Skopje : Everything you need to know to plan your trip

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Things to do at Skopje

Skopje offers a fascinating journey through the ages, blending ancient traditions with contemporary boldness — a city to explore on foot, along its iconic monuments, streets, and bridges.

Here are some must-see attractions during your visit:

The Skopje Fortress (Kale) for a panoramic view of the city
The Old Bazaar, a lively maze of streets, shops, and mosques
The Stone Bridge, emblematic of the city connecting past and present
Macedonia Square, dominated by the impressive statue of Alexander the Great
The Museum of the City of Skopje, located in the old train station destroyed by the earthquake of 1963
The Mother Teresa Memorial House, an iconic figure born in Skopje
The Matka Canyon, a perfect natural gem for an excursion outside the city center

The Millennium Cross, accessible by cable car for a spectacular view of the mountains

Skopje Fortress

Macedonia Square

Matka Canyon

Activities

Ready to experience Skopje beyond the postcard? From guided strolls through Ottoman alleyways to nature excursions in the nearby canyons and unexpected local experiences, the city is best discovered off the beaten track.

When to go to Skopje

The ideal time to come to Skopje is between May and June, or in September. During this period, it's comfortably warm, not too hot like the Macedonian summer when it's often over 30°C. What's more, you can enjoy the city in the calm of spring and autumn, before the summer rush, and before the flood of tourists you'll find during the high season. What's more, expenses aren't high: accommodation, restaurants and activities haven't yet reached their peak-season prices. In July and August, there will be many more tourists (especially from the Balkans), which will inevitably push up your budget. In winter, Skopje can sometimes dip below freezing, but this doesn't mean it loses its splendor: snow on the hills, fresh air in the winter markets - these too have their charm. In conclusion, spring and early autumn are the best times to discover the full splendor of Skopje.

What's the temperature like?

How many hours of sunshine?

Global budget

Skopje is one of Europe's least expensive capitals, and an excellent option for budget travellers. Hotels range from 20 to 150 euros per night for two people, depending on the level of comfort required. As for meals, you can eat in a budget restaurant for between 5 and 10 euros. A mid-range restaurant will cost between 16 and 49 euros for dinner for two. Drinks are also very cheap: a 33 cl beer costs between 2 and 4 euros and a bottle of water of the same size costs between 1 and 2 euros. Public transport is also very cheap; one-way tickets range from 0.50 to 0.80 euros, and cab journeys are also very cheap: around 0.50 euros per kilometer. Tours and activities in the city range from 15 to 75 euros, depending on what you do, so you really can find something to suit your budget. Overall, an average traveler can spend between 24 and 207 euros per day in Skopje, depending on the level of comfort desired and the activities they wish to do.

One night in a hotel for 2 people

20€1000€

Meal in a cheap restaurant

5€50€

Local beer (33cl)

2€4€10€

Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant

16€49€200€

Bottle of water

1€2€5€

Public transport single ticket

0.5€5€

Taxi ride (per km)

0.5€

Visits and activities

15€500€

Average overall budget for one person per day: from 24.00€ to 207.00€

Convert to $

Itinerary ideas

Start your day in Skopje with a morning stroll over the Old Stone Bridge, the city's landmark, which links the new part of the city to the old Ottoman town. After crossing it, enter the Ottoman bazaar, one of the largest in the Balkans: narrow cobbled streets, craftsmen's stalls, the smell of spices... the atmosphere is unique. Stop for coffee on a traditional terrace before climbing to the Kale fortress, which offers panoramic views of the city and mountains. For lunch, enjoy a burek or traditional Macedonian dish in a local tavern.

In the afternoon, visit the Skopje City Museum to learn more about its history, including the 1963 earthquake and its impact on the city, followed by a stroll through Macedonia Square, between monumental statues and contemporary buildings. Don't forget to stop off at the memorial house of Mother Teresa, a native of the city.

Round off your day with an excursion to Canyon Matka, about 30 minutes from the center of Skopje. Rent a kayak or take a mini-cruise on its emerald waters. Back in town, enjoy a quiet, convivial dinner on the terrace beside the Vardar River.

Practical information about Skopje

Skopje is a small city and easy to get around, especially in the centre. The two main areas for getting around are the Old Town (Stara Čaršija) and Macedonia Square, which are fairly close together. For longer journeys, buses are the main means of public transport. They are incredibly cheap (around €0.5 to €0.8 per ticket), but I recommend using a pre-paid card or asking at your accommodation where to buy a regular ticket. The currency is the Macedonian denar (MKD). The card is generally accepted in hotels, restaurants and department stores, but it's best to carry cash for small items or for the bazaar. The cost of living in Skopje is low, so you can enjoy local food, activities and sightseeing without having to worry about your budget. The climate is continental, with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Come in spring (March-May) or early autumn (September-October) to enjoy the best weather and avoid the most tourists. Finally, Skopje is a safe and welcoming city where English is spoken in the tourist areas. If you come from Europe, you won't need an adapter and Wi-Fi is often free in cafés.