Skopje: The Capital of North Macedonia

Skopje is the capital of North Macedonia, located at the heart of the Balkans in southeastern Europe. Located in the northern part of the country, it is also its largest city. Skopje was founded in the Skopje Valley on the banks of the Vardar River. It is close to the border with Kosovo, about 90 kilometers south of Pristina. The city is bordered by Čučer-Sandevo to the north and northeast, Lipkovo to the east, Aračinovo to the east and southeast, Ilinden to the east, Studeničani to the south, Sopište to the south and southwest, Želino to the west, and Jegunovce to the northwest. It has a culturally and religiously diverse community, consisting of Macedonians, as well as Albanians, Turks, and Serbs. You can explore beautiful historic churches and mosques, such as the Church of Saint Panteleimon, Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the Church of St. Clement of Ohrid, and Aladža Mosque.

Skopje’s Role in Culture, Economy, and Tourism

The city is the center of the economy, education, politics, culture, and tourism of North Macedonia. It is a historic city dating back to the 1st century and is home to numerous historical landmarks, markets, shopping centers, sports facilities, cultural centers, museums, and other attractions. Many important companies have their headquarters in Skopje, including Stopanska Banka, Makedonski Telekom, Neptun Makedonija, Makpetrol, Tinex, and Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje. The city is served by Skopje International Airport.

Top Attractions in Skopje

• The Museum of Contemporary Art Skopje is the country's largest museum, located at Samoilova 17 (42.0038144,21.4326772). It was founded in 1964, and its impressive collection includes works by Macedonian and internationally well-known artists, including Pablo Picasso, Alberto Burri, Alexander Calder, Hans Hartung, Jerzy Nowosielski, Antoni Clavé, Christo, and many more. The museum is close to Skopje Fortress and the Museum of Macedonia.
• Macedonia Square (41.9962963, 21.4317273) is an excellent starting point for exploring the main attractions of Skopje. It is located in the heart of the city and features many points of interest. It is the largest square in the country and hosts the famous Christmas festivals.
• The Bridge of Art (41.9956801,21.435767) across the Vardar River is a stunning pedestrian-only bridge in Skopje, spanning 83 metres (272 ft). It features several statues of local artists like Jordan Džinot, Vojdan Černodrinski, Vasil Iljoski, Nikola Martinoski, and Živko Čingo.
• Skopje City Mall at Ljubljanska 4 (42.0042868,21.3915387) is a large shopping center. It has many stores and restaurants, as well as a movie theater, making it a popular destination for dining and shopping among residents.
• National Arena Toše Proeski (42.0057779,21.4254243) is a famous stadium formerly known as City Park and Arena Philip II. Opened in 1947, the stadium is home to FK Vardar, FK Rabotnički, and the games of the North Macedonia national football team. National Arena Toše Proeski has hosted many major events, including the 2017 UEFA Super Cup.
• The Skopje Fortress (42.0018583,21.4323032), locally known as Kale, is the ruins of a 6th-century fortress offering scenic views of the city and the Vardar River.

Events, Festivals, and Local Experiences

The city also hosts various events and festivals, attracting visitors year-round, including the Skopje Jazz Festival, the Skopje Cultural Summer Festival, and the Skopje Film Festival. Skopje is a great place to visit. You can explore the city’s rich history, wander through its markets, enjoy both Macedonian and Ottoman cuisines, listen to traditional Macedonian music, experience coffee culture at a kafana (a traditional coffeehouse), and even watch major sports events at the national arena.