Skopje and Ohrid Travel Guide: What to See in North Macedonia

North Macedonia's most worthwhile sights are the Stone Bridge over the Vardar in Skopje and the Old Bazaar on the other bank, and in Ohrid the old town on the lakeshore and the Church of St John at Kaneo on its clifftop. Skopje features on both the short and long Balkan routes, while Ohrid and Tetovo are only on the long route. Below we describe the two cities and the stops in between, in order.

Skopje: a capital on two banks

Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, spreads across both banks of the Vardar river. On one bank are large squares, statues and new buildings; on the other, the bazaar, mosques and caravanserais from the Ottoman period. The Stone Bridge linking the two banks is the city's physical and symbolic centre.

The Stone Bridge and Macedonia Square

The Stone Bridge, which took its present form in the Ottoman period, is the city's best-known structure. At one end of the bridge, the vast Macedonia Square, with its huge statues and fountains, is the most visible example of the urban redevelopment of recent years. This new face often surprises first-time visitors to Skopje.

The Old Bazaar

Cross the bridge and you enter the Old Bazaar, known as one of the great Ottoman bazaars of the Balkans. Jewellers, coffee houses and kebab shops line its cobbled streets. Ottoman buildings such as the Kuršumli An (Kurşunlu Han) and the Daut Pasha Hamam are in this area; some are used today as cultural and arts venues.

Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the Fortress

The Mustafa Pasha Mosque, on the hill above the bazaar, is known as one of the city's most elegant Ottoman mosques. From the walls of Skopje Fortress right next to it, you get a wide view over the city and the Vardar valley. If you have a few hours in Skopje, this walking route from the bridge to the bazaar and on to the mosque and fortress gives you the city in a nutshell.

Skopje is also known as the birthplace of Mother Teresa; there is a memorial house dedicated to her in the centre.

Tetovo (Kalkandelen): the Painted Mosque

Tetovo, where the long Balkan route stops on the way back from Ohrid to Skopje, is known for the Painted Mosque (Šarena Džamija), famous for its colourful decoration. The mosque's outer walls are covered in painted motifs that at first glance look like a fabric pattern. The town's Harabati Baba Tekke is also regarded as an important Bektashi building from the Ottoman period.

Ohrid: an old town on the lakeshore

Lake Ohrid, between North Macedonia and Albania, is an ancient lake surrounded by mountains and famous for its clear water. The lake and the historic town of Ohrid on its shore are on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their natural and cultural value.

The old town and its churches

Ohrid's old town is made up of white houses lining narrow streets that run down to the lake, churches from the Byzantine period and an ancient theatre. Throughout history the town has been an important religious and cultural centre for the region, and it goes by nicknames such as "the Jerusalem of the Balkans".

The Church of St John at Kaneo

The little Church of St John at Kaneo (Sveti Jovan Kaneo), on a cliff jutting out over the lake, is Ohrid's postcard view. You can reach it on foot along the shore or by the path above. At sunset, the lake and the church together look beautiful.

Samuel's Fortress and the lakeshore

From Samuel's Fortress at the top of the old town you can see almost the whole lake. The shore path below is ideal for an evening stroll. Trying the lake fish in Ohrid is an easy way to get to know the local cuisine.

How do these cities feature on the tours?

• Balkan Trio Tour (2 nights, 3 days): on the first day, after Kavala and Thessaloniki, you reach Skopje the same day; on the second day you continue from Skopje to Sofia. Ohrid and Tetovo are not on this route.
• Grand Balkans Tour (6 nights, 8 days): on the sixth day you reach Ohrid via Shkodër, Tirana and Elbasan. On the seventh day you travel from Ohrid to Tetovo (Kalkandelen) and on to Skopje. On the eighth day you return from Skopje to Istanbul via Thessaloniki and Kavala.

To see the differences between the two routes in detail, read our article How many days should a Balkan tour be, and to read about Skopje's Ottoman past alongside the route's other cities, see our guide to the Ottoman heritage of the Balkans.

Practical notes

• North Macedonia has its own currency (the denar). Carrying some local money for small purchases in the bazaar makes things easier.
• It's no surprise to come across Turkish-speaking shopkeepers in Skopje; even so, learning a few local greetings is always appreciated.
• In Ohrid, the streets of the old town are steep and stone-paved. Wear comfortable shoes.
• Visa and entry requirements vary by person and date; before you travel, check the current situation with official sources and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye.

What to eat and what to buy

North Macedonian cuisine carries traces of Balkan and Ottoman cooking. Kebab and börek shops line Skopje's Old Bazaar; oven-baked tavče gravče (a bean dish) is one of the country's favourite dishes. Ajvar, a relish made from peppers and aubergines, appears on every table from breakfast to dinner. In Ohrid, lake fish takes centre stage. Popular souvenirs include Ohrid's famous pearls, wood carvings and silverwork from the jewellers of the Old Bazaar. When shopping in bazaars where bargaining is common, a polite approach always gets better results.

Frequently asked questions

What are the sights in Skopje?

The Stone Bridge, Macedonia Square, the Old Bazaar, the Kuršumli An, the Mustafa Pasha Mosque and Skopje Fortress are the city's main stops. They are all within walking distance of each other.

Where is Lake Ohrid?

Lake Ohrid lies on the border between North Macedonia and Albania. The lake and the historic town of Ohrid on its shore are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Is Ohrid included on the Balkan Trio tour?

No. On the Balkan Trio, only Skopje is visited in North Macedonia. Ohrid and Tetovo are part of the Grand Balkans Tour programme.

Why is the Painted Mosque in Tetovo famous?

The mosque's outer walls are covered in colourful painted decoration. This unusual look makes it easy to recognise among the Ottoman mosques of the Balkans.