Skopje- Historic and Lively Capital

Macedonia St 1000, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia MK, Кеј 13-ти Ноември, Shkupi 1000, North Macedonia Ura e Gurit, Shkupi 1000, North Macedonia Macedonia Square, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia Orce Nikolov 83, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia Debarca St 51, 1000, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia Boulevard Ilinden 42, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia

A former Yugoslavian nation with a captivating blend of ancient heritage, Ottoman influence, and modern architectural marvels. From its grand monuments to its bustling bazaars, Skopje is a city that rewards exploration with its rich history, captivating culture, and warm hospitality. Embark on a journey with me to discover the hidden gems and enchanting allure of Skopje.

After travelling from Sofia, we reached Skopje at night and booked a taxi to the hostel. Our hostel Hostel42 was in a central location and attractions could be reached by walking. As we arrived late the kind hostel owner had pasted my name on the door and messaged me to check in on the next day. We were really surprised by the gesture from the owner.

After laying down our bags and getting freshened up, we decided to head out to hunt for the best place to have dinner. We walked through the famous boulevards and the streets were lit up with lights and music. People were buzzing in the streets and almost all of the restaurants were filled. We stopped at a traditional restaurant and one of the famous ones in Skopje- Restaurant Skopski Merak. The whole street was filled with cafes, restaurants and pubs. We had a delicious lamb platter and headed back to the room to rest and explore what Skopje had to offer the next day.

As the dawn broke, we got ready to explore the city. We headed down to a small cafe offering brunch- Teeny Tajni. They had some delicious breakfasts enough to keep our stomachs filled till afternoon. I went for a bowl of porridge which was topped with slices of banana and green apple.

After breakfast, our first stop was to Skopje’s historical center- The Macedonia Square. This impressive square is adorned with towering statues of historical figures, including Alexander the Great and Mother Teresa, symbolizing the country’s rich heritage. Admire the Alexander the Great monument, a colossal equestrian statue that stands as a testament to the Macedonian ruler’s legacy.
The square leads us to the old town on the other side connected by the old stone bridge.

Cross the iconic Stone Bridge, a symbol of Skopje’s enduring history. This 15th-century bridge, spanning the meandering Vardar River, has witnessed centuries of transformation and remains a vital artery connecting the old and new city. Stroll across the bridge and soak in the picturesque views of the surrounding architecture. On either side of the bridge, you have two huge buildings. One is the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle for Independence and the other Archaeological Museum of Macedonia.

As you walk further from the bridge, you enter the old bazaar of Skopje, a market street bustling with people. Enjoy the labyrinthine alleyways of the Old Bazaar, Skopje’s captivating marketplace. This historic district is a sensory overload, with a symphony of sounds, aromas, and vibrant colors. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you navigate through the maze of shops, stalls, and traditional cafes. Do not forget to try some coffee or fresh juices. One shop in particular I visited was Ottoman Exclusive, a souvenir store which also sells perfume oils. You can get oils of perfumes like Dior Sauvage, Dolce and Gabbana, Hugo Boss, etc. You can get them in a 3ml roll-on or a bigger 9ml roll-on and the smell is long-lasting as it is in the form of oil.

We decided to make a stop at a Mexican restaurant for a change. The street is adjacent to the river Vardar and the stone bridge is filled with some beautiful restaurants. We stopped at Buenos Dias and I went for some chicken Quesadilla. The menu is filled with some beautiful Mexican dishes along with pictures.

After lunch, we headed swiftly to Mother Theresa Memorial House before it was closed for the day. Luckily, we entered the house before closing. Pay your respects to the beloved humanitarian Mother Teresa at her memorial house. This humble dwelling, now a museum, preserves the essence of her life and legacy. Explore the exhibits that showcase her selfless devotion to serving the poor and marginalized, a testament to her unwavering compassion. The house now features the life journey of Mother Theresa along with some of her belongings, handwritten notes and also the certificate of the coveted Nobel Prize.

Ten days earlier, Skopje was recommended as the European Culture Capital for 2028 and there were some huge concerts planned for the night. We were lucky to witness them.

Skopje’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavours and traditional Macedonian dishes. Sample the renowned ajvar, a roasted vegetable spread, and savour the savoury aromas wafting from the local restaurants. Indulge in the succulent cevapi, grilled minced meat sausages, or try the succulent grilled trout caught fresh from the Vardar River.

You will be surprised to see the number of statues present all over the city like someone just wanted to make one for fun.

We broke the night and headed back to our room after exploring most of Skopje. The next day, we were ready to take our bus to the next Balkan capital Pristina. The bus ride takes 3hrs including border checking. Join me for another Balkan capital blog tomorrow.