Home / North Macedonia / Skopje
Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia
Flag of North Macedonia Capital of North Macedonia

Skopje

Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia, lying in the northern part of the country along the Vardar River. As the political, economic, and cultural centre of the nation, it serves as a gateway to the region and offers a rich blend of history and contemporary culture.

Photo: kallerna (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
denar (MKD)
Language
Macedonian
Timezone
CEST (UTC+2)
Local time now
11:43:58

Hotels in Skopje

Skopje offers a range of hotel accommodation options for visitors to North Macedonia's capital city. Choose from properties including Пелистер, Хотел Мериот Скопје, Hotel Macedonia Square, Хотел Лондон, and Hotel City Central International. See all hotels →

Airports in Skopje

Skopje is served by several airports facilitating both domestic and international travel. Меѓународен аеродром Скопје is the main airport serving the capital, alongside regional airports including Аеродром Стенковец, Народен херој Страхил Пинџуров-Страшо Пинџур, and Аеродром Куманово. 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 a range of car hire options for visitors and locals alike. Major rental companies including Sixt, Enterprise, ABC Rent a Car, Compass Service Rent-a-Car, and Rent A Car George operate in the city, providing convenient vehicle rental services for exploring North Macedonia and the surrounding region. 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 range of monuments and memorials that reflect the city's rich history. From statues honoring notable figures like Aleksandar Makedonski to tributes to revolutionary heroes, these landmarks provide insight into North Macedonia's cultural heritage. 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 experiences across the city. Popular restaurant options include Пелистер, Ла Тераца, Тренд, Дистрикт, and Дион, each providing different culinary choices for visitors and locals alike. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in Skopje

Skopje offers several swimming facilities for residents and visitors, including Олимписки базен - Центар, Базен Карпош, Базен Аеродром, Олимписки базен, and Мал базен. These pools provide options for swimming, training, and aquatic recreation throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

Spas in Skopje

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

Nightlife in Skopje

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 vibrant cafe culture with establishments ranging from modern lounges to traditional spots. Whether you're looking for a quick coffee at Caffe Skopje, a trendy atmosphere at Up Cafe, or a local favorite like Боката, you'll find welcoming venues throughout the city to relax and enjoy refreshments. 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 diverse shopping experiences across multiple modern shopping centers and galleries. Visitors can explore City Gallery Skopje, Градски трговски центар (ГТЦ), ТЦ Рамстор, ТЦ Дајмонд, and ТЦ Мавровка for a wide range of retail 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 and outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore destinations such as Парк Форум, Парк Жена-борец, Парк Ибни Пајко, and other natural areas throughout the city. 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 variation. Winters are generally cold while summers are warm, making the city pleasant during the warmer months when many festivals and outdoor events take place.

Interesting Facts About Skopje — Weird & Wonderful

  • The Skopje Jazz Festival has been held annually since 1981 and is part of the European Jazz Network, attracting world-renowned artists like Ray Charles and Tito Puente.
  • The city hosts the May Opera Evenings festival, which has occurred every year since 1972 and has featured artists from over 50 countries.
  • Skopje covers 571.46 km² and includes both urban and rural areas, bordered by several municipalities and close to the borders of Kosovo and Serbia.
  • The Young Open Theater Festival (MOT), established in 1976, has presented more than 700 theatrical performances, primarily featuring alternative and experimental theatre groups.

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 performances from world-renowned artists.
early July
Blues and Soul Festival
A relatively new event in the Macedonian cultural scene that occurs every summer in early July, featuring blues and soul music performances from international and local artists.
summer
Skopje Cultural Summer Festival
A member of the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA), this annual summer festival includes musical concerts, operas, ballets, plays, art and photograph exhibitions, films, and multimedia projects, gathering around 2,000 participants from around the world.
May Opera Evenings
An annual festival occurring since 1972 dedicated to promoting opera amongst the general public, having evolved into a stage for artists from approximately 50 countries.
end of September
Young Open Theater Festival (MOT)
Organised first in May 1976 by the Youth Cultural Center – Skopje, this international theatre festival has presented more than 700 theatrical performances, primarily featuring alternative and experimental theatre groups with young writers and actors. It is a member of the International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts (IETM).
March
Skopje Film Festival
An annual five-day event held in March showcasing over 50 films, mostly from North Macedonia and Europe, along with some international selections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skopje

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.

Where is Skopje located?

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

What is the official language spoken in Skopje?

The official language of North Macedonia is Macedonian, which is spoken throughout Skopje.

What currency is used in Skopje?

North Macedonia uses the Macedonian Denar as its official currency.

Is Skopje known for music and cultural festivals?

Yes, Skopje hosts several major festivals including the Skopje Jazz Festival (held since 1981), the Blues and Soul Festival (held in early July), and the Skopje Cultural Summer Festival featuring concerts, operas, ballets, and exhibitions.

What theatre festivals are held in Skopje?

Skopje hosts the May Opera Evenings (annual since 1972) and the Young Open Theater Festival (MOT), held at the end of September, both attracting international performers.

Map of Skopje

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors