Skopje travel guide

Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital, is a city of two parts. The old town Stara Čaršija has most of the sightseeing spots in its narrow alleys. Then there’s the more modern centre, where most of the hotels and restaurants are.

Top things to see and do

• Get a great view of the whole city when you visit the Kale Fortress. Perched on top of a cliff, overlooking the Vardar River, this place was originally built in the 6th century, but has been destroyed and rebuilt many times since then. The towers standing now were restored after the devastating 1963 earthquake. It’s a great place to see Skopje spread out below you or to catch a theatrical performance in the summer.
• Cross the stone bridge over the River Vardar and have your picture taken on one of Skopje’s main landmarks. Built in the 15th century it connects the old city to the new and has survived many upheavals, including being mined during the Second World War. It’s now being restored to its former glories.
• Take a trip to the Turkish bazaar. This is a survivor from Ottoman times and the only one of its kind in the Balkans. Here you’ll find stalls selling bric-a-brac, material, buttons, beads and an array of fruit and vegetables. For more modern shopping, you can head to the Ramstore Mall.
• See the modern art in the Daut Pasha Hamam. This beautiful domed building was originally designed for bathing, but is now home to a collection of paintings and sculptures.

Tips for travellers

A short way out of town is Mount Vodno – you can see it for miles around as it has the enormous Millennium Cross at its summit. If you’re feeling energetic, there are hiking trails that you can follow right up to the top.