Your Last BordersBEST THINGS TO DO IN NORTH MACEDONIA
North Macedonia is a beautiful landlocked balkan country of 2 million inhabitants and a history dating back millenia. It was ruled by Macedonians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Yugoslavs. Yet, since 1991 is an independent republic spring borders with Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece. Its mix a cultures, history, landscapes and very affordable prices have recently placed North Macedonia on tourist maps. Moreover, low-cost flights to Skopje Macedonia have target it as a city break destination. Thus, the list of best things to do in North Macedonia has sites to delight every traveler. Expect plenty of vibrant cities, monasteries, mosques, natural parks, ancient ruins, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
There’s endless things to do in North Macedonia. Keep this post handy and prepare your ideal North Macedonia itinerary for the best Macedonia holidays. Then, head to my Instagram and Tiktok pages for additional insights on my very own trip around the area.
Best things to do in North Macedonia’s cities
1. Feel the contrasts in Skopje
Skopje, home to half a million inhabitants, is North Macedonia’s capital and largest city. Since most flights to Macedonia land in Skopje, as the city has the biggest airport in Macedonia, it’s an excellent starting point to your holidays in Macedonia.
In this city of contrasts you’ll find a vibrant old town with a bustling old bazaar, mosques, an impressive fortress, bakeries, and Turkish-looking cafes. Thus, Skopje’s old town feels very Ottoman and far from Western Europe. However, at the other side of the river, Skopje’s city center hosts sites as Porta Macedonia, Republic Square, and the modern bridges packed with statues that feel very much Western European. Skopje is also home to interesting museums such as the memorial of Mother Teresa of Kalkota. Need more? Check out my list of the best things to do in Skopje.
Visiting this eclectic capital city is one of, if not the ultimate, best things to do in North Macedonia. Get ready to learn about its past, present and future while joining a walking tour, sitting in local kafana restaurants, or getting lost in translation between the modern statues and the old bazaar.
2. Explore Ohrid
Ohrid is one of the most famous cities in Macedonia as it’s home to the best beaches in Macedonia and many historical sites. Additionally, Ohrid is both a natural and a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is something very few places can claim, so Ohrid is an absolute must see in North Macedonia.
Culture wise, Ohrid is worth a visit for its churches, amphitheatre, fortress, and old bazaar. Nature wise, travellers come to Ohrid to enjoy it’s beaches, restaurants by the water, and stunning landscapes. Check out my list of best things to do in Ohrid for additional details.
For now, note that shopping at Ohrid’s old bazaar is one of the best things to do in North Macedonia. You’ll love it’s old cobbled streets and winding alleys, and the many cafes and restaurants based on same. Make sure to stop at the Samuel’s Fortress and the churches of Saints Clement and Panteleimon, Saint John at Kaneo, and Saint Sophia. Finally, head to the port and join a boat trip to admire the views over the city from the waters and finish off the day with a nice meal by the lake. Ohrid has some of the best restaurants in Macedonia.
When exploring Ohrid’s area, consider visiting the nearby monastery of St. Naum and the Bay of Bones museum. Both are beautiful places to visit in Macedonia. You can read more about them, including prices and opening hours, here.
3. Relax in Bitola
Home of 70,000 inhabitants, Bitola is one of the best cities to visit in Macedonia for its beauty and vibe. Bitola is 175km away from Skopje, 70km from Ohrid, and 15km from the Greek border which makes it a great stopover on your Balkan trip. Plus it’s surrounded by the Baba, Nitze, and Kajmakcalan mountain ranges meaning its surroundings are also stunning.
Bitola’s nickname is ‘city of consuls’ as many European countries have their consulates here. Consequently, the city hosts many beautiful neoclassical buildings of elegant pastel colours, great restaurants, and a vibrant cultural life. As Bitola is one of the oldest cities in North Macedonia, there’s plenty of interesting churches and mosques to explore. Along with hamams, a clock tower, and an old bazaar.
Besides the fun and beauty of the city, the highlight of visiting Bitola is exploring the ruins in Heraclea Lyncestis. I’ll tell you more about this 4th century BC town on item 14 below.
4. Kratovo
Kratovo is not a city but a village. A charming village 90km east from Skopje famous for standing in the crater of an extinct volcano. Inhabited since the roman times and surrounded by the Osogovo mountains, it’s one of the oldest settlements in the Balkans. Thus, if you are looking for picturesque villages with stunning landscapes, Kratovo is a must in your Macedonia tourist itinerary.
Once a vibrant mining centre, Kratovo is now a tranquil village of cobbled streets and old houses with red rooftops. There’s also five medieval bridges and six stone towers from the 14th century, make sure to check them out. Additionally, near Kratovo stand the Stone Dolls of Kuklica, interesting rock formations to include among your Macedonia tourist attractions.
5. Prilep
Prilep is an interesting place to visit in Macedonia for those who enjoy exploring historical sites. Here you’ll come across churches, monasteries, mosques, an old bazaar, and a fortress with stunning views. All of them dating back to the Byzantine, Ottoman, and even neoclassical times. Moreover, there’s a few communist and modern buildings worth a visit too.
The local capital during medieval times is now the fourth largest city in North MAcedonia and the country’s tobacco capital. Home to over 60,000 inhabitants, it stands in Western Macedonia, about 130km south of Skopje and 40km north of Bitola.
The names to remember if adding Prilep to your Macedonia places to visit are the following. Firstly, Sv. Blagoveshstenie church which is famous for its wood carvings Secondly, Carpi mosque which is the oldest in Europe with a double balcony on its minaret. Finally, and despite being 10km away from the city, Treskavec Monastery. This a 12th century creation hosts stunning frescoes and offers unreal views, so it’s among the most beautiful places in Macedonia.
6. Try traditional North Macedonian food and wine
Food in the Balkans is delicious. The mix of fresh mediterranean produce and Easter influences is a delight, so eating traditional North Macedonian food is a must among Macedonia things to do. You can read more about food in the Balkans here or check out the following posts for the best places to eat in Skopje and Ohrid.
Expect lots of burek, freshly made pastries filled with the nicest minced meat, spinach, and/or cottage cheese. Along with a hearty bean stews, stuffed peppers and/or cabbage, grills meats, fresh salads, and lots of dips.
If you are a wine drinker, North Macedonia has you covered as well. The country hosts over 160km2 of vineyards and its wine making tradition, although not as long as that of Armenia and Georgia, goes back centuries ago. Expect plenty of picturesque valleys dotted with quaint wineries, old churches, and beautiful lakes perfect to enjoy sunset, glass on hand.
The region’s most famous wines are Stanushina, Vranec, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The best wineries are meant to be those along the Vardar Valley, most of which also offer restaurants and accommodation. Some names to remember are Tikves, Stobi, and Popova Kula in Povardarie.
Best things to do in North Macedonia’s natural wonders
7. Swim at Lake Ohrid
On top of visiting the mesmerizing city of Ohrid, if you love natural sites, make sure to save some time to swim in and walk around lake Ohrid when you visit North Macedonia. Its eaters are spectacularly clear, plenty of endemic species live in the area, and the surrounding mountains packed with quaint village are one of the most famous landmarks in Macedonia.
The lake is one of the oldest and deepest in Europe and serves as the natural border between North Macedonia and Albania. This natural UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the coolest attractions in Macedonia and the perfect substitute for a beach holiday in the Balkans. Get ready for quiet beaches, watersports, bat trips, historic churches, local eateries, cool restaurants, and a varied nightlife. Plus, Lake Ohrid is blessed with the nicest climate in Macedonia.
Besides Ohrid itself, the best beach towns to visit along the lake are Struga and Trpejca. And the most famous beaches are Golden and Nemo beach, Lagadin, Gradishte, Trpejca, Ljubanusta and Sveti Naum beach. When planning your trip, make sure to read the ultimate list of best things to do in Ohrid Macedonia.
8. Galichica National Park
Galicica is a mountain range separating Albania and North Macedonia. The North Macedonian side, standing between lakes Ohrid and Prespa, is a National Park since 1958 and one of the most wonderful North Macedonia tourist attractions a mountains lover can visit. And it’s only an hour away from Ohrid city.
Within Galicica National Park lie picturesque mountain villages, untouched valleys, green forests, mount Kota of 2,292 meters which is one of the highest peaks in the country, and tones of endemic floral spices. Trekking some of the park’s 227 km2 is one of the best things to do in North Macedonia, especially if you make it high enough in the mountains to see both lake Ohrdi and lake Prespa simultaneously.
9. Pelister National Park
Pelister National Park is an outdoors paradise among North Macedonia things to do. The 170 km2 area around the 2,600 metre-high Mount Pelister became a National Park in 1948. Thus, it’s the oldest and second-largest national park in the country. It includes eight peaks over 2000 metres high, two stunning glacial lakes known as Pelister’s Eyes, and a ski resort.
Located 2 hours form Ohrid and just one from Bitola, visitors come for a day trip or spend some nights in the nearby campsites and hotels. The area is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, chilling by the lakes, and spotting some wild animals. Among these, bears, roe deers, wild boars, wolves, and soaring eagles are the most common endemic spices. Consequently, if you’d like to add some nature to your list of what to see in Macedonia, consider a visit to Pelister National Park.
10. Mavrovo National Park
If you can only visit one National Park in North Macedonia, make it Mavrovo National Park. It’s the largest in the country, and it can be enjoyed relaxed by sailing and sightseeing or to its fullest by hiking to the top of the country’s highest peak, the 2,764 metre-high Mount Korab. Thus, Mavrovo is perfect for photo stops, multiple day treks, and anything in between.
The park takes its name from the nearby Mavrovo village, a picturesque place with the country’s largest artificial lake. Upon its construction, the 19th century church of St. Nicolas was left abandoned and forced to submerge under its waters. However, in the driest months it’s only half-submerged and visiting its remnants is one of the best things to do in North Macedonia.
By the lake one can also go horseback riding, cycling, kayaking, swimming and even fishing. Rumor has it the lake sources the best trout in North Macedonia. Make sure to sample some in one of the traditional restaurants in Mavrovo after catching a wonderful sunset. Other cool Macedonia places near Mavrovo are the Jance village and Galicnik village, home to the highest number of protected buildings in the country.
11. Take a boat trip at Matka Canyon
Matka Canyon is a wonderful natural wonder to visit near Skopje. Spending a day by its waters, either hiking or on a boat trip, is definitely one of the best things to do in North Macedonia.
This 5,000 ha along canyon surrounds the country’s oldest artificial lake, Matka lake, and is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Additionally, there’s many cave formations and ancient monasteries to visit in the area. Along with a nice onsite restaurant and stunning picnic areas.
Nevertheless, the number one thing to do in this beautiful Macedonian canyon is to take a boat trip along the lake and up onto Vrelo cave, the deepest in the Balkans. Sailing on the azure waters, listening to the endemic birds while enjoying the sunshine and admiring the beautiful cave formations is one of the best things to do in North Macedonia. Book your boat trip here and don’t miss out on this Macedonian highlight. You can read more about how to get from Skopje to Matka Canyon here.
Best things to do in North Macedonia’s historical sites
12. Visit the Monastery of Saint Naum
The monastery of Saint Naum, or Sveti Naum, is one of the most famous churches in Macedonia. Thus, visiting its premises is one of the best things to do in North Macedonia for those who enjoy historical sites. And those who love a good view, a nice swim, and a delicious treat to upgrade their sightseeing as there’s many opportunities of the kind in the area.
Saint Naum is 29km from Ohrid and reachable both by road or boat, as further explained here. The 10th century Byzantine monastery complex is really beautiful and hosts frescoes considered among the best in the Balkans. Plus it’s one of the oldest churches in Slavic architecture which along with its stunning location by the lake makes it really special.
13. Admire the Painted Mosque in Tetovo
Despite being a land of mesmerising churches and monastery complexes, North Macedonia is also home to some stunning mosques. Among them, the painted mosque in Tetovo should make it to every North Macedonia itinerary as it’s one of the best places to visit in North Macedonia.
Tetovo is the country’s second largest city, home to over 80,000 inhabitants most of which are originally Albanian. As it’s just 45 km east of Skopje it makes a great day trip from the country’s capital. Many come over to enjoy its Ottoman architecture, stone bridges, churches, hammers, brutalist buildings, and cozy cafes with a view over nearby Bar Mountains. And, of course, the famous painted mosque.
Sarena mosque, which means painted mosque, was built in 1438, destroyed during the 17th century and rebuilt in the 1833. What makes it really special is that mosques are usually not largely decorated and hardly ever painted this much. Moreover, this is the only mosque in southeast Europe with an illustration of Mecca, islam’s holiest city.
If its exterior already seems appealing, wait until you visit the interior. it’s an authentic technicolour treat to all senses. Every available colour seems to have been used in the many floral, geometric, and arabesque patterns covering everything from window frames to walls and balconies. The places is open everyday and free to visit, so make sure not to miss it during your Macedonia holidays.
14. Step on Heraclea’s mosaics
Those interested in getting to know the Ancient Macedonian empire should definitely place Hearaclea very high when traveling to North Macedonia. The 4th century BC complex of Heraclea Lyncestis are the best preserved ruins of the time and contain many Greek, Roman and Byzantine remnants.
The place was built by the Macedonian King Phillip II, father of Alexandre the Great. Yes, the ‘warrior’ sitting in front of the ‘warrior on a horse’ in Skopje’s main square. He named it after Hercules, son of Zeus in the Greek mythology. And the place became a major Hellenistic site once ruled by the Greek themselves. Around the 2nd century BC, the romans took over and emperor Hadrian remodelled it with splendid floor mosaics, roman baths, and an amphitheatre. Later on, the Byzantine empire also conquered the place and added some additional mosaics.
Visiting the ruins, along with the on-site museum, is one of the best things to do in North Macedonia and a must for history lovers. These stand just ten minutes from Bitola, are open daily from 8am to 6pm, and the entrance fee is just around $2.
15. Visit the ruins at Stobi
Another interesting archeological site from the times of the empire of Macedonia is the Ancient Macedonian city of Stobi. It’s considered the most impressive ancient town in the country, and history lovers will have a blast exploring around. Moreover, as Stobi is about an hour from Skopje it makes a great day trip from the capital.
Stobi is from the 2nd century BC and has been rules by Macedonians, Romans and Byzantines until destroyed by an earthquake. The city was the capital of the Roman province Macedonia Salutaris. Thus, it was a hub in the ancient Roman trading route between the Danube and the Aegean Sea.
Current visitors are welcome daily from 8am to 4pm for a $2 entrance fee. The ancient city’s highlights are its old houses and streets, floor mosaics, theatre, and baptismal site.
Recap on the best things to do in North Macedonia
North Macedonia is a growing tourist destination thanks to its natural beauty, especially around Lake Ohrid, its ancient heritage, and its vibrant cities. This post on the 15 best things to do in North Macedonia details the very best of them and offers insights on their opening hours and prices.
To recap, if you love cities make sure to spend some time in Skopje, Ohrid, and Bitola. For those into nature, explore Lake Ohrid, Matka Canyon and at least one of the following National Parks: Galicica, Pelister, and Mavrovo. The monastery of Saint Naum, the painted mosque in Tetovo and the roman ruins in either Heraclea or Stobi are a must for history lovers.
And don’t forget to sample as much local food as you can during your trip to North Macedonia. I’d love to hear about your trip on the comments section below or via my head to my Instagram and Tiktok pages. Have fun!
