Skopje Between Sessions
Skopje rewards curiosity. Whether you have thirty minutes before dinner or a whole extra day, here is how the NOVA community would spend it.
If you have 30 minutes
Right outside the Marriott
Macedonia Square
The city's main meeting place and the best spot to get your bearings.
Off Macedonia Square
The Stone Bridge
The symbol of Skopje and the inspiration for the CEESA 2027 conference identity. It links the modern center with the old town across the Vardar River.
Just across the bridge
The first streets of the Old Bazaar
The first streets of the Old Bazaar begin just across the Stone Bridge, offering a glimpse of this historic part of the city.
A few hours after the conference
Across the Stone Bridge
The Old Bazaar
One of the largest in the Balkans, with mosques, museums, galleries, craft shops and traditional restaurants packed into its lanes.
Above the bazaar
Kale Fortress
Walls dating back to the 6th century and wide views over the city and the Vardar River.
Along Macedonia Street
Memorial House of Mother Teresa and the Old Railway Station Clock
From Macedonia Square, walk along Macedonia Street, with coffee bars and statues to admire along the way.
Memorial House open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00
Just across the Stone Bridge
Museum of the Macedonian Struggle for Independence
The story of the country's path to independence, a few steps into the old town.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00
One free evening
Outside the Marriott
Macedonia Square at night
Restaurants and coffee bars all around the square, with plenty of options to stop for a meal or a coffee.
About 15 min west
Debar Maalo
A leafy neighborhood near the City Park, lined with cafés and traditional restaurants, and a local favorite for dinner.
Near the Old Railway Station
Diamond Mall
Shopping and a gourmet food area.
Near NOVA
City Mall
A wide range of shopping, close to NOVA International School.
If you have half a day
Cable car or hike
Vodno and the Millennium Cross
Take the cable car or hike up Mount Vodno for the best panorama of Skopje. The 66 meter cross stands at the top. Check that the cable car is running before you go.
15 min walk west
City Park
The largest park in Skopje, along the Vardar River, with the Debar Maalo neighborhood close by.
About 2.5 km northwest
Skopje Aqueduct
One of the best preserved aqueducts in the region.
Staying an extra day
About 15 km from the center
Matka Canyon
Dramatic cliffs, a lake, boat trips to Vrelo Cave and medieval monasteries. One of the most beautiful places near Skopje, and it can easily fill a day. Go early to beat the crowds.
On Mount Vodno
Macedonian Village (Makedonsko Selo)
A traditional village complex just outside Skopje, with houses in the styles of different regions of the country, craft workshops and local cuisine in a peaceful setting.
Southwest of the country
Lake Ohrid
A UNESCO World Heritage site and the classic longer trip if you can extend your stay.
CEESA may offer optional city tours. Details will be shared closer to the conference.
Photos: Memorial House of Mother Teresa and the Old Railway Station Clock, Magnific; Museum of the Macedonian Struggle for Independence, Тиверополник, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Diamond Mall, Bdx, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; City Mall, Prince Roy, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Macedonian Village (Makedonsko Selo), Rašo, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Lake Ohrid, Magnific.