Top 8 Best Things To Do in Skopje

Cast your eyes on the best things to do in Skopje, a Balkan city known for its grand collection of sculptures. Wander through historical sites and learn why Skopje is often called the city of statues. Start planning your adventure today and discover the city’s rich past and striking monuments!

Enrich your trip with a wide selection of tours and activities in Skopje, offering something for every traveler. After a day of exploration, you can unwind in one of the diverse range of hotels and places to stay in Skopje, offering comfort and convenience.

Planning your vacation is easy with Skopje’s largest collection of itineraries, ensuring you make the most of your visit. They allow you to explore key attractions, experience local culture, and enjoy a well-organized trip. Get ready to uncover the best things to do in Skopje and make unforgettable memories with this guide!

8. Enjoy a Personalized Walking Tour in Skopje

If you want an easy and personalized way to explore the city, a private walking tour in Skopje is a great choice. It allows you to visit Macedonian Square, home to several important monuments and statues. The most prominent is the Warrior on a Horse statue, widely associated with Alexander the Great.

You can explore landmarks like the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, which features exhibits of Mother Teresa's early years and personal belongings. The museum also showcases photographs documenting her global charity mission.

Visit the Stone Bridge, a historic landmark connecting Skopje's old and modern areas. Built during the Ottoman era, it symbolizes the city’s rich past. After crossing the bridge, explore the Skopje Fortress, where you’ll find breathtaking panoramic views and ancient ruins that showcase the city's medieval history.

Joining a private tour is one of the best things to do in Skopje, as it lets you skip the stress of navigating the streets on your own. To fully experience the city's rich history, a well-organized itinerary ensures you don’t miss Skopje’s top attractions. Book your tour at least a few days or a week in advance for the best experience.

7. Sample Fine Wines at Kartal Winery

Joining wine-tasting experiences in Skopje offers a more personalized way to explore local flavors. Walk through vineyards and learn how grapes are transformed into wine. Savor signature wines while experts share the history and passion behind each bottle.

Visiting a family-run establishment is one of the top things to do in Skopje, offering insight into the country’s winemaking traditions. For one of the best experiences, join a wine-tasting tour in Skopje's Kartal Winery, known for its quality production, where you’ll sample Macedonia’s finest wines.

The grape harvest season, typically from August to September, is the best time to visit Skopje for this activity. Pair your wine tasting with local cheeses and delicacies for the perfect experience. This is one of the best things to do in Skopje, especially for wine lovers, as it offers a deep dive into Macedonia’s rich wine culture.

6. Find Peace at Skopje City Park

Relax and unwind on your 5-day city break in Skopje by spending time in the City Park. As Skopje's largest green area, the park is home to a nearby scenic reservoir, a zoo, and several cultural monuments, offering a balance between nature and heritage.

This green oasis offers a peaceful escape from the city's bustle while providing a tranquil environment. Enjoy serene walks, sports facilities, or family fun at the playgrounds. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, with colorful blooms or golden foliage enhancing the scenery.

The park becomes a peaceful retreat with lakeside views and a calm atmosphere as evening falls. The park’s illuminated pathways provide a serene setting for evening walks. If you’re seeking more things to do in Skopje, the park offers a magical experience to unwind.

5. Celebrate a Traditional Balkan Night in Skopje

For a lively evening experience, join a traditional Balkan night filled with live music, dance, and authentic cuisine in Skopje. This event offers a glimpse into Macedonia’s rich heritage, where talented folk musicians and dancers bring centuries-old traditions to life in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Feel the energy of live Balkan music as melodies fill the air, creating an atmosphere of celebration. Watch mesmerizing folk dancers depict stories of Macedonia’s past in vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements. As the evening unfolds, the flavors of local dishes add to the experience, making it a feast for all the senses.

A traditional Balkan banquet is among the top things to do in Skopje at night for those looking to experience the city’s lively culture. Enjoy an evening filled with folk music, dance performances, and Macedonian cuisine. Don’t forget to capture the moments, as this evening offers the perfect opportunity for lasting memories.

4. Tour the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle

Visit the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle on a 5-day weekend getaway in Skopje. This museum highlights the country’s fight for independence with documents and immersive exhibits. It spans 69,269 square feet (6,435 square meters), with 21,528 square feet (2,000 square meters) dedicated to exhibitions.

Explore 13 exhibits showcasing the nation's resistance. The collection includes important artifacts, over 100 wax figures of notable Macedonian figures, and engaging multimedia presentations. The original 1991 Declaration of Independence is a highlight, marking Macedonia’s pivotal historical moment.

Visiting the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle is one of the best things to do in Skopje. It offers a powerful experience that makes you reflect on the importance of freedom.

3. Take a Day Trip to the Breathtaking Matka Canyon

For an exciting adventure, set off on a half-day tour from Skopje to Matka Canyon, one of North Macedonia’s top natural wonders. Located just 10.56 miles (17 kilometers) from the city, the canyon is known for its dramatic cliffs, emerald waters, and diverse wildlife.

Matka Canyon offers a range of activities, including kayaking on the Treska River, where you can paddle through stunning azure waters. You can also take a boat tour to Vrelo Cave—one of Europe’s deepest underwater caves. The cave, known for its stalactites and two lakes, is a must-see during your visit.

A guided Matya Canyon half-day trip with a visit to Vodno Mountain enhances the experience with historical insights and panoramic views. On this tour, you’ll also visit the Byzantine Church of Saint Panteleimon, dating back to the 12th century.

Spending time in Matya Canyon is one of the best things to do in Skopje for a peaceful retreat. For a quieter visit, go on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat to stay protected from the sun.

2. Head to Millennium Cross for Breathtaking Views

Half-day tours in Skopje lead you to the most incredible sites, including the Millennium Cross. Built in 2002 to commemorate 2,000 years of Christianity, this 217-foot (66-meter) tall structure is one of the largest Christian crosses in the world.

Ride a cable car for a smooth journey to the top. Make sure to check the schedule, as it typically does not operate on Mondays and may be suspended during strong winds for safety.

Alternatively, hike the scenic trails on Mount Vodno, reaching the Millennium Cross at an elevation of 1,066 meters (3,497 feet) above sea level. Don’t forget to dress warmly in the cooler months, as temperatures can drop at the summit.

Watching the sunset is one of the best things to do in Skopje, as the sky turns vibrant shades of orange and pink. Once at the summit, admire the towering cross up close and watch it light up the night sky as evening falls.

To make the most of your time, take a half-day tour from Skopje to visit the Millennium Cross and the Matka Canyon. This combination offers a perfect blend of cultural history and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal itinerary for travelers seeking a diverse experience.

1. Wander the Charming Streets of Skopje’s Old Bazaar

Join a Skopje old and new private half-day walking tour that includes visiting the Old Bazaar. As one of the Balkans’ oldest marketplaces, it has been a central commercial hub since at least the 12th century.

Lined with centuries-old mosques, hammam baths, and caravanserai hostels, the bazaar reflects Skopje’s multicultural past and remains a lively hub for trade and local life. You'll also find artisan workshops offering woven carpets, filigree jewelry, and ceramics.

While exploring the Old Bazaar, you’ll come across the Clock Tower, an Ottoman-era landmark built in the 16th century, which once kept time for the city. Nearby, the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, built in 1492, stands as a stunning example of Ottoman architecture.

City tours in Skopje offer deeper insights into the bazaar’s storied past. Engage with local artisans and carry some cash, as many small shops and market stalls may not accept credit cards. Also, relaxing at a traditional cafe in the Old Bazaar is among the best things to do in Skopje, giving you a true taste of local culture.