You can read about my previous trip to Niš, Serbia, in the article below.
I traveled from Kosovo to Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, by bus.
The journey took around two hours, including the border crossing.
For this route, I didn’t use FlixBus. Instead, I booked my ticket through Traveling.com(formerly getbybus), a regional bus reservation website commonly used in the Balkans. After booking, a PDF ticket was sent by email, which I simply showed to the driver on my phone—no printing required.
If you’re traveling around the Balkans, getbybus is worth remembering, as many routes are not covered by larger international bus companies.
Where I Stayed in Skopje｜Railway Hostel
After arriving in Skopje, I headed straight to my accommodation.
This time, I stayed at Railway Hostel.
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The location is excellent—close to the bus terminal and within walking distance of the Old Bazaar and city center.
The price was 42 euros for three nights, which felt very reasonable.
The hostel feels more like a renovated apartment than a typical backpacker hostel. The interior is modern, clean, and well maintained. Wi-Fi was fast and stable, and I didn’t encounter any issues during my stay.
If you’re looking for an affordable, quiet, and comfortable place to stay in Skopje, this hostel is easy to recommend.
Since the Old Bazaar area is paved with cobblestones, moving around with a suitcase can be quite difficult, and many of the buildings are old. If you’re looking for accommodation, staying outside the Old Bazaar might be a safer and more comfortable choice.
Skopje Sightseeing Model Route (On Foot)
Below is a suggested walking route from the Old Bazaar to the City Museum of Skopje.
Of course, you can also do this route in reverse.
One great thing about Skopje is that most major sightseeing spots are located along a straight line, making the city extremely easy to explore on foot. You can simply move from one landmark to the next without complicated transportation.
Skopje Fortress (Kale Fortress)
The first stop is Skopje Fortress, also known as Kale Fortress.
From here, you get a great panoramic view overlooking Skopje’s Old Town. If you walk along the inner walls, you’ll eventually reach a viewpoint area. The route can be a little hard to spot at first, but following other visitors usually does the trick.
Entrance is free, and the view is well worth it—especially in the late afternoon or around sunset.
View on Google Maps
Exploring the Old Bazaar (Stara Čaršija)
After the fortress, head back down to the Old Bazaar, known as Stara Čaršija.
This area is full of small shops, cafés, and restaurants. Prices tend to be slightly higher than in residential areas, but it’s a great place to soak in the atmosphere. Stopping by a café here is a nice break during sightseeing.
Skopje’s Old Bazaar strongly reflects Ottoman and Islamic cultural influence. During the adhan (call to prayer), locals may step out into the streets to pray, and some passages can temporarily become difficult to pass through. It’s not a problem, but something to be aware of while walking around.
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Church of the Ascension of Jesus & Historical Context
Near the Old Bazaar is the Church of the Ascension of Jesus, part of the Macedonian Orthodox Church.
Built in the 18th century, its exterior is quite modest and easy to miss.
Within the church grounds lies the grave of Goce Delčev, a revolutionary figure in Macedonian history. If you’re interested in the region’s political and cultural background, this is a meaningful place to visit.
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Holocaust Memorial Center
After passing through the Old Bazaar, you’ll find the Holocaust Memorial Center for the Jews of Macedonia.
This area was once home to a Jewish community, but during World War II, many were deported to concentration camps, and the community was effectively erased from the city.
Despite being located just steps away from lively tourist areas, the memorial offers a quiet and sobering perspective on Skopje’s history. If you have the time, it’s well worth visiting.
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Stone Bridge & Macedonia Square
Continue walking and cross the Stone Bridge, which spans the Vardar River.
Built in the 15th century during the Ottoman period, the bridge is about 200 meters long and is one of the oldest surviving structures in Skopje. Despite earthquakes and wars, it remains standing today.
Once across, you’ll arrive at Macedonia Square, where the massive Alexander the Great Statue dominates the view.
The statue was erected in 2014 as part of an effort to express national identity after independence. It symbolically links modern North Macedonia to the ancient Macedonian kingdom. However, the project was controversial due to its high cost and political implications.
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Mother Teresa Memorial House
Walking straight from the square, you’ll reach the Mother Teresa Memorial House.
North Macedonia is the birthplace of Mother Teresa, and this memorial showcases her life, work, and legacy through photographs, documents, and exhibits. Regardless of religious background, it’s an inspiring place to learn about one of the world’s most influential humanitarian figures.
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Museum of the City of Skopje
Further along the same road is the Museum of the City of Skopje.
This museum presents the history of Skopje as a whole. One of its most striking features is the clock on the building’s wall, stopped at 5:17 AM, the exact moment when the devastating 1963 earthquake struck the city.
If you want a deeper understanding of Skopje’s past and resilience, this museum is highly recommended.
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What I Ate in Skopje
Restaurant Palas-Jr / Ресторан Палас Џуниор
In the Old Bazaar, I noticed many locals eating inside small restaurants, so I decided to try kebabs at
Restaurant Palas-Jr.
Balkan kebabs are usually smaller in size and served either inside bread or placed on top of stewed beans.
It was the perfect portion for lunch—simple, filling, and very tasty.
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Burgerslut Kisela Voda
If you love burgers, this place is a must.
The thick, juicy patty, rich cheese, and fresh tomatoes create a great balance. Everything tasted fresh, and it quickly became one of my favorite burgers I’ve had while traveling.
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Recommended Coworking Spot｜Public Room
If you’re looking for a place to work in Skopje, Public Room is the answer.
Technically a café, but about 80% of the people inside were working on laptops. During my four-day stay, I came here twice.
After finishing work, ordering a beer and relaxing before heading back felt like the perfect routine.
For digital nomads, this place is hard to beat.
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Final Thoughts｜Why Skopje Is Worth Visiting
Skopje may not be flashy at first glance, but it’s a city with surprising depth.
Ottoman heritage, Balkan history, religious diversity, and modern national identity all coexist within a compact, walkable area.
With affordable accommodation, good food, reliable workspaces, and easy sightseeing, Skopje is a city that invites you to slow down and stay a little longer.
If you’re traveling through the Balkans, don’t treat Skopje as just a stopover.
Even a short stay will give you a richer understanding of the region.
Up next: Ohrid, one of North Macedonia’s most beautiful lakeside towns.
