13 Best Things To Do In Skopje, Europe’s Most Unique City

Skopje might be Europe’s strangest capital, and that’s exactly why it should be on your travel radar. Walking through the centre feels like wandering through an architectural theme park – there’s a mini Arc de Triomphe, baroque facades covering concrete brutalist buildings, and over 130 statues crammed into a small area. It’s the result of a controversial €600 million government makeover that transformed this Balkan city into something completely unique.

This isn’t your typical European city break, and that’s what makes the things to do in Skopje so memorable. During my month-long stay, I uncovered a city that’s incredibly affordable, completely walkable, and full of surprises around every corner. Between the atmospheric old bazaar, scenic mountain hikes, and fascinating museums, Skopje has substance behind all the statue madness.

While most travellers skip North Macedonia entirely, Skopje deserves a serious spot on your itinerary. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travellers, digital nomads, or anyone wanting to experience somewhere genuinely different. The friendly locals, dirt-cheap prices, and fascinating mix of history and bizarre modern additions make it one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.

If you’re planning a trip to North Macedonia’s capital, here are the best things to do in Skopje that’ll show you why this quirky city is worth the visit.

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Where To Stay In Skopje

Skopje is compact and walkable, making location less critical than in larger cities. For first-time visitors, Centar offers the best access to major attractions within walking distance.

Best Areas To Stay In Skopje

Best Skopje Hotels By Budget

$: Hotel Ambasador is a budget hotel located in the city centre. Rooms are comfy and all feature a computer with internet in each room. Prices start at €30 per night. Check Availability

$$: Hotel Senigallia is a unique boat shaped hotel located on the river Vardar, just a few metres from the stone bridge. The hotel includes a bar and 2 open terraces. Rooms are cosy, and decorated as cabins on a real boat. Prices start at €73 per night. Check Availability

$$$: Solun Hotel & Spa is a highly reviewed luxury hotel with a fitness centre, indoor heated pool with waterfall, and spa with over ten types of massage. Rooms are stylish and even include a tumble dryer. Prices start at €92 per night. Check Availability

How To Get To Skopje

Skopje has one airport called Skopje International Airport (SKP), located 24 km from the city centre. It is very small with approximately only 17 airlines operating from here. We actually managed to check in and get through to security in 5 minutes when we were departing for our flight to Budapest, amazing!

Bus V2V will take you to Skopje city centre for 199 MKD. You can book tickets here. The last bus is at 20:30, however if your flight is arriving late you can also prebook a private airport transfer.

Getting Around Skopje

Honestly, Skopje city is totally walkable, all the main tourist attractions are in close proximity. Skopje doesn’t have a metro but it does have a bus network. You will most likely recognise these buses, they are the iconic red London buses that were donated to Skopje after the 1963 earthquake.

The buses do not accept cash, instead you need a prepaid Skopska Card, I wrote a detailed post on how to purchase this transport card here (spoiler alert: it’s not straightforward). If you don’t have time to read this post then you need to head to the Central Bus Station to this ticket office located outside (not the main one), and purchase one for 50 MKD along with credit for bus journeys. Each bus journey is 40MKD. You just scan the card when you board.

Alternatively, you can download Skopje Bus app. You then just buy tickets with your credit/debit card through the app, and tap your phone when you board.

Renting a car? DiscoverCars.com offer a wide range of cars to rent. Pick up can be arranged from Skopje Airport or within the city.

13 Best Things To Do In Skopje

1. Old Bazaar (Stara Carsija)

Also known as the Turkish Bazaar, the Old Bazaar (Stara Carsija) is the second-largest bazaar in the Balkans, with the largest being the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

Dating back to the 12^th century, time seems to have stood still here. Walking through its charming narrow cobblestone alleys past stone buildings, with the scent of Turkish coffee filling the air and the call to prayer echoing in the background, you are transported to a bygone era. There is real soul here.

The architecture is predominantly Ottoman in style, with some Byzantine influences. Inside these historic buildings are craft stores, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. While the shops primarily sell jewellery and wedding dresses, it remains fascinating to explore.

While at the Old Bazaar make sure to taste some classic Balkan food such as Turkish Delight from Ambrosia, Greek doughnuts from Lokmades, Kebaps from BBQ Pcela, Veal soup from Restaurant Sarajevo and so much more!

I recommend spending a 2-3 hours here, exploring the streets, and taking time to enjoy some authentic Turkish coffee. This is one of the most authentic things to see in Skopje.

2. Explore Skopje 2014’s Controversial Redesign

Skopje is the city of statues, there is no doubt about it! The statues dominate the city, but not in a negative way; rather, they add a quirky charm. Giving Skopje its unique character.

However, Skopje’s statue filled centre isn’t random, it’s the result of “Skopje 2014,” a controversial €600 million city renovation that added over 130 statues in just a few years.

Walking through the city becomes an interesting study in how governments reshape national identity through public art. Look for the massive “Warrior on a Horse” statue (officially unnamed due to disputes with Greece over Alexander the Great), the ornate baroque facades covering brutalist buildings, and dozens of monuments celebrating Macedonian history.

Whether you love or hate how it looks, Skopje is Europe’s most dramatic example of nation building through architecture. The project sparked fierce debates about historical accuracy and urban planning that still continue today.

Tip: Start at Macedonia Square and work your way through the old town, you’ll easily spot 20+ statues in an hour.

3. Stone Bridge

This isn’t just any bridge, it’s Skopje’s most enduring symbol and the only major structure to survive the devastating 1963 earthquake intact. Dating back to Roman times, it has connected the two sides of Skopje for nearly 2,000 years.

The bridge you see today tells the story of Skopje’s conquerors. Romans built the original foundations, Byzantines added the stone and marble pillars in the 6th century, and Ottomans widened it in the 19th century to handle increasing trade traffic. Each empire left its mark, making it a timeline of the city’s history.

Standing here, you’re literally walking where Roman legions, Byzantine merchants, and Ottoman traders once crossed. It’s the symbolic heart of Skopje, one side represents the Ottoman old town, the other the modern European city centre.

4. Holocaust Memorial Center For The Jews Of Macedonia

A truly moving museum that explains the horrific history of Macedonian Jews, who are often overlooked.

Macedonian Jews were faced with tough laws from the occupying Bulgarian government forbidding them from trading, and banning them from certain areas. On March 11th, 1943 the Bulgarian government under the order of Germany, deported the entire 7,144 Jewish population of Macedonia to the Treblinka Extermination Camp in Poland. 98% of Macedonian Jews were murdered during World War II, most survivors moved to Israel. Today, only 200 Jews remain in Macedonia, the majority reside in Skopje.

The museum presents the history and stories of the Macedonian Jews through interactive, informative and sensitive displays. There is even an immersive exhibit whereby you board the train to Poland, experiencing some of the conditions that these poor souls faced. Although a sombre experience, it’s an important part of Macedonia’s history.

Entrance costs MKD 100 for adults and 50MKD for students. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.

5. Arc de Triomphe

The funny thing about Skopje is that a few parts of the city appear to have been borrowed from other major cities around the world. For example, the red public buses were donated by London after the 1963 earthquake, and the Porta Macedonia is a smaller version of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe.

It is a memorial arch that was built in 2011 and is dedicated to 20 years of independence. The arch depicts historical Macedonian scenes.

6. Skopje Fortress (Kale)

This 6^th century fortress sits right above the Old Bazaar and honestly has the best views in the city, you can see everything from up here!

The fortress has been through it all, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans all left their mark. There’s archaeological evidence showing people lived on this spot for 4,000 years. What you see now are restored Byzantine walls with some Ottoman bits added later, including three different towers.

When walking the walls you get 360-degree views of the Vardar River, the statue obsessed city centre, and Mount Vodno in the distance. The grounds are basically a park now with benches and trees, so it’s perfect for watching the sunset.

There are some cool archaeological finds scattered around too such as Roman mosaics, old pottery, Ottoman artefacts that show how important this spot was as a crossroads between Europe and Asia.

The fortress is completely free and looks incredible at golden hour when the stone walls practically glow. Definitely worth the short climb up from the bazaar.

7. Skopje City Park

At 486,000 m², this is Macedonia’s largest urban park, stretching along the Vardar River through the heart of the city.

The park offers hiking and cycling trails, scenic ponds with charming bridges, and one of the Balkans’ largest zoos featuring over 500 species. For families looking for things to do in Skopje with kids, this is perfect, you’ll find families picnicking, joggers on the riverside paths and plenty of green space to relax.

The riverside location makes it particularly beautiful, especially during sunset when the light reflects off the Vardar.

8. Memorial House Of Mother Teresa

Skopje is Mother Teresa’s hometown! I didn’t know this until I arrived in the city. Mother Teresa lived here from 1910 until 1928.

This house is a memorial, built in 2009 on the location of the church where Mother Teresa was baptised, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church.

The memorial house displays relics and a museum containing sculptures of Mother Teresa and her family.

Entrance is free. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 09:00 – 20:00, Saturday and Sunday 09:00 – 14:00. The museum is closed on public holidays.

9. Mount Vodno

For travellers looking for some outdoor things to do in Skopje, Mount Vodno offers Skopje’s best hiking with city views from the giant Millennium Cross at the summit.

The trail is an easy-to-moderate 3km climb (90 minutes) through shaded forest paths. On clear days, you’ll see across the entire Skopje valley and surrounding mountains. For a longer adventure, you can extend the hike 11km to reach stunning Matka Canyon.

Not feeling the hike? A cable car runs to the top for 120 MKD, making those panoramic views accessible to everyone.

10. Matka Canyon

Just a 50-minute bus ride from Skopje, Matka Canyon is absolutely worth the trip. This place is gorgeous with steep cliffs dropping into green-tinged water.

You can kayak through the narrow gorge, take boat trips to explore caves, hike the trails above, or just chill by the water. It’s super peaceful.

Honestly, it’s one of those places that photos don’t do justice, you have to see it in person. This Skopje day trip destination is one of the best places to visit in North Macedonia.

If you want to know more about Matka Canyon check out my blog post Everything You Need To Know About Matka Canyon.

If you decide to stay for a night I highly recommend Canyon Matka Hotel, which as the name suggests is located on Matka Canyon. The views are incredible, rooms are cosy and well-priced!

Tip: If you don’t fancy organising the trip yourself, there are guided day tours from Skopje to Matka Canyon that include transport, boat rides, and cave exploration.

11. Museum Of The City Of Skopje

On July 26th, 1963, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Skopje, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. 80% of the city was completely destroyed, with up to 200,000 residents declared homeless.

Located in a former railway station, the Museum of the City of Skopje details that day and the aftermath. The clock on the train station is frozen at 05:17 – the exact time of the earthquake.

It’s truly harrowing what the people of Skopje went through, but it’s also a powerful story of resilience. It’s essential for understanding what the city once was versus what you see today. Plus, it’s completely free.

12. Discover The Brutalist Architecture

The 1963 earthquake destroyed 80% of Skopje, leading to one of the most ambitious urban reconstruction projects in Europe. Japanese architect Kenzo Tange was tasked with rebuilding the city using 1960s brutalist architecture: massive concrete blocks designed to be functional rather than beautiful.

You can still see Tange’s vision across the city: the imposing Central Post Office, the angular City Shopping Mall, and residential blocks that look like concrete fortresses. These buildings were meant to be earthquake-resistant and house thousands quickly.

The irony? In 2014, the government spent €600 million covering many of these brutalist facades with neoclassical decorations, creating a bizarre architectural layer cake. Hunt for the uncovered brutalist buildings to see what Skopje looked like before its baroque makeover, it’s like discovering the city’s hidden personality beneath the statues and fake facades.

First-time visitors to Skopje might be interested in joining a walking tour of the city. This tour promises to give an honest account of the city, taking you to the famous landmarks and giving you the opportunity to customise the tour to your preferences.

13. Go On A Day Trip

If you’re looking for what to do in Skopje beyond the city, Skopje makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Balkans region. Day trips let you experience neighboring countries and cultures that would be harder to reach independently, giving you a richer understanding of this fascinating corner of Europe.

Kosovo: This full-day trip takes you to Kosovo’s two highlights: the capital Pristina with its mix of old bazaars, mosques, and modern monuments, then on to medieval Prizren, an 11th-century “open-air museum” filled with historic mosques and churches. You’ll have time to explore the charming cafes around Prizren’s famous Shadervan square and sample delicious local cuisine. It’s one of the best ways to discover the Balkans’ hidden gem just next door to Macedonia. Check Availability

Ohrid: This full-day guided tour covers UNESCO World Heritage Ohrid’s highlights: the ancient Macedonian Theatre, 4th-century Samoil’s Fortress, and the iconic Church of St. John at Kaneo perched above the lake. You’ll explore the historic centre on foot and have time for swimming or an optional boat tour during summer. It’s the perfect way to experience Macedonia’s most beautiful lakeside town without the hassle of organizing transport yourself. Check Availability

How Many Days Should I Stay In Skopje

Due to the city’s compact size, 2 – 3 days in Skopje is the perfect amount of time to allow you to experience all the best things to do.

During the 2 – 3 days, I would recommend exploring the quirky city centre, including visiting the Old Bazaar, climbing Mount Vodno, and spending a few hours in Matka Canyon.

The city is easily walkable, which is convenient as it is small enough to be explored in a single day.

Is Skopje Safe?

Skopje is one of Europe’s safest cities with a low violent crime rate. The highest risk is pickpocketing in touristy places such as the city centre and the old bazaar, so keep an eye on your belongings.

I felt totally safe during my time in Skopje. I didn’t feel in danger at any time, including at night. I felt completely safe during my month there, even walking around at night. Just use common sense: stick to well-lit main streets after dark and avoid empty areas. The locals are friendly and helpful if you need directions or assistance.

Skopje FAQ

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