Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Skopje, North Macedonia

Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, was one stop I took when I explored the Balkans. I spent a few days here with a side trip to Ohrid. 

 

Learn more about my adventure to this part of the Balkans.

Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Skopje

Skopje is a centuries old city with roots as an ancient Illyrian tribe. It was the capital of the District of Dardania in the 4th century during the rule of Emperor Diocletian. It was also under the rule of the Slavs and Turks at some point in its history. It became a part of Yugoslavia in 1918. In 1991, the newly established independent Republic of Macedonia (the name of the country became Republic of North Macedonia in 2019) declared Skopje as its capital. 

How to Get a Visa 

Filipinos need a visa to enter North Macedonia. However, the North Macedonian government waives this requirement if you have a valid multiple entry visa for the Schengen zone, United States of America, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Your visa should be valid for at least five days longer than your intended stay in the country. You can also stay for up to 15 days only. 

You can get updated information through North Macedonia's website here.

You can read about how I got my visas when you click on these links:

• How to get a Schengen visa for Filipinos
• How to get a Canada visa
• How to get a US visa

How to Get to Skopje, North Macedonia

By Plane 

The main international gateway is Skopje International Airport (SKP). The airport is approximately 23 km (14 miles) southeast of the city center.

Multiple airlines operate this route. There are flights from cities like Vienna, Istanbul, Belgrade, Zurich, Warsaw, and several others in Europe. You might also need a connecting flight. You'll have to check online for schedules because flights might not be everyday.

By Bus

Skopje has a major central bus station with international and domestic connections.

Buses to/from:

• Pristina (Kosovo) – ~2 hours
• Belgrade (Serbia) – ~7–8 hours
• Sofia (Bulgaria) – ~5–6 hours
• Tirana (Albania) – ~8 hours
• Thessaloniki (Greece) – ~4–5 hours
• Istanbul (Turkey) – ~10–12 hours

***You might have to change buses at a transfer station depending on where you're coming from.

Local bus companies ply the mentioned routes. You can book a ticket directly at the bus station. You can buy tickets online through portals like GetByBus and BalkanViator.

Things to Do in Skopje

Skopje isn't a big city in the general sense of the term. However, you can spend a couple of days here to discover what it has to offer.

Skopje Fortress

Skopje Fort or also known as Fortress Kale sits atop a hill overlooking the city. Evidence of inhabitants in the area date to the Bronze and Neolithic Ages. The fort itself is centuries old dating to the 6th century AD. Conquest and wars among empires such as the Byzantines, Bulgarians, and Ottomans led to the destruction and reconstruction of the fort over the centuries. The North Macedonian government protected and preserved the fort. Other than being a historic site, it provides visitors with one of the best overlooking views of the city

Mother Teresa Memorial House

Mother Teresa is a Catholic saint and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, Mother Teresa was baptized and grew up in Skopje, which at the time was part of the Ottoman Empire. She left for Ireland in the late 1920s to become a nun. In 1948, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in India. This museum was built to commemorate her life

Old Bazaar

This centuries old bazaar is one of the biggest and oldest in the Balkans. It reminded me of the bazaars I saw in Turkiye. The Ottomans influenced not just North Macedonia but the region as a whole in various ways. You'll see plenty of shops and local restaurants and cafes while exploring. It's a great place to eat, drink, and buy a few souvenirs.

Macedonia Square

Situated at the heart of the city, this square is a bustling and lively area for both locals and visitors. The main draw of the square is the Warrior on a Horse statue. Some of the city's architectural gems surround the statue. You'll also find restaurants and shops in this part of the city.

Statue Hunting

Skopje is home to quite a number of statues, which I found a bit odd, but is part of the city's appeal and quirkiness. The local government had many statues built because they wanted to make the city more "visually appealing". It got mixed reviews from the locals, but statue hunting is a unique activity you can do during your visit.

Porta Macedonia

This memorial arch commemorates the independence of North Macedonia. The reliefs you'll see on it are depictions of the country's history. 



Art Bridge

This pedestrian bridge is one of the (in my opinion) quirks of Skopje. Statues of renowned artists line it.  

Eye Bridge

This is another bridge that was part of the Skopje 2014 project. 

Archaeological Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia

This museum is the oldest in the country and contains thousands of valuable artefacts. You'll see exhibits and displays that showcase the history of the country. 

Check Out Ohrid

The Ohrid region is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit Ohrid as a day trip or as a multi-day trip while you're in Skopje. I'd say that Ohrid is a lovely place to visit with plenty of historic and cultural sites to fill your itinerary. Many visit to do water sports and wander around its quaint old town. The centuries old churches and structures you'll find showcase the rich heritage of North Macedonia. The view of Church Of Sveti Jovan At Kaneo and the lake is the most famous in Ohrid. Walk along the boardwalk to get different angles of Lake Ohrid. Check out the Ancient Theatre, Samuel Fortress, and Plaosnik during your visit. It's easy to visit Ohrid, there are regular buses traveling to and from Skopje.

Getting around Skopje

Walking

Skopje's city center is compact, so walking is often the best way to explore areas like Macedonia Square, Old Bazaar, and Vardar River. The city is pedestrian-friendly in many places, especially around the main attractions.

Public Buses

Skopje has a network of public buses that can take you to almost any part of the city and nearby areas. Tickets are budget-friendly, and you can purchase them directly from the driver. There are also bus passes available if you’re staying for longer.

Taxis

Taxis are relatively cheap compared to many Western countries. You can hail a taxi on the street. Ask to use the meter or agree on a fare before riding.

Where to Stay in Skopje

Skopje is an affordable city that has good value accommodations that fit your budget. You can stay in a hostel dorm or in a nice hotel with all the amenities you're looking for. I browse www.booking.com to find places to stay wherever I go. 

Budget for Skopje

Skopje is a budget-friendly destination like many places in the Balkans. You can get a lot for less during your visit. A budget of Macedonian denar or MKD 2,700 a day covers a bed in a hostel dorm, food and drinks (with the occasional splurge on a nice meal), transportation, and a few entrance fees. You can spend more or less than the amount mentioned depending on your preferences and interests.

You might also want to read my other posts about the Balkans:

• Budget and itinerary for Sarajevo
• Budget and itinerary for Belgrade

Itinerary for Skopje

This is a sample itinerary for your trip to Skopje.

Day 1 

Macedonia Square

Old Bazaar

Archaeological Museum of the Republic of North Macedonia

Mother Teresa Memorial House

Skopje Fortress

Porta Macedonia

Day 2 

Check out Ohrid

Day 3 

Chill in the city

You can extend or shorten your stay depending on how much time you have exploring the Balkans.