If you’re considering touring through the Balkans, Skopje is the budget friendly spot to consider. Tucked into the heart of the Balkans, North Macedonia’s capital has a unique rhythm—part Ottoman, part Yugoslav, part modern European—that makes even a few days here a unique experience. Here’s how to spend 3–4 days in Skopje:
If you’re debating visiting Skopje or North Macedonia, I will also give my honest opinion on why not to visit Skopje-here😅
Wander the Old Bazaar
No visit to Skopje is complete without losing yourself in the Old Bazaar. This historic quarter, one of the largest in the Balkans, dates back to Ottoman times and still feels alive with tradition.
- Cafés & Turkish-inspired coffee: Sit at a low table, order strong Turkish coffee, and let it linger as you watch the bustle of shopkeepers and locals.
- Sweet treats: Try baklava, tulumba, or kadaif at one of the many dessert shops.
- Traditional food: From grilled kebabs to burek (a flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese), this is where you’ll find hearty Macedonian and Albanian flavors.
- Shopping: The bazaar is lined with gold shops, antique stores, and small vintage stalls selling Yugoslav-era memorabilia. It’s equal parts history lesson and treasure hunt.
Explore Macedonia Square & the Bridges
At the center of Skopje is Macedonia Square, where old-world grandeur meets quirky modern design. Monuments & architecture: The massive “Warrior on a Horse” statue (often debated but always photogenic) dominates the square. Around it, you’ll find neoclassical-style government buildings and quirky monuments.
Walk across the Stone Bridge, a symbol of the city, connecting the Old Bazaar with the newer side of town. Don’t miss the nearby Art Bridge, lined with statues. Stop by Skopje City Mall or grab coffee at one of the cafés surrounding the square.
Stroll Central Park (City Park)
Skopje’s Central Park (also called City Park) is the perfect place to slow down. Walks & trails: Meander under tall trees and enjoy shaded paths perfect for a morning or evening stroll. Hammock time: Bring a book, pack your hammock, & enjoy the peace.
Coffee on the go: You’ll find small coffee and juice carts sprinkled through the park—perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Take a Day Trip to Matka Canyon, Millennium Cross, and St. Panteleimon
For a full-day adventure, book the popular Matka Canyon + Millennium Cross tour (about 5-6 hours). We had an incredible tour guide Miha does a great job sharing all about Skopje, North Macedonia, the sites, and personal stories from his life! Couldn’t recommend enough- the highlight of our time in Skopje!
Matka Canyon is just 30 minutes outside the city, this stunning canyon offers boat rides to caves, hiking trails, and breathtaking views. Millennium Cross sits atop Mount Vodno, this massive cross can be reached by cable car and offers sweeping views over Skopje and beyond. It’s the ultimate “nature + culture” day trip if you’re short on time.
The Church of St. Panteleimon in Skopje is a 12th-century Byzantine church known for its beautifully preserved frescoes, which are among the finest examples of medieval Orthodox art. Built on the slopes of Mount Vodno, it offers both historical significance and panoramic views of the city.
Hike Mount Vodno
If you’d rather skip the tour, you can hike Mount Vodno directly from Skopje! An easy good or apple map search will get you exactly to where you need to go!
From the base of the mountain, it’s about 1–2 hour hike to the cable cars or you can opt out of the cable car and hike all the way up to Millennium Cross. The hike is leisurely and popular with locals on weekends. And be sure to bring water, start in the morning to beat the heat, and pitstop at Drip Coffee on your way out!
Taste Local Bakeries
One of the sweetest ways to experience Skopje is through the bakeries and sweets shops. Some of our favorites were: Silbo, Шеќерна, Krofnite od Hrom, Forty3, Fluffy Mini Pancakes, and Lokmades!!
Macedonian and Albanian bakeries are small treasures tucked into nearly every neighborhood, and trying their traditional pastries is an absolute must while you’re in Skopje. Burek is the undisputed star, a flaky, layered pastry filled with savory fillings like cheese, spinach, or minced meat, often served warm and paired with a cup of yogurt for breakfast. It’s rich, satisfying, and beloved across the Balkans, but each bakery gives it its own local twist.
Another staple is pogacha, a soft, fluffy bread that’s often shared at family meals or served alongside soups and stews. Freshly baked and still warm from the oven, it’s simple but deeply comforting — a taste of local hospitality in every bite. You’ll also find sweet options like rolla (sweet rolls) filled with chocolate, jam, or nuts, perfect for an afternoon coffee break.
The best part? Most of these bakeries open early in the morning, making them a go-to for a delicious, budget-friendly breakfast before a day of exploring. Don’t be surprised if the most unassuming, no-frills corner bakery ends up serving you one of the most memorable pastries of your trip here, it’s all about tradition, freshness, and flavor.
Dive into Skopje’s Specialty Coffee Scene
Beyond its traditional cafés, Skopje has a growing specialty coffee culture. Third-wave cafés are popping up around the city, each with their own take on espresso, pour-over, and creative drinks.
I wrote a full guide to Skopje’s specialty coffee shops: check it out here for my favorite spots!
Where to Stay: Central Airbnb
One of the highlights of our time in Skopje was staying at this incredible Airbnb — a modern, cozy one-bedroom condo in the heart of Debar Maalo, the city’s artsy, cafe-filled district. It had everything we needed for remote work and rest: a comfy queen bed, sofa bed, full kitchen, bright living space, vanity/work desk, smart TV, and super-fast WiFi.
Despite being steps from the best cafes, bars, restaurants, and landmarks, it’s tucked away on a quiet street with a gym in the building and plenty of nearby parking. I especially loved the natural light, inspiring views, and cozy couch — and the fact that we could walk everywhere without needing public transit. If you’re visiting Skopje, I can’t recommend this stay enough!
Reasons not to visit Skopje😅
After spending six weeks in Skopje, my husband and I experienced a real shift in how we felt about the city. At first, we honestly didn’t like it—the heavy pollution was so intense that even a short time outdoors left our lungs irritated, which really dampened our motivation to explore during those first two weeks.
The food scene also wasn’t our favorite; aside from a few great bakeries and desserts, many restaurants and grocery options felt underwhelming compared to what we’re used to in the U.S., especially since Balkan cuisine isn’t really our preference. The city itself moves at a slower pace, with a modest main square, a pleasant but small bazaar, and a few nice outdoor spaces, though overall we found there wasn’t a ton to do within Skopje itself.
However, the longer we stayed, the more we grew to appreciate this quiet corner of the Balkans. Once the pollution improved—or we adapted to it—we enjoyed getting out and exploring more, and we came to value Skopje’s affordability, safety, and peaceful atmosphere. It ended up being a great base for our visa run and time abroad, but in hindsight, I wouldn’t recommend spending more than two or three days.
And if I’m being totally for real here, if you only have a few days in North Macedonia in general, SKIP SKOPJE and go to LAKE OHRID! You will thank me later—the stunning nature, mountain landscapes, restaurants, and Lake Ohrid itself, was by far our favorite part of our trip!
Conflicted on where to go?
If you are looking for that ottoman empire vibe, with bazaars and market experience, go to Turkey. If you want a city that is full of shopping go to Paris. If you are looking for a city that has incredible food and culture, go to Lisbon. If you are looking for a city that has all of that plus a beach, go to Barcelona.
If you want a more affordable city without compromising on coffee, food, history, and nature, go to Thessaloniki. If you want the Balkans but luxurious, go to Croatia. If you want to go somewhere affordable, with kind people, safety, and surrounding you with nature while not breaking the bank, come to North Macedonia 🇲🇰 🤗🥹
If you are backpacking the Balkans or looking to travel on a tight budget, Skopje is a great place to stay!
With its blend of Ottoman charm, Balkan hospitality, and mountain views, Skopje is the kind of city that surprises you. In just 2–4 days, you could wander centuries-old bazaars, sip coffee in leafy parks, hike to panoramic views, and taste your way through both traditional and modern flavors.
If you’re planning your first visit, come curious, bring good walking shoes, and leave room for learning the history—that’s the uniqueness of Skopje. 🙂
Enjoy the Balkans,
Cosette
Lovely read! Can’t wait for part 2
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