Things To Do
in Macedonia
Macedonia, officially known as North Macedonia since 2019, is a landlocked country situated in the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is known for its rich history, being a crossroad of civilizations and a birthplace of many cultural and historical figures, including Alexander the Great.
The country boasts diverse landscapes ranging from mountains and lakes to fertile valleys, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
- "Здраво" - Hello
- "Добар ден" - Good day
- "Збогум" - Goodbye
- "Ви благодарам" - Thank you
- "Извинете" - Excuse me
- "Да" - Yes
- "Не" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Stone Bridge and the Old Bazaar. Enjoy a traditional Macedonian breakfast at a local cafe.
Explore the vibrant culture at the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle. Take a leisurely stroll through Macedonia Square and admire the statues.
Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Vardar River. Experience local nightlife at a cozy bar in the city center.
Take a morning drive to Ohrid and soak in the views of Lake Ohrid. Visit the ancient Church of St. John at Kaneo for stunning panoramas.
Enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant and try the famous Ohrid trout. Spend the afternoon visiting the historical Samoil's Fortress.
Stroll along the lakeshore as the sunset paints the sky. Enjoy dinner at a local tavern with live traditional music.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, including ancient sites and diverse traditions.
- Beautiful landscapes, including lakes, mountains, and national parks.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many European countries.
- Growing tourism sector offering opportunities for development.
- Strategic location in Southeast Europe, beneficial for trade and transportation.
- Political instability and issues related to governance.
- Economic challenges including high unemployment rates.
- Ethnic tensions that can affect social cohesion.
- Limited access to international markets due to historical geopolitical issues.
- Inadequate infrastructure in some areas, impacting economic growth.
Best Activities in Macedonia
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes of Macedonia by hiking in its national parks, such as Pelister and Mavrovo, offering various trails and breathtaking views.
Experience the beauty of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, with activities like boating, swimming, and fishing.
Enjoy cycling through scenic routes, especially around the lakes and the countryside, providing a unique way to discover the region.
Explore the fascinating caves of Macedonia, such as the Vrelo Cave, for an adventurous underground experience.
During winter, hit the slopes in ski resorts like Popova Shapka and Mavrovo for skiing and snowboarding.
Visit the wetlands and various natural areas in Macedonia to observe diverse bird species, especially in the Prespa Lake region.
Participate in guided tours of traditional villages to experience local culture, cuisine, and handicrafts while enjoying the outdoors.
Tours
Uncover the best of Macedonia with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Macedonia
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its stunning blue waters and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, Lake Ohrid offers numerous vantage points for breathtaking photographs.
An ancient astronomical observatory offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes, Kokino is a perfect spot for capturing both the sunset and the unique rock formations.
A serene park located in Kumanovo, ideal for nature photography with well-maintained paths, vibrant flowers, and picturesque lake views.
Strolling along the Vardar River, you can capture beautiful reflections of the cityscape along with stunning sunset shots over the water.
Known for its rich biodiversity, Pelister National Park features beautiful mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and an opportunity to photograph local wildlife.
Overlooking Skopje, this historic fortress provides an excellent vantage point for capturing the city skyline and the surrounding landscape.
The beaches along Lake Ohrid in Struga are perfect for sunset photography, with beautiful skies reflecting off the water.
Offering stunning views of Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, Galicica National Park is a great location for capturing nature in its undisturbed beauty.
Known for its historical architecture and charming streets, Bitola offers great urban landscape photography opportunities.
Set against a dramatic backdrop, this historic monastery provides an excellent opportunity for scenic photography, especially during fall.
Food in Macedonia
Macedonia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Macedonian baked bean dish made with fresh beans, paprika, and onions, often served with a side of creamy kajmak.
Must-Try!
A flavorful condiment made from red bell peppers and eggplant, often enjoyed as a spread or dip.
Macedonia's version of the kebab, consisting of grilled minced meat (often a mix of beef and pork) seasoned with various herbs and spices, served with flatbread and onions.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Macedonia better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the oldest and largest bazaars in the Balkans, offering a wide array of local street food such as burek, a flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat, and grilled meats like kebapi and qebapa.
A bustling food market known for its fresh produce, aromatic spices, and traditional Macedonian snacks like sunflower seeds and roasted peppers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Macedonia, it's customary to greet people with a handshake, maintaining eye contact. Close friends and family may greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. It’s respectful to address people using their titles and last names until permission is given to use first names.
When dining in Macedonia, it is polite to wait for the host to invite you to begin eating. Additionally, try to finish everything on your plate as leaving food can be seen as wasteful. It’s also common to bring a small gift, such as sweets or flowers, when invited to someone’s home.
While being on time is appreciated, the Macedonian culture tends to have a more relaxed approach to punctuality, especially in social settings. However, for formal events or meetings, arriving on time is considered respectful.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Macedonia with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Macedonia
Ensure a smooth experience
In Macedonia, tipping is generally expected in restaurants, cafes, and for various services. It is customary to round up the bill or leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total amount. Tipping in bars or for taxi services is also common, where small change or rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Payments in Macedonia can be made in cash (Macedonian Denar) or by card, with credit and debit cards widely accepted in urban areas. Bank transfers and mobile payment apps are gaining popularity, although cash remains a preferred method for some transactions, especially in smaller establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Macedonia.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit Macedonia. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Nature comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. This season is ideal for exploring national parks and cultural sites without the summer crowds.
Summer (June to August) is warm and can be hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. This is peak tourist season, especially around Lake Ohrid and Skopje. Visitors can expect vibrant festivals, outdoor events, and plenty of opportunities for swimming and hiking. However, crowds can be larger, and accommodation prices may be higher.
Autumn (September to November) offers pleasant weather, similar to spring, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The fall foliage adds stunning colors to the landscapes, making it a picturesque time for photography and hiking. It’s a great season for wine tours and culinary experiences, as local harvest festivals take place.
Winter (December to February) can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C, especially in the mountainous regions. This season is great for skiing in areas like Popova Shapka. While some attractions may be less accessible, the festive atmosphere in cities and the opportunity to experience traditional winter holiday celebrations make it worthwhile for some visitors.
Macedonia at Night
Hiking in Macedonia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular mountain located near Skopje, offering various hiking trails with stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
A network of scenic trails around Lake Ohrid, providing opportunities for hiking with beautiful views of the lake and its natural surroundings.
A national park situated between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, featuring diverse hiking trails through beautiful landscapes, forests, and wildlife.
Located near Bitola, this park offers hiking routes with breathtaking views, rich flora, and opportunities to see endemic species.
A vast park known for its hiking trails, lakes, and mountainous terrain, perfect for outdoor adventures all year round.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Macedonia through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Macedonia by plane.
The main international airport serving Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia.
The primary airport serving Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, located approximately 90 km from Skopje.
Officially known as Macedonia International Airport, it serves Thessaloniki, Greece, and is located about 230 km south of Skopje.
Bulgaria's busiest airport, located approximately 160 km east of Skopje, in the capital Sofia.
The primary international airport for Belgrade, Serbia, located about 350 km northwest of Skopje.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in North Macedonia, primarily comprising ethnic Macedonians who identify with the Slavic heritage.
The second largest ethnic group in North Macedonia, primarily concentrated in the western regions, with a significant presence in cities like Tetovo and Skopje.
A minority ethnic group, descendants of Ottoman Turks, primarily residing in urban areas and villages across the country.
An ethnic minority with a distinct culture and language, traditionally facing socio-economic challenges and discrimination.
An ethnic minority in North Macedonia, primarily found in the northern regions and historically significant in the country.
Another ethnic minority group that primarily follows Islam and is primarily located in the western part of the country.
This includes smaller groups such as Vlachs, Greeks, and Jews who have a historical presence in the region.
The Soul of Macedonia
Discover the essence of Macedonia through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Macedonia, with a strong following and several well-known clubs.
Basketball has a significant presence in Macedonia, and the national team has achieved notable success in international competitions.
Handball is widely played in Macedonia, with both men's and women's teams competing at high levels.
Volleyball enjoys popularity in Macedonia, with competitive leagues at various levels of play.
Athletics is popular, with various track and field events taking place, and Macedonian athletes participating in international competitions.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat features prominently in Macedonian cuisine, most restaurants offer vegetarian options like stuffed peppers, shopska salad, and grilled vegetables.
Vegan options may be limited in traditional restaurants, but larger cities like Skopje and Ohrid have vegan-friendly cafes and eateries offering plant-based dishes and salads.
Gluten-free dining is gaining awareness in Macedonia, and some restaurants now offer gluten-free versions of local favorites like moussaka and sarma.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Macedonia with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Macedonia.