Away With The Steiners

10 Things To Do In Skopje, North Macedonia That Make It So Unique.

Sarah Steiner

Looking further at destinations in the Balkans?  North Macedonia is a little lesser travelled than the main hotspots but every bit as stunning, historic, fascinating – and tasty!  There is coffee aplenty, history to walk right over and lots more to do in Skopje that make it well worth a visit. 

Travel to North Macedonia

North Macedonia – officially the Republic of North Macedonia – is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe.  It shares land borders with Greece, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Serbia and Albania. 

The heritage of North Macedonia is interesting.  It has a diverse culture history with influences from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Slavic traditions. 

For travel, it is a budget-friendly destination and especially compared to other European countries. 

Welcome to the incredibly historic capital city of Skopje by the way.

About Skopje

Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia. It is the country’s political, cultural, economic, and academic centre. 

The city is known as the birthplace of Mother Teresa, the location of the incredible Kale Fortress, and as the capital of North Macedonia. 

It is an interesting city centre to visit with much history.  Though it is uncrowded and easy to get around. 

What is it like to visit? 

The North Macedonian capital city is a unique destination with a blend of historical, cultural and modern influences.  

We were particularly wowed by the enormous and grand architecture of the city.  Though we also noted the comparatively drab levels of Brutalism architecture in the mix too. 

It is a friendly small city kind of atmosphere.  Albeit with one of the largest markets in Europe to boot! 

The market is incredible and the vendors are particularly friendly.

What is the best time of year to visit? 

The best time to visit Skopje is during spring (April – May) or autumn (September – October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowd.  

The summer (June – August) is also a beautiful time of year in North Macedonia.  

However, know that you won’t be alone at this time!  More so for the outer city destinations.  But Ohrid, for its beautiful lake and historical sites, Mavrovo National Park for hiking and nature, and Matka Canyon (near Skopje) are popular summer vacation spots in the Balkans. 

We visited Skopje in early May and had a pleasant temperature – though it did rain one afternoon! 

We had a grey day though the old city was brilliant to explore nonetheless.

Getting there

Skopje is easy to reach by intercity bus.  There are regular daily buses from Pristina (Kosovo), Tirana (Albania) and Thessaloniki (Greece).  Plus, other options for international buses that come from further afield (Greece, Montenegro, Croatia etc). 

The main airport serving Skopje, and North Macedonia, is Skopje International Airport (SKP) – also known as Skopje Alexander the Great Airport.  There are regular daily flights and low-cost airlines that service the airport. 

Getting around in Skopje

For all the things to do in Skopje listed below we found it easy to do walking.  The main sites and things to see are within walking distance of each other. 

There are otherwise public transport options with buses and taxis. 

The city is both walkable and hugely historic.

How long do you need? 

Obviously, the time needed largely depends on your interests.  But for most of the things to do in Skopje, with the Grand Bazar, the city centre and Macedonia Square, they can be visited with 1 – 2 days of exploring. 

We had two days in Skopje and enjoyed our time.  Though you could do one day of city exploring and see the below things to do in Skopje. 

Things to do in Skopje

Here are 10 things to do in Skopje.  Which I might add are in order of our arrival and the direction we explored this cool city! 

1. Skopje Fortress 

The Skopje Fortress is commonly referred to as Kale Fortress in history.  

It is situated on the highest point in the city overlooking the Vardar River.  So as soon as you even drive into the city centre you can see the towering fortress ahead. 

From down below, the wall of the fortress looks decidedly Game of Throne’s worthy.  It is a 6th-century AD Byzantine (and later, Ottoman) fortress. 

It is possible to go in and visit the fortress.  The entrance is up the hill on Samoilova inside a lovely park; opposite the gateway is a slightly unkempt path that leads across the hump of the hill to the Museum of Contemporary Art.  (Which is far more contemporary and in rather better nick than the fort!).

Or you can admire it from pretty much anywhere down in the city centre area.  There are some cool views driving into the city! 

2. Mother Teresa Memorial House

Mother Teresa was famously born in Skopje where she lived from 1910 to 1928. 

The memorial house was built on the popular Macedonia Street in the centre of the city, on the very location of the once Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, where Mother Teresa was baptized.

Warming up with Kebap next to the Mother Teresa Statue and Memorial House.

3. Archbishop Cathedral – Church of St. Clement of Ohrid

This central cathedral is not the only one in Skopje.  But the Archbishop Cathedral is the largest cathedral of the Macedonian Orthodox Church today. 

The incredible interior of the Church of St. Clement of Ohrid.

4. Brutalist Architecture – Things to do in Skopje

Brutalist architecture is a style that emerged in the mid-20th century post-war.  It is a caricatured style that uses raw concrete and bold geometric forms. 

It could be described now as fairly hideous.  (Sorry, Brutalism).  Though we find a quirky draw to noting this odd and standout architecture in the Balkans! 

There is a lot of Brutalist architecture in the Balkans.  Though Skopje looks as if it would win awards for the highest concentration of the style. 

What do you reckon? Yay or nay? 

You will likely walk past the fabulously Brutalist Post Office on your way to the river.  So, I’m putting it down as an additional – albeit quirky – of the things to do in Skopje! 

What do you think of the central Post Office?

5. Vadar River Promenade 

The Vardar River is a major waterway in North Macedonia and Greece.  In Skopje, the river flows through the city and is known for its cultural and historical significance, with the Stone Bridge and the city’s location on the river being prominent landmarks. 

Along the river front in the old city, there is a large walking promenade.  This made for a good route to take from the cathedral across to the old city.  

But the Vardar River promenade is a popular spot for residents and tourists.  There is space to walk, picnic, bike, or rollerblade along the river’s edge, with views of the Stone Bridge and the city. 

Strolling the Vadar River.

6. Stone Bridge – Things to do in Skopje

Taking a walk over the historic bridge spanning the Vadar River to the old city is one of the iconic things to do in Skopje.  The bridge is known quite literally as the ‘Stone Bridge’.

But names aside, the bridge is considered a symbol of Skopje.  It is the main element of the coat of arms of the city, which in turn is incorporated in the city’s flag.

Crossing the 15th century Stone Bridge.

7. Government Buildings 

The riverfront government buildings in the centre of the old city are incredible to lay eyes on.  In stark contrast to the historic Stone Bridge and the Bridge of Macedonian Civilizations, these are glistening white marble buildings with Corinthian-capped columns. 

The buildings tower over the banks of the Vardar River and feature a mix of new buildings and sculptures, including neo-classical style of architecture.  

Which again is also in rather stark contrast to the drab Brutalism around the city!

See?

8. Macedonia Square – Things to do in Skopje

Macedonia Square is the large and main square in the city.  In fact the square is the biggest in North Macedonia with a total extent of 18,500 m2.  It is huge – and fittingly grand! 

In the middle there is an enormous statue to Alexander the Great and his father Phillip II.  Then surrounding the square are a choice of restaurants, cafes and the stone path road leading towards the old city and Skopje Bazar. 

Part of the huge Macedonia Square.

9. Skopje Old Bazaar

The old part of the city of Skopje is typically historic.  It is great for a stroll. 

Often, I read that the entire older part of the city is referred to as the Old Bazaar.  Though the market itself – see below – is worthy alone on any list of things to do in Skopje…

The Old Bazaar is still home to several active mosques, türbes (mausoleums), two churches and a clocktower.  Which along with the fabulously grand buildings of the Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Museum of Modern Art, make up a great part of the city to explore.

Cobbled stones, history and quaint cafes seems to sum it up nicely.

10. Bit Bazaar – Skopje Market 

The Old Bazaar and the market within the old part of the city is absolutely one of the standout things to do in Skopje.  It is also known as the Turkish Bazaar.  Though names aside – it is marvellously huge! 

In fact, it is one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans and the second largest Ottoman market – after the Grand Bazar in Istanbul!

The history is similarly enormous too.  The entire Old Bazar has a history dating back to the 14th century, when Skopje was firmly within the Ottoman Empire.

Pit Pazar is located next to the Old Bazaar proper.  This is the large partly undercover old market that has been somewhat revamped over the years.  Though it has largely retained its multi-ethnic and multi-lingual environment where rural people come to sell farming produce and locals conduct business.

It is a brilliant bustle of activity and a great place for a spot of shopping – or people-watching! 

Entering a first aisle in the huge Green Market of Pit Bazaar.
Olives aplenty.
Plus every kind of dried meat you might think you’ve seen before.

Other things to do in Skopje

If you have more time, there are plenty of other things to do in Skopje. 

Plus, there are some beautiful day trips from Skopje to Matka Canyon or Ohrid. 

There is an abundance of beautiful old stone mosques in Skopje.

Food in North Macedonia

Like all countries in this region, the land has been inhabited for thousands of years.  So, it isn’t surprising that North Macedonian cuisine today shows influences from the Ottomans and shares similarities to that of the surrounding Balkan countries.

We tried sweet honey and fresh soft cheese in the market.

Here are a few dishes and snacks to keep an eye out for: 

Though we seem to still be on a duly Burek-hunt and found delicious Borek too in the Old Bazaar! 

Eating Kebap is absolutely one of the things to do in Skopje.

Restaurants, cafes and where to eat in Skopje

Coffee houses are all the rage in the Balkans.  We noticed a huge number of coffee shops and tea cafes in Skopje (a little like Pristina).  Which we made the most of with some brilliant people-watching in Bit Bazaar. 

Though there are other cafes to try too: 

Our new found fave coffee shop inside the Green Market of Pit Bazaar.
Coffee shops and tea houses are dotted all around the Old Bazaar.

Motorhome parking in Skopje 

The driving is notably much more chaotic (compared to Pristina) on entering urban Skopje.  But we were fairly set on heading straight into the city centre to find a park for the night. 

We ended up staying the night at an unusual restaurant carpark.  Which I might add has limited reviews on Park4Night and from what I could see they were actually reviews by random North Macedonians.  The names of the people reviewing the place didn’t have any other reviews on Park4Night which did raise a few suspicions as we arrived. 

Though it actually turned out to be fine for the night.  Plus it was in easy walking distance to all the things to do in Skopje city centre. 

SKOPJE – Mirche Acev

Note it was a shock for the cost of a night here.  Especially compared to previous guarded carparks in Kosovo, Montenegro and Bosnia.  However I do admit it was a safe place to leave the van and we had a decent night of sleep outside the restaurant. 

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