SKOPJE FAQ'S
Visitors to Skopje will be arriving at North Macedonia's largest airport, Skopje International Airport (IATA code SKP), which is located about 15 miles east-southeast of the historic center. The taxis picking up at the airport are all licensed and must run their meters. Expect to pay between 800 and 1200 denari ($15-$20) depending on how many passengers, pieces of luggage, and time of day. All licensed cabs must have a yellow-and-black TAXI light on the top. Look for "Global Taxi," "Skopje Taxi," or "Vardar Taxi" as these have the best reputations for operating between the airport and the city.
Then there's the Vardar Express bus that connects the airport with the city center. This costs about 200 denari (around $3) and this ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes as it makes a certain set of stops. Tickets can be bought from the driver (in denari) or at a desk inside the airport arrivals hall.
The Transportation Center Skopje (the train and bus station) is centrally-located just to the east of the city's historic center. If your hotel is in this area, in theory you could walk from the station to your accommodations; it is just 15 minutes' walk from the station to the center of Macedonia Square. If you have too much luggage or you just want to ride, taxis are available at the rank in front of the station, as are rideshares which arrive after the customer uses the Bolt app (the only rideshare app in operation in North Macedonia as of October 2024). Intercity trains connect Skopje with Vienna, Thessaloniki, Ljubljana, Athens, and Belgrade.
How do I get around Skopje using public transportation?Buses are the main public transportation option in Skopje, operated by the company JSP Skopje (www.jsp.com.mk). Across the network, there are 39 bus lines, of which a few will be of note for visitors. Buses are red in color, with bus lines like 5 and 15, which go through the historic center, running double-decker stock similar to London. These buses are domed and allow tourists and locals to enjoy the scenery with a 360-degree view as it passes by.
Buses run from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the schedule starting at 5:30 a.m. on Sundays. Four bus routes run overnight, including #5, one of the routes that will be of use to tourists. Your best bet will be to purchase a Skopska card, which can be refilled at kiosks or through the JSP - On the Go app. The card costs about 150 denari (approx. $2.50-$3) and includes three rides to start, discounted to 35 denari per ride. (The normal ticket price without this reloadable card is 40 denari during the day and 50 denari overnight.) When reloading, Skopska cardholders will get discounted rates per ride, including nighttime, discounted to 40 denari from 50. If you only want a day pass, that particular card can be purchased for 120 denari, or about $2.50.
Bus Routes of Note for Visitors:
Route 5: Route 5 stops at six different places within the historic center, leaving you within blocks of any sight in this area. Stops include Macedonia Square, Green Market, Boulevard Kocho Racin, and Skopje train station. This is also one of four routes in the network that run a limited overnight service.
Route 15: Route 15 has a different route and fewer stops but also runs within the historic center. Boulevard Kuzman Josifovski Pitu, on the other side of the Vero Shopping Center moving north-south from Novo Lisiche (the residential area that is the terminus of both Routes 5 and 15), is the alternate path for this particular route instead of Kocho Racin.
Route 25: Route 25 connects the city center with Sredno Vodno, a popular starting point for the cable car to the Millennium Cross.
Route 60: Route 60 runs to Matka Canyon, a must-see natural attraction outside the city, though some tourists might prefer a taxi or Bolt for direct access.
Skopje is generally very walkable, especially the area around the town's historic center and the areas to the west, northwest, and north, about a mile or two out from the famous bridges connecting both sides of the Vardar River.
Many of Skopje's major sights, like Macedonia Square, the Stone Bridge, the Old Bazaar, and Skopje Fortress (Kale), are clustered within or adjacent to the city center, making it easy for tourists to move between them on foot. Macedonia Square and the surrounding areas have broad pedestrian walkways and are often bustling with locals and tourists, giving it a lively atmosphere with cafés, statues, and fountains along the way.
Note: The path to Skopje Fortress (Kale) can be steep, so those who have some issues with ascending or descending inclines might wish to see these sights in the presence of others who will be able to help if you need assistance. Also, outside of these touristed zones (to the north and west of Macedonia Park for example), traffic flow can be alarming to a first-time or even seasoned visitor. We recommend sticking to safer areas like the ones just outlined for walking, and to use public or private transport for traversing longer distances or to high-traffic areas like the Skopje City Mall.
Skopje is generally considered a safe city for tourists, with relatively low crime rates compared to many European capitals. However, like any city, it's wise to take standard precautions. The areas most frequented by tourists (such as the historic center, Macedonia Square, Debar Maalo, the Old Bazaar, and most other tourist attractions) are all safe during the day and are generally safe at night, although it's recommended to be more alert at night in the winding alleys of the Old Bazaar. The Transportation Center Skopje is also not recommended for loitering at night, though transiting as one normally would from a train or bus to a taxi is considered fine.
Some tips that you should be aware of that relate specifically to Skopje: Keep your valuables in secure places on public transport and in crowded areas, as pickpocketing can occur. Keep your wits about you at night, but not to an excessive degree as well-lit areas of the historic center are safe to walk at all hours. Pay attention to the hallmarks of licensed taxis in Skopje, because ones that are unlicensed do operate and have ripped off tourists. In short, your biggest concerns as far as safety on this trip would be perhaps a petty theft or being overcharged by an unlicensed taxi. Remember the taxi rules outlined in our getting around Skopje section.
The currency in North Macedonia is the Macedonian denar, abbreviated in pricing and on signs as "den" (either in Latin or Cyrillic text). The plural of denar in North Macedonia is "denari" and not "denars." The U.S. dollar is not legal tender here and very few tourist-centered businesses will accept them (the ones that do will give a very disadvantageous exchange rate). Pay in the local Macedonian currency, and outside of tourist-heavy areas, the chances of using a credit or debit card decrease dramatically. ATMs can give you funds directly in denari and are pegged to the international exchange rate (save for any fee from your financial institution), making it the best option for getting the most denar for your buck.
I don't speak Macedonian. Will many people speak English?In Skopje, you'll find varying levels of English proficiency depending on where you are. Hotel staff, airport staff, workers at tourist attractions, people under the age of 35, wait staff at upscale restaurants, employees at the major shopping malls, and tour guides will speak English with great proficiency.
Now the same can't be said for older Macedonians, those working in the local markets or bazaars, smaller shop owners, staff on public transport, or those operating traditional restaurants. Their English skills will most likely be limited or nonexistent. Taxi drivers know key English phrases relating to their job but otherwise might not be able to hold a conversation with you.
We recommend downloading a translation app like Google Translate or a similar one that allows for translation of signs, so you can take a photograph and translate quietly to yourself before asking questions at a shop or a restaurant. Note that in Skopje, signs will be in Cyrillic as a default as Macedonian is written in Cyrillic.
Here are some basic phrases in Macedonian that might help. Note: The letter "c" is pronounced like "ch" in "chair", and "š" is pronounced like "sh" in "shop".
Hello = Zdravo (ZDRAH-voh)
Goodbye = Cao (CHAO) or Doviduvanje (doh-vee-DOO-van-ye)
Excuse me = Izvinete (iz-VEE-neh-teh)
Please = Ve molam (veh MO-lahm)
Thank you = Blagodaram (blah-GO-dah-rahm)
You're welcome = Poveli (PO-veh-lee)
Where is...? = Kade e...? (KAH-deh eh...?)
Where are the toilets? = Kade e toaletot? (KAH-deh eh to-AH-leh-tot?)
How much is this? = Kolku cini ova? (KOL-koo CHI-nee O-vah?)
Numbers 1-10:
1 = eden (EH-den)
2 = dva (dvah)
3 = tri (tree)
4 = cetiri (CHE-tee-ree)
5 = pet (pet)
6 = šest (shest)
7 = sedum (SE-doom)
8 = osum (O-soom)
9 = devet (DE-vet)
10 = deset (DE-set)
Macedonians typically eat breakfast early before work (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.), a long lunch (the main meal of the day, typically from 1 to 3 p.m.), and an even longer dinner (7 to 10 p.m.), meant to be a time to catch up with friends.
Only the most upscale restaurants will require reservations on weekdays, and on Fridays and Saturdays reservations are a must. Pelister on Macedonia Square, Vodenica Mulino and Dukat in Debar Maalo, Dva Elena on Zagrebska, and Old City House within walking distance of the Macedonian Opera and Ballet will require reservations no matter the time of day or week. Booking in advance in most places is recommended during the summer tourist season and definitely for holidays such as Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve. Most restaurants accept reservations by phone, and increasingly through social media (Facebook/Instagram messages). Your hotel can usually help make reservations.
Cultural Note: As we mentioned briefly at the beginning of this answer, Macedonians often linger over meals, especially dinner, which can last 2-3 hours. It's perfectly normal to spend a long time at your table, and you'll usually need to ask for the bill when you're ready to leave.
Yes, here are some important Macedonian customs and cultural norms to keep in mind.
As far as religion is concerned, men and women should dress modestly when visiting churches, monasteries, or mosques. Women may need to cover their heads when visiting Orthodox churches, and sleeveless shirts are frowned upon for all visitors. For cultural respect, Macedonians often make the sign of the cross when passing churches, and a respectful nod of the head is appropriate for visitors. When visiting someone's home, remove your shoes at the door and bring a small gift. Coffee serving is a social ritual meant to be savored slowly, not rushed. Cigarette smoking is very common, even in tourist areas, and complaining about it won't help your situation.
When dining out with Macedonian friends, you'll likely be offered rakija (brandy). Having at least a small sip is polite, though explaining any health or religious restrictions will be understood. Your local friend will probably insist on paying the bill; tipping 5-10% is appreciated and usually involves rounding up (for example, a 925-denar bill might be rounded to 1000 with a 75-denar tip). Bill-splitting is not customary; one person typically pays for the whole table.
Macedonians value direct communication and are typically expressive, with handshakes and cheek kisses being common greetings. If you're uncomfortable with this level of physical contact, a simple, honest explanation with a touch of humor works well. Avoid pointing with your finger as it's considered rude. Being 10-15 minutes late is commonly accepted and isn't considered especially rude.
Finally we reach possible flashpoints. When photographing in Skopje and around North Macedonia, basic courtesy applies: ask before taking photos of individuals, especially in traditional areas like markets or mosques. While tourist photography is generally welcome, avoid photographing government buildings, border areas, or military/police facilities, as this could lead to questioning.
Some topics benefit from a tactful approach. The country's name change to "North Macedonia" in 2019 resolved a long-standing dispute with Greece but remains a complex subject for some. Similarly, discussions about cultural and historical ties with Bulgaria can be sensitive. While many locals, especially younger people, are open to discussing these matters, it's better to let them guide such conversations. Then there are the views on the Yugoslav period, which vary significantly among older generations: some recall it fondly, others less so. North Macedonia was one of the less developed Yugoslav republics, but individual experiences of that era differ widely. Now these aren't strictly forbidden topics, as they're part of everyday discourse, but approaching them with respect and awareness shows consideration for local sensitivities.
With all that said, most Macedonians are understanding of tourists who might not know all the local traditions and will give grace within reason.
Skopje offers both traditional and modern shopping experiences, with the Old Bazaar standing out as the most atmospheric place for traditional souvenirs. This centuries-old market area is especially known for its beautiful filigree jewelry, a Macedonian specialty where silver is worked into delicate patterns. Here you'll also find traditional textiles, handmade copper items, local spices, and artisanal soaps. While shopping in the bazaar, expect to bargain; it's part of the experience.
For modern shopping, East Gate Mall to the east of the historic center is the city's largest and newest retail destination. It houses both international brands and local boutiques, and is a great place to spend the day if it's raining outside. The more centrally located Skopje City Mall, while smaller, offers a similar mix of local and international shops and is very popular with Skopje residents.
For those specifically hunting for Macedonian specialties, several areas deserve attention. The Bit Pazar is perfect for local food products, particularly ajvar (a beloved red pepper spread) and traditional cheeses. Around Macedonia Square, you'll find higher-end shops, while the area near Stone Bridge has numerous tourist-oriented gift shops. The Debar Maalo neighborhood hosts several art galleries featuring works by local artists. Among the most worthwhile purchases are bottles of Macedonian wine (the local Vranec variety is particularly notable), traditional woven textiles, and Orthodox icons from licensed shops. Local honey and decorative bottles of fruit-flavored rakija also make excellent gifts. While you'll need to negotiate prices in the Old Bazaar, the modern shops and malls operate with fixed prices.
Skopje's nightlife typically kicks into gear around 11 p.m. and continues well into the early morning hours, with many venues staying open until 3 or 4 a.m., especially on weekends. The city offers a surprisingly diverse after-dark scene relative to its size, actively catering to various tastes and age groups.
The Debar Maalo district serves as the city's primary nightlife hub, packed with bars and kafanas (traditional taverns). These kafanas offer a uniquely Macedonian experience, featuring live traditional music, local food, and plenty of rakija, often staying lively until the early hours. They're particularly busy on weekends, when finding a table without a reservation can be challenging. For those seeking a more modern experience, the area around Macedonia Square hosts several contemporary bars and clubs. These venues typically feature international DJs, electronic music, and a younger crowd. During summer, many clubs relocate to open-air locations, particularly around City Park, creating a festival-like atmosphere.
The Old Bazaar, while primarily known for daytime shopping, transforms after sunset. Several bars here offer a mix of traditional and modern tastes, often with live music. This area tends to attract a diverse crowd of both locals and tourists, with venues typically operating until around 2 a.m. For a more laid-back evening, numerous café-bars around the city center stay open late, serving both coffee and alcohol. These offer a more relaxed alternative to the high-energy club scene and are popular meeting spots for locals.
Cover charges are relatively uncommon except at the largest clubs or for special events. Drink prices are generally reasonable by European standards, though they're higher in more tourist-oriented areas near Macedonia Square. It's worth noting that smoking is permitted in many venues, which can be surprising for visitors from the U.S. where smoking in bars only occurs nowadays in a handful of states and virtually no state allowing smoking in restaurants.