Index
Getting started: Some useful facts about Skopje
Practical information about Skopje
Getting started: Some useful facts about Skopje
Before moving on to the top attractions and activities in Skopje, let’s learn a bit about the capital of North Macedonia.
- Bisected by the Vardar River, the city is a beguiling composition of modern skyscrapers and contemporary buildings interspersed with the Old Town’s mosques and bazaar.
- While the majority of Skopje’s residents are Macedonian, this city of more than 600,000 people is also home to people of Albanian and Turkish heritage.
- Skopje, the capital and largest city of North Macedonia, is also the country’s financial and commercial center.
- Sometimes called the “City of Statues”, Skopje does in fact have more than 100 statues of various cultural, religious and historical figures, most of which are in or close to the center.
- Winter in Skopje is cold and humid; summer is mainly hot and humid. Springtime is usually rainy.
- Skopje’s lively nightlife is concentrated in its bars and clubs, many of which are clustered along the Vardar River.
- North Macedonia allows visa-free travel for citizens of the Republic of Türkiye – great news for any Turkish passport holders deciding on a spontaneous trip to the country. All you need is a Skopje flight ticket. Keep reading to discover the historical places and must-see sights in Skopje!
Places to visit in Skopje
Macedonia Square
One of the top attractions in Skopje is the splendid Macedonia Square. Considered the hub of the city, the expansive Macedonia Square hosts the city’s Christmas Festival as well as various cultural and political events. It is quite lively, especially in the summer months. In 2011, a monumental statue, “Warrior on a Horse”, was installed in the Square.
Turkish Bazaar
Set in the old town, Skopje’s historical Old Bazaar dates from the 12th century. Featuring Ottoman-style architectural elements, this popular tourist destination offers many things to do, from shopping for local products and dining at artisanal restaurants, to visiting the area’s inns, baths, mosques and tombs.
Stone Bridge
The Stone Bridge (Taşköprü) spanning the Vardar River is perhaps Skopje’s most important symbol in a city filled with historical sites. The construction of the Stone Bridge started during the reign of Ottoman sultan Murad II and was completed during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmed. Bringing Skopje residents together for centuries, the Stone Bridge connects the modern city center with the traditional Old Bazaar.
Skopje Fortress
Skopje Castle, on the highest hill of the city, is among the historical sites to visit. Evidence suggests that settlements existed in this area as far back as the fourth century BC; the fortress is believed to have been erected in the sixth century and was described by travel writer Evliya Çelebi as pentagonal, high and durable, and possessing around seventy bastions. Though much of the original structure was preserved through the centuries, it was severely damaged during the 1963 earthquake. Restoration works are in progress, as are various archaeological activities.
Archaeological Museum of North Macedonia
The Archaeological Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia presents a comprehensive view of the country through a chronological exhibit of artifacts such as mosaics and coins and wax sculptures. Its collection includes a copy of the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great. The Museum is considered as must-see place in Skopje.
Memorial House of Mother Teresa
One of the prominent figures of the Christian world was Nobel Peace Prize winner Mother Teresa, who was born in Skopje. It is said that on the site of the Mother Teresa House, built in Skopje in memory of the renowned nun, is the Catholic church where she was baptized. The Mother Teresa House includes a bedroom, a dining room and a chapel, along with a permanent exhibition highlighting events from the nun’s life.
Some of the famous Ottoman buildings in Skopje
The Ottoman influence is reflected in Skopje’s architectural codes. The city’s many inns, baths, and mosques are among the historical sights to visit in Skopje. Below is a list of just a few of these sites.
Sultan Murad Mosque, Yeni Hammam, Daut Pasha Hammam, Kapan Han (Kapan An – Old Inn), Kurşunlu Han(Kuršumli An), Yahya Pasha Mosque
Dining in Skopje
The cuisine of Skopje will seem quite familiar to anyone visiting North Macedonia from Türkiye! We’ve listed some of the local delicacies below:
- Cevapi: Macedonian-style kebab
- Skopje-style meatballs, usually served with tomatoes and peppers
- Burek – similar to and just as the delicious as the Turkish version
- Trileçe (tres leches) – a scrumptious Balkan-style dessert
Getting around Skopje
Urban transport in Skopje
Public transportation in Skopje is provided by buses and taxis. For buses, tickets must be purchased in advance; taxi fares in the city are considered quite reasonable. Another option is to rent a car with Turkish Airlines advantages.
Getting from Skopje Airport to the city center
You can reach the city center of Skopje from the airport via Vardar Express buses or a taxi. The distance between the airport and the city center is 25 km and the journey takes about 30 minutes.
Practical information about Skopje
Official language: Macedonian
Currency: Macedonian denar (MKD)
Socket type: C, F
Important Phones
Area Code: +389
Emergency Assistance: 112
Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Skopje: +389 2 310 47 10
