Skopje

As the sublime capital of North Macedonia, Skopje is the centerpiece destination of any trip to the Balkans. The city is home to an impressive collection of memorials and monumental structures. Tucked away among ornate neoclassical buildings, you will find the centuries-old commercial heart of Skopje still beating with vigor at Čaršija. There, the rich traditional cuisine of Macedonia awaits at hearty restaurants run by locals. Where the Byzantine and Ottoman empires once thrived, Skopje invites visitors for a historical journey.

To trace back the deep-rooted history of Skopje, Kale Fortress is the perfect place to start. Beyond the lofty views of the city and its Byzantine charm, the fortress marks a site with immeasurable value. The remains of the oldest Neolithic settlement in the region lie within its walls, together with the traces of Skopje’s Ottoman heritage.

In walking distance from the fortress, the main square hosts magnificent fountains with the statue of Alexander the Great rising at the center. This is where the memorial monuments of several national heroes offer a brief journey through time. Also, popular tourist hangouts crackle with tasty smells, good music, and joyful laughter. Don’t mind the overwhelming contrast between the architectural elements dominating the square. Once darkness falls, it will turn into a glittering site. A memorable photographic experience is what you will find.