2025 Chair Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

Visiting Skopje was a fascinating experience, where history, culture, and modern life all come together. Walking through the city, I was struck by the mix of Ottoman and Byzantine influences alongside bold modern architecture. The Stone Bridge across the Vardar River connected the historic Old Bazaar with the more modern part of the city, and strolling through the bazaar felt like stepping back in time, with its narrow streets, mosques, and traditional shops. I also visited the Kale Fortress, which offered great views over the city, and wandered through the Mother Teresa Memorial House, a reminder of Skopje’s connection to one of the most inspiring figures of the 20th century. The statues and monuments scattered throughout the city center gave Skopje a unique atmosphere, sometimes surprising but always memorable. What I enjoyed most was the combination of lively cafés, history at every corner, and the warm local hospitality that made my visit to Skopje truly special. #thingstodo #travel #northmacedonia

#postandearn Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is a city where ancient history and modern ambition collide in a captivating urban tapestry. With roots tracing back to the Bronze Age, Skopje has been shaped by Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Yugoslav influences, creating a cultural mosaic that intrigues visitors. The city’s strategic location along the Vardar River made it a vital trade hub, fostering a blend of Eastern and Western traditions that define its character today. The Old Bazaar, one of the Balkans’ largest, pulses with life—narrow cobblestone streets brim with artisan shops, traditional cafes, and Ottoman-era mosques like the Mustafa Pasha. Cross the iconic Stone Bridge, a 15th-century marvel, to explore the modern Skopje 2014 project, where grand statues and neoclassical buildings, like the towering Alexander the Great monument, reflect the city’s bold reinvention. The Kale Fortress offers panoramic views, while the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, born here in 1910, adds a poignant historical layer. Skopje’s charm lies in its contrasts: ancient ruins meet quirky modern sculptures, and vibrant markets coexist with serene spots like the Matka Canyon, a short trip away, offering hiking and emerald lake boat rides. The city’s food scene is a delight—savor tavče gravče (baked beans) or ajvar in local tavernas. Skopje is walkable, affordable, and rich with stories, making it ideal for curious travelers. Worth Visiting? Absolutely. Skopje surprises with its eclectic vibe, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s not a polished tourist magnet but a raw, evolving destination that rewards exploration. Whether you’re strolling the bazaar, marveling at oversized statues, or hiking Matka, Skopje delivers memorable moments. Its warmth, affordability (most attractions are free or low-cost), and uncrowded streets make it a hidden gem for those seeking authenticity over cliché. Visit for a weekend or longer—you’ll leave with stories and a newfound appreciation for this Balkan crossroads.

🎂How do you spend your birthday while traveling? By loving yourself — boldly, unapologetically, and out loud. This year, I chose a different kind of celebration. Not for the photos, not for the applause — but for me. I gave myself the most meaningful gift I could imagine: a day of experience, movement, and wonder. Three countries. One unforgettable birthday. A reminder that joy doesn’t need permission — it just needs presence. Hassle free private tour with Go as Local (from Tirana) 🌅 Breakfast in Tirana, Albania 🇦🇱 ☀️ Lunch in Prizren + Tea in Pristina, Kosovo 🇽🇰 🌙 Dinner in Skopje, North Macedonia 🇲🇰 Because self-love 🥰 isn’t just quiet affirmations and cozy evenings (though those are lovely too). It’s also boldness, joy, and showing up for yourself in ways that say, I am worth celebrating. 🥳 Loving Yourself Loudly Means Giving Yourself Permission We often wait for others to make our birthdays special — but what if we stopped waiting? 🗓️ This year, I became the planner, the gift, the surprise. I asked myself: What would feel incredible? The answer: movement, discovery, and beauty. So I created it — a day of city-hopping, of sipping coffee under foreign skies and watching sunsets in new places. A Day That Was Just Mine 1️⃣ Tirana welcomed me with quiet cafes and morning sun. It wasn’t lonely — it was liberating. No plans, no obligations. Just me, choosing what felt good. 2️⃣🔡Prizren offered cobblestone streets, unexpected charm, and one of the most delicious lunches of my life. I wandered, lingered, and listened to the rhythm of a place entirely new — and somehow, it felt like home. 2️⃣🔤Pristina gave me a pause — a tea break, a breath, a moment to soak it all in. 3️⃣ And in Skopje, I ended the day under city lights, watching life unfold around me. People laughed. Couples strolled. And I felt full — not just from dinner, but from this deep, expansive feeling of contentment. ❤️🔥 Choosing Yourself Is a Radical Act This trip wasn’t about luxury. It was about alignment — doing something that matched the way I want to feel in life: alive, awake, and free. And that kind of celebration doesn’t need anyone else’s permission. Loving yourself loudly means not waiting for milestones, or validation, or the “right” time. It means recognizing that you are reason enough. If You Take Anything From This… Let it be this: 🎁 You deserve to celebrate yourself — in whatever way feels right to you. 🎈 Whether it’s a solo adventure, a slow morning, or dancing in your kitchen with your favorite song, do it. Because your joy matters. 🎉 Your birthday isn’t just a date. It’s a chance to turn inward — to honor your growth, your strength, your becoming. So go big. Or go quiet. But go in love — with yourself 🤗 ✨Because you deserve to be seen. You deserve to be celebrated. You deserve to love yourself loudly.✨ #familytravel #travel #birthday #thingstodo #myitin

The museums are well worth visiting

#holidayitinerary Built in 1436, the Sultan Murad Mosque is the oldest surviving mosque in Skopje, standing on a hill above the Old Bazaar. For centuries, it has watched over the city as empires rose and fell, enduring earthquakes, wars, and fires. Legend says that when the mosque was first completed, its call to prayer echoed so beautifully through the valley that even the river seemed to pause and listen. Locals believed it was a blessing, a sign that the mosque would protect the city. Though damaged and rebuilt many times, the mosque still stands as a symbol of resilience and faith. Today, visitors who climb its steps not only see one of Skopje’s most important landmarks but also feel the quiet strength of a place that has carried the prayers and hopes of generations.

🌍 Planning a Trip to Skopje? Here’s Your Quick Guide to North Macedonia’s Quirky Capital: ✈️ Getting There: Fly into Skopje International Airport (SKP) — just 20 minutes from the city. Grab a taxi (cheap!) or hop on the shuttle bus for a budget-friendly ride downtown. 🚌 Coming from Albania? Book with Go As Local — highly recommended for smooth, personalized trips. Our guide, Engjell (+355 67 567 9972), made the journey feel like traveling with a friend. Even our toddler loved it! 🏙️ Top Things to Do in Skopje: 🎨 1. Embrace the Weird From giant bronze statues to pirate ships on a shallow river, Skopje is delightfully eccentric. Don't miss the illuminated Warrior on a Horse at night. 🕌 2. Wander the Old Bazaar Stroll cobbled streets, sip strong Turkish coffee, and explore gems like Suli An and Bit Pazar for a real local vibe. 🚖 3. Getting Around Walk the center, grab a metered taxi 🚕, or use a rideshare. For day trips (like Matka Canyon), hire a local driver. 🥘 4. Eat Local Try Tavče Gravče, Ajvar, and Shopska Salad. Pair with rakija at Kaj Serdarot or Gostilnica Dukat for authentic Macedonian flavor. 💳 5. Money Matters The currency is Macedonian denar (MKD). Cards are accepted in most places, but carry cash for markets and taxis. ⛰️ 6. Matka Canyon Escape Just 30 mins from Skopje, it’s perfect for kayaking, hiking, and boat rides to Vrelo Cave. Go early (before 10 AM) for peace and magical light. 🏰 7. Sunset at Kale Fortress Overlooking the city and Vardar River — free 🆓 entry, stunning views, and a short walk from the bazaar. ❤️ Final Tip: Skopje may not be what you expect — and that’s exactly why you’ll love it. #myitinerary #familytravel #travel #thingstodo

🗓️Itinerary Scheduling: Morning: - Macedonia Square+stone bridge - Old Bazaar Lunch: Gastilnica Palas-Jr for tavce gravce Must try dessert: trichele for 100 MKD Afternoon - National Gallery – Čifte Hammam 100MKD - Mother Theresa Memorial House FREE - Macedonian Orthodox Church of St. Clement of Ohrid - Skopje Fortress FREE 8-18 Tip: never say north macedonia, say Macedonia 🇲🇰 #skopje #macedonia

My first meal in Skopje was at the popular restaurant "Destan" in the Old Bazaar in the old town. This restaurant is loved by tourists and locals alike, and was always full when I visited in the evening. ⸻ 🥩【Specialty: Juicy Kebab (Kofte)】 ・A set of 10 grilled minced meat with plenty of volume ・The surface is fragrant, and the inside is soft and juicy ・When eaten with freshly baked bread, it creates an exquisite harmony✨ 🧅【Exquisite Side Dish】 ・The spicy and sour raw onions bring out the umami of the fat while neutralizing it well ・The grilled eggplant is also refreshing and a nice accent ⸻ 🌇【Atmosphere】 ・Mainly open terrace seating. The setting sun in the evening is dazzling, but that is also a moment that will be engraved in your memory of the trip. ・The staff are friendly (they guided you with a smile even when it was crowded) ⸻ 📍【Store Information】 Salih Asim, Skopje 1000 North Macedonia Located in the Old Bazaar area of ​​the old town, it is an easy place to stop by between sightseeing. ⸻ 🍴【Summary】 ・Eating in a new place is a special moment that symbolizes the trip. ・The kebab at "Destan" had a simple and powerful taste that was perfect for such an important first meal! ⸻ #Destan #SkopjeGourmet #NorthMacedonia #OldTownFood #Kebab #FirstMealOfTheTrip #EuropeTour #CityWalkingGourmet #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

#cityplaybook #localguides #familytrip #postandearn Skopje was nothing like I expected—and that’s what made it unforgettable. The capital of North Macedonia is a city of contrasts: neoclassical facades line the riverbank, while ancient fortresses overlook futuristic statues and bustling streets. It’s both bold and historic, quirky and soulful. My journey started at Macedonia Square, where the towering statue of Alexander the Great dominates the skyline. From there, I strolled across the iconic Stone Bridge, connecting the modern city center to the Old Bazaar—one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans. The shift in atmosphere was immediate. Narrow alleys buzzed with the scent of grilled kebabs, Turkish coffee, and the hum of local artisans selling everything from carpets to copperware. What truly captured my heart was Kale Fortress, perched high above the city. From its ancient walls, I soaked in panoramic views of the Vardar River and the city stretching below. It felt like standing at the crossroads of centuries. Skopje’s creative spirit was also on display. Quirky monuments, abstract sculptures, and freshly painted buildings made the city feel like an open-air gallery. I visited the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, a humble tribute to one of Skopje’s most inspiring natives, and paused to reflect in the serene City Park. Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds—perfect for exploring on foot. Helpful Tips: Local buses are cheap, but walking is the best way to discover Skopje’s surprises. Try Tavče Gravče (baked beans) and Ajvar—flavor-packed local dishes. Don’t miss a nighttime stroll along the riverbank—the city lights are magical. Location: Skopje, North Macedonia #SkopjeVibes #DiscoverMacedonia #SkopjeOldBazaar #BalkanAdventures #SkopjeSunset #TravelBalkans #HiddenGemsEurope #SkopjeStreets #MotherTeresaLegacy #StoneBridgeMagic

💞Reasons to Recommend: Lovely trip to Macedonia, amazing cities with the tastiest food and welcoming people. Macedonia is definitely a must visit, especially for those trying not to spend as much but still enjoy themselves.

My trip to Skopje’s **Archaeological Museum** and **Skopje Fortress** felt like time-traveling through Macedonia’s layered history. Both landmarks, though centuries apart, reveal the city’s resilience and cultural richness. **Archaeological Museum: Where Ancient Stories Shine** The museum’s grand columned exterior hints at the wonders inside. I wandered through millennia, from prehistoric tools to Byzantine relics. The **Golden Funeral Mask**, gleaming with artistry, and Roman mosaics depicting mythical scenes left me awestruck. A highlight was the replica of **“Adam from Govrlevo”**, a 6,000-year-old figurine symbolizing early human creativity. Interactive exhibits on ancient trade routes and reconstructed tombs made history tangible. The rooftop café, with views of the Vardar River, offered a serene spot to reflect over Turkish coffee. **Skopje Fortress (Kale): Echoes of Empires** A short walk uphill led me to the imposing **Skopje Fortress**, a 6th-century sentinel overlooking the city. Climbing its rugged walls, I imagined Byzantine soldiers and Ottoman rulers who once stood guard. The panoramic vista—from the Stone Bridge to Mount Vodno—was worth every step. Though partially in ruins, the fortress pulses with life: locals picnicking on its lawns, musicians strumming folk songs, and sunset painting the stones gold. Don’t miss the Ottoman-era clock tower or the quiet corners where history feels almost whispered. **Tips for Travelers** Start at the museum (entry ~300 MKD) to contextualize Skopje’s past, then head to the fortress (free entry) for raw, atmospheric exploration. Wear comfy shoes—the fortress terrain is uneven! End your day at a nearby *kafana* with *tavče gravče* (bean stew) and a glass of *rakija*. Skopje’s history isn’t confined to textbooks—it’s etched in stone, gold, and the spirit of its people. A day here is a journey through time, best savored slowly.

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent #FebruaryTravelSupportEvent The Archaeological Museum of North Macedonia is a treasure trove of history and culture located in the heart of Skopje, and is the oldest museum in North Macedonia, founded in 1924. Its collection of over 7,000 artifacts spans from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, with Roman sculptures and Byzantine artifacts particularly notable. Highlights☺️ Prehistoric artifacts: Neolithic pottery and bronze age tools. Non-currency exhibition: A diverse collection of coins from ancient times to the present. Lapidarium: An exhibition of stone monuments and inscriptions. Visit Tips🤓 Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm (closed on Mondays). Admission: Approximately €5 for adults. Guided tours: Recommended to understand the historical context. Travelers say that the exhibits are "well-organized and immersive" and are considered an educational place, especially for families. A must-visit place in Skopje, located in the city center and easily accessible!! #EuropeanTravel #NorthMacedonia

North Macedonia Travel Guide: Explore the Treasures of the Balkans! 🇲🇰 Welcome to North Macedonia! This small Balkan country is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique charm. Are you ready to explore this mysterious land? 🏞️ First, explore the capital city of Skopje, a city filled with ancient streets, rich culture, and modern allure. Don't miss visiting the Skopje Fortress, Stone Bridge, and Macedonia Square to experience the blend of history and modernity! 🏰 Stroll through the streets of Skopje and savor local delicacies, especially traditional Macedonian kebabs and pancakes. Pair them with a glass of Macedonian red wine or Tatar wine for a delightful culinary journey! 🍷 Discover the natural wonders of North Macedonia! Head to Mount Mavrovo to admire the majestic peaks, blue skies, and lush greenery, and experience the beauty and tranquility of nature! 🌲 The ancient towns and villages of North Macedonia are also worth exploring! Visit Ohrid to see Lake Ohrid and the Church of St. Clement, and enjoy the town's serenity and beauty! ⛪ For history enthusiasts, North Macedonia boasts a rich cultural heritage. Visit the National Museum of History in Skopje to learn about the country's history and cultural traditions, and feel the charm of the ancient city! 🏛️ Don't forget to experience North Macedonia's folk activities! Join local traditional festivals, dance performances, or craft markets to immerse yourself in the cultural atmosphere! 💃 North Macedonia is a country full of charm and mystery. Get ready to embark on your journey to North Macedonia and explore the treasures of the Balkans! 🌟

Skopje is not only the capital of the Republic of North Macedonia, Europe, but also the largest city in North Macedonia. On October 2, 2023, we visited the majestic Macedonia Square located in the center of Skopje. Around the square, apart from tall buildings, there are countless sculptures. The most important of the many sculptures is the statue of Philip II (Photo 1). He led the small country of Macedonia, which had been plagued by civil strife, to gradually accumulate strength in economy, military and other aspects, and rise in Europe. He deservedly became the national hero forever revered by the Macedonian people!

#2024wish When I was in Skopje in 2023, just outside of the Grand Bazaar we saw a monument for Phillip II, the 18th king of Macedonia! 🇲🇰👑 The statue stands in the middle of a beautiful water fountain, which makes it a beautiful spot for photos. ⛲️ Lots of people gather to hang out or snap photos, and vendors stand nearby selling souvenirs and gelato. 🍧 Just a few steps away is the entrance to Skopje’s famous Grand Bazaar! 🛍️🤑 I hope in 2024, I can visit this beautiful monument again! 😍 #europe #localguides #tourism

#2024wish In 2023, I got to visit the Macedonia Holocaust Memorial in Skopje, North Macedonia. 📜🇲🇰✡️ The museum includes actual artifacts from the Holocaust, and follows the story of Macedonian Jews who suffered during that period of history. 🏛️ Inside the museum, everything is in multiple languages, including English, so it’s easy to follow along. 🔤 The museum is educational, beautiful, and definitely worth a visit! I hope I can visit again in 2024! ♥️🇲🇰 #museum #europe #localguides