Skopje holidays

How to reach Skopje

Flight time: Flights to Skopje take around 3 hours from London and other major UK airports.

Transfer time: Skopje’s Alexander the Great airport is 21km east of the city, from where Vardar Express buses run shuttles to a schedule loosely connected to flight times, taking around 30 minutes.

Price: The airport shuttle bus costs around €3, while a taxi to the centre will set you back about €20, depending on traffic.

Best time to visit Skopje

• April to June: Spring is one of the best periods to visit, as temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, making it perfect for exploring the city’s sights. Rainfall is moderate, with about 40–70mm per month, and there are 7–9 hours of sunshine daily.

• July to August: Summers are hot with temperatures climbing to around 30°C or higher, so pack appropriate protection. Expect plenty of sunshine (up to 11 hours a day) and very little rain.

• September to October: Autumn sees milder weather, with temperatures cooling from 24°C to around 15°C, still plenty warm enough for sightseeing, but without the crowds. Rainfall averages 40–80mm a month, and there are 6–8 hours of sunshine daily.

• November to March: Winters can be very cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C, so pack plenty of layers. Rain and snow are to be expected, with 3–6 hours of sunshine each day.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: The official language is Macedonian, but English is widely spoken, and you are also quite likely to hear some Albanian. Note that North Macedonia uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which can pose problems with street signs and train and bus timetables.

• Local habits and customs: North Macedonia is a real mishmash of cultures, and it’s very important to take note of a few political and ethnic issues – taking Greece’s side in the country’s naming or flag disputes won’t win you any friends. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

• Currency: North Macedonia uses the Macedonian denar (MKD). ATMs are available throughout Skopje, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. However, it’s always handy to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases or in local markets.

• Getting around: Public transport consists mainly of buses; intriguingly Skopje surely has the world’s greatest concentration of London buses outside London. Tickets on these Chinese-built replicas and the old Yugoslav models that run in tandem with them cost 35MKD (about £0.50).

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V, and plugs are of the European two-pin type. UK travellers will need a plug adaptor.

• Time zone: Skopje is on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Skopje

The country’s capital, Skopje, is something of a Yugoslav symphony in grey, though one whose brutal architecture is softened by an appealing Ottoman centre, as well as by friendly locals, great food and quirky bars.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Skopje Fortress (Kale): Skopje Fortress dates back to the 6th century and offers incredible views of the city and Vardar river below.

The best districts

• Čaršija: Lively district north of the river containing the bulk of Skopje’s sights, but Turkish times linger on here most prominently in the shape of several mosques.

• Šutka: Home to Europe’s largest Roma community, the area is impoverished and dilapidated, but a visit can be quite fascinating – colourful buildings, litter-lined streets and a bustling daily market make it feel something like a town in India transported to the Balkans.

Museums

• Museum of the Macedonian Struggle: This engaging museum provides insight into the history of Macedonia's fight for independence, through interactive exhibits, paintings and sculptures.

• Museum of Contemporary Art: Not only does the museum offer fantastic views of the city, but it’s also a fabulous introduction to North Macedonian art.

Parks and gardens

• City Park: Originally laid out at the end of the 19th century, this large public space is good for walking, cycling or picnicking. There’s also a small stage, plus bars and restaurants, while it also plays host to at least one outdoor nightclub during the summer.

Historical monuments

• Stone Bridge: This relatively small bridge has connected Plostad Makedonija with the Old Bazaar since its original construction over 550 years ago, which is why it remains such a much-loved monument.

• Sveti Spas: A secluded 14th-century monastery, its church was built mostly underground – under Ottoman rule churches were not allowed to be higher than mosques – and its carved-walnut iconostasis is jaw-dropping.

• Alexander the Great statue: You won’t be able to miss this gigantic equestrian statue (although, owing to political sensitivities with Greece, its official name is Warrior on a Horse) – it’s by far the largest of the truly bewildering number of statues in the area.

Day trips in the area

• Lake Matka: An easy break from the capital, this artificial lake is surrounded by richly forested peaks, and its edges are dotted with restaurants, many of which can only be accessed by boat.

• Mavrovo National Park: Spreading its wings over one of North Macedonia’s most beautiful corners, this is a rich and rugged land where rushing streams tumble down slopes cloaked with pine and birch.

• Stobi Archaeological Site: Located about an hour's drive from Skopje, this ancient city site features fine Roman ruins, including a theatre, basilica and some impressive mosaics.

Activities for families in Skopje

Skopje offers a range of family-friendly activities, making it an excellent destination for a holiday with kids.

• Interactive museums: Fascinating and informative, the Museum of Illusions is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring its three floors of optical illusions and mind-bending installations.

• Aquariums and zoos: It may not be the largest in the world, but Skopje Zoo is a family favourite and an affordable, fun way to spend a few hours, especially if you’re travelling with little ones.

Free things to do in Skopje

Skopje is one of Europe's cheapest cities, so you don’t really need to penny pinch, but still, there are plenty of free things to see and do on your Skopje holidays.

• Old Bazaar: Skopje’s Old Bazaar is one of the largest and best-preserved in the Balkans. It’s a lively area full of shops, cafés and small artisan workshops, where you can find everything from handcrafted jewellery to traditional Macedonian textiles.

• Festivals: Throughout the year, Skopje hosts a variety of festivals and open-air concerts, many of which are free; one of the most enjoyable, and unusual, is Buskerfest, a week of eclectic street performances, usually taking place in May or June.

Nature and outdoor activities in Skopje

Skopje’s location near mountains and rivers makes it an ideal base for exploring North Macedonia’s stunning natural landscapes.

• Hiking and trekking: Look south from any vantage point in Skopje and you’ll see Mount Vodno, within walking distance of the city and topped with a huge cross. The mountain is great for hiking – and the 1066m peak is only a couple of hours’ walk from central Skopje. For a more challenging trek, head to the Shar Mountains or the Mavrovo National Park, both within a few hours' drive of the city.

• Water sports: Matka Canyon, just a short drive from Skopje, offers kayaking along the Treska River, paddle boarding and even exploration of the local caves by boat.

Local dishes in Skopje

One of the joys of holidays to Skopje is discovering the local cuisine, which is heavily influenced by Balkan, Mediterranean and Turkish flavours.

Some typical dishes

• Ajvar: This roasted red pepper spread is a Macedonian staple; it can be enjoyed as a dip, side dish or spread on warm bread.

• Shopska salad: A fresh, colourful salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and topped with a generous serving of grated white cheese.

• Tavče gravče: The national dish of North Macedonia, this bean casserole is served on a hot clay plate.

Meat dishes

• Ćevapi: Popular throughout the Balkans, these small, grilled minced meat rissoles are served with onions, a hunk of bread and a side of ajvar or mustard.

• Kebapi: Similar to ćevapi, these sausage-shaped kebabs are usually served with chopped onion and spongy, freshly baked bread.

• Sarma: Cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, cooked slowly in a tomato-based sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Pastrmka (trout): North Macedonia’s lakes are known for their fresh trout; grilled and simply seasoned, this is fish at its most delicious.

• Skara: This general term refers to various grilled fish and seafood dishes; you’ll find skara-style dishes at most restaurants, often served with a side of fresh vegetables.

Sweets and desserts

• Tulumba: A sugary, syrup-soaked pastry that’s crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

• Baklava: Layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and drenched in honey syrup; sweet, sticky and utterly delicious.

Local drinks

• Coffee: The consumption of coffee (kafe) seems almost obligatory, and it’s traditionally served Turkish-style (black, with grounds at the bottom), though espresso is gaining currency.

• Rakija: This throat-curdling fruit brandy is a staple at any gathering, and you’ll likely be offered a drop wherever you go.

• Macedonian wines: North Macedonia is famed for uniformly good wines. Vranec (red) and Smederevka (white) are two local grape varieties worth trying; otherwise, Tikveš is a reliable, widely sold bottled brand.