Get Ready for Adventure-Filled Journeys! Survival Kit Series for Travelers: North Macedonia, Skopje

One of Europe's hidden gems, Macedonia is a paradise waiting to be discovered with its stunning nature, deep-rooted history, and rich cultural fabric. Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, this small yet captivating country offers every traveler a unique experience with its lush mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and cities that bear the marks of the past. From the bustling streets of Skopje to the serene shores of Ohrid, the historic ambiance of Bitola to the natural wonders of Mavrovo, Macedonia is a one-of-a-kind destination that appeals to both adventure seekers and those in search of tranquility. Are you ready to explore this fascinating country together?

Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Macedonia.

If you are planning to travel to Macedonia, there are some important details you should know before your trip. Turkish citizens can visit Macedonia without a visa, but since visa policies may change, it is advisable to check for updated information before your journey.

The official currency of Macedonia is the Macedonian Denar (MKD). While credit card usage is common in major cities and tourist areas, cash is preferred in smaller towns and local markets. In fact, even in Skopje, the capital, there are places where credit cards are not accepted.

The official language of the country is Macedonian, but in some tourist areas, you may also encounter people who speak English and Turkish. Although knowing only Turkish may not be enough, the number of Turkish speakers is significantly higher compared to other countries, so if you speak Turkish, it can be an advantage.

Transportation is mainly provided by buses and taxis. There are frequent and well-organized bus services between major cities. Renting a car is also an option. In Skopje, there are airport buses available that offer affordable transportation to the city center. Taxis are also an option, though they are more expensive compared to buses. However, if you are traveling in a group of three, a taxi could be a preferable choice. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the taxi driver before heading to the city center.

Skopje Only

Our trip was only to Skopje. Since it was a short trip, we could only visit one city. However, we explored Skopje in detail. We plan to visit other cities later.

Our journey to Skopje started with some unexpected events. :) Our flight, which was scheduled for 08:00, was delayed until 14:00. This meant we had to wait at the airport since 05:00. However, knowing our rights as passengers, our waiting time at the airport didn’t feel like torture. A big thank you to our airline! :) Our already short trip became even shorter, but that’s okay. We are planning to come back again.

Important note: Flight cancellations to Balkan countries are quite common in bad weather conditions. This was the reason our trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina was canceled. However, during the summer months, these issues are minimized.

As soon as we arrived in Skopje, we headed to the "Airport Bus" ticket booth, located inside the airport before exiting, to check the bus schedule we mentioned earlier. Since the bus intervals were quite long, we didn’t want to wait and instead noticed the taxi queue outside. We managed to negotiate the fare from the standard 25 EUR to 20 EUR for a ride to the city center.

Since we were staying at a hotel in the city center, we quickly dropped off our luggage and set out to explore. Our first stop was Macedonia Square.

Considered the heart of Skopje, Macedonia Square is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, captivating visitors with both its historical and modern atmosphere. Located on the banks of the Vardar River, this vast square is one of the city's largest open spaces, surrounded by historical buildings, monuments, cafes, and shops.

At the very center of the square stands the grand statue of Alexander the Great, one of Macedonia's most famous leaders. The statue is surrounded by a massive fountain. If we had visited during the summer, we would have been greeted by a beautiful water display, but since it was winter, the fountain was turned off. The square is also home to numerous statues. As we walked along the streets leading to the square, we encountered countless sculptures.

There are four main pedestrian streets leading to Macedonia Square, each lined with restaurants and cafes. At the entrance of one of these streets stands the Macedonia Gate, one of Skopje’s most striking landmarks. This magnificent triumphal arch, made of white marble, is adorned with reliefs depicting the country's independence and history. Completed in 2012, the structure closely resembles the famous Arc de Triomphe.

Another road leading to Macedonia Square is the Stone Bridge. Gracefully spanning the Vardar River, this historic bridge connects the past and present of the city. Built during the Ottoman era, the 15th-century bridge has remained intact over the centuries, making it one of Skopje’s most valuable structures. The Stone Bridge serves as both a historic crossing point and a scenic walkway. At sunset, watching the river view from the bridge is a mesmerizing experience, as the surrounding historical and modern buildings showcase Skopje’s contrasting faces. This iconic structure is a must-visit spot to truly feel the essence of the city.

After crossing the bridge, we saw magnificent museum buildings along the riverbank. Two notable museums here are the Archaeological Museum of North Macedonia and the Holocaust Museum of Macedonia—both worth

visiting while in Skopje.

As we continued walking towards the Old Turkish Bazaar, we were greeted by a scene that would feel familiar to those who have visited Istanbul’s Eminönü district. The Old Bazaar of Skopje is one of the must-visit places, featuring architectural styles that will remind Turkish visitors of home. Here, you can also try local delicacies. We had a negative experience at one of the places, but we don’t include such details in our blog posts. For reviews of specific locations, you can check out our Google Maps profile.

One of the best places to experience the historical essence of Skopje is the Old Skopje Turkish Bazaar, a fascinating area that has preserved its vibrancy from the Ottoman era to the present day. With its cobbled narrow streets, historical inns, mosques, and traditional shops, it gives you the feeling of stepping back in time. While wandering here, you can find souvenirs, handmade products, and local delicacies, or simply relax in the small cafes and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the bazaar. This blend of tradition and modernity makes the bazaar a must-visit spot in Skopje.

Next up is Skopje Fortress, one of the most impressive historical landmarks in the city. Located at one of the highest points of Skopje, this magnificent fortress has a rich history dating back to the Byzantine era and extending through the Ottoman period. Having played a crucial role in the city's defense for centuries, the fortress now offers visitors a spectacular view of the city. Once you reach the top, you can see both the old and new parts of Skopje stretching along the banks of the Vardar River, and explore the traces of the past while walking along the ancient walls. Especially at sunset, spending time at the fortress with the city view bathed in golden tones will be one of the most unforgettable moments of your Skopje trip.

Another notable spot is Mountain of Vodno, one of the highest points in Skopje, and the impressive Millennium Cross that stands at its summit. This area, easily accessible from the city center, attracts attention as one of Skopje's iconic landmarks. With its panoramic views and nature-filled walking trails, it is one of the most popular visit spots in Skopje. Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit it due to heavy fog during our trip, but we believe it’s definitely a place to explore on our next Skopje visit. On clear days, enjoying a bird's-eye view of the city and the surrounding nature must be an amazing experience!

Food in Macedonia

Macedonian cuisine is a delightful fusion of Ottoman, Balkan, and Mediterranean flavors, creating a rich and diverse food culture. When you visit the country, trying the traditional dishes will be one of the most enjoyable experiences, making your trip unforgettable.

Some of the must-try dishes include Tavče Gravče, a hearty oven-baked bean dish; Ajvar, a savory spread made from roasted peppers and eggplants; Shopska Salad, a classic Balkan salad; and the delicious grilled meatballs known as Kebapi. For breakfast, you can enjoy the crispy Burek, the Macedonian-style Pastrmajlija flatbread made for meat lovers, and the sweet favorite Trileçe, a rich dessert that you won’t want to miss.

Sampling these unique flavors will allow you to immerse yourself in the cultural essence of Macedonia! If you're looking for restaurant and cafe recommendations or reading reviews, feel free to check out our Google Maps reviews for some helpful insights. Enjoy the culinary journey!