City of Skopje Macedonia: 24 Hours in the Capital

Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, definitely exceeded our expectations. This beautiful city is rich in history, culture, and unique architecture. If you’re stopping by for a quick visit or planning a short layover, this 1-day itinerary covers the best attractions, must-visit restaurants, and essential travel tips to make the most of your time in Skopje Macedonia.

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Morning: Exploring Skopje’s Old Town

1. Skopje Fortress (Kale)

Before the sun fully wakes up, head up to Skopje Fortress, also known as Kale Fortress. This medieval stronghold offers panoramic views of the city and the Vardar River. It’s a great spot for photography and learning about Skopje’s historical significance.

2. The Old Bazaar

A short walk from the fortress, Skopje’s Old Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans. Wander through its narrow, cobbled streets and explore local shops selling jewelry, textiles, and handmade crafts. Stop by the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, an impressive 15th-century mosque offering peaceful courtyards and stunning architecture.

These two areas are comprise Skopje’s old town. Along with the central square, this is the most impressive part of the capital, where you’ll want to spend a good amount of your day.

Lunch: Best Places to Eat in old town Skopje

For an authentic Macedonian lunch, consider one of these highly rated restaurants:

• Pivnica An – Located in a historic Ottoman inn, offering delicious grilled meats and local wines.
• Old City House (Stara Kuka) – A historic restaurant offering authentic Macedonian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
• Pelister – Located in the city center, this spot serves a mix of local and Mediterranean dishes.

Afternoon: Culture & Scenic Views

3. Stone Bridge

After lunch, you’ll likely find yourself near city center. Walk across the historic Stone Bridge, which connects the Old Bazaar with the modern city center. Dating back to the Ottoman era, this bridge is an iconic symbol of Skopje.

4. Macedonia Square & The Warrior on a Horse Statue

Crossing the stone bridge will take you to Macedonia Square, the heart of Skopje. The massive statue of “Warrior on a Horse,” often thought to represent Alexander the Great, dominates the square. This area is surrounded by grand neoclassical-style buildings and is a great place to soak in the city’s lively atmosphere.

5. Memorial House of Mother Teresa

Skopje is the birthplace of Mother Teresa, and the Memorial House dedicated to her life and work is a must-visit. The small museum showcases her letters, photographs, and personal items.

6. The Millennium Cross on Mount Vodno

For an unforgettable view, take a short cable car ride to the Millennium Cross, one of the largest crosses in the world, sitting atop Mount Vodno. This is the perfect place to watch the sunset over Skopje before heading back into town.

If you’re into museums, Skopje Macedonia has plenty. We recommend: Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, Archaeological Museum, Museum of the City of Skopje, or the Holocaust Memorial Center. The Museum of Contemporary Art, National Gallery, Natural Science Museum and the Skopje Zoo are additional options.

Dinner: Where to Eat in Skopje Macedonia

End your day with a memorable dinner at one of these top-rated restaurants:

• 7 Skara Restaurant – This barbecue restaurant in the heart of city center is famous for its big portions and excellent service.
• Skopski Merak – A favorite among locals, offering traditional Macedonian cuisine with live music.
• Dukat – An excellent spot for authentic grilled meats and Macedonian wine.

Nightlife in Skopje Macedonia

Bars and clubs are most lively on the weekends, with events and DJs playing from Thursday to Saturday at most venues.

• Club Epicentar – Thursday to Saturday nights they play a variety of music from hip-hop, techno and Macedonian; check their Instagram to know what to expect.
• Balet – a rock club located close to central square.
• Stanica26 – a variety club featuring foreign DJs on weekends
• Beertija Pub – a rock pub, for those looking for a spot to sit and have local beer.

Essential Travel Tips for Skopje Macedonia

• Currency – North Macedonia uses the Macedonian Denar (MKD). Some places accept credit cards, but cash is often preferred in markets and small shops.
• Getting Around – Skopje’s city center is very walkable, but taxis and ride-hailing apps are affordable and widely available. Parking can be extremely difficult to find near the center.
• Weather – Summers are hot, exceeding 30°C, so wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. Winters can be chilly; temperatures nearing 0°C in December and January.
• Language – Macedonian is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Where to Stay in Skopje Macedonia

For one day in Skopje you’ll want to stay central to be walking distance from the main attractions. Either stay near old town or close to Macedonia Square. Here are some highly rated stays that we recommend:

• Old Pazar Luxury Apartment – one of the few stays within the old town bazaar.
• City Square Apartment Verde – beautiful apartment, as central as it gets.
• Riverside Retreat – modern, comfortable stay with views of the river and historic bridge.

We stayed in Skopje Mariott Hotel and booked it through points. Check out this helpful link to learn more on how we save while travelling. The Skopje Mariott Hotel is in a central location and is overlooking the Macedonia Square and shops, cafe bars, restaurants, museum are within walking distance.

Final Thoughts

A single day in Skopje can be enough to discover the highlights of the capital city of Macedonia. We thoroughly enjoyed our day here, enjoying the history, culture, and local flavors. If you’re passing through the Balkans, we certainly recommend a quick stop in Skopje.

Our favourite day-trip from Skopje is certainly Matka Canyon – check it out here.

Curious which drone we have? We currently have the DJI Mini 4 Pro and we couldn’t recommend it enough especially for beginners as it has good stabilization and obstacle avoidance (because you don’t want to crash into a tree on day 1!)