we will have copied all the good things,” the locals reply, “ why would you need to go anywhere else.”(I never said it was a funny joke)

That being said, Skopje does have a lot to see and do. And while the sites, statues, and buildings aren’t as old as they look, they are still worth checking out.

One thing to note, as you go through this next section, is that many of the museums and churches are closed on Mondays.

Museum of Macedonia

I know what you are thinking, “ Come on, Stephen! Why are you starting this list with a museum.”

I feel your pain, on my travels I’ve literally been to hundreds of museums. After a while, they all the sights in museums tend to run together. Oh, look! Another crumbling statue that I know little to nothing about….wonderful – he said sarcastically.

But the Museum of Macedonia is different, it’s special. You’ll notice this just from looking at the building, which looks like someone picked it up from Ancient Rome and sat it down in Skopje.

From the outside, I can’t recall ever seeing a more beautiful museum, (apart from the Vatican, of course)

What to See At the Museum of Macedonia

Stepping into the Archaeological Museum of Macedonia is time travel to the far past of Macedonia. It houses relics, artifacts, and pieces from different areas of the country.

Some notable things to see are the ancient artifacts, the treasures from the Byzantine era, and the 3d reconstructions of faces from early Macedonia (Which they made using skulls).

There are 3 floors worth of awesome things to see. It is one of the  best places in Macedonia  to visit.

Top Things to See

• Coin Collections
• Prehistoric Artifacts
• Neolithic Artifacts
• Old Remains
• 3d Reconstructions

Ticket Price

The Museum of Macedonia is cheap. The ticket price is only 100 MKD (1.5 Euro) .

Getting to There

The museum is located just on the other side of the Vardar from Macedonia Square. 

If you cross the river via the Bridge of Civilizations, you cannot miss it.

Statue of the Warrior

When wandering around Skopje, Macedonia it is impossible to miss this 8-story high monument sitting in the middle of Macedonia Square. It’s fairly obvious that this statue is of Alexander the Great. But due to Northern Macedonia, and Greece, both trying to claim the larger than life conqueror as their own, they can’t “officially” name it after the hero it’s based on.

The statue is an intricately designed tower standing high over the square. Sitting on top is Alexander. His sword is pulled out, his horse is rearing as if he is about to charge into battle. 

At the bottom of the tower is a pool of water lined with lions and soldiers. Water sprays into the at varying speeds and colors.

Green Market

Skopje is home to the vibrant Green Market , a wonderful place where you can find a fascinating array of fresh fruits and vegetables, colorful textiles, traditional handicrafts, and local specialties. Established in the early 20th century, the market has been a central hub of trade in Skopje ever since. With stands full of vivid produce displays, the Green Market is sure to delight even the most inquisitive minds. Take your time browsing through all it offers—you won’t regret it!

 skopska crna gora

Skopje Skopska Crna Gora is a mountain range in north Macedonia. It encompasses an area of around 50 kilometers and is the highest mountain range in the country. Vodno Mountain is the highest peak at 2,609 meters. The mountain range is renowned for its biodiversity and its many diverse ecosystems, ranging from alpine to subalpine and montane. And the area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many endemic species. It’s a popular destination for outdoor recreation and nature viewing because of the protected areas and national parks. Hiking, biking, and camping are some activities that the mountain range offers. The area is also home to several ski resorts and is a great place to enjoy winter activities.

Stone Bridge

Being the sly you, that you are means you’ve probably already guessed that stone bridge is… made out of stones. Give yourself a pat on the back.

Over 550 years old Stone bridge is one of the oldest parts that remain of Skopje Macedonia. (And it is much older if you count the roman foundations that it was built on).

The bridge spans over 700 feet and is supported by stone columns and semicircle archways. It runs across the Vardar River, which isn’t much of a river (at least in the summer months).

Stone Bridge acts as an invisible dividing line between two distinct sections of the city. 

The side of the bridge that houses Macedonia Square feels more eastern European, but wander across the bridge, and soon you’ll find yourself sitting in a middle-eastern style cafe sipping hot tea, looking at towering minarets, and listening to the call to prayer.

Skopje Aqueduct 

The Aqueduct in Skopje, Macedonia is exceptionally well preserved with over 55 arches remaining. The Aqueduct spans over 1,200 ft. (386 meters).

When this aqueduct was built is unclear, but the best guesses are either during the Roman Era, the Byzantine Empire, or the Ottoman Empire.

This aqueduct is a little off the beaten path is around a mile northwest of the center of Skopje.

Macedonia Gate

This is where Macedonia Gate differs. Northern Macedonia is a passive country, and so they don’t have any significant military achievements to showcase. Instead, the reliefs on the gate depict scenes of Macedonia history.

My guide told me that it is the only Arch in the world that doesn’t have military victories. Though I’m not sure if that is true.

Mother Teresa’s House

Ok, there isn’t much to see here. But since it is close to Macedonia Gate, why not stop? Heading back to Macedonia Square from Macedonia Gate, you will see a small golden square on the street.

This is the location of the house where Mother Teresa was born and grew up. Nothing remains of the house. All you can really do here is take a photo, stand inside the square, or say a prayer – if that’s your cup of tea.

Millennium Cross

If you ask anyone local in Skopje what’s the one thing to do in Skopje that you shouldn’t miss, they are most likely to say the Millennium Cross.

The Millennium Cross is at the highest point on Vodno Mountain and sits at 3,497 feet (1,066). And if you are assuming that this means that you get some great views of Skopje, well, then you are right.

The Millennium Cross has become an icon, and one of the first things you’ll notice when entering the city.

The cross is built out of a metal grid. (Think of the style of the Eiffel Tower). Saying it is massive is a bit of an understatement for a monument like this. The Millennium Cross stands at 217 feet tall compared to Christ the Redeemer in Rio, which stands at 98 feet.

Getting to the Millennium Cross

This might seem a little confusing. But the best way to get there is head to the international bus station. Ask for a ticket on the Millennium Cross Line. This line runs every 30 minutes and cost less than 1 Euro (35 MDK).

Ride the bus for around 30 minutes, depending on how many stops it makes, and get off the bus off at the cable car. Next, take the cable car to the top of Vodno mountain. The cable car ticket is around 2 Euro (120 MDK). The cable car shuts down at 4 p.m.

You can get update prices and bus times here . 

Skopje Fortress

Skopje Fortress, also called Kale Fort, sits at the highest point in the city and has sweeping views of Skopje in every direction. This fortress is believed to have been built in the 6th century. The walls of the fort and some of the towers remain.

One point of interest is the neolithic remains found up here. These archeological digs are 6,000 years.

Make sure to check out this free thing to do in Skopje.

The Bridge of Civilizations

The Bridge of Civilizations in Macedonia is a little deceiving as it’s lined with old looking statues. I was a bit disappointing to discover that these statues aren’t actually ancient, just made to look that way. But even though that is the case, the bridge is still gorgeous looking.

It overlooks Stone Bridge and walking across the bridge leads you right to the front door on the Museum of Macedonia (Archaeological Museum of Macedonia).

The statues on the bridge are of all key historical characters throughout Northern Macedonia’s history.

My personal favorite statue on the bridge is the woman in the center of the fountain. This woman is based off what they know about the neolithic remains that they have found on top of Kale Fortress. It has a unique art style that I found intriguing.

Old Bazaar Skopje

The Old Bazaar offers some unique atmosphere and food. The Old Bazaar Skopje; the second-largest bazaar in Europe.

The area is stuffed full of shoe stalls, knock-off electronics, middle eastern clothing for children and women, a few guys clothing shops, and restaurants. The actual market area of the bazaar does have a lot of local produce (Like many of the markets in Mexico) , which is good if you are cooking your own meals.

The area is known for shopping, but I wasn’t impressed. The prices are over-inflated for tourists, and even though it is a middle eastern style Bazaar, no one seemed willing to haggle.

With that said, if you are looking for some new shoes, then this market is the place to go. I’ve never seen so many shoes in my entire life. And they cost a little over half of what I would pay in the US.

While I wouldn’t recommend going on a shopping spree in the Old Bazaar, I would urge you to visit for the food as some great restaurants serve local dishes. (More on local dishes and Old Bazaar Restaurants down below)

Monument of Karposh

This monument might not seem too impressive when looking at it. ( I mean the gigantic statues of both Alexander and Phillip are visible from the memorial and are much more spectacular). However, this monument has a deep and disturbing history. 

Karposh, depicted in the statue, lead a short-lived rebellion against the Ottomans in 1689. This uprising was spurred by the burning of the city. His rebellion lasted only two weeks before it was defeated and he was captured.

After captured, he was put to death on the spot where his monument lies. His death is one of the most horrific ways I’ve ever heard of someone dying – it is to messed up to write here. 

He is known as a national hero because he was the first to rise up. Karposh is basically Northern Macedonia’s William Wallace, and you can hear the full story on this Skopje Free Walking Tour.

Olympias Monument

This is really a monument to Alexander’s mother, but guess who doesn’t want them to call it that. Yep, Greece. So because of this, it is called Olympias Monument, or sometimes the Statue of the Mother.

This statue shows a mother raising a child through 4 different stages of his life. It isn’t as big as the Statue of Alexander. Err… I mean Statue of the Warrior – sorry Greece. But the artwork is exquisite, and since it is right by Stone Bridge, there is no reason not to stop and take a look.

Macedonia Sqaure

Macedonia Square acts as a central point of the Skopje. And almost everything on this list is walkable from the square. There is a little mall near the square with dozens of restaurants and shops. At the center of the square is the Statue of the Warrior. 

Both Mother Teresa’s birth home (the golden square) and Macedonia Gate are just outside the square.

It is a grand city square. However, being the center, the restaurants are more expensive. For those of you that need to satisfy your western food craving, there is a lot of international restaurants nearby.

From the square head down Macedonia Street (Which is likely going to change its name to Northern Macedonia Street soon). and you will find restaurants from all over the world.

Philip II of Macedonia Monument

On the far side of the Olympias Monument is Philip II of Macedon Monument. This monument is slightly smaller than the Statue of the warrior but in the same style.

This is a monument to Phillip II, Alexander’s father, who was a strong leader and paved the way for his son. Phillip II died tragically as he was assassinated.

Memorial House of Mother Teresa

Even though there might not be anything left of Mother Teresa’s house, there is still ways to pay homage and learn more about her, by visiting the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.

The memorial house is free to enter but runs on donations. Inside the house, you will see a lot of documents, a mini replica of her home, and a lot of items associated with the Saint. At the top of the Memorial House is a small, surprisingly modern, designed chapel, which the pope visited a couple of years ago.

The Memorial House of Mother Teresa is on Macedonia Street.

Museum of the City of Skopje (Old Train Station)

The Museum of the City of Skopje is located inside the Old Train Station. This badly damaged building was a casualty of the earthquake of 1963. You can still see the destruction on the side of the building.

The clock on the front is still set to 5:17, stopped at the exact moment the 6.1 magnitude earthquake tore through Skopje. This museum has over 20,000 objects that cover the archeology, ethnology, art, and history of the city.

The main exhibit of the museum is “Walk through the Past”. Which takes you on a journey that starts with artifacts from 3,500 B.C. and takes you through the early 20th century.

It is closed on Mondays and was free entry on the day I visited. (Although, I am not sure if I just came on a free museum day.)

Skopje Free Walking Tour

One last thing I want to recommend, when looking for things to do in Skopje, is to hop on the free walking tour. The tour lasts around 3 hours and takes you to many of the sites around history.

The guide, Vasko, is knowledgeable, friendly, and has a deep passion for his city. During the walking tour, you will also get some free shots, coupons for the city, and more in-depth knowledge of Skopje Macedonia. 

Something unique about this tour are the couple of stray dogs that follow Vasko around and joined us for the entirety of the tour.

Of course, these tours are run for free, but tips are appreciated.

5 Awesome Day Trips from Skopje

Matka canyon.

I almost included  Matka Canyon  in the things to do in Skopje section, because practically every tourist in Skopje visits  Matka Canyon .

But seeing as the canyon is 45 minutes each way it’s more appropriate in day trips.

Matka canyon is a beautiful area outside the city. There are beautiful lakes with boat tours, a monastery of St. Nikola, kayaking, cave tours; heck, you can even rent a houseboat for the day.

One of the best things about Matka Canyon is that it is cheap. Entrance to the Canyon is free, and all the activities  (even the boat ride)  will cost you a few dollars.

Getting to the Museum of Macedonia.

There are 3 main ways to get to Matka Canyon: bus, cab, or drive yourself.

By bus, it takes around 45 minutes to get to Matka Canyon. From the main bus station take bus 60. A round trip ticket to Matka and back only cost $3.30 (157 MDK) .

Reaching the canyon by cab will also take you around 30 minutes. The typical rate for a cab is $11 one way.

Drive Yourself

If you are driving, then it only takes around 30 minutes to get from downtown Skopje to Matka Canyon.

And you get there easily via google maps . It’s a good idea to get there early in the summer months are there is limited parking.

Top Things to do at Matka Canyon

• Monastery of St. Nikola
• Cave Tours, like the cave tours at Waitomo Glowworm Caves ,
• Eat At a Scenic Restaurant

Kokino Ancient Observatory

In the beautiful Macedonian countryside, nestled in the mountain slopes of Tatichevo Village lies Kokino Ancient Observatory, a cleverly designed astronomical observatory with some artifacts said to date as far back as 4,000 years ago. One of the world’s oldest observatories, it is believed to predate Stonehenge by 1,000 years and has been designated as a National Park by the Republic of Macedonia.

The observatory was built in four stages over time and contains two key observation points. Stage one consisted of several monolithic rock structures which allowed observation during the summer months. Stages two and three added benches, terraced walls and additional stone circles for observing the winter solstice sunrises and emerging stars during sunset intervals. Finally in stage four more structures were added between 2000-1000 BCE providing an even more precise view of cosmic events.

Kokino Ancient Observatory is said to have provided astronomers insight into a variety of phenomena including eclipses and meteor showers while also helping them measure celestial movements accurately. A trip to Kokino is highly recommended for anyone interested in ancient rocks and astronomy in general!

Stone Dolls of Kuklica

The Stone Dolls of Kuklica are 120 volcanic-formed stone pillars near the village of Kuklica – around 100 km from Skopje. The stones look like larger boulders stacked on one another. (Imagine snowmen created out of rocks)

There are legends of how these were formed. One famous myth is that soldiers passing through this area turned to stone. Another is that it is a wedding story gone wrong. A man was planning on marrying two wives.

The second wife found out about it and prayed to God to help her. And the man and his first bride and the people at the wedding all turned to stone.

The Stone Dolls of Kuklica  are a little over an hour from Skopje .  You can get to them via bus or car.

National Park Mavrovo

Hiking addicts and outdoor enthusiasts listen up. You will want to head to  Mavrovo National Park  as soon as you can.

This mountainous area has some great hiking trails, villages, and monasteries. The landscape is all rolling hills and steep mountains. And it is one of the  best places to hike in Northern Macedonia .

Note: that if you are busing, then some walking is required to reach the park

Getting to Mavrovo National Park.

The Park is an hour and a half away from Skopje. You can get there via bus or by driving yourself. With the most straightforward way being the latter. 

If a coach is your only option, then you want to take the bus from Skopje to Mavrovo town which runs from Monday to Saturday at 9.30 am and 2.45 pm. The bus will cost 350MDK ($6.40). 

Many people refer to Lake Ohrid as Northern Macedonia’s  natural wonder .

Is this possible because Northern Macedonia is landlocked and there isn’t an abundance of water in the country?

Is it because this is one of the oldest (and deepest) lakes in all of Europe?

Or is it because of all the fun things that let you take in all the beauty of Northern Macedonia?

My guess, is it’s a mix of all three. Some things to check out when visiting Lake Orchid are the Eastern Orthodox Monastery of St. Naum, the Church of St. Sophia, traditional homes, and the ancient theatre.

Maksim Gorki Street

Maksim Gorki Street runs through the center of Skopje, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city. Stretching for nearly nine kilometers, it is a vibrant and bustling thoroughfare lined with cafes, shops, restaurants, and numerous places of interest. This is the perfect place to take a stroll, shop for souvenirs or immerse oneself in the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking for luxurious boutiques or delicious street food – Maksim Gorki Street has something to offer everyone!

Budget For Skopje Macedonia

BACKPACKERS $20-$25

Flashpackers $28-$35

Luxury $65-$80

Hotels in Skopje

Hotels in Skopje  provide all the luxuries at a fraction of the price. 

Where else in Europe can you get a  4-star hotel  for $50 a night during peak season? The summer months are when the majority of tourists arrive in the city, so it is wise to book your accommodation ahead of time.

If you prefer walking rather than public transportation, then you will want to stay towards the city center or on the other side of the  Vardar  river from  Macedonia Square .

Where to Stay in Skopje

• Hotel Vlaho
• ibis Styles Skopje
•   Alexander Central Apartments

Booking.com

Hostels in Skopje

For budget backpackers, like myself, you will be in heaven as hostel dorms are cheap. And if you are traveling to Skopje in the shoulder or low season, there is a good chance you’ll have the dorm all to yourself (which is nice sometimes).

I spent the majority of my time in Skopje during May and June, and I only saw a couple of other travelers in the dorms, so there weren’t a lot of potential friends to make in the hostels.

My favorite hostel in Skopje is  Urban Hostel . The dorms are excellent; each bed has a privacy curtain, the hostel has fast wifi, and there is a kitchen.

Plus, free coffee all day!! You get all of this for under $15 a night (which is basically the cost of my daily coffee habit).

The downside is that it is a little bit of a walk to the city center. But hey, we have to hit 10,000 steps a day right?

There are other hostels as well, that has friendly staff and good accommodation. Like Shanti Hostel. Shanti Hostel is a great option and is closer to the city center. 

There is also a Holiday Inn Skopje is right downtown, and also known for its friendly staff. The Holiday Inn might be the most central accommodation in downtown Skopje. So you are close to the food market, so every night you can try new, great Balkan Food.

Best Hostels in Skopje

• Nordic Hostel N Box  
•   Lounge Hostel

With trains, planes, and buses entering Northern Macedonia it makes getting to Skopje easy. Skopje airport is around 30 minutes from downtown. While the train station is just outside the center of the city.

So you might be asking, “If it is so easy to get to Skopje, then why even include this section?”.

Valid question. And while it is easy to get to Northern Macedonia from almost anywhere in Europe, it is a little tricky traveling from  Greece to Skopje .

The relationship between Greece and Northern Macedonia is strained, to say the least.

If you are not traveling to Skopje from Greece, then feel free to skip this section.

However, if you just got done hopping around the  best islands in Greece , and want to head to Macedonia then this section is vital. 

If you do a google search for how to get from Greece to Skopje – or Northern Macedonia in general – you will find form after form saying there is no way to do it as trains going between the two countries are shut down.

Which is partly true. However, it is possible. I know, because I left all the  interesting facts about Athens . And traveled from Athens to Skopje in a day.

How to Get from From Thessaloniki to Skopje

The internet forms are right; no trains are running between the countries. But it is still possible to get from Greece to Skopje for a €16 ticket from Thessaloniki. 

This newly opened route is a bus/train combo. You bus over the border of Macedonia and then hop on a train. Both the bus and train are included in the price of one ticket which you can buy from the train ticket counter.

Note: That at the time of writing this post, there are only two buses/trains from Thessaloniki to Skopje each day, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. Even finding the bus over the border is a pain.

It is not right outside the station where the other buses and taxis are. Instead, get your ticket and head out the front door, keep the train station at your back and make a left. Follow the building to the corner.

This is where the bus will pick you up. (If you are looking at the front of the building go to the far right corner)

Train from Athens to Skopje

You can buy the entire ticket from Athens to Skopje (via Thessaloniki) from the train station in Athens. You will first have to train to Thessaloniki in the morning and catch the bus/train combo to Skopje in the afternoon.

This entire journey will cost around €60. This route from Greece to Skopje is newly reopened, and theoretically could be shut down anytime (depending on the tension between the two countries), so it is smart to double-check at the nearest Greek train station a couple of days before you plan on leaving.

Pro Tip: Don’t be nervous about how long customs takes – for my bus it took around an hour. The train to Skopje waits for the bus to arrive before it departs.

Skopje Packing List

Your packing list with change depending on the season you are visiting Skopje. The heat starts to pick up in May, and the dry climate makes it feel warmer than the thermometer says. If you are traveling in the summer, you will want to make sure you pack light clothes.

One thing I noticed is that even on the hottest days that most people still wear pants. This could be because of the middle eastern influence, but I don’t know for sure.

But as a tourist, you won’t have a problem wearing shorts. You will need shorts, if only for day trips when you’ll be in the sun all day.

In the winter it gets chilly in the evenings. Not as chilly as winter in Boston . But still make sure your gear is heavy enough to keep you warm.

Of course, one thing you always want to pack is Travel Insurance. Nothing is more important than protecting yourself while on the road. After all, no one wants a hefty hospital bill to dig into their travel budget.

For Insurance I Use WorldNomads. They are the best!

Summer Packing List for Skopje

• Osprey Farpoint
• 2 Pair of Shorts
• 4-5 Pairs of Underwear
• 1 Pair of Light Travel Pants
• 1 Pair of Jeans
• All necessary toiletries

Is Macedonia Safe?

Skopje is  safe.  But, like any city, you need to watch your belongings. Keep an eye out for pickpockets.

If your hotel or hostel has a safe or locker, like some of the best hostels in Amsterdam , keep everything you don’t need locked up.

You don’t need to carry your  passport, laptop, jewelry, etc .

A smart traveler is a prepared traveler, and one good piece of advice is lock up at least one backup debit or credit card.

So if the worst should happen and you get pickpocketed you aren’t cut off from your cash flow.

You should also watch out for basic scams. This is important during your first 24 hours in the city as you are getting on your feet. Scams happen, and you shouldn’t get discouraged if you fall victim to one.  It is all part of the learning curve.

Even after years of travel experience I still get tricked sometimes…..  I did in Skopje .

I arrived late at night. After exiting the train station, I struck a deal with a cab for a ride to my hostel for  5 Euro   ($5.60)  which I had on me. I also had Denar on me. 

Upon arrival, I handed him the  1,000 MDK   ($19) . He took it looked at it and said he couldn’t break it. Going through my wallet, I pulled out the  5 Euro  bill I had. 

He wasn’t happy about taking Euro but handed me back the Denar and took the Euro. The light in his car didn’t  “work,”  so the entire transaction was done in the dark. It wasn’t until the next morning at breakfast that I realized he didn’t hand me back  1,000 MDK . He handed me back  100 MDK   ($1.83) ! 

He must have switched it while I was grabbing the 5 Euro from my wallet.  (Slap hand against forehead)

Other than this experience, I had a pleasant time in Skopje. I never felt in danger or unsafe. People are genuinely friendly and respectful, but you should always be on the lookout for scams. 

I never got an uneasy feeling, even when walking alone at night. It is easy to navigate as the major sights are all within walking distance from the city center.

Overall, Skopje Macedonia safe.

• Zip up Your Phone in Your Purse
• Watch Out for Beggars 
• Lock Up Valuables
• Have a Backup Credit or Debit Card
• Watch Out for Scams (Especially, the children. They often distract you while someone else pickpockets you)

Macedonia Food

If I were you, then I would stick to traditional food. It is delicious (one of the best  descriptive adjectives ) and cheap. You can get an appetizer, large beer, and main dish for around $5 – $6 (300 MDK).

The traditional dishes have Mediterranean, eastern European, and middle east influence that fuses together to make some tasty cuisine.

I ate traditional food every day and never grew tired of it. My favorite dishes are uvijac (rolled meat stuffed with cheese), the nafora (crispy bread covered in cheese), the ajvar (a dip made from paprika, red bell peppers, and garlic).

The most famous traditional dish in Skopje is Tavce Gravce, which is beans cooked in a clay pot of a skillet.

For those looking for a quick snack at a bakery, then you have to try a Pastrmajlija, a long piece of fried dough topped with cheese and meat.

Must Try Foods in Macedonia

• Tavce Gravce
• Polneti Piperki
• Shopska Salata
• Pastrmajlija

5 Cool Kafanas in Skopje

• Debar Maalo
• Kalabalak Park

Best Restaurants in Skopje

If you are looking for local cuisine, then the Old Bazaar is your best bet.  Kaj Serdarot  is a quaint and small restaurant that serves local dishes.

Another good option is  BBQ Pchela  and  Turist Grill .  Silbo  is the best bakery, although it is a bit of a walk from the city center and there is usually a line, but it is worth it.

Looking to take a break from traditional foods, and instead opt for something more western then head to  La Terrazza ? This restaurant which serves everything from waffles to steaks, and  Amigos Restaurant & Bar .

If you are looking for more eastern food, there is  Pekin Garden  for Chinese food and  Karma  for Indian.

The Best Places to Eat in Skopje

• Turist Grill ($)
• BBQ Pchela ($)
• Kaj Serdarot ($)
• Silbo ( Bakery) ($)
• Distrikt Bar & Kitchen ($$)
• Kolektiv ($$)
• Pelister ($$)
• Skopski Merak ($$)

Must Try Drinks

Skopsko –  The beer of Macedonia. It is light, delicious, and cheap.

Rakija –  a strong fruit brandy (usually around 40%) that is popular in the Balkans.

Wine –  Northern Macedonia has hundreds of years of winemaking culture. The wines are so tasty that even Roman Emperors loved them, speaking of Emperors check out these Marcus Aurelius’ stoic quotes .

Boza –  This low alcohol drink, made from corn and wheat, comes from the Ottoman influence in Skopje. It is a tasty dessert drink, especially with pastries and cakes.

Turkish Coffee and Teas –  There are a vast variety of teas to choose from, and you should have at least one Turkish coffee.

Drinks you Have to Try

• Turkish Coffee and Teas 

Tipping in Skopje

Light tipping in Macedonia is common. At restaurants, most people round up the bill.

Say you spend 360 MDK on a meal, then leave 400 MDK. If your service was out of this world, then feel free to tip 10% – 15%.

Tipping cabs is not required unless they help you with your bags.

Skopje Nightlife

If I were you, then I would stick to the traditional food. It is delicious and cheap. You can get an appetizer, large beer, and main dish for around $5 – $6  (300 MDK) .

The traditional dishes have the Mediterranean, eastern European, and middle east influence that fuses together to make some tasty cuisine.

I ate traditional food every day and never grew tired of it. My personal favorite dishes are uvijac  (rolled meat stuffed with cheese) , the nafora  (crispy bread literally covered in cheese) , the ajvar  (a dip made from paprika, red bell peppers, and garlic) .

The most famous traditional dish in Skopje is Tavce Gravce which are beans cooked in a clay pot of skillet.

For those looking for a quick snack at a bakery then you have to try a Pastrmajlija, a long piece of fried dough topped with cheese and meat.

Shopping in Skopje

Shopping in Skopje was the biggest disappoint for me, due to the Old Bazaar.

The Old Bazaar of Skopje is one of the biggest in Europe, second only to the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul.

Knowing this, I expected the shopping to be better.

But the Old Bazaar is mainly shoes, outdated electronics, overpriced jewelry, a handful of clothing stores, and souvenirs.

The two things that bothered me most were the high prices, and that none of the stalls seemed willing to bargain.

Which is a typical trait of a Bazaar, especially one with a lot of middle eastern influence. I even brought this up to the reception, and they agreed and said that the mall is the best place to go for cheaper clothes.

I only went to one small mall so I cannot confirm this 100%, but the mall I went to seemed much better for clothes shopping.

The Bazaar isn’t a complete loss. In fact, I visited that part of town every day.

It is a great place to buy local produce, as well as shop for some things. There are literally thousands of every type of shoes you can imagine.

Some of the shoes were styles and designs I haven’t seen anywhere else.

The prices on shoes were reasonable and expect to pay about half the amount you would in the US, UK, and Europe.

A Brief History of Skopje

Earthquakes.

Another big part of Skopje’s history is earthquakes–sad but true. This region has been the victim of massive tremors for thousands of years. 

In the ancient world, they even moved the city over a little after a massive earthquake. In 518 AD, there was an earthquake that almost destroyed the city.

In recent history, the most tragic earthquake that hit Skopje was in 1963. This 6.1 magnitude earthquake devastated the area. 

Over 80% of the city was left in ruins which left 200,000 people homeless. Over 1,000 people lost their lives, and over 3,000 were injured. Therefore so much of the city is new, yet they built it to look old.

Great Fire of Skopje

Another tragic event is the fire of Skopje. This fire was set by the Piccolomini, an Austro-Hungarian general, sent to who was sent to capture the city.

The fire lasted for two days, left the city in ashes, and killed over 50,000 people(remember when I was talking about Karposh, well, this is the fire that started his rebellion).

While Skopje might seem tragic and the events left many dead, and much of their history destroyed, you don’t see it on the streets. The people remain optimistic about the city’s future and seem happy.

History of the City

Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The city became the capital in the 14th century. But it was originally founded in the late 3rd century BC as an Illyrian settlement, before being taken over by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. During this period it prospered as a trading post on the major route from Constantinople to Western Europe. So the city’s history predates the 13th Century by a lot. And it is the biggest Macedonian city.

For much of its early history, Skopje was ruled by various empires and civilizations that used it for military and strategic purposes because of its key geographical position at the intersection of multiple roads. In the 14th century, Skopje became the capital of the Empire of Serbia, which was one of the largest and strongest countries in Europe during that period. At the very end of that century, however, Skopje succumbed to an Ottoman conquest and remained under Ottoman rule until 1912, when it became part of Serbia again. After World War II, Skopje became part of Yugoslavia until its independence from Serbia in 1992. Today, it is a bustling metropolis with a diverse population representing its many historical influences.

Skopje; Macedonia has a strange and tragic history. Humans have called Skopje and the surrounding area home for over 6,000 years. We know this because of the remains of Neolithic settlements that have been discovered.

Most people believe these settlements are the Paionians–an ancient matriarchal society.

A statue dedicated to a matriarchal priestess from the Paionians is on The Bridge of Civilizations.

Throughout its long history, a lot of kingdoms and Empires have wanted Macedonia. Skopje Macedonia has changed hands between powerful nations throughout the centuries.

Scupi, the ancient name for Skopje, was part of the Roman Empire in 148 BC. As well as The Kingdom of Tzar Samuil. Then it traded hands between the Byzantines, in 395 AD, and the Serbian Empire.

Next, Skopje was part of the Ottoman and Austro- Hungarian Empires.

Finally, it was part of Yugoslavia before the republic fell apart. Today it stands tall as the Capital of Northern Macedonia.

Today we know the city as Skopje, but the Macedonian capital has changed names four times in the last 2,000 years. The most well-known name is Skupi (Or Scupi), which is the ancient name of the city. But it was also known as Ushkup. We have also come to know this area as the Republic of Macedonia. But because Greece doesn’t like it, they have changed their name from the Republic of Macedonia to North Macedonia. 

City Population

Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia, with a city population of around 556,000 people in 2019. It has long been regarded as an important crossroads between East and West Europe, leading to a rich cultural heritage that continues today. The city was founded in the 4th century BCE by the ancient Macedonians, who named it Skupi. Through the centuries, it grew to become one of the largest cities in Eastern Europe. And while the city population is small compared to other cities. It is a modern city compared to many others in eastern Europe. 

Skopje in the 17th Century, 18th Century, and 19th Century

The city of Skopje, in the Republic of North Macedonia, has a rich and ancient history. From its founding during the 7th century BCE to its modern-day incarnations, the city’s reputation as a political and economic hub, cultural epicenter and population center has been deeply intertwined with the story of Europe itself.

To trace Skopje’s notable historical moments chronologically, one must venture all our way back to the 17th century, when it was initially conquered by Ottoman sultans and experienced periods of rule under many empires before eventually becoming part of Yugoslavia following World War II.

During this time between the 17th Century, 18th Century, and 19th Century, Skopje witnessed changes in government regime multiple times while being invaded by various armies and influenced by many ideologies; over the course of those two centuries, its population also flourished. During the 19th Century, Skopje underwent some massive changes.

By the beginning of the 20th century, over 26,000 people were living in Skopje — a far cry from its current estimated population of nearly half a million people living across metropolitan areas.

Skopje is more than thousands of statues, iconic bridges, and shopping bazaars. Once you look deeper and you’ll find exceptional hospitality and history.

We should also mention the Utrinski vesnik. Which is a daily newspaper published in North Macedonia. It is owned by the country’s ruling party, the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM). The paper was founded in the 19th century and has had a stable influence on domestic political life since then. Its editorial line supports SDSM Politics, and it mainly focuses on current events within North Macedonia and international news. The paper also features sections devoted to culture, music and movies, sports, opinion articles and much more. Utrinski Vesnik has some of the most respected journalists in the country writing for them, which ensures that they remain at the forefront of responsible journalism.

And a city that is striving to make a name for itself. And while I don’t think Skopje is the next European “hotspot”, that doesn’t mean it is not  worth visiting .

It’s easy to judge Skopje. Yes, many of the statues and buildings aren’t as old as they look.

And it’s not the best  city for nightlife  in Europe.

Yet, the charming atmosphere, friendly people, and distinct neighborhoods make Skopje an awesome  place to visit . The sights are still great – Museum of Macedonia I’m looking at you – and the clash of cultures gives the city a rare vibe unlike anywhere else in Europe.

What do you think? Did reading this guide put  Skopje Macedonia  on your bucket list?

If you are looking for local cuisine, then the Old Bazaar is your best bet.  Kaj Serdarot  is a quaint and small restaurant that serves local dishes. 

Another good option is BBQ Pchela and Turist Grill. Silbo is the best bakery, although it is a bit of a walk from the city center and there is usually a line, but it is worth it.

Looking to take a break from traditional foods, and instead opt for something more western then head to La Terrazza? This restaurant which serves everything from waffles to steaks, and Amigos Restaurant & Bar.

If you are looking for more eastern food, there is Pekin Garden for Chinese food and Karma for Indian.

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Yes, there is a currency exchange at the Skopje airport.

Sorry you missed the Sveti Spas church in the bazaar (Stara Charishiya). And you should spend more than a day trip in Ohrid!

In all these places … slow down and LOOK ..

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10 Best Things to Do in Skopje, North Macedonia’s Eccentric Capital

Last updated on March 26, 2024

When exploring North Macedonia, most tourists either make a quick pit stop in Skopje on their way to Lake Ohrid, or decide to bypass it entirely. While the capital may not be as vibrant or cosmopolitan as some of its European counterparts, it still holds several surprises for visitors. On our recent trip to the Balkans, we chose to spend 2 nights in Skopje before moving on to the picturesque town of Ohrid for another 4 nights. It was the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the city’s atmosphere and see the main highlights.

In this post, I’ll be sharing the 10 best things to do in Skopje in case you’re considering adding it to your North Macedonia itinerary too.

AD – This post contains affiliate links (marked with *) | Read my full disclaimer

Where to stay in Skopje

As this leg of our trip coincided with Mac’s birthday, I decided to book us a nice hotel as a birthday treat. After hours upon hours of extensive research, the winner was the Limak Skopje Luxury Hotel *.

2 nights in this 5-star hotel cost me €144 + €40 extra for breakfast (around £158 in total) , which I believe was a really fair price for the value we were getting.

The room was extremely spacious and modern, with all the amenities we could need for a comfortable stay. My favourite was probably the speaker in the bathroom. It automatically connected to the TV in the room, so you didn’t have to worry about missing out on the most important part of whatever it was you were watching. You could also connect it to your phone and have a shower while listening to your favourite tunes – absolutely brilliant!

The breakfast buffet was great too. After travelling around the Balkans, it was those simple pleasures like the ability to have a fresh bread roll that I appreciated the most. Also, being able to have our morning coffee with a view of Vodno Mountain was really special!

What are the SPA facilities at the Limak Skopje Luxury Hotel like?

My main deciding factor, however, was the SPA facilities. When I emailed the hotel to enquire about them beforehand, they were more than happy to answer my questions and sent over the price list straight away. Unlike many other hotels, which mostly offer different relaxation massages, here you get a wide variety of massage treatments to choose from.

All of their massage therapists are from Bali, which enthusiasts of more intense massage techniques will certainly appreciate. Mac chose a Thai massage, while I went for something in-between and decided to try a Balinese massage for the first time. It struck the perfect balance between a light relaxation massage and an intense treatment, and I can safely say it was one of the best massages I’ve ever had.

The prices were reasonable too – 2,100 MKD (around £29 / €34) for a 60-minute Thai massage and 2,400 MKD (around £33 / €39) for a Balinese one, with an option to pay extra for a 90-minute treatment.

If you’re not a fan of massages, access to a Finnish sauna, steam room, Turkish hammam, and a fitness centre is complimentary for all guests. I’d say the only real drawback is that there is no pool or jacuzzi, as we love to have a soak and lounge around after a long day of exploring. If this doesn’t bother you, I couldn’t recommend the Limak Skopje Luxury Hotel * enough!

What makes the city of Skopje so quirky?

I believe that to understand the character of Skopje fully, a bit of historical backstory of North Macedonia is necessary. After gaining independence in 1991, they chose to adopt the name “Republic of Macedonia”, which Greece had an issue with. The ancient kingdom of Macedonia, which was ruled by Alexander the Great and his father Philip II, encompassed much of present-day North Macedonia, as well as parts of Greece, Bulgaria, and Albania.

Therefore, Greece argued that North Macedonia’s use of this name indicated territorial claims over its region and cultural heritage. In 2018, both countries finally reached a compromise, and North Macedonia agreed to change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia.

In an attempt to assert its own cultural identity, North Macedonia developed an architectural style which intends to evoke the grandeur of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. However, as the city of Skopje was rebuilt with a modernist vision following the 1963 earthquake, the result can be rather comical.

One of the most striking examples can be seen in Skopje’s central square where you can find a statue of Alexander the Great on horseback perched atop a massive marble fountain with sculptures of Macedonian warriors and lions.

On top of that, we also spotted red double-decker buses, a triumphal arch, and a charging bull statue closely resembling that of Wall Street, which was probably the biggest cultural mishmash we’ve seen!

Best things to do in Skopje

Disclaimer: One of the things Skopje’s known for is being the birthplace of Mother Teresa. To this day, she remains a highly controversial figure, and her practices meet with mixed reactions. I personally lean more towards her critics, which is why the only place dedicated to Mother Teresa I visited in Skopje was her birthplace. The original house was demolished to create a pedestrian-only zone in the city centre, but there’s a small memorial plaque. If you’d like to learn more about her life, a new memorial house was constructed in Skopje – you can find out more on the museum’s website .

1. See the iconic Warrior on a Horse statue

I’ve already teased Skopje’s most iconic landmark in the previous section, but you couldn’t miss it if you tried. Towering over the city’s central square, this 22-metre bronze statue shows Alexander the Great riding his favourite steed.

To avoid further angering the Greeks, they chose the cryptic name “Warrior on a Horse”, but the monument bears an uncanny resemblance to the legendary conqueror. It was built as part of the Skopje 2014 project, a controversial urban renewal programme meant to revitalise the city’s architecture and assert its cultural identity following the dispute over the country’s name.

In the evening, the statue lights up in a spectacular display of colours which, along with cascading water, creates a truly magical atmosphere. It’s a great place to start your trip to Skopje, or relax after a day of exploring the city.

2. Admire art at a 15th-century Turkish bath

When we arrived in Skopje, stepping outside felt like being hit by a wall of scorching heat. We thought we might melt into a puddle at any moment, so we sought refuge at an old Turkish bath turned art gallery.

Daut Pasha Hamam was built in the 15th century by the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire for his harem. It’s topped by 13 asymmetric domes, with a total area of 900 square metres.

It served as a public bathhouse for women and men for several centuries, until it was converted into the National Art Gallery in 1948. Since then, it has also hosted various classical concerts, theatre performances, and other cultural events.

At the time of our visit, tickets cost 100 MKD (around £1.50/€1.60) . I’m not sure if it’s a year-round offer, but we also got a bottle of freezing cold flavoured water each with our tickets, which was an absolute godsend in that weather!

Inside, you can find paintings by some of North Macedonia’s most talented contemporary artists, as well as various artworks dating as far back as the 14th century, divided into 9 exhibition halls.

Even if you’re not an art connoisseur, I’d highly recommend adding this one-of-a-kind place to your Skopje itinerary. I mean, how often can you say you contemplated art inside an actual bathhouse?

3. Learn about the country’s road to independence at the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle

Next up in our quest to hide from the heat, we decided to visit the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, which cost 300 MKD (around £4.30/€4.90) . It covers the period from the beginning of the resistance movement against the Ottoman rule to 1991 when North Macedonia became an independent country.

You can tell a lot of effort and creativity went into making the exhibition as engaging as possible, with various interactive displays spread across 3 floors. You even end your tour in front of the actual copy of the Declaration of Independence from Yugoslavia.

My only real concern was that while the museum offers a very comprehensive overview of the history of North Macedonia, it provides little context for those not already familiar with it. For instance, they referenced an organisation by name, but did not offer an explanation of what it was or what it did, making the entire section hard to follow. That said, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys doing your own research, you’ll find this museum is a great starting point. A guided tour might also be a great idea to make more sense of what you’re looking at.

4. Step back in time at Skopje’s Old Bazaar

As Skopje’s trade and commercial hub since the 12th century, the Old Bazaar is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the cultural fabric of the city. With its winding cobblestone streets and colourful shop fronts, it’s a must-see destination for anyone visiting Skopje.

From shops selling traditional Macedonian handicrafts to modern craft breweries and restaurants, you can truly find anything your heart desires. Unfortunately, there are also many shops selling cheap Chinese goods, so you need to be aware of where you spend your money.

Aside from its role as a marketplace, Skopje’s Old Bazaar is also a place of great cultural importance where you can find remains of Byzantine architecture, the former Suli Han caravanserai where merchants once rested during their travels, or the historic Mustafa Pasha Mosque.

5. Try local flavours at Destan

When you’re in the Old Bazaar area, I’d also recommend stopping by Destan for a quick bite. We came here from our friend’s recommendation who, in turn, saw this place in a local food critic’s vlog.

When I asked to see the menu, the waiter told me there wasn’t one. The only thing they sell is cevapcici with a side of pita bread, onion, and peppers. For a portion of 10 cevapcici and a soft drink, I paid 360 MKD (around £5.20/€5.80) , which is a bit on the pricey side, but acceptable.

If you’ve previously been to the Balkans, this dish is unlikely to surprise you. It has become a menu staple in many Balkan countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, or Montenegro. In our experience, the main thing that varied across different restaurants were the sides, as some serve it with a side of ajvar, a roasted red pepper dip, or kajmak, a creamy cheese spread. Another traditional way is to have it with some yoghurt.

Still, trying the Destan version is a must in Skopje, even if it’s mostly for comparison purposes! They don’t serve any alcohol, but you can try some local beer right around the corner at Snoshti Minav.

6. Taste quality microbrews at Craft Brewery Temov | Kolektiv

The next day, we decided to visit North Macedonia’s first craft brewery. Interestingly, they produce the only Macedonian beer that does not contain preservatives, pasteurisation, artificial colours or flavours. So, if you enjoy quality brews, Craft Brewery Temov (aka the Old Town Brewery) is definitely the one place you shouldn’t miss in Skopje!

Unfortunately, when we were there, the only types of beer available on tap were more traditional ales and pilsners – no fruit beers or seasonal craft brews. The good thing is that you can also try some local dishes with your beer. I went for the Pastrmajlija, which is a Macedonian-style pizza with sliced meat cubes and peppers. It’s pretty similar to a Turkish pide, only with fewer ingredients and no sauce. While I much prefer traditional pizzas, I really enjoyed getting to try another Macedonian dish during our time in Skopje.

The restaurant we went to is the Old Town Brewery’s second branch located right in the heart in the city, on Macedonia Square. You can find the original location in the Old Bazaar. From what I read online, they have completely different beer menus, so if you have more time, it might be worth checking out both.

7. Have a Parisian moment at Porta Macedonia

As you turn left from Macedonia Square, I wouldn’t blame you for thinking you somehow entered a magic portal that transported you all the way over to Paris. Porta Macedonia, Skopje’s grand triumphal arch, is another majestic structure built as part of the Skopje 2014 project by the author of the Warrior on a Horse statue.

And, similarly to the legendary horseback statue, it also landed Macedonians in hot water with the Greeks. To celebrate 20 years of Macedonian independence, it depicts various scenes from the country’s history, including images of historical figures like Alexander the Great. This caused the Greek Foreign Ministry to file a formal complaint.

But, it turns out some locals are just as outraged due to the whopping sum of €500 million it allegedly cost to build Porta Macedonia. Inside, you can find a souvenir shop and a lift providing access to the roof, which was built with the purpose of hosting wedding ceremonies. I wouldn’t necessarily say it was worth the money, but it certainly makes for a great photo backdrop! What do you think?

8. Climb to the top of the Skopje Fortress

For a panoramic view of Skopje, I’d recommend climbing to the top of the Skopje Fortress, also known as Kale. The original fortress was built in the 6th century when Macedonia was a part of the Byzantine Empire. However, during the recent excavations in 2006 and 2007, archeologists discovered clay ornaments and woodwind instruments dating as far back as 3000 BC!

Admission to the fortress is free, but I must warn you that its condition isn’t great. Sadly, it’s been neglected and fell into disrepair, with parts reclaimed by nature, towers sealed off, heaps of rubble, and litter strewn about the site. I hope to see it fully restored one day – for now, it’s a cool place to visit for the city views, especially at sunset.

9. Discover the beauty of Skopje’s Art Bridge

The Art Bridge is much more than just a crossing over the Vardar River; it’s a symbol of the city’s commitment to culture and the arts. This stunning pedestrian bridge features 29 sculptures of famous Macedonian artists and musicians.

While a lot of the city’s renovations as part of the Skopje 2014 project are downright tacky, the Art Bridge is a true architectural marvel. It was hands down my favourite view in all of Skopje – absolutely mesmerising at any time of day, but particularly at sunset. The bridge leads to the Archeological Museum of the Republic of Macedonia and the Macedonian Philharmonic, both of which might be worth a visit if you have more time.

Its more famous counterpart is the 15th-century Stone Bridge that withstood several earthquakes and was nearly sent to the river’s bottom when the Nazis placed explosives on it back in 1944. Thankfully, they called off the detonation at the last minute. Thanks to a recent refurbishment project, the bridge remains intact to this day. It didn’t amaze me nearly as much as the Art Bridge did, but it’s a must-see symbol of the city.

10. Get your creative juices flowing at Public Room

We stumbled upon Public Room by complete accident, looking for a place to have brunch on our first day in the city. As it was within walking distance from our hotel, we decided to give it a go – and we hit the jackpot!

From classics like French toast and egg omelettes to healthier options like oats with yoghurt and fruit or a Peruvian breakfast, it’s the perfect place to fuel up before a day of exploring. In the afternoons, there are also numerous lunch dishes and scrumptious desserts to choose from. Aside from the opportunity to boost our caffeine levels, my favourite thing was the variety of fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies and ginger shots. So much healthy goodness at affordable prices – it’s an absolute must if you find yourself in Skopje!

In addition to being a café, Public Room also serves as a creativity and innovation hub that hosts various events and workshops. They also have an amazing co-working space that remote workers can use free of charge. We happily took advantage of it on our last afternoon in the city. As it was my first time ever working from a public place rather than the comfort of my home all day long, I was a bit apprehensive about it. I must say, though – if working conditions were this comfortable everywhere, I could definitely see myself doing this more often!

Which of these places is your favourite? Would you add Skopje to your North Macedonia itinerary?

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What to do in Skopje, the kitschy yet cool capital of North Macedonia

I’ve been to the capital of North Macedonia 4 or 5 times by now and it never stops to amuse me with so many things to do in Skopje.

At the same time after so many visits, I can’t decide what I really think of it.

It’s a typical love-hate relationship. I love to hate it but deep down I hate to love it.

While most of the city is just a random area with blocks of flats and houses strewn around with no actual urban planning the center is a real playground for me.

The old but new buildings trying to resemble the golden old past, the uncountable number of quirky statues and on top of that the real gems of brutalist architecture.

And if you go a little bit further you’re suddenly in the bazaar area, so different than anything else!

There are just so many things to do in Skopje that they can keep you occupied for at least 2-3 days!

Planning a trip to Skopje?

Here are the highly-rated hotels, tours, and services recommended for your trip:

Accomodation:

• Hostel 42 (budget)
• Hotel Senigallia (mid-range)
• Alexandar Square Boutique Hotel (luxury)

Tours and activities:

• From Skopje: Vodno Mountain and Matka Canyon Tour
• Best of Skopje City Tour
• Wine Tasting Tour in Family winery Kartal in Skopje

Internet: Stay connected with Airalo eSim card – click here to get yours!

Airport Transfer: Book the private transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Skopje here.

Insurance: Get insured for your trip to North Macedonia with SafetyWing

Car rental: Compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars in North Macedonia on Discover Cars .

Table of Contents

First impressions from visiting Skopje

I remember very well the first time I arrived in Skopje, North Macedonia.

It was the early evening on November gloomy day, together with a friend we were trying to find our accommodation but instead of looking properly for the place we had a huge “wtf is happening here?” moment.

We knew next to nothing about Skopje so seeing the center with all its quirks was a massive surprise to us, especially that at that moment there were more statues than people around us.

I don’t think I was that confused after arriving at any other place, I really had no idea what to do in Skopje and to be honest I didn’t have my hopes very high.

But over the next days, there were so many things that made me enjoy Skopje surprisingly much, even in the autumn wet and foggy weather.

I actually liked it there so much that shortly after I returned to Skopje to spend even more time there, at the end of May when days were warm, long and sunny.

It was then when I really fell for the city and now it’s one of the places I really love returning to, just to spend some time and enjoy the vibe (and to hate it just a tiny little bit).

Even after all these many visits, there are still new things I need to do or see in Skopje.

This is definitely the most unique capital city in Europe, with so many contrasts on every step.

But that’s what makes it special and that’s why it’s worth to visit Skopje!

I guarantee you will be walking with eyes wide open, looking at everything around you in disbelief (and then with a grin on your face because this place is just crazy!)

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Things to do in Skopje, North Macedonia

If you’re wondering what to do in Skopje I’ve prepared a small cheat sheet for you so you can enjoy the city to the fullest.

I think 2 days in Skopje would be an ideal time for a visit so you can enjoy not only the city itself but also the nearby wonders of nature.

You will have time to see all the sights but also to relax and enjoy the coffee which is one of the best things to do in Skopje.

Before we continue – Skopje and the rest of the country are often the hot topics in politic discussion.

I do follow those but I’m not gonna mention politics here as I don’t feel this is the right place. I’m not involved in the Macedonian conflict, I’m just a tourist who enjoys visiting the country.

This is also a travel blog so let’s focus on travels, shall we?

Get your opinion on old-new and insanely weird architecture

The first thing you will notice when you visit Skopje will be a crazy architecture, especially along the Vardar river.

All these ancient looking buildings might look old but don’t let them fool yourself, they were built recently, around 2010 or so.

There was a big controversy regarding the funding of the project Skopje 2014 that was aiming to give the city a more classical look.

In the country with a rather high unemployment rate, there were more urgent needs than basically rebuilding the capital.

As an outcome of Skopje 2014 project you can now admire all these ancient-looking buildings that are home to numerous cultural and political institutions.

On some of them you can still find splash of colorful paint – an effect of 2016 colorful revolution .

If that wasn’t enough the brand new old looking ships have been built too, now they are moored on Vardar river.

One of them serves as a hotel now so if you ever wished to spend the night on a ship this is your chance.

Not only the brand new building was built to give the center of Skopje a new look.

What really breaks my heart is that the old buildings, a fine example of brutalist style (more on that later) were redone, covered in another layer hiding its concrete beauty so they could fit in the area…

But no matter what you think on the new look of Skopje’s downtown it is definitely an interesting experience to walk around these crazy looking buildings and to make your own opinion about them.

I haven’t seen Skopje before they were built so I can’t compare.

Even if they are all rather superficial I kind of like them, they represent the modern Skopje to me and I can’t really imagine the city without them.

As the city doesn’t really have a real downtown this is as close as it can get to it, even if the result is somehow overdrawn and kitschy.

Count the statues you will stumble across

As part of the project Skopje 2014 there were numerous monuments placed all over the city. And by numerous, I mean a lot, many more than you can think of, really!

If you stand at the main square and look around you will see at least 20 different Skopje monuments .

Some of them show great Macedonians, others are just crazy and pointless (like the shopping girls or a girl jumping into the water).

You walk through the bridge and you’re surrounded by 30 or so sculptures.

Do you want to see the circle of life? No problem, there’re statues showing this too!

There is no weird or quirky statue that wouldn’t fit there, everything is so fucked up it actually works together surprisingly well.

Of course, you will have more wtf? moments here than anywhere else but that’s part of the fun.

Skopje is the capital of kitsch and all these sculptures, together with the new architecture, just prove that!

Get lost in the old bazaar

Skopje’s old bazaar is the second largest bazaar in the Balkans after Istanbul and it surely has the orient charm.

As soon as you enter the area you can smell grilled meat which up to now reminded me mostly of Sarajevo’s Bascarsija .

You can easily get lost in the maze of narrow streets (I admit it happened to me few times), you can also find some true gems in the most unexpected places, such as bezisten (old, covered market) or hamam (a public bath).

The old bazaar makes such a great contrast to the rest of the city. It kind of feels like the time has stopped here some 100 years ago.

Small, old-style buildings are home to numerous craftsman shops, barbers or bars and restaurants serving local food. You can easily spend a few hours here, wandering around, getting lost, enjoying delicious Macedonian dishes and just soaking in the atmosphere.

I especially like going to the old bazaar in the early evening when the businesses are closing for the day, there is less of hustle and bustle around but bars and cafes are filling up with the customers.

But no matter what time of the day you end up in the area you’re in for a completely unique and different experience than the rest of Skopje serves.

Find the best view of the city

While you’re at the old bazaar you can enjoy the best view of Skopje.

The place is a little hidden and not many know about it so you can enjoy it in the peace.

Go to Hotel Arka and ask for the top floor cafe (it’s on the 7th floor if I remember correctly) – once you get there you’re in for a treat!

The view from up there is amazing, especially just before the sunset when the golden light overflows the city.

You have the old bazaar just in front of you, with the Macedonia square and the downtown or Mount Vodno a little bit in the back.

Order a coffee (a regular price, like in the rest of the city, around 100 denars), sit outside on the terrace and enjoy the stunning view! You will love it!

Look at the city from the fortress

While you’re nearby and want to see the city from yet another viewpoint the Kale fortress is a good option.

It is located only a few minutes away from the old bazaar and being built on the highest point in the city it offers some great views of Skopje.

The fortress itself is nothing special, just some stones here and there and not much else.

But you can walk the walls or climb the tower and look at the city spread across the Vardar river – it’s such a pleasant view you will enjoy it for sure!

Bonus: the entrance to the fortress is free of charge.

Chase the brutalist architecture before it’s too late

Skopje is a real playground for me!

That’s where I discovered and fell in love with the brutalist architecture (one of the reasons why the city has a special place in my heart).

If you like concrete then you will love Skopje!

There’s a dark history behind the brutalist in Skopje. The major earthquake hit the city very badly in 1963 , over a thousand people lost their lives and the big part of the center was destroyed.

That’s why you won’t really see any old monuments in Skopje, except for the old bazaar.

Two years later a Japanese architect Kenzo Tange was chosen to design the new look of the city.

Since brutalist was at the peak of its popularity at that time he has decided to create the concrete city of future.

The projects looked amazing and make my heart beat faster even now, too bad the brand new look of Skopje was never fully built!

For those of you who are not really familiar with brutalist (I learned about it only a couple of years ago), that’s the style in the architecture that focuses on raw concrete but with a twist: curvy shapes, ornaments etc.

If you think something looks weird and it is made of concrete that’s most likely brutalist!

Besides Skopje you can find some of the great examples in Belgrade , Kyiv , Katowice or Tbilisi , just to name few places.

Some of the best brutalist architecture I’ve ever seen was in Skopje.

And even if I’ve been at the university a few times by now, even if I’ve passed by the main office during every visit I’m impressed every time I see these beauties!

You don’t need to go far from the center to see Skopje brutalist but if you’d like to see more than just a few buildings you will have to get around the city a bit.

In fact, the post office or GTC shopping center are right in the very center!

Some places, like the university or St. Klement Ohridski church, are easily accessible by walking to others – mainly Skopje State Hydrometeorological Institute and Goce Delčev dormitories – are a bit far from the center (even I didn’t make it there) but it’s not impossible to visit those.

Sadly the future of Skopje brutalist doesn’t look very bright.

Already a few years ago Skopje Administrative Court, yet another concrete gem was covered in some kind of marble to resemble the rest of ancient looking buildings around.

A couple of days ago I saw rumors that one of the brutalist buildings that are part of the post office complex is being destroyed too.

If you would like to admire the amazing concrete structures of Skopje you need to hurry as no one knows how long they will be still there!

Enjoy the Skopje cafe scene

Balkan cities are known for the amazing cafe scene and Skopje is no exception here.

The coffee here is thick, delicious and super cheap.

There are some really great cafes in the city but you won’t find them in the center, you need to venture a little bit further to get there.

Best places to enjoy a good coffee in a charming, vibrant place are the old bazaar area or Debar Maalo, bohemian-alike part of Skopje.

Relax in Debar Maalo – the bohemian part of Skopje

Not far from the center you will find Debar Maalo – the calm oasis, the most bohemian part of the city and the center of alternative Skopje .

Streets are lined with trees, numerous cafes and restaurants fill the area and this relaxing, pleasant vibe is floating around.

I’ve spent quite some time in Debar Maalo and it’s the best area to quickly escape too when you are tired with hustle and bustle of the city and feel overwhelmed with the Disneyland in the center.

While Debar Maalo is calm and quiet for most of the time you never know when you might stumble across the rock concert on the street or a party in one of the bars – it most certainly happened to me!

Enjoy the beautiful views on Mount Vodno

When arriving in Skopje you know you’re getting close to the city when you see a big Millennium Cross located on the Mount Vodno.

It’s almost twice as big as the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro , visible from far away, also in the evening when it’s light up.

You might think that since you can see the cross from more or less everywhere the view from up there must be pretty stunning too. And you are right!

It’s actually really easy to get to Mount Vodno from the center of Skopje!

You need to take one of those London-style double-decker buses that head there – they start the journey at the bus station and go through the center, you can catch it on 11th October street, close to the main – Macedonia – square.

The bus for Vodno has number 25 and it should be written (in Cyrillic and Latin alphabet) “Millennium Cross” or “Sredno Vodno”.

The schedule online says there is one bus every hour, from 08.20 to 15.20 but I remember them running more frequently. But better stick to the online schedule, just in case.

The bus will take you to Sredno Vodno – Middle Vodno from where you need to take the cable car (or walk) to the top of the mountain.

The cable car station is few steps away from the bus stop and it’s insanely cheap, less than 2€/return.

Once you are on top of Mount Vodno you can enjoy stunning views of Skopje on one side or the surrounding nature on the other, hike around a bit or enjoy the coffee in this amazing location.

It’s such a beautiful and relaxing place!

Just keep in mind that the last bus back to the city leaves from Sredno Vodno at 17:00.

If you miss it the taxi to the center should cost around 5€.

Escape to the nature at Matka Canyon

Another perfect nature getaway is Matka Canyon , a bit further than Mount Vodno but also easily accessible.

You will get here by bus no 60 from the bus station or the center (close to the fortress), I chose the bus station stop to be on the safe side.

It’s quite a journey and from the bus stop you need to walk a bit up but eventually, you will be greeted with the pristine nature and stunning views of Matka Canyon.

You can go kayaking, boat riding or hiking along the canyon – no matter what you choose you will love it.

The place is just breathtaking and such a perfect nature oasis after crazy Skopje, it feels like a completely different world from what you’ve left behind.

You can go for an organized, highly rated tour and see both Mount Vodno and Matka Canyon at once. Click here to see the details, current deals and book the tour!

Go for a day trip to Pristina, Kosovo

During my first visit in Skopje I used the city as a base to go for a day trip to Pristina, Kosovo .

The capital of the youngest country in Europe is only 2 hours away by bus and those run frequently making the trip easily doable.

If you are wondering about safety there is no need to worry – Kosovo is a safe country to visit!

Now Pristina is among my favorite cities and I’ve returned there few times ever since but I’m well aware it’s the city difficult to love and you must look behind the surface to fully enjoy it hence the day trip from Skopje is a perfect option.

Hopefully, it will make you fall for Pristina as much as I did.

The buses for Pristina depart from the main bus station, the one-way ticket is 5€.

I took the 8am bus and was in capital of Kosovo around 10am.

Along the way you will cross the border between the countries so keep your passport ready, the whole process is really straightforward.

From the bus station in Pristina, it’s some 15 minutes along Bill Clinton Boulevard to the center.

When in Pristina you should go up to the tower of Mother Theresa Cathedral to enjoy the amazing view of the city, you can admire yet another quirky architecture gem (if you’re not sick of those after Skopje) – the national library, you can see how the NEWBORN sign looks like this year but most of all you can walk along Mother Theresa Boulevard, enjoy the incredible cafes scene (it’s literally among the best I’ve ever experienced!) and do the people watching.

Pristina isn’t your typical beautiful city but it has a certain charm that I enjoy so very much!

Just keep in mind that the last bus back to Skopje departs at 18:00 and you don’t want to miss that!

If you’d like to see more of Kosovo it is possible to go for an organized day trip from Skopje to both Pristina and Prizren (something you can’t do by public transport, you can’t even visit Prizren as a day trip from Skopje).

Prizren is the prettiest town in Kosovo and combining it with Pristina would be a perfect way to get to know the youngest country in Europe. Click here to see the details and book the tour!

Skopje – the best getaway to North Macedonia

I can’t say one of my favorite things to do in Skopje is to leave Skopje, I like the city way too much. But it is the perfect getaway to discover the rest of the country.

Since my first visit, I think North Macedonia is among the most underrated countries in Europe, always in the shadow of more popular Balkan countries . But it has a lot to offer, really!

Lake and the town of Ohrid are on the very top of my list of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, Bitola is a vibrant town unlike any other, a mix of Balkan and Mediterranean vibe or Krusevo that looks like from a fairy tale and is home to one of the quirkiest buildings ever. There are also pleasant cities like Tetovo or Veles so close to Skopje you can visit them for half a day trip.

It is possible to go to Ohrid for a one day trip from Skopje. Click here to check the details, current prices and to book the tour!

There is so much to see and do in Macedonia and Skopje is a perfect starting point!

Is it worth to visit Skopje, North Macedonia?

By now you should know that yes, it really is worth visiting Skopje, North Macedonia.

I can’t think of a more unique city than this one. It’s kitschy and quirky but at the same time cool and charming.

It is full of contrasts, on every stop and that’s what makes it so special.

Don’t expect a typical beautiful city but one of a kind place.

Visit Skopje with an open mind and chances you will fall for it are really high.

Just a friendly advice: it’s better to avoid visiting Skopje in winter. The air pollution is really bad here at that time.

I really enjoyed Skopje at the end of May and end of September when the weather was warm and sunny and it was possible to have a coffee or meal in one of the outside cafes.

Skopje – practical information

How to get to skopje.

Skopje is fairly well connected with numerous European destinations thanks to low cost airlines. You can fly for as little as 10€ one way.

To get from the airport to the center you need to take the bus operated by Vardar Express.

The bus schedule is connected with flights arrivals / departures, the journey takes a bit over 30 minutes and the ticket costs around 3€.

In the center of Skopje, the bus stops at the main bus station and next to the Holiday Inn hotel, 3 minutes away from Macedonia Square.

The main bus and train stations are located in the same building (the train platforms are in the upper level, they are a good example of brutalist too), some 10-15 minutes walking from the center.

Train options are very limited with only few destinations in the country and abroad ( Serbia , Kosovo).

Bus network is much more developed, you can easily get to and from the main cities such as Ohrid, Bitola, Prilep , and others.

The buses are fine, nothing to fancy but decent enough to survive these few hours journey (it takes around 3 hours to get to Ohrid or Bitola).

Skopje is also well connected with other surrounding countries.

How to get around Skopje

Walking is your best option as all the Skopje attractions are fairly close to each other.

It gets trickier if you want to go somewhere by bus (Mount Vodno, Matka Canyon). Until recently it was possible to just buy the ticket from the driver but now you need to get a special card, called Skopska card.

It costs 150 MKD for the card and you already have some credit on it, one-way bus journey within the city costs 30 MKD. You can get the card in newsstand booths.

Where to stay in Skopje

There are plenty of places to stay in Skopje, for each taste and budget. I would recommend staying in the center though so you will be near all the Skopje attractions.

Click here to find the best accommodation in Skopje!

If you don’t mind splurging a little and staying at the unique place then you should go for the boat Hotel Senigallia , right in the center of Skopje on one of the boats that appeared there together with all the quirkiness around.

Not very often you have such a chance! Click here for more details and prices!

Skopje tours

If you’d like to see Skopje with a guide there’re few highly rated tours you can choose from:

• Skopje 4-Hour Walking Tour
• Skopje: Private Half-Day Walking Tour of Old & New
• Half-Day Tour of Skopje’s Surrounding Beauties

Click on each link to see the details and book the tour of your choice.

Where to eat in Skopje?

First of all – food in North Macedonia is the best!

Finally, as a vegetarian, I don’t need to go always for the same dishes but have more diversity when eating out!

There’s tavce gravce, ajvar, shopska salad, fries topped with local cheese, stuffed paprika – and these are only vegetarian options!

The selection for meat lovers is even bigger!

And if you’re in hurry you can always grab a burek in one of the local bakeries, they are pretty amazing!

There are so many good restaurants to go to in Skopje I will just limit you to the areas: the old bazaar, Debar Maalo, and the center. There you will find some good restaurants to check out!

As always I recommend Foursquare for finding the best options!

Where to shop in Skopje?

For souvenirs, your best bet is an old bazaar.

For just about everything else I go to GTC shopping center right next to Macedonia Square.

On the lowest floor, you will find supermarkets and all the other floors are occupied with all sorts of shops.

I’m a huge fan of the paper shop there and always end up supplying myself with numerous notebooks and pens that I then have to take back home somehow.

You will find other shopping centers next to the old train station and on the way from the center to the bus station.

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in North Macedonia
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for North Macedonia here.
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to North Macedonia check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to North Macedonia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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28 Comments

Hello Kami, Thank you SO MUCH for an amazingly interesting, informative and well illustrated post – it is superb one of the best travel posts I have ever seen and I do view many as I travel a lot. I am traveling to Skopje in a couple of months and will also visit Pristina and this will help me tremendously in planning my trip. Thanks a lot. Kind regards,

Thank you for your kind words Barry! I hope you will enjoy both Skopje and Pristina as much as I did! Happy travels!

Hmmm… Skopje is pretty pathetic when you have to go around counting statues. Some good travel tips here but you can’t really sex up this city.

There is definitely much more to do in Skopje than just the statues.

Victoria@TheBritishBerliner

‘Love this post on Macedonia Kami!

I especially like the sound of seeing all the sculptures and kitschy items. ‘Sounds very much like fun!

Thank you Victoria! Skopje is so much fun, especially if you go there with the right attitude ;) I hope you will visit it one day!

Stefania - The Italian Backpacker

I visited Skopje a couple of years ago, but I didn’t spend enough time there to really experience all of this. I would like to go back and see the mountains and nature close to the city and maybe to take a day trip to Kosovo, too. I think the Balkans are one of the most interesting regions in all of Europe and, as you say, some entire countries aren’t under most tourist radars yet.

I hope you will go back there soon, Skopje is changing really fast and I bet it’s nothing than you remember! Balkans is amazing, it’s one of the most fascinating areas to visit with always so much to see and do! I’m surprised it wasn’t widely discovered yet!

Sonya (Netherlands)

Thank you very much for such a thorough travel tips! I’ve booked my Skopje & tour tickets pretty much off the back of your article. Will be back in a week or so & let you know how (awesome) it went :)

I’m glad you liked the post and I hope you enjoyed Skopje as much as I did! :) It is such an underrated city!

This is definitely one of the coolest posts I’ve found on Skopje – by the way, I’m a local (born and lived here for almost my entire life). I think your text captures quite well the essence of the city. I’m one of those locals who absolutely abhor the Skopje2014 grotesqueness and I think a lot of the city’s spirit has been destroyed. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading about your experience. :-)

Thank you so much, your comment just made my day :) I can imagine for locals Skopje2014 was a completely stupid idea but for tourists, it’s a bit absurd and actually adds up to the atmosphere of the city. That’s actually what makes Skopje a bit unique for me :)

Hi Kami, I am today in Skopje and I have to tell that your guide was very helpful. Many thanks!!!

I’m glad to hear that :) Hope you enjoyed Skopje!

Doing a research about balkans found this site. Your texts are very comprehensive and helpful, fair play to you! I’m going there for two weeks (Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, B+H, Hungary + who knows what else by buses and trains) next week, type of spontaneous trip. Don’t wanna read too much now, as I like to be suprised. I will use your tips if stuck. Cheers.

Thanks! Have a great trip!

Hello thank you very much for your interesting and amazing post, I was doing the research before I go to Skopje and i found your post and when I went to Skopje it was like my second time in Skopje thanks to you and to your post. We really loved Skopje a lot of things to do a lot of things to see Old Bazar, Castel, Matka Lake we also went to day trip to Kosovo Prishtina and Prizren and to Ohrid. With the new highway, it takes 45 min to Prishtina from Skopje with a car with Bus it takes longer because it stops everywhere that’s why we rented a car. If you go to Ohrid we recommend going to Sn. Naum kind of heaven and also Ohrid is kind of heaven it was a small tour but next time we are planing Balkan Tuor we hope there are a lot of things to see in Balkans

Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed Skopje and all the great trips you went to from there! Cheers!

Just passing by to say a big THANKS for this great blog post that just left me feel even more excited to visit Skopje! Safe travels and all the best for you :)

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Hope you will enjoy Skopje! It’s a weird but fun city! All the best!

Shouldn’t you be using the official name of this country which is North Macedonia? Why are you antagonising the people of Greece? Don’t you realize that by doing so you create a problem in normalising the relationship between North Macedonia and it’s neighbour which could prevent the full membership of North Macedonia in the European Union? I would appreciate your response. Thank you.

First of all, this article is from 2018 when the name of the country wasn’t North Macedonia. Since then its content wasn’t updated. If you looked closer at this website you would have seen that newer articles, wrote after the change of the name use the correct name. You could have reminded me to update this and actually a few other old articles in a polite way, instead you chose to threaten me, a random person you found online. This is just wrong and rude. Second of all, this website as a default sends all the comments to acceptance. Don’t expect me (or anyone else really) to be only 24/7, especially on Saturday night, to accept your comment. I published only your first one and will leave pending the second one, with the threats, wrote just four minutes later. I will update all the articles soon so there is no need for you to contact me again, this is my only answer to you.

Behold, a typical Greek nationalist creating problems out of nothing for everyone. You have nothing to do with antic Greece either, sir, not by looks and certainly not by brains and grace. You are a result of very aparently mixed peoples that bark at anyone who even touches on their overcompensating egos. You went here on a nice, relaxing blog and outright crapped on it with your nationalist toxicity. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Thank you for your comment, from one MACEDONIAN girl??

Great article!!! Rarely seen one, with no politics in it… our beautiful but misfortune Macedonia is thankful!

thank you! :) this is a travel blog after all, I don’t want to discuss politics here and only promote beautiful and interesting places, like Skopje :)

Stella Hewins

Absolutely brilliant – so much useful info. IN the UK the travel books only dedicate a paragraph to Skopje.

Thank you! Skopje isn’t the most popular place to visit. Too bad as it’s such a quirky and interesting place.

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Tourism in Skopje

Hotels in skopje.

Skopje is the capital of the Republic of Macedonia , the City that lies in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, at the crossroad of important communications, a city with a 2000 years old tradition. Skopje is a modern city with population of almost one million and presents Macedonia’s major political, economical, educational and cultural center. It continues to be a focus for new residents, economic development, construction and refurbishment. Skopje urban area extends across the Skopje valley for approximately 30 kilometers (18.75 mi) in width and comprises 10 municipalities.

Skopje also is a very attractive tourist destination with its fortress, cultural and historical monuments, archaeological sites, sport halls, caves in the canyon of the River Treska and Lake Matka and a health spa in the eastern part of the city.

Skopje is steadily becoming a vital regional route for international flight operators. The town with the beautiful quay of the Macedonian river “Vardar”, the narrow streets in the Old Bazaar which is the biggest bazaar preserved in the Balkans today, the town is internationally famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa. He has blossomed into a thriving, stimulating city to explore, defining itself as an exciting tourist destination with the 1500 years old fortress Kale and monastery St. Pantelejmon with the fresco ”Lamentation of Christ”, with the first signs of the Renaissance, the Islamic monuments Sultan Murat’s- Hjunkar Mosque, the Daut Pasha’s bath.

Best hotel deals

Solun Hotel & SPA  ★★★★

Situated in the real heart of Skopje

Spa and wellness centre, elegant rooms

Hotel Senigallia  ★★★★

Situated in the very city centre of Skopje

Unique boat-like design

Skopje Marriott Hotel   ★★★★★

Just 100 m from Macedonia Square

Spa centre with an indoor pool

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Matka canyon.

Matka - A gorge in which a rich complex of mediaeval building survives, including churches, monasteries and remnants of a fortress (the mediaeval town of Matka).There are dozens of caves and large number of endemic plants and animals. The Canyon covers an area of around 5.000ha and is located 15km south-west of Skopje. By its morphogenetic characteristic, it is a breakthrough gorge.

Moutain Biking

Mountain biking is a great sport to practice in Macedonia, with more than thousands of off-road and dirt tracks. Each mountain club rents out bicycles and organizes regional mountain-bike tour and smaller local tours. As a clubs they also promote developing biking trails in Macedonia as well as local sustainable tourism to historical and natural sites of interest.

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Skopje City Guide

How to Get Around Skopje as a Tourist: Transportation Tips for Exploring the City

Skopje, the capital city of Macedonia, offers a unique blend of history and modernity, attracting tourists from all over the world.

However, as a visitor, getting around Skopje might feel a little overwhelming at first, primarily because many identification signs are written in Macedonian, which uses the Cyrillic alphabet, making it difficult for non-native speakers to navigate.

Pair that with the scarce information about public transportation, which locals are familiar with, but visitors might not be, and you will get a recipe for confusion.

But worry not!

Getting around Skopje as a tourist isn’t as complicated as it might seem at first, and with a little bit of planning and orientation, you can easily navigate the capital city and enjoy its many attractions.

Therefore, if you plan on visiting Skopje , here’s everything you need to know about getting around like a pro and making your trip to this beautiful Balkan country a breeze.

Public transportation is readily available in Skopje, with buses being the primary mode of transportation.

To travel by bus, you will need to purchase a day bus card (valid for 24 hours) for ~120 MKD (which is around $2) on the bus you are taking or an official JSP kiosk, such as the one located at the main bus terminal.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more flexible means of transportation, taxis are an abundant and reasonably priced option in Skopje, (although, at the time of writing, there is still no Uber-like service available).

Before coming and venturing out to explore the city, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with your surroundings by loading up Google Maps from your accommodation and taking some time to walk around.

Major Transportation Options in Skopje

Public Transport

Skopje offers a convenient public transportation system, primarily consisting of city buses.

These buses resemble old London buses (pictured above) and are quite regular, with around 20 minutes of wait time between them.

To see the official timetable of the public buses in Skopje, click here .

The daily bus ticket lasts 24 hours, costs 120 MKD ($2), and can be used for as many bus rides as you take that day.

You can purchase a daily bus ticket either on the bus, where you will pay in cash, or pretty much any public kiosk close to a bus stop if you prefer paying with a card.

Alternatively, you can also purchase a card preloaded with 10 or more bus rides that you need to tap on the machine inside the bus you are taking.

These bus cards can be purchased in official JSP booths scattered throughout the city.

The closest one to the city’s center is next to the bus stop in front of the city’s farmer’s market, Bunjakovec, but by clicking this link , you will find others.

The cards that offer multiple rides are a bit more expensive than a daily ticket, but you will ultimately save money if you use the bus often during your stay in Skopje, compared to paying for a daily ticket more frequently.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis in Skopje are also a prevalent and affordable option for tourists to get around the city.

These are typically white and yellow, making them easy to spot, and they can be found in designated taxi ranks of the city, such as the opposite of the Holiday Inn Hotel, or booked via a phone call.

The fare for a taxi in Skopje starts at around 50 MKD (less than $1), with an additional 20 MKD ($0.50) per kilometer.

It’s worth noting that not all taxis are equipped with metering devices, which might open up the opportunity for scams and overcharges; therefore, always make sure you are riding with a reputable company or at least negotiate the fare upfront before starting the journey.

Be aware drivers might increase their rates for tourists, so having an idea of the distance to your destination and the common taxi fares can help avoid overcharging.

Now, this might be a little annoying cause it’s an outdated and complicated system; however, ride-sharing apps like Bolt have sought drivers in Skopje as of the time of writing this (October 2023), which indicates they might start operating in the capital city soon.

Apps like these offer a reliable and convenient way to book a ride directly from your smartphone, providing a fare estimation before confirming your ride.

It’s also an excellent choice for tourists and visitors unfamiliar with the taxi operating system or those who prefer cashless transactions, as the pricing is generally transparent and competitive.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the availability of ride-sharing services can sometimes vary, especially during peak hours, and surge pricing may apply.

So whether you opt for traditional taxis or ride-sharing services when they become available in Skopje, this will definitely be a more comfortable and efficient way to explore the city at your own pace.

With that said, if ride-sharing apps are still not available during your visit to Skopje, here are the cheapest and most reliable taxi companies:

• Naše Taxi: +389 21 51 52
• Taxi Global: +389 21 51 80
• In Taxi: +389 21 55 51

Biking and Walking

Apart from public transport and taxis, biking or walking is another great way to explore and get around Skopje.

The city is blessed with numerous bike paths, particularly along the Vardar River , and renting a bike can be a fun, eco-friendly, and cost-effective way to navigate the city.

Bike rentals are available from several companies, including Rent-A-Bike Skopje and Outdoor Adventure , which are the closest ones to the city center.

Bikes can typically be rented hourly or daily, and some rental services even offer guided tours of the city.

As you pedal your way around, you’ll have the flexibility to stop and explore attractions as you please, from the Old Bazaar to the City Park , etc.

On the other hand, walking is more than a means of transportation – it’s an immersive way to experience the heartbeat of Skopje.

The city center is relatively compact, and most of its main attractions, such as Macedonia Square , the Stone Bridge , and the Old Bazaar, are within a comfortable walking distance from each other.

This makes it possible to see much of what Skopje offers simply by strolling around.

You’ll also find that walking gives you a genuine connection to the city: you can interact with friendly locals, discover hidden gems , and indulge in street food along the way.

Just remember to pack comfortable shoes, and don’t forget to download a map of the city or a GPS-enabled app to guide you as you explore this captivating city on foot.

Navigating the City

Using Maps and Apps

When exploring Skopje , it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the city layout to make the most of your trip.

To help with this, pick up a physical map from your accommodation or use smartphone applications like Google Maps or CityMapper.

These apps can provide real-time information, directions, and public transportation schedules, making navigating the city and reaching your desired destinations easier.

Finding Tourist Information Centers

Skopje offers several tourist information centers to assist visitors in finding their way around the city and discovering local attractions.

The VISIT Skopje center is one reliable option.

Here, you can find essential phone numbers, travel tips, and helpful information to make your stay more enjoyable.

They can also provide a city map and point out popular attractions.

In addition to tourist information centers, online resources such as our own Skopje Guide website where we offer valuable travel tips and recommendations.

These sources can help you plan your visit and ensure you experience the best of Skopje’s museums, historical sites, and natural attractions.

Emergency Numbers to Know

In case of an emergency, it’s essential to know the phone numbers you can call for assistance while in Skopje.

The general emergency number in Skopje is 112, which can connect you with police, fire department, and ambulance services.

For non-emergencies, you can call the police directly at 192 or seek assistance from road help by dialing 196 or 13-112 for mountain rescue, in case you get stranded at some of the surrounding mountains, such as Vodno or Matka .

For medical assistance, you can also contact private clinics or hospitals like Acibadem Sistina Hospital (+389 (0)2 3065-850) or Zan Mitrev Clinic (+389 (0)2 313-6666).

Accessibility for Disabled Travelers

When visiting Skopje as a traveler with disabilities, knowing the available facilities and services for a comfortable trip is essential.

In this section, we will discuss the accessibility of public transportation, accommodation, and important tourist sites in Skopje.

Public Transportation:

Skopje’s public transportation system, JSP Skopje , might be a challenge for some disabled travelers.

Although information on its accessibility is limited, it is advised to contact the transportation company directly to inquire about its facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.

From the available information on their website, they offer special transportation to groups with disabilities for things like day excursions, but if this is not the case, it’s best to contact the information center directly .

Accommodation:

Some hotels and apartments in Skopje have wheelchair-accessible facilities.

These include the Holiday Inn and Aleksandar Palace .

However, for more specific information, TripAdvisor forum discussions suggest contacting the accommodations directly to get detailed information on their accessibility features.

Additionally, online booking platforms often include filters to search for wheelchair-friendly lodging options.

Tourist Sites:

Several popular attractions in Skopje, including the Old Bazaar and Kale Fortress, might pose challenges for disabled travelers due to uneven pavements and limited accessible facilities, as noted by Disability Insider .

However, some tourist spots, such as the City Park, various museums, and cultural centers, offer more accessible options for visitors with disabilities.

It is recommended to research accessibility information for specific sites of interest before visiting or booking a specialized guided tour tailored for travelers with disabilities.

Some Safety Tips for Tourists

Skopje is a generally safe city , but being vigilant and aware of your surroundings is crucial, and it’s essential to prioritize your safety as a tourist.

Here are some helpful safety tips to consider while touring Skopje:

Firstly, always keep your belongings close to you at all times, especially when visiting popular tourist sites or using public transport.

Skopje has an average crime rate, but like with any major city, crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing and theft, can be a concern (Travel Safe – Abroad) .

When exploring the city, it is advisable to avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas, especially late at night.

Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and consider using taxis or ride-sharing services for your transportation needs after dark.

Public transport in Skopje is pretty reliable, with frequent buses available even at night; however, it’s always best to have alternative plans or give yourself extra time to get to your destinations if you rely on public transport options.

Lastly, be sure to memorize and have handy the essential phone numbers you might need in cases of an emergency, such as the local police, medical services, and your country’s embassy in Macedonia ( which you can find a list of here ).

Budgeting for Transportation

When planning a trip to Skopje, it’s essential to budget for transportation costs to make the most of your visit.

There are several options for getting around Skopje, including public transportation, taxis, and walking.

Public transportation is an affordable and efficient way to move around Skopje.

Fares are relatively low, typically costing 120 MKD ($2) for a daily bus ticket.

It’s best to keep some cash on hand, as these fares are usually paid in cash, especially if you are buying your ticket on the bus and not from a kiosk.

Taxis are another popular mode of transport in Skopje, especially for those looking for more flexibility and comfort.

Starting rates for taxis are typically 50 denars, with an additional 20 denars per kilometer.

Again, be cautious about overly priced rides, particularly around tourist areas, as some drivers may charge higher rates.

It may be helpful to agree on the fare beforehand to avoid surprises.

Skopje is a relatively walkable city for travelers who enjoy walking, and many attractions are within walking distance.

Walking allows you to observe the city’s architectural beauty and immerse yourself in the local culture without the additional expense of transportation.

To help with budgeting for your trip to Skopje , consider the following transportation cost estimates:

• Public Transportation: 120 MKD ($2) per one-day ticket
• Taxis: 50 denars starting rate + 20 denars per kilometer
• Walking: Free

By keeping these cost estimates in mind, you can make better decisions when planning for transportation in Skopje and enjoy an affordable and enjoyable experience.

Cultural Etiquette and Tips

As a tourist in Skopje, it’s crucial to be aware of local customs and etiquette to ensure a positive experience.

In this section, we’ll outline some important cultural tips for navigating the city.

First things first, Macedonian culture is steeped in traditions that are both endearing and interesting, but Macedonians generally have a warm and welcoming attitude towards visitors.

They appreciate when tourists show an interest in their culture, so don’t hesitate to engage in local traditions and customs.

However, some things, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites, such as churches and mosques , are recommended, as people may be side-eyeing you if you don’t, and you may not even be allowed in.

A common rule when visiting a religious site is for women to cover their shoulders and knees, while men should wear long pants.

This demonstrates respect for the local culture and will be appreciated by the locals.

When tipping, it is customary to leave either a 10% tip in restaurants and cafes or what’s left to round the bill if you are satisfied with the service.

For taxi drivers, simply round up the fare to the nearest amount.

On the other hand, when it comes to cultural ‘don’ts,’ there are several ways that you can offend a proud Macedonian, so we would generally recommend avoiding the discussion of sensitive issues such as politics, particularly questions around national identity and relations with neighboring countries.

Lastly, when exploring the city , be mindful of your surroundings and try to avoid photographing military installations, government buildings, or people without their consent.

Remember, these are general suggestions and may not apply to everyone in Skopje, as attitudes can vary widely.

But by showing respect and understanding towards Macedonian customs and traditions, you’ll find your interactions with locals far more rewarding and enriching.

This guide was first published on March 21, 2023 and was last updated on February 13, 2024. For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

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Self Guided Walking Tour For One Afternoon In Skopje

The Republic of North Macedonia is quite a young country and for now still under the radar of many tourists. And although the government is trying to make North Macedonia a popular tourist destination by making Skopje a European Disneyland of statues and monuments, the lack of publicity is slowing down this process. If you are travelling in the Balkans and have the time and opportunity I do recommend spending at least a few days in Skopje as well as Ohrid and other cities. For those who are just passing by and have a limited time to spend in Skopje, I created a self guided walking tour, so that you can hit all the most important Skopje sites in just one afternoon.

How To Get From The Airport To The Center Of Skopje

There are just two ways to get from the airport to the city other than renting a car and driving yourself. First there is a bus that you can use. The bus ticket is 170 denars (about $3). Unfortunately, the bus leaves just three times a day and in most cases you will spend too much time waiting for the bus. So, my advice as soon as you land, check if the bus is standing outside, if not check the bus schedule on the official website, since it is changing every day. 

In case you need to wait more than an hour, use option #2 and take a taxi. A ride in a taxi will cost you 20 Euros flat rate, and more often than not the taxi drivers will prefer Euros to denars. 

Self Guided Walking Tour: 

Mother teresa’s house.

Once you get to the center of Skopje you can start exploring the city. The best spot to start is the house of Mother Teresa. It is located just a few minutes away from the main (Macedonia) square. 

As you probably know Mother Teresa is Albanian, but she was born here in Skopje. Nowadays the location of her house there is a museum that is open for tourists free of charge. You can easily spot it by the statue of Mother Teresa praying outside.

Location: Macedonia St bb, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia

Macedonia Square

A few blocks away from the house of Mother Teresa is the main square of Skopje – Macedonia square. This is the place where you will find one of the greatest and largest statues you have ever seen – the statue “Warrior on a horse” or how locals call it, the statue of Alexander the Great. 

The statue is 24.5 meters tall. On the bottom of the statue there is a fountain and another 8 bronze lion statues that are 2.5 meters tall. Around the monument “Warrior on a horse” there is a beautiful mosaic floor that covers the whole square. 

Along with the monument dedicated to Alexander the Great, there are other statues dedicated to well… everyone famous that had any connection to the land of North Macedonia. 

Around the main square you will find many nice hotels and some good restaurants. If you are looking for something fancy, you can try the Pelister restaurant, otherwise just go to the old bazaar for some good traditional food. 

Location: Macedonia, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia

Stone Bridge

To cross the river Vardar and get from Macedonia square to the old bazaar you can use one of the many bridges, including two bridges with status and the Stone bridge, which lead directly from the square to the old bazaar.

The Stone bridge was built in the 15th century by the Ottoman Empire. This was the place of public execution at one time. The bridge is very well preserved and looks great. An interesting fact is that it almost was blown up by the Nazis when they were leaving Skopje. Fortunately this didn’t happen due to some mysterious circumstances (aka saved by people of North Macedonia) and the Stone bridge was saved. 

Note: if you are going to cross the stone bridge after it is dark outside, watch your pockets. Sometimes gypsies try to corner you and ask for money. And although it is not dangerous, it  is quite annoying (it happened to us). On the other bridges I hadn’t noticed that many beggars. 

Location: MK, Macedonia, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia

Statue of Phillip the II

As soon as you cross the Stone bridge, the one thing that you will be able to focus on is another huge monument. This monument is dedicated to Philip the II, the famous one eyed king and the father of Alexander the Great. It was actually Philip who conquered part of the land of current North Macedonia under his Kingdom of Macedon. 

At the bottom of the statue you will see more big lions and a bronze family (mother, father and a son). The statue in total has three levels and it is in the center of a fountain. 

Location: Crvena Skopska Opstina, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia

The old bazaar is located just behind the statue of Philip the II. Next to the entrance, on the right you will see an old Turkish hammam. Nowadays the hammam is an art gallery that you can visit. I don’t know if it is ever changing, but when I visited that art gallery it was free. Maybe it depends on a season or on the exhibition, or it may be just a free sight. 

The old bazaar is a maze of narrow streets made of cobblestones. It is a place to get all the souvenirs you want or some nice jewelry. By the way, at this old bazaar, you can find a stone that is found just on the territory of North Macedonia – Macedonian Ruby. It is not a high quality ruby, but because North Macedonia is the only place in Europe where ruby is found and the color of these rubies is unique, it makes for a very nice souvenir. 

The old bazaar is a great place to get some delicious traditional food. There are many cafes and restaurants that serve tasty dishes (Destan, Turist), good beer (Brewery “Old Town”) and even hookah. 

Location: MK, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia

Ascension of Jesus Church

On the edge of the old bazaar of Skopje there is one of the oldest churches in the capital city – The Ascension of Jesus Church. The church has amazing iconoclasts carved of wood and beautiful paintings on the ceiling. The church is open to tourists and the ticket costs 120 denars (about 2 Euros). 

Location: Samoilova, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia

Mustafa Pasha’s Mosque

Mustafa Pasha’s mosque is the main mosque in Skopje and one worth a visit. It is located on the hill between the old bazaar and the Skopje fortress. 

To visit the mosque you don’t need to pay a fee, but remember that you need to take your shoes off, you cannot wear inappropriate clothes in accordance with Islam, and of course you cannot visit the mosque during the time of prayer (unless you are there to pray.

The mosque is named after Mustafa Pasha because he was the one who built it (well, paid for it). Mustafa Pasha built this mosque for his sister who got seriously sick. Unfortunately the sister died before the mosque was finished. Her body is buried in a white sarcophagus in the graveyard behind the mosque. 

Location: Fort Kale, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia

Skopje Fortress

Skopje fortress is one of the main historical sites in the capital. Unfortunately the government neglected this site due to the lack of money (from corruption). As soon as you get inside the fortress you will notice some trash lying around, along with some important artifacts. 

You don’t need to pay to get inside the fortress. There is no one to collect ticket money or to tell kids that they cannot climb on super old and not safe walls. On the territory of the fortress you will see an unfinished and never opened museum. 

Not everything is bad of course, some of the walls were restored, but I have a feeling that the reason was because those walls face a beautiful white, new government building. 

Final Thoughts

Skopje is not a massive sprawling capital city like Istanbul or Paris, so it is easily seen by walking throughout a single day. However I would not write off Skopje so quickly. I spent over a week in the city, and while I did do plenty of things multiple times (visiting the old bazaar for example) I didn’t really get ‘tired’ of being in the city. 

When you do happen to tire of Skopje it is very easy to hop on a bus to Ohrid for a little lakeside R&R. I actually liked Ohrid so much I extended my stay twice!

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