One Day In Skopje – The PERFECT 24-Hour Itinerary

In this Skopje itinerary, I will discuss how to spend a full day in Skopje and provide an alternative itinerary for those with less time. 

I actually only had a half day here as I had a jam-packed 2 weeks in the  Balkans, and I was passing through from Lake Ohrid on my way to Sofia in Bulgaria, but if you do have the time, I recommend spending at least one night here so it doesn’t feel rushed. 

I have tried to include all of the best things to see in Skopje so that you get the most out of your stay here, but of course, you can tailor this itinerary to best suit your needs and your travel preferences.

Your one-day in Skopje Itinerary will look a little like this: 

• Stop 1 – Coffee In The Old Town Bazaar 
• Stop 2 – Explore The Old Town Bazaar & Bit Pazaar
• Stop 3 – Visit The Mustafa Pasha Mosque
• Stop 4 – The Ascension of Jesus Church
• Stop 5 – Daut Pasha Hamam
• Stop 6 – Museum of Macedonian Struggle
• Stop 7 – Admire Some Of The Famous Statues And Fountains
• Stop 8 – Walk Across The Stone Bridge 
• Stop 9 – Wander Through Macedonia Square
• Stop 10 – Triumph Arch of Macedonia 
• Stop 11 – Lunch at Nacional 
• Stop 12 – Woman Warrior Park 
• Stop 13 – Mother Teresa Memorial House  
• Stop 14 – The Art Bridge 
• Stop 15 – Skopje Fortress For Sunset 
• Stop 16 – Enjoy An Evening In Skopje 

Stop 1 – Coffee In The Old Town Bazaar 

When I first arrived in Skopje all I could see were dull grey buildings so you could definitely say I wasn’t expecting much from this city, but then I entered the Old Town Bazaar, which was not only beautiful but filled with so many cute little coffee shops, which as a coffee addict was the ultimate dream for me. 

So it’s only right that the first stop on this Skopje itinerary is enjoying a warm drink at one of these quaint spots. 

Some of the best coffee shops to visit in Skopje’s Old Town Bazaar include: 

• Mon Frere Coffee – A modern café with a clean, minimalist design and a focus on high-quality espresso.
• Su Cafe – A cosy spot tucked away from the main streets, known for its calm atmosphere, smooth lattes, and occasional live music.
• My way Caffe – A friendly, local-feel café with outdoor seating and classic coffee options.
• Mola Coffee – A quaint and quirky cafe that serves speciality brews in a cosy space.
• Balkan Corner Coffee – A small but charming café with a local vibe and strong Turkish-style coffee.
• Oud Coffee – One of the more unique coffee spots in Skopje, offering rich coffee blends in a moody, ambient setting.

Stop 2 – Explore The Old Town Bazaar & Bit Pazaar

After you are suitably caffeinated, it’s time to explore the Bazaar. 

I didn’t know this until after the fact, but the Old Town Bazaar in Skopje is one of the oldest marketplaces in the Balkans that dates back to the 12th century and was a bustling hub during Ottoman Rule.

Inside the Bazaar, you can find traditional cobbled streets and goods like handicrafts, goldsmiths, textile shops, and lots of quaint bars and restaurants.

Just a short walk from the Bazaar, you can find the Bit Pazaar, which is an open-air market where you can find fruits, spices, clothes, and lots more. 

Stop 3 – Visit the Mustafa Pasha Mosque

Just above the bustle of the Old Bazaar is the Mustafa Pasha Mosque. This building offers a quiet break from the bustle of the market. The Mosque was built in 1492, and it’s one of Skopje’s best-preserved examples of Ottoman architecture. 

It’s still an active place of worship, so the atmosphere is calm and respectful, and the views overlooking the Bazaar are worth taking a moment to enjoy.

Stop 4 –  The Ascension of Jesus Church (St. Spas)

Just a short walk from the mosque is the Ascension of Jesus Christ Church (St. Spas). This church is tucked away behind a stone wall, so it is easy to miss but well worth finding. 

The church was built in the 17th century, and it sits slightly below ground level. This is a design choice from the Ottoman era when non-Muslim buildings couldn’t stand taller than mosques.

Inside, you can find a beautiful carved wooden iconostasis (a wall of icons and religious paintings) which is incredibly detailed, and I learnt that it’s considered to be one of the best examples of its kind in the Balkans.

Stop 5 – Daut Pasha Hamam

The Daut Pasha Hamam might not look that impressive from the outside, but step in and you’ll find one of Skopje’s most unique art spaces. 

This spot was originally built in the 15th century as a Turkish bath during the Ottoman Empire but now it serves as part of the National Gallery of Macedonia. Today it hosts a mix of local and international art exhibitions.

Stop 6 – Museum of Macedonian Struggle

If you’re curious about Macedonia’s complex past, then I really recommend visiting this Museum. It takes you through the country’s history from the Ottoman Era, to the Yugoslav years and all the way to independence. 

What I liked about this museum is that it’s an immersive experience, so it definitely keeps you more engaged than a lot of other museums I’ve been to in the past. 

Entry to the Museum is just 300 Macedonian Denars and it’s open from 10 am- 6 pm every day, apart from Mondays when the museum is closed. 

Stop 7 – Admire Some Of The Famous Statues And Fountains

After your trip to the Museum, you’ll want to start heading over to Macedonia Square, but before you get there, I recommend admiring some of the famous fountains and statues along the way. 

As you walk through this part of the city, you might think that these statues have been here for many, many years, however, they are in fact part of a controversial 2014 project that attempted to inject some more life back into the city and give it a more classical look. 

These statues are a hot topic amongst locals, some of whom argue that they are over-the-top, historically inconsistent, and far too expensive (the project cost upwards of €600 million).  Either way, these statues have become one of the defining features of Skopje (for better or worse) so it’s well worth having a look.

There are over 100 statues in the city, but some of the best statues and fountains to take a look at are: 

• Mothers of Macedonia Fountain
• Military Horses 
• Fountain of Lions 

Stop 8  – Walk Across The Stone Bridge 

​​No visit to Skopje is complete without crossing the Stone Bridge. The Bridge stretches over the Vardar River and connects the old town to the newer part of the city. It’s the perfect photo spot, with the fortress on one side and the statues and fountains of Macedonia Square on the other.

Stop 9 – Wander Through Macedonia Square 

Macedonia Square is the central square of Skopje, and you’ll notice that it is one of the more lively parts of the city. It’s surrounded by cafes and government buildings. Here you can also find a large statue of Alexander the Great (officially called “Warrior on a Horse”), which is meant to represent national pride and heritage.

Stop 10  – Triumph Arch of Macedonia 

Just a short walk from the main square, you’ll come across the Triumph Arch of Macedonia (Porta Macedonia), which is a white arch built to mark 20 years of Macedonian independence. 

What a lot of people don’t realise is that you can actually go inside. There’s a small museum and souvenir shop upstairs with exhibits on modern Macedonian history. From the top, you can also get a nice view of the square and the surrounding streets. 

Stop 11 – Lunch at Nacional 

Located close to Macedonia Square is Restaurant Nacional, which is one of the top-rated traditional restaurants in the city. Here you can get authentic Macedonian dishes like stewed lamb. 

Stop 12 – Woman Warrior Park 

The Woman Warrior Park is a great place to have a little rest stop in nature and soak up some sunshine (weather permitting). 

The park features several statues of notable women from Macedonian history, highlighting their roles in the country’s cultural and political life. It’s not a major attraction, but it adds a nice touch to the city’s centre.

Stop 13  – Mother Teresa Memorial House  

Did you know that Skopje is the birthplace of Mother Teresa? This memorial house was built close to the site where she was born in 1910. Here you can find an exhibit of photographs, personal letters and examples of her humanitarian work from around the world. 

The memorial is free to enter and is open from 9 am-8 pm on weekdays and from 9 am-2 pm on weekends. 

Stop 14 – The Art Bridge 

The Art Bridge is another one of Skopje’s newer additions (and this will see you crossing back over the Vardar River). It’s a wide pedestrian bridge lined with 29 bronze statues of Macedonian artists, writers, and cultural figures. 

This bridge probably isn’t to everyone’s tastes, but I really liked the quirkiness of it all, so if you’re a fellow lover of quirk, I think you’ll enjoy this too.  It also offers nice river views.

Stop 15 – Skopje Fortress For Sunset 

To wrap up your sightseeing, I recommend heading over to Skopje Fortress to watch the sunset. The fortress is perched on top of a hill that overlooks the city and has some of the best panoramic views of Skopje. 

The fortress dates back to the 6th century and isn’t well preserved, so it is mainly ruins but I personally think it’s a great way to end a day of exploring. 

Stop 16 – Enjoy An Evening In Skopje 

What might surprise you is that Skopje has a thriving nightlife and dining scene. Whether you’re into low-key wine bars, live music, or rooftop cocktails or want traditional food or a good juicy burger, there is something for everyone. 

After a full day of exploring the city’s historical sites, the evenings here offer a totally different vibe, which is laid-back, lively, and filled with locals winding down or heading out.

Best Places For Dinner In Skopje 

• Destan – Known for its ćevapi (grilled meat sausages) and a long tradition in the Old Bazaar.
• Old House (Stara Kukja) – A cosy spot for classic Macedonian dishes in a traditional setting.
• Skopski Merak – A bit more upscale, but still friendly and buzzing, with live music some evenings.
• Pelister – Right on Macedonia Square, offering a good mix of local and Mediterranean dishes with people-watching views.
• Kosmos – For something more modern and creative, this bistro does excellent small plates and craft cocktails.

Best Pubs and Bars In Skopje 

• Mixology Owl Bar – One of the city’s best cocktail bars. A sleek space with a creative drink list and great service.
• Beertija Pub – A cosy, rock-and-roll-themed bar with an impressive selection of local and international beers.
• Bar Speakeasy – Hidden vibe, strong drinks, and low lighting. If you’re into speakeasy-style spots, this one’s for you.
  Mr Jack Bar – A casual, friendly place with outdoor seating and a good mix of locals and travellers.
• Gluvo Dog – A newer bar with a cool, alternative atmosphere and rotating craft beers on tap. This is great if you’re looking for something a bit different.

Have Less Time? 

If you only have half a day to spend in Skopje, if you’re just transferring through the city, then I would recommend this half-day Skopje itinerary below:

• Stop 1 – Coffee In The Old Town Bazaar 
• Stop 2 – Explore The Old Town Bazaar & Bit Pazaar
• Stop 3 – Visit The Mustafa Pasha Mosque
• Stop 4 – Hike Up Skopje Fortress 
• Stop 5 – Admire Some Of The Famous Statues And Fountains
• Stop 6 – Walk Across The Stone Bridge 
• Stop 7  – Wander Through Macedonia Square
  • Monument to Alexander III of Macedonia 
• Stop 8 – Triumph Arch of Macedonia 
• Stop 9 – Mother Teresa Memorial House  
• Stop 10 – Lunch at Nacional
• Stop 11 – The Art Bridge 

Flight

Skopje is not as well-connected as other cities in the Balkans, and a lot of the flights there are indirect, However, Wizz Air flies directly there from cities like London and Berlin. I always search for cheap flights using Skyscanner, and you should be able to get some good budget deals if you time it right! 

Bus

Skopje is also well connected by both national and international bus routes. It’s fairly easy to get here from other countries in the Balkans, from places such as Tirana in Albania and Sofia in Bulgaria. I recommend checking out both the FlixBus and Omio websites for the best bus route options available. 

Please note that if you are travelling by bus, you may be charged a small bus station tax, so make sure to have some cash on you (normally, the bus stations will accept Euros if you don’t have local currency). 

Where To Stay In Skopje

During your time in Skopje, I recommend staying as close to the Old Town/ Downtown as possible, as you will be spending most of your time near there.

Some of the top places I recommend include: 

• Shanti Hostel – A cosy, budget-friendly hostel with a laid-back, social vibe. It’s a favourite among backpackers and solo travellers and is just a short walk from the main bus and train stations.
• Osten Art Hotel – A creative, boutique-style hotel filled with local artwork. It’s centrally located and perfect if you’re after something stylish with a bit of personality.
• Hotel London – A charming, vintage-inspired hotel right in the heart of Skopje. Clean, comfortable, and super convenient for exploring the city on foot.

How To Get Around Skopje

For this specific itinerary, you will only need to walk around the city as everything is super close together. However, public buses and taxis are available and very affordable. 

If you plan on taking the local buses, you will need to get an electronic bus card to scan as you board the bus, which you can get from Skopje Central Bus Station. 

Is One Day In Skopje Enough?

Yes, one day in Skopje is definitely enough to see all the best things here, making it ideal to pass through if you’re visiting other places in North Macedonia and the Balkans. 

What Currency Do They Use In North Macedonia?

In North Macedonia, they use the Macedonian Denar, however, some establishments and tour providers will accept the Euro. This is solely at their discretion, so I would recommend having local currency on you at all times! 

Is Skopje Safe For Solo Female Travellers?

So, I felt completely safe as a solo female traveller in Skopje, however, there were moments when I felt slightly uncomfortable, and I think it’s important to note that there is a difference, as I never felt in danger.  However, I did experience being intensely stared at by local men. 

Final Thoughts 

Skopje might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a European getaway, but it does offer a unique experience that is well worth exploring. Whether you have a full day or just a few hours to spare, there’s enough to see and do to make your visit a memorable one.

I hope this post has helped you plan the perfect one-day trip in Skopje. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.