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Is Skopje worth visiting? Here’s my answer: yes.

If that’s all you needed, great! That was easy, right? However, if you want a bit more detail, I’ll be walking through exactly why it’s worth visiting over the course of the next few thousands words. Better strap in 🙂

If you’re reading this blog, you probably have the same question I had before travelling there for the first time: is Skopje worth visiting?

As the capital of North Macedonia, Skopje is one of those places that flies a little under the radar. Well, honestly, a lot under the radar. If you asked a bunch of people what places are on their list of destinations to visit next year, I’m not sure North Macedonia would be on any of their lists.

However, now that I’ve been I’m always getting served Facebook ads by Holiday Pirates. Every time I’m scrolling there’s an advert for a trip to North Macedonia popping up that just looks absolutely stunning.

On paper, it looks great. Lake Ochrid is gorgeous. All that old-world charm and UNESCO world heritage sites just begging to be explored. And all at really, really reasonable prices. I’m not sure it’s a place for everyone, especially when it’s competing against so many other beautiful European cities. But if the question to me is ‘Is Skopje worth visiting’ then my answer would be yes. It’s 100% worth going to Skopje at least once.

So, I’m here to convince you to nudge it up the pecking order of your travel wish list. I was in the same position as you – ‘Macedonia? Where?’ – until I had the opportunity to go to Skopje for the first time.

Here’s a guide to what you can expect when you visit!

Is Skopje worth visiting?

The million dollar question: is Skopje worth visiting?

It’s a tricky one as, as I’ll explain below, I was there for work. So, it wasn’t like I pointed to Skopje on the map and said, ‘I really want to go there.‘ However, now that I’ve learned a little bit more about the history of the capital and the country, it’s all very interesting.

Skopje is definitely unlike any other city I’ve been to and so for that reason alone it makes it worth visiting. Here are three quick reasons why you may enjoy this capital city…

1. It’s cheap – your money will go far here
2. It’s unique – Skopje definitely has its own vibe going on
3. It’s close to plenty of other countries, perfect for backpackers

Why did I visit North Macedonia?

First of all, you’re probably wondering why I visited North Macedonia.

It’s not especially interesting. I work for a tech company and that tech company just happens to be based in Skopje. And it’s not even that unusual for tech companies to have offices in North Macedonia.

There are quite a few technology companies with a presence there, including Apple, Microsoft, and Dell. It’s all a result of an initiative by the government a few years ago, to counter what was called the ‘brain drain.’ What was meant by this was a large number of highly skilled and educated people leaving the country, particularly young people. Not a great thing.

The company I work for has an office in Skopje and that’s why I went! Is Skopje worth visiting when it’s a work perk? Even more so.

Where is Skopje located?

Skopje is located in the Balkans region, which is situated in the southern part of Europe. It serves as the capital and largest city of North Macedonia, a country that emerged from the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia.

Positioned to the north of Greece, west of Bulgaria, and east of Albania, Skopje is centrally situated on the Balkan Peninsula.

How do you get to North Macedonia?

Now for the interesting questions. In short…

• There aren’t that many regular flights to Skopje
• You can only get direct flights from Luton Airport, London

OK, it’s not exactly easy to get to Skopje from the UK.

You can only get direct flights to North Macedonia from Luton airport in London, everywhere else you’ll have to get two connecting flights. I’m based in Scotland so the idea of having to go down to London for a flight wasn’t hugely appealing for me.

Both times I’ve visited, I opted for connecting flights in Europe. It always seems to be different location that I fly to – I’ve gone via Berlin, Hamburg, and Bratislava so far. It’s a bit of a faff, I’m not going to lie. I also learned that it’s best to have decent gaps between your flights, for various reasons, and that makes the journey take even longer.

Secondly, the number of flights is a bit limited. You’ll have to base your trip on the flights that are available. For example, from London, there are Monday outward and Friday return flights, which works out pretty well for us in terms of the working week.

My personal experience of travelling to and from Skopje (from the UK)

If you want my opinion on the question is Skopje is worth visiting, don’t ask me when I’m in the middle of getting there or back. Because it’s a bit of a drag. Whenever I’ve had to get connecting flights I’ve had to go through security twice, which makes everything take even longer. Yay.

This happened in Germany both times, so the whole process took ages. I had to wait in a massive queue for passport control on my return flight from Skopje – which was so long I ended up having to take a punt and seeing if I could get through the queue for EU passports. Thankfully, they let me through the second time I asked – thank god.

However, even after that, I had to run through the airport in a panic. I only made my flight because my connecting flight ended up being delayed for an hour. So you need to leave more time than you think for connecting flights if you don’t want to miss it. The second time I went I made sure I had a buffer of three hours to be on the safe side.

Secondly, the flights to and from Skopje are by Wizz Air. I don’t want to knock them too much as my last flight was on time, but they do tend to be hit with delays. My boss was delayed for five hours on his trip from Skopje back to London, which sounds horrendous. Plus, if that was me I would then miss my connecting flight too – total nightmare.

The last time I flew Skopje to Luton and my flight was perfectly on time. However, I did leave about three hours until my next flight so there was a bit of waiting. Long story short, unless you are travelling from London getting to North Macedonia is a little tricky!

Here’s a quick breakdown of the flight times…

Flight	Flight time	Visa
Luton to Skopje	3 hours 15 minutes	Not required

What is the weather like in North Macedonia?

Both times I’ve been there it’s been very different – cold and hot!

Summers in Macedonia are generally warm and dry, with average high temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 C. Winters are cold, and temperatures often drop below freezing, with occasional snowfall.

In fact, it was predicted to snow when I was there, but didn’t! Spring and autumn bring milder weather, with pleasant temperatures and blossoming landscapes.

In comparison to the UK, Skopje generally experiences more extreme temperatures. Summers in Skopje tend to be warmer than those in the UK, with higher average temperatures and a drier climate.

Winters, on the other hand, can be colder, often featuring sub-zero temperatures and occasional snowfall. That’s the official verdict and that seems to shape up with my personal experience of visiting Skope in two different seasons.

Two seasons, two very different experiences…

As I said, Skopje was both hot and cold on my trips there.

The first time I went was at the end of June and it was absolutely baking hot. I barely wore a jacket the whole time. I remember we went paintballing on the Monday evening after work and it was such a glorious day to be outside – especially, I thought, as the paintballing was open air.

However, we had to put all these heavy overalls and masks on to run around and shoot at each other and I was just absolutely melting and pouring with sweat – lovely! My face practically melted right off!

However, the second time I visited was in late November. My colleague had been there the week before and kept telling me how warm it was. Well, it was not warm when I got there. I stepped outside at the airport and I was shocked at the temperature. And, being the numpty that I am, I’d only packed one jumper and one hoodie. Of course I had.

I honestly think I have a mental block with this sort of thing – it’s like I can’t tell the temperature of a place until I actually feel it on my skin when I arrive, which isn’t exactly helpful. Next time, I’ll plan better.

Introducing ‘Skopje 2014’

Now let’s chat a bit more about the capital city of Macedonia, Skopje.

As a heads-up (I didn’t know this), you pronounce Skopje Sko-pia, so the j is effectively a ‘y’. That’s something I learned quickly when it comes to pronouncing my colleagues’ names.

Now let’s get into Skopje, but first I want to share some of the backstory so you have a bit more context. The context is this: Skopje underwent a massive architectural project a few years ago called Skopje 2014. Inspired by its rich history, the project aimed to showcase North Macedonia’s cultural heritage and create a sense of national identity.

During Skopje 2014, numerous neoclassical buildings, majestic statues, and imposing monuments were erected throughout the city. These new additions stand proudly alongside the existing historic landmarks, creating a unique tapestry of architectural styles.

It’s also why Skopje has been dubbed the capital of kitsch…

Skopje: the ‘capital of kitsch’

The capital city definitely has its own vibe. It’s quite unusual… while it also feeling very familiar. A lot of what you see is very derivative from other cities and locations and while it does create a sense of grandeur, it’s only grand on a very superficial level. Let me explain.

The term “kitsch” refers to art or design that is characterised by being overly decorative, sentimental, or inauthentic. Skopje’s transformation involved the construction of neoclassical-style buildings, large-scale statues, and monuments that some critics argue lack subtlety and authenticity, bordering on theatrical. Harsh, but possibly fair.

The grandiosity of the new structures, the abundance of statues, and the clash of different architectural styles have contributed to Skopje being labelled as the “capital of kitsch.” Is Skopje worth visiting just to learn about this whole kitsch aesthetic? I think so, I was intrigued!

What do people think about the Skopje aesthetic?

While some admire the city’s new aesthetic, others see it as an excessive attempt to create a unique identity. It’s also kind of fake, which wish I could say a bit more delicately.

My walking tour guide told us to tap on one of the grand facades of one of the buildings that we walked past. Instead of being solid, it was hollow. They were literally made of plastic. I couldn’t believe it.

The same for the statues. While they looked like they had been carved from marble, when you tapped on them it became clear they were hollow too. It’s kind of bizarre but, honestly, I found it fascinating. The facades aren’t real. The iconic statues that it references aren’t real. But despite all of this it has something about it which is definitely intriguing.

Skopje 2014 sparked debates and opinions among locals and visitors alike, but there’s no denying the visual impact it has had on the city. The ambitious project has turned Skopje into an open-air museum, where every corner tells a story of the city’s past, present, and aspirations for the future. Is Skope worth visiting just to see this? Probably, yes.

What is Skopje actually like?

Well, of course I have to talk about the statues, as they’re everywhere.

If you had to describe Skopje’s vibe in one word it would be statues. It’s like when someone has a beard or a sleeve tattoo is someone’s whole personality. Just me? There may be more beneath the surface, of course, but that is what your first and lasting first impression is.

The statues range from historical figures to fantastical creatures, and contribute to Skopje’s charming oddness. There’s an Arc De Triomph, like you’d see in Paris, just off the town square. There’s a Brandenberg Gate, like you’d find in Berlin, located in the park.

The difference is there’s a statue of David in front of it who is, in the words of the walking tour guide, wearing a nappy. Apparently, he wasn’t originally, but people were offended so it was hastily added. I don’t know which is weirder, with the nappy or without?

All around the city there are statues that look vaguely familiar, depending on how well you know your European cities. I definitely saw something that looked like the statues in Heroes Square in Budapest, and once you’ve clocked that these are replications of sculptures and statues from elsewhere, it’s hard to unsee it. Such is the weirdness of Skopje.

Walking through the city feels like strolling through a captivating open-air gallery, where each statue tells a story. The Stone Bridge, spanning the Vardar River, is guarded by colossal warrior statues, while the main square hosts an impressive monument named ‘Warrior on a Horse.’ Definitely don’t refer to him as Alexander the Great. That’s a whole other story!

The ‘Warrior on a Horse’ statue

The naming of the statue in Skopje representing Alexander the Great has been a source of historical and political controversy. The statue officially named “Warrior on a Horse” is a depiction of a mounted warrior resembling Alexander the Great. However, the issue arises due to the complex historical and regional disputes surrounding Alexander’s legacy.

Greece and North Macedonia (formerly part of Yugoslavia) have had historical tensions over claims to Alexander the Great’s heritage. Greece, particularly, opposes the use of the name “Macedonia” by its northern neighbor and objects to appropriation of historical figures like Alexander.

The naming of the statue as “Alexander the Great” could be seen as a symbolic and political statement that might exacerbate these tensions.

As a result, the statue in Skopje has been given a more neutral name, “Warrior on a Horse,” in an attempt to navigate the sensitive historical and political landscape between the two countries. Naming disputes are part of the broader context of the longstanding issues related to the use of the term “Macedonia” and historical claims in the region.

Frequently asked questions about Skopje

Is Skopje safe?

I didn’t feel unsafe at any point during my trip to Skopje.

Despite the fact that the tourism infrastructure isn’t as developed as it is in other countries I’ve visited, there were a fair few tourists milling around. I guess I didn’t go too much out of the main areas and for the most part I was with other people.

Anecdotally, one of my colleagues mentioned they had a bit of a dodgy experience of the other side of the river one time, but I didn’t experience anything like that. It was fine in broad daylight – in fact there were loads of families and other tourists.

There was one moment when a random guy stopped me in the street and asked me if I was English. It was a bit weird and it caught me off guard a little. I think I thought he was going to ask me directions or something.

He asked me a couple of things, I can’t remember what, until I ended the conversation. I did feel a little unnerved as I was just about to make the journey back to my apartment and I didn’t want to get into an awkward conversation. But it wasn’t a big deal. 

The only final thing I’ll say is that I did notice people looking at me a little. It was mostly when I was walking back and forth to the apartment and it was probably because my hair is blonde so I don’t look like I’m from the Balkans. Again, though, not a biggie. 

Why are there so many casinos in Skopje?

I asked the tour guide on the walking tour I did the same question! Apparently, it’s all to do with money laundering and corruption. I’ve heard a few people mention corruption to me in during my times in North Macedonia, even the tour guide was pretty down about it.

According to them, there’s no money to fix public services but there’s plenty to line their own pockets, that sort of thing. So the roads are terrible, apparently, with loads of potholes that damage your car, but nothing is ever done. When I people say that I can’t help but think, hmmm that sounds pretty familiar to the UK, but perhaps it’s on a different level.

Where to stay in Skopje

Both times I visited Skopje I stayed in an apartment that was near to the office. There were in a block called Urban Garden which is a little bit out of town, around 30 minutes walk. However, they are only five minutes from the office, which is why I stayed there. I like a lie-in!

It might not be what you’re looking for if you want to be closer to town but I found them quite handy both times, especially as they’re located five minutes from a Tinex – a big supermarket chain in Macedonia. I would go to work, pick up my groceries from the Tinex, and then spend the evening chilling in my apartment watching Netflix. Lovely!

Depending on which one you choose, you may also get lovely views of Mount Vodno and the Millenium Cross which is all lit up at night, like a glowing talisman watching over the city. My apartment had a kitchen/diner/living space with a bathroom and bedroom.

One thing I will say is that it was a bit smoky. Smoking is still pretty common in Macedonia compared to the UK and it was like it was in the vents of the building. I could always just smell a faint smell of smoke, which wasn’t particularly pleasant. So, FYI!

5 things to do in Skopje

1. Millennium Cross

Perched atop Vodno Mountain, the Millennium Cross is a must-visit in Skopje. Is Skopje worth visiting to see this? Yes, 100%.

You can take a cable car or hike up for panoramic views of the city. I didn’t get a chance to do that yet, so many next time. But it’s not just a massive cross; it’s a symbol of the city’s resilience and offers a fantastic spot to appreciate Skopje’s sprawling urban landscape.

You can see it from pretty much everywhere in the city and it even lights up in the evening. Unfortunately, it’s located right next to a telecommunications structure, which tempers the effect a little. This got a pretty scathing review by my tour guide on the walking tour I did.

However, I was lucky enough to see it from my apartment, both times I visited. It even helped me get my bearings on my taxi journey into town where the taxi driver barely spoke any English and I thought I was going to end of sleeping in a ditch – another story.

2. Macedonia Square

Macedonia Square stands as the vibrant heart of Skopje.

First things first, let’s talk about the centrepiece of this square. The square is dominated by the imposing statue of Alexander the Great on horseback, which is what everyone is going to remember when they arrive here. The sheer scale of it is something else!

Beyond that, the square is a grand open space surrounded by architectural marvels and modern amenities. The monumental Stone Bridge spans the Vardar River, linking the square to the old part of the city. It also has a tasty Burger King that I visited the next day after one heavy night out. And what can I say, it definitely hit the spot! MK Burger King for the win!

Lined with charming cafes and shops, Macedonia Square invites both locals and visitors to leisurely stroll, enjoy a coffee with a view, and absorb the lively atmosphere. Whether it’s the lively street performances, cultural events, or the nightly illumination of fountains and monuments, the square gives a snapshot of the city’s ever-evolving identity.

Oh, and of course there’s an enormous casino on one side!

3. Old Bazaar

Immerse yourself in history by exploring Skopje’s Old Bazaar. This bustling market dates back centuries and is a mosaic of Ottoman architecture, lively cafés, and charming shops.

The bazaar is a captivating labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, alive with the echoes of centuries past. You can immerse yourself in its Ottoman charm as you wander through bustling markets, where vendors peddle traditional crafts, spices, and vibrant textiles.

Discover architectural gems like the Daut Pasha Hamam and Mustafa Pasha Mosque, each telling a story of the city’s rich history. Indulge in local flavours at street-side eateries and savouring some local Macedonian delicacies. I wandered around here a couple of times but it was much better with a walking tour guide, who helped to bring everything to life!

4. Mother Teresa Memorial House

Did you know that Mother Teresa was born in North Macedonia?

Neither did I until I was standing in front of Mother Teresa’s house in the middle of Skopje. This was also something that the tour guide critiqued. He argued that if her birthplace was anywhere else in the world there would be queues of pilgrims travelling there every single day.

When I was there, there was nothing. Even worse than that, there’s a twist. The Mother Teresa Memorial House, isn’t actually her true place of birth – this is a different location just around the corner. The house itself is located behind a fast food stand, which takes away its significance really. It’s kind of bonkers that there isn’t more made of it.

Anyway, the museum showcases her life and humanitarian work. However, It was closed when I was there so I can’t comment on it anymore than that. Suffice to say it all felt rather underwhelming.

5. Go on a walking tour

I’m the person who is always banging on about going on walking tours whenever you visit a city. But I noticed such a difference from wandering around on my own to then doing a walking tour the next day and then seeing everything again through a completely different lens. All that local knowledge just adds so much richness to the experience.

We started at Macedonia Square, surrounded by the monumental statue of the Warrior on the Horse. From there we wandered along some of the streets that came off the main square, where the guide invited us to knock on the side of the buildings that he had just told us were all fake.

Hearing the hollowness of that building was when the penny dropped for me. That’s when I realised that there was so much more to this city than I had first realised, and that there was a real story here!

We wandered around various areas of Skopje and while we covered all the main landmarks, it was getting to see the more residential areas and the different architecture that were particularly interesting to me. They were the places that I wouldn’t have explored left to my own devices.

So is Skopje worth visiting? It definitely is. But I would argue that you need a tour guide to bring it to life and help you see beneath the surface.

Where to eat in Skopje

Well, just before we get into it I’m gonna confess that I did get a Burger King while I was in Skopje. There’s one on the main square and at the weekend I wandered into town after a big night out the night before.

Did I go to the local restaurants? Nope! I sheepishly sidled into Burger King and ordered a cheeseburger and fries and it was absolutely delicious. It was just what the doctor ordered and pepped me up no end.

Luckily, there were plenty of other opportunities for me to try lots of nice food. One thing to mention. One of my colleagues got really bad food poisoning from salmon – not on this trip but another time. I don’t know if it was a one-off or not but it is a landlocked country.

Either way, there are plenty of other options for you…

Traditional kafana

If you want a taste of traditional Macedonia, head to a kafana.

As you step into a kafana, you’re greeted by the cosy ambience, wooden tables, and a lively atmosphere. The menu is all traditional Macedonian food, and seems to be a table of picky bits – cheeses, meats, and lovely fresh salads. The food is piled on the table on these enormous platters than go from one side of the table to the other – pretty cool!

The true magic of a Skopje kafana, however, is the mix of food with music. Patrons are treated to performances by traditional musicians, which is super charming. I loved seeing all my colleagues getting into the traditional Macedonian songs that they play, and every song has a story behind it – usually a pretty heart-breaking one, even if it’s an upbeat song.

Whether you’re trying the local cuisine or deciding on your new favourite Macedonian song, the kafanas in Skopje are lively, cosy, and fun.

Amigos

Of course, I couldn’t go somewhere and not have Mexican food. I went here by myself while I was here. We’d tried to eat here a few days earlier but the restaurant had been booked out for a private party, which I was disappointed about at the time as it looked great.

Anyway, Amigos is a Mexican restaurant in Skopje and it’s lovely. I ordered the goat’s cheese salad because I was feeling virtuous, not sure why. But it great – the goat’s cheese was fried in batter and it came with avocado and balsamic dressing, tomatoes and olives.

I also ordered corn fritters which were lush, they came with two generous sized dips of cream cheese and salsa. They were also enormous, which I wasn’t expecting, but oh well. I ate it all and I think it was one of the nicest meals I had in Skopje.

Dion

This one is a little bit out of town as it’s near the office, and so it’s the go-to place for us for team lunches and stuff. It was the first place I went to on my first trip here. Having arrived at 1am I woke up absolutely starving, so me and a colleague headed here for breakfast. However, I also went for lunch here last time, so it’s a bit of a regular haunt.

I liked the indoor/outdoor vibes here, especially in the summer. It seems to do a bit of everything in terms of food, but overall it’s pretty relaxed, casual food. I got an omelette and fresh juice when I was there for breakfast, and this time I got a crispy salad. My colleagues also recommended some break stuffed with sour cream, which was really yummy.

Either way, it’s a solid option if you’re a bit out of town, like I was.

Where to drink in Skopje

Owl Mixology Bar

Looking for a nice cocktail bar in Skopje? This is one for you!

We headed here after going paintballing after work one day. It’s a really cool cocktail bar. They have a strip of tables at the side that are kind of open air – unfortunately they were all occupied by the time we arrived so they must be popular, even on a Monday night when we were there. I

ordered a porn star martini, which is always my go-to drink when I get cocktails. It wasn’t as nice as it is in my local cocktail bar at home, but it was decent. I loved the overall vibe, so I’d give it the thumbs up.

And there you go, that is my detailed guide which hopefully answers the question: is Skopje worth visiting. It’s not your bog standard city break, that’s for sure, but it’s a really interesting place to explore.

That was my guide to visiting North Macedonia for the first time. Now over to you. Is Skopje worth visiting… or not?