SKOPJE
A city steeped in culture and history, known for its beautiful architecture, rich heritage, and diverse population. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Skopje or a lifelong local, you'll find plenty to explore in this charming city.
Why Skopje?
Rich cultural heritage
Skopje is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage, and is home to a variety of historical landmarks, museums, and monuments. Visitors can learn about the city's past and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural identity.
Unique architecture
Skopje is known for its unique architecture, which combines elements of Ottoman, Balkan, and Western styles. The city's most famous landmark is the Kale Fortress, which dates back to the 6th century and offers stunning views of the city.
Vibrant nightlife
Skopje has a vibrant nightlife scene, with a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, and cafes that stay open late into the night. Visitors can experience the city's nightlife and socialize with locals and other travelers.
Natural beauty
Skopje is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with the Skopska Crna Gora mountain range and several parks and gardens located just outside the city. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and picnicking, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Food & shopping
Skopje is a food lover's paradise, with a variety of local and international restaurants serving delicious cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy shopping for souvenirs, crafts, and other items at the city's bustling bazaar and street markets.
Skopje Guides & Tips
Attractions & Destinations
Food & Drink
History & Heritage
Expat Insights
Exploring Macedonia
Skopje Accommodation
Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, there is a hotel in Skopje that will suit your needs.
Over the years, the number of hotels in Skopje has increased significantly, with many new hotels sprouting up in the city center and surrounding areas.
The good news is that hotels in Skopje offer excellent value for money, with rates that are relatively affordable compared to other European cities.
When it comes to amenities, most hotels offer modern facilities that will make your stay comfortable and convenient and you can expect fast Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and other basic amenities.
If you're looking for something more luxurious, you can opt for a high-end hotel that comes with spa facilities, rooftop bars, and fine dining restaurants.
Popular Hotels in Skopje:
AirBnBs in Skopje
Skopje has plenty of Airbnb options for visitors, ranging from wallet-friendly to luxurious apartments and homes.
These listings are often located in the city center or nearby neighborhoods, so you won't have to worry about missing out on the best parts of Skopje.
One of the most significant perks of staying in an Airbnb in Skopje is the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Skopje Airbnb hosts from my experience are delighted to provide recommendations and guidance on exploring the city, and some may even offer private tours or local experiences.
Before reserving an Airbnb in Skopje, make sure to read previous guest reviews and scrutinize the listing information to ensure that the lodging fulfills your requirements and expectations.
It's also a good idea to reach out to the host before your arrival to clarify check-in and check-out procedures and to address any concerns.
Overall, Airbnb is an excellent option for travelers seeking a distinctive and cost-effective place to stay in Skopje, with a wide range of listings to fit various budgets and preferences.
Skopje's Climate
Skopje offers a continental climate, experiencing all four seasons with significant temperature variations.
In the summer, temperatures range between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F), with occasional heatwaves and little rainfall and in winter temperatures can drop below freezing with occasional snow and ice, with January being the coldest month.
Spring and autumn offer gorgeous mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) but can be unpredictable with occasional rainfall and strong winds.
Skopje has a fairly dry climate, with most rainfall in winter and in my opinion, the best time to visit Skopje is in spring and autumn for mild and comfortable weather.
Useful Information
Population: Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia with a population of around 550,000 people (source: Wikipedia).
Currency: The currency used in North Macedonia is the Macedonian denar. It's recommended to exchange currency upon arrival, and there are many exchange offices located in Skopje. You can see current exchange rates here.
Language: The official language of North Macedonia is Macedonian, but Albanian is also widely spoken. English is also commonly spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Climate: Skopje has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild.
Transportation: Skopje has a network of buses and taxis that are inexpensive and easy to use. Unfortunately, this is no Uber-like service in Skopje.
Phone numbers: The emergency phone number in North Macedonia is 112.
Religion: North Macedonia is predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christian, but there are also significant Muslim and Catholic populations.
Culture:
Skopje is a city with a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, galleries, and historic landmarks to explore. The city is also known for its traditional music and dance.
Food and drink: North Macedonian cuisine is influenced by Turkish and Balkan cuisine, and there are many delicious traditional dishes to try. Rakija, a type of brandy, is a popular local alcoholic beverage.
Safety: Skopje is generally a safe city, but it's always a good idea to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. It's also important to be cautious of pickpockets and scams targeting tourists.