Monumental architecture hints at Skopje’s historic grandeur: From the Byzantine Skopje Kale Fortress (Skopsko Kale) to the Ottoman-era Old Bazaar and ties to Alexander the Great, the former socialist capital and present-day capital of North Macedonia has long been a crossroads for empires. Looking for things to do in Skopje? The city’s not stuck in the past. Skopje locals know how to live it up, whether café-hopping in the boho neighborhood of Debar Maalo, learning the steps of a traditional Macedonian folk dance, or day-tripping to Lake Matka.
Spring is a great time to visit North Macedonia—Skopje’s parks generally burst into bloom each year. Spring and early summer's mild weather makes it a favorite for visitors, before July and August heat sends locals and tourists toward cooler countryside retreats such as Lake Matka. Fall is another highlight, as it fills the city with music: October’s Skopje Jazz Festival and November’s alternative-music Taksirat are some of the year’s biggest events.
Much of Skopje’s compact city center is best explored on foot, and walking tours are a great way to see its top sites. To cover more ground, consider hopping one of the city’s red, double-decker public buses; passes are available online and at most bus stops. Ride-sharing apps aren’t available in Skopje, but taxis are plentiful. Stick to metered taxis to avoid haggling over fees.
The best sunset views in the city are from Skopje Kale Fortress, which looks out over the old town and the Vardar River. Head up before dusk, so you can walk the ancient walls at twilight, then make a stop at the nearby Old Bazaar. That’s where you’ll find the greatest concentration of traditional restaurants in the city, with many serving menus of burek, moussaka, and cabbage rolls called sarma.
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Yes, Skopje is worth visiting—the city’s many attractions make it an ideal starting point for exploring North Macedonia. History buffs take note: Skopje also has North Macedonia’s finest museums, including the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, Holocaust Memorial Center, and Archaeological Museum of Macedonia.
...MoreWith one day in Skopje, focus on the walkable city center. That’s where you’ll find the Old Bazaar’s narrow lanes of shops and cafés, as well as the Skopje Kale Fortress. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the Stone Bridge over the Vardar River, a city emblem.
...MoreNorth Macedonia is a budget-friendly place to travel when compared with other European countries. Food, transportation, and accommodations generally offer high value for money. Attractions and tours are less expensive, too, making North Macedonia a great place to splash out on experiences that are out of reach elsewhere in Europe.
...MoreNorth Macedonian food brings together super-fresh Mediterranean produce with a love for hearty meats. Visit the taverns called kafanas to try kebapi—ground meat grilled on skewers—or ajvar spread made from eggplants, pepper, and garlic. Tavche gravche, a slow-cooked, tomatoey bean stew is considered a national dish of Macedonia.
...MoreDobar den! That’s “good day” in Macedonian, the official language of the Republic of North Macedonia. Macedonian is also considered a minority language in a handful of other countries, including Albania, Romania, and Serbia. Learning a few words is a great way to make a positive impression while visiting Skopje.
...MoreSightseeing in Skopje goes from ancient history to medieval churches. The city’s attractions include the Ottoman-era Old Bazaar, Skopje Kale Fortress, and the Church of St. Panteleimon. Skopje is also the hometown of famed humanitarian Mother Teresa, whose story is preserved at the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.
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