North Macedonia was the first country I visited during my recent trip to the Balkan states. It is not a well-known destination among tourists, but my experience was quite pleasant and positive.
The country has a mix of history, nature, beautiful lakes and interesting towns. It is also relatively affordable compared to many Western European countries. During my visit, I explored the capital city of Skopje, visited the beautiful Matka Canyon and took a day trip to Ohrid.
Here is my North Macedonia travel experience, along with some practical tips that may help you plan your trip.
Arriving in Skopje
I landed in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, by flight. The airport was quite small for a capital city, and flight connections were limited compared to larger European airports. However, the most important things worked well. Immigration was smooth, and baggage delivery was quick. Schengen visa allowed me to enter the country without the need of any country specific visa.
After collecting my luggage, I planned to exchange a small amount of money at the airport. However, there was a long queue at the exchange counter, and I had to leave to catch the airport bus.
Thankfully, the bus accepted Euros, and the ticket cost me around €4 at the time of my visit. The airport bus is a convenient way to reach the city, but its frequency is limited. Missing a bus can mean a long wait, so it is better to check the timetable in advance. You can find the current schedule on the official airport shuttle bus website.
From the central bus station, I took another bus to reach my guesthouse. Although the route was marked on Google Maps, I had difficulty finding the correct bus. Fortunately, a local Samaritan helped me locate it!
I had installed the Skopje bus mobile app to make payments, and it worked well. I did not use a taxi during my stay, although I had installed the Global Taxi app as a backup. Other taxi apps I tried did not work, mainly because they had issues with Indian mobile numbers.
Currency and Payments in North Macedonia
The official currency of North Macedonia is the Macedonian Denar (MKD). Although some tourist-oriented businesses may accept Euros, I would recommend carrying local currency for everyday expenses.
During my trip, I found that cash was particularly useful at Matka Canyon and Ohrid. The boat operators at these destinations accepted cash, so it is better to keep some Denars/Euros handy.
My North Macedonia Itinerary
I spent around two and a half days exploring North Macedonia, using Skopje as my base for most of the trip. I kept the itinerary simple and booked day trips through GetYourGuide, which worked well for me.
My itinerary was as follows:
- Day 1: Arrived in Skopje and explored the city.
- Day 2: Half-day trip to Matka Canyon, followed by sightseeing in Skopje in the evening.
- Day 3: Day trip to Ohrid.
- Day 4: Early morning bus to Tirana, Albania.
This itinerary allowed me to cover the main highlights without changing accommodation.
However, if I were to plan this trip again, I would stay in Ohrid for a day or two instead of visiting it on a day trip. Ohrid is known for its beautiful lake, historic old town and churches. Spending more time there would allow me to explore the town at a relaxed pace.
Practical Travel Tips for North Macedonia
Here are a few things I learnt during my visit that may be useful when planning your trip.
Flights and Connectivity
Skopje has international flight connections, but the options may be limited depending on your departure city and travel dates. If you are planning a Balkan trip, it is worth comparing flights to Tirana in Albania and Belgrade in Serbia as well.
I travelled onward to Tirana by bus, which made it convenient to combine North Macedonia with other Balkan countries.
Vegetarian Food
Finding vegetarian food was not a major issue during my visit. However, I did not find any Indian restaurants in Skopje.
You can look for vegetarian-friendly local dishes, salads, vegetable-based meals and bakery items. As always, it is worth confirming the ingredients, especially if you avoid meat-based stocks or sauces.
Language and Cyrillic Script
North Macedonia uses the Cyrillic alphabet, and understanding a few letters can be helpful when reading street signs, bus information and place names.
Google Maps is useful for navigation, but being able to recognise common names in Cyrillic can make travelling around the country easier.
Cost of Travel
North Macedonia is generally more affordable than many Western European destinations. Accommodation, food and local transport can be reasonably priced, making it a good option for budget-conscious travellers.
Summary: Is North Macedonia Worth Visiting?
I had a pleasant experience visiting North Macedonia. Although it may not be as popular as some other European destinations, it offers a good combination of history, natural beauty and affordable travel.
Skopje is a convenient base for exploring the capital and visiting Matka Canyon, while Ohrid deserves more time if you enjoy historic towns and lakeside scenery.
For anyone planning a Balkan trip, North Macedonia is worth considering, especially if you want to explore destinations beyond the usual European tourist circuit. It also fits well into a multi-country itinerary covering Albania, Serbia and other Balkan countries.
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