From the airport, regular shuttle buses are available for about 3 euros, aside from buses, you can take a taxi too but obviously, it’s more expensive. Airport is roughly 25km from the city centre and bus trip takes 40 mins. approximately.
The main tourist attraction of the city is the central square. The landmark has Alexander the Great’s fountain, which is now one of the symbols of the city. The main square is surrounded by business establishments, mostly hotels, fancy restaurants and cafes.
Skopje centre has been busy with large and controversial development projects (Skopje 2014 Project). Along the Vardar River, new buildings are rising to be home of governmental and cultural organisations. These new buildings are beautiful with its Renaissance style and a neural white colour, however, the financial burden it brings to the tax payers cause controversy among citizens.
There are other newly built bridges; the Bridge of Civilizations and the Art Bridge. The Art Bridge features many statues of noted Macedonian artists and musicians. It includes 29 sculptures, with 14 on each side and one in the centre.
When you walk across the Stone Bridge and reach the north side of the river, keep walking towards the left until you reach the Kale (means castle in Turkish). Skopje Fortress (Kale) is situated on the highest point of the city overlooking the Vardar River, which is incorporated in the city’s flag. The Fortress was built by the Romans in the 6th century AD. Since then, it has been put under restoration many times.
Kale Fortress has its main gate opening to the Old Bazaar (old settlement and market area of the city). The Old Bazaar has cobblestone alleys that are free from vehicular traffic. This pedestrian district has many restaurants, cafes and jewelery shops. These are all built in Ottoman style, especially the Hans (Large hotel like buildings with a yard in the middle – old time traveller inns) are worth visiting. Kapan Han is the most famous in the Old Bazaar. It has a café on the ground floor and small shops on the second floor.
Take your time while wandering around in the Old Bazaar. I would suggest, try the traditional food such as Cevap Cici (means small kebab) and baklava. Do not forget to drink Turkish style brewed tea with your dessert. Best part of being in the Balkans is paying reasonable prices for food, accommodation and transportation. For instance, a regular dinner menu would cost you no more than 5 euro.
Potable drinking fountains are to be found in the city, especially in the Old Town near the old mosques. By the way, city has beautiful old mosques inherited from the Ottoman era and still active, thanks to city`s Muslim minority.
In summary:
Travel tip by bus to Ohrid:
Although bus schedule indicates that it leaves every hour to Ohrid, bus trip postpones anytime whenever there are only few passengers for a specific scheduled trip and waits for enough commuters before leaving. Bus service is not reliable and long wait is possible.
My Little Backpack Adventures 