Skopje, North Macedonia

Things to do

2 days in Skopje

Day 1

  1. MorningCross the Stone Bridge and get lost in the Old Bazaar, one of the largest in the Balkans.
  2. AfternoonClimb to the Kale Fortress, then visit the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.
  3. EveningHave dinner in the Old Bazaar.

Day 2

Visit Matka Canyon, or ride the cable car up Mount Vodno.

What to eat

Tavče gravče, baked beans in a clay pot, and a cold Skopsko beer.

Local tips

Make the most of Skopje

Beat the crowds

Skopje is calm. The Old Bazaar is liveliest in the late afternoon.

Best photo spot

The Stone Bridge over the Vardar, with the fortress and the old town behind it.

Getting there

Buses run from the airport to the centre. The centre is walkable.

Don't miss nearby

Matka Canyon, with a lake and caves to explore by boat, about 30 minutes away.

Good to know

Skopje's centre is full of huge statues added in recent years. The Old Bazaar is one of the largest in the Balkans.

Secret spots

1 secret spot near Skopje

Our most hidden places around Skopje: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Skopje to take with you.

12 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Skopje

Getting there

  • Skopje Airport (SKP)17 km away
  • Ohrid Airport (OHD)105 km away
  • Niš150 km away
  • Tirana155 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryNorth Macedonia

Questions

Skopje: good to know

Is Skopje worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and food. A quirky capital of statues, an Ottoman bazaar and an old stone bridge.

How many days do you need in Skopje?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Skopje?

You can visit all year. Skopje is calm. The Old Bazaar is liveliest in the late afternoon.

How do you get to Skopje?

The nearest airport is Skopje Airport (SKP), about 17 km away. Buses run from the airport to the centre. The centre is walkable.

What is there to see near Skopje?

Nearby hidden places include Ohrid (111 km), Lake Koman (133 km) and Valbona Valley (136 km).

More hidden places in North Macedonia (3)