November 4, 2026, 2:53 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Capitals are among the most popular travel destinations for international visitors worldwide. Often, people think of cities like romantic Paris, the metropolis of Berlin, or Rome with its delicious Italian dishes. But beautiful capitals are not only found in Central Europe. One metropolis, in particular, is considered an underrated insider tip. Find out which city it is and why a trip is worthwhile here.
North Macedonia has more to offer than Lake Ohrid
North Macedonia is often associated with Lake Ohrid, which lies between Albania and North Macedonia. As beautiful as the lake is, North Macedonia has much more to offer, especially its capital, Skopje.
According to the official tourism website of North Macedonia, “macedoniatourism,” about 500,000 people live in the metropolis. It is located in close proximity to Kosovo, and the Vardar River flows right through it. Macedonian is spoken locally–however, tourists need not worry about communication difficulties, as Albanian and English are also common languages.
The Controversial Macedonia Square
The most important landmark in Skopje is Macedonia Square, also known as “Makedonija-Platz.” You could say all roads in the capital lead to the square, making it the center of the metropolis.
The square is particularly impressive because of the grandiose figures placed on it. Especially striking is a figure in the middle of the square depicting a horse and its rider. As reported by the University of Mannheim, the monumental equestrian statue on Macedonia Square sparks discussions. Although it is officially called “Warrior on a Horse,” it unmistakably depicts Alexander the Great, the former king of Macedonia. This is particularly contentious because both Greece and North Macedonia claim the historical heritage of ancient Macedonia.
A Walk Over “Kamen Most” to the Old Bazaar
Right at Macedonia Square, the historic stone bridge “Kamen Most” crosses the Vardar River. It connects the modern center of Skopje with the Old Bazaar and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The current bridge dates back to the Ottoman era and still forms an important link between the two very different sides of the capital.
Crossing the stone bridge practically lands you directly in Stara Čaršija, the Old Bazaar of Skopje. Among small alleys are traditional shops, cafes, restaurants, mosques, and historical buildings from the city’s Ottoman past. The contrast to the monumental Macedonia Square on the other side of the Vardar makes this part of Skopje impressive and worth seeing.
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The Kale Fortress Offers a View Over Skopje
Above the Old Bazaar is the Kale Fortress, whose origins, according to the tourism website “tourismattractions,” date back to the 6th century. From the preserved walls, there is a wide view over Skopje and the Vardar River. Additionally, due to its location, a visit to the fortress can be easily combined with a tour of the Old Bazaar.
And from Mount Vodno, you also have a wonderful view over Skopje. On the mountain above the city stands the large Millennium Cross, built in 2002. It is one of the largest cross structures in the world and is a well-known landmark of the region around Skopje. You can reach the mountain either by cable car or alternatively on foot.
In the Footsteps of Mother Teresa
Another attraction is just a few minutes’ walk from Macedonia Square. The Mother Teresa Memorial House in Skopje commemorates the fact that the future nun and Nobel Peace Prize laureate was born in the city. The memorial house is now one of the well-known cultural attractions of the North Macedonian capital.
Inside, visitors can learn more about various stages of her life. The exhibition traces her journey from childhood in Skopje to her later work as a missionary. On display are personal memorabilia, documents, and awards. Also included in the exhibition, according to Tripadvisor, are Mother Teresa’s typical white sari with blue stripes and a copy of her baptismal certificate. Above the gallery is also a small chapel where Catholic services are held.