Things You MUST Know Before Visiting Skopje, North Macedonia 🇲🇰

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If you’re visiting Skopje, North Macedonia, there are a few things you really need to know before you arrive. From drinking tap water safely, to saving money on transportation, to interacting with the stray dogs you’ll see everywhere, I’m breaking down everything you need to know so you don’t show up unprepared.

Skopje is a fairly small Balkan capital and it’s easy to overlook, but it actually became one of my favorite cities during my two-month backpacking trip through Eastern Europe. It’s quirky, affordable, and full of surprises, and once you know these tips, I think you’ll love it too.

In this guide, I’m covering safety, language, prices, getting around, must-do activities, and a few things that might catch you off guard as a first-time visitor. If you’d prefer this information in a video, watch the YouTube video below:

Do People Speak English in Skopje? 🗣️

The main language spoken in Skopje is Macedonian. That said, yes people absolutely speak English.

Anyone who regularly interacts with tourists speaks English, including bus drivers, restaurant staff, shop owners in popular areas, and hotel employees. According to Education First’s English Proficiency Index, North Macedonia ranks as having very high English proficiency, even ahead of more popular cities like Brussels, Paris, and Prague.

In short, I had zero communication issues in Skopje, and you likely won’t either.

Is Skopje Safe for Tourists? 👀

Generally speaking, Skopje is considered a safe city. Even as a solo female traveler, I felt completely comfortable walking around.

Of course, you should still use common sense: stick to well-populated areas at night, keep your phone charged, and don’t rely on public Wi-Fi. Having a strong mobile data connection is key.

Personally, I used an eSIM from HolaFly and had reliable data the entire time. Being able to quickly check maps or look things up definitely added to my sense of safety and I highly recommend HolaFly.

Currency, Cash, and Prices 💸

The local currency in North Macedonia is the Macedonian Denar.

Roughly speaking, 50 Denar equals about 1 USD. You’ll need cash on hand because even some very tourist places require it.

The good news is that ATMs are everywhere. A local recommended the pink ATMs as having the lowest withdrawal fees, and those ended up being my go-to.

Skopje is also very affordable. A typical restaurant meal costs around $5–10 and a nice 4-star hotel in the city center usually runs between $50–100 per night.

Yes, You Can Drink the Tap Water 💧

One thing I always appreciate while traveling is being able to drink the tap water. Thankfully, that is the case in Skopje.

The tap water in Skopje is safe to drink, and like in many Balkan countries, there are public drinking fountains scattered throughout the city. I found these so charming and incredibly useful, especially during the hot summer months when temperatures can get pretty high.

So if you see one, don’t be afraid to refill your bottle or take a sip.

Understanding the City Layout 🗺️

Skopje is divided into two main districts: the Old Town and the New Town, separated by the Vardar River.

The Old Town dates back to the 12th century and was historically the city’s commercial hub. As you walk through it, you’ll find mosques, narrow cobblestone streets, jewelry shops, and traditional restaurants. It’s also home to the Skopje Fortress, which you can enter for free and walk along the walls for great views of the city.

The New Town, on the other side of the river, is more modern with wide boulevards and a mix of architectural styles. After a major earthquake in 1963, much of the city was rebuilt. Then in 2014, the government launched a controversial redevelopment project that added dozens of massive monuments and redesigned building facades.

Many people find the New Town over-the-top and a bit gaudy, but there’s no denying that it makes Skopje incredibly unique.

I highly recommend starting your visit with a free walking tour so you can get oriented and understand the history behind what you’re seeing.

Getting Around Skopje by Bus 🚌

There’s no need to rent a car while visiting Skopje. The public bus system is easy to use and very affordable.

A single bus ride costs 50 Denar (about $1 USD), and you pay the driver directly when you board.

And fun fact, many of the buses are double deckers. So if you’ve ever wanted to ride one of those iconic buses like in London, this is your chance to do it for cheap!

What’s Up With All the Stray Dogs? 🐶

One of the first things you’ll notice after arriving in Skopje is the number of stray dogs wandering around the city.

Even as a dog lover, this initially caught me off guard and brought back memories of being scared in Bali, where packs of stray dogs followed me down the street barking.

Thankfully, the dogs in Skopje are the complete opposite. They’re incredibly calm, friendly, and relaxed. You’ll notice most (if not all) of them have tags on their ears, which indicates they’ve been vaccinated and neutered.

Still, it’s important to use common sense. Don’t startle them, and don’t feed them unless you want a new walking buddy for the day. Trust me, I learned that lesson the hard way.

Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Skopje ✨

Visit Matka Canyon 🌿

My top recommendation is taking a trip to Matka Canyon, located about an hour outside the city. It’s the perfect nature escape from Skopje’s urban energy.

You can get there by taking bus number 60 for just 50 Denar. Once there, you’ll find walking trails, a lake, and options to kayak or take a boat ride.

I rented a kayak for about $6 an hour and paddled to a cave at the back of the canyon. It was physically challenging but absolutely worth it. The area is also lined with restaurants where you can grab lunch and enjoy the scenery.

Matka Canyon is an easy half-day or full-day trip and a great way to get outdoors during your stay.

Explore the Local Green Market 🥕🍎

While the Old Town is fun to explore, it can feel pretty touristy. For a more authentic experience, I recommend visiting the Green Market in the New Town.

This outdoor market is where locals shop, and it’s open every day. Vendors were excited to see an American there, and many wanted to chat, which made the experience even more memorable.

Visit the Mother Teresa Memorial House 🕊️

Skopje is the birthplace of Mother Teresa, and you can visit her memorial house right in the city center.

It’s completely free to enter and worth stopping by, even if just briefly.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Skopje 🇲🇰

Skopje may not be on every traveler’s radar, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s affordable, easy to navigate, full of history, and refreshingly different from other European capitals.

Once you understand the basics (language, safety, money, transportation, and what to expect) Skopje becomes a really enjoyable and low-stress destination.

If you’re planning a trip to the Balkans, I definitely think Skopje deserves a spot on your itinerary.