Travel around Skopje with Bobby
Day 1Arrival in Skopje – Exploring the Heart of Macedonia
As soon as I landed in Skopje, I knew this city was going to be something special. My hotel, Hotel Alexandar Square, was perfectly located right on Macedonia Square, the city’s bustling heart. After checking in and dropping off my bags, I headed out to explore the square itself, where the towering statue of Alexander the Great stood proudly. The mix of old and new was striking—modern sculptures next to ancient monuments, all surrounded by cafes and shops.
From Macedonia Square, I made my way across the Stone Bridge, an iconic connection between Skopje’s past and present, linking the old town with the modern part of the city. Crossing the bridge felt like stepping into history, and soon enough, I found myself wandering through the Old Bazaar. The atmosphere was incredible—Ottoman-era buildings, colorful market stalls, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. I stopped for a traditional lunch of kebapi at Destan, a local favorite.
As the evening approached, I found a riverside bar, Kolektiv, where I enjoyed a few drinks while watching the sunset over the Vardar River. It was the perfect way to end my first day in Skopje.
Stay near Macedonia Square for easy access to the city's main attractions. Take your time crossing the Stone Bridge, as the views are worth every moment.
Day 2A Journey Through Time – History and Heights
The second day kicked off with an early morning visit to Skopje Fortress (Kale). Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the fortress offers panoramic views of Skopje, the Vardar River, and even as far as Vodno Mountain. After taking in the breathtaking views and exploring the ancient walls, I made my way to the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, one of the city’s most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture. The peaceful ambiance inside the mosque was a nice contrast to the lively streets outside.
Next up was the highlight of the day: taking the cable car up Vodno Mountain to visit the Millennium Cross, one of the largest Christian crosses in the world. The ride up was scenic, with stunning views of the entire city below. Once at the top, the views were even more spectacular, and the fresh mountain air was a nice escape from the city heat.
For dinner, I opted for something special and went to Pelister, a restaurant right in Macedonia Square, where I indulged in local Makedonska Tavče Gravče (a traditional bean dish) paired with Macedonian wine. The mix of flavors was divine, and the atmosphere in the square during the evening was lively and festive.
Dinner at Pelister was an exceptional experience, with authentic Makedonska Tavče Gravče and local wine that perfectly complemented the atmosphere of Macedonia Square. Lunch at a café near the Fortress was simple but satisfying.
Food
Another restful night at Hotel Alexandar Square. The room was quiet despite being in such a central location, and the staff was attentive to every need, making the stay more comfortable.
Accomodation
Visiting Skopje Fortress and riding the cable car to Millennium Cross provided a mix of history and adventure. The panoramic views from Vodno Mountain were absolutely breathtaking, and I could easily spend hours enjoying the scenery.
Activity
Don’t skip the Millennium Cross! Even if you’re not into hiking, the cable car ride offers some of the best views of Skopje. For dinner, Pelister is a must for local cuisine lovers.
Day 3Culture and Charm – Discovering Skopje's Hidden Gems
On my final day, I decided to dive deeper into Skopje’s cultural side. I started with a visit to the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, which offers a fascinating and, at times, emotional journey through the country’s fight for independence. The exhibits were well-curated and gave me a deeper understanding of the city and its people.
From there, I wandered back into the Old Bazaar, but this time I explored it more thoroughly. I stumbled upon the Suli An, an old Ottoman inn that now houses the Museum of Modern Art. The juxtaposition of ancient architecture with modern art was fascinating, and it perfectly captured the spirit of Skopje—where history and modernity meet.
For lunch, I headed to Kapan Han, another historic inn turned into a restaurant, where I enjoyed a hearty meal of ajvar and grilled meats. The charm of the Old Bazaar, with its cobblestone streets and historical buildings, made me feel like I had traveled back in time.
As my last night in Skopje approached, I wanted to end my trip on a high note. I joined the lively crowd at Menada Bar in the Old Bazaar, where the music was loud, the drinks were flowing, and the vibe was electric. It was the perfect way to experience Skopje’s nightlife one last time before heading home.
Lunch at Kapan Han was a true local experience, with rich flavors of ajvar and grilled meats that made it one of my favorite meals. The final night’s drinks at Menada Bar were a great way to close the trip.
Food
My last night at Hotel Alexandar Square was just as comfortable as the others. The proximity to all major landmarks continued to be a huge advantage, and the room service made it a relaxing evening before heading out.
Accomodation
Exploring Suli An and the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle brought the cultural depth of Skopje to life. The day was well balanced between history, art, and some final shopping in the Old Bazaar.
Activity
Spend time exploring the Old Bazaar—it’s a treasure trove of history and culture. For nightlife, Menada Bar is the place to be if you want to mix with locals and enjoy Skopje’s vibrant atmosphere.
Summary of My Trip
Bobby’s three-day trip to Skopje offered a perfect blend of history, culture, and local experiences. On the first day, he explored Macedonia Square, crossed the iconic Stone Bridge, and wandered through the lively Old Bazaar, ending with a relaxing evening at Kolektiv Bar by the Vardar River. Day two was filled with breathtaking views from Skopje Fortress and Vodno Mountain, with a cable car ride to the Millennium Cross, followed by a delicious dinner at Pelister. On the final day, Bobby dove into Skopje’s cultural side with visits to the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and Suli An, before enjoying a traditional meal at Kapan Han and wrapping up the trip at Menada Bar for some nightlife.
This journey highlighted Skopje’s unique charm, blending old and new in an exciting way.
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Skopje was a delightful surprise. The city’s unique mix of old and new captivated me from the moment I arrived. Macedonia Square and the Old Bazaar offered a blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy that I hadn’t experienced elsewhere. The food was fantastic, with dishes like kebapi and Tavče Gravče giving me a real taste of Macedonian culture. The people were incredibly welcoming, and I felt at home as I wandered through the lively streets and peaceful parks. The views from Vodno Mountain, especially near the Millennium Cross, were breathtaking and gave me a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding the city. The accommodation at Hotel Alexandar Square was perfect, providing comfort and convenience right in the city center. While the nightlife wasn’t as intense as in some larger cities, spots like Menada Bar added a relaxed and enjoyable vibe to my evenings. Skopje’s compact size made it easy to explore in just a few days, but the richness of the experience made every moment worthwhile. I’d highly recommend Skopje to anyone looking for a mix of culture, history, and a welcoming local atmosphere.
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Value for Money
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People and Culture
Accommodation
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Overall Experience
Travel around Skopje with Bobby with More Details
I shared my personal experiences and impressions of Skopje on my blog page. If you want to explore the city in a more in-depth and comprehensive way, you can check out my other content full of detailed information and special tips.
Lunch at Destan was a great introduction to Macedonian cuisine, especially the kebapi, which was perfectly grilled and full of flavor. I enjoyed some local snacks while wandering the Old Bazaar, and the atmosphere at Kolektiv Bar made for a relaxing evening.
Food
Staying at Hotel Alexandar Square was fantastic. The location couldn’t have been better, right in the heart of the city, and the room was modern and comfortable. Plus, being steps away from Macedonia Square made sightseeing a breeze.
Accomodation
The day was filled with iconic spots like Macedonia Square and the Old Bazaar, giving me a great feel for the city's pulse. The walk across the Stone Bridge, with its history and views, was a definite highlight.
Activity