Skopje, the capital metropolis of North Macedonia, is an city metropolis that you’ll both love or hate, not often in between. There are so many nice points of interest however some stand outs embrace the brutalist structure, together with the quite a few monuments and the native meals.
I lived and studied within the concrete metropolis of Skopje, so I do know it by coronary heart. Therefore, if you happen to’re visiting Skopje, or if you happen to’re already there, get able to learn the last word listing of the perfect issues to do in Skopje.
For these of you who wish to have every little thing deliberate upfront like myself, I added a bonus part the place I listing some extra excursions, the perfect inns, and a few sensible info that can assist you set up your journey.
Before I get into element concerning the “city of statues,” let me point out that Skopje is crowded all through the entire yr. This implies that you higher e book these excursions and inns early to keep away from lacking out on some nice alternatives 🙂
Now, let’s go!
If you’re in a rush
This part is for these of you who like to leap straight into motion! Here is a fast overview of an important data on this publish.
Here are the primary issues to e book upfront:
And listed below are the perfect inns: DoubleTree By Hilton (luxurious), Hotel Senigallia (mid-range), Moodeight Apartments (finances)
1. Take a tour of the primary points of interest
If you’re in Skopje for a brief go to, then it’s completely price it taking this tour. It covers all the favored points of interest vacationers should see in Skopje, from the Stone Bridge, Kale Fortress, the Old Bazaar, the Old Train station and different museums, to the Millennium Cross on Mountain Vodno and boat using at Matka Canyon.
Macedonia was below Ottoman rule for 520 years! Even in the present day there are a lot of reminders of this era in Skopje such because the Mustapha Pasha Mosque, the Old Bazaar, and among the most scrumptious meals.
The most handy factor about this 8-hour tour is that you’ll get picked up instantly out of your resort, no matter the place you keep in Skopje, trip the cable automotive and discover Matka Canyon by boat at no extra cost.
PRO TIP: When you go to Skopje, be sure to don’t e book your tour for Mondays when museums are closed!
Considering every little thing you’ll get and the truth that your information speaks 5 languages (Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian), I believe that the price of $120 per particular person is fairly honest.
PRICE: US$120
Reserve Your Spot on a City Tour
2. Hunt down main points of interest within the metropolis heart
If you’re in Skopje for an extended keep, then why not leisurely discover the slender streets and discover all of the points of interest by your self?
The points of interest under are simply the 3 most important ones you need to see within the coronary heart of Skopje, however since every little thing is inside strolling distance, I’m fairly positive you’ll get to see much more alongside the best way.
2.1 Macedonia Square with Alexander the Great fountain
Macedonia Square (Ploshtad Makedonija) is the most important sq. within the nation, recognized for the big fountain with Alexander the Great, surrounded by lion statues.
Macedonia was a lot greater, nevertheless it was divided amongst Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece again in 1913. The main consequence was the unacceptance of Macedonian identification and historical past. This breathtaking statue of Alexander the Great has been thought of a provocation by Greece, so to keep away from this notion, additionally it is often known as the Warrior on a Horse.
Macedonia Square is the place all the key political and cultural occasions happen whenever you count on to draw a big viewers. It can also be a central level and from there it’s fairly simple to entry every little thing.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the prospect to watch the structure of town procuring heart (GTC) situated on the one facet of Macedonia Square! The significance of GTC lies not within the shops however in its structure of “concrete brutalism”, which makes the procuring heart a monument by itself.
2.2 Stone Bridge
The Stone Bridge (Kamen Most) is simply throughout from Macedonia Square. It is an exquisite stone bridge (paying homage to Prague’s Charles Bridge however smaller) that connects the 2 banks of Vardar River, which by the best way, is the largest river in Macedonia.
Skopje’s Stone Bridge was óriginally constructed on Roman foundations and was destroyed and reconstructed a number of instances all through historical past however preserving its unique architectural model.
Today, Stone Bridge is the invaluable connection between “modern” and “Ottoman,” or “historic” and “socialist” Skopje, extra on which you’ll be taught in part 4 of this text!
2.3 Park of the Woman Warrior
I really like this park! It’s not as huge as town park (see part 7) nevertheless it’s a pleasant inexperienced spot amid the brutalist buildings and the hustle and bustle of town centre.
To be trustworthy, I don’t assume anybody is aware of why this park was named “Woman Warrior” as a result of Macedonia has a wealthy historical past as a patriarchal nation and doesn’t have many feminine warriors to cherish. Nevertheless, even the statues there are so properly integrated with the surroundings that you just’ll love sitting on the benches, observing the every day whereabouts of Skopje’s residents.
PRO TIP: If you wish to make your go to to Skopje much more fascinating, then go on a statue hunt! Count and be aware down all of the sculptures that you just come throughout, and I promise you’ll get bewildered by the quantity.
3. Visit the Mother Teresa Memorial House
The Mother Teresa Memorial House is situated inside a 5-minute stroll from Macedonia Square and the Old Railway Station, which is now a Skopje museum. This memorial heart was constructed on the actual place the place as soon as the previous Catholic church “The Sacred Heart of Jesus” stood.
It is devoted to Mother Teresa (Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu), the altruistic missionary and one of many world’s symbols of humanity, who obtained a Nobel Prize for Peace.
Not all of us can do nice issues. But we will do small issues with nice love. ~ Mother Theresa
The House of Mother Teresa is open Monday by Sunday, however you need to verify the official web site to get the most recent info on the opening hours.
The entrance is free, and a information will welcome you to inform you all about Mother Teresa, her life, work, and legacy. However, if you’re visiting in a gaggle, it is strongly recommended that you just e book upfront.
4. Feel like an area on the Old Bazaar
There isn’t any different place on the Balkan Peninsula as outstanding because the Old Bazaar (Stara Charshija) of Skopje. Apart from its structure which is predominantly from the Ottoman interval, intertwined with some Byzantine structure remnants, this a part of Skopje is understood for the market.
You can purchase actually every little thing right here, from garments to devices. It is less expensive and the native sellers are very hospitable.
To attain the crowded Old Bazaar from Macedonia Square, you simply must cross the Stone Bridge, stroll for five minutes straight, and you can be there.
When right here, you need to seize the chance to be taught concerning the metropolis’s historical past below the Ottoman rule, and see Chifte Hammam, Daut Pasha Hammam, Kurshumli An in addition to the History Museum & Academy of Arts “Suli An”. Here’s a map, as a result of I promise they’re extraordinarily tough to identify except you ask the locals, or take a tour.
In addition, locals cherish the Old Bazaar for the completely scrumptious Turkish meals! So, don’t miss out on having fun with a cup of Turkish tea/espresso, and check out some conventional meals like Turkish baklava, kebabs, or pide.
HACK: If you’re seeking to purchase souvenirs or gold, the Old Bazaar is the best place – simply be sure to discount!
5. Visit probably the most well-known museums of Skopje
If you’re into museums, you gained’t lack them in Skopje as a result of there are a lot of, and most of them are shut to at least one one other. Indeed, evidently Skopje was constructed with vacationers in thoughts. So, listed below are the 3 most important ones to see:
5.1 Museum of Macedonian Struggle
The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle is a particularly stunning museum opened in 2011, situated on the best river financial institution of Vardar River, subsequent to the Stone Bridge.
It options the Macedonian battle for Independence by exhibitions, ranging from the interval of resistance towards the Ottomans, to the interval when Macedonia broke other than Yugoslavia and have become an impartial nation in 1991.
When you arrive on the museum, you may both discover it by yourself, ask the guides there to offer you a (free) tour, or select an audio information obtainable in English and French. The tour takes 45 to 60 minutes on common. You can purchase tickets on the door, simply ensure that to verify on the official web site if the museum is open in your desired date.
PRICE: €5 for adults, €1 for youths
5.2 Archeological Museum of Macedonia
The Archeological Museum of Macedonia is situated on the best facet of Vardar River and is accessible by bridge from Vardar’s riverbank.
This museum hosts roughly 7,000 cultural artifacts gathered from totally different archeological places on North Macedonian territory. However, I recommend you see this museum solely if you’re into archaeology, as chances are you’ll not discover it as fascinating as another museums in Eastern Europe, except you realize rather a lot concerning the Stone, Bronze, and different Ages.
Anyways, you may verify the opening hours on the official web site and normally a ticket prices €3 (paid on the entrance). For teams above 6 folks, you have to to e book a tour upfront.
PRICE: €3
5.3 Holocaust Memorial Center
The Holocaust Memorial Center is situated in what was as soon as a Jewish Quarter in Skopje – simply reverse the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle. This museum is a must-see if you happen to ask me because it is among the most well-thought museums in Skopje, and really info wealthy.
The guides there are actually useful and can present solutions to just about your entire questions associated to the persecution of Jews throughout WWII.
What I actually preferred was the foyer flooring, which had digital photographs of Macedonian Jews who died through the Holocaust and a few of them featured mirrors. The thought-provoking mirrors had been put there so that folks can perceive that anybody may have been a part of these photographs!
After you watch the quick informational film on the museum’s multimedia heart, you’re invited to see one of many unique wagons that was used to move Macedonian Jews to focus camps in Europe.
Unfortunately, there isn’t an official web site for this memorial heart and you could find out whether it is open solely by going on to the museum. The entrance is free.
PRICE: Free
6. Admire town skyline from Kale Fortress
Kale Fortress is one more factor to see in Skopje, though I personally don’t discover it as spectacular as among the different issues on my listing. It dates again to the sixth century AD and was allegedly constructed below the rule of the Roman emperor Justinian I.
One factor I’ve to confess although – there may be an wonderful view of Skopje from Kale Fortress! Another factor to do in your strategy to the fortress to make your climbing worthwhile is to go to the church “Ascension of Jesus” and the mosque of Mustapha Pasha.
Both of those are situated on the foot of the Skopje fortress however listed below are the map instructions in your ease.
PRICE: Free
7. Relax at Skopje metropolis park
The metropolis park (Gradski Park), which is situated subsequent to the Skopje zoo and the Dinosaur Park, is a superb place to go for a stroll and chill out from the busy streets of Skopje. There is a nice vibe and numerous “to-go” spots the place you should purchase espresso, ice cream, popcorn, and so forth.
This metropolis park is the place all generations meet and have enjoyable, so you need to count on to see households with youngsters, senior residents, youngsters, {couples}, folks with pets, and naturally, vacationers.
There is a small lake with geese contained in the park, and there are tennis, volleyball and basketball courts close by. When right here, I strongly suggest going to the zoo and to the Dinosaurus Park as a result of they’re very good.
The greatest time to go to the zoo is in September when the climate isn’t too scorching or too chilly so all of the animals are out! It will take roughly 1.5 hours to see every little thing and the doorway price is €1.5 for adults, free for kids below 3.
The Dinosaur Park is way smaller so you’ll in all probability spend half-hour on the most, and the doorway price is €1 for adults, free for kids below 3.
Unfortunately, each the zoo and the Dinosaur Park don’t have web sites, so you’ll have to both name them or go instantly there to search out out if they’re open.
8. Go wine tasting in Kartal Winery
Kartal Winery is a small family-owned and operated vineyard, 5 km south-east from Skopje metropolis heart. I believe this can be a great point to do in Skopje for the wine lovers, and particularly if you wish to strive the native wines paired with native Macedonian meals. The proprietor will even present info on the winemaking course of, and present you the place and the way it’s made!
An actual Macedonian family will at all times have wine and rakia at their home, and more often than not they’re home made! Producing wine and rakia at house is a customized and an essential event among the many elder (male) members of Macedonian households.
Nevertheless, to achieve Kartal Winery, you’ll have to take a taxi or bus 41 from the bus station. If you wish to go to some nicer wineries a bit farther from Skopje, then you may both take this tour of Stobi Winery or go to the Tikvesh Wine area.
PRICE: €40
Getting there: by tour, by taxi or with public bus 41
9. Hike Vodno Mountain to Millennium Cross
Vodno Mountain is situated within the south-west a part of Skopje, and is among the many favourite climbing spots for the residents of Skopje. What is outstanding about Vodno is the Millennium Cross which is among the many largest Christian crosses on this planet, constructed on the very best level of the mountain. You can see it from nearly anywhere within the metropolis.
To attain mountain Vodno, you may both take one of many many climbing routes (however provided that you’re properly ready), you may take the metropolis bus 2B that goes to Vodno each half-hour (hop on the bus from this location), or just make issues simpler for your self and take this tour which prices €33.
The tour bus will decide you up from this location, and take you to Middle Vodno (Sredno Vodno) from the place you’ll take the cable automotive that may take you to the height Krstovar, the place the Millennium Cross is. You can chill out there, have a espresso, and benefit from the view of Skopje and the encircling space. After that, you’ll head to Matka Lake, which is subsequent in my listing.
NOTE: Tickets for the cable automotive are purchased on the spot they usually value €2 for adults, €1 for youths. You can name this toll-free quantity (0 800 15-115) to search out out concerning the working hours.
PRICE: €33
10. Explore Matka Canyon and Vrelo cave
Matka Canyon is a well-liked vacation spot amongst vacationers who’ve by no means visited Skopje. It is an astounding synthetic lake about half-hour drive from Skopje. Besides being terribly stunning, this lake is known for the Vrelo cave, which was listed as one of many high 77 pure websites on this planet.
Some of the issues you are able to do at Matka Lake are take a stroll, go to the St. Andrew monastery and the monastery of the Holy Mother of God, have lunch at Canyon Matka restaurant, go mountain climbing (provided that you’re an skilled rock climber) however no matter you do, don’t miss the prospect to leap on a ship or hire a kayak and discover the lake.
In truth, you may take this wonderful tour which incorporates resort decide up (verify in case your resort is on the listing although), a information and visits to Vodno, the church of St. Panteleimon, and Matka Canyon. There can also be a ship trip however at a further cost. Make positive to e book early as this can be a standard tour and will promote out quick!
PRICE: €33
Getting there: resort pickup
| 🤩 Range of actions: | Large |
| 👪 Family-friendly rating: | High |
| 🏛️ Best museum: | Holocaust Memorial Center |
| 🎢 Top paid attraction: | Best of Skopje City Tour |
| 🚶🏽♂️ Best free exercise: | Relaxing on the City Park |
BONUS: Best day journeys from Skopje
If you’ve made it by the listing of all of the issues to do in Skopje, then you’re in all probability excited to search out out what else there may be to see moreover Skopje in North Macedonia. I picked the highest 3 excursions that I believe you need to take to see the perfect of Macedonia.
- 6-Hour Private Mavrovo Tour: Embark on this 6-hour non-public tour of Mavrovo National Park, the historic village of Galicnik, and the monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski. These 3 characterize the Macedonian riches and tradition at their best, and if you happen to occur to go to in July, chances are you’ll witness the normal wedding ceremony in Galicnik village – an occasion that you just shouldn’t miss. (€160)
- Ohrid & Bay of Bones tour: Spare a day and be a part of this full-day non-public tour of Ohrid and the Bay of Bones. Enjoy the view of Ohrid Lake below the solar with a cup of espresso and a scrumptious meal. Explore the traditionally essential church buildings, purchase your self real Ohrid pearls, and go to the well-known overwater museum the “Bay of Bones”. (€151)
- Berovo Full Day Tour and Hike: If you wish to see uncooked nature and check out a conventional North Macedonian breakfast, then take this tour and go to Berovo. The mountain city of Berovo feels caught in time, and persons are so trustworthy and hospitable that I guarantee it would be best to keep greater than a day. (€120)
Where to remain in Skopje
Since you’re on the lookout for the perfect issues to do in Skopje, I assumed that you could be additionally want a spot to remain. To prevent a while, listed below are the perfect inns in Skopje that I personally suggest:
Luxury (€115 and up)
- DoubleTree by Hilton – this 5-star resort that’s inside a 10-minute drive from the busy metropolis heart, has all of the luxuries chances are you’ll want! From a big indoor pool with health and spa to laundry service and an on-site restaurant for an final expertise
- Skopje Marriott Hotel – situated on Macedonia Square, this resort is greatest for individuals who wish to be within the heart of the happenings. It has all of the luxuries wanted similar to, spacious rooms, indoor pool, steam room, on-site restaurant, and extra
Mid Range (€80 – €150)
- Hotel Senigallia – wish to keep on a ship? No drawback! This boat-like resort is situated on Vardar River overlooking the Art Bridge, with comfortable rooms with TVs, on-site bar, and a pair of open terraces
- Hotel Panoramika – if you wish to keep away from the hustle and bustle of town then that is the resort to remain in. Located 3 km from the Millenium Cross, this resort has cozy rooms with a flat-screen TV, fridge, espresso machine, and personal bogs
Budget (as much as €80)
- Moodeight Apartments – select this resort to get a extra impartial really feel! The rooms are clear and trendy, with a seating space with TV, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a personal balcony. Is there something extra you want?
- Hotel 7 – if you’re seeking to keep at a pleasant, clear resort in a handy location and inside an affordable worth then select this one. The rooms have non-public bogs, TVs, and even an iron
Practical Information
So, Skopje isn’t a giant metropolis and you’ll simply get round. However, palms down, the site visitors is terrible and if you’re time certain, you higher plan issues properly upfront and depart some additional time simply in case.
PRO TIP: Street jams are particularly dangerous from 7 AM to 9 AM after which from 2 PM to five PM, so I recommend strolling to your vacation spot round this time.
How to get round
So, by way of transport in Skopje, you could have 4 choices: public transport, taxi, hire a automotive, and strolling. In addition, I’ll additionally provide you with info on learn how to get from town to the airport and vice versa.
Public Transport
For public transport you may select between private and non-private metropolis buses, however these don’t make a distinction for vacationers, just for the residents as the general public ones are free for college kids and seniors.
There are many bus stands and it’s fairly simple to grasp the place every bus goes (search for the numbers and areas written on every bus), however you too can ask the folks on the stand, and they are going to be glad that can assist you out.
Fun truth: Skopje has the identical crimson double decker buses you’ll count on to see in London!
The tickets normally value lower than €1 and you should purchase them both on the bus station or on the chosen bus stops. You can get details about the bus timetable on the official web site, nonetheless, the English model is a bit buggy so it doesn’t work on a regular basis.
As another, you may name this toll-free quantity and ask for info: 0 800 15 115
Taxis
There are numerous taxi corporations in Skopje, however to be protected, at all times search for those which can be correctly marked as taxi (white and yellow with taxi inscription on the autos) as a result of some unlicensed taxi drivers could cease you and give you a trip in the event that they hear you communicate in one other language.
This is especially widespread round the primary bus station and the railway station. It’s not likely that these are unsafe, however they might cost you extra and the vehicles is probably not as clear as with registered taxi corporations.
To get a taxi in Skopje, you may both hail them, discover them round designated areas for taxis, or name them.
Here are just a few verified taxi suppliers:
- Taxi Global: +389-2-15-180, +389-70-515-180, +389-76-215-180, +389-78-415-180
- City Taxi: +389-2-15151
- Taxi Deluxe: +389-71-228-822, +389-75-228-822, +389-78-228-822
When you name them, you’ll have to specify your pickup location and your vacation spot after which they’ll message you with the variety of the car you need to count on and the approximate wait time.
The licensed taxis cost by kilometer, and the beginning tariff is round €1, which isn’t costly if you happen to contemplate that the identical taxi charge is relevant nearly in every single place in Macedonia, and Skopje is the capital.
Rent a automotive
Renting a automotive is probably the most handy choice of all of them. To hire a automotive, simply go to Rental Cars, add your vacation spot, and you will notice the obtainable choices and the fee.
Walking
If you don’t thoughts strolling, then this can be the best choice for you since Skopje will be fairly busy. The longest stroll from one facet of town to the opposite is about 2 hours if you happen to stroll quick, extra if you happen to go at a relaxed tempo. However, this can be a nice strategy to see town and all its beauties.
Getting to the middle from the airport
If you are inclined to freak out like me about learn how to get from the airport to town, then you need to know that that is really fairly simple in Skopje, and will be actually low cost if you realize what you’re on the lookout for.
So listed below are the two choices you could have:
- TAV Airport shuttle: this bus runs from 8 AM to eight PM on daily basis of the week. The decide up location is on the bus station in Skopje, and the price of a a technique ticket is €4, €8 for a spherical journey. You can purchase the ticket on the bus.
The bus will take you to the airport and drop you off in entrance of the airport’s entrance which can also be the pickup location for the arrival passengers who wish to take the bus to Skopje.NOTE: The regional/worldwide bus station, town bus station, and the practice station are multi function place, so it could be a bit complicated if that is your first time in Skopje. So, simply go contained in the bus station and ask for info at one of many desks, or just ask safety – they are going to be glad that can assist you out.
- Taxi: to get a taxi from wherever in Skopje to the airport, you simply observe the common directions I gave you above for getting a taxi. The approximate value for a taxi trip from Skopje to the airport is a minimal €18 relying on the taxi supplier.
All about SIM playing cards
There are 2 most important corporations the place you should purchase SIM playing cards, A1 and T-Mobile. You can purchase the SIM playing cards both at their shops or from tobacco corners.
The worth of a pay as you go SIM card is roughly €7 they usually normally include restricted knowledge web, free calls inside the identical community, and free SMS.
When you purchase the pay as you go SIM card, you’ll have to activate it. To activate the pay as you go SIM playing cards for every supplier and get up-to-date info, you need to observe the steps on these web sites: T-Mobile and A1.
FAQs about issues to do in Skopje
🚶♀️ Is sooner or later sufficient to see Skopje?
One day will be sufficient in Skopje however provided that you’re taking this tour that may take you to all of the locations you will need to see. However, you’ll in all probability be exhausted after touring all day so I’d say that 2 days is perfect.
🥇 Is Skopje price visiting?
Yes, Skopje is a metropolis price visiting particularly if you’re into monuments, procuring, and conventional eating places!
🍹 What are some issues to do in Skopje at night time?
Some issues that you are able to do in Skopje at night time embrace taking a stroll alongside the financial institution of Vardar river, having a drink or dinner at among the eating places there. Alternatively, you may go for a film, or exit to nightclubs on a Saturday night time.
❄️ What are some issues to do in Skopje in winter?
If you’re in Skopje in winter, go determine skating, play ice hockey, or one other sport exercise on the indoor sports activities heart Boris Traykovsky. I, myself, like to sit back at Piazza Liberta.
Conclusion
Here we’re on the finish of this lengthy but sensible information about issues to do in Skopje. As you could have learn, there are a lot of free and paid issues to do in Skopje and the encircling space however my private favorites are the metropolis tour, the wine tasting and stress-free on the metropolis park.
Whatever you determine to do and wherever you determine to remain, ensure that to e book upfront as the good issues at all times promote out tremendous quick!
Se gledame naskoro,
Beti
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