"Up and Coming Balkan Capital!" Skopje by Greatwalk0

Skopje Travel Guide: 809 reviews and 2,025 photos

The History

Today Skopje has around 650,000 residents. Made infamous by the devastating earthquake in 1963, which almost completely leveled the city, Skopje is now back on its feet. Skopje is also the administrative and political center of the Republic of Macedonia. Industries in the city include iron and steel works, electrical machinery, chemicals, textiles, carpets, and foodstuffs. Skopje is a trading center for the cotton, tobacco, grains, and livestock produced in the surrounding region as well.

Skopje plays a vital part in the cultural and the academic life of the country. It is the home of Macedonian Academy of Science and Arts, the SS. Cyril and Methodius University, the National and University Library, the Macedonian National Theatre and its Drama, Opera and Ballet companies, the Drama Theatre, the Theatre of Nationalities, the Philharmonic of Macedonia, Macedonian Radio and Television and Nova Makedonija, the largest newspaper and publishing house. There are also the Archives of Macedonia, the Museums of Macedonia (archeological, ethnological and historical), the Natural history Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, several art galleries and other important cultural and scientific institutions.

Nice Break from Pristina

Skopje's famous Stone Bridge

Skopje is a favorite (and convenient) destination for those of us living in Pristina, Kosovo. Skopje has gained this reputation because it is located only 90 minutes from Pristina and has many of the western conveniences that are not present in Pristina -- namely great grocery stores and a pretty nice (relatively speaking) shopping mall. Far from being the most beautiful city in the world, Skopje is composed of a mishmash of Soviet architecture.

Additionally, Alexandar the Great Airport (Skopje's international airport) services far more European destinations than does Pristina International Airport. Consider flying into Skopje if traveling around the Balkans, as airfares tend to be cheaper. The airport is small, but efficient, and has all the basic amenities required for any traveler.

Whether it is a day trip from Pristina or a more extended stay, Skopje is a pretty nice Balkan capital. Come out for a visit!

Pros and Cons

Pros:More modern that Pristina; Inexpensive
Cons:Not super impressive
In a nutshell:A comparitively modern Balkan capital

Last visit to Skopje: Jan 2008
Intro Written Jan 22, 2008
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Reviews (10)

Bus from Pristina, Kosovo Transportation (2)

Many expatriates working in Pristina, Kosovo take the bus to Skopje over the weekends to recharge their batteries, visit... more travel advice

6th Century Bathhouse Turned Museum Things to Do (2)

When visiting Skopje, one should visit the 6th century bathhouse turned art gallery. The Cifte Amam is a beautiful... more travel advice

Stone Bridge! Things to Do (2)

The Stone Bridge in Skopje connects the old quarter (Albania) to the new part of the city (Slavic). The bridge itself is... more travel advice

Downtown Hostel Hotels (3)

I did not actually stay in this hostel, though I did speak with management and take a look at one of their single rooms.... more travel advice

Shopping (2)
See All US-Standard Supermarket

Nightlife (1)
Irish Sports Bar

Comments (3)

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Manara Mar 26, 2009 at 7:54 AM

Your page is very informative. Congratulations!
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Pijlmans Nov 22, 2008 at 3:49 AM

Nice pages...Do you often to Skopje? Cheers, Dennis
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sisarka Feb 26, 2008 at 10:29 AM

The owner of Shankly's is a greedy man.