North Macedonia

North Macedonia offers striking contrasts in a small geographical area. Skopje is defined by its bold, and sometimes baffling, architecture, which sits alongside an atmospheric old bazaar that remains very much part of everyday life. Looming above the city, Mount Vodno provides an easy escape, with a cable car to the summit and the towering Millennium Cross, one of the largest crosses in the world.

There’s a lot packed into Skopje, but it also works well as a base for exploring further afield. Good side trips include Tetovo, Ohrid, and Matka Canyon, all offering something very different.

Bordering Greece, Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria, and Serbia, North Macedonia also fits neatly into a wider Balkan journey. I’ve included a suggested itinerary that links it naturally with neighbouring countries.

skopje view of the galleons and bridge with statues and archaeological museum

North Macedonia: Useful Information

Language

Macedonian is the official language. Albanian is also widely spoken, particularly in western regions. English is commonly understood in tourist-facing places.

Currency

The Macedonian Denar (MKD). £1 = approx 70 MKD. €1 = approx 61–62 MKD. Currency converter

Time Zone

Central European Time (CET; UTC+01:00). Daylight saving time, which moves one hour ahead to UTC+02:00, is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Dialling Code

+389

Visas

UK, EU & US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in North Macedonia (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).

Electricity & adapters

Standard European plug types (C/F) with 230V power; no adapter needed for most European devices.

Tourist Information

https://www.exploringmacedonia.com

Transport Links

Skopje Airport Information, North Macedonia buses, North Macedonia trains

When to Go

Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is hot, especially in July and August (often 30°C+), while winters are cold, particularly in the mountains, with snow common from December to February.

My articles on North Macedonia

Recent posts from North Macedonia, including guides on Skopje, Tetovo and Mount Vodno, plus itineraries