Skopje, Macedonia: A Hidden Gem of Affordable Charm

For my trip to Skopje, I decided to treat myself to a more luxurious experience by booking a 5-star hotel with a spa (although, to be honest, it wasn't really worth it). Considering that the Macedonian capital ranks third among the most affordable destinations in Europe, the entire trip turned out to be very cost-effective.

Skopje

I booked my flight two weeks in advance for approximately 350 DKK, which is around 47 Euros. Surprisingly, that's about the same amount I would spend on a taxi ride from the center of Copenhagen to my home.

Skopje is still an underrated tourist destination, perhaps due to certain misconceptions about the country. However, I must say that considering the costs and the overall experience, it's truly an attractive place to visit, especially if you want to indulge in some luxuries without breaking the bank.

The multicultural nature of the city, which may seem appealing to tourists, can sometimes create contrasting opinions among the locals due to the presence of different cultures and religions. Nonetheless, they strive to coexist peacefully every day.

The city center is not very large, making it easily navigable on foot. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, although some drivers might try to charge you more than necessary. Skopje is generally safe in almost all areas. I wandered around alone with my camera and lenses, and no one ever bothered me.

Now, let's get into the practical information. Allow me to share one of the best options for a weekend getaway. I booked my accommodation in the area of the Old Bazaar, which is not far from the city center, approximately 800 meters from the Stone Bridge. It's a delightful experience to explore the historic buildings and narrow alleys in this area. Moreover, there are plenty of local eateries and bars where you can enjoy live music.

Just beyond the bridge and in the immediate vicinity, you'll find Macedonia Square, recognizable by its enormous central statue, surrounded by hotels and restaurants. From here, you can decide which direction to explore the city. To thoroughly explore the Old Bazaar, excluding any shopping stops, you'll need about 2–3 hours, perhaps with an opportunity to try some local tea or coffee.

Between Macedonia Square and the Stone Bridge, you'll come across the Vardar River, which flows through the city. Just beyond its borders, the river splits into two, leading to the breathtaking Matka Canyon. This enchanting location is worth visiting for about half a day, offering natural caves and one of the world's largest underwater caves, with a depth of over 400 meters.

Returning to the city, some of the places I wanted to visit included:

• Mother Teresa's House, for obvious reasons of significance.

• The Art Bridge, located just a few meters from the Stone Bridge.

• The Macedonian Gate, recognizable by its arch-like structure resembling the triumphal arch.

• The Church of St. Clement of Ohrid, a beautiful place to explore with its vibrant imagery and colors. I refrained from taking interior photographs to encourage you to visit it yourself.

• City Park, a diverse area featuring the stadium, cafes, and restaurants. The zoo, with an entrance fee of only 1.30 Euros! It's located adjacent to the park.

• The fortress or the remains of the fortress walls.

• Sultan Murat Mosque.

• Matka Canyon, reachable by bus #60 since the tours were suspended due to Covid.

• You'll encounter many other interesting places along the way while visiting the ones I chose and listed. favorite.
  

Ultimately, you can decide which one becomes your Macedonian cuisine can be described as a delightful blend of famous Greek and Turkish dishes, with unique twists that make it even more delicious. From kebabs served on a bed of beans to burgers nestled within pizza dough, the traditional Macedonian food is a culinary adventure. Of course, most of the traditional dishes are meat-based. Don't miss out on trying the excellent local beer, blond and refreshing.

If you're planning to stay in Macedonia for more than three nights, it's highly recommended to organize visits to other small towns and villages like Ohrid, Bitola, or Prilep. These places offer the chance to sleep in ancient monasteries, explore vineyards, or embark on hillside trails, where you can witness some of the most beautiful sunsets in Europe.

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