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SKOPJEPUBLISHING DATE: 2013-09-20 | COUNTRY CODE: MK
Contents: The City, Do & See, Dining, Cafes, Bars & Nightlife, Shopping,Accommodations, Essential Information, Maps
Skopje is internationally famous for being the birthplace of Mother Teresa, and she would be proud of the helpful, hospitable attitude that Skopje locals demonstratetowards visitors. Despite the recent trouble in the Balkans, Skopje has blossomedinto a thriving, stimulating city to explore, dening itself as an exciting touristdestination.
Population507.000
CurrencyMacedonian Denar (MKD)1 Denar = 100 deni
Opening hoursOpening hours vary, but are generally 9 am-6 pm. Many stores and businesses are closed on either Sundays orMondays.
Emergency numbers112
Tourist informationTourist Information OfficeKrusevska, Off Blvd Goce Delcev in the Old BazzarMonday-Friday, 8 am-7 pm Saturday 9 am-5 pm+389 2 31 16 854
THE CITY
Photo: ImogenX
Skopje was an Ottoman city for 5 centuries, which is evident in its magnicent architecture and sumptuouscuisine. It is divided by the River Vardar into thepredominantly Muslim half north of the river, to the mostlyChristian Orthodox side to the south of the river. Therehas been a large inux of foreigners since the NATOintervention into Kosovo, which adds to the cosmopolitanallure of the city.
Skopje is a lively, young city with lots of fun loving folk who like to be out, whether its at cafés, bars and clubssocializing with friends, or in active outdoor pursuits.Skopje has numerous dance clubs for a small city, whichspeaks to its spirit and energy. There are also a widerange of outdoor activities, from horse riding to rockclimbing to keep every type of visitor entertained.
DO & SEE
Photo: tomislav medak
Skopje has blossomed into a thriving, stimulating city to explore, dening itself as an exciting tourist destination.Addresses in Skopje can be confusing. Often only streetnames are listed as building numbers. If a building numberdoes exist, it is listed after the street name.
Museum of Macedonia
Museum of Macedonia is a museum which features rich exhibitions from various historic periods as well asethnographic displays, complete with costumes andmodels of traditional houses.
Sveti Spas is a small but magnicent church, built in the 17th century and is located east of Kale Fortress. In thewest part of the building there is a gallery designed forwomen. The church is known for its iconostasis, made ofwalnut tree, by the brothers Marko and Peter Filipovskiand Makarie.
Mustafa Pasha Mosque is a spectacular structure dating from 1492 located in the Old Bazaar of Skopje. This is the
Destination: SkopjePublishing date: 2013-09-20
largest and most opulent mosque in Skopje.
Address: Fort Kale, SkopjeMore Info: Opposite the Kale Fortress
Old Bazaar
Old Bazaar ia a lively, vivid marketplace still brimming withsmall handicraft merchants such as tailors, cobblers andquilt makers, as in ancient times.
Address: Old Town, SkopjeMore Info: Left side of the River Vardar in the old town
Mother Teresa Statue
The Mother Teresa Statue is dedicated the Nobel Peace Prize winner and famous matriarch of Skopje, born asGondza Bojadziu in 1910. It is located on same streetwhere Mother Teresa was baptised.
Address: Macedonia Str. bb, SkopjeMore Info: On the main street leading from Macedonia Square
Stone Bridge (kamen Most)
The iconic symbol of Skopje, this impressive bridge joins the old Turkish part of town to the modern side of Skopje.It dates from the late 15th century being 214 meters longand 6 meters wide.
Address: Kamen Most street, SkopjeMore Info: Just o the Makedonija Square
Tvrdina Kale (city Fort)
Tvrdina Kale ia a historic site dating to 200 BC. Only a fewrestored walls remain since the massive 1963earthquake, but this magnicent ancient fortress is wellworth a visit.
Address: Samoilova Street, SkopjeMore Info: Across from Mustafa Pasha Mosque
St. Pantelejom Monastery
At the top of Mount Vodno in the village of Nerezi, this charming 12th-century monastery has a spectacularseries of frescos of the Lamentation of Christ. The
frescoes that you can see here are one of the main sightsin Skopje.
Address: Mount Vodno, SkopjeMore Info: 20 minutes south of Skopje
Daud Pasha Baths/City Art Gallery
Daud Pasha Baths was once the largest and oldest Turkishbath in all of the Balkans. It dates from 1466, and nowhouses the City Art Gallery featuring many smallexhibitions.
Cifte Amam is the second largest Turkish bath in Skopje has also been converted into a contemporary art gallery. Inthe art gallery you can view work from international anddomestic artists.
Half an hour drive from the center of Skopje is lake Matka. There are also many activities for visitors looking foradventure—hiking and rock climbing and ancient caves.
Address: Lake Matka, SkopjeOpening hours: Check listings at tourist agencies for times of the boat tours.More Info: 30 minutes southwest of Skopje
Mount Vodno & Millennium Cross
20 Miles south of Skopje lies Mount Vodno. The 66 meter high Millennium Cross which stands atop Mount Vodno, isan impressive sight to behold.
Address: Mount Vodno, SkopjeMore Info: 20 minutes south of Skopje by taxi
Holocaust Memorial Centre
Holocaust Memorial Centre is spread over three oors and
Destination: SkopjePublishing date: 2013-09-20
takes you through the history of the Jews with manyinteresting facts. It is a short and concise summary overWorld War II and is free to visit.
Address: Old Jewish Quarter, Skopje
Millennium Cross
The Millennium Cross was built as a memorial to Christianity in Macedonia for 2.000 years. It is a greatwalk up here that will take you about 2.5 h but of courseyou can choose to take the bus, a taxi or even the cablecar. The view from here is magnicent.
Address: Vodno, Skopje
Heli XC Paragliding
Heli XC Paragliding gives you the opportunity to see the city from a dierent point of view. Do you dare take themup on their oer?
Macedonia is heavily inuenced by European cuisine, particularly Greek and Italian because of its proximity tothese two countries. A wide variety of local Macedonianspecialties are available, as well as some surprises suchas Indian and Chinese fare. Most menus appear in Englishas well as Macedonian.
Restaurant Pelister (Dal Met Fu)
Dal Met Fu Restaurant is a popular restaurant with good thin crust pizza and al dente pasta. The outdoor seatingfaces the main square and the restaurant is a part of thehotel with the same name.
Lira is a ne restaurant with superb traditional live music every evening. They serve lovely, praiseworthyMacedonian food. A good idea is to call ahead and reservea table.
Address: Nikola Tesla 11, SkopjePhone: +389 230 61 726Internet: www.lyra.com.mkEmail: [email protected]
Balkanika
Balkanika is a traditional Macedonian restaurant complete with costumed waiters and ethnic music. it is possible tomake reservations online.
The name literally means "Old City House.” This restaurantis housed in a beautifully renovated, old-style Macedonianhouse, dating from 1836. They serve healthy food in atraditional manner.
Oreova lad is located in the sport-recreation center “Saraj” in west Skopje. They serve traditional Macedonian cuisineand on weekends they have live music.
Amica is an Italian restaurant that serves Mediterranean food with great pasta and a chocolate cake that is a musttry. You can choose to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner herein this beautiful setting.
Address: Kej 13ti Noemvri, SkopjePhone: +389 2 311 3488Email: [email protected] Info: See their Facebook page
Gostilnica Turist
At Gostilnica Turist you can eat tasty Yugoslavian food. The location of the restaurant, in the middle of the tradingcentre, and the interior makes this a perfect place forlunch or dinner. The hot, fresh bread is one of the bestthings here.
Address: Carsija region, SkopjeMore Info: Outside Courtyard Kapan An
Amigos
Amigos is a lively Mexican restaurant. The atmosphere suits a fun dinner or an evening with cocktails andpartying. If you would like to come back the day after, theyhave delicious coee.
Pivnica An is located in the Turkish bazaar in Skopje and oers a lovely courtyard when the weather permits. This isa great restaurant for a romantic dinner with tastytraditional food and service is quick.
Enriko Pizza and Pasta is one of Skopje´s oldest pizzerias and there is a good reason to why they are still around.Not only is their pizza delicious but the salad is fresh, greattasting pasta and lovely sandwiches.
In the mood for barbecue? Then you have come to the right place! What they are really famous for is the kebab,you will miss out if you do not taste it.
Address: ul.106 br.4, SkopjePhone: +389 2 3224 063More Info: See their Facebook page
Dukat
The sh meals served here are some of the best in town and in addition they have a great selection of meat. Theatmosphere is friendly and makes you feel like home, plusthey have great live music.
Address: Mitropolit T. Gologanov 79, SkopjePhone: +389 2 3211 011
Dish Restaurant
Italian chefs, unique recipes and good music, what more can you ask for? Everything on the menu tastes deliciousbut the sh or seafood dishes are very popular.
Gurmet serves fantastic Mediterranean food which will notlet you down. The price is a bit on the higher sidecompared to other restaurants. They have a goodselection of salads, pasta and pizza as well.
Address: Rade Koncar br. 3, Skopje
Destination: SkopjePublishing date: 2013-09-20
Phone: +389 2 3211 484
Winery Temov
Winery Temov has an amazing wine selection and you could come here just for that. If you would like to have alook at the menu you will nd a selection of European,Mediterranean, Seafood, Eastern European cuisine.
Address: Old Qarshi, Skopje
CAFES
Photo: Chris Bögle
Spending time in cafés is a national pastime in Macedonia,which is evident from the plentiful variety of cafés inSkopje. From sophisticated, trendy cafés, where one goesto be seen, to cozy, family-run establishments, where onegoes to relax—there is something to meet your everywhim.
Van Gogh
Van Gogh is a popular café, particularly with artists and lm people. Hip without being snobby or exclusive. Staylonger and feel the atmosphere in the evening.
Address: Mihail Cokov 74, SkopjePhone: +389 2 31 21 876More Info: Near bd Ilinden
Cafe Trend
This is, as the name suggests, a trendy cafe which oers alovely lunch menu. Take a cold beverage, look out overthe Alexander statue and just enjoy the atmosphere.
This popular lounge bar is located on the street known as ”Kej”. You are welcome here for breakfast, lunch orafternoon drinks as they serve pizza, salads and colddrinks throughout the day.
Pub London was the rst pub in Skopje and is located witha beautiful view over the city. Here you will nd people ofall ages enjoying a cup of coee or a cold beer.
There is a wide variety of bars in Skopje, including bars with live jazz, traditional music, and sophisticated spots tosuit every taste and mood. Late night cafés serve liquor aswell as coee. There is a pulsing nightlife scene in Skopjewith a mix of international people. Heaps of live music andDJ venues with dancing ensure an exciting visit. There arealso many bars and clubs located along Kej 13 Noemvri.
St. Patrick Irish Pub
St. Patrick Irish Pub is a good Irish pub with Guinness, excellent food, and live music. The pub has a Victorianare to it and is especially popular with expats.
Address: Kej 13 Novemvri, SkopjePhone: +389 232 20 431Internet: www.irishpub.com.mkMore Info: Ground oor of the Trgovski Center
MKC club & restaurant
MKC Club serves great food from early morning to late night. They hold dierent events, concerts and DJs fromaround the world come here to play.
La Kaldrma is a rustic style bar, located in the Old Bazaar. This is the rst grape bar in Skopje and oers more than30 types of traditional Macedonian grapes.
The leading words for this bar is: Taste. Drink. Enjoy. That covers it all!
Address: Boulevard 8-mi Septemvri, SkopjePhone: +389 2 307 5093More Info: See their Facebook page
La Bodeguita Del Medio
This is a lively place with super delicious mojitos and lovely music playing along the whole night. It is a Cubancocktail bar covered in Havana spirit.
Large, modern Western style shopping centers are becoming very popular in Skopje. The variety of localstores makes these more interesting than typical shoppingcenters and are worth a look.
Bit Pazar
Bit Pazar is the largest outdoor market in Skopje, where you can buy just about anything. Take your time and strollaround among fruit, vegetables, tobacco, and much muchmore.
Destination: SkopjePublishing date: 2013-09-20
Address: Old Bazaar, Skopje
Gradski Trgovski Centar
Gradski Trgovski Centar is a large modern shopping center with typical shopping mall fare, but with dierentstores than are available in other European cities.
Address: 11 Oktomvri, Skopje
Ramstore Shopping Mall
Ramstore Shopping Mall is one of Skopje’s newest shopping malls extravaganza. This structure houses threeoors of shops in a fresh, contemporary decor. You canspend hours here.
Address: Mito Hadzivasilev Jasmin bb, SkopjePhone: +389 2 3178 030Internet: www.ramstore.com.mkMore Info: Next to the City Museum
Ikona
Ikona is an excellent souvenir store that sells wonderful reproductions of Macedonian icons painted by local artists,among other traditional keepsakes.
Address: Luj Paster 19, SkopjePhone: +389 2 322 4403Internet: www.ikona.com.mk
Flower Market
This beautiful ower market, Cveten Pazar, is located closeto the old train station. Stroll along the stands and enjoythe lovely colours and all the scents.
Address: Mito Hadzivasilev Jasmin bb, Skopje
ACCOMMODATIONS
Photo: Jason Rogers
Whether you are planning a vacation, a special weekend ora business meeting, rest assured, you will nd a place thatappeals to you. Skopje oers a wide range ofaccommodation to suit all needs, a diverse collection ofmodern hotels, guest houses and hostels.
Hotel Aleksandar Palace
Hotel Aleksandar Palace is beautifully situated with a view of the River Vardar, this hotel has luxurious amenities,including a tness club and a casino.
Hotel Arka is a modern hotel located in the Old Town. It has an excellent view of the city from the 7th oor whereyou also will nd a swimming pool and a café/bar.
Hotel Bimbo is an excellent hotel despite its unusual name. It is a friendly, family run hotel, centrally located yetin a quiet and residential part of town.
Hotel Santos is one of the nicest budget hotels, but is a bitdicult to nd. The proprietors don’t speak English, butare very friendly and it’s possible to communicate withsign language.
Address: Bitpazarska 125, SkopjePhone: +389 32 26 963More Info: Next to Evliya Celebi street
Hotel Kanet
Located in the near proximity of the Skopje City Park in the city center, Hotel Kanet was completely renovated inFebruary 2011. It has a naturalistic architecture to blend inwith the naturally beautiful environment.
Hostel Atlantik is a great stay if you are on a budget in Skopje. It is located 5 minutes from the main square andoers free WiFi. The bathroom and toilet facilities areshared, and it is possible to book a shuttle service fromthe airport to the hostel before your arrival.
Hotel Solun is an elegant, eco-friendly hotel located in central Skopje. It is within walking distance to manyrestaurants, shops and bars. They oer a tness centre, aswimming pool and a lovely breakfast buet.
Address: Nikola Vapcarov 10, SkopjePhone: +389 2 323 2512Internet: www.hotelsolun.com
Stone Bridge Hotel is called "The Pride of Skopje". It is located by the river Vardar, close to fortress Kale andwithin minutes to museums, malls and restaurants. Thehotel is described as a place where the past meets thepresent and traditional living meets today’s technology.
Hotel Aristocrat Palace is a luxury hotel that meets international ve star standards. Here you will either get aroom with fantastic views over the city or over the slopesof Mount Vodno. This is a really stylish hotel with a lovelyterrace where you can sit and enjoy a drink.
Hotel Leonardo is a modern three star hotel with typical business hotel character and modern luxury and comfort.It is located 1 km from central Skopje, making it a perfectstay if you are in town for business.
Hotel Centar is a modern hotel, located in central Skopje and within walking distance to many of the city´sattractions. The hotel has an Olympic indoor swimmingpool which you can enjoy anytime of the day.
Hotel Premier is located close to the Macedonian Parliament, business centre, the railway station and theOld Bazaar. All rooms have a private bathroom, WiFi, cableTV and a mini-bar.
F Hotel is centrally located and close to the national theater and the city park. This is the rst design hotel inSkopje and oers 3 business rooms, 6 deluxe businessrooms and 2 top oor suites. Free WiFi and a deliciousbreakfast buet is included.
Hotel Super 8 is a modern hotel located only 100 meters from the Old Town. This hotel is a great starting point foryou when discovering the city. Ask in the reception if youneed transportation help.
Ani Hotel is located in a quiet neighbourhood across from the Greek consulate. The hotel has 12 rooms to oer theirguests, a continental breakfast and private bathroom in allrooms.
Skopje Alexander the Great Airport is Skopjes only international airport and located 21 km east of the citycenter in Petrovec Municipality. Unfortunately, there is nopublic transport from the airport to the city center. Thismeans that you are at the mercy of the taxi drivers or ashuttle service.
Many hotels oer a pickup service from the airport, so check to see if it is possible to arrange this through yourhotel. If you do take a taxi, be certain that it is a taxi withan ocial sign.
Address: Alexander the Great, SkopjePhone: +389 231 48 333Internet: www.skp.airports.com.mk
Public Transport
There are two main bus stations in Skopje, the New Intercity Bus Station (Nova Avtobuska Stanica) and theKale Bus Station. Inner city and suburban buses and havevarious stops throughout the city. The schedule can be abit confusing, so it is best to ask for directions on whichbus to take from your hotel or tourist information.
Once you get past the airport, the taxi system in Skopje is excellent. Taxis are easy to nd and all taxis have meterswhich drivers turn on, usually without prompting.
Car
There are numerous car rental agencies in Skopje, both at the airport and in the city center. It is safe to drive inMacedonia, and a car is a pleasant option if you plan toleave Skopje for day trips or to explore other parts of thecountry.