Skopje.
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Overview

Skopje (Macedonian: Скопје, Albanian: Shkup, Turkish: Üsküp) is the capital and largest city of the Republic of North Macedonia. Skopje is a city of many cultures and many centuries. The various groups that have controlled the city through its history have each left visible reminders of their reign: multiple Dardanian and Roman-era archaeological sites dot the city; Byzantine and Serbian Empire churches and monasteries can be found around the outskirts; a great wealth of Ottoman heritage fills the Stara Čaršija; commieblocks and other Soviet-style structures recall the Yugoslav era; and the current ruling party is erecting countless historicist neoclassical-style buildings in Centar. All of this comes together to form quite an interesting city.

Skopje's location on the Vardar and its nearby tributaries amongst towering mountains makes it a place of scenic beauty as well. Mount Vodno's highest peak at 1,070 m (3,500 ft), capped by the Millennium Cross, stands visible throughout the city and is a major recreational destination. The Treska River cuts through the mountains of southwest Skopje, forming the stunning landscape at Matka Canyon.

Understand

In the Povardarie region, Skopje is the financial and political center of North Macedonia and by far its biggest city. The city population is around 800,000, however unofficially during working-days it can almost reach more than 1 million, which is more than half of the population of the country. The most diverse in the country, Skopje houses many ethnicities; besides the majority Macedonians, many Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Bosniaks and others call Skopje home.

26 July 1963 is one of the worst dates in the history of Skopje. An earthquake struck the city at 05:17. 75% of the buildings in the city disappeared in just a few seconds. After that, the big rebuilding project began, trying to make Skopje the model city of the socialist world. The plan was drawn by the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, who also designed the new railway station. The plan was never fully carried out. Many reconstruction projects have started. Some towers of Kale Fortress and the old cathedral are being reconstructed, and the old theater is also under reconstruction. Skopje is an eclectic mix of Christian and Islamic culture, with both vying to make themselves visible. However, this cultural mix has also spawned a lively and varied society. You can see people playing chess in the morning in the numerous cafés and green spaces in the summer. In the evening, Skopje comes to life as the locals dine in the cafés before heading to the bars and live music clubs, most of which are open until 01:00 or later.

Apart from being the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje has always been a center of power long coveted by various empires, and occupied by a long list of them, evident by the several Byzantine churches and monasteries around the city, also by a few Roman sites, such as Scupi and Skopje's Aqueduct. The city founded by the Paeonians in the 3rd century BCE under the name ‘Skupi’ was prized for its strategic location, in a long valley between two hills, situated on the banks of the Vardar River, a vital trade route. Under the Romans, Skopje was made administrative center of the Dardanian Province. The city’s prestige grew when the Orthodox Church made it an episcopal seat during the early Byzantine Empire. The arrival of migrating Slavic tribes from the Carpathians in the 6th century CE changed the city’s name and the composition of its people were assimilated by the Slavic newcomers. Throughout the remaining Byzantine centuries, Skopje continued to be an important mercantile center, situated as it was at the crossroads of Balkan trade and communications routes. It was celebrated for its urban life and fortress, and renowned for having the most beautiful church in the region. In the 14th century, Skopje became the capital of the Empire of Serbia, which was one of the largest and strongest countries in Europe during that period. However, the group that left the greatest mark on Skopje were the Ottomans. At the very end of the 14th century, Skopje and all of Macedonia fell under the rule of the Ottoman Turks, who ruled Macedonia for over six hundred years and built a large number of mosques and other buildings. In the ensuing centuries, the look of the town changed with the construction of many mosques, Turkish baths, bridges, and other buildings attesting to the new Oriental influence. Today, the Ottoman legacy remains extremely visible in Skopje’s architecture and small Islamic minority. After North Macedonia was liberated from the Turks in the early 20th century, became a part of Kingdom of Serbia, then it became a republic of the Yugoslav Federation, with Skopje as the capital. At that time, the prosperous city boasted many ornate, Neoclassical buildings laid out harmoniously in a more or less Central European style. However, in 1963 a disastrous earthquake leveled much of the regal old city, and Skopje was reborn in the imaginative, futuristic style in vogue at the time. Today, Skopje is a modern city and North Macedonia’s major political, economical, educational, and cultural center.

Visitor information Visit Skopje tourist information

Get in

International Airport of Pristina is 3 hr away by bus from Skopje and may offer cheaper deals than flying directly into Skopje on some routes.

By car – 20 km southeast. The airport is accessed by the main highway Belgrade-Skopje-Thessaloniki which connects it directly with the city. By public bus – Nearby (3.8 km south on foot from the airport) has regular buses into Skopje — 50 denar cash (scan the ticket to validate it) or by SkopjeBus app. By train – Two train stations are within "walking distance" from the airport (6-9 km), Miladinovci (Kumanovo trains) and Oreshani (Veles trains). If you are lucky, the train time might match your flight arrival — check train schedule here. The train could be a good way to connect south to Veles or Bitola directly instead of first heading into Skopje. About 54 denar to Skopje, probably cash only.

Check the Macedonian Rail website for national train connections from and to Skopje.

Buses to cities and towns in North Macedonia leave many times daily. There are also buses to other major European cities.

Sofia (from the main bus station): at least four times a day with two companies (a duopoly) — all other companies offering tickets seem to rely on these two. They take 5½ hr and will include a time zone change from Sofia (GMT+2) to Skopje (GMT+1/CET). The latest info is also on the Sofia bus terminal website. Kaleia Travel with two departures per day, 07:00 and 17:30 (both ways). Matpu with two departures per day, at 09:30 and 16:00. Instead of wasting your money, you could try hitch-hiking but first take a train/bus as close to the border as possible (Kumanovo/Palanka or Kjustendil) and try from there.

Pristina can be reached a few times per day (10:00, 11:45, 12:30, 15:00, 16:30, 18:10), 550 denars (steep increase in fall 2022). Tirana is at least twice per day, 09:00 and 21:00, 600 denars. Belgrade buses leave regularly too (Summer 2024: 07:45, 09:25, 13:10, 16:45, 21:30, 23:30), 2030 denars

Get around

By bus Skopje Bus has a vast, frequent and efficient bus network. A ride of any length (without interchange) with the red public buses is: 35 denar through the SkopjeBus app (top-up starts at 50 denar, iOS, Android), 35 denar by using Skopska card, or 50 denar in cash (from the driver) — you will get a ticket with a QR code, which you need to scan using one of the scanners inside the bus to validate it.

The SkopjeBus application has an English interface. It also provides bus timetables.

It is only possible to buy the Skopska card during business hours at the bus station (not later than 18:00).

Never let yourself be talked into going somewhere where you did not plan to go in the first place.

As of 2025, Wizi (iOS, Android), an online taxi hailing app with an option to pay using credit card in the app or directly in the taxi is available. This is the best option for tourists to avoid any hassle.

By train A suburban rail line was launched in September 2026. It runs from Skopje's main railway station to the village of Zelenikovo south of the city, which is about a 20-25 minute ride one way. It does not have much use for tourists, aside from the archaeological site of Tauresium.

See

The largest concentrations of sights in Skopje are found in Centar and the Stara Čaršija (Old Town). The former is the modern hub of the city and contains newer attractions, while the latter is home to many of the city's historical sights. Outer Skopje is home to larger sights that are more spread out.

The Skopje Fortress stands above central Skopje, on the right bank of the Vardar. Much of the exterior walls, including several towers, remain, while excavations continue on the interior. The Stara Čaršija sits below the fortress to the south. Countless Ottoman-era structures make up the historic district. Minarets from mosques like the 15th-century Mustafa Pasha Mosque dominate the district's skyline. The oldest of these mosques dates from 1436. Of the remaining Turkish baths, two are in good condition and now serve as museums. The three caravansaries in the Old Bazaar feature lovely courtyards and are open to the public as cafes or museums. While Islamic buildings are prevalent in the Stara Čaršija, it is also home to central Skopje's most important church, St Saviour Church, known for its wood-carved iconostasis.

One of the main symbols of Skopje, the Stone Bridge connects the Old Town to Centar on the left bank of the Vardar. Centar is home to the main government offices of North Macedonia. It is also home to Macedonia Square, the city's central square. The face of the square has changed with new buildings constructed in older architectural styles, as well as the addition of massive monuments like that of Alexander the Great, the centerpiece. Another major piece of the changes to Centar is Porta Macedonia, a large triumphal arch. The city's best museums are found in Centar, such as the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, the Holocaust Museum, and the Mother Teresa Memorial House, dedicated to the Skopje native.

Some of Skopje's best sights are found outside the city centre. Matka Canyon is one of North Macedonia's gems, both culturally and naturally. It is home to numerous medieval churches and monasteries, often hidden in the scenic mountains. Mount Vodno is capped by the Millennium Cross, overlooking the city and reachable via a cable car. In addition, archaeological sites dot the area, like the 55-arch Skopje Aqueduct. The Skopje Zoo contains a few hundred animals.

Do

The Macedonian National Theatre in Centar, is the home of the State Ballet. The theatre holds theatre, opera, and ballet performances all year round.

City Park is a large green area in Centar. A part of it is a museum, with several monuments within. It is a nice place to go for recreation, as there are pathways around the small lakes, the children’s amusement park, cafes, restaurants, etc. The city zoo and stadium are also within the park. In the summer, Skopje's nightlife concentrates on the nightclubs in this park.

Stroll through the town. You can get a good first impression of the city's sights in one or two hours, covering bazaar, fort and post-earthquake buildings. Equipped with a guidebook and a city map you can easily do it on your own.

Football – The national soccer team play at Toše Proeski National Arena, which is also the home of FK Vardar and FK Rabotnički. Several other club teams play in the city, the most recent Macedonian Football league winner being FC Shkupi.

Explore Matka Canyon: 50 minutes outside of central Skopje; it has a lake and a hydroelectric dam set in a beautiful gorge. Kayaking/canoeing on the lake is a popular activity, as are fishing, hunting, and swimming. Climbers may enjoy a variety of tours of varying difficulty there. Vrelo Cave has many stalactites and two lakes at the end of the cave. There are several monasteries in the Matka Canyon Area that you can hike to. Kadina Reka Hunting Site in Skopje/Outer Skopje 25 km from Skopje. Climb Vodno Mountain, in Karpoš. The largest mountain to the south of Skopje, 1066 m above sea level, it towers over Skopje. It is a popular hiking destination with marked paths leading through the woods, with a couple of rest areas. Climbing this mountain will give the best views of the city and the valley which Skopje is in. Hike Vodno Mountain to Matka Canyon: If you start early, hiking even further west along the ridge of Vodno Mountain can be a full-day hike. The hike from Skopje to Matka via Vodno is about 18 km. Explore Skopska Crna Gora in Outer Skopje: a fun and educational day trip from Skopje is visiting the villages, churches and monasteries on Skopska Crna Gora Mountain. Marko’s Monastery in Outer Skopje, is an active monastery. Most interesting is the unique scene The cry of Rahela (Mathew 2:18). On the southern façade the portraits of king Volkashin and king Marko are painted.

Tumba archaeological site. Ceramic models of houses formed in the shape of the female body are among its valuable finds from the Early Stone Age.

Cerje archaeological site. Its unique finds include the figurine known as Adam from Govrlevo, one of the earliest prehistoric male figurines, from the Early Stone Age.

Gradishte. A fortified settlement from the Early Byzantine period. It is believed to be Taoresion, the native town of Emperor Justinian.

Marko's Castle. An Early Byzantine fortress, heavily fortified with 40 towers. It was the site of the medieval town of Crnce.

Remains of Skupi. The ancient city of Skupi is almost not worth the effort to reach. There is almost nothing left except for part of a street, a bath, and a basilica. After the city was ruined by the earthquake of 518, all the building material was used in the building of Justinijana Prima (one can see almost all of the seats of the Roman theatre incorporated in Kale Fortress). It is interesting that even though the earthquake was very strong and completely ruined Skupi there were almost no casualties. The inhabitants fled the city just two days before fearing from Avar attacks and settled in the small fortresses they had built on Vodno and in Matka.

Skopje Summer Festival. The epithets such as the most abundant, the most various, the longest and, according to many authorized marks, one of the most qualitative cultural manifestation of international character which is held in North Macedonia, characterize Skopje Summer. This manifestation has even received an acknowledgement of its reputation outside the Macedonian borders which is verified by the membership of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA).

Offest. This festival takes place at several locations in Skopje, such as the Universal Hall, Skopje Square, the Youth Cultural Center, and many attractive night clubs in the city.

Skopje Jazz Festival. For one week every October, Skopje hosts eminent jazz musicians from all over the world. The Skopje Jazz Festival is considered to be one of the best of its kind in Europe.

May Opera Evenings. The May Opera Evenings have been one of the most visited events in Skopje. Over the years, the stage of the Macedonian Ballet and Opera Theatre has hosted a number of ballet performances, operas, and many concerts. This event represents a true professional challenge for the artists and a wonderful musical experience for the audience.

Autumn Music. Organized to enrich the music life with its genres and themes in accordance to its conception and to provide another place for the performances of the native and foreign artist. There is the classical music as a base of this manifestation's programme, yet it always leaves space for the other types of music genres such as jazz, popular song, ethno music etc.

Vino Skop. Wine tasting, vineyard visits, live musical entertainment from international artists in the heart of the city.

BuskerFest. Street performers festival. Tours Macedonian cities, as well as Budva, Montenegro and Sibenik, Croatia.

Pivolend. Gourmet weekend with beer.

Vasilica (New Year). Celebrated in the home.

Herdelezi / Djurdjevden. Spring festival celebrated at home and in public. Usually crowned by a great open air concert. After Herdelezi the wedding season begins. Almost every day you can meet a wedding procession or a procession accompanying the gifts for the bride.

Taksirat Festival. One of the biggest winter festivals in Eastern Europe, which happens at the end of November and beginning of December.

Learn

Ss. Cyril and Methodius University - The Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje was founded in 1949 consisting three faculties and today it represents a family of twenty-three faculties, ten institutes and other institutions. The present structure of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University can be illustrated with the following figures: over 36,000 students from North Macedonia as well as over 700 foreign students are enrolled at all faculties; over 2,300 teaching and scientific staff and associates are engaged in the teaching, educational and scientific process at the faculties and over 300 at the institutes. University American College Skopje - an institution for higher education that combines American and European methods.

Buy

In Stara Čaršija, the old town, the Old Bazaar is the largest in the Balkans. It is a structure of many streets lined with small shops. The Bit Pazar is the biggest food market in Skopje. A walk around can be fun, but you can also get cheap fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, cheese, teas, spices and flowers. Another good food market to visit is the Green Market (Zeleno Pazarce), near the Parliament Building and Bunjakovec Market near the Cathedral. Centar has several shopping centres. GTC is the oldest in the city. It includes cafes, restaurants, bars, banks, shops, and a bowling court. Ramstore Mall and Super Vero are American-looking malls. City Gallery shopping centre has lots of high quality fashion stores. In Centar, Biser, is a shopping center with very nice cafes, bar, and shops. It can be found in the Aerodrom municipality of Skopje. 'Bunjakovec is in one of the busiest thoroughfares in Skopje. In includes many shops and boutiques. Skopje City Mall, in Karpoš, is a modern mall that is the biggest of its kind in the region. It houses around 150 shops, 9 cinemas, a 4,500-m² hypermarket, restaurants and bars with terraces, bowling center and the biggest kids corner in North Macedonia. East Gate Mall' in Outer Skopje is the newest and biggest mall in Skopje.

Eat

North Macedonia’s capital offers something to satisfy all modern tastes and appetites. Make sure to try the famous Macedonian foods such as burek, Shopska Salata, and others.

Skopje’s eateries are plentiful and offer a diverse range of local and international flavors. International cuisine is well represented in Skopje with Chinese, Italian, Indian, Greek, Mexican, Middle Eastern and French restaurants all found within the city center. In addition, pizza and fast food places abound, as do small bakery cafes selling pastries such as the ubiquitous burek (a flaky filo pie stuffed with meat, cheese or spinach).

Pelister. Large central restaurant and café with a broad international menu, desserts, cocktails and one of the busiest terraces in the city centre.

Restaurant Old House. Built in 1836, this is considered the oldest traditional house in Macedonia still in active use. Protected as a cultural monument by the Bureau for Protection of Cultural Heritage, the wood-and-stone house features original carved ceilings and traditional Macedonian architecture. Once home to six generations of the Jovanovich family, today it operates as a national restaurant with refined Macedonian cuisine and historic atmosphere.

Dropstop Gastrobar. Modern wine-focused gastrobar specializing in Macedonian wines, charcuterie and tasting menus with wine pairings. Located inside a modernist building from the Kingdom of Yugoslavia period that survived the 1963 Skopje earthquake. Indoor dining area is fully non-smoking.

Amigos Mexican Restaurant & Bar. Long-running Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar with colorful interior, fajitas, burgers and large outdoor seating area.

Restaurant Skopski Merak. Classic Macedonian restaurant with live music, grilled meats and extensive local wine selection. One of the best-known traditional restaurants in Skopje.

Gostilnica DM. Popular modern Macedonian restaurant in Debar Maalo known for grilled dishes, tavern-style food and lively evening atmosphere.

Matto Napoletano. Popular Neapolitan-style pizzeria with wood-fired oven and modern interior. Frequently considered among the best pizza places in Skopje.

Wine Berry. Wine bar with a strong Macedonian and regional wine selection, serving small plates and lighter food rather than full restaurant dining.

Destan. Budget traditional ćevapi and kebab restaurant popular with locals and visitors. Fast, casual and focused on grilled meat dishes.

Vodenica Mulino. Splurge Mediterranean and seafood restaurant with formal atmosphere and one of the best-known fine dining reputations in Skopje.

Dukat. Traditional-style Macedonian restaurant known for grilled meats, large portions and garden-style atmosphere.

Dva Elena Restaurant. Splurge Macedonian restaurant with extensive wine cellar and refined presentation of traditional dishes.

Drink

There is no big clubbing going on in Skopje, but the city has it range of decent bars almost feeling sub-cultural, and of course a selection of the all so often shady night club or tourist aka fancy cocktail bar.

See the district articles for more details.

Sleep

Accommodation options in Skopje are numerous and inexpensive, probably the most inexpensive in Europe. Note, if you select "Skopje City Center" on Booking.com, it will show you a reduced selection of options, just choose "Skopje", most is in walking distance anyways.