Is North Macedonia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

North Macedonia is considered relatively safe for solo female travelers. Local residents are generally friendly and willing to help. Petty crime exists but is not rampant and is usually targeted at locals rather than tourists. Public transportation is reliable. As long as standard precautions are taken, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and being aware of your surroundings, traveling alone in North Macedonia should be a safe experience.

Safety rating

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is North Macedonia?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

North Macedonia is generally safe, but like anywhere else, a solo female traveler needs to exercise caution, especially at night. Ensure to stick to well-lit areas and stay aware of your surroundings. Try to avoid deserted streets and always make sure someone knows your whereabouts. Stay away from overly crowded and noisy areas or bars late at night. While crime rates are relatively low, petty crime like pickpocketing can happen, particularly in tourist-filled regions.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in North Macedonia, including buses and trains, is generally dependable and has average safety levels. There may be instances of overcrowding or delays that might make the journey uncomfortable. Keep an eye on your belongings as petty theft can occur, particularly in densely populated areas. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings for your personal safety.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

North Macedonia generally has a safe and respectful atmosphere towards solo females. However, like in many parts of the world, there might still be occasional unsolicited approaches or comments, usually from younger men. Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. The locals are typically friendly and helpful if you need assistance.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

North Macedonia generally offers a safe environment for travelers. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching or cellphone theft do occur, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation. However, these instances are comparably less frequent than in many other international touristic locations. As always, it is important to remain vigilant and take basic precautionary measures such as not displaying wealth unnecessarily or leaving personal belongings unattended.

Is North Macedonia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 13 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.1/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

North Macedonia, Group travel

It's been a month since I came to Macedonia and I came here with a volunteering project, so I have a house where I stay and this project covers it. The prices are not expensive here and I'm not sure there are many places to visit but it's very enjoyable to spend time with my friends. This is my first experience abroad and Macedonia will remain a special place for me. If I have to recommend a place to you, ‘Gino’ is an Italian pizza place. My friend discovered this place and we loved it. Finally, I think here its a reliable country.

Posted: February 20, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

North Macedonia, Couple travel

I didn't feel safe at first because some guy tried to rob me, and then my boyfriend's money went missing. However, the city was inexpensive, which was nice. The food was okay; everything was similar to Turkey, and that was nice too.

Posted: February 11, 2025Experienced: February, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

North Macedonia, Group travel

I felt safe every time There are many places worth seeing. Skopje, Ohrid, Bitola, Tetova. you must see The food was very delicious. I ate meatballs, it was great Since I went with a tour company, accommodation and meals were included in the price I paid. I didn't have much extra expenses either. I provided transportation by tour bus.

Posted: August 3, 2024
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0
Dilge

Dilge

North Macedonia

Skopje, Solo travel

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
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0
Megan

Megan

Singapore

Ohrid, Solo travel

Ohrid is beautiful, great for a 2 day stay. There are pay-as-you-wish day tours available to bring you around the Church of Saint John, the Ancient Macedonian theatre, Ohrid boardwalk etc. I also enjoyed the boat tour to St Naums, incredibly pretty. It’s a very small town though, so 2 days is more than enough. It is much more affordable than Western Europe, I paid around €7 for Old Town Hostel Ohrid and I ended up meeting some of the best people there! However, I am ethnically Chinese so I experienced 5 instances of racism in 3 days - eg. the local children would yell Ching Chong at me and other slurs while I was simply walking on the street. Sometimes I was followed by Romany children asking for money. Didn’t feel the safest here overall

Posted: March 22, 2024
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Balkans, Solo travel

Last year, I went on my longest solo trip (5 weeks). I chased the coasts of Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania. It was absolutely amazing and I definitely recommend it to any traveller. As a solo female traveller, I never felt awkward or scared. People are very hospitable, the food and drinks are amazing. I met many wonderful people along the way, both other travellers and locals.

Posted: February 3, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

North Macedonia, Solo travel

My stay in Macedonia lasted 5 days, I visited Skopje and Ohrid. I never felt in danger there. I even walked alone in the streets at 3 in the morning and didn't feel threatened. The prices were really good, the food tasty, and the people friendly.

Posted: December 27, 2023
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

North Macedonia, Solo travel

I highly recommend Lake Ohrid. I took part in a wine tasting in the mountains, which I also highly recommend. I also really liked Skopje, which is the capital, with charming restaurants and equally charming old town.

Posted: September 13, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Skopje, Group travel

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Skopje, Solo travel

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is North Macedonia safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 14 local experiences

Crime index

1.3 /5

Based on 14 local experiences

Skopje

Dont wear something luxurious especially when you are in Chair. While using public transport put everything in your bag and hold tight. Dont hold your phone while walking. Dont park to the places that you dont know. Dont get in taxis unless you called them from application. thats it <4

Posted: March 10, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Gözde

Gözde

North Macedonia

I felt safe while walking down the street in the morning or evening. I was safe where I spent time, I enjoyed. Many of the people I met were friendly and warm-hearted. They were benevolent. As a tourist, I never felt uncomfortable while traveling and exploring. I traveled safely

Posted: February 12, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in North Macedonia

Eliza

Eliza

About Me

just a normal person, feeling good and happy, feeling bad and sad, feeling all the feelings this world could offer, always learning from people, from experiences, from new places, i am eager to explore and live a wonderful life

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Blerta

Blerta

About Me

Hey ya'll! I'm a med student in Macedonia. Big lover of languages, mom of many cats, dreamer and always down for adventure!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in North Macedonia

Eliza

Eliza

Skopje

Can host for:

3 days

About me

just a normal person, feeling good and happy, feeling bad and sad, feeling all the feelings this world could offer, always learning from people, from experiences, from new places, i am eager to explore and live a wonderful life

Speaking

mode_comment 0
eli

eli

Skopje

Can host for:

3 days

About me

heyy my name is elii and im from north macedonia in the balkans i love love love to travel and meeting people im also vegan i am a photographer mostly concert photographer

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to North Macedonia

Tracey

Tracey

About Me

Hi there! I’m backpacking some of the Balkan countries April 4 to 20. Looking to connect with anyone with similar travel plans. Starting in Split, Croatia and moving through Trogir, Hvar, Makaraska, Mostar, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Herceg Novi, Tivat, Kotor, Budva, Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje, Canyon Matka. Probably won’t get a chance to do it all before I have to leave around April 19/20, but if anyone has similar plans or recos, feel free to connect! Super flexible with plans and activities. I typically like more local experiences than the tourist experience. I’ll mostly be busing and staying at hostels. #backpackerlife 🎒

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Tracey

Tracey

About Me

Hi there! I’m backpacking some of the Balkan countries April 4 to 20. Looking to connect with anyone with similar travel plans. Starting in Split, Croatia and moving through Trogir, Hvar, Makaraska, Mostar, Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, Herceg Novi, Tivat, Kotor, Budva, Tirana, Ohrid, Skopje, Canyon Matka. Probably won’t get a chance to do it all before I have to leave around April 19/20, but if anyone has similar plans or recos, feel free to connect! Super flexible with plans and activities. I typically like more local experiences than the tourist experience. I’ll mostly be busing and staying at hostels. #backpackerlife 🎒

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in North Macedonia