Skopje travel guide

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.

Do

• Stroll through the town
• Tumba archaeological site
• Cerje archaeological site
• Gradishte
• Marko's Castle
• Remains of Skupi
• Skopje Summer Festival
• Offest
• Skopje Jazz Festival
• May Opera Evenings
• Autumn Music
• Vino Skop

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).

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.

Stay safe

Skopje, just like the rest of North Macedonia, is a relatively safe place. But, the usual rules about common sense apply here as they would anywhere. The places where crime occurs most often are in the places where tourists have little reason to be at. Like many other parts of Eastern and Central Europe, there are people who will beg around the major tourist sites, they especially target tourist-looking people, and sometimes may engage in pickpocketing. If you don't like the typical touristy slop, avoid the old town and the bazaar — it's over-rated, over-priced, and you expose yourself to potential scams and con men. Everything south of the river has more charm and decency.