How to Spend 2 Days in Skopje

With two days to experience Macedonia’s energetic capital, combine city sightseeing with trips into the countryside. You’ll walk winding streets in the Old Bazaar, sip Macedonian wine, sample local cuisine, visit Skopje landmarks, and check out a scenic canyon outside the city. Use these tips to make the most of your time.

Day 1: Skopje Sightseeing and Wine

Morning: Make your way to the Old Bazaar, a maze of shops and landmarks that’s best explored on foot. Take your time to browse for souvenirs, or join a tour to learn about local history, pausing to visit Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the clock tower, centuries-old Turkish baths, and more.

Afternoon: Choose from the many restaurants in the Old Bazaar for a leisurely lunch, then discover the unique flavors of Macedonian wine. Options include wine tastings in the city and guided vineyard tours that go straight to the source—don’t miss out on some of the unique local grape varieties, such as vranec.

Night: Skopje nightlife goes from laid-back jazz clubs to all-night parties, but for a taste of traditional culture, head straight for a kafana. In these traditional taverns you’ll find classic Macedonian foods, a welcoming atmosphere, and folk music on weekend nights; visit the Debar Maalo neighborhood to find a wide selection.

Day 2: From Macedonian History to the Countryside

Morning: Pick a Skopje history museum and peer into Macedonia’s past, whether you’re browsing the Museum of Natural History, the Archeological Museum of Macedonia, or the Museum of Skopje. At the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, learn about Macedonia’s long fight for independence.

Afternoon: When locals want to escape the city, they head for scenic Matka Canyon, where you’ll find a lake just half an hour from downtown. By joining a half-day tour to the canyon, you’ll add a few other landmarks to your excursion, including the Millennium Cross.

Night: With your final night in Macedonia, focus on food. Dine at a local restaurant, or get hands-on at a cooking class where you’ll learn how to bring classic Macedonian flavors back to your home kitchen.