15 THINGS TO DO IN SKOPJE - 2019 INFO
This overview of the places to visit and best things to do in Skopje shows where to find the cultural, historic and natural attractions.
About Skopje, capital of Macedonia
Skopje, one of the most interesting places to visit in Macedonia is the gateway to a valley surrounded by 3 mountains, a luscious area where culture, traditions, gourmet food and drink is part of daily life.
If you’re looking for a dynamic family vacation that involves adventure, nature experiences, traditional food tasting, culture experiences and family-friendly apartments, then Skopje, Macedonia is the place for you to visit.
There are plenty of really memorable things to do in Skopje. The city itself has a beautiful historical old town, great viewpoints and iconic cultural attractions. It is also a good base for exploring the nearby natural wonders and must-see attractions.
These include world-famous places like Canyon Matka and the Millennium Cross.
The following list is our pick of the things which you should absolutely not miss while in Skopje. No trip here can be called complete without ticking most of these off your bucket list.
Being a place of great variety, there's something among the best things to do in Skopje for every kind of traveller. Take a look below and see what sparks your interest.
Here is our selection of the natural beauties, culinary delights and in general our favorite things to do in Skopje.
GOOD TO KNOW: 15 Things to know before going to Macedonia
Whoever you ask, what to do in Skopje, the first answer will be to go to the Old Bazaar.Visiting the old Ottoman Carsija is always in the number one spot for things to do in Skopje.
The Old Bazaar area is one of the largest and best collections of Ottoman architecture and history. It was an important center of commerce during Ottoman times when it enjoyed its peak importance.
The Ottoman heritage is predominant here: there are roughly 30 mosques, three caravanserais, and a few hamams (Turkish baths) still standing.
Despite the earthquakes and various other disasters Skopje has seen, the neighborhood is in very good shape.
These are the 15 Best things to see in Skopje
Explore the Matka Canyon
Have a stroll in the Old Bazaar and try Turkish coffee
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Read also: Skopje to Ohrid – Road trip in Macedonia
The Old Bazaar, also called Carsija is the Turkish old town of Skopje. It is one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans, and it has been Skopje’s center for trade and commerce since at least the 12th century.
The area is home to mosques, türbes (mausoleum tombs), converted hammams (bathhouses) and churches.
The Museum of Macedonia and the Museum of Modern Art is also located here. You will find everything here form small souvenirs and copperware, to folk costumes and jewelry. Strolling the shops of the Old Bazaar is a must-do for anyone visiting Skopje.
Above all, Carsija has various traditional restaurants and coffee houses where you can try Turkish coffee or tea and do not miss Destan’s traditional kebab either! On Friday and Saturday nights Carsija becomes even more lively with youngsters due to some great bars in the area.
Whether you are the ultimate outdoorsy type or not, Matka Canyon won’t disappoint you!
Matka is a stunning gorge and lake situated west of Skopje and it is a fantastic day or half-day trip for nature lovers! You can rent small boats to see the Vrelo cave, visit the church from 15th century St. Andrew, or just chill at the restaurant called Canyon Matka for a delicious lunch and enjoy the view.
If you have time, spend some time at the St. Virgin Mary monastery, that just before you approach the damn, near the restaurant "Cave".
Climb Mount Vodno
What to do in Skopje if you are the adventure type? Hike on Mount Vodno!
Vodno is one of the best things to do in Skopje according to sporty locals. It is a great option for short getaways to the nature when you had enough of the city or if you simply want to enjoy some fantastic views to the surrounding peaks.
Millennium Cross is a 66-meter tall cross, built on top Vodno Mountain in 2000 to commemorate 2,000 years of Christianity in Macedonia.
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GOOD TO KNOW: How to Get to the Millennium Cross by bus
It is possible to trek all the way up to the top from the city center. However to save time and your breath, you can also take a bus or a taxi to halfway up the mountain called Sredno Vodno. From here you can either hike or simply take the cable car and enjoy the stunning views after a quick 8-minute journey to the top of Vodno Mountain.
Sit with locals in Kafana
If you ask Skopjans, what to do in Skopje, they will say, one of our best things to do in Skopje is eating and drinking in some of the local kafanas.
Macedonian food is amazing! It has Balkan and Mediterranean characteristics, influenced by Turkish flavors due to the long centuries of Ottoman rule. The country has top quality fresh vegetables and beautiful fresh fruits as well.
Throughout the city you can find kafanas (traditional Macedonian restaurants) that serve tasty fresh salads, grilled meats and other culinary delights.
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GOOD TO KNOW: What to eat in Macedonia
Skopje’s Debar Maalo (Bohemian Quarter) is a great place to visit a ‘kafana‘ (traditional restaurant) and sample some authentic Macedonian meal. The most popular street, called Bohemian street or ‘Boemska ulica’ is home to many excellent restaurants. On sunny weekends it can seem like everyone hangs out here, locals squeeze into the taverns and spill onto its terraces.
Hike & Picnic on Kozjak
For us, one of the best things to do in Skopje is hiking the Jasen Mountain with Kozjak Lake.
The views are truly breathtaking and if you go on a weekday, you can have the whole mountain to yourself. Take a book and a blanket with you and relax. It is a perfect spot for a picnic as well. It is a less visited spot because the only way to get there is by car.
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Skopje is also good place for adventurers, especially people that love paragliding. Visit paraglidingmacedonia.com for more info.
On sunny days, especially weekends, Skopje City Park or Gradski Park is the place to go. It seems that everybody comes here for recreation under the trees.
You can grab a coffee or a fresh squeezed juice or have a delicious sweet treat at the ice cream carts. Skopje Zoo is also located in the park.
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GOING TO OHRID?: Skopje to Ohrid by Bus – Timetable & Info
Hang out in the City Park
Visit & Stay in Debar Maalo
Skopje’s Bohemian neighborhood, Debar Maalo is a 10-minute walk from the main square, but a world away. Here you won’t find recently built kitschy statues and baroque-style buildings. Instead, you will experience a completely different vibe, a rather laid back atmosphere.
The area consists of tree-lined streets and countless restaurants, bars, and cafes.
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Debar Maalo – The Bohemian Quarter is the best area to stay in Skopje.
Visit the Macedonia Square
and try to count all the Skopje 2014 Statues & Monuments
The “Plostad” or Main square of Skopje is gigantic square which is the center piece to Skopje’s audacious ‘Skopje 2014‘ project and has massive statues dedicated to national heroes in it, as well as a Triumphal Arch in the southeast corner.
These new built monuments, buildings and statues changed the character of the inner city and stay in contrast with the Old Bazaar’s authentic old buildings.
Check out the new Government building & the new buildings on north bank of river Vardar.
Be Amazed by the Church of Saint Clement of Ohrid (Соборен храм Св. Климент Охридски)
The Church of Saint Clement of Ohrid is the largest cathedral of the Macedonian Orthodox Church today. The church is composed only of domes and arches and it is one of the most interesting architectural examples in recent Macedonian history. The main church is dedicated to St. Clement of Ohrid, and the church below to the Holy Mother.
Go back in the Roman times with the Skopje Aqueduct
The aqueduct is also an archaeological site located in the village of Vizbegovo, 2 km (1.2 mi) northwest of Skopje. The Skopje Aqueduct is the only one in Macedonia, and one of three largest and well preserved in the former Yugoslavia.
The Post Office is a building that must be on your Things to do in Skopje list
The post office attracts many tourists because of its unique look that puts the structure in the group of Soviet Modernism buildings.
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Buildings similar to this are Goce Delčev Student Dormitory & Saints Cyril and Methodius University.
Visit the Kale Fortress
Kale Fortress, a 6th-century AD Byzantine (and later, Ottoman) fortress, is an easy walk up from the Old Bazaar. It offers a great view over Skopje and the river. Go for a walk along the little walkway along the walls inside the fortress and enjoy relaxing at the park surrounding the fortress.
