Whenever someone asks for recommendations for somewhere easy, affordable and a little bit different to spend a week or long weekend, we suggest to visit North Macedonia. We have been a few times and its unique charm, beautiful nature, and laid back atmosphere makes it somewhere we always enjoy.
North Macedonia is tucked away in the middle of the Balkans. It is bordered by Serbia to the north, Kosovo to the northwest, Albania to the west, Greece to the south, and Bulgaria to the east. Even though it is land-locked, Lake Ohrid will more than satisfy your coastal cravings.
It’s well worth visiting now before it gets more discovered by tourists. Just to quickly compare, Greece can see over 40 million tourists in a year, Croatia over 20 million, and North Macedonia under 2 million. That means if you visit North Macedonia, you will enjoy your time exploring the stunning country without the crowds and with far more affordable prices. Win-win!
Here is our guide of the places you should see on your trip to North Macedonia!
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Skopje
Skopje is the capital of North Macedonia, it’s certainly unique and has such a laid back atmosphere for a capital city. It is perfect for exploring by foot, and offers so much to see and do. This is what we recommend doing over a couple of days.
Old Bazaar (Old Town)
The Old Bazaar is the perfect place to explore the cobbled streets. It’s colourful and lively, filled with culture and history. There’s plenty of shops, cafes and mosques to see. We really enjoyed visiting in the evening and trying some local food, and afterwards some live music.
Lake Matka and Canyon
This is truly a beautiful spot, and out of the main season we found it to be fairly quiet. Located about a 30 minute drive from Skopje, you must visit! The canyon is picture perfect with stunning cliffs and beautiful water which you can swim in or simply relax by. There are also boat trips, hikes and caves to explore. We chose to hire a kayak to explore at our own pace.
Vardar River and Macedonia Square
We really enjoyed walking through the main square and along the Vardar River. It’s a very well maintained area and is very peaceful for a city. The centre of the square features a stunning fountain, and the spectacular Warrior on a Horse statue. Along the river there are beautiful bridges and many further statues to admire as you walk around. Skopje is absolutely filled with interesting statues. Around here, you will also find plenty of restaurants and bars which are very affordable.
Millennium Cross
Millennium Cross in Skopje is located on Vodno Mountain, and offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes. You can reach it by a cable car ride, and we really recommend going.
Skopje Fortress
Skopje Fortress is a historic gem in the heart of the city. Walking through its ancient ruins feels like stepping back in time and offers a unique experience. It is also free to visit!
Holocaust Memorial Center
You should also pay a visit to the Holocaust Memorial Center, a deeply moving museum that educates visitors on the impact of the holocaust. It is also an important memorial for the Jewish people of Macedonia.
Mother Theresa Memorial House
Lastly we visited The Mother Theresa Memorial House, which is well-worth a visit as Mother Theresa was born in Skopje.
Ohrid
After Skopje, you must head to Ohrid if you’re planning to visit North Macedonia. It’s easy to reach by bus and will take you around 3 hours. It will cost around €15 one way.
Ohrid is truly tranquil, we absolutely love it. Much like Skopje, it’s easy to explore on foot and has plenty to see and do. Besides getting lost in the charming little streets and enjoying some food by the lake, this is what we recommend doing.
Ohrid Boardwalk and Lake
Ohrid lake and the charming boardwalk along the edge is beautiful. It’s very relaxing and we loved walking along the lake, admiring the views and having a swim!
Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid
We really enjoyed seeing The Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid. It’s an open-air theatre built in 200 BC which hosted grand performances and events, and today it still holds concerts and cultural performances. It’s another free attraction in Macedonia!
Samuel’s Fortress
Samuel’s Fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Ohrid and its surroundings. Dating back to the 10th century, it’s another piece of history that you should explore while in Ohrid. We really enjoyed spending some time here, and it was both quiet and affordable.
Church of Saint John the Theologian at Kaneo
The Byzantine Church of Saint John the Theologian at Kaneo is one of Macedonia’s most iconic landmarks. Located on a cliff overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ohrid, it also offers stunning views. We really enjoyed walking around the Church grounds.
Church of Hagia Sophia
Located in the heart of Ohrid, the Church of Hagia Sophia is also a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and art. The Church’s interior and rich history make it a must see for those interested in both religion and art.
Where Else to Explore
Skopje and Ohrid are the perfect starting points if you visit North Macedonia. If you have more time and want to see more, don’t worry there’s plenty more places.
Bitola
Bitola is a charming city, offering a blend of history, culture, and modernity. It’s located at the foot of the Baba Mountain and boasts impressive Ottoman-era architecture, lively cafes, and the ancient ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis.
Krusevo
Krusevo is a picturesque town brimming with history and charm. It is the highest town in the country and another spot with lots to see and do, while still giving you the opportunity to switch off and relax.
Tetovo
Tetovo, is nestled at the foot of the Sar Mountains. It has a vibrant mix of cultures and is again filled with history and stunning landscapes. With its bustling bazaars, natural beauty, and rich history, Tetovo is a fascinating destination. The colourful Sarena Painted Mosque is a must see!
Vevchani
This hidden gem is tucked away in the southwest of Macedonia. It is a charming village known for its stunning natural beauty and unique traditions. Vevchani offers natural springs, lush landscapes, and plenty of outdoor adventure in this peaceful spot.
Kosovo
Lastly, we really recommend a day trip to Kosovo if you have time. Pristina (The capital of Kosovo) is located only 2 hours from Skopje and you will easily find regular buses between the two. Kosovo is another hidden gem, which we loved exploring for the day. We also found the friendliest people across Pristina, making our time there even more memorable.
Final Thoughts
We really hope you’ve enjoyed our guide, and it has inspired you to visit North Macedonia. This country is a unique hidden gem we recommend exploring before too many people discover it. We really do love this country, and we are looking forward to coming back, hopefully very soon!
