Skopje
Visited in April 2017
At a glance
- Country
- Macedonia
- Region
- City of Skopje
- Population
- 422,540
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Skopje International (SKP)
- Coordinates
- 42.00°N, 21.43°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
North Macedonia's capital is a city of contrasts. On one bank of the Vardar River, the Old Bazaar is a warren of Ottoman mosques, inns and workshops. On the other, a forest of statues and neoclassical façades from the Skopje 2014 project divides opinion.
It is easy-going, affordable and friendly, with good food and plenty of café life. Mount Vodno rises right behind the city, and the forested Matka Canyon is a short drive away.
Things to see
-
Photo: Stotosenik, CC BY-SA 3.0 Old Bazaar
One of the largest old bazaars in the Balkans, full of mosques, caravanserais, cafés and craft shops.
-
Photo: Yemc, Public domain Skopje Fortress
The old Kale fortress on the hill above the bazaar, with views across the river and city.
-
Photo: Делфина, CC BY-SA 3.0 Stone Bridge
The city's symbol, a fifteenth-century Ottoman bridge linking the old and new halves of town.
-
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 Memorial House of Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, and this small memorial tells her story near the site of her childhood church.
-
Photo: Boredjohnn, CC BY-SA 3.0 Millennium Cross
A giant cross on the summit of Mount Vodno, reached by cable car or a steep hike.
Things to do
-
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kayak in Matka Canyon
Paddle or take a boat between steep cliffs to riverside caves, then eat by the water.
-
Photo: Oliver Manev, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat tavče gravče
The national dish of baked beans in a clay pot, best with fresh bread and a local salad.
-
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 Walk the Skopje 2014 statues
Stroll Macedonia Square and the riverbanks to see the vast warrior statue, fountains and new façades.
Where to stay
Centar
Around Macedonia Square, central and close to the river and bazaar.
Hotels in CentarDebar Maalo
A leafy district of restaurants and bars, popular with locals.
Hotels in Debar MaaloOld Bazaar
Atmospheric small hotels in the historic quarter.
Hotels in Old Bazaar
Getting around
The centre is walkable. City buses are cheap, and taxis are plentiful and inexpensive.
The airport is around 20 kilometres east of the centre, about 25 minutes by taxi or airport bus.
When to go
Spring and autumn are warm and comfortable for walking and hiking. Summers are hot, often very hot in July and August. Winters are cold and can bring smog.
Plan your trip to Skopje
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.