Lakes, Spomeniks & Old Bazaars: The Perfect North Macedonia Itinerary (7-10 Days)

The perfect North Macedonia itinerary for first-time visitors – including the best things to do in North Macedonia in 7-10 days, detailed transport instructions for getting around, and other helpful travel tips.

A quirky destination even by Balkan standards, North Macedonia will go down as one of my most memorable travel experiences of all time.

I spent just under a month in North Macedonia as part of a half-year journey around the region by bus and train.

Before I arrived, I imagined it as a country with an identity crisis. By the time I left, I had caught a glimpse of the history and started to appreciate why people have fought so hard to hold onto their heroes, their culture, and their name.

It’s easy to write North Macedonia off as odd or eccentric or an outlier. But I see its nonconformity as a mark of free-spiritedness (and maybe stubbornness). North Macedonia does its own thing. From a traveller’s perspective, this makes it a truly unique place to visit.

---

My North Macedonia itinerary follows the exact route we followed on our trip, distilled into a much shorter timeframe. It’s designed for first-time visitors who want to check off the highlights and venture to a couple of lesser-known spots as well.

It takes you from the streets of Skopje, where neo-neoclassical monuments almost outnumber people, to the sparkling Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia’s most popular attraction. You’ll experience the small town of Krusevo, the region’s highest settlement where time stands still, and contrast that with the bustling ‘European-style’ city of Bitola in the country’s far south.

Along the way, you’ll visit spomeniks (Yugoslavian war monuments), abandoned churches, outstanding mosques, sprawling Old Bazaars where traders craft leather shoes and other homespun treasures, hammams that have been transformed into art galleries and wine bars, and Roman ruins as old as the hills.

There will be brutalist architecture, vintage cars, lots and lots of delicious Macedonian food, and perhaps more history than you can handle.

Planning a trip to North Macedonia?

– For more things to do, don’t skip my dedicated guides to Skopje, Bitola, Krusevo and Tetovo.
– For more travel tips and inspiration, my North Macedonia Travel Page has all my posts in one place.
– If you love road tripping, don’t miss my Balkans road trip planner for suggested routes around the region.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

---

North Macedonia itinerary essentials

First things first, here are my tips for planning the perfect North Macedonia itinerary.

Do you need a visa?

North Macedonia’s visa policy is similar to the Schengen countries (although it is not included in the Schengen Area). Citizens of 85 countries (including Australia, the UK and the US) can visit North Macedonia visa-free for up to 90 days.

Some nationalities (including most countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa) are required to apply for a visa in advance.

I recommend using iVisa to check if you need a visa and to apply for an expedited visa online.

Where to start your North Macedonia itinerary

I recommend starting your North Macedonia adventure in the capital, Skopje. Not only is this the country’s main transport hub, it’s also the cultural centre and a good place to dip your toes into all things North Macedonia before diving into the smaller cities and towns.

There are regular flights from across Europe to Skopje International Airport. To avoid confusion with taxis (there are no taxi apps like Uber in North Macedonia), it’s a good idea to book your airport transfer into the city in advance.

It’s also possible to arrive in Skopje overland from Kosovo, Serbia, Albania or Bulgaria by coach. Check Balkan Viator for schedules and fares, and always confirm in person at the bus station before you travel.

If you’re coming overland from Greece, it makes more sense to start in Bitola – in which case you can easily reverse this North Macedonia itinerary and finish in Skopje instead.

How many days in North Macedonia?

I think 7 to 10 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in North Macedonia.

The country is small and transport connections quite good, so if you’re just wanting to visit Skopje and Lake Ohrid for example, you could reasonably spend as little as 3 days in North Macedonia.

I lingered a bit longer than usual and spent just under a month in North Macedonia, including a full week in Skopje, a full week in Ohrid, and another fortnight on the road.

The Macedonia itinerary I’ve designed is for one week of travel, which I think is the sweet spot. I’ve also included a range of itinerary additions so you have plenty of options for extending your trip.

When is the best time to visit North Macedonia?

It depends on your interests. Cities such as Skopje and Bitola are great in any season. If you want to go hiking in Macedonia and visit the country’s national parks and high-altitude villages, late spring or summer is best.

Fall is ideal to indulge in the wine harvest season, and in winter, there are several ski resorts that open up across the country.

We visited North Macedonia in the month of May. The weather was perfect, everything was open, and it wasn’t too crowded either.

Where to stay in North Macedonia

The most popular type of accommodation across North Macedonia is the ‘apartment’ – essentially a self-contained apartment, usually with an ensuite bathroom and either a shared or private kitchen, set inside a complex or family property.

Most of the larger cities also have hostels, but you’ll often find that apartments are better value for money.

Airbnb is also very popular in North Macedonia and a good choice for budget travellers, especially in Skopje.

I’ve included specific accommodation suggestions for each destination (including links to the places where we stayed) in the itinerary below.

Getting around by bus

The easiest way to move around North Macedonia is by bus. Cities and larger towns are serviced by coaches, while vans are used in small towns and villages.

Because the country is so compact, you get just about anywhere in under 4 hours. Skopje to Bitola is the longest journey you’re likely to take, coming in at around 3 hours.

We used buses to travel around North Macedonia and apart from a few minor timetable hiccups, we had no issues. I recommend confirming schedules ahead of time in person at the bus station whenever possible, as times displayed online are often incorrect (yes, that includes here – but I do my best to keep things updated!).

You’ll find detailed transport instructions for each destination in the itinerary below.

Hiring a car in North Macedonia

If it’s within your budget, hiring a car is a great option. I didn’t drive in North Macedonia personally, but from my experience travelling around by bus, I think the roads are in good condition generally and the driving style is pretty tame by regional standards. There are mountainous roads where you’ll need to take extra care.

I suggest using the Discover Cars website to explore your options and find the best price on a rental. They aggregate a good range of manual and auto transmission cars from international hire companies, with the option to pick up a car in either Skopje, Bitola, Ohrid or Tetovo.

Compare prices for a rental car in North Macedonia using Discover Cars.

How much to budget for your trip

North Macedonia, like most other countries in the Balkans, is an extremely affordable travel destination by European standards.

• Budget traveller: 20-30 USD/day (hostel, buses, local meals)
• Mid-range: 30-50 USD/day (guesthouse or Airbnb, buses & taxis, restaurant meals)
• All-out: 50-100 USD/day (boutique hotel, taxis & private transfers, restaurant meals)

---

Perfect 7-day North Macedonia itinerary

Skopje – Krusevo – Lake Ohrid – Bitola

Here is my ideal base itinerary for a week in North Macedonia. Later I’ll run through suggested extras if you want to expand your itinerary to 10 days or more.

True to my travel style, this itinerary focuses on culture, history, wine and cuisine. There are lots of hiking and outdoor adventure activities on offer in North Macedonia, but my itinerary favours small towns and cities over national parks (although there are a few day trips mentioned).

Because of this, you could happily do this itinerary in any season.

Day 1: Start your Macedonia itinerary in Skopje

Torn apart by an earthquake in 1963 that destroyed 80% of the city, Skopje was later rebuilt in a socialist-brutalist image befitting the era. Then came Skopje 2014, an ambitious project to beautify the city by installing a series of classical facades, monuments and sculptures.

Maybe Skopje is a Potemkin village. Or maybe the new look is exactly what the city needed and deserved. Beautiful or kitsch, grand or contrived – however you judge Skopje, there’s no getting past the fact that this is a capital like no other.

Beyond the truly bizarre mix of architectural styles, Skopje also holds a truly fascinating blend of cultures, religions and traditions within its boundaries. As you traverse the Vardar River that divides the city in two, you toe the line between the twin Skopjes: One was carefully planned out by the Ottomans and still runs at the same pace it did under the Empire, while the ‘New Skopje’ – the fantasy socialist modernist futuristic neoclassical city of futures past – is a more ad-hoc, slower-paced city of outdoor cafes, open plazas and parks.

My advice: Don’t hold on too firmly to your first impressions of Skopje. Give it some time to settle in before deciding whether you love it or loathe it. (And if you find yourself falling towards the latter, try taking a city tour with a local guide – that will surely swing your opinion.)

Things to do in Skopje

• Explore the Old Bazaar: The oldest part of the city (the only area spared by the earthquake) conforms to a classic Ottoman city plan, with curled rows of shopfronts, huge stone Silk Road caravanserais, domed hammams, and more beautiful mosques than you can count.

For more, check out my DIY walking tour of Skopje Old Bazaar.

• Macedonia Square & ‘New Skopje’: Marvel at the monuments and sculpted facades added to the city as part of the Skopje 2014 project.

• Eat Macedonian cuisine: Visit any of the cool kafanas (old-school cafes) to try North Macedonian specialities such as tavce gravce.

• Kale Fortress: Climb the walls of Skopje’s fortress for a panoramic view of the city.

Discover more of the city: My guide to the 21 best things to do in Skopje.

Where to stay in Skopje

I recommend staying at an Airbnb in the Debar Maalo neighbourhood of Skopje. This is the city’s bohemian area (read: lots of coffee shops and kafanas) and it has a great vibe. This is where we based ourselves for our one-week stay in Skopje.

If you prefer a hotel, these properties are all centrally located:

• Budget hostel: Get Inn Skopje Hostel
• Mid-range hotel: Hotel Fama or Hotel Arka
• Boutique hotel: View Inn Boutique Hotel

---

Day 2: Take a day trip from Skopje

There are plenty of full and half-day trip options available from Skopje. These range from easy 1-hour side trips that you can do by public bus, all the way to international day tours.

If you’re interested in visiting Kosovo from Skopje, it’s possible to pop up to Prishtina and Prizren in a day by joining a guided tour.

Day trip from Skopje to Matka Canyon

If you want to escape the concrete jungle and get a hit of green, Matka Canyon is the most accessible nature area near Skopje. It takes less than an hour to reach the canyon by city bus.

Once there, you can hike along the canyon walls, visit the caves and small monasteries, and hire a boat to take you out on Matka Lake, an artificial lake set within the canyon. When we visited, we paid 400 denars (approx. 8 USD) for a 40-minute trip on the water.

If I’m completely honest, I found Matka Canyon a bit disappointing. The setting is beautiful, but it’s very touristy (and I imagine even more so in the summer months). 

If you plan on eating lunch near the canyon, do your research first. We popped into one of the larger restaurants near the car park for a coffee, and it was the worst cup of coffee I’ve ever had in my life. This definitely tarred my experience of Matka, ha!

Matka Canyon is roughly 25km (45 minutes by bus) from Skopje. To get there, you can take bus #60 from the main bus station in Skopje. Note that you’ll need to purchase a rechargeable Skopska card to pay the fare (cash is not accepted).

Day trip from Skopje to Tetovo

My preferred day trip from Skopje is the city of Tetovo, home to the most beautiful mosque in North Macedonia (IMO), a Dervish teke, and a totally charming, laid-back main street.

Tetovo gives you a taste of small-town Macedonia. I really enjoyed walking the main street, browsing the local market and eating at one of the buzzing cafes there. The mosque itself is stunning inside and out and is reason enough to travel to Tetovo.

We spent several hours in the mosque compound taking in all the hand-painted details, then another 2 hours drinking tea with the spiritual leader at the teke who taught us all about Dervish culture and traditions before inviting us to spend the night at his sister teke in Albania (sadly we never made it).

Tetovo is located 42km (roughly 1 hour by bus) west of Skopje. To get there, take a city bus from the main bus station. This time you can pay the fare in cash at the counter before you board.

Day trip from Skopje to Stobi Winery

If you want a taste of North Macedonia’s emerging wine scene, I recommend taking a day trip to Stobi, one of the country’s biggest wineries. Stobi is located in the town of Gradsko, south of Skopje.

Note that there will be more wineries later in this North Macedonia itinerary, notably Ciflik Winery, which is located on the outskirts of Bitola.

Stobi is 80km (roughly 1 hour by road) from Skopje. Public transport connections are limited, so for convenience, I highly recommend visiting as part of an organised day tour. This four-hour itinerary includes a tour of the wine-making facilities, a degustation of four wines, plus door to door transfers from your accommodation in Skopje.

---

Days 3 & 4: Continue to the mountain town of Krusevo

For a change of scenery and a change of pace, head to Krusevo, North Macedonia’s highest mountain settlement. This town doesn’t make it onto many North Macedonian itineraries and that’s a great shame, because it’s by far my favourite place in the country.

Within North Macedonia, Krusevo is commonly associated with the Ilinden Uprising, a grassroots rebel movement that pitted Macedonians against the region’s Ottoman rulers. The battle was bloody, and the independence they achieved was short-lived, but their legacy has been long-lasting.

Krusevo is a peaceful, tight-knit town of vertiginous stone streets, beautifully decorated private houses, another Old Bazaar (you’ll see this is a recurring feature of all North Macedonian towns) and small museums, with a wild and beautiful landscape right on its doorstep.

How to travel from Skopje to Krusevo

There are at least three daily direct vans to Krusevo departing from the main bus station in Skopje. Travel time is roughly 3 hours. At the time of our trip, a ticket to Krusevo from Skopje cost 430 denars (approx. 8.30 USD) per person.

Another option is to transit through Prilep, the nearest ‘big city’ to Krusevo. There are frequent vans between Skopje and Prilep and Prilep and Krusevo.

Things to do in Krusevo 

• The Ilinden Monument (Makedonia): Spot the spomenik from afar, then venture inside for a closer look. Built during Yugoslav times to honour those who fought in the Ilinden Uprising and in WWII, it’s since been lovingly restored.

• Krusevo’s craftspeople: As you pace the streets and stone stairs of the Old Bazaar, pop into the small shops to meet the craftspeople who hand-made lokum, wooden barrels and snow sleds, among other things, according to age-old traditions.

• Hiking, paragliding & skiing: Venture towards the plains and mountains surrounding Krusevo for hiking and paragliding in the warmer months. In winter, Krusevo becomes a skiing and snowboarding destination.

Experience the best of Krusevo: My detailed Krusevo guide.

Where to stay in Krusevo

If you want to stay right in the heart of the old town, an apartment rental is the best way to go. We spent three nights at On Top Apartments, a very comfortable one-bedroom apartment with a shared kitchen, tidy ensuite bathroom, and best of all, a spacious private balcony with an amazing outlook over the entire town.

Find more apartment options in Krusevo on Booking.com.

---

Days 5 & 6: Relax at Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid is the symbol of North Macedonian tourism and a can’t-miss in the Balkans. Shared with Albania, this is the only inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Macedonia and one of only a few dozen anywhere in the world to be included on both the Cultural and Natural lists.

Ohrid’s cobalt waters are a mecca for international and domestic tourists alike. The town of Ohrid is an obvious place to base your stay. It boasts a charming Old Town and a buzzing ‘tourist centre’ filled with restaurants, wine bars and shops.

There are lots of alternative (read: quieter) towns and villages around the lake if you want something less chaotic. If I had my time again, I would probably choose a smaller town – I found Ohrid a bit too touristy and crowded for my taste (I can only imagine how busy it is in the summer high season).

I couldn’t imagine skipping it though as it’s definitely one of the highlights of the region.

How to travel from Krusevo to Ohrid

There are no direct vans from Krusevo to Ohrid as far as I’m aware, so the best option is to transit through Prilep. This first leg takes 30-60 minutes depending on the service and costs 110 denars (approx. 2 USD) per person. From Prilep, you can find a direct coach to Ohrid (2 hours).

Another option is to take a van from Krusevo to Bitola (1 hour; 120 denars) then continue from Bitola to Ohrid (1.5 hours; 190 denars). This is what we did when we travelled to Ohrid (mainly because we missed the Prilep bus).

I recommend double checking the schedule at the bus station in Krusevo – times are displayed on the window and the English-speaking attendant is quite helpful.

Things to do in Ohrid

• St. John the Theologian Church: Walk the Ohrid Boardwalk for a photo of the iconic church on the peninsula (pictured above).

• Explore the lake by boat: The full-day cruise down to St. Naum Monastery where the lake meets the Albanian border is a popular choice. We paid 600 denars (approx. 12 USD) per person when we travelled. From St. Naum, you can take a smaller boat on Black Drim’s Springs or just walk around the swampy landscape in search of smaller chapels. Don’t miss the Holy Mother of God church, which features a Holy Trout Pool cut from the church floor.

• Ancient Theatre of Ohrid: The city’s most impressive Greco-Roman archaeological site.

• Old Town Ohrid: Wander amongst the grand houses set on cobbled streets. If you’ve travelled around the region, the architecture will take you straight back to Plovdiv and Berat.

• Drive or cycle around the lake: You can even skip into Albania for an affordable fish lunch. The village of Lin on the Albanian side of the lake is a must-see.

More things to do in Ohrid: I recommend this Lake Ohrid guide.

Where to stay in Ohrid

There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from around Lake Ohrid. If your main priority is to spend time around the lake, I recommend basing your stay in Ohrid town.

We stayed in an Airbnb in the suburbs of Ohrid, a short walk from the Old Town. There are lots of Airbnbs available at competitive prices, so if you want something self-contained, this might be a good option for you.

More options in Ohrid:

• Budget hostel: Old Town Hostel Ohrid
• Mid-range guesthouse: Guest House Ohrid Trpeski
• Luxury self-contained apartment: Villa Varosh or Villa Ohrid

---

Day 7: Finish up in Bitola

Final stop on your North Macedonia itinerary is the nation’s second-largest city, Bitola. We chose to end our trip in Bitola for strategic reasons: This is the gateway to Northern Greece for those continuing overland, or an easy transit point back to Skopje for anyone flying home. For more details about onward travel from Bitola, see the next section below.

I really loved Bitola, especially as a contrast to Skopje. It has a similarly laid-out Old Bazaar and a comparable number of beautiful mosques, but combined with a certain ‘European elegance’ that apparently comes from the Ottoman period when Bitola was home to a number of European consuls. The cafe culture here is strong, as is the preference for pizza.

The real star of Bitola, though, is Heraclea Lyncestis. The earliest iteration of the city was founded by Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century BC and later ruled by the Romans. Today it’s an open-air archaeological site on the edge of Bitola that boasts a stunning theatre and a set of world-renowned Byzantine floor mosaics.

How to travel from Ohrid to Bitola

There are frequent buses between Ohrid and Bitola departing throughout the day. Travel time is around 1.5 hours. We paid 210 denars (approx. 4 USD) per person for our tickets.

Things to do in Bitola

• Heraclea Lyncestis: An afternoon at the famous archaeological site on the southern edge of the city is a must. Follow it up with a visit to the Bitola Museum, where you can see pottery and jewellery unearthed during the various digs.

• Shirok Sokak: Amble down Bitola’s pedestrian street, a lively cafe and restaurant precinct fringed with beautiful European facades.

• Bitola Old Bazaar & City Market: One last Old Bazaar! Bitola’s is especially cute, with charming corner buildings and Ottoman fountains. It’s a lot less lively than the one in Skopje, but there is a cool wine bar inside (see my guide below for the location). The produce market is also a must-see.

• Magnolia Square: Bitola’s main square, framed by a clocktower on one side and a mosque’s minaret on the other.

More Bitola recommendations: Don’t miss my detailed Bitola city guide.

Where to stay in Bitola

We stayed two nights at guesthouse El Greco, a budget-friendly family run place set above a cafe on Bitola’s main street. Rooms are simple and comfy, and the staff are incredibly helpful, especially with organising transfers to Greece.

More options in Bitola:

• Boutique hotel: Hotel Theatre
• Luxury hotel: Grand Central Hotel
• Luxury apartment: Robevski Luxury Rooms

---

Extend your itinerary: Other places to visit in North Macedonia

If you have more time, you might want to consider adding one or more of these alternative destinations to your travel itinerary.

Pelister National Park – add 1 day

Pelister National Park and Baba Mountain are right on the edge of Bitola, making this an easy day trip or overnight addition to the end of your itinerary. The area is known for its day hiking trails, abundant flora, and the alpine Big Lake.

If you want to stay close to the park, I recommend Villa ORKA cabin apartment.

Mavrovo National Park & lake – add 2 or 3 days

North Macedonia’s largest national park, Mavrovo is located around 2 hours by bus from Skopje, close to the Albanian border. Private day tours from Skopje are available, but I would suggest spending a few nights inside the park to make the most of it.

As well as remote hiking trails and delightful alpine cabins, the park boasts a rather impressive lake with a half-sunken church in the middle (pictured above).

Veles – add 1 day

Before Veles made the news in 2019 for a rather unusual reason, it was a picturesque city defined by a distinctive bridge and red-roofed houses cascading down a hillside. Well, I’m sure it still is.

I’m still kicking myself for skipping Veles – it looks exactly like the kind of small city I’d love to explore at my usual snail’s pace. It’s located right in the middle of the country, only 50km from Skopje. I would suggest stopping here on your way from Skopje to Krusevo.

My friend Kami has spent time in Veles and wrote this excellent guide

---

Onward travel from North Macedonia

If your flight home is departing from the capital, you can simply loop back to Skopje from Bitola by bus (2.5-3 hours journey time).

If you’re travelling on, you have the option to continue overland to Northern Greece and Thessaloniki by taxi and train. Here are detailed transport instructions for crossing the border into Greece from Bitola.

Alternatively, you can travel from Bitola to Albania, starting with the lovely city of Korca, or head back to Skopje to travel north to Prishtina or Sofia.

---