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10 Best Places to Visit in Macedonia

A fascinating country to explore that is still very much off the beaten path, Macedonia is blessed with incredible natural beauty and an intoxicating mix of cultures that draws on both Balkan and Mediterranean influences. Ruled at various times by the Romans, Ottomans, Serbs, and Soviets, there are a wealth of historic sites dotted around the country.

Among the best places to visit in Macedonia are old monasteries and hilltop fortresses. Mosques, Orthodox churches, and amazing archaeological ruins are also prevalent, and many of its cities have delightful Old Bazaars at their heart which date back to Ottoman times.

Map of the best places in Macedonia

Its mountainous landscape is home to glittering lakes and tinkling waterfalls and its three national parks are full of beautiful hiking trails that weave their way amongst the verdant hills and valleys. With its often turbulent past now behind it, Macedonia’s wealth of stunning tourist attractions makes it a fantastic, little-known destination that has a plethora of amazing things to see and do.

10. Strumica [SEE MAP]

Famed for the beautiful Byzantine monasteries lying just outside of the city, Strumica is located in the east of Macedonia. The surrounding countryside is full of magical waterfalls and mountains.

A quiet and relaxed city, Strumica is home to some lovely ruins and archaeological sites, such as the Roman Therma and the Carevi Kuli Fortress dates back to the 5th century.

While many people simply stop by on their way to the nearby border crossing into Bulgaria , the stunning countryside, historic sights, and the glittering Kolesino and Smolare waterfalls certainly warrant a longer stay. The best time of year to visit is during the Strumica Carnival, when the whole city comes together to celebrate, with various parades, music and traditional events taking place.

9. Prilep [SEE MAP]

Located beneath a bare hill adorned with the ruins of an old fortress, Prilep is full of history. It was once the ruling seat of a medieval kingdom; as such, there are lots of fantastic churches and monasteries scattered around.

Hiking up to the 10th-century fortress is a must when in Prilep for the breathtaking views it offers of the city down below. On the way, you’ll pass lots of strange and marvelous rock formations, such as the intriguing Stone Elephant.

A peaceful, laidback place, strolling around Prilep’s Old Bazaar is a lovely way to spend the day. The city’s numerous churches all have their own characteristics and distinctive features. The Sv. Blagoveshstenie Church is the undoubted highlight with its delightful galleries and woodcarvings.

8. Mavrovo National Park [SEE MAP]

The largest national park in the country, Mavrovo has loads to offer outdoor aficionados. Over the course of the year, you can explore its splendid scenery by horseback, kayak or skis, as well as on foot or via mountain bike.

Named after the scenic village located in the park, Mavrovo is home to the country’s largest artificial lake. While taking a boat trip on its tranquil waters, you’ll get to see the half-submerged St. Nicholas Church, a truly breathtaking sight.

With its wonderful natural beauty, Mavrovo is a lovely park to visit. Because it is home to the country’s highest peaks, there is plenty of great rock climbing and skiing to be had in winter, and the views on offer are spectacular.

7. Tikves Wine Region [SEE MAP]

Renowned for the fabulous wine it produces, Tikves’ undulating hills and valleys are home to fertile soils and the warm climate makes it perfect for cultivating grapes.

Wine has been produced here since the 4th century BC. The peaceful scenery is charming to tour around while stopping off at picturesque, quaint wineries and vineyards to taste the local produce.

In addition to the fabulous wine and scenery, Tikves Wine Region also has a number of churches, lakes and dramatic gorges for you to stop off at on the way to your next winery.

6. Pelister National Park [SEE MAP]

Established in 1948, Pelister National Park is a mountainous area which covers the Baba Mountain massif. The reserve is home to a host of endemic animals, among which are bears, wolves, and soaring eagles.

The oldest national park in the country, Pelister is home to two stunning glacial lakes which are nestled away amidst its towering peaks. These are delightfully known as Pelister’s Eyes.

With loads of diverse nature on show and a plethora of hiking trails twisting their way amongst the valleys and forests, Pelister is a joy to explore. The views from atop of Mount Pelister will take your breath away – if the hike hasn’t already. In addition to all of this, you can camp in the park or go skiing, depending on the time of year.

5. Bitola [SEE MAP]

Located not far from the border with Greece in the south of Macedonia, Bitola is the second largest city in the country. It is full of beautiful old buildings, delightful art galleries and a plethora of welcoming and friendly cafes.

Very much off the beaten path, Bitola is located amongst three different mountain ranges. As such, there is lovely scenery on show, as well as scenic walks amongst the verdant hills and mountains surrounding the city.

In town, visitors will find elegant, pastel-colored townhouses alongside beautiful mosques and churches, while the Old Bazaar dating to Ottoman times is a delightful place to grab a coffee and people watch. With a lively cultural scene, lots of festivals take place here over the year. Among the museums, the Museum of Bitola is particularly worth checking out; it provides a fascinating look at the city’s history and culture.

Founded in the 4th century BC, Bitola is one of the best places to visit in Macedonia. Just out of town are the amazing archaeological ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis, which are not to be missed. The Roman site is home to some splendid floor mosaics and the ruins of Roman baths.

4. Galicica National Park [SEE MAP]

Located between Lakes Ohrid and Prespa, the stunning Galicica National Park is a wild and wonderful place to visit. Hiking amongst the unspoiled and untouched valleys, forests and mountains will certainly delight nature lovers.

Dominated by the Galicica limestone massif that lies between the two lakes, the national park is home to a number of lofty peaks. From their summits are some breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

With picturesque little mountain villages, an abundance of fantastic fauna and flora, and a diverse landscape that encompasses lakes, mountains and valleys, Galicica National Park’s natural beauty is well worth checking out when in Macedonia.

3. Skopje [SEE MAP]

Macedonia’s capital is an intriguing and interesting place to visit, in large part due to its eclectic architectural collection that includes beautiful Ottoman-era mosques, enormous Neoclassical buildings, and a huge array of gleaming, modern statues.

Inhabited for over six thousand years and ruled by countless empires and kingdoms, Skopje certainly has its fair share of historic sights. Among the most popular are the impressive 6th century Kale Fortress and the Stone Bridge, which both feature on the city’s coat of arms. Wandering around the Skopje’s atmospheric Old Bazaar will make you feel like you’re in the souks of old Istanbul.

Alongside its wealth of restaurants, shops, museums, and cafes, Skopje also has some great nightlife to offer, which revolves around the city’s main square. The square is home to the Porta Macedonia, a huge triumphal arch that celebrates twenty years of Macedonian independence. Lovely views and scenery are also on hand from the top of Mount Vodno that looms over Skopje to its southwest; it is adorned by the towering Millennium Cross, which is now a popular tourist attraction.

Located on the banks of the Vardar River, Skopje is certainly worth visiting when in Macedonia. While critics say it now has a theme park feel to it due to the recent proliferation of nationalistic and, at times, tacky monuments and statues, there is much to see and do of interest in this unique city.

2. Ohrid [SEE MAP]

Sometimes known as ‘the Jerusalem of the Balkans,’ as it was once home to 365 churches, Ohrid is a very historic town that is among the most beautiful and atmospheric in Macedonia.

Wandering around its old cobbled streets is a treat; you will pass by some delightful architecture and its quaint little restaurants and cafes make for a perfect stop when you feel like taking a break to watch the world go by. Among its most popular attractions is the captivating Samuil’s Fortress which overlooks the town, and the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon – one of the most impressive of the numerous churches in Ohrid.

What really sets Ohrid apart, however, is its beautiful location on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The town is blessed with numerous breathtaking views out over the turquoise waters. As well as taking a scenic stroll along the town’s shoreside boardwalk, visitors should not miss out on Saint John at Kaneo Church for the incredible panoramas it has out over the lake.

1. Lake Ohrid [SEE MAP]

Lying on the border between Macedonia and Albania, Lake Ohrid is spectacular; its beautiful clear blue waters glisten in the sun surrounded by mountains. Tourists are only now slowly returning to its shores after the break-up of Yugoslavia in the ‘90s.

One of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe, Lake Ohrid is a very important and biodiverse ecosystem. It is home to a vast array of species that are endemic to the area, such as predatory fish and freshwater snails.

Its weaving shoreline is just as picturesque as its mirror-like waters; quaint villages and towns such as Ohrid and Struga are tucked away amongst glorious forests and alongside peaceful beaches. With loads of watersports, boat trips and swimming spots on offer to complement the incredible scenery, Lake Ohrid is one of the Balkans and Macedonia’s hidden gems.

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September 8, 2019 at 12:53 am

I went to skopje and it was wonderful in August, going back in November.

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Home » Travel Guides » Macedonia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Macedonia

15 Best Places to Visit in Macedonia

Although it’s easily accessible and comes complete with all the comforts of the Western world, the Republic of Macedonia is Europe’s best hidden treasure. The county is part Balkan, part Mediterranean and has been heavily influenced by Roman, Greek, Albanian, and Ottoman culture. It’s a stunning natural paradise with grand historic sites and ruins tucked into idyllic villages that haven’t seemed to change in centuries.

The surprising part is that you get all that, plus fully modern cities and luxuries right at your finger tips. It doesn’t seem that you could fit all that into one country, and maybe it’s because of its size that it gets overlooked.  Macedonia is a wonderful representation of the Balkans with a wide variety of influences and ethnicities, modern cities and beautiful countryside, where life moves at its own unique pace. Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Macedonia !

Skopje is most definitely Europe’s most eclectic capital city.  Efforts have been made, rather successfully, to bring infuse new culture in the form of museums, fountains, bridges, and statuary throughout the city.  The result is something grand that has come to symbolize a new national identity for all Macedonians.

The history still remains in places like Kameni Most (Stone Bridge), Sveti Spas Church, Tvrdina Kale Fortress, and the old Turkish bazaar Caršija. Be sure to check out the giant statue of Alexander the Great, commissioned to celebrate Macedonia’s 20th year of independence. The shopping and nightlife in Skopje are also something to experience – if this is what you’re looking for, head straight to Makedonija Street.

Bitola is an old Ottoman town once known as the “City of Consuls” because it served as a diplomatic centre for the region. Elegant and sophisticated are the best worlds to describe it. You’ll see colourful townhouses from the 18th century and Turkish mosques throughout.

The not-to-be missed and certainly often repeated experience is to sit along the Širok Sokak (Wide Street), sipping espresso, and watching everyone come and go. Bitola is the second largest city and is a favourite among Macedonians for its café culture and European atmosphere. Discover the Deboj Amam Turkish Bath (17th century), the Old Bazaar, Jeni Mosque, and Isak Beg Mosque (both 16th century).

Prilep is famous for a few unique things.  First, agriculturally speaking, it’s Macedonia’s tobacco capital.  Second, became known as “the city under Marko’s towers,” from when it was the medieval capital for Kings Marko and Volkasin – who populated the town with churches and monasteries.

Located in Western Macedonia Prilep has a distinctive landscape of huge rocks sparsely scattered at the base of a small hill.  At the top of the hill are the ruins of a medieval fortress.  The locals have a distinct flavour as well – which you can see in their humour and their dedication to preserving their traditions.

Though it only has 10,000 citizens, Kruševo was once its own republic. Macedonians equate the town with the centuries-long struggle to win independence from the Ottoman Empire. During the last revolution, as it looked like Macedonia might be successful, Kruševo experienced ten days of freedom before a massive Ottoman army burned the town and martyred national heroes like Pitu Guli and Nikola Karev, who led the revolution.

You can visit Mechkin Kaman and Makedonim, two monuments built to commemorate the uprising. As you explore the town you’ll learn the many reasons why August 2 is an important date throughout the country and such an intense point of pride. Nestled in the Baba Mountains, Kruševo features incredible architecture and several monasteries and churches worth visiting.

5. National Park Mavrovo

The perfect place for skiing, National Park Mavrovo is Macedonia’s biggest winter resort, covering over 730 sq km of forests, gorges, waterfalls, and karst fields.  You can also see the country’s highest peak, Mt Korab, which stands at 2764m.  No matter what time of year you visit, the high-altitude fresh air and the staggering vistas are more than worth the trip.

Nature lovers can wander among the diverse fauna and flora and take a hike around Mavrovo Lake. Galichnik and Janche are two quaint villages nearby, as is St. Jovan Bigorski Monastery.

6. Pelister National Park

The oldest of the three great national parks is Pelister, located in western Macedonia near Bitola.  With nearby Mount Pelister (2600m), and eight other peaks that top 2000m, the vistas are a magnificent natural escape from daily life. The park is home to the five-needle pine molica – found on only a few mountains in the Balkan Peninsula – something all nature enthusiasts will love to see. There’s also roe deer, wolves, bears, chamois, eagles, partridges, and red billed jackdaws.

Pelister also has two wonderful mountain lakes, which the locals call Pelisterski Oci or Pelister’s Eyes, that offer great hiking opportunities like the Stone River – crushed rocks that form a path heading up the mountain slopes.

One of the most important archaeological sites in the country is found in Stobi.  First founded in the 7th century by the King of Paeonia, the city changed hands several times, from the Macedonians, to the Romans and Byzantines.

Strategically located along an old Roman trading route, Stobi quickly became a hub for traders travelling from the Danube in Serbia to the Aegean Sea in Greece.  The dig site is open every day and the town itself is just an hour drive from Skopje.

8. Gevgelija

Most likely the top tourist spot in all of Macedonia, sunny Gevgelija has a reputation for fun and big times.  It’s called the “Macedonian Las Vegas” because of the casinos, five star hotels, nightclubs, galleries, and concert venues.  There are lots of opportunities for exclusive entertainment here but the fun is meant for all.

If you need to step away from the black jack table or the buffet, Gevgelija offers Smrdliva Voda, a spa with sulphur baths and over 400 villas to choose from. Nature is also on full display here with a sublime climate and a pine and deciduous forest, there is a rich biodiversity here that makes the region special for all of India.

9. Povardarie

There are well over 24,000 hectares of vineyards in Macedonia, as well as an incredible 2000 year history of viticulture. Deep in the fertile Vardar River Valley lies Povardarie, whose wines are well known throughout the world. The most popular varieties are Vranec and Smederevka – so be sure to sample them when you visit.

In Povardarie there are three wineries that you must discover for yourself: Winery Tikves, Stobi Winery, and Popova Kula. Popova Kula Winery is regularly ranked at the finest winery in the country. They produce over 20 wines and offer cooking lessons, accommodation, and folklore shows.

10. Strumica

Strumica lies in Eastern Macedonia with a number of great attractions worth exploring. Enjoy hiking on Mt Belasica or head out to Smolare and Kolesino, two nearby waterfalls.

There are also some stunning monasteries, including tranquil Veljusa and Vodoca.  Both are Byzantine and still occupied by both monks and nuns.  Be sure to check out the incredible frescos at both. From there, head to St. Bogorodica Eleusa, built in the 11th century, the healing spa of the Roman Therma, as well as St Leontuis.

The largest town on Lake Ohrid, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ohrid has a remarkable history and heritage to share. At the top of the list are the frescoes inside Saint Sophia Church, the Ancient Theatre, St. Clement Church (13th century), and Tsar Samuel’s fortress – which has an unbelievable view over the city and lake.

The surrounding mountains reach upwards of 2800m, which means that Ohrid is not only culturally significant, but naturally breath-taking. It’s no stretch at all to say that Ohrid showcases the best of Macedonia. It’s a good idea to use the town as base camp to explore the lake as well as its many surrounding towns and monasteries. Just 30km away is St. Naum’s, one of the richest and oldest monasteries in the country.

A visit to Struga makes a great day trip from Ohrid. Nicknamed the “City of Poetry,” the town is relaxing and beautiful to stroll through.  The national anthem, “Denes nad Makedonija se raga,” was written by Vlado Maleski, a poet born in Struga. In fact, the first time the anthem was publically sung was in the town itself.

You’ll enjoy the lively market at the Old Bazaar, St. George Church, the Halveti Teke, and a walk down Goce Delcev Street where you can see some well-preserved traditional houses.

13. The Monastery of St. Naum

A 30 minute drive from Ohrid will take you to Sveti Naum, an impressive 10th century monastery which sits on a high outcropping over the lake. Most popular for its excellent frescos, it’s also a relaxing and rejuvenating place.  Some of the best religious paintings in all of the Balkans can be found here.

You’ll love the panoramic views of the lake and if you have time, the rowboat tour down the Drim River is highly recommended. Wrap up the day by popping over to one of the islands for dinner. Because it encompasses so much of what is phenomenal about Macedonia, this is the perfect place to end your tour.

14. Tikves Lake

Built in 1968, Tikves Lake is both the largest and oldest man-made lake in the country. It’s close to Kavadarci and makes the perfect Sunday afternoon family picnic spot.  Scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing are all on offer – plus you can paraglide or mountain bike in the summer and ski and snow board in the winter.

If you like fishing, spend a morning trying to land the sheat-fish, which can grow to be over two metres long. The valley itself is so fertile that many orchards and vineyards dot the landscape.

15. Kumanovo

Outside of Skopje is Kumanovo.  It’s one of the larger cities in the country and has a fantastic blend of Macedonian and Serbian culture.  The Kumanovci are a feisty group and the town and outlying villages highlight the colourful multi-ethnic blend of Roman, Serbian, Albanian, and Turkish minorities.

Check out Kostoperka Karpa, a unique rock formation, the Church of St George, the monument to  Batko Gjorgjija – a local , legendary, and much loved bohemian.

15 Best Places to Visit in Macedonia:

• National Park Mavrovo
• Pelister National Park
• The Monastery of St. Naum
• Tikves Lake

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Macedonia Travel Guide – 10 Must-See Places You Should Add to Your Road Trip Itinerary

Located in the center of the Balkan Peninsula, and seemingly hidden away from the rest of the world, the small country of Macedonia is a paradise forgotten. With welcoming people, ridiculously affordable prices, and cultural heritage aplenty, it will delight newbie and veteran travelers alike.

This Macedonia travel guide below covers a lot of ground, giving this small country the extended treatment it deserves. Walking you through a garden variety of outdoor adventures, it will familiarize you with the colorful Macedonian landscape, delicious cuisine, and warn you about a number of infrastructural hurdles to avoid. It won’t take you much to appreciate this Balkan gem , as you will fall in love right away.

Situated in the Capital of Skopje, and welcoming friends from abroad, my wife and I take part in a number of local adventures on an almost weekly basis. This country never ceases to amaze us. So let’s start from the beginning, giving you a firsthand impression of a seemingly small but otherwise unforgettable destination.

When to visit Macedonia

Enjoying the changed Mediterranean, mountainous and mildly continental climate, Macedonia’s heavenly nature is bathing in sunshine throughout the entire year. Expect, therefore, hot and dry summer months, followed by a very contrasting winter.

The best time to arrive, if you would like to enjoy the full scope of the Macedonian experience, would be between early June and mid-September. Unless, of course, you are a Winter-addict:

What’s Macedonia famous for

The focal point of Macedonia is breathtaking nature that bears little resemblance to other parts of the world. If you are an outdoor aficionado, this is definitely a bucket-list destination.

Nature, however, is often supplemented with religious heritage aplenty. Churches and monasteries are dotting the map and this archetype of natural and spiritual repeats throughout the entire country.

There are a lot of events to attend, many places to go, and a long menu of recipes to taste… So let’s start the tour guide, beginning with Skopje , the capital of Macedonia.

A Macedonia Road Trip – Experiencing the country on a budget

The Balkans – and Macedonia – are better explored by car. If your base is on a nearby European country, we’d highly recommend you to take your own vehicle. Otherwise, a rental car will do just fine.

Finally, plan your days beforehand and ask yourself this question: Do you plan to spend a lot of time driving? Because if you do, you might want to consider using a good  car back massager , that will relieve pain and muscle tension, avoiding backaches after long driving hours. Life-saving!

Top 10 Must-See Places in Macedonia

Functioning as the business, administrative and educational hub of the country, Skopje is a proper metropolis. The infrastructural network is catching up with European standards, and there are plenty of things to see, all fitting tightly into a small radius.

Recent governmental projects have changed the face of the city, encouraging prominent media sites to call Skopje the capital of Kitsch . If you are interested in how far government intervention can change the cultural heritage of a large city, Skopje is a case study through and through. Luckily, though, the central area is the only one being affected.

The Old Bazar, dating back from the Ottoman period, is a place worth visiting, and you will definitely enjoy the artisan charm keeping this place alive. In close proximity, you will find the Kale Fortress, which was a medieval prison overlooking the city. Today, it is one of the most picturesque landmarks around.

Skopje will give you access to the best of Macedonian cuisine, as many traditional restaurants are dotting the map. The price is ridiculously affordable, and the taste is a mix of Ottoman and Slavic – but we will discuss food in a minute.

Taxis are crowding the streets, so transportation is never a problem, but you’d like to learn a bit about the bus network and purchase a prepaid card. When added to your card in bulk, the price of a single ticket goes down to about half a dollar for a single ride.

But that’s enough of the city, time to hit the paved road!

Located conveniently south of the city, Vodno is where you start your off-road adventure. It still amazes me to this day that only a 15-minute walk is separating you from the urban jungle to the foothills of this scenic mountain forest.

The trails cut left and right, providing a number of hiking and biking opportunities, and there is a cable car that goes to the very summit. There, you can enjoy a surprising lack of noise, appreciating the breathtaking view of the city.

The price of a two-way ticket is only two dollars, and you have a cumulative drive of 14 minutes total. Enjoy!

3. Canyon Matka

Whereas Vodno is an ample prelude to the Macedonian outdoor experience, Canyon Matka is a monumental attraction. Stretching for miles on end, it features tall and lush cliffs, with calm and crystal green water in between.

You can visit the monasteries around, or rent a kayak and see the beautiful terrain from below. To illustrate how affordable the Macedonian vacation is, note that a two-person kayak , for one hour of fun, will cost you exactly 10 dollars. A boat ride to the cave complex nearby will cost twice as less.

Being in close proximity to Skopje, the canyon Matka adventure would take only half of your day. You will get there, spend an hour kayaking, visit the caves nearby and marvel at the religious heritage, all before noon. The restaurant terrace, right around lunch, can provide unprecedented comfort, while you eat Macedonian specialties and enjoy the panoramic view of the canyon entrance.

4. The natural observatory of Kokino

Unique to this part of the world, the stone observatory of Kokino is only half an hour away from Skopje. Parking on the side of the motorway and climbing up is an adventure you’ll definitely remember.

Once there, you’ll want to stay a while longer, and perhaps camp overnight in order to observe the collage of stars covering the sky. If you plan to return back before sunset, the nearby complex of Ethno Village can provide a gastronomic experience as well as accommodation.

5. Macedonian vineyards

Resembling the Old Italian vineyard, these wine production facilities are not only open to the public, but they are a tourist attraction on their own. The wine, as rumors have it, is often bought by Italian companies, repacked, and sold in the west.

Affordable as everything else in this country, it is impossible to resist. Visit, therefore, the vineries of Stobi, Popova Kula (highly recommended), Tikvesh, and Kamnik…

Located in the western part of the country, and high in the mountainous belt, Mavrovo is Macedonia’s weekend gateway. It will take you an hour and a half to get there by car, but there are small buses frequenting the route as well.

The village is located on the shore of Lake Mavrovo, which is a magnificent sight to behold. An asphalt road circles the entire coast of the lake, providing you with the ultimate cycling adventure, plus dozens of panoramic lookouts.

The road is less frequented by vehicles, and it is as scenic as you might imagine. Stretching for 33 kilometers, I call it a day well spent.

At the very beginning of the road, you can take a postcard-worthy picture next to the submerged church. It is as eerie as it is beautiful.

7. The Mavrovo – Galicnik road

If you observe the map, you’ll notice that I’m walking you towards the south, following the western mountainous belt. And it is exactly here where you see the most scenic safari road.

Connecting the villages of Mavrovo and Galicnik, on a respectably high altitude, it is the perfect off-road setting.

Taking this road, you can enjoy hiking, riding your bike, or driving along the paved trail. The most recommended method though is booking a spot on one of the horseback riding tours. It takes you through nearby cheese farms, tasting fine Macedonian Cotijaand Ricotta along the road. I have yet to convince my wife and book a tour for two.

8. Pelister

Southern still, you will see the mountain Baba towering ahead. Known for its dense and immersive forest, it is home to one of the highest peaks in Macedonia, Pelister.

Hiking towards the summit is a day-long adventure, and it provides a sensory overload of another kind. You will cut through scenic roads, steep hills, and one of the most captivating sights around – the twin lakes of Pelister, called Pelister eyes.

Down the mountain, a small town named Bitola awaits, where you can find affordable accommodation and listen to traditional Macedonian music. It is the perfect stop before heading southwest to Ohrid.

Finally, the frosting on the cake! Located near the Albanian border, the town of Ohrid is perhaps the most renowned spiritual center of the region. Once home to over 300 churches and monasteries, it still holds the largest part of the rich Macedonian cultural heritage.

Conveniently located on the shore of Lake Ohrid, it commands attention right away. With crystal blue water as far as your eyes can see, and dozens of lookouts providing panoramic views of the lake, Ohrid is one of Europe’s finest.

The monastery complexes blend perfectly into this heavenly collage, bearing witness to the historical importance of this region. Do not leave without visiting the Church of Kaneo, Plaoshnik, and the monastery of Saint Naum.

Other important landmarks are the Samoil Fortress overlooking the city, the Ohrid Bazar where artisan workshops are still producing traditional Macedonian jewelry, and the beautiful sandy beaches you will discover along the road.

Take also a trip to the Bay of Bones, which is a recently constructed settlement cataloging life as it was before the settlement of Ohrid even existed.

As far as events go, see if you can plan your trip around the beginning of August, and enjoy the Ohrid Summer Festival. A spectacle of classical music, it is held around prominent cultural landmarks such as the Ohrid amphitheater. Also make sure to organize a trip to the nearby town of Struga (11 kilometers away), where one of the most important international literary events – Struga Evenings of Poetry – is being held around the end of the same month.

Located on the other side of the country, Berovo is a small town deep in the eastern mountainous region. It is, by and large, the main reason why people continue to pay Macedonian food lip service for years on end.

An air spa surrounded by a formidable mountain terrain and dense forest, Berovo is where you go in order to take a meditative pause from the urban jungle.

Two monasteries are nearby, and one of the most picturesque lakes that you’ll ever see. Walking around the dam and doing nothing, in particular, would definitely beat other adventures by a huge margin. Predictably, you will fall in love with this place right away.

Macedonian cuisine

As far as Macedonian cuisine goes, Skopje is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. In Berovo, for instance, you can taste every traditional Macedonian dish, prepared from fresh organic produce, and served in a unique way.

Make sure to order Macedonian delicacies as Ajvar, which is a delicious red pepper mash, Makalo, TavceGravce, Turlitava, Sarmi, Stuffed peppers, Pastrmajlija, and SelskoMeso. The list goes on and on, and when accompanied by Macedonian wine and the strong alcoholic beverage called Rakija, it will please your sensory apparatus like rarely before.

Wrapping up this guide, I truly hope that you can one day enjoy the full scope of the Macedonian experience. Discovering this country for the first time is a traveler’s blessing, as it truly dwarfs many other locations in significance. If the road takes you to Europe and near the Balkan Peninsula, make sure to head south for at least one or two weeks before moving on. You won’t regret it!

Maps of Macedonia

North Macedonia covers an area of 25,713 sq. km in Southeast Europe. 

As observed on the physical map of the country above, Macedonia is an elevated plateau of large, rolling hills and deep valleys, completely dissected and surrounded by mountains like the Sar Mountains, Osogovski Mountains, Malesevski Mountains, Nidze Mountains and others.

The Dinaric Alps extend down into the country, and the highest point is in the Korab Mountain range, at 9,066 ft (2,764m). The yellow upright triangle marks the position of the highest peak on the map above.

Although a landlocked country, Macedonia is home to 1,100 considerably sized water sources. Major lakes include Ohrid, Prespa (both shared with  Albania ) and Doiran. Lake Ohrid is the deepest lake in the  Balkans  (935 ft.), and is regarded as the oldest in the world.

As shown on the map, the Vardar River divides the country, flowing on through  Greece , and is a major river for Macedonia. Other rivers of note include the Bregalnica and Crna.

At 50 m above sea level, the Vardar River has the lowest point in the country. 

Municipalities of North Macedonia Map

North Macedonia (officially, the Republic of North Macedonia) is divided into 80 municipalities (opstini, singular - opstina) and 1 city (grad). 

Situated in the northern part of the country in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula is, Skopje – the capital, the largest and the most populous city of North Macedonia. It is also the chief administrative, cultural, educational and economic center of the country.

Where is Macedonia?

North Macedonia is a landlocked nation situated in the south eastern region of the European continent. It is positioned in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the earth. North Macedonia is bordered by 5 nations: by Serbia in the north; by Kosovo in the northwest; by Bulgaria in the east; by Albania in the west and by Greece in the south.

Macedonia Bordering Countries : Albania , Greece , Bulgaria , Serbia .

Regional Maps : Map of Europe

Outline Map of Macedonia

The blank outline map above is of North Macedonia, a country in south-eastern Europe. The map can be downloaded, printed, and used for coloring or map-pointing activities.

The above map represents the landlocked country of North Macedonia in Europe. 

This page was last updated on February 24, 2021

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10 Things To Know Before Visiting North Macedonia

We’ve been planning a Balkan road trip for years, and we just kept postponing it for several reasons. Then we jumped into it with the random idea that instead of Montenegro and Bosnia and maybe Albania, let’s visit North Macedonia. Why not? It has Lake Ohrid – and it does have Lake Ohrid, and it’s beautiful! But this country has much more to offer – without the crowds, because it’s among the most underrated countries in Europe.

What do you actually know about it? And what should you know about it to decide whether you’d like a visit there, and how to make the most of it? We’re here to tell you. This post is all about the useful things to know before traveling to North Macedonia.

Where is North Macedonia located?

North Macedonia is one of the countries of the Balkan Peninsula , bordering Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, Serbia and Kosovo to the north and Albania to the west.

Though it’s in Europe, it’s not part of the European Union. For travelers it comes with both advantages and disadvantages. It’s not part of the Schengen zone, so it doesn’t count towards the days you can spend there. But it has its own currency: Macedonian Denar – and I recommend you to exchange some cash, because accepting cards is not exactly the norm there.

If you live in the EU (or have a SIM card from one of the EU countries) and enjoy no additional charges to use your mobile phone in other EU countries, then don’t forget it won’t apply to North Macedonia. You better buy a local SIM card to avoid high roaming fees.

We spent about 40 minutes at a gas station to buy a physical SIM card, and without the help of the kind shop assistant we wouldn’t have succeeded, as activating it involved long discussion with the company via phone in Macedonian. Since then we know a much easier solution that only takes a few clicks: get an eSIM .

The name: North Macedonia

Then the name of the country – and a statement: while we use the name North Macedonia, this is not a political statement, we merely use the official name of the country.

But it was called Macedonia until February 2019 , the renaming happened mainly in order to stop Greece from vetoing Macedonia’s entrance to the European Union. And it happened after years of UN-mediated negotiations between Greece and Macedonia, and also after a referendum which was boycotted by nearly 65% of the Macedonians. Hence it’s a sensitive and controversial topic, and many locals don’t accept the new name.

We are not here to summarize such a complex issue in a few sentences, but we’re telling you whether you call this country Macedonia or North Macedonia, someone will get offended. Since you can’t really avoid calling it something , we encourage you to be open and listen to the opinions and stories of local people – and also to do a bit of research about the history of this region when you plan a trip to Macedonia. Or North Macedonia.

It’s the land of mountains

If you love mountains, this is your country as 85% of its territory is covered in mountains . With more than 30 peaks rising above 2000 metres, North Macedonia offers challenges, countless trails and pretty panoramic views. Ski resorts, too, in the winter. Its three national parks are all located in mountains: Pelister , Mavrovo and Galičica National Parks. Visiting them is among the best things to do in North Macedonia.

It’s really off the beaten path

We know it’s such a cliché, but it’s also very accurate in this case. Europe in general is touristy. Balkan countries are gaining popularity, and some of them are also very touristy. North Macedonia is not one of them – yet. Even people who take a road trip in the Balkans often only include a short stop in Skopje or at Lake Ohrid in their itinerary.

Our opinion is that this country deserves to be more than just a stop on your way to somewhere else. A North Macedonia road trip can stand on his own.

But being so undiscovered by tourists comes with both advantages and disadvantages. It’s not flooded with tourists, that’s the obvious advantage. In fact, we barely met any foreign visitors during the two weeks we spent there. We know it was partially due to COVID (in 2021), but we also know that lots of people don’t have a clue what’s worth seeing in North Macedonia.

And there’s a lot to see, both natural and cultural attractions! But since it’s off the beaten path, sights are often not easy to research online, and detailed road and trail information is especially hard to come by. (Hey, adventurers, you can really explore here!)

Once we turned back on a dirt mountain road that our car was just not suitable for. Once we turned back on a trail which was so poorly marked and maintained that we spent more than half an hour looking for the next marker and didn’t manage to find it.

We tell this not to scare you away from this beautiful country, but you need flexibility and an adventurous soul to enjoy exploring its lesser known areas. With that said, there are easily navigable areas like Skopje, Matka Canyon or Lake Ohrid. And you can also find local guides and tour companies , if you’re not confident to explore on your own.

If you’re not sure what to see in North Macedonia and would like me to help you put together your best North Macedonia itinerary, click here and let’s get started!

It’s a country where different cultures meet

East and West. Asia and Europe. Islam and Christianity.

Religion is tied to ethnic and national identity here, and North Macedonia is mostly populated by Macedonians who are of Slavic origin and are Orthodox Christians, and by Albanians who are Muslims. Albanians are the largest minority, one-third of the inhabitants. Hence North Macedonia is a border zone of different cultures and traditions, and rich in both churches and mosques.

Does North Macedonia have beaches?

Unlike Albania or Montenegro, North Macedonia doesn’t have any seashore. But it has Lake Ohrid! You might think “well, fine, but that’s still only a lake at the end”. Yes and no. It’s a lake, one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes, that Macedonia shares with Albania. While we’ve seen many lakes before, Lake Ohrid still knocked us off our feet .

It’s really that beautiful! Some of its bays can be mistaken for the bays of the Adriatic Sea. The water is clear and has an incredibly blue shade. Its beaches are pebbly or rocky, and you can swim in the water. The best beaches in North Macedonia are to be found on the shore of Lake Ohrid.

Lake Prespa is not comparable to Lake Ohrid

They’re the two largest lakes in the country, they’re both tectonic lakes, and their source is the same, too. Yet if you consider from a visitor’s point of view, you can easily spend a week at Lake Ohrid, swimming, paddleboarding, hiking, taking boat tours, visiting the town of Ohrid or the monastery of Saint Naum, while Lake Prespa doesn’t offer much . What we liked about it the most was the views of the lake from Galičica and Pelister National Parks.

We also stopped at Stenje Beach and Slivnica Beach on the shore of Lake Prespa, but we found them disappointing. They’re abandoned and look lifeless. The jetty is broken, the toys on the playgrounds are broken, and the shore of the lake is swampy. We don’t know if anyone uses these beaches anymore, but they gave us the impression that they don’t, and it was not hard to understand why. It was a sad sight, no one was there on that hot June day, and we, too, quickly continued our way towards Bitola.

Skopje, the capital is both very old and new

Skopje is an ancient city, it’s inhabited since at least 4000 BC. Remains of this ancient settlement can be found within the old Kale Fortress. The Stone Bridge that connects the main square, Macedonia Square to the Old Bazaar was built on Roman foundations.

But an earthquake destroyed approximately 80% of the city in 1963, hence a project called Skopje 2014 was introduced to give back the classical appeal of Skopje. Between 2010 and 2014, 136 structures were built. The project was heavily criticized though, stating it was too expensive and a waste of resources, and also that it was an attempt to change the nation’s history. Of course, some criticized the aesthetics of the buildings, too.

Whatever you think or know about Skopje 2014, you’ll definitely notice these new classical buildings when walking around in Skopje’s center.

Sign up for a full day guided tour to see the highlights of Skopje – and this one also includes visiting nearby Matka Canyon.

Hospitality

Traveling a lot in Europe and living in Budapest, a city that struggles with overtourism (not in the years of COVID, but in general), we got used to the fact that people are often neutral or even irritated with tourists. Well, not in North Macedonia. We felt welcomed, we felt that locals were happy to see us there, exploring their country.

Some of them spoke English, many of them not, but they were all eager to know where we came from or what places we visited in the country. They were also very warm and friendly towards our little Tomi, asking his name, showing him cute kittens that he can cuddle or giving him chocolate. (Here I have to confess that I ate that chocolate, all of it. 😛 We haven’t given Tomi any chocolate yet, and want to keep it that way until we can.)

The thing we liked the least: driving in North Macedonia

No, it’s not even the roads. Though the roads are of varied quality, most of the roads we took were acceptable, and the motorway was fine. (But don’t count on Google Maps! It may tell you to drive on “roads” that are actually trails.)

Our problem was the driving culture. We barely managed to avoid two accidents, caused by careless drivers who passed other cars on mountain roads where one can’t even see whether another car is coming. It looked like they didn’t even care, even though we were coming , and luckily we pulled our car off the road both times to avoid a head-on collision – and luckily, there was a grassy area and a small parking area (for the second time) where we could actually pull off safely.

We know it’s not a typical North Macedonia thing, rather typical to all Balkan countries. Speed limits, lanes, prohibition signs seem to be optional to a lot of people, and they often simply ignore it. Be very careful and vigilant, especially on narrow mountain roads! (And we know, it’s not enough for you to be careful, others should be, too.)

So is North Macedonia worth a visit?

This post is far from being a North Macedonia travel guide, but it’s a good intro. And you already know our opinion: yes, North Macedonia is worth a visit, and we’ve written several posts about our favorite places in the country – check them out here.

Have you been to the Balkans? Which are your favorite places there?

Disclosure: Please note that affiliate links are used in this post, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. Thank you!

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Bea is a travel writer and the co-founder of Our Wanders, an adventurous family travel blog. She’s been traveling for more than 10 years, seeking outdoor adventures, fairy tale castles and unique experiences. She's passionate about sharing all she has learned along the way, and she's an expert in planning trips of any length. She’d love to help you plan your own amazing trip, too.

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21 Mind-Blowing Places to Visit in Macedonia

Macedonia is one of the least-traveled countries in Europe (less than fifteen thousand American, Brits, and Canadians visit here annually – combined!). Yet, this mountainous, landlocked country has so much to offer! There are quirky cities, gorgeous villages, interesting historic sites, majestic lakes, and beautiful mountains. And while some of the most beautiful places to visit in Macedonia rival those anywhere in the world, you’ll pay a fraction of what you would for a trip to similar spots in western Europe or even Croatia or Slovenia .

So whether you’re backpacking the Balkans or you’re just looking for a quick city break , don’t make the same mistake most travelers do and just hit Skopje or Ohrid. There are far too many unexpected and wonderful places to visit in Macedonia to give this country short shrift. 

A note about Macedonia versus North Macedonia: This article is about planning a trip to North Macedonia (the country) and not the region of Greece called Macedonia. However, the name “North Macedonia” is not commonly used yet, so we will simply by substituting the name Macedonia in places. This is not a political statement; we are merely trying to help those looking for information about the country find it easily. Political comments will be deleted. 

The Best Places to Visit in Macedonia

From small fishing villages to resort towns to interesting historic sites, these are our picks for the best places to visit in Macedonia.

Most trips to Macedonia will start in Skopje, either landing at the airport or grabbing a bus  from Sofia , Tirana, or Greece. Visitors will find that there are fantastic things to do here, but the real joy is simply strolling the quirky streets and enjoying the juxtaposition of the city’s delightfully slow pace with its urban atmosphere. Highlights include visits to the Old Bazaar, Skopje Fortress, and the stone bridge. Don’t forget to check out the city’s decidedly strange architecture!

Skopje is also a great place to base yourself to visit a few of the other spots on this list, so if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to spend a week or two in a place, you can use Skopje to explore the greater region on day trips. 

The Jerusalem of the Balkans, many people have heard of Ohrid as an important cultural and religious city. But this UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth visiting for so many reasons. Yes, it is full of beautiful churches and monasteries, including the picture-perfect St. John at Kaneo , but it’s also just a fabulous lakeside town. Here you can mix your summer fun with cultural pursuits, making Ohrid the perfect all-around vacation destination.

Give yourself time to tour the churches, but don’t skip on time on the water. No trip here is complete without getting in a boat! You can go on a quick sunset cruise, or you can take an entire day trip on the water visiting some of the other villages on the lake (several of which are listed below). 

Matka Canyon

The most popular day trip from Skopje, though you can also choose to stay at Matka Canyon for a few days at the local hotel. Easily reachable by taxi, bus, or car, you simply have no excuse not to take in this beautiful Macedonian natural wonder while in the city.

Matka Canyon is beloved by hiking enthusiasts, spelunkers, and photographers of all levels. While here you can go for a boat ride, visit the monasteries, swim, kayak, hike, or visit one of the caves. 

Located in the southern part of North Macedonia near the border with Greece, Bitola is the country’s second largest city. Yet it receives a fraction of the tourists of Skopje or Ohrid, so it has a decidedly off-the-path feel. Start your time here in Magnolia Square underneath the clocktower, before making your way through the city’s important religious sites. 

You don’t come to a sleepy Bitola to rush, so take your time by enjoying the local cafe scene on Sirok Sokak, the city’s main pedestrian drag. Visit the city’s Old Bazaar and the covered market, where you can get your  Macedonian shopping fix.

Mavrovo National Park

While Lake Ohrid attracts international travelers, the rest of Macedonia’s natural wonders are far less known outside of the country. Yet Mavrovo National Park is home to the country’s highest mountain (Mount Korab), the best ski resort (Zare Lazareski), and one of the country’s most beloved festivals (the Galičnik Wedding Festival). So if you’re looking for somewhere that offers interesting culture and beautiful nature year-round, look no further.

If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to make a visit to the twin villages of Janče and Galičnik, which have become something of a culinary mecca in Mavrovo and across Macedonia. 

The town of Trpejca on Lake Ohrid has earned the nickname of the Macedonian Saint-Tropez as tourists have increasingly set their sights on visiting this tiny yet glamorous former fishing village.

Most hotels here are actually guest houses run by locals who open their homes to the numerous tourists during the high season and return to regular life during the rest of the year. While here, you can indulge in swimming, snorkeling, boating, and soaking up the sun on the shore. It has a reputation as having the cleanest swimming water on the lake, and Instagrammers adore the photogenic rocks standing out in the water.

You can visit as a day trip from Ohrid or you can base yourself here for a few days of total relaxation. 

Kokino Observatory 

Located in the northern part of the country near the Serbian border, the four-thousand-year-old Kokino Observatory is an ancient megalithic site that Bronze Age peoples used to track the patterns of the sun and moon. Avid photographers will love the opportunity for astrophotography looking up at the same sites that men and women have been tracking for thousands of years: 

Four massive stone thrones, facing the direction of the east, make up the lower platform. The higher platform consists of markers carved into malleable andesite rocks, that indicated significant astronomical events like the summer and winter solstices, as well as the spring and autumn equinoxes.   While seated on the thrones, particularly the second one, the exact movement of light during these days could be seen. The most powerful member of the community usually took his place on this special seat, and observed the light that streamed through the carved markers, and soaked in the energy of the sun. Rituals based on these solar changes were held at the observatory.  

The Bay of Bones

The Bay of Bones is a unique experience in Macedonia. This overwater museum on Lake Ohrid is an authentic reproduction of a pile-dwelling settlement, so visitors can see how men and women lived here in the first millennium BC. There’s also a reconstructed ancient Roman military fortress up on the hill nearby. Both can easily be visited from Ohrid or the other lake villages by boat.

Situated in the crater of an extinct volcano, the museum city of Kratovo is famous for its six stone towers and its picturesque nineteenth-century architecture. Other can’t-misses in the city are the medieval bridges, including Rada’s Bridge, and the city’s underground tunnels.

If you visit Kratovo as a day trip from Skopje, make sure to pair it with a stop at the nearby Kuklika Stone Dolls. This natural wonder is a set of stone pillars, which legend has it that each pillar is a member of a wedding party put under a curse by a scorned bride.

The city of Tetovo has an Albanian majority, so while here you’ll see the city’s interesting mosques including its most famous, the painted Sarena Mosque. You’ll also want to set aside time to see Tetovo Art Gallery, located in the former bathhouse, the city’s beautiful churches, and the beautiful stone bridge.

If you come to Tetovo as a day trip from Skopje, pair your visit with a stop at the nearby fourteenth-century Monastery of Leshok. 

Stobi Archaelogical Site

The most famous archaeological site in North Macedonia, Stobi is located in the middle of the country, almost equidistant from Skopje and Bitola. Stobi served as the capital of the ancient Roman Provence of Macedonia Secunda, and it continued to play this important role during the early Byzantine Empire. 

While here, make sure to see the famous theater, the beautiful baptismal font, and the detailed mosaics.

Snake Island

The island of Golem Grad in Lake Prespa is better known by its more imaginative nickname, Snake Island. Visits here start from the villages of Konjsko or Stenje, where you can take a two-kilometer boat ride to the island (though you can visit from any point on Lake Prespa if you happen to have access to a private boat…).

Why the name snake island? Well, yes, it’s because there are quite a few snakes on the island:

The alternative name of Golem Grad is ‘The Island of Snakes.’ Upon arrival on the island itself, make sure that the first tree which you’ll see (and there are many) will be decorated with thin snakes that hang on the dry branches. The first ones are friendly and are not poisonous – beloushki (grass snakes) and they live in the rocks and by the water.   The second type…Well,  you may be amazed, excited or terrified – it depends on how willing you are to encounter horned vipers having a party on the island. Yes, they are everywhere. Yes, they are poisonous. These magnificent guards protect the place from the top of the island.

While here, make sure to stop by the grave of Tsar Samuil, the ruined church, and the flocks of pelicans who live here during the season.

Pelister National Park

Located about an hour outside of Bitola, Pelister National Park is the second largest national park in the country. The most famous landmarks here are the two mountain lakes known as Pelister’s Eyes.

Visitor’s come for the spectacular views, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and horseback riding. So basically Pelister National Park is an outdoor paradise.

Heraclea Lynkestis

Located just outside of Bitola, Heraclea Lyncestis was founded by King Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. The ruins here are one of the last remaining ties between the ancient and modern Macedonian cultures. 

While here, there are many important landmarks to see:

Beautiful Roman baths, the Episcopal church and baptistery, a Jewish temple, portico and a Roman theater now used for summer concerts and theater performances, all stand proud in excellent condition.   The Roman theater on the hill, who’s ruins where unearthed in the late 1960’s, was constructed during Emperor Hadrian’s 20-year reign (A.D. 117-138). He is credited with building as well as restoring many structures in the province of Macedonia. It was not until after his death that the theater came into use. Artifacts found at the site indicate that it was primarily used to stage gladiator fights until the late 4th century, when such fighting was banned throughout the Empire.   There is a small museum on the grounds with few artifacts and a nice scale model of the city at its peak.

Radožda 

Located on Lake Ohrid just two kilometers from the Albanian border, the village of Radožda is over a thousand years old. Besides soaking in the sun and enjoying the peaceful village setting, you can tour the seven churches in the village. On Easter, the townspeople set out to visit each one, but the most famous is the cave church of St. Archangel Mihail from the fourteenth century. 

Galičica National Park 

Named after Galičica Mountain, which straddles the border between Macedonia and Albania, Galičica National Park is on the Macedonian side of the mountain and covers the area between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. 

If you get high enough on the mountain you can see both lakes simultaneously (and even grab a photo of both). The panoramic views from here are just breathtaking and more than worth the effort of getting this high.

An easy day trip from Bitola, the village of Prilep (which also encompasses the former village of Varoš) is famous for its namesake tobacco. 

After you arrive, start with the clocktower which is the most famous spot in the city. Make sure to see the Monastery of Treskavec and the Carshi Mosque and spend time exploring Varoš with its beautiful Ottoman architecture.

Hiking and history lovers should visit the nearby medieval fortress of Markovi Kuli. 

Completely off the tourist path, Kruševo is a great mix of museum town and decay. The colorful houses come to life when the sun is shining, spread across the hilly village.

Spomenik hunters need to put this place on their Macedonian itinerary since it’s home to one of the most unique Yugoslav Memorials. Makedonium, also called the Ilinden Monument, is located on Gumenja Hill and is dedicated to those who fought for Macedonian independence from the Ottoman Turks and during World War II.

Monastery of St. Naum

A popular day trip from Ohrid, the Monastery of St. Naum (Manastir Sveti Naum) is situated on the shore of the lake near the Albanian border. Yet the church is important for more than just its beautiful setting:

This is one of the first monuments of Slavic church architecture, built duringByzantinee times.   The central part of the monastery complex is the church of the Holy Archangels, and it is the most captivating building in the entire region. Surrounded by tall cypresses, traditional buildings and stone walls, it is nicely secluded…   The interior of the church is well known for its characteristic wood craving, which is very old, dating back from the 17 th and 18 th century. Inside the church, the icon of the holy Assumption of St. Naum is still there, representing the oldest item of the theme.   The core of the monastery complex is a lush and serene garden, with fountain streams and colorful peacocks. An attraction on its own, these birds are a popular highlight of the entire region as well.

By Reklam-net, CC BY-SA 3.0 , Link

About an hour away from Ohrid by taxi, the trip out to Recica is an easy one. Once here you’ll find a “village” with only one resident and no stores. But the highlight here isn’t the people watching or the shopping, rather you come here to see one of the most unique sites in the Balkans: the natural laundry!

The laundry here is done using a vortex in the river which agitates the clothing the way a washing machine does. Afterward, the laundry is hung up to dry, so you’ll find a field full of laundry hanging in the sun.

You won’t find a more unique day trip from Ohrid or any other city in the Balkans, so make sure to make time to see this cultural site!

Šar Mountain (Sharra Mountain)

Located an hour and a half from Skopje on the border with Kosovo, Shar Mountain is a popular ski resort and hiking spot.  The mountain is covered in glacial lakes, called Sharplaninski Ochi in Macedonian. Dog lovers will be excited to see the Shara Mountain Sheepdog, also known as the Sharplaninec, a local dog breed endemic to the mountain.

Foodies should make sure to check out the local cheeses, made from sheep’s milk, and other local dairy products. 

Macedonia Travel Resources

Headed to Macedonia? We have some great travel resources to help you with your trip. First read our guide to planning a trip to Macedonia , which covers visas, budgets, vaccines, and much more. We also have a Balkan currency guide which explains how money works in Macedonia and local tipping customs.

Next, you’ll want to read our guide to shopping in Macedonia so you know which souvenirs are truly local gems.

If this will be one of your first trips in the Balkans, check out our massive list of things to know before traveling the Balkans  as well as our Balkan bus ,  road trip , and itinerary guides. 

For more information about traveling to Macedonia and the Balkans, check out our North Macedonia and Balkan  travel pages. 

Finally, Make Sure You Come to Macedonia with Travel Insurance

I’m sure you’re aware that  travel insurance  is essential for Macedonia and for travel in general! Allison and I have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last two years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.

While Macedonia is perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel, so it’s better to play it safe. The saying goes “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel” is true!

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Pin this Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Macedonia for Your Trip

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online , appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times , and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.

Related posts

Omg! I need to go back to Macedonia! I only spend a week there, and there’s so much to see! I’ll save this post to plan the next trip ❤️

It’s insane how much there is in this tiny country! We live next door and we still haven’t seen it all after many visits <3

Thanks for sharing your amazing experience. Macedonia is indeed a lovely country that I would love to explore next time. I am going to bookmark this post as a useful source for my next trip!

We adore North Macedonia! I hope you get to visit soon!

Was a nice experience I agree its worth visiting. Been there last August and going back in November👍👍👍

So glad you enjoyed your visit to North Macedonia! Enjoy your return trip!

Such a beautiful country! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide! Saved your post for the future 🙂

Yes, North Macedonia is beautiful!

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

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Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Skopje. 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 map:

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Mother theresa memorial house, skopje fortress.

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Restaurant fitness house, restaurant „lyra“, japanese restaurant „sushico“, restaurant „old house“, transportation in skopje, nearby airports, skopje international airport, prishtina international airport “adem jashari”, ohrid st. paul the apostle airport, highways and major roads.

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