North Macedonia is a landlocked country on the Balkan peninsula of southeastern Europe. In this North Macedonia tourist guide, you’ll learn all about the best places to visit in North Macedonia from charming old towns to ancient monasteries, wine regions, and national parks.

This small republic is still off the beaten path which makes it an exciting destination for adventurous travelers looking for a change from the more popular Balkan countries such as Croatia. I spent a few months living in the lakeside town of Ohrid, North Macedonia and it quickly became one of my favorite places in Europe.

North Macedonia has a rich history dating back millennia and evidence of this can be seen across the country from beautiful Orthodox monasteries to Ottoman mosques, ancient Roman and Illyrian ruins, and much more. There are so many hidden gems in North Macedonia that you won’t be bored for a moment.

Quick History Lesson

Like most countries in the Balkans, North Macedonia has a long history of many different empires and cultures; making it one of the most diverse in the region. From ancient Ilria and Thrace to the Roman Republic, Byzantine Era, and later Ottoman Empire and Yugoslavia, the country has held many different names throughout its history.

After the bloody breakup of Yugoslavia (from which Macedonia escaped largely unscathed), the country became the Republic of Macedonia. This angered the Greeks, as there’s a region in Greece with the same name which has a long association with their national hero, Alexander the Great.

In 2018 Greece and Macedonia came to an agreement for the latter to change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. This decision was met with hostility from many (North) Macedonians (over 60% of them abstained from the vote). Regardless, the Prespa Agreement was ratified in January 2019.

With this in mind, North Macedonians still consider themselves “Macedonian”. and many are still unhappy with the change. Tread carefully when discussing such topics with locals, or better yet, leave politics out of the conversation entirely.

Best Places to Visit in North Macedonia

Below, you’ll find some of the best places to visit in North Macedonia from the vibrant capital Skopje to the stunning lakeside town (and my former home) of Ohrid, ancient ruins at Heraclea Lyncestic, mountainous national parks, sprawling vineyards, and hilltops dotted with churches and monasteries.

1. Skopje

The capital city of Skopje is one of the best places to visit in North Macedonia as it’s packed with beautiful, neoclassical architecture, picturesque bridges crossing the Varder River, museums, parks, cafes, bars, and restaurants. It’s also located close to attractions such as the Matka Canyon and Vodno Mountain.

I’ve been to Skopje a few times and it’s one of my favorite Balkan cities. It has an unpretentious air and seems more laid back than some of its busier counterparts in the region, and the river is lined with lots of open-air bars and restaurants (Old Lady Beer Bar and the St. Patrick Irish pub are two of my favorites).

One of the best things to see in North Macedonia is the Skopje Fortress which overlooks the town and surprisingly, is free to enter and explore. The views across the city to the nearby mountains are incredible, and it’s a great place to bring a picnic on a sunny day. It’s just a short ten-minute walk from the center.

Location: The capital is located in the far north of the country close to the border with Kosovo. Click here for directions.
Getting There: Skopje International Airport is around 14 miles (22 km) from the city center. There are flights from London and other major destinations around Europe. It’s also possible to take a tour of Skopje from nearby cities such as Sofia in Bulgaria. Click here for more information.
Things To Do: Take a city tour, see the famous Stone Bridge, and climb Skopje Fortress.
Where to Stay: Skopje isn’t a large city, but the center is the best place to stay if you want to be close to all the attractions. The Bushi Resort and Spa is an excellent option as it’s located in the city center, has a pool and spa, and is incredibly cheap compared to similar places in Western Europe. Click here to find out more.

2. Kartal Winery

One of the top places to visit in North Macedonia for wine lovers like myself is the Kartal Winery just a few miles east of Skopje city center. North Macedonia has a long history of viticulture (wine making) that dates back as far as the 13th Century BC, and I can assure you, they do indeed make a good drop (Vranac is one of my favorites).

There are lots of vineyards and wineries to visit across the country, but Kartal is one of the easiest to get to as it’s on the edge of the capital. This family-run winery and shop is one of the best places to go in North Macedonia to stock up on a few bottles to take home.

You can take a tour of the winery, enjoy tasting sessions and learn all about the country’s long association with this ancient elixir. This was one of my top places to visit in North Macedonia and I came back with a couple of bottles, (they didn’t last long).

Location: ul.1519 br.7 Skopje MK, 1000, North Macedonia. Click here for directions.
Getting There: The best way to get to Kartal Winery is to take a tour which includes transport from the city center (and a tasting). Click here for more details and to book.
Things To Do: Learn about North Macedonia’s wine-making, take a tour of the winery, and taste the different wines on offer.
Where to Stay: The three-star Villa Lumiere is just a short walk from the winery and has an outdoor pool with gorgeous city and mountain views. Click here to learn more.

3. Vodno Mountain

The majestic Vodno Mountain can be seen from across Skopje and makes an excellent day trip from the city. The peak is 3497 feet (1,066 meters) and there are lots of different hiking trails that lead to the summit, as well as a cable for those who are less mobile. Vodno is one of the top North Macedonia tourist attractions and is well worth a visit.

Mount Vodno is one of the best places to see in North Macedonia. It’s famous for the Millenium Cross, a 217-foot (66-meter) cross constructed in a similar style to the Eiffel Tower that’s considered one of the largest such crosses in the world (it can be seen from all over the city).

There are five main hiking paths on the mountains and four of these start at “Middle Vodno” where the cable car departs from. The fifth begins from the outskirts of the city and takes around 40 minutes to walk from the starting point to Middle Vodno (there are also buses here from the city center).

Location: Vodno is located 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Skopje. Click here for directions.
Getting There: The super-fit can consider walking all the way from the city center, but this will take the best part of a day. There are frequent buses (bus 25) that will get you to Middle Vodno and you can either hike one of the trails or take the cable car to the peak and Millenium Cross. You can also join a tour, which also includes nearby Matka Canyon. Click here to book.
Things To Do: Go hiking, see the Millenium Cross, and take a tour.
Where to Stay: There are lots of good hotels, hostels, and apartments located at the foot of the mountain a short walk from the trailhead. The gorgeous Panorama Residence Vodno is a three-bedroom apartment with a balcony that offers stunning views of the mountain. It’s excellent value for money. Click here to find out more.
Entrance Fee: Free

4. Matka Canyon

The absolutely stunning Matka Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in North Macedonia and offers a slice of tranquility not far from the capital (it can be visited as a day trip from Skopje along with Mount Vodno). There’s tons to do here from hiking along the canyon to hiring boats and kayaks or simply relaxing in one of the lakeside restaurants.

Explore ancient monasteries, and visit underground cave systems like Vrelo Cave which is one of the top 77 wonders of the natural world. The canyon is one of the best places to go in North Macedonia for lovers of the outdoors and it’s one of my favorite places to escape from the city.

Location: Matka Canyon is just 10 miles (16 km) west of the capital Skopje. Click here for directions.
Getting There: The canyon is easy to reach by public transport; bus 60 (reduced service in low season) goes between Skopje and the canyon. Taking a tour is another excellent way to see the Canyon and allows plenty of free time for exploring. Click here for more information.
Things To Do: Hike along the canyon, visit the Church of St. Panteleimon, and take a tour.
Where to Stay: The best place to stay near Matka Canton is in western Skopje, just as you would to visit Vodno Mountain. The Panorama Residence Vodno is the best option in this area. Click here to book.
Entrance Fee: Free

5. Ohrid

I first visited the charming lakeside town of Ohrid in 2018 and fell in love with it instantly. I promised myself I would return and recently choose it as my base for a few months while working as a digital nomad in North Macedonia. The town sits perched on the shores of Lake Ohrid, surrounded by a gorgeous, mountainous national park.

Ohrid is one of the most beautiful towns in North Macedonia thanks to its lakeside location with a pleasant boardwalk, beaches, and charming old town. The center is packed with interesting architecture from an ancient theater to golden-domed monasteries and a large fortress overlooking the town.

Ohrid is definitely one of the best towns to visit in North Macedonia and is a must-see place for anyone visiting. I’m thinking of heading back here for another month as there’s so much to see and do, and sipping a coffee on the waterfront is a fond memory I would very much like to repeat.

Location: Ohrid is in the south of North Macedonia, very close to the borders with Albania and Greece. Click here for directions.
Getting There: There’s a small airport just outside of Ohrid with seasonal flights to destinations in Europe. There are daily buses from the capital Skopje which take around four hours. And there are also daily buses from Tirana in Albania and Sofia in Bulgaria.
Things To Do: Walk around the old town, see the Hellenic theater, and take a boat trip.
Where to Stay: Ohrid is a small town and to get the best out of it you should stay in or around the old town and lake shore. Villa Sofija is a four-star hotel offering comfortable rooms with a balcony and stunning lakeside, city, and mountain views. Click here to book.

6. Church of St John the Theologian

The impressive Church of St John the Theologian is one of the must-see places in North Macedonia and is an iconic image of the country. This gorgeous red-bricked monastery dates back to the 13th Century and is located in the small settlement of Kaneo, a ten-minute walk from Ohrid’s old town.

The church is located on a clifftop promontory above the lake and the views from up here are amazing as you look out across the water to the mountains of Albania on the opposite shore. You can walk along the boardwalk and beaches to Kaneo, or take the forest path, but one of the best ways to see the church is from the lake by boat.

Location: St John the Theologian is in Kaneo, just over half a mile from Ohrid. Click here for directions.
Getting There: The church is only reachable on foot or by boat. There are multiple footpaths from the town to Kaneo.
Things To Do: Explore the church, walk along the clifftop, and see the church from the lake by boat.
Where to Stay: Maslov Apartments is a small complex of one and two-bedroom apartments in Kaneo with balconies overlooking the lake. Click here to book.
Entrance Fee: 125 MKD (€2 Euros)

7. Museum on Water (The Bay of Bones)

The Museum on Water, also known as the Bay of Bones, is one of the most incredible sights I’ve ever visited and is definitely one of the best places to see in North Macedonia. Here, you’ll find a recreation of a bronze age settlement built on platforms above the water; it looks like something straight from the Maldives.

In 1977 underwater archaeologists discovered thousands of wooden pillars in the lakebed along with stone tools, ceramics, and fishing materials. The museum is built above the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ohrid and you can walk around the ancient dwellings and straw houses. There’s also a display on land that features some of the exhibits discovered nearby.

Location: The Museum on Water is located halfway between Ohrid and Sveti Naum. Click here for directions.
Getting There: The easiest way to reach the Bay of Bones is by boat tour. The bus between Ohrid and Sveti Naum also stops here, but there doesn’t seem to be a timetable (I waited over an hour before giving up and taking a boat). You can also take a tour.
Things To Do: Explore the museums, go diving, and enjoy a picnic on the lakeshore.
Where to Stay: Ohrid is the closest large town to the museum, so staying there is best. The four-star SU Hotel is an excellent option. Click here to find out more. There’s also a campsite next to the Bay of Bones which is perfect for nature lovers in summer.
Entrance Fee: 150 MKD (€2.40 Euros)

8. Sveti Naum

Sveti Naum is a small settlement at the far south of Lake Ohrid just steps from the Albanian border. It’s known for its beautiful monastery that dates back to the year 905AD. I visited on a late October afternoon with blue skies and the crystal clear waters of the lake lapping at the shore.

You can go inside the monastery for a fee, or choose to go walking in the forest to see the spring responsible for filling Lake Ohrid (I did the latter). I was the only one on the trail and the tranquility was perfect. There’s a beach at Sveti Naum that’s perfect for sunbathing and swimming, some kiosks selling souvenirs and snacks, and a couple of restaurants.

Location: Sveti Naum is 18 miles (12 km) south of Ohrid. Click here for directions.
Getting There: Taking a boat is the best way to reach Sveti Naum and there are also some (infrequent) buses from Ohrid. This tour from Skopje includes both the Bay of Bons and Sveti Naum in its itinerary. Click here to book.
Things To Do: See the monastery, dine in one of the lakeside restaurants (I ate in Restaurant Ostrovo which was excellent), hike to the freshwater spring.
Where to Stay: There’s a reasonable selection of hotels and rooms available around Sveti Naum. Hotel St Naum offers comfortable rooms with lake or mountain views, free WiFi, a minibar, and a spacious en-suite bathroom. Click here to book.
Entrance Fee: 125 MKD (€2 Euros)

9. Galicica National Park

The stunning Galicica National Park is one of the most beautiful places in North Macedonia and covers a large area of mountainous forest between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. This pristine wilderness has changed little in centuries and you can still find bears, lynx, and wolves roaming the hills (so “bear” this in mind if you’re thinking of hiking or camping).

I spent a lot of time hiking in Galicica as it’s easy to get to from Ohrid. As you climb higher and higher the views just keep getting better. From the highest points, you can see three countries within your field of vision; North Macedonia, Greece, and Albania. This is still one of the wildest parts of Europe and is the perfect place to escape civilization.

Location: Galicica National Park is located in the far south of the country close to the Grek and Albanian borders. Click here for directions.
Getting There: Ohrid is the nearest major settlement to the national park and you can join the trails from the town.
Things To Do: Go hiking, biking, picnicking, and camping.
Where to Stay: Ohrid makes a great base for exploring the national park. The four-star Villa Sofija is an excellent choice with air-conditioned rooms overlooking the mountains. Click here to learn more.
Entrance Fee: Free

10. Bitola

Bitola is one of the best cities to visit in North Macedonia. It’s home to lots of streetside cafes and restaurants, plenty of interesting architecture, and the impressive Roman ruins at Heraclea Lyncestis (see below). I spent a couple of days here recently and loved strolling around the old town and along the river.

Although a city, Bitola is the size of a small town and is definitely off the beaten tracks in North Macedonia. Few foreign tourists make it this far, but those that do are rewarded with one of the best cities to visit in North Macedonia for its cafe culture.

Location: Bitola is located in the very south of the country just 9 miles (14 km) from the border with Greece. Click here for directions.
Getting There: There are daily buses from both Ohrid and Skopje. You can also join a tour from Skopje to Bitola. Click here for more information.
Things To Do: Walk around the old town, sip coffee or cold beer in one of the cafes, and visit Heralclea Lyncestic.
Where to Stay: Bitola is quite small, so anywhere central is a good option. Magnolija Apartments offer a range of rooms in the city center with free WiFi, air conditioning, and city or mountain views. Click here to book.

11. Heraclea Lyncestis

I’m a huge fan of Roman history and make a point to visit Roman ruins wherever I go. I’ve visited sites in Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and my homeland, Britain, but Heraclea Lyncestis is one of my absolute favorites. This stunning ancient city was first built by the ancient Macedonians and is remarkably well preserved with Corinthian columns, a huge amphitheater, and intricate floor mosaics.

This is definitely one of the top places to visit in North Macedonia for lovers of history, art, and architecture (and even if not, the setting is truly spectacular regardless of your interests). I visited early on a Sunday morning and had the entire site to myself for the first hour. Allow at least two hours to comfortably explore the ruins, museum, and amphitheater.

Location: Heraclear Lyncestis is located near the main Bitola bus station. Click here for directions.
Getting There: It’s a fifteen-minute walk from the city center to the ruins. You can also take a tour from Skopje.
Things To Do: Walk among the ruins, see the displays in the museum, and climb the amphitheater.
Where to Stay: As above, one of the best places to stay in Bitola is the Magnolija Apartments. Click here for more information.
Entrance Fee: 300 MKD (€5.20 Euros)

12. Mavrovo National Park

Mavrovo is the largest of North Macedonia’s four national parks. It covers an area of 300 square miles (780 km2) and is made up of large areas of mountainous forest with deep canyons, rivers, and lakes. If you’re looking for places to go in North Macedonia for unspoiled natural beauty, then Mavrovo is the spot.

This is the perfect place for hiking, biking, camping, and picnicking in some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. See the Lokuv glacial lake, cross the stone Elen Skok bridge built by the Ottomans, and witness the impressive Duf Waterfalls. Inside the park, you’ll also find monasteries such as St. Nicholas and St. Jovan Bigorski.

Location: The national park is located in the west of the country near the borders of Albania and Kosovo. Click here for directions.
Getting There: Renting a car is the best way to get to and explore the national park as public transport options are few and far between in the region. You can also take a tour with pickup in Skopje. Click here for more details.
Things To Do: Go hiking, visit monasteries, and take a tour of the park.
Where to Stay: There are some good accommodation options inside the park from hotels to apartments and campsites. Tetka Viki is a gorgeous lakeside two-bedroom apartment with mountain views. Click here for more information.
Entrance Fee: Free

13. Lake Prespa

If you thought Ohrid was the only impressive lake in the country you’d be mistaken. Lake Prespa (actually a series of two lakes) in the far south has waters that fall within North Macedonia, Albania, and Greece. The lakes here are the highest in the Balkans and it’s possible to see all three countries from here.

Whereas Ohrid is geared for tourism, Prespa remains well off the beaten path so if you’re looking to experience a wilder side of North Macedonia that few tourists see, head to stunning Prespa (though you’ll need your own transport). The area is an important habitat for birds and wildlife including the rare Dalmatian pelicans.

Location: Lake Prepa is located in the southwest of the country on the borders of Greece and Albania. Click here for directions.
Getting There: As Prespa is off the main tourist trail hiring a car is the best way to get there.
Things To Do: Hiking, swimming, and escaping into nature.
Where to Stay: Hotels are few and far between, however, there are a couple of options. The Lakeview Hotel and Resort offers clean and comfortable rooms with a balcony and lakeside view. Click here to find out more.

14. Berovo (Little Switzerland)

The alpine town of Berovo, sometimes known as North Macedoni’s “Little Switzerland”, is nestled in the Malesevski Mountains in the east of the country. It’s considered one of the prettiest towns in North Macedonia and is a haven for outdoor adventures year-round.

Berovo Lake is a high alpine lake where you can rent boats and kayaks, picnic on the shores, and even swim if you’re brave enough (due to its altitude, the water is cold year-round). This is a fantastic place to take in the fresh mountain air and escape the crowds of more popular destinations like Ohrid and Skopje.

Location: Berovo is 100 miles (160 km) east of Skopje very close to the border with Bulgaria. Click here for directions.
Getting There: As public transport is limited, renting a car is the best way to get to Berovo and explore the mountains here. There are also tours direct from Skopje. Click here for details.
Things To Do: See Berovo Lake, go hiking, and take a tour of the area.
Where to Stay: There are plenty of fantastic accommodation options in and around Berovo. The Aurora Resort is a luxury eco-resort with swimming pools and a spa located in the mountains a few miles from the town. Click here to learn more.

15. Tetovo

Tetovo is one of the best cities in North Macedonia for getting off the beaten path. It’s the third-largest city in Macedonia, but is small by Western European and world standards (the population is just 85,000); making it feel more like a provincial town.

That being said, there’s plenty to see and do from exploring the beautiful Tetovo Mosque, ancient monasteries, and Tetovo Castle. The city is packed with charming cafes and restaurants, and nearby Tetovo Hill is the perfect place for hiking in summer or skiing in winter.

Location: Tetovo is just 32 miles (52 km) east of Skopje. Click here for directions.
Getting There: There are daily buses from the capital Skopje to Tetovo and the journey time is just 45 minutes. Click here for more information.
Things To Do: Hiking in summer, skiing in winter, exploring the old town.
Where to Stay: There are plenty of great places to stay in Tetovo. The five-star Mercure Tetovo offers comfortable rooms with mountain views, air-conditioning, and free WiFi at a fraction of the cost of similar hotels in Western Europe. Click here to book.

Getting Around North Macedonia

Travel to North Macedonia is still something of an adventure and although a tourist infrastructure does exist in places like Skopje and Ohrid, to really get the most out of the country renting a car is best. Even traveling between major cities and towns by public transport can be hard work with infrequent services that get busy quickly (I talk from experience).

If basing yourself in one of the major tourist towns or cities, getting around on foot is easy as you won’t find any bustling metropolises here. In fact, Skopje is one of the few capitals in Europe not to have a subway system.

Quick Itineraries for North Macedonia

Here are a few simple itineraries to follow when visiting North Macedonia:

3 Days in North Macedonia

With three days to spend in North Macedonia sightseeing, I highly recommend basing yourself in beautiful Ohrid. There’s plenty to see and do around this charming lakeside town, and I spent three days here on my first visit in 2019.

Spend your first day exploring the old town and its many monasteries, the historic fortress overlooking the town and lake, and relaxing at the many lakeside cafes, bars, and restaurants.

On day two, take a boat trip to the Bay of Bones (seriously, this is one of the attractions that shouldn’t be missed in North Macedonia) and Sveti Naum. I did this in October last year and it was one of the best day trips I’ve ever taken.

If the weather is good (summers are long and hot) then spend your third day at one of the beaches around the town. The water is crystal-clear and is perfect for swimming. You’ll find some great beach bars along the shore too.

One Week in North Macedonia

With a week to spend exploring the places to see in North Macedonia, you should start in the capital Skopje and explore everything this laid-back city has to offer. Climb the fortress, relax at one of the riverside restaurants, and gaze in awe at the impressive neoclassical architecture and stone bridges.

Take a day trip up to Vodno Mountain for incredible views of the city and visit Matka Canyon for a day of hiking, swimming, or boating in this picturesque gorge. Take the bus to Ohrid and spend at least three days exploring the old town, lake, and nearby attractions like the Bay of Bones, Sveti Naum, and Galicica National Park.

Return to Skopje via Bitola where you can spend the day exploring the old town and visiting the ruins at Heraclea Lyncestic. There are daily buses from Ohrid to Bitola (three hours) and Bitola to Skopje (four hours). Tickets must be purchased at the bus station, and it’s a good idea to do this in advance (though not necessary outside of summer).

10+ Days in North Macedonia

10 days is an excellent amount of time to stay in North Macedonia as it will give you the opportunity to really explore this wonderful and highly underrated destination.

Start your trip in the capital Skopje and spend at least three days exploring the city and its charming old town, fortress, and some of the bars and cafes along the river. Be sure to take a trip up to Vodno Mountain overlooking the city, either by hiking to the top, or taking the cable car. Add in a day trip to the stunning Matka Canyon.

If you have your own transport (it’s best to rent a car) then head to the beautiful Mavrovo National Park to explore one of the wildest parts of the country. If relying on public transport, skip the park and take the bus (three hours) to Ohrid. Ohrid deserves at least three days to explore the old town and nearby places of interest on the lake.

From Ohrid, you can easily reach Galicica National Park either on foot or by taxi. You can take a day hike into the mountains from the town or choose to stay in the national park before returning to Ohrid. From there, take a bus to Bitola and visit this charming city famous for its cafe culture. Be sure to visit the ruins at Heraclea Lyncestic.

Finally, make your way back north to the towns of Berovo and Tetovo before returning to the capital.

Must-Try Foods in North Macedonia

North Macedonian food is typical of the Balkans and includes dishes with influences from its rich history. You can also enjoy Turkish-style coffee and local wine; two specialty drinks of the region.

Sarma

My favorite dish in North Macedonia has to be the delicious meat-filled parcels wrapped in either cabbage or vine leaves called sarma. It’s widely available in restaurants, and even the microwave version sold at supermarkets is delicious (I lived on it when in Ohrid).

The best sarma I had in North Macedonia was at Restaurant Cun in Ohrid (though I just wish the helping was bigger). This is a wonderful place to eat traditional Macedonian food as it overlooks the lake and the food is great. Click here for directions.

Polneti Piperki

This dish of stuffed peppers is another of my favorites and is made with minced meat, usually lamb, and mixed with rice before being baked in the oven. The best Polneti Piperki I had was at the rustic Restaurant Antico in Ohrid. Click here for directions.

Ajvar

Ajvar is a pepper and aubergine (eggplant) sauce that people in the Balkans love to smother on everything (a bit like Balkan ketchup). It varies in color from red to bright orange and can be found in every restaurant. You can also find it on the shelves of all supermarkets, and my friends even had me bring them some bottles back as they picked up a taste for it in Croatia.

Best Places to See in North Macedonia: FAQs

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions on the best places to see in North Macedonia:

In Conclusion

Now you know about the best places to visit in North Macedonia; from the vibrant capital Skopje to the gorgeous lakeside town of Ohrid, the stunning national parks, ancient ruins, and some of the finest scenery in Europe. North Macedonia won’t stay a secret forever, so visit now before the crowds arrive and prices increase.

With so many wonderful things to do, North Macedonia makes an excellent destination for adventurous travellers and it makes a great base for exploring the Balkan peninsula with Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Kosovo all within easy reach. I’ll be going back to North Macedonia very soon – it’s one of my favorite spots in Europe.

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