Ultimate Guide to Skopje, Macedonia
Ultimate Guide to Skopje, Macedonia was originally published in 2026
When I arrived in Skopje for the first time back in 2011, I wasn’t sure what to expect. In fact, I didn’t know anyone who had been there aside from a gymnastics teammate who was born there and ended up in the US following the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Fast-forward to a return in 2023, and I hardly recognized the city, owing to major new glitzy monuments that had moved in after my first visit.
The capital of North Macedonia is a quirky mix of old Ottoman bazaars, grand socialist-era blocks, and an explosion of shiny new monuments that look like someone let loose with a bottomless budget and zero restraint. And you know what? That chaos makes Skopje fascinating.
If you’re wondering whether to visit Skopje, the short answer is: yes. The longer answer is this guide, packed with the best things to do in Skopje, where to stay, how to get there, the best time to visit, and some insider tips.
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Where to Stay in Skopje
Skopje’s hotels are as varied as its architecture:
- Luxury: Located right on the banks of the Vardar River, DoubleTree by Hilton Skopje is a great option for those looking for something a bit upscale.
- Mid-Range: The Hotel Macedonia Square has nice spacious rooms, located right in the middle of the city..
- Budget: Both Railway Hostel and Skopje Hostel were great options on my last visit to Macedonia. Both are centrally located to both the city center and transit points.
- Boutique: Hotel Alexandar Square Boutique – sleek and central without breaking the bank.
How to Get to Skopje
- By Air: Skopje International Airport (SKP) is about 25 km from downtown. Buses and taxis are the easiest ways in.
- By Bus/Train: The central station links Skopje with Sofia, Belgrade, and Pristina. The buses are usually faster and more reliable than trains.
- By Car: Driving gives you flexibility to explore the rest of North Macedonia, but central Skopje traffic can test your patience.
Best Time to Visit Skopje
- Spring (April–June): Warm days, blooming trees, and ideal sightseeing weather.
- Summer (July–August): Hot but lively, especially at night when locals crowd the squares and cafés.
- Autumn (September–October): Cooler temps and gorgeous autumn colors in nearby mountains.
- Winter (November–March): Cold and quiet, good if you want to combine your trip with skiing in Mavrovo.
Tips for Visiting Skopje
- Currency: Macedonian denar (MKD). Cash is king in markets and small cafés.
- Language: Macedonian is the official language, but younger people often speak English.
- Transport: The center is walkable, but taxis are cheap if you need to get around.
- Food to Try: Order shopska salad, grilled meats, and a spread of ajvar. And don’t skip a local rakija, though maybe not before sightseeing (or do- it can make sightseeing a bit more entertaining, and I am speaking from personal experience).
- Statue Bingo: There are a lot of statues. Make it a game to see how many you can spot before losing count.
Best Things to Do in Skopje
Get Lost in the Old Bazaar (Čaršija)
Walking into the Old Bazaar feels like stepping back a few centuries. Narrow cobbled lanes wind past caravanserais, mosques, hammams, and tea houses that smell like strong coffee and fresh baklava. It’s easy to lose track of time here (and also to lose your sense of direction), but that’s part of the fun. Mustafa Pasha Mosque’s courtyard is the perfect quiet escape if the bustle gets overwhelming.
Climb Up to Skopje Fortress (Kale)
Skopje’s fortress has been keeping an eye on the city since at least the 6th century, and from up here you’ll see exactly why. The view stretches across the Vardar River, the red-tiled Old Bazaar, and Macedonia Square with all its new-age grandeur. The walls are partly restored, partly crumbling, but that kind of sums up Skopje itself.
Macedonia Square & Statues Galore
The first time you walk into Macedonia Square, you’ll either be impressed or slightly bewildered. Giant statues rise in every direction: warriors, lions, revolutionaries, and, of course, the colossal “Warrior on a Horse” (which is definitely Alexander the Great, but officially not called that). You’ll lose count of the statues within five minutes, it’s basically Skopje’s unofficial scavenger hunt.
Cross the Stone Bridge
Connecting Macedonia Square to the Old Bazaar, this 15th-century bridge is Skopje’s most iconic landmark. Stroll across at sunset, when the river glows golden, and you’ll understand why this city has always been an important crossroads.
The Memorial House of Mother Teresa
Skopje is the birthplace of Mother Teresa, and her memorial house is a thoughtful stop in the middle of the city’s busy center. Inside are personal items, photographs, and a quiet chapel. It’s a surprisingly peaceful pocket in a city that’s otherwise buzzing.
Escape to Mount Vodno & the Millennium Cross
For views that put the whole city in perspective, head to Mount Vodno. You can hike up if you’re feeling sporty or take the cable car for an easier ride. At the summit, the Millennium Cross looms over everything—at 66 meters tall, it’s hard to miss. On a clear day, you can see far beyond Skopje.
Take a Day Trip to Matka Canyon
If you only leave the city for one day, make it Matka Canyon. Just half an hour away, this slice of turquoise water and towering cliffs is ridiculously scenic. Rent a kayak, take a boat to Vrelo Cave, or hike the canyon trail. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in all of North Macedonia.
Pop Into Skopje’s Museums
Skopje has a museum for everyone:
- Museum of the Macedonian Struggle – history buffs will love this one.
- Museum of Contemporary Art – a blend of Macedonian and international artists.
- Archaeological Museum – for treasures from the region’s long history.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Skopje
Skopje isn’t your typical European capital. It’s eccentric, layered, and sometimes downright puzzling, but that’s exactly why it’s worth a visit. You’ll wander medieval bazaars in the morning, sip coffee under Soviet-style apartment blocks at noon, and end your day watching the sun set behind a massive cross on a mountain.
It’s a city of contrasts, where history, politics, and modern ambition all collide in one place. If you’re up for a destination that’s off the beaten path yet packed with personality, Skopje, Macedonia, deserves a spot on your travel list.
Have Any Questions About Visiting Skopje?
Ask your questions about Skopje in the comments section below. Been to Skopje? Let us know your favorite spots.
