Travel to North Macedonia: The best tips for a weekend trip is written by Mary Meier.
A trip to North Macedonia offers a bit of everything
The capital of North Macedonia Skopje is probably best known as Mother Teresa's birthplace around the world, but the historic city has much more to offer than that.
The city is full of history and stories, but it also offers cozy cafes and delicious restaurants - and then there are more statues than you can count.
If you have time, you will also find incredibly beautiful nature close to Skopje, which is definitely worth experiencing.
Take a weekend trip to North Macedonia and experience everything that the country's capital, Skopje, has to offer.
Great personalities in North Macedonia: Alexander the Great
In North Macedonia, it is believed that Alexander the Great - who is found on a statue in Skopje - is from North Macedonia, which Greece somewhat disagree with. They believe that he is from Greece.
The size of the statue clearly shows how proud they are to have him as a national hero. Located in the middle of Macedonia Square, you can not avoid seeing it as one of the very first things when exploring the city.
In the rest of the city, more than 200 statues have been placed, which are the result of the construction project 'Skopje 2014', which aimed to rebrand the city and give it a more classic look. It is therefore almost impossible not to come across a statue on your trip to North Macedonia and especially if the trip goes to the capital.
old bazaar
If you turn your back on Alexander the Great, you will find the 'Stone Bridge' right in front of you, which is also one of the most famous sights in Skopje. If you cross the bridge, you end up in the 'Old Bazaar' neighborhood and actually feel like you've just crossed over from Greece to Turkey. It's like stepping into a completely different world.
In the Old Bazaar, there are not nearly as many statues, but instead a lot of small streets with fun shops. Here you will find leather and fur shops and the classic souvenir shops. The neighborhood offers, among other things, old buildings, small cozy shops, restaurants and a market full of local craft products, fruit and vegetables.
Old Bazar is definitely worth a visit on your trip to Skopje and North Macedonia.
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Restaurants for your trip to North Macedonia
Old Bazaar also offers many exciting places to eat. There is plenty of life in the streets and space for you to sit outside. However, it is crowded and lots of people, so if you feel like a little more space and relaxed atmosphere, you can go back to the Old Bridge, where the restaurants are located side by side along the river.
There are lots of delicious restaurants in Skopje, and you should not deceive yourself to try some slightly more delicious restaurants. The prices are at the very bottom, and the quality is usually in order.
The menus inside the city usually offer the most touristy classic like pizza and pasta, but if you look a little, you can also get something a little more interesting. A coffee usually costs around 6 kroner, and a lunch 30-40 kroner including drinks.
No trip to North Macedonia without it Kale Fortress
While finding out what the city has to offer, you can hardly help but see Kale Fortress, an ancient fort dating back to before our time.
However, it is said that it was then ruined during an earthquake in the year 518. In the 10th or 11th century, it was rebuilt to what we can see today. It costs nothing to come up and visit and you get a great view of the city. It is definitely worth a visit if you are planning a trip to North Macedonia.
Mother Teresa
Another person they are very proud of in North Macedonia, and especially in Skopje, is Mother Teresa, who was born here in the city. Of course, there is also a statue of her, which is almost mandatory to see on your trip to North Macedonia
Ten minutes' walk from Stone Bridge you will find the house that has the honor of being a memorial to Mother Teresa. She lived here from 1910 to 1928.
Nature of North Macedonia: Drive out of Skopje
If you have time to get out of the city, you should definitely do it, as there is much more to see around the country. An hour's drive from Skopje is Canyon Matka, which is insanely beautiful.
This impressive canyon was created by the Treska River, which wound its way through the gorge. It is surrounded by high cliffs and lush trees and plants, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurous souls.
You can take a taxi or a bus there - both can be had cheaply. If you are staying at a hotel, they can easily arrange a full or half-day trip there.
A little further south of Skopje lies Lake Ohrid. This breathtaking turquoise lake is a little further away than Canyon Matka, but it is also definitely worth a visit! Ohrid is actually one of the world's oldest lakes - and it is also Europe's deepest. That has also given it a place on UNESCO World Heritage List.
Lake Ohrid is on the border between North Macedonia and Albania, so if you go all the way around, you're actually crossing a country border. It is a perfect place if you want to take some nice landscape photos.
You don't need many days on a trip to North Macedonia. In fact, you can easily see the most popular places in a few days. If you have a week for the whole country, you can easily see the most important things. Here it is obvious to also go exploring in North Macedonia's beautiful nature.
But a weekend is plenty if you just want to see the capital Skopje and all the cultural offers and attractions the city has to offer.
Good trip to North Macedonia!
5 things you must experience in Skopje:
- Macedonia Square
- old bazaar
- Delicious places to eat
- Kale Fortress
- Mother Teresa
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