Home / North Macedonia / Skopje
Flag of North Macedonia Capital of North Macedonia

Skopje

Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia, situated in the northern part of the country along the Vardar River in the Skopje Valley. As the political, economic, and cultural centre of the nation, it serves as a vibrant hub for arts, music, and theatre.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
denar (MKD)
Language
Macedonian
Timezone
CEST (UTC+2)
Local time now
23:02:44

Hotels in Skopje

Skopje offers a range of hotel accommodations for visitors, from international chains like Хотел Мериот Скопје to locally-focused properties such as Hotel Macedonia Square, Хотел Лондон, Hotel City Central International, and Пелистер. Whether you're seeking luxury or budget-friendly options, Skopje's hotels provide convenient bases for exploring the capital. See all hotels →

Airports in Skopje

Skopje is served by several airports connecting the city to regional and international destinations. Меѓународен аеродром Скопје is the main airport, while Аеродром Стенковец, Народен херој Страхил Пинџуров-Страшо Пинџур, and Аеродром Куманово provide additional aviation facilities in the area. See all airports →

Аеродром Стенковец
7.9 km from centre
Меѓународен аеродром Скопје
16.0 km from centre
Народен херој Страхил Пинџуров-Страшо Пинџур
16.5 km from centre

Car Hire in Skopje

Skopje offers several car hire options for visitors and residents. Major providers including Sixt, Enterprise, ABC Rent a Car, Compass Service Rent-a-Car, and Rent A Car George operate in the city, giving you flexibility in choosing your rental vehicle. See all car hire →

ABC Rent a Car
346 m from centre
Sixt
455 m from centre
Enterprise
636 m from centre
Compass Service Rent-a-Car
1.2 km from centre

Things to Do in Skopje

Skopje offers visitors a variety of monuments and memorials to explore, from statues honoring historical figures like Aleksandar Makedonski and Justinian I to commemorative sites such as the monument to the Solun assassins and Gemidžii. These landmarks reflect the city's complex history and cultural significance. See all things to do →

Дамјан (Даме) Груев
37 m from centre
Ѓорѓи (Гоце) Делчев
43 m from centre
Воин на коњ (Александар Македонски)
49 m from centre
Јустинијан I
80 m from centre
Споменик „Солунски атентатори и Гемиџии“
81 m from centre
Спомен плоча на Мајка Тереза
105 m from centre

Restaurants in Skopje

Skopje offers a variety of dining establishments to suit different tastes and occasions. From local favorites like Пелистер and Ла Тераца to contemporary venues such as Тренд, Дистрикт, and Дион, the city's restaurant scene reflects both traditional and modern culinary influences. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in Skopje

Skopje offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors. Options include Олимписки базен - Центар, Базен Карпош, Базен Аеродром, Олимписки базен, and Мал базен, providing various venues for swimming and aquatic activities. See all swimming pools →

Spas in Skopje

We're still gathering spas listings for Skopje — check back soon.

Nightlife in Skopje

Skopje offers a lively nightlife scene with a variety of venues catering to different tastes. From established clubs like Сектор909 and Клуб Привилиџ to modern spots such as Mezo Club and Balet, the city provides plenty of options for an evening of entertainment and music. See all nightlife →

Сектор909
117 m from centre
Клуб „Привилиџ“
338 m from centre
Мамас
600 m from centre

Bars in Skopje

See all bars →

Macedonian Pub „dze“
212 m from centre
LA MER - Coffe & Wine bar
250 m from centre
Кафе Котур
279 m from centre

Cafes in Skopje

Skopje offers a variety of cafes where locals and visitors can enjoy coffee and refreshments. Popular spots include Боката, Telekom Trend Lounge Bar, Caffe Skopje, Up Cafe, and Кафетерија Бистро, each providing their own atmosphere for relaxation and socializing. See all cafes →

Боката
100 m from centre
Telekom Trend Lounge Bar
ice_cream;pizza;pasta · 105 m from centre
Caffe Skopje
132 m from centre

Shopping in Skopje

Skopje offers a variety of shopping destinations for visitors and locals alike. From City Gallery Skopje to modern shopping centres such as Градски трговски центар (ГТЦ), ТЦ Рамстор, ТЦ Дајмонд, and ТЦ Мавровка, the capital provides diverse retail and entertainment options. See all shopping →

City Gallery Skopje
65 m from centre
Градски трговски центар (ГТЦ)
278 m from centre
ТЦ Рамстор
632 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Skopje

Skopje offers several parks and green spaces for nature enthusiasts to explore. Visit attractions like Парк Форум, Парк Жена-борец, and Парк Ибни Пајко to experience the city's natural environment and outdoor recreational areas. See all nature & wildlife →

Зелен покрив на ГТЦ
186 m from centre
Парк Форум
266 m from centre
Парк Жена-борец
333 m from centre
Парк Ибни Пајко
453 m from centre
Pump track
740 m from centre
Парк на Франкофонијата
894 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Skopje experiences a continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cold while summers are warm, creating varied conditions throughout the year for visitors planning their trip.

Interesting Facts About Skopje — Weird & Wonderful

  • The Skopje Jazz Festival has been held annually since 1981 and is part of the European Jazz Network, hosting world-renowned artists like Ray Charles and Tito Puente.
  • May Opera Evenings, an annual festival dedicated to promoting opera, has been running since 1972 with performers from around 50 countries.
  • The Young Open Theater Festival (MOT), established in 1976, has presented over 700 theatrical performances focusing on alternative and experimental theatre.
  • The Skopje Cultural Summer Festival brings together 2,000 participants from around the world annually, featuring performances from prestigious institutions like the Bolshoi Theatre.
  • The city covers 571.46 km² and includes both urban and rural areas, bordered by several municipalities and close to the borders of Kosovo and Serbia.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Skopje

October
Skopje Jazz Festival
Held annually since 1981, this festival is part of the European Jazz Network and European Forum of World Wide Festivals. It features fusion, acid jazz, Latin jazz, smooth jazz, and avant-garde jazz, with past performers including Ray Charles, Tito Puente, Gotan Project, and Al Di Meola.
early July
Blues and Soul Festival
A relatively new festival in the Macedonian cultural scene that occurs every summer. Past guests have included Larry Coryell, Mick Taylor & the All-Stars Blues Band, Candy Dulfer & Funky Stuff, João Bosco, the Temptations, and Phil Guy.
summer
Skopje Cultural Summer Festival
An annual cultural event and member of the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA). It includes musical concerts, operas, ballets, plays, art and photograph exhibitions, films, and multimedia projects, gathering 2,000 participants from around the world including performances from the St Petersburg Theatre and Chamber Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre.
May
May Opera Evenings
Held annually since 1972, this festival is dedicated to promoting opera amongst the general public. It has evolved into a stage where artists from around 50 countries have performed over the years.
end of September
Young Open Theater Festival (MOT)
Organized for the first time in May 1976 by the Youth Cultural Center – Skopje, this major international theatre festival has presented more than 700 theatrical performances featuring alternative and experimental theatre groups. It is a member of the International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts (IETM).
March
Skopje Film Festival
An annual event held every March, this five-day festival shows over 50 films, mostly from North Macedonia and Europe, along with some non-European films.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skopje

What is the currency used in Skopje?

The currency used in Skopje and North Macedonia is not specified in the provided information. Please check current travel resources for current currency details.

What language is spoken in Skopje?

The primary language spoken in Skopje and North Macedonia is not specified in the provided information. Please refer to travel guides for language details.

Where is Skopje located?

Skopje lies in the northern part of North Macedonia, in the Skopje Valley along the Vardar River. It is close to the borders of Kosovo and Serbia.

What major festivals are held in Skopje?

Skopje hosts several renowned festivals including the Skopje Jazz Festival (October), Blues and Soul Festival (early July), Skopje Cultural Summer Festival (summer), May Opera Evenings (May), Young Open Theater Festival (end of September), and the Skopje Film Festival (March).

What is the population of Skopje?

As of the 2021 census, Skopje had a population of 526,502, making it the largest city in North Macedonia.

Is Skopje known for the arts?

Yes, Skopje is the cultural centre of North Macedonia and hosts numerous internationally recognized festivals dedicated to jazz, blues, opera, theatre, and film throughout the year.

Map of Skopje

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors