Capitol Suites · Skopje guide
Things to do in Skopje.
The Old Bazaar, the Stone Bridge, Matka Canyon and what to eat, planned from your apartment at Capitol Suites.
Before you go
Skopje in a nutshell.
Skopje is compact, easy and full of contrasts: Ottoman streets, a medieval fortress, the monuments of the new city centre and green mountains at the edge of town. Most visitors need two days to see the centre and a third for a day trip.
Capitol Suites is in Aerodrom, inside Capitol Mall & Residence, about 10 minutes by car from Macedonia Square (3 km) and the Old Bazaar (4 km). You come home to a 72 m² apartment with a kitchen, free underground parking and a terrace, which is why many guests stay several nights.
What to see
The places worth your time.
Macedonia Square
The central square of the city, with the large statue in the middle and the Stone Bridge just beside it. Most walks start here. It is about 3 km, or 10 minutes by car, from Capitol Suites.
Stone Bridge
The symbol of Skopje, an Ottoman-era stone bridge over the river Vardar that links the new centre with the Old Bazaar. Best at sunset and in the evening, when the square and the river are lit.
Old Bazaar
One of the largest and best-preserved Ottoman bazaars in the Balkans, about 4 km from Capitol Suites. Narrow streets with coffee houses, craft shops, restaurants, old inns and mosques. Come hungry and without a plan.
Kale Fortress
The old fortress on the hill above the Old Bazaar. Walk the walls for a wide view of the city, the river and the mountains. A short, easy walk from the Bazaar.
Mustafa Pasha Mosque
A 15th-century Ottoman mosque on the hill at the edge of the Old Bazaar, known for its calm courtyard and views over the city.
Millennium Cross, Vodno
A giant cross on top of Vodno mountain, visible from almost everywhere in the city. You can drive up or take the cable car, then enjoy the view and walk in the forest.
Matka Canyon
A canyon with a lake, cliffs, caves and small monasteries, a short drive west of the city. A good half-day: walk, take a boat on the lake, eat by the water.
Mother Teresa Memorial House
A small museum near Macedonia Square, dedicated to Mother Teresa, who was born in Skopje.
Eat and drink
What to eat in Skopje.
Macedonian food is generous, grilled and shared. The coffee culture is Balkan and the sweets owe a lot to the Ottoman kitchen.
Tavče gravče
The national dish: baked beans in a clay pan with red pepper. Order it as a main course.
Pastrmajlija
A baked dough boat with seasoned pork, eaten with hot peppers. There is a Pastrmajlija & Grill House about 50 m from the Capitol Suites entrance.
Burek and bakery
Burek with cheese or meat and yoghurt is the classic breakfast. Silbo Bakery inside Biser Mall is open 24 hours Monday to Saturday.
Grill and kebapi
Grilled meat, kebapi and šopska salad are on almost every menu. Ajvar, a roasted pepper spread, comes with everything.
Coffee and sweets
Turkish-style coffee, baklava, tulumba and kadayif are all part of Skopje’s café culture, especially in the Old Bazaar.
In the building
Solis Restaurant, coffee bars and the Ramstore supermarket are inside Capitol Mall, a few steps from your apartment.
Plan your days
How many days do you need?
One day
Macedonia Square, the Stone Bridge, the Old Bazaar and Kale Fortress on foot, lunch in the Bazaar, then a drink on the square.
Two days
Add Vodno and the Millennium Cross in the morning, the Mother Teresa Memorial House, and an evening at Capitol Mall (dinner, bowling, shopping).
Three days or more
Spend a half-day at Matka Canyon, then use Skopje as a base for trips around North Macedonia. A longer stay is easier with a kitchen and a washing machine.
Getting around
From Capitol Suites to the centre.
By car or taxi the centre is about 10 minutes away. A taxi to the centre costs only a few euros; hotel staff can call one for you.
City buses 5, 15 and 23 run between the Capitol Mall area and the centre (15 to 20 minutes). Parking at Capitol Suites is free on level -3, so a car is easy too.
From Skopje airport a taxi takes about 20 minutes and costs about €30. We can arrange an airport shuttle for about €40, booked in advance.
Stay close to it all. One-bedroom apartments of 72 m² with a kitchen, free underground parking and a terrace, from €65 per night.