Things to Do in Skopje

Skopje is a city best explored on foot: everything worth seeing is within a fifteen-minute walk of the main square. This guide is written by the Bad Donkey crew — locals who watch the city fill up with visitors from all over the world every single night.

The Old Bazaar (Stara Charshija)

One of the largest and oldest bazaars in the Balkans, and the single most atmospheric place in Skopje. Cobbled lanes, Ottoman inns and craftsmen’s shops mix with modern cafés, galleries and some of the city’s best small restaurants. Don’t miss the Daut Pasha Hamam and the Church of St. Saviour with its famous carved iconostasis.

Macedonia Square and the Stone Bridge

The heart of the city, dominated by the giant Warrior on a Horse fountain. From the square, the 15th-century Stone Bridge takes you across the Vardar to the Old Bazaar. Makedonija Street — the city’s pedestrian artery — runs south from the square past the Old Railway Station, whose clock froze at 5:17 during the 1963 earthquake.

Kale Fortress

A ten-minute uphill walk from the bazaar, with the best free view of the city — go at sunset.

Matka Canyon

Half an hour by car or bus from the centre: an emerald lake squeezed between cliffs, kayak rental, caves and hiking trails. The easiest half-day trip from Skopje, and the most photographed spot in the country.

Mount Vodno and the Millennium Cross

Take the cable car to the top of Vodno for a panorama of the whole valley. On a clear day you can see half of Macedonia.

Where to go at night?

Skopje comes alive after dark — the café culture turns into bar culture, and Debar Maalo and the centre fill up fast. If you’re after live music, cold craft beer and proper pub food, come find us: Bad Donkey has a band on stage every night from 21:00, at Makedonija Street 21, two minutes from the square. Free entrance, cold beer, loud donkey.