Top 6 things to do in Skopje: Macedonia’s stunning capital
As part of my interrail tour across Eastern Europe and the Balkans, I took in Skopje, Macedonia. It was a wonderful city with so much to do and see. While it is difficult to get to and is outside of the European Union – making things such as currency and mobile data a bit of a hindrance – it is so worth it, so here are the top six things to do in Skopje. If you happen to like the article then I’d encourage you to share it using the share buttons to the right of the screen or at the bottom if you are on mobile! And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Instagram and like me on Facebook!
#Skopje I’ve fallen in love with you and your people, very sad to be leaving #Macedonia tonight but looking forward to checking out #Belgrade. Macedonia, until next time ❤️ #travelwriter #travelblogger #travelblog #travel #tblogger #balkans #wanderlust #exploremore pic.twitter.com/ccMVpyfH0f
— Primabl 💼 (@Primabl_) August 10, 2018
Things to do in Skopje: 1. Mount Vodno and Millennium Cross
We are starting off the list with, what was for me, a truly extraordinary experience – Mount Vodno and the Millennium Cross.
Mount Vodno, you can probably guess, is a mountain, home to the Millennium Cross and accessible by a really fun cable car.
Getting there is a journey in of itself which is why below you’ll find this handy picture story on how to get there. Visual directions are always easier than written ones so bookmark the page if you need to refer to it again in the future.
Once you get to the top of the mountain via cable car, it is unlike any other experience. While you will be exposed to the elements, be sure to go during the day as the sights to be seen are extraordinary.
I can imagine that seeing the lights of downtown Skopje twinkling in the night is stunning but being able to see as far your eyes will let you was surreal.
I would advise you to pack a picnic as there are little picnic tables and chairs scattered around to sit down and eat. For me, the Balkans was completely foreign, a landscape of which I had never seen before and I fell in love with being able to see a part of the world I had never laid eyes on, for miles.
There is a smoothie stand as well as a standard shop at the top – I think they were working on developing a proper café at the base of the Millennium Cross but it wasn’t open when we were there.
The scenery from atop Mount Vodno is nothing short of stunning and it really makes you appreciate being privileged enough to travel, so it firmly cemented itself on my list of top six things to do in Skopje.
When you’re ready to leave, head back down the cable car and onto the bus back into the bus station. But note, that the cable car finishes running at 4pm.
Things to do in Skopje: 2. Matka Canyon
Matka Canyon is situated on the other side of Mount Vodno to the Millennium Cross and words fail to describe its beauty.
The canyon is absolutely massive, covering 5,000 hectares of land, it boasts medieval monasteries and remnants of an old fort.
There are several things to do in there including boat tours, kayaking, exploring caves, walking, hiking, or even eating and drinking if you just want to dine in beautiful surrounds.
You are able to get there via a bus, but we took a taxi. We paid 600 Macedonian Denar (MD) which equates to around €9.75. The length of the journey was around 25 minutes so it was a steal to be honest.
We caught up with the bus and it looked grim, all of the other newer buses are on different routes and the old ones run to Matka Canyon.
Do yourself a favour, get a taxi, just agree to the price before getting in – I’ve heard of people getting it for 500MD (~€8.10) but see what you can get it for. You’re going to want it, trust me, and is only one of a couple things to do in Skopje that is situated outside the city centre.
When you get there, some taxis will drop you all the way to the top, others might drop you at a carpark beside some shops – if you’re dropped here just hop out and start walking. It’s around 10 minutes worth of a walk to get to final point for cars.
From there it’s around another 10-15 minute to boat tours. You will come across a boat tour operator close to the beginning of the trail but they don’t incorporate the cave in their tour so if that’s something you want to do then keep walking.
When you get to the second boat tour operator they will have a board with all of the services and prices they have on offer. A boat won’t depart unless there’s enough people willing to go. So if a boat just left and you’re the only one left you’ll have to wait until there’s around 8-10 people ready to go.
To be honest you won’t be waiting too long, maybe 15 minutes but that’s a stretch.
The boat is held in place while you board so it’s a bit unstable, but fun. But if you are travelling with young children or somebody with ability issues, it is one to note. Take your time and grab onto the handles and you’ll be fine. If you wish to wear a lifejacket then make sure they know because they won’t be quick to hand them out unless there are children in your group. Of all the boats I saw depart I only saw life jackets on children, so if you’re nervous of the water don’t be afraid to request one.
The entire tour takes around 1hr 20mins and brings you down the canyon, dip your hand into the water – it is freezing. One thing you will notice is the sheer amount of moths that are flying around the place and dead in the water. They’re incredibly passive but it’s just extraordinary to see so many of them.
When you return from your boat trip there are souvenirs to purchase, a fine-dining restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a hotel. If you’re having a drink outside be aware that you will have moths joining you as uninvited guests. While you might not be a fan of moths its really not that bad and adds to ambience of the place.
You can hike to the monasteries, take the walking trail but we didn’t. Matka Canyon is a superb place to visit in Macedonia and it is no wonder that it is one of the most popular outdoor activities for Macedonians to visit – it deserves a place on any list of things to do in Skopje.
Things to do in Skopje: 3. The Bridges
There are several bridges that cross the Vardar River in Skopje but three of them really stand out: The Stone Bridge, The Bridge of Civilisations in Macedonia, and Art Bridge.
These three bridges are nothing short of stunning. They are grand, impressive, and leave a lasting impression and definitely belong on the list of things to do in Skopje.
The Stone Bridge: The Stone Bridge is probably the most notable bridge in Skopje and it connects the Old Bazaar and Skopje’s top museums with the city centre’s Macedonia Street.
From the impressive architecture of the area you can tell that Macedonians take great pride in their country. The Stone Bridge is considered the symbol of Skopje, is a main element in the Skopje city flag, and its coat of arms.
The view of the Alexander The Great Fountain from Stone Bridge.
Construction of the bridge began in 1451 and has been restored several times due to damage throughout the centuries. More recently during World War 2 when nazis wired the bridge with explosions, it wasn’t until city notables pleaded with the nazis that the bridge was spared from destruction.
Executions took place on the bridge as well with statues dedicated to those executed erected beside the bridge. It’s a great bridge to walk across and gives great views of both sides of the city.
The Bridge of Macedonian Civilisations (Eye Bridge): Compared with the Stone Bridge, the Eye Bridge is brand spanking new having began construction in 2011. The bridge was reported to cost €1.5 million and is lined by 28 sculptures. It’s beautiful and well worth taking the time out to admire the sculptures.
The Art Bridge: The Art Bridge was built in line with the Skopje 2014 project and cost €2.5 million to build. The bridge celebrates Macedonia’s famous artists and musicians.
It’s a wonderful place for a stroll and the pictures to be taken on the bridge are amazing. The three bridges are beside each other and well worth an explore and your time. Just a tip, maybe wait until early morning or late evening before visiting as it can get very warm in the midday sun and you’ll still have plenty more things to do in Skopje.
Things to do in Skopje: 4. Alexander The Great Fountain
You can’t go to Macedonia and not take in the breathtaking fountain that is the Alexander the Great Fountain. Day or night the fountain is absolutely stunning. Lit up and adorned by bronze lions and Macedonian soldiers, the fountain is superb.
Take some photographs and take in the sights and scenes of Macedonian Square. Grab yourself a grilled corn-on-the-cob and just chill out. It’s one of the easiest and less stressful things to do in Skopje but it deserves a place on the list for sure.
Things to do in Skopje: 5. Old Bazaar
The Old Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans, it has been Skopje’s centre for trade and commerce since the 12th century.
But I’ll be honest, I wasn’t necessarily a fan. It is an interesting place to be and you almost do feel transported back 900 years ago, but with a heavy emphasis on jewellery shops there just wasn’t that much in it for me when I was walking through it.
There were beggars on the street using their children for begging and it was really disheartening and sometimes distressing to see. I still think it is an interesting thing to go see in Skopje, but if you are bringing children along they might be confused or even scared by some of the beggars, so it definitely belongs on the list, but might not come out on top of your list of things to do in Skopje.
Things to do in Skopje: 6. Museum of Macedonian Struggle and Porta Macedonia
The Museum of Macedonian Struggle and Porta Macedonia are a two-parter here because if you buy a ticket in to see The Museum of Macedonian Struggle you will also get access to the Porta Macedonia which is a pretty sweet deal.
The Museum of Macedonian Struggle aims to document the struggles of the Macedonian people to gain their freedom over the centuries.
The museum is quite vast and will take you a solid two hours to go through everything. When we went in August it was relatively quiet but this is in part due to the fact that Skopje’s tourism is still building.
Inside the museum are wax figures, large paintings, artefacts, and documents from Macedonia’s struggle to establish itself as an independent sovereign state free from Communism.
If you enjoy museums and taking the time to read up and learn about different countries’ history then I would recommend going here. The English translations can be a little bit long-winded at times but it is still worth a visit for sure and is one of the more educational things to do in Skopje.
Once done with the museum, you have the option of going into the Holocaust Museum which is right across the road from the museum or if you fancy making your way to Mount Vodno, there is also a taxi rank outside the entrance/exit.
Alternatively, you can walk back to Porta Macedonia, again, built as part of the Skopje 2014 project, and take in the sites and sounds. You go into the side entrance of the arch and there will be a person sitting down inside, show them your ticket and they will call the elevator for you.
Go up a couple flights to the top of the arch and enjoy the views! You’ll be able to see Alexander The Great Fountain in all of its glory!
So that’s my top six things to do in Skopje. I loved my time in Skopje – it was a fantastic country full of warm and welcoming people, gorgeous food, and really good value for money. I would really encourage you to include it in your holiday plans if you are in that part of the world.
As I’ve said before, Skopje is extremely good value for money which means that when it comes to finding things to do in Skopje, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Even more so when it comes to luxury 5-star hotels – they are extremely reasonable.
We stayed in an Airbnb but we were tempted to stay in the Marriott Hotel. If you’re going over to Skopje I would seriously consider this hotel. It sits bang smack in the middle of Macedonia Square and it is a luxurious hotel for seriously good prices. Click on the orange links to bag yourself a bargain in the Marriott! It is also an impressive base from where you can start making your way through my list of things to do in Skopje.
Check out some of the Booking.com deals on hotels in Skopje right now. But if you want to go down the Airbnb route then here’s €30 off your next stay! Enjoy.
While you’re here, why don’t you read about the best things to do in Belgrade or the best way Irish people can get free flights!
Note: The Booking.com links and Airbnb link is an affiliate link. This means that if you choose to book a hotel through my link, I receive a small commission. This doesn’t make it more expensive for you, and more often than not it makes it cheaper as you may not have seen the deals for hotels anywhere else! The Airbnb link gives you €30 travel credit and if you choose to use it, gives me €15 travel credit. As you can see, I don’t use ads, so these affiliate links help pay for the upkeep of the website!
