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Things to do in Skopje

Lose yourself in the alleyways of the old Ottoman quarter of the Old Town with mythical urban scenes from another time, the bustling bazaars and the nostalgic atmosphere.

Discover the grandiose neoclassical buildings of the New Town, the highlight of which is the monumental New Archaeological Museum. Over its three floors, the history of the country is told through 6000 finds from different historical periods, from Neolithic times to the Middle Ages.

Don’t miss the fantastic Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA), which is located on a hill with an amazing view over the city of Skopje. Its international collection covers mainly art movements from the ‘50s, ‘60’s and ‘70s. Among other exhibits you can also admire works by Picasso, Hockney, Soulages, Léger, Oppenheim, Vasarely and Calder.

Discover the country’s national collection of modern art and sculpture in the National Gallery. It is showcased in the emblematic building of the Turkish baths Daut Pasha (1473), which is an architectural masterpiece.

Enjoy the view over the city from the ramparts of the historic Byzantine Kale fortress (6^th century), one of the city’s most emblematic monuments.

Take a romantic evening stroll across the legendary Stone Bridge (15^th century) next to the river.

Learn everything there is to know about the life and work of the legendary mother Teresa at the Mother Teresa Memorial House, a strange retro-futuristic museum and chapel built in honour of the famous child of Skopje.

Visit the small orthodox Church of the Ascension of Jesus (16^th century) in the Old Town. Admire its ornate carved wooden icon screen, a singular work of art from the 19^th century with allegorical scenes from the Bible.

Day trips from Skopje

Explore imposing Matka Canyon, just 15 minutes southwest of Skopje, a breathtaking cluster of spectacular cliffs, crystal lakes, undersea caves, historic medieval monasteries and churches. The region is ideal for adventure sports as well as hiking.

Organize a road trip to the enchanting vineyards of Povardarie valley. The most famous wineries in the area (Popova Kula, Tikveš, Stobi) offer guided tours and wine tastings.

Don’t miss exploring the numerous sites around captivating Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. Visit the Byzantine monasteries of Saint John the Theologian at Kaneo and of Saint Naum, as well as the mysterious Bay of Bones.

To the west of Skopje, the Mavrovo National Park is a paradise for winter sports lovers, but not only. Lake Mavrovo, with its spectacular semi-submerged church of Saint Nicholas, is an ideal spot for swimming, sailing, hiking and fishing.

Shopping in Skopje

In modern shopping centres such as the pricey Gradski Trgovski Centre (GTC) in the city centre, the eclectic Capitol Mall and the popular Skopje City Mall (the oldest of them all), you will find all the international fashion chains and accessories, many local brands, independent boutiques showcasing up-and-coming local designers, household goods, electrical goods as well as many entertainment options for young and old.

Wander through the Ottoman Old Bazaar in the Old Town, the largest bazaar in the Balkans outside Istanbul, with its unique atmosphere. Lose yourself in the alleyways with the historic shops of the old artisans and antique shops. Make a stop at the workshops of the tailors and cobblers, buy good-quality handmade jewellery of gold and silver at great prices.

Weave your way through the colourful stalls at the Bit Pazar, the oldest Balkan outdoor market, which has been operating non-stop since the 14th century. Here you can find everything, from food and handicrafts, to household vessels, clothes and trinkets of all sorts.

For incurable foodies, it is worth taking a trip to the daily Zelen Pazar (green market) where the local agricultural produce encounters flavours and aromas from every corner of the planet.

Food in Skopje

From the traditional atmospheric restaurants of the Old Town (Čaršija) to the modern establishments serving international cuisine in the New Town with a view over the river, the food map of Skopje has something for everyone.

Come and try the much-loved local specialties, such as Tavche Gravche (oven-cooked beans in a clay casserole dish), Sarma (stuffed cabbage or vine leaves filled with mince and rice), Burek (pastry pies filled with cheese, spinach or mince), various spicy kebabs, etc.

Don’t miss the famous Kaymakçina dessert (made with milk, sugar, eggs and flour).

The popular wines of the Tikveš valley and the local Skopsko beer are also worth discovering.

For your evening’s entertainment, head for the trendy, all-day cafes next to the river and close to the Stone Bridge, as well as the noisy bars of the Old Market and, of course, the pulsating dance clubs and bars of Kej 13 Noemvri Street in the New Town.

In the summer, follow the action to the city’s main park (Gradski Park), where many outdoor clubs are located.

Transport from the airport to Skopje

Take the Vardar Express bus, which connects the airport with central points in the city (Airport – Capitol Mall – International Bus Station – Hotel Holiday Inn). Buses run daily from 01.00 in the morning until 20.30 in the evening and their timetable is adapted to flight arrival times. Journey time is approximately 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take any taxi belonging to Airport Taxi, the airport’s official licensed taxi company. The taxis are white and are numbered from 1 to 65.

Book a flight to Skopje with Olympic Air and touch down in a lively Balkan metropolis that is young at heart and passionate about good food and a thriving nightlife.