When I first learned that you could get to Macedonia from Sofia, Bulgaria, I knew I was going to have to set aside a day to venture over the border. I first heard about Macedonia when I was in high school and my boss was originally from there. I quickly learned about all of the things to see in Skopje, that you could easily spend one day seeing them all.
It has such an intriguing history (like much of Eastern Europe) that as a historian, I knew I had to visit and see what it was like in the present-day. Skopje ended up being an amazing city with lots of charm and character. There were plenty of things to see in Skopje to keep visitors busy for the day. I could definitely see the influences from the various civilizations that have controlled it throughout the centuries, and the history lingers at every corner.
Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in Skopje here.
Skopje is the current capital of Macedonia. It is divided into the old town and the new town by the Vardar River. This area has been inhabited since the 4000s BC and was once part of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Today, it is Macedonia’s political and economic center.
Table of Contents
Transportation
We opted to take a small group tour to get us to Skopje. However, there is also a public bus visitors can catch from Sofia. Please note that the border crossing does take some time! Once in Skopje, all of the main sites are within walking distance of each other.
Where to Stay in Skopje
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Skopje hotels here! The following are a few options.
Things to See in Skopje
When visiting Skopje, you can do it as a day trip from Sofia. These are great tour options:
Alternatively, you can take a walking tour of the city upon arrival.
Memorial House Mother Teresa
This house was built as a memorial to Mother Teresa, who was born in Skopje. The inside is a museum containing artifacts from her life, her Nobel Peace Prize, and a chapel. It is not huge so it only takes a few minutes to walk around.
Mother Teresa Old House
This is the spot where the house Mother Teresa grew up in once stood. Although it is no longer standing, there is a plaque that commemorates the spot. It only takes a few minutes to view the memorial.
Mustafa Pasha’s Mosque
This mosque from the Ottoman era is located in the old town. It stands near the Skopje Fortress. It is not huge, so it only takes a few minutes to see. Remember to take off your shoes if you choose to venture inside and women should cover their heads.
Old Bazaar
The Old Bazaar has existed in Skopje since the 1100s! Present-day, it is a major marketplace for all types of goods. There are a plethora of food and jewelry vendors. I even saw several shops where you could buy wedding dresses.
Porta Macedonia
This arch was built in 2012. It is a monument to the independence of Macedonia. Visitors can even go to the top of it to admire the views. Allow around 30 minutes to climb up and admire the views.
Skopje City Museum
This museum is located in the former train station. In 1963, there was a huge earthquake that destroyed much of the train station. After that time, it turned into the Skopje City Museum. Inside the museum are various artifacts from Macedonia. Allow around an hour to view everything in the museum.
Skopje Fortress
Also known as the Kale Fortress, it is located in the old town of Skopje and overlooks the city. It is free to walk around in and provides awesome views of the city. Plan to spend about 30 minutes wandering around the fortress.
Statues and Monuments
I was overwhelmed but the number of statues there was in Skopje. It seemed like there was another one every few feet! Definitely take the time to view the different ones as each one has some hidden details of Macedonia’s history.
Stone Bridge
This stone bridge connects the old and new parts of Skopje. Part of it was built during the Ottoman empire. Skopje contains many bridges that connect the two parts of Skopje.
Skopje was a fascinating place to explore with many things to see in Skopje. I cannot wait to go back and explore more things to see in Skopje and spend more time there. Make sure to add Skopje to any Eastern Europe Itinerary. Feel free to leave any suggestions for my next visit.
13 thoughts on “9+ Amazing and Fun Things to See in Skopje, Macedonia”
The Ottoman influence seems to pervade much of the region. I will add this to my bucket list for the region because the city seems worth a visit.
I am always so intrigued with the Ottoman influence.
I’ve never seen much of this city, thanks for sharing! I love that first bridge, it looks just like the Port Alexandre in Paris.
It did have some Western European influences!
Wow! I had no idea Skopje was such a unique place and I had no idea Mother Teresa was from this city and I would love to check out the mosques here too!
I didn’t know Mother Teresa was born in Skopje. I’m sure her Museum was interesting. Why do they have so many statues in the city, I wonder.
Right!? I had no clue until I did some research on it before visiting.
I’ve never thought about going to Macedonia but you made me want to! It looks like such a pretty place! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I had never though to either but it was awesome!
Great post and your photography is beautiful!
I don’t hear too much about Macedonia! But I would love to visit someday and this town looks really quite amazing!! I absolutely love all of the architecture. What was the food like?
Skopje is such a weird city. All the statues are so bizarre and HUGE! I highly recommend heading over to Lake Ohrid if you get back to Macedonia – I absolutely loved it there, it’s so beautiful and relaxing.
It looks so interesting here! Thank you for the guide, will try to visit next year.