Things To Do
in North Macedonia
North Macedonia is a landlocked Balkan country of rugged mountains, clear lakes and layered history where Slavic, Ottoman and Mediterranean influences meet. Charming Ottoman-era bazaars and Byzantine churches stand alongside socialist-era monuments and lively modern capitals. Lake Ohrid offers one of Europe’s oldest lakes and a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape, while national parks like Mavrovo and Pelister provide hiking, skiing and wildlife.
The country is compact and easy to explore, with warm hospitality, affordable prices and a growing food and wine scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in the bustling capital of North Macedonia, Skopje. After checking in to your accommodation, take a leisurely stroll along the Vardar River, soaking in the city’s blend of modern and historical architecture. Visit the iconic Skopje Fortress for panoramic views of the city.
Explore the vibrant Old Bazaar, where you can browse traditional shops and local handicrafts. Stop by the Mustafa Pasha Mosque to appreciate its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional Macedonian lunch at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like tavče gravče and ajvar.
As the sun sets, wander along the waterfront promenade, enjoying the lively atmosphere. Grab a drink at a café, or seek out a local spot that serves Rakija, a popular Macedonian spirit. End your day with a leisurely dinner, tasting more of the local cuisine.
Travel to Ohrid, one of the oldest and most beautiful lakes in Europe. Begin your day with a boat ride on Lake Ohrid, taking in the stunning landscapes and clear blue waters. Visit the charming town of Ohrid, known for its rich history and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Tour the ancient church of St. John at Kaneo, perched on a cliff with breathtaking views of the lake. Enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant, where you can savor fresh fish and local wines. In the afternoon, explore the ancient theater and the remnants of the medieval castle.
Stroll along the shoreline as the sunset casts a golden hue over the lake. Grab a coffee or dessert at one of the many cafes overlooking the water. Sample local dishes for dinner, enjoying the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of Ohrid.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5L) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Public transport single ticket | $0.60-1.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (double) | $40-80 per night |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact country with diverse landscapes: lakes, mountains and historic towns within short drives
- Affordable travel costs and excellent value for food, wine and accommodation
- Rich history and cultural mix with well-preserved sites like Ohrid and lively local traditions
- Easy access to outdoor activities year-round: hiking, skiing, boating
- Limited international flight options compared with larger neighbors (some routes seasonal)
- English is common in cities but less so in rural areas—language barrier can appear
- Public transport between smaller towns can be slow or infrequent; renting a car is often necessary
- Some infrastructure outside major tourist hubs is basic and signage may be sparse
- "Здраво (Zdravo)" - Hello
- "Благодарам (Blagodaram)" - Thank you
- "Ве молам (Ve molam)" - Please/You’re welcome
- "Извинете (Izvinete)" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Колку чини? (Kolku čini?)" - How much does it cost?
- "Говорите ли англиски? (Govorite li angliski?)" - Do you speak English?
- "Наздравје (Nazdravje)" - Cheers
- "Довидување (Doviduvanje)" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in North Macedonia
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic lakeside viewpoint with dramatic cliffs and the small church perched above clear blue water—best at sunrise or sunset.
Dramatic canyon with turquoise water, caves and steep rock walls; boat trips and viewpoints provide excellent landscape shots.
Giant cross overlooking Skopje offering panoramic cityscapes—especially striking at dusk when the city lights up.
Narrow alleys, Ottoman architecture, colorful shops and mosques—great for street and cultural photography.
Ancient fortress with sweeping views over Ohrid old town and the lake—excellent for wide vistas and golden-hour shots.
Broad pedestrian street lined with historic buildings and cafés—good for urban life and architectural photos.
Alpine lakes, rhododendron valleys and peaks—great for mountain panoramas and nature photography in spring and summer.
Food in North Macedonia
North Macedonia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Baked butter bean stew, a Macedonian comfort-food staple served in an earthenware dish; find it in kafanas and traditional restaurants across the country.
Must-Try!
Grilled minced meat sausages served in flatbread with raw onion and ajvar; widely available in grill houses and street vendors—try Destan in Skopje if you can.
Sheep/goat cheese and the fresh Shopska salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers topped with grated white cheese—common in summer menus and markets.
Freshwater trout from Lake Ohrid, often simply grilled with lemon and herbs—best sampled at Ohrid’s lakeside restaurants.
Roasted red pepper and eggplant relish served as a condiment or meze; found at markets and homemade jars in many eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic marketplace with bakeries, butchers, spice stalls and small eateries—great for sampling burek, grilled meats and pastries.
Stalls and fishmongers selling fresh lake fish, local fruit, preserves and homemade cheeses—ideal for picnic supplies.
Large open-air market near the train station where you can taste local breads, produce and street snacks while soaking up local life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and direct eye contact are common; address elders with respect and use polite language. Close friends may kiss on the cheek.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; remove hats and avoid loud behavior. Ask permission before photographing worshippers.
Macedonians are hospitable—if invited to a home it’s polite to bring a small gift and remove shoes if hosts request it.
Avoid heated discussions about ethnic and political issues unless you know your company well; history and identity can be sensitive topics.
Safety
Tipping in North Macedonia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory—round up or leave 5–10% in restaurants for good service; small tips to taxi drivers and hotel porters are normal.
Cash (Macedonian denar, MKD) is king in markets and small towns; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, larger restaurants and hotels. ATMs are common in urban areas; notify your bank before travel.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry in lowlands (July–August), perfect for swimming on Lake Ohrid and outdoor festivals; popular tourist spots get crowded, so book accommodation in advance.
Mild temperatures, fewer crowds and beautiful fall colors in mountains—great for hiking, winery visits and cultural travel.
Cold with snow in the mountains—skiing and winter sports are available in Mavrovo and Pelister; some rural roads can be slippery or closed.
Flowering landscapes, pleasant temperatures and soft light—ideal for hiking, photography and sampling early-season produce at markets.
North Macedonia at Night
Hiking in North Macedonia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Highest peaks in the country with alpine trails, glacial lakes and remote huts—multi-day trekking and winter sports available.
Famous for ancient molika (Bosnian pine) forests, two small mountain lakes (Pelister’s Pelistersko Ezero) and panoramic trails near Bitola.
Short, scenic trails along the canyon and to viewpoints and caves—suitable for day hikes and combined with boat trips.
Prominent central range offering challenging hikes and dramatic summit views over Skopje and surrounding valleys.
Ridge walks between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa with biodiversity, lookout points and access to traditional villages—great for panoramic photography and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach North Macedonia by plane.
Main international gateway near Skopje with regular flights to European hubs; well connected by shuttle buses, taxis and rental cars to the city (about 25–30 minutes).
Regional airport serving Ohrid and southern areas, with seasonal international flights and connections; short drive to Ohrid town (20–30 minutes).
Major international airport in neighboring Greece (approx. 2–3 hours by road to border areas depending on route); useful alternative for some international flights with bus or car transfer options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population (Orthodox Christian), concentrated across most of the country and forming the backbone of national culture.
Largest minority (predominantly Muslim), mainly in the northwest and west; Albanian language and culture are prominent in those regions.
Smaller communities with distinct cultural traditions contributing to the country’s multicultural fabric; festivals and cuisine reflect this diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport with passionate local clubs and community support; attend local matches to experience lively crowds.
Strong club tradition and growing popularity; indoor courts in cities host local leagues and youth programs.
Handball is widely played and followed, with successful national teams and local club competitions drawing interest.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist—salads, grilled vegetables, bean stews (tavče gravče), cheeses and breads—but many dishes center on meat. In cities you’ll find vegetarian-friendly cafés; in rural areas ask for vegetable-based sides.
Vegan choices are more limited but possible in larger towns: markets, certain restaurants and mezze (ajvar, grilled veggies) help; communicate restrictions clearly.
With a significant Muslim minority, halal-friendly foods and halal-certified suppliers are available, especially in Albanian-majority areas; fish and vegetarian dishes are widely acceptable.
Gluten-free options are growing in urban spots, but bread and pastries are staples—ask staff and favor grilled proteins, salads and soups without dumplings or breads.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting North Macedonia.