How To Spend One Day In Skopje (A Guide For Travelers)

If you’re looking for a whirlwind tour of Skopje in one day, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll give you all the information you need to make the most of your 24 hours in Macedonia’s capital city.

From where to eat and drink, to what sights to see and how to get around, I’ve got you covered!

So sit back, relax, prepare and let us show you around this beautiful ancient city.

Spend One Day In Skopje

Some Breakfast + Sightseeing

The infamous Stone Bridge of Skopje
The infamous Stone Bridge of Skopje.

First on our list is the must-see landmark, the Stone Bridge.

This bridge was built in the 15th century and is a symbol of Skopje’s history and culture.

It spans the Vardar River and is a great spot for taking photos.

If you’re in the mood for breakfast, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the river to choose from.

After breakfast, we recommend heading to the Old Bazaar.

This is the largest bazaar in Macedonia and has been around for centuries.

You can find anything and everything here, from traditional Macedonian food and souvenirs to clothes and jewelry.

If you’re looking to do some shopping, this is the place to go!

Side note: You should also try the famous dish, “burek“, which is a type of pastry filled with meat or cheese.

Lunch + More Sightseeing

For lunch, I recommend you find yourself a traditional Macedonian restaurant for some local cuisines the Balkans are known for.

My favorite restaurant in the city is called “Soul Kitchen” (click for map).

If you’re looking for something to eat right in the center of Skopje, this is the place to go.

soul kitchen restaurant in Skopje

After lunch, it’s time to explore some more of Skopje’s sights.

I recommend visiting the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.

This museum is dedicated to one of Skopje’s most famous residents and tells the story of her life and work.

You can also visit the nearby Saint Clement Cathedral, which was built in 1866 and is one of the largest cathedrals in Macedonia.

Dinner With A Sunset View

Sunset in Skopje from our Airbnb
Sunset in Skopje from our Airbnb apartment.

As the day comes to an end, there’s no better way to finish it off than with a sunset view of Skopje.

There are many places in the city where you can get a great view, but my favorite has to be the Millennium Cross.

This cross was built in 2002 and is 64 meters tall!

It’s located on top of Mount Vodno and can be reached by taking a cable car or hiking up the mountain.

Once you’re at the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Skopje as the sun sets behind the mountains.


What’s a must-visit sight while in Skopje?

If you could only visit one thing whilst in Skopje, my suggestion would be to visit the centrally Macedonia Square.

It’s breathtaking, all the important sights are within walking distance, there are plenty of bars and cafes to explore and it’s an excellent place to people watch.

What else can you do in Skopje in one day?

There’s plenty more to do in Skopje besides dining, lounging, and shopping.

If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Museum of Macedonia, which houses artifacts from the country’s 6000-year-old history.

Or, if you want to get out of the city for a bit, you can take a day trip to one of the many nearby towns, such as Ohrid or Bitola (although this would take a few hours and thus take out a big chunk of your day).

You may also visit Matka canyon and lake, one of the most popular day trips from Skopje.

the matka canyon in skopje

Is one day enough to see Skopje?

Of course, one day is not enough time to see everything that Skopje has to offer.

But if you’re short on time or are just passing through, this city has plenty to offer to make your day trip worthwhile.


Skopje is a city with plenty to offer tourists, from its rich history and culture to its beautiful scenery.

If you’re only able to spend one day in Skopje, don’t worry – there’s still plenty that you can see and do.

I hope you enjoyed my tips on how to spend one day in Skopje.


This guide was first published on April 14, 2022 and was last updated on March 14, 2024. For more information, please contact us at contact@skopjeguide.com.