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Southeast Europe

North MacedoniaTravel guide

Explore North Macedonia visa rulesCommon scams in North Macedonia

North Macedonia is a landlocked country in the Balkans. It has rugged mountains, lakes, old churches and Ottoman bazaars, but travel services can be limited and sometimes hard to navigate.

Why go

  1. Explore Skopje's old bazaar, fortress and Stone Bridge.

  2. Visit Ohrid for lakeside churches and Byzantine religious art.

  3. Enjoy mountain scenery in Pelister, Mavrovo and Galičica national parks.

  4. Discover remote monasteries and rural villages.

Best time to go: Summer and autumn are warm and dry. Winters are relatively cold with heavy snowfall, and Mavrovo is popular for winter sports.

Getting there

By air

  • The country has international airports in Skopje and Ohrid.
  • Wizz Air serves several destinations from Skopje.
  • You can also fly to Thessaloniki, Sofia, Pristina or Tirana and continue to North Macedonia.

By land

  • Buses connect Skopje with Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia and Turkey.
  • Skopje's bus terminal is about a 15-minute walk from the central square. It also serves domestic and city buses.
  • EuroBus Macedonia runs international coaches from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Slovenia, with stops including Skopje, Tetovo and Ohrid.

Customs

  • If driving across the border, make sure your Green Card, the International Insurance Card, has an uncancelled MK box for North Macedonia.
  • Carry the original vehicle documents. Border guards may refuse copies, which can cause problems with rental cars.
  • A good map and some knowledge of Cyrillic letters can help when driving, especially in small towns.

Getting around

  • Bus

    Buses are a common way to travel and are usually frequent and reliable. Some are old and slow. Tickets usually use Macedonian Cyrillic letters. Дата means date, Час means departure time, Перон means platform and Седиште means seat. You can flag down some buses and pay the driver. If all seats are taken, you may have to stand for the whole journey. Bileto.mk offers timetable searches and ticket purchases. Common operators include Rule Turs, Galeb and Classic Company.

  • Train

    The source lists four operating routes as of 2025: Skopje–Kumanovo, Skopje–Veles–Prilep–Bitola, Skopje–Veles–Negotino–Gevgelija and Skopje–Veles. Trains are slower but significantly cheaper and more comfortable than equivalent buses. They are useful for Veles and villages such as Čaška and Bogomila. Ohrid has no railway connection. Services to Štip, Tetovo and Gostivar are suspended. Check schedules with Macedonian Railways; some online timetables and station signs show services that do not run. Tickets are available from Bileto.mk. Veles train and bus stations are on opposite sides of the city. Kumanovo's train station is far from its centre.

  • Car

    Drive on the right. Roads can be narrow and poorly maintained, with sharp turns and missing or damaged barriers beside steep drops. Make sure your tyres are in good condition. Mountain weather around Ohrid and Bitola can differ greatly from your starting point, especially in spring and autumn. Motorway toll stations appear roughly every 20 km. All traffic stops to pay, and cars and motorcycles often pay 20 or 30 denar. Direction signs show Macedonian Cyrillic names and Latin-letter versions. Some also include Albanian. Ask your accommodation about car rental options.

  • Taxi

    The source recommends that foreign visitors use taxis and public transport where possible because driving conditions can be difficult.

What to see and do

  • Skopje

    Visit Kale Fortress, Sveti Spas Church, the old Ottoman bazaar and the Stone Bridge leading to the main square.

  • Ohrid

    The lakeside city has many Byzantine churches and an important collection of religious icons. The Church of St. John at Kaneo stands beside the lake.

  • Struga

    This town on Lake Ohrid offers lakeside charm with fewer visitors than Ohrid.

  • Pelister National Park

    The country's oldest national park is known for its plants, wildlife and mountain landscapes.

  • Mavrovo National Park

    Enjoy scenery throughout the year and visit Sveti Jovan Bigorski Monastery.

  • Jasen reserve

    This lesser-known reserve near Skopje offers wildlife watching.

Food and drink

  • Skara

    These grill places are an option for travellers on a tight budget.

  • Waterfront restaurants

    More expensive waterfront restaurants serve better-quality food and cater to tourists. Expect a sizeable bill.

  • Restaurant service

    Service can be slow across the country. Food may take more than half an hour to arrive after you sit down.

  • Rakija

    A strong grape brandy often regarded as the national drink. Some market fruit sellers offer homemade versions.

  • Local wine

    Try T'ga za Jug, a red wine made from Vranec grapes. Local white wines include Traminec and Temjanika.

  • Skopsko

    This lager dominates the local beer market. Other local breweries also make beer.

Money

Macedonian denar, with the international code MKD.

  • People often quote prices in euros, and many places accept euros.
  • Banks and exchange offices change money. Banks often offer slightly better rates but require your passport, and the process may take up to 10 minutes.
  • Exchange offices are usually quicker. Do not exchange money on the street.
  • KAM is described as the cheapest supermarket chain.

Tipping: Tipping is not essential, but it is welcomed.

Typical costs

  • Private accommodation is quoted at €10–15 per person per night in peak season, and about half that outside peak season.
  • Motorway tolls for cars and motorcycles are often 20 or 30 denar at each toll station.
  • The source quotes EuroBus fares from Vienna at €75 one way or €140 return.

Language

  • Macedonian is the official and national language and uses the Cyrillic alphabet.
  • Albanian is also an official language nationally and is widely spoken in the north and west.
  • English is common among younger people in larger cities and people working with tourists. It is less common among older and rural residents.
  • Smaller communities speak Turkish, Serbo-Croatian, Romani and Aromanian.
  • Some older people speak Russian, and German is also taught.
  • Businesses serving mainly local people often use only Cyrillic writing.
Дата (Data)
Date, as printed on a bus ticket.
Час (Čas)
Departure time on a bus ticket.
Перон (Peron)
Bus platform.
Седиште (Sedište)
Seat number.
Kisela voda
Sparkling or mineral water.
Mali macchiato
Small, single-shot macchiato.
Golem macchiato
Large, double-shot macchiato.

Staying safe

  • North Macedonia is generally safe, and most people are friendly and welcoming.
  • Watch for pickpockets and keep valuables secure.
  • Hotels and most private accommodation offer safes for cash and valuables.
  • Use taxis and public transport where possible if you are unfamiliar with local driving conditions.
2 common scams in North Macedonia, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Use Macedonia in everyday conversation with residents; many find the word North offensive.
  • Ask respectful questions about local issues without making strong statements.
  • Remember that the country has several ethnic communities, and tensions between Macedonian and Albanian communities can be high.

Don't

  • Avoid arguments about Macedonian-Bulgarian, Macedonian-Albanian or Macedonian-Greek relations.
  • Avoid sensitive topics such as the 2001 conflict, the country's partition during the Balkan wars and European Union membership.
  • Do not assume everyone shares the same views about Kosovo or neighbouring countries.

Staying healthy

  • Tap water is safe to drink. Public drinking fountains are available in most public places.
  • Wash fruit and vegetables before eating them.
  • Use care when choosing restaurants serving red meat, as some use poor cooking or hygiene practices. Unappealing restaurants with few customers may be warning signs, though most restaurants serve good-quality food.

Where to stay

  • Ohrid is more expensive than other destinations in the country. Nearby Struga can be a cheaper base for visiting Lake Ohrid.
  • Private accommodation is recommended as an alternative to expensive hotels. Travel agencies in and around town centres can help you find a room.
  • See the room before agreeing to stay. Payment is normally made in advance.
  • Finding accommodation in July and August can be difficult. Try booking ahead through a travel agent.

Outdoor adventures in North Macedonia

North Macedonia has rugged mountains, national parks and lake beaches. You can hike near Skopje and Prilep, kayak at Matka Canyon, dive in Lake Ohrid and paraglide above Kruševo.

  • Matka Canyon kayak tours

    KayakingPovardarienear Skopje

    Join a kayak tour at Lake Matka, just outside Skopje, to explore the gorge and caves.

  • Mount Vodno and the Millennium Cross

    HikePovardarienear Skopje

    Hike up Mount Vodno to the Millennium Cross above Skopje. A cable car offers another way to reach the views.

  • Lake Ohrid diving at Gradište

    Scuba divingLake Ohridnear Ohrid

    Go to Gradište, about 15 km south of Ohrid. Amfora Diving offers courses and diving trips at the Bay of Bones site.

    • Cost: €45 for one dive, including all equipment rental.

  • Galičica National Park landscapes

    More to doWestern North Macedonia

    The park covers the mountainous land between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. Its western side follows Lake Ohrid's east coast.

  • Pelister National Park nature watching

    WildlifeBaba Mountain, Western North Macedonianear Bitola

    Visit the Baba Mountain area between Bitola and Prespa.

  • Mavrovo National Park winter sports

    More to doWestern North Macedonia

    Winter

    Visit Mavrovo National Park for winter sports.

  • Kruševo paragliding and hang gliding

    ParaglidingWestern North Macedonianear Kruševo

    Summer

    Find the flying site just off the main road south of Kruševo, towards Mečkin Kamen. Posters around town provide information.

  • Marko's Towers hike

    HikePrilep areanear Prilep

    Avoid peak summer heat.

    Follow the trail from the Stone Elephant rock above a residential area. A rougher, more scenic alternative starts at Varoš Monastery.

    • Bring water.
    • Avoid hiking during peak summer heat; there are no trees for shade.

  • Gradište Beach

    BeacheLake Ohridnear Ohrid

    Outside July and August for fewer crowds.

    Head to Gradište, about 15 km south of Ohrid. There is a campground by the beach.

  • Trpejca Beach and nearby secluded beaches

    BeacheLake Ohridnear Ohrid

    Outside July and August for fewer crowds.

    Visit the long, narrow beach in Trpejca village. For a secluded beach nearby, ask a local boat owner to take you and arrange a return time.

    • Cost: 50–100 denars for a boat trip to nearby secluded beaches.

  • Ljubaništa Beach

    BeacheLake Ohridnear Ohrid

    After 18:00 for sunset.

    Head to Ljubaništa for its long, sandy lakeside beach.

  • Labino Beach

    BeacheLake Ohridnear Ohrid

    Morning

    Visit Labino, a small, stony beach by Lake Ohrid.

  • Gorica Hotel Beach

    BeacheLake Ohridnear Ohrid

    About 1½ hours to walk there from Ohrid city centre. Early morning or late afternoon; outside the main season for a quieter swim.

    Follow the scenic coastal walk from Ohrid city centre.

  • Desaret Hotel Beach

    BeachePeštani, Lake Ohridnear Ohrid

    Go to the Desaret Hotel beach in Peštani village.

  • Saint Naum beaches

    BeacheLjubaništa, Lake Ohridnear Ohrid

    Reach Saint Naum by boat, bus, car, ferry or taxi. Sandy beaches lie on both sides of the monastery.

  • Black Drim Springs boat tour

    More to doSaint Naum, Lake Ohridnear Ohrid

    Go to the springs beside Saint Naum Monastery and hire a tour boat to explore them.

  • Matka Canyon gorge and cave walks

    HikePovardarienear Skopje

    Head to Lake Matka just outside Skopje to explore the gorge and caves on hikes.

  • Jasen Reserve wildlife watching

    WildlifeNear Skopjenear Skopje

    Visit the Jasen reserve beside the capital for wildlife watching.

  • Kruševo mountain biking

    CyclingWestern North Macedonianear Kruševo

    Use Kruševo as a base for biking in its mountain setting.

  • Kruševo mountain hiking

    HikeWestern North Macedonianear Kruševo

    Base yourself in Kruševo for hiking in the surrounding mountain area.

  • Kruševo skiing

    SkiingWestern North Macedonianear Kruševo

    Use the mountain town of Kruševo as your base for skiing.

  • Kruševo Lake fishing

    More to doWestern North Macedonianear Kruševo

    Year-round except June, when fishing is not permitted.

    Go to the artificial lake just northwest of the Ilinden Monument in Kruševo.

  • Treskavec Monastery dirt-road extension

    HikePrilep areanear Prilep

    On the approach to Marko's Towers, stay on the original dirt road before the fork. Continue another 5 km towards Treskavec Monastery.

  • Pletvar Macedonian grayling butterfly watching

    WildlifePletvar villagenear Prilep

    Visit Pletvar village outside Prilep and look for the butterfly among the white limestone rocks.

Airports, metros and trains in North Macedonia

Airports with scheduled flights

  • OHDOhrid St. Paul the Apostle AirportOhridMain international airport
  • SKPSkopje International AirportIlindenMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
683 km
Electrified
313 km

People and safety in North Macedonia

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mixed.

  • Christian60%
  • Muslim32%
  • Jewish7%
  • No religion<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #49 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

68% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 80 of 198 countries can visit North Macedonia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required80
  • Visa required118

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe43 of 45 countries
  • Americas21 of 35 countries
  • Asia12 of 50 countries
  • Oceania2 of 14 countries
  • Africa2 of 54 countries

Questions

Will I be able to get by in English?

English is common among younger people in larger cities and people working with tourists. Older people and rural residents are less likely to speak it.

What money should I use?

The official currency is the Macedonian denar. Many places also accept euros, and banks and exchange offices change money.

Can I travel around without a car?

Yes. Buses are common, frequent and usually reliable, while trains serve a limited number of routes and are generally cheaper but slower.

Is the tap water safe?

Yes. The source says water is safe to drink, and public drinking fountains are common.

Where can I find cheaper accommodation near Lake Ohrid?

Consider Struga and private accommodation. Ohrid is more expensive, and travel agencies can help arrange rooms.

What is the weather like?

Summers and autumns are warm and dry. Winters are relatively cold with heavy snowfall.

Do I need to leave a tip?

Tipping is not essential, but it is welcomed.

What should I call the country when talking to residents?

The source advises using Macedonia in everyday conversation. Many residents find North offensive.

Where can I eat on a small budget?

Try a skara, or grill place. Tourist-focused waterfront restaurants can be expensive.

What electricity supply does the country use?

The supply is 230 volts at 50 hertz. Europlug and Schuko plugs are used.

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