THINGS TO DO IN SKOPJE

Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia, a beautiful landlocked Balkan nation. The city is home to half a million inhabitants and stands at the North of the country. Thus, it’s near the border with Kosovo and close enough to Albania, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Skopje is easily reachable from Istanbul and Western Europe thanks to WizzAir. Moreover, it’s becoming a very popular stop on Balkan road tips. That is because the city is very affordable, offers an interesting mix of ancient culture and modern sites, and serves excellent cuisine. Therefore, there’s tons of amazing things to do in Skopje.

The following post summarises the 15 best places to visit and things to do in Skopje to help you prepare a wonderful trip. The vibrant mix of Mediterranean, Balkan, Eastern, and Western cultures that cohabit this city, along with its many churches, mosques, fortresses, and the old bazaar, are waiting for you. Tailor your ideal Skopje itinerary and enjoy a memorable holiday in Skopje.

Best things to do in Skopje Old Town

1. Admire the Square of Macedonia

The Square of Macedonia is the main Square in Skopje, and thus one of the places to visit in Skopje that no visitor should skip. It’s located right in the city centre, across the Vardar river, and with 18,500m2 it’s the biggest square in the country. 

Macedonia Square is very vibrant culture wise, as all sorts of festivals and events in Skopje take place here. Additionally, the fountain’s lighting every night is worth seeing. However, what makes the square truly relevant is its political significance. This is the very place where North Macedonia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.  

Additionally, the square is focus of conflict with neighbouring Greece due to its main statue. A 22-metre-high masterpiece of Alexandre the Great riding his horse. North Macedonians believe Alexandre the Great once ruled their country and as such can be called Macedonians. However, the Greeks reject any association between Alexandre the Great and the North Macedonian historical identity. And have been quite insistent on this, blocking North Macedonia’s access to both the EU and NATO. Thus, to keep it politically neutral, the statue’s official name is ‘Warrior on a horse’. Although both sides know this is Alexandre the Great as nobody else deserves such a huge majestic statue.

Similarly, there’s a 15-metre high statue of a ‘warrior’ in front of the ‘warrior on a horse’ whose resemblance with King Philip II, Alexandre the Great’s father, is ‘unintentional and pure coincidence’. Make sure to visit both and develop your own thoughts on these unique Skopje attractions.

2. Find lots of statues

North Macedonia is a landlocked country, which tends to mean it attracts less holidaymakers than its neighbours by the beach. Particularly if compared to Montenegro, Croatia, and Albania. In 2010, to revert this and place North Macedonia on every Balkan trip, the government developed the ‘Skopje 2014 project’. 

The project consisted in the construction of several monuments, government buildings, and museums that would give Skopje a wonderful neoclassical vibe capable of attracting thousands of visitors. Over 20 buildings and 40 monuments were built in the following years, and hundreds of statues were placed all over the city. From its parks to its bridges, roads, and squares. It’s a love or hate project that many locals reject due to its millionaire cost. Rumor has it this surpasses €500 million, which many believe would be more useful in social services than they are in redecorating the city.

However, now that the works are finished, spotting tons of random statues all across the city is one of the best things to do in Skopje. There’s so many of them that from Macedonia Square one can spot almost 20 new buildings at once. Moreover, some of the bridges have over 30 statues on them. Forget about the controversy and catch all the crazy architecture along Vardar river. From the newly built buildings that pretend to be hundreds of years old to the sculptures of random shoppers, there’s so many remnants of the Skopje 2014 project that nowadays constitute a Skopje must see.

3. Cross the Art and Stone bridges

The Art Bridge and Stone Bridge are two of the main bridges over Vardar river in Skopje’s city centre. Walking along the same when exploring the old town is certainly a must among Skopje things to do.

The Art Bridge is a pedestrian bridge built as part of the Skopje 2014 project. This sole bridge is home to 29 sculptures, 14 on each side of railings and one in the middle. These sculptures honour local artists, writers, and musicians. Its estimated construction cost is of €2.5 million, so make sure to walk it plenty of times when visiting Skopje to make it closer to being worth it. 

The nearby Stone Bridge is also an iconic one, yet much older as it was built centuries ago on the site of an ancient roman bridge. However, historians disagree on its exact date of construction. Some argue it’s from the 6th century, under Roman rule, while others believe it’s Ottoman and from the 15th century. Either way, this pedestrian bridge of 214 metres long and 6 metres wide is made of huge stone blocks (i.e. stone bridge) and features 12 arches.

The bridge appears both on the country’s currency and the city’s coat of arms. It was almost destroyed by the nazi in 1944 and has been repaired in several occasions. It unites Macedonia Square at the newest part of the city centre with the old town and its bazaar. Therefore, is a great place for people watching and an unmissable spot among the places to visit in Skopje.

4. Contemplate the Macedonia Gate

Macedonia Gate, or Porta Macedonia in the local language, is a 21-metre-high triumphal arch honoring the country’s independence from Yugoslavia. However, this is not an old building as one might think when first looking at it. The gate is actually from 2011 and part of the ‘Skopje 2014 project’, and cost over €4.4 million to its citizens. Some of which disliked and painted the site in protest. 

Regardless of its origin and acceptance in the city, Porta Macedonia is now on every list of what to see in Skopje. Thus, I’d encourage everyone to walk around, appreciate its beauty, take some photos, and judge the site for themselves.

5. Shop at the Old Bazaar

Exploring the Old Bazaar is one of the best things to do in Skopje, by far. This is the second largest bazaar in all of Europe, only behind the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and far bigger than those in Sarajevo or Mostar. The market was a commercial hub during the Ottoman times, and is now a protected landmark featuring an untouched piece of the city’s past. Therefore, the old bazaar is the best place to feel the real Skopje.

Along its winding cobbled streets lie endless colorful stalls selling every artisan product you can think of. From jewelry to textiles, carpets, leather, decorations, pottery, copper, old war relics, tea, spices, bread, sweets, and souvenirs. The bazaar is also home to many cafes, bakeries, and restaurants whose smell and sound enhance the tourists’ experience. Moreover, everything here is really affordable, something both shoppers and foodies will appreciate.

Additionally, as it’s located in the middle of the old town, the bazaar is home to many remarkable buildings. Among these there’s over 30 mosques, hammams, mausoleums, caravanserais, and even churches. Fortunately, none of them were destroyed by the devastating earthquake that hit Skopje in 1963. Thus, exploring the area and appreciating its contrast with the modern city centre is one of the top things to do in Skopje

6. Climb to the Skopje Fortress

Kale Fortress ranks very high among the things to see in Skopje as it’s a landmark of the city, free to visit, and easily accessible from the old town. Therefore, if you are wondering what to do in Skopje, making your way up to the castle and admiring the city from above could be a great answer. Especially at sunset to stay until dusk to admire the fortresses’ night lighting.

The Skopje Fortress is a Byzantine castle from the 7th century built on top on an ancient city from the Bronze Age. Along the 14th century the Ottomans expanded the fortress, built additional towers, and used it as a military base. However, the 1963 earthquake destroyed much of it and the castle is now mostly in ruins, with only 120 metres of walls and a couple towers remaining.

Nevertheless, works and excavations are ongoing and there’s hope much more of the castle will be restored. Until then, it’s best to visit the place with a local guide although there are none available on site. However, most Skopje free walking tours and local agencies will take you up here, just make sure to book these in advanced.

7. Visit Mustafa Pasha Mosque

Mustafa Pasha Mosque is the main mosque to visit in Skopje North Macedonia. Dating back to 1492, this Ottoman mosque remains largely intact and hasn’t changed much over the last 500 years. Nor has it’s 42-meter-tall minaret. Thus, despite some renovations in 2011, no meaningful architectural or structural additions have been made. This makes it one of the best old sites to check out when you visit Skopje. 

This working mosque stands above the Old Bazaar, on the way to Skopje Fortress, and is free to visit. It’s surrounded by a beautiful rose garden that hosts the tombs of Mustafa Pasha and his daughters.

8. Attend a show at the opera

Macedonia was once part of the Socialist State of Yugoslavia, and to me ex-socialist equals awesome opera shows at inexpensive prices. If you’ve ever met me or my Instagram and Tiktok pages, you’ll know I love attending opera shows in ex-soviet cities. And that I strongly recommend the ones in the main cities of Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan and even Kazakhstan, to name a few. Therefore, it will come as no surprise that I consider attending a show at the opera one of the best things to do in Skopje. You can check out the performances and their prices here. 

However, if you are not an opera enthusiast (I wasn’t until I started attending, now there’s no coming back) you can still enjoy the theater from outside. The building itself is really beautiful, designed by famous Slovenian architects to resemble mountain peaks.

9. Sample local cuisine

Wondering what to do in Skopje if you are a foodie? Easy, sample as much of the local cuisine as you can and perhaps head to a local cafe or a rakija bar afterwards. You’ll have a blast without breaking the bank. 

Macedonian food is balkan food, so you’ll find it very similar to that of its neighboring counties. Set between the East and the West, Macedonian cuisine mixes fresh vegetables with chargrilled meat, locally sourced cheese, and lots of beans. The best dishes to try in Skopje are burek, shopska salad, samra, ajvar, kebab, tavce gravce, and lots of pita bread with feta cheese. Make sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with some baklava afterwards. You can read more about these dishes here.

A great place to start your Skopje food tour is the old bazaar and its traditional restaurants known as kafanas. The waiters may come out and try to convince you their restaurant is the best. Don’t be scared and ask for the menu. This is not a touristic spot in Western Europe, there is no need to run away from touristic spots. Nor to fear unfresh and expensive food. Kafanas are a great place to enjoy food in Skopje and you’ll soon notice tourists and locals enjoy these alike. Alternatively, if looking for something fancier, there’s cool terraces by the river in the modern side of the city. This is also the area where to find the best bars in Skopje.

10. Visit the Memorial of Mother Teresa

If you’d like to add a museum to your Skopje sightseeing, make it the memorial of Mother Teresa. Yes, the catholic nun of Kolkata awarded a Nobel Prize twice was actually born in Skopje. And her home town’s memorial site is indeed one of the best places to visit in Skopje. 

She was born in Skopje in 1910 from Albanian parents and baptized shortly after as Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu. Her baptism site is now a monument and memorial showcasing her life and mission. Here you’ll learn about her work caring for leprosy, refugees, prostitutes, abandoned kids, elderly, and people with AIDS or severe mental illnesses. There’s also many insights to her journey to and in Kolkata, where she established a charity and the Catholic Church of Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Finally, visitors can see some of her personal effects, letters, and photographs along with a small chapel and a statue of the nun herself.  

Mother Teresa is the most famous North Macedonian citizen and a true icon of kindness and dedication to the needy. Therefore, learning about her journey is certainly one of the best things to do in Skopje. Plus it’s free and open from 9am to 8pm on weekdays and 2pm on weekends.

11. Explore the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle

The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle is the best Skopje attraction to learn about the country’s recent history and struggles. Its 13 rooms of exhibits showcase every North Macedonian effort to become independent from the first rebellions against the Ottoman in the 16th century until their Declaration of Independence on 8 September 1991. 

Thus, within the museum you’ll find thousands of images, paints, reports, and artifacts related to the country’s occupations and fights for independence. The museum was built in 2008 and opened in 2011 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the country’s independence. However, despite being quite new, its visit is one of the best things to do in Skopje for history lovers.

Best things to do in Skopje’s outskirts

12. Discover Debar Maalo

One of the coolest things to do in Macedonia Skopje is explore Debar Maalo, the city’s bohemian neighbourhood. This stands in the western side of Skopje, by the city park, 2 km from the old town. 

This vibrant neighbourhood hosts lots of fancy restaurants serving local specialities, taverns offering delicious wines, nightclubs, bars, and cafes. It’s a great place for breakfast and brunch, and also to enjoy some live music. If you don’t feel like eating or drinking, exploring Daber Maalo is still a great Skopje what to do alternative. With its many trees, benches, and beautiful houses, the place feels like an oasis compared to the hustle and bustle of the old town.

13. Spot brutalist architecture

In 1963 a major earthquake killed over a thousand people in Skopje and destroyed hundreds of buildings across the city. Most of these were rebuilt in the Soviet’s brutalist style, which was at its popularity peak back in the days. Thus, spotting some brutalist architecture is one of the fun things to do in Skopje. 

Walk around the city and watch out for weird geometric designs and huge blocks of concrete as these are most likely brutalist creations. The most famous brutalist sites in Skopje are the old post office, old train station, Skopje Administrative court, GTC shopping center, Macedonia Saints Cyril & Methodius University, and the Goce Delčev student dormitories. Yet, my favourite was the Church of St. Clement of Ohrid in Skopje, as pictured above. 

14. Climb to the Millenium Cross

Skopje is home to the world’s second largest cross, only behind the one in Madrid. For perspective, the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is half its size. Standing at the top of Mount Vodno and overlooking the whole city, visiting the Millenium Cross and taking in the views is one of the best things to do in Skopje. 

The cross was built in 2002 to commemorate 2000 years of Christianity. It’s made of grid, 66 metre tall, and stands at 1,066 metres above sea level. Twelve columns representing the twelve apostles surround it. And tons of bulbs illuminate it at night, making this cross one of Skopje’s most famous landmarks. 

Those brave enough can hike up to the cross within 3 hours. Or even grab a mountain bike and make their way up, as plenty of locals do every weekend. Nevertheless, there’s an alternative for those looking for a quieter Skopje travel. Just take the Millennium Cross double-decker bus from Skopje central station half way up Mount Vodno, and then the cable car. Bus tickets are $1.20 return and the cable car is $2.10 return. Make sure to bring cash in local currency to purchase the tickets. Alternatively, a taxi ride to/from the cable car shouldn’t be over $5 per way. 

15. Enjoy Matka Canyon

Matka Canyon is one of the most beautiful natural sights to visit near Skopje and in the entire Republic of Macedonia. The canyon makes a great full or half day trip from the city and enjoying it is one of the best things to do in Skopje. Match canyon is accessible on guided tours starting at $30 per person, public bus from the central station at $3, or taxi for $10. It’s only 15km from the city, so either way the ride is always a quick one.

This wonderful nature getaway is actually a canyon of 5,000 ha along the country’s oldest artificial lake, Matka lake, built in 1938. It’s a great place for hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and enjoying a picnic or a meal at the onsite restaurant. Yet, the best thing to do in the canyon is take a boat trip along the lake and up onto Vrelo cave. This is the deepest cave in the Balkans and the second deepest in all of Europe. 

Additionally, the area is full of ancient monasteries. Nikola Monastery is the most famous among them, and one of the coolest to add in your Skopje tourist itinerary. It’s up to you to admire these from afar or hike to their grounds.

Recap on the best things to do in Skopje

Skopje is a very unique city capable of delighting every type of traveler. Here you’ll find a vibrant old bazaar selling all sorts of antiquities, plenty of mosques, bakeries, and cafes. These will make you feel in an old Ottoman town. Nevertheless, when wondering around the modern bits of the city centre, you’ll feel in a neoclassical hub home to modern statues, large white buildings, and stunning lighting. Not a cities fan? No worries, there’s also lots of beautiful natural wonders in Skopje. All of them easy to reach and hard to forget. Additionally, regardless of how one has spent the day, enjoying some local cuisine, wine, and coffee is definitely one of the best things to do in Skopje.

I trust after reading this post your answer to is Skopje worth visiting is a massive yes. If you have any further questions, make sure to leave a comment below. Or reach out to me on my Instagram and Tiktok pages. Reading about the best places to visit in North Macedonia and, particularly, Ohrid, can also be of help. Enjoy your trip.