Is Skopje safe for solo female travelers?

Skopje is, generally speaking, a safe city for solo female travelers. Locals are usually friendly and willing to help. The city center is well lit and busy even at night. However, as in any city in the world, there exists some petty crime like pickpocketing, particularly in crowded places, as well as occasional reports of street harassment. It's important to remain aware of your surroundings and follow general safety precautions, such as not displaying valuable items in public and avoiding deserted areas at night.

Safety rating

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How safe is Skopje?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Skopje, the capital city of North Macedonia, is considered relatively safe for solo travel. However, as with any destination, it is important to practice caution, especially during night hours. Instances of pickpocketing or minor thefts can occur in crowded areas. It is recommended to avoid visiting isolated or poorly lit areas alone at night. Using reliable local taxi services or staying in high trafficked areas can help increase personal safety. Always listen to your intuition, and keep your belongings secure and close to your body.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Skopje is generally safe. Buses can be crowded during peak hours, but instances of theft or harassment are relatively low. The tickets are inexpensive and the system is user-friendly, even for tourists. Nonetheless, it's advisable to be cautious about your belongings, especially in crowded situations, and avoid late-night commuting if possible.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Skopje overall feels safe for solo female travelers. Occurrences of street harassment are quite low. Mostly, people are friendly and helpful. It is always advisable to practice the usual safety precautions, particularly during the night or in the less crowded areas. Avoid unnecessary attention and respect local customs. Always be aware of your belongings to avoid pickpocketing or theft.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Skopje is generally a safe city for solo female travelers with minimal occurrence of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing or bag snatching. The city center and touristic areas are well monitored. However, it's always good to be cautious and aware of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas, like markets or public transportation.
Tap water:

Tap water:Moderate

Tap water in Skopje is generally considered safe for drinking, however, it is advisable to consume bottled water, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. The tap water quality can vary, depending on where you are in the city. Hence, to avoid any potential health issues, opting for bottled water is recommended.

Is Skopje safe to travel?

4.1 /5

Based on 5 experiences

Dilge

Dilge (21)

North Macedonia

Solo travel experience

First of all, I have to say that it is a very cute little Balkan city. I went to the Chinese restaurant and the ambiance and food were very nice. There is a bridge that divides the country into two parts. On one side, there are sidewalks from the Ottoman period. The part of the city we call the old town is where you can see many Turkish restaurants and cafes. Of course, you can also see many traces from the Ottoman period. The other part is in a completely European order, as if there are two different countries in the same city. A safe and beautiful city

Posted: April 1, 2024Experienced: March, 2024
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Solo travel experience

Skopje is a very interesting city. You can walk through the entire city. I felt very safe despite the attention. The bazaar was quite nice. I participated in a free city walk and spent time at Alexander Square. Shopping in Skopje was also quite good.

Posted: April 9, 2023
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Solo travel experience

To do: - Alexander the Great's Monument - Skopje Fortress - Matka Canyon - One-day trip to Kosovo Safety: I felt very safe. Recommendations: Skopje is a really interesting city, and the center looks like an amusement park.

Posted: September 6, 2022
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Solo travel experience

To do: - Matka Canyon - Old Bazaar - Skopje Fortress - Stone Bridge - Mother Teresa Memorial House - Millennium Cross Safety: It is a very safe city. Recommendations: Skopje is a really cool small city, with numerous monuments and grand buildings. The food is also very good and cheap.

Posted: August 30, 2022
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Is Skopje safe right now?

Before your visit to Skopje, it's essential to check travel advisories for North Macedonia, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
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United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States Government advises exercising normal precautions in North Macedonia. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
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Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian Government advises taking normal security precautions in North Macedonia. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 19, 2024
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Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises exercising normal safety precautions in North Macedonia. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: February 21, 2024

Is Skopje worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.8 /5

based on 5 experiences

Group travel experience

This time of the year the weather was rainy and a bit cold. If you like warm weather I would recommend not coming in April. City center is very nice, lots of things to see and the restaurants in the city center are amazing with excellent food.

Posted: May 22, 2023Experienced: March, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Skopje

Meet local women in Skopje who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Hatice

Hatice

About Me

Hello, I'm a Turkish girl living in Skopje with my family, including my husband and our cat daughter. ๐Ÿ˜บ I would like to make friends from all around the world who are animal lovers and have no prejudices. That's it. I'm here! ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ

Speaking

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Dian

Dian

About Me

I organize weekly events every Sunday, bringing together expats, travelers and locals who share a passion for connecting, making new acquaintances, and engaging in captivating conversations about diverse cultures. I like traveling and meeting new people, sharing tips, language exchanges...

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Stay with locals in Skopje

Stay with local women in Skopje who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Hatice

Hatice

Skopje

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, I'm a Turkish girl living in Skopje with my family, including my husband and our cat daughter. ๐Ÿ˜บ I would like to make friends from all around the world who are animal lovers and have no prejudices. That's it. I'm here! ๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ

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Milena

Milena

Skopje

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I'm Milena and I'm interested in culture, languages, nature, books, art and solo travel

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Safety in North Macedonia