Solo Female Travel in Skopje

Enveloped by the captivating charm of the Balkan Peninsula, Skopje, the capital and largest city of North Macedonia, offers an exciting rendezvous with history, culture, and scenic beauty. Nestled by the Vardar River, Skopje boasts a rich historical lineage evident in its Ottoman- and Byzantine-era landmarks blending elegantly with its modern urban flair. The cityscape is dominated by the imposing Kale Fortress overlooking the old town, while the Old Bazaar, Europe's largest outdoor market outside Istanbul, offers an enticing walk into antiquity. The iconic Stone Bridge, standing tall since the 15th century, the colossal statue of Alexander the Great at Macedonia Square, and the contemporary architectural masterpiece that is the Mother Theresa Memorial House speak of Skopje's eclectic vibe and architectural grandeur. Culminating this aura of diversified allure is the picturesque Matka Canyon, a haven for nature lovers.

Travel rating

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Travel index

Safety:Safe

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.

Transport:Easy

Skopje is relatively easy to navigate. The city has a good network of bus services that cover the city and its suburbs. Fare is quite affordable and buses are usually reliable. Taxis are also plentiful, convenient, and also reasonably priced. Most of the key tourist attractions are within walking distance if you stay in the city center. However, slight language barrier can be a minor issue, and some areas might lack proper pedestrian infrastructure.

Things to do:Interesting

A stunning blend of old and new, Skopje is truly fascinating. Its unique combination of Ottoman and European architectural styles makes it visually vibrant. The Old Bazaar is packed with shops for stumble-upon discoveries, while the city center boasts a range of museums, statues, and grand buildings like the enormous Macedonia Square. Historical sites such as the Kale Fortress and the beautiful Orthodox Church of the Ascension of Jesus, in addition to the modern Art Bridge, are other highlight attractions. Nature enthusiasts can hike up Mount Vodno or explore the beautiful Matka Canyon. What it lacks slightly is in the nightlife scene with a less buzz compared to major cities.

Food:Above average

The food in Skopje is generally good and diverse. North Macedonia’s cuisine is a delightful mix of Mediterranean and Turkish influences with a variety of dishes that can cater to different tastes. You'll find hearty meat dishes, delicious pastries, and scrumptious vegetarian options. Freshly caught fish from the local rivers or lakes is another common addition to the platter. The local wine and beer selections further enrich the dining experience. Although the food is generally of high quality, some might find the options limited if they follow specific dietary needs or restrictions.

Budget:Very affordable

Skopje is an incredibly budget-friendly destination. The cost of living is quite low compared to other European cities. You can get around the city with public transport for a minimal fee and taxis are also affordable. Eating out won't break the bank as local meals in casual restaurants or street food are inexpensive. Similarly, accommodation options are varied and can suit all budgets, from hostels to comfortable and reasonably priced hotels. The city also boasts numerous free attractions and sightseeing spots that you can explore without spending a dime.

Is Skopje worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.8 /5

based on 5 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

3.4/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5
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
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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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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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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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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
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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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
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 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. 😺 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! 🙋🏻‍♀️

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...

Speaking

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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. 😺 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! 🙋🏻‍♀️

Speaking

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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

Speaking

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