Things To Do
Mountain Vodno // Millenium Cross
One of our favorite things to do when we’re home is hike up Mount Vodno. At the top stands the Millennium Cross, a 66-meter landmark built in 2002 to mark 2,000 years of Christianity. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can take a 15-minute taxi ride from Skopje to Sredno Vodno, and from there walk or take the cable car to the top for stunning views of the city, there’s even a small café where you can relax and enjoy the view.
Old Bazaar - Skopje Old Town
Skopje’s Old Bazaar is a living museum of Ottoman, Byzantine, and modern buildings. Second only to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, this was the largest bazaar in the Balkans during the 17th century. It stretches from the Stone Bridge to the Bit-Pazar and the Kale Fortress. Around the you will see active mosques, türbes (mausoleum tombs), converted hammams (bathhouses), churches, the Museum of Macedonia, the Museum of Modern Art, and several inns. Strolling the shops of the Old Bazaar is a must-do for anyone visiting Skopje. There are numerous craftsman shops selling everything from copperware to traditional Macedonian folk costumes. There are also traditional restaurants and coffee houses throughout selling kebab, lahmajdun (meat pie), and Turkish delight.
Kale Fortress
The Kale Fortress (Skopje Fortress) has stood watch over Skopje since the 6th century during the rule of Roman Emperor Justinian I. During Ottoman occupation Kale Fortress was partially destroyed. Today only 121 meters of the wall remain intact, along with three watchtowers and several historical findings from past archaeological excavations. Since the fortress is situated at the highest point in the city, from the top you can get great views of the Vardar River and Skopje. Kale is a great follow-on to the Old Bazaar as it is situated above and is a short walk away.
Mother Teresa Memorial House
You may not know that Mother Teresa (Teresa of Calcutta) was born in Skopje on August 26, 1910. In 2009, two years after her death, the Mother Teresa Memorial House was built in her honor. The Memorial House contains a museum with photos, memorabilia, and documents following Mother Teresa’s life and religious work. Above the museum there is a small chapel. The floor below the museum (basement level) has a multimedia center that plays films related to Mother Teresa’s humanitarian work. Admission is free. Opening hours are Monday through Friday 9 AM to 8 PM and Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 2 PM.
Matka Canyon
Matka Canyon is a must-see, stunning gorge and lake situated west of Skopje (30 min drive from the city centre) a fantastic day trip for nature lovers! The area is home to several monasteries, hiking paths, climbing routes, and caves (a must-see is cave Vrelo). Matka Lake is popular with kayakers and divers. Rent a boat to take you to see the caves, then head to Matka Canyon Hotel and Restaurant for delicious lunch and sweeping views of the canyon.
Bigorski Monastery St John the Baptist
Jovan Bigorski Monastery is one of the most important Orthodox Christian sites in the region, founded in 1020 and dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Nestled in the mountains, it offers a deep sense of peace and spiritual reflection. The monastery is especially revered for preserving a sacred relic of the Holy Cross of Christ, making it a meaningful place of pilgrimage for all Christians seeking faith, history, and spiritual renewal.
Ohrid
Ohrid is one of the most magical places in Macedonia, and we highly recommend visiting if you have the time. This historic city on the shores of Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s oldest settlements, with layers of history from ancient times to medieval and beyond. It’s also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its cultural treasures, like ancient churches, icons, and ruins, and its stunning natural setting. Ohrid is known for having 365 churches and is often called the “Jerusalem of the Balkans,” and the lake itself is among the oldest and deepest in Europe, home to unique species found nowhere else. If you decide to visit Ohrid, please let us know, we’d be more than happy to help you plan the best route and itinerary so you can make the most of your trip and see all the highlights.