Welcome to Skopje, the old, modern, strange, quirky and unique capital of North Macedonia! There are tons of things to do in Skopje and it is perfect for a cheap short trip to escape the hustle and bustle of your day to day life. You will find everything in this city as it encapsulates a mix of history, culture and awesome sights.
My favorite part about Skopje and Macedonia is that is super cheap. Whether it is accommodation, food, or touristic attractions you can really explore Skopje on a budget! In this complete guide and itinerary, I’ll show you the best spots to hit, some hidden gems, and tips to make your trip fun and affordable. So, let’s dive in and get ready to explore all the amazing experiences Skopje has to offer!
Must See Things to Do in Skopje
There are plenty of things to do around Skopje whether in the city center or in the vicnity to fill 2 jam packed days or 3 days set at a slow pace. Whether it is sightseeing, shopping or a nature escapade this quirky capital has something for all.
1. Macedonia Square
Start off your first day in the center of the hustle and bustle of Skopje. This square is unavoidable and is a must see. The Macedonian government invested heavily to fill the capital up with statues in an attempt to attract tourists to the country. You can definitely see these on exhibit here in this grand square with Alexander the Great sitting pretty on top of his horse in the center of this magnificent square.
2. Mother Theresa Memorial House
Before continuing on exploring the area beyond Macedonia Square into the Old Bazaar, take a left into one of the side streets and you will find the Mother Theresa Memorial House. You may be wondering the affiliation that Mother Theresa has to Macedonia, but she was actually born here in Skopje. There is a chapel and a small museum which offer insights to this famous humanitarian and best of all the entry is free.
3. Stone Bridge (and other bridges)
Beyond the grand square, you will find yourself in the Vadar River and there is a series of bridges all with unique properties. Most notably is the Stone Bridge. It connects the old and new parts of the city. This bridge dates back to the 6th century and is one of the more iconic landmarks to see in Skopje. Make sure you climb down the steps to the banks of the river to get a decent photo opportunity of the bridge itself.
Other than the Stone Bridge, there is the Art Bridge as well as The Bridge of Civilisations which keep with the theme of the several statues thrown everywhere. The Art Bridge combines the statues with elegant lamp posts making it a good photo op for those insta posts. The statues feature artists, musicians and writers from Macedonian history
4. Old Bazaar (Čaršija)
The Old Bazaar in Skopje is one of the oldest and most vibrant parts of the city, dating back to the Ottoman era. As you wander through its narrow, cobbled streets, you’ll find a blend of traditional crafts, jewelry, and local goods, making it a perfect spot for souvenir shopping.
The Old Bazaar is a great place to experience authentic Macedonian food. You can find numerous cafes and restaurants which offer affordable local dishes like kebabs, burek, and baklava, all in a laid-back atmosphere. This makes it a must visit in Skopje to capture the essence of Macedonian culture.
Other things to do in the area of the Old Bazaar include the Macedonian Orthodox Church of the Ascension of Jesus and the Mustafa Pasa mosque. Past the mosque you will find yourself in the Bit Bazaar a hectic market where merchants sell all kind of stuff here. I would advise caution in this area especially if you are solo traveling.
5. Skopje Fortress (Kale)
Amongst the must things to do in Skopje is to head out to Skopje Fortress. Before going deep into the Old Bazaar head up top to this ancient ruins. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, Skopje Fortress, also known as Kale, dates back to the 6th century and it has been a key defensive structure throughout Skopje’s history. Nowadays though it is the perfect spot to get a close look of the city especially during sunset times! Entrance like most things in Skopje is free.
6. Millennium Cross
While looking out from Skopje Fortress you can catch a glimpse of a giant cross on top of a mountain. It is practically visible from anywhere in Skopje. Built on top of Mount Vodno to celebrate 2000 years of Christianity, this massive cross is 66 meters high. Personally the breathtaking views you can see from the top of Mount Vodno is what attracts me to the vicinity of the Millennium Cross making it the perfect break from exploring the city and start to venture towards the outskirts.
You can reach the Millennium Cross by taking a cable car from the base of Mount Vodno. You can check out my other blog post here detailing how to get here and other things to do once on top of Mount Vodno. I would suggest to go during sunset time, it has a rather peaceful and serene feeling being up there watching the sun sink on top of Skopje.
For more information on what to do once on top of Mount Vodno and how to get next to this cross towering over Skopje check out my other blog post – Skopje Millennium Cross – The BEST Way to Get to Mount Vodno
7. Matka Canyon
Another perfect nature escapade and one of the must things to do in Skopje is to take a short 30 minute drive to Matka Canyon. This location with cliffs and the picturesque river is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the area. It is easy to spend a whole day here, exploring Vrelo Cave, kayaking, hiking, or visiting the nearby monasteries.
For a more detailed guide on Matka Canyon make sure to check out my other blog post here where I dive deeper and provide a complete guide on how to get there and tick off all the activities this canyon has to offer. I go in depth on costs and the best way to reach Matka Canyon here – Hidden Secrets in Matka Canyon – Trails and 5 AMAZING Things to Do
8. Skopje City Park
Skopje City Park is the largest green space in the city, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle. Located just a short walk from the city center, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking to relax, exercise, or enjoy a leisurely stroll. The park is home to numerous walking paths, playgrounds, and lakes, making it one of the more relaxing things to do in Skopje. During the summer, the park comes alive with outdoor concerts, festivals, and local vendors selling snacks and refreshments.
Whilst walking on your way to the Skopje City Park, you should catch a glimpse of the national stadium and you can climb up the stairs and take a peak inside to the home of Macedonian football.
9. Skopje Zoo
Another great thing to do in Skopje especially if you are traveling with kids is the Skopje Zoo located within the Skopje City Park. It is home to over 500 animals from various species, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and many more. Recently renovated, it now offers improved enclosures and a more engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
This is by far the cheapest zoo you will ever go to and although not the largest, it definitely has a good variety of animals enough to spend 4-6 hours exploring. Entry tickets cost just 80 MKD (around €1.30) for adults and 40 MKD (around €0.65) for children. The zoo is open every day from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM in the winter and from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM during the summer months.
You can check out more information on their official website here
10. Shopping Mall
Once you finished visiting the old bazaar and other street merchants, you can turn your shopping elsewhere. A 25 minute walk down one of the main traffic routes from the Old Bazaar you will find East Gate Mall, where you can find the latest world renowned brands here. It is the perfect place to scout for some cheap deals on your popular brands making a visit to this mall a great option of things to do in Skopje. You can check out a list of all shops found in this mall here
Other shopping malls can be found close together in the city center but lack the international renowned brands but still make it a great option to dive into where some of the locals do their shopping. One of these malls is the Diamond Mall found a few minutes walk from the Mother Theresa memorial house.
Day Trips from Skopje
If you have some extra time whether it is flight scheduling or simply want to extend your trip in Macedonia, there are a couple of great day trips which you can take from Skopje. Both need some traveling time but in my opinion these are the only 2 which are worth your time.
Lake Ohrid
One of the regrets I have in my time in Macedonia is that I didn’t have the time to visit the picturesque Lake Ohrid. This is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its crystal-clear waters, historic churches, and charming old town. The drive to Ohrid takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, making it a bit of a long day trip, but definitely worth it if you have time.
Alternatively you can also choose to spend a couple of days here as there is definitely more than enough things to do around this gorgeous lake.
Once in Ohrid, you can spend the day strolling along the lakefront promenade, exploring the ancient Church of St. John at Kaneo, and visiting the famous Samuel’s Fortress. The combination of natural beauty and historical landmarks makes Ohrid one of the most popular destinations in North Macedonia. If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss the chance to take a swim in the lake or enjoy a boat ride.
Pristina
Pristina, the capital city of Kosovo is another day trip option from Skopje. Located about 90 minutes to 2 hours away by car, Pristina offers a fascinating blend of old and new, with plenty of historical sites and vibrant city life. As one of the youngest countries in Europe, Kosovo’s capital is full of energy, making it a unique contrast to the more laid-back vibe of Skopje.
If you have the bucket list target of making a personal mission to visit every country in the world then I would argue that the most accessible way to visit Kosovo is through Macedonia, as Serbia doesn’t recognize Kosovo’s independence making it incredibly hard to enter the country from Serbia.
While in Pristina, you can visit the Newborn Monument, a symbol of Kosovo’s independence, or explore the impressive Ethnographic Museum, which gives insight into the region’s culture and history. The National Library, known for its unique architecture, is another must-see. Pristina is also home to several great cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional Kosovan cuisine before heading back to Skopje.
Other Skopje Tips
Now that the dust has settled and you have your holiday planned out with fun things to do in Skopje it is time to give you some other tips on how to get around, and general information which is good to know for your travels to Macedonia.
Getting Around Skopje
Public transport in Skopje, unfortunately is not the greatest and information online is lacking. Frequency of buses are scarce but they do tend to follow the timetables attached to the bus stop. Luckily all the things to do in Skopje mentioned in this blog are all easily within walking distance of one another. Otherwise when you find yourself tired or need to go to either Mount Vodno or Matka Canyon or to the airport itself I highly suggest to catch a taxi.
Taxis in Macedonia are really cheap especially when traveling in a group. Taxis from the airport to the Skopje center costs no more than 20 euro. In recent times it appears that Skopje has its own ride hailing app similar to Uber, called Wizi. I haven’t personally made use of Wizi as they were not available when I visited Skopje but make sure to check them out for yourself.
Best Time to Visit Skopje
The best time to visit Skopje depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, but generally, spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the ideal months. During these periods, the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it perfect for sightseeing and exploring outdoor attractions like Matka Canyon and hiking up in Mount Vodno.
Where to Stay in Skopje
Skopje offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from affordable hostels to luxury hotels. The city center is the most convenient area to stay in, with easy access to major attractions like Macedonia Square, the Stone Bridge, and the Old Bazaar. Here’s a breakdown of some great options for every type of traveler:
Budget-Friendly: Urban Hostel & Apartments
If you’re traveling on a budget, Urban Hostel & Apartments is a great option. Located a short walk from the city center, it offers clean and comfortable rooms at really affordable prices. You can choose between dorms and private rooms, and there’s a communal kitchen if you want to save money by preparing your own meals. Free Wi-Fi and friendly staff make it a popular choice for backpackers and budget travelers.
Mid-Range – Plenty of choices
I am not going to recommend one mid range hotel as there are plenty of mid range options to choose from. I would say choose by price and location make sure to stay within walking distances to the main attractions I mentioned above.
Luxury: Skopje Marriott Hotel
For those seeking a luxurious experience, the Skopje Marriott Hotel is the top pick. Located right on Macedonia Square, this five-star hotel offers high-end amenities such as a spa, indoor pool, fitness center, and an elegant on-site restaurant. The rooms are spacious and modern, with excellent views of the city. Staying here puts you in the heart of Skopje’s action, with many attractions just a short walk away.
Where to Eat in Skopje
There are several options to dine in Skopje. The Old Bazaar have several small local places where you can get a cafe and some snacks for your midday lunch. Another option is in the area of the Mother Theresa House where several bars and restaurants reside for a more laid back atmosphere.
For your dinner options, make sure to make a reservation as things tend to get crowded in the more finer of established located in and around the river banks and Macedonia Square. Although these are the more expensive areas to get dinner, it is extremely value for money as I guarantee you get quality food for a fraction of the price you would pay back home.
That wraps up my guide on a comprehensive list of things to do in Skopje. Check out my other posts down below and make sure to get in touch if you have any other questions!
