Practical Tips for Visiting North Macedonia

North Macedonia is a beautiful country which lies a little off the beaten track. It is part of the Balkan Peninsula therefore there is no shortage of fascinating cities and spectacular countryside and, with a population of just over 2 million, you won’t encounter the usual crowds found in more traditional European destinations. Not many people know much about this amazing country so here are some great practical tips for visiting North Macedonia.

Practical tips for visiting North Macedonia

So here we go, all you need to know before you visit North Macedonia.

The weather

North Macedonia is split between two main climatic zones, the Mediterranean and the continental. The north of the country experiences hot, dry summers – exceeding 30°C most days. However, the mountains are covered in snow from November to April so skiing is popular. The temperatures can dip to -30°C in mid winter. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant so are perhaps the best times to visit – unless you plan to ski. In the south, it remains more neutral all year round with less extreme temperatures.

Travel to North Macedonia

Flights to Skopje, the capital city, are available from most countries in Europe. However, from the UK and the USA, a change at a European airport is usually required. This route is offered by many airlines.

Travel by bus is possible from other Balkan countries. North Macedonia borders Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece so border hopping is easy. Check out how to take the bus from Saranda (Albania) to Ohrid. One of the best practical tips for visiting North Macedonia is to be patient and prepared for the public transport. Sometimes it works like clockwork, other times not at all. Plan a lot f extra time for your trip.

Travel Visas

Visas are not necessary for anyone travelling from EU countries. But, for those out with the EU, check this LINK . This will ensure you have your documentation in order before your trip.

North Macedonian Currency

The official currency is the Macedonian Dinar (MKD). 100 MKD equates to around €1.60. Not many currency exchange centres will hold MKD so you may have to order it in advance. However, there are plenty ATMs in the cities for you to withdraw from when you arrive. Most larger shops and restaurants in the cities will accept cards, but definitely take cash when visiting smaller towns and villages or local markets. North Macedonia is one of the cheapest countries in Europe making it great for those on a budget.

Mobile Phones and WIFI

North Macedonia is not in the EU so there will be roaming charges and these will vary depending on your network provider. We found there to be plenty of WIFI available. Most restaurants and cafes in the cities and almost all hotels, Air BnBs, hostels and shopping malls will have some kind of WIFI. Downloading maps and taking screenshots while using WIFI was how we got around it when outside of the city. If you are in the country for a while it might be worth getting a local SIM.

Safety in North Macedonia

Since the end of the 2001 insurgency in Macedonia the country is safe to visit. There is, of course, petty crimes such as pickpocketing in the cities so the usual precautions apply. We were advised not to walk along the Vardar River, in Skopje, at night in case of any unsavory characters. There is a level of organised crime but tourists are unlikely to become involved in that.

Language

There are two official languages spoken in North Macedonia – Macedonian and Albanian. Many Macedonians in the cities speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases. Macedonian is an Eastern South Slavic language and is therefore not easy for English speakers. However, any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:

Hello – Zdravo (ZDRA-voh)

Please – Molam (MOW-lahm

Thank you – Blagodaram (blaag-OH-Daar-ahm

Yes – Da (DUH)

No – Ne (NEH)

Goodbye – Dogledanje (dough-GLAD-anye)

Public Transport

Trains do exist, however, buses are the most common mode of public transport around North Macedonia. Most are minibuses or “furgons”. These are cramped, sporadic and so very hot in the summer and they definitely predate air con. On the plus side, they are cheap, serve most areas well and, as a result, they are a good way to experience real Macedonian life. If using the buses, just ask a local for information because we found most people to be really friendly and super helpful.

North Macedonian Food

North Macedonian cuisine benefits from both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Much of it is similar to the food found in many of the other Balkan countries. Kebapci are barbequed, skinless sausages. They are usually served with a soft white bread, onions and a clotted cream. Kebapci make a popular meal and as a result can be found all over the country. Burek is a common pastry snack often filled with spinach, cheese or meat. There are also many places to buy sweet baklava – a pastry dessert with ground nuts covered in honey.

Rakija is a traditional alcoholic drink. Considered similar to a fruit brandy, it is not to be consumed in vast quantities! Don’t drink the tap water, go for bottled.

Religion

In North Macedonia, the most common religion is Orthodox Christianity. Did you know that Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910 in Skopje? Around 60% of the population identify this way, with around 40% identifying as Muslim.

The Islamic influence is a result of the Ottoman Empire that ruled the area until the early 1900s. When entering religious sights there are rules to keep in mind. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches and ladies must also cover their heads when visiting mosques. Skopje also has the largest Roma community in Europe.

Shopping

There are a few good shopping malls in Skopje. They contain a mixture of Western and Balkan stores, bars and restaurants. They are also well air conditioned which is amazing in the summer heat! We visited the Ramstore Mall which was pretty nice. The supermarket also provides a good opportunity to try out local snacks.

The Ottoman Bazaar in Skopje is a great place to browse for souvenirs or stop for a coffee. The cobbled streets are lined with old, red roofed buildings selling everything from fine jewellery to vegetables. There are also a lot of ice cream parlours! Take time to wander the streets, admire the architecture and stop at a BBQ joint.

History

The history of North Macedonia is a sensitive subject. Geographical Macedonia is divided into three parts – The Republic of North Macedonia (38%), Greek Macedonia (51%) and Bulgaria’s Pirin Macedonia (11%). The country’s name has been disputed for years.

The Ottomans ruled the region until the early 1900s. Then, in 1912, the Balkan League battled the Turks who were subsequently expelled from the area.

Socialist Yugoslavia was formed in 1918, with Macedonia as a republic.

A huge earthquake in 1963 destroyed 65% of Skopje. The city was rebuilt with funds from Yugoslavia and international countries. 

In a 1991 Macedonians voted for independence and left Yugoslavia peacefully.

What to do in North Macedonia

Now that you have all the practical tips for visiting North Macedonia, what are you waiting for? There are so many amazing places to discover.

If you are only going for a short time it is difficult to select just a few. There is plenty to keep you busy in Skopje. Check out our guide HERE to find out more about the Skopje 2014 Project, the fortress, the old Bazaar and more.

Just outside Skopje is Mataka Canyon. Here you can relax and enjoy the beautiful lake and medieval monasteries. Or visit the Millennium cross for an incredible panorama of the city.

You can take a longer trip and go south west to the spectacular Lake Ohrid, by the Albanian border. Ohrid is the oldest lake in Europe.

From Skopje, it is easy to travel to Kosovo or Serbia by bus. Pristina, Kosovo’s capital is only a two hour journey. The small city of Vranje in Serbia is not far over the border. Both can be done as a day trip or as another stop on your Balkan tour.

North Macedonia is still largely undiscovered by western tourists. With its spectacular mountains, diverse cities and friendly people, this country should be at the top of your bucket list.

More Info

• North Macedonia Tourist Board click HERE
• Skopje Tourist Board click HERE

Thinking about visiting Albania as well? You can easily combine the two countries in one trip. Check out our really useful PRACTICAL TIPS FOR VISITING ALBANIA.

Have you visited North Macedonia? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!