Skopje in 3 Days: What to See, Eat, and Experience

Skopje in 3 Days: Confused, Impressed, and Kinda Into It

North Macedonia wasn’t originally part of my plan, but once I saw how close it was to my final stop in Tirana, it made sense to add it to the route. I spent a few days in Ohrid before moving on to Skopje.

I used DayTrip for the ride from Ohrid to Skopje. Like the other times I’ve used them, it made the whole thing super easy.

And not only does it make getting from place to place easy, but because it’s a long drive, there’s also usually a lot of talking—which is part of what made it so interesting. Each driver had and shared their perspective on the history of the area, and it made me realize there are still some hard feelings lingering. The layers of history in this region aren’t just in the architecture—they show up in conversation, too.

The four-hour drive to Skopje took us through all kinds of scenery—fields of tobacco, apple orchards (we stopped at a roadside stand to grab a few), and, closer to Skopje, rows of grapevines stretching along the hillsides. Apparently, the region is also known for its wines. The road was paved the whole way but winding, especially as we passed through the mountains.

The Drive from Ohrid, with a Stop in Bitola

We made a stop in Bitola, about two hours from Ohrid, where I had an hour and a half to stretch my legs, grab a coffee, and explore.

Bitola has a long history and a lively feel, especially along Širok Sokak, its café-lined pedestrian street. The architecture—neoclassical mixed with baroque—stood out, with elegant facades, balconies, and columns that felt more polished than in some other towns I’d seen.

I tried to visit the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located between two buildings on the main street, but, unfortunately it was locked.

I also came across a statue of Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great’s father, who helped unite the Greek city-states and laid the groundwork for his son’s campaigns.

Banners for the 45th Manaki Brothers Film Festival were up while I was there. If I’d had more time—and if the films had English subtitles—I would’ve loved to catch one. Still, it was fun to see the town buzzing with energy.

First Impressions of Skopje

After checking into Hotel London B&B, just steps from Macedonia Square in the center of Skopje, I headed straight to Trend London Lounge, the hotel’s downstairs restaurant.

The location couldn’t have been more convenient—surrounded by pedestrian-only streets and within easy walking distance of most major sights.

I grabbed a table outside and ordered one of the salads on the menu—and wow, it was incredible. The Date Salad had mixed greens, sweet dates (of course), raw almonds, and shaved parmesan, all tossed in olive oil and balsamic. Simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious.

They didn’t sell wine by the glass, only by the half-bottle, so I went for it. I ordered a Vranec from Tikveš Winery, one of North Macedonia’s best-known producers. The wine was rich and bold—a perfect match for the salad.

From my table, I could see several of Skopje’s infamous statues—yes, they really are larger than life. I’d already heard about the controversy surrounding them. Some people see the massive plazas, fountains, and monuments as wasteful, especially given the country’s economic challenges. But despite the over-the-top vibe, there’s something oddly charming about it all. I liked it, even if I understood why some locals might not. After all, I’m just passing through—I’m not part of the history that shaped all this.

That evening, I wandered around to get a feel for the area and take a closer look at some of the statues. I’d already booked a walking tour for the next morning, so this was just about easing into the city.

Old and New Town – A Walking Tour

The next morning, after breakfast at the hotel, my guide met me in the lobby and we headed out to explore.

We started in Macedonia Square, home to the massive Alexander the Great statue—officially called Warrior on a Horsedue to disputes with Greece. Nearby was the statue of Tsar Samuel, a figure claimed by both North Macedonia and Bulgaria. (It seems like there’s a lot of debate over historical figures here, with some countries essentially rewriting history to fit their narratives.)

We crossed the Stone Bridge, a 15th-century Ottoman structure with its distinctive twelve arches—one of areas most historic landmarks. It’s survived a lot—from Ottoman rule to earthquakes to reconstruction efforts—and still it stands.

Skopje has a history shaped by Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Yugoslav rule—each leaving its mark on the city.

Then we walked over the Art Bridge, lined with statues of Macedonian artists, writers, and scholars, and crossed the Eye Bridge, named for its central statue that looks like an eye. Skopje has quite a few bridges for a relatively small area!

My guide pointed out the Skopje Holocaust Museum near the Stone Bridge. Before World War II, a significant Jewish community lived in Macedonia. In 1943, during the Bulgarian occupation, most were deported to the Treblinka extermination camp. The museum honors their memory and the Jewish community lost during the Holocaust.

Next, we visited the Mother Teresa Memorial House. Although she was born in Albania, Mother Teresa spent her first 18 years here. The museum is filled with personal items, letters, and photographs from her early life.

After a devastating earthquake in 1963 destroyed much of the city center, a major rebuilding effort began, with contributions from numerous countries. A Japanese architect, Kenzo Tange, led the reconstruction with a modernist, brutalist style. Later, in 2014, the Skopje 2014 Project added neoclassical facades, statues, and bridges in a Baroque style—despite these not being part of Skopje’s traditional history.

Skopje’s mix of old brutalist buildings and flashy new additions has earned it the nickname “the city of kitsch.” The contrasting styles have sparked debate, and many projects remain unfinished due to mismanagement and funding issues.

Nearby was the Porta Macedonia, covered with carvings depicting key moments in Macedonian history, from ancient warriors to the country’s independence in 1991.

We continued to the old bus terminal, now a museum. The clock out front is stopped at 5:17 AM—the exact time the 1963 earthquake hit.

Afterward, we wandered through Skopje’s Old Bazaar—one of the oldest and most vibrant parts of the city. It’s a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, historic mosques, small workshops, and storefronts selling everything from copperware to secondhand books. The blend of Ottoman and Balkan influences gives the whole place a slightly timeless feel.

My guide took me through a stretch known for its gold and silver shops, including a few that specialize in traditional filigree work. She showed me what to look for in the craftsmanship and pointed out which ones were family-run. She also steered me to what she claimed was the best coffee spot in the area (she was right).

Along the way, we grabbed gelato. I was just going to get a scoop of chocolate, but my guide insisted I try it with a scoop of blueberry on top—and wow, she was right. The combo was unexpectedly perfect. From then on, it became my go-to order while I was in Skopje.

Later, we headed to her favorite bakery. We each picked up a simit—a chewy, sesame-covered bread ring that’s perfect for snacking. Then she insisted I try a burek sandwich.

Burek is usually a flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese, eaten warm and on its own. But this version was sliced and stuffed into a soft roll—basically bread inside of bread. Very tasty, and very filling.

After stuffing ourselves, we visited the 17th-century Church of the Holy Savior. The exterior is plain and peaceful, but the inside was stunning. There’s an iconostasis carved from a single piece of wood, and the frescoes were amazing. Goce Delčev, a national hero in Macedonia’s fight for independence, is buried in the churchyard.

Our final stop was Bit Pazar, Skopje’s oldest green market, full of fresh produce, spices, and local food items.

We ended the day at the Fortress of Skopje which dates back to the 6th century. Sitting above the city, it offers a great view of Skopje and the Vardar River. From there, we could see all the mosques in the city, including the Mustafa Pasha Mosque with its golden dome.

Evening Wandering and a Wine Thief

Tired and hungry after a full day of touring, I grabbed dinner once again at my hotel’s restaurant I didn’t even look at the menu. I just ordered the same thing as the night before: the date salad and a half-bottle of wine. I poured myself a glass and was sitting there quietly, enjoying the evening, when I happened to noticed a woman heading toward my table.

My purse was on the chair next to me, but I moved it beside me—just in case. There had been a few beggars around the night before (nothing too aggressive), and since I’d had my phone stolen in Barcelona a few months earlier, I was feeling a bit more cautious than usual.

Anyway, the woman walked right up to my table. I thought she might ask for money, but instead she reached for my wine bottle, unscrewed the cap, and chugged it straight from the bottle.

Then she calmly screwed the lid back on, banged the bottle down on the table, said, “That was good,” wiped her mouth, and walked off.

I sat there holding my glass, still trying to process what had just happened. I’ve had some strange travel moments, but this one definitely earned a spot on the list—a total WTF moment.

My mouth was probably still hanging open.

Once I recovered, I went inside and told the staff. They looked just as stunned and quickly replaced both the wine and the glass. I felt perfectly safe—it was just one of those bizarre, unexpected things.

Needless to say, I guarded my salad (and my new bottle of wine) like my life depended on it when it arrived.

Getting Out of the City: A Day Trip Beyond Skopje

I booked a private tour to get out of the city and check out a few spots near Skopje: the Millennium Cross, the Church of St. Panteleimon, and Matka Canyon.

Millennium Cross (and Why I’d Skip It)

First up was the Millennium Cross. It looks impressive from a distance, towering over Skopje from Mount Vodno, but up close, it was kind of a letdown. We took the cable car up—a foggy ride with cloudy windows—and found the area around the cross totally neglected. There was cow poop everywhere, flies swarming, and an abandoned restaurant at the base. The elevator to the top hasn’t worked in years—if it ever did.

The symbolism behind the cross—66 meters tall for the 66 books of the Bible, 32 sections for Christ’s life—is interesting, but the place itself felt underwhelming. If I had to do it again, I’d skip the cable car and hike up instead. It would’ve been more satisfying and felt like an actual experience.

Matka Canyon (Could’ve Skipped the Cave)

Next, we headed to Matka Canyon. It’s a beautiful place—towering cliffs, a peaceful river, and lush greenery all around. We took a short boat ride to a cave, but that part felt underwhelming. Inside, colored lights lit up the rock formations in a way that made them look oddly fake.

If I could do it again, I’d skip the cave and rent a kayak instead. The canyon is quiet and scenic, and paddling through it would’ve let me actually take in the surroundings instead of just hopping on and off a boat. Sometimes the best moments come when you ditch the plan and do your own thing.

Church of St. Panteleimon and More of the City

After that, we visited the Church of St. Panteleimon in Gorno Nerezi—a small 12th-century church known for its frescoes. One stood out in particular: The Descent from the Cross. My guide pointed it out and explained how rare it was to see such emotional expression in artwork from that period. You could actually see the grief on the faces—Mary, Saint John, and others leaning in to support Jesus’s body. It was quietly powerful.

Back in Skopje: One Last Look Around the Market

Once I got back to the city, I made my way over to the Old Bazaar again—not so much to sightsee, but because I couldn’t stop thinking about this filigree brooch I’d seen the day before. It had a soft pink stone—I believe rose quartz, and just enough vintage charm to tempt me. I figured I’d see if it was still there… and maybe try to bargain a little with the owner. I did. And I walked away with the pin—and a small sense of satisfaction. Plus, the walk there took me past all those fountains I’d come to love. It felt like a good way to end the day.

Leaving Skopje

After breakfast—a typical Macedonian spread of cheese pie, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, and yogurt—I took one last quick walk around town before heading back to Tirana for the night.

It was a long drive, and we went by way of Kosovo, stopping in Prizren for lunch. We had about 40 minutes—just enough time to grab a cheese burek and take a quick stroll. It looked like a cute town, with a few nice shops, a moss-covered church, and a castle up on the hill. Honestly, I don’t think you’d need more than a half-day there, but I was glad we made the stop.

Crossing from North Macedonia into Kosovo was easy—barely any wait at passport control. Though right before we got there, my driver asked if I’d sit in the front seat so the border agents wouldn’t treat him like a taxi driver. I’m still not exactly sure what that was about, but I slid up front anyway.

We reached Tirana around 5:30 PM. Another day with three countries in one—breakfast in Macedonia, lunch in Kosovo, and dinner in Albania. That actually happened to me twice on this trip.

Once I got to my hotel, I grabbed a sandwich from a nearby stand, walked around a little, and called it a night. I’d seen and done so much over these three weeks in the Balkans—some with a group, some solo. What a trip.