Encrusted in the Balcan mountainous range, Macedonia is mostly a drive-by territory for many tourists, who usually focus on visiting Ohrid and Skopje as a part of roadtrips throughout the former Yugoslavian countries. However, hardly a country in Europe boasts as many architectural and ethnic diversity as this one, offering visitors Greek, Turkish and Albanian influences. One of its consequences are the numerous mosques, orthodox churches and monasteries scattered on this landlocked country.
The lively lakeshore city of Ohrid is the most obvious treat Macedonia offers, but other lesser known highlights should not be skipped.
For more information on the sites to visit in Macedonia, consider reading our week-long roadtrip article by clicking here.
We also wrote a dedicated article to Ohrid which you can read on this link.
- Capital: Skopje
- Population: 1,8M (2021)
- Official languages: Macedonian, Albanian
- Religion: 71% Orthodox; 28% Muslim; 1% others
- Currency: Macedonian Denar (MKD). As of March 2022:
- 1EUR = 62MKD
- 1USD = 56MKD
- Plugs: type F (compatible with continental Europe plugs)
When to go:
May-June and September-October might be the best months to visit the country. We personally have been there in the last week of July and the weather sometimes was too hot to handle in the lowlands, with temperatures often reaching 40ºC (104F). In the mountains, however, the weather was more pleasant. If given the choice, maybe it’s better to avoid the months of July and August.
Visa policy (simplified):
European countries (except Belarus), the USA, Canada, NZ, Australia and Russia do not need a visa to get in. Most visa-waiver countries are allowed to stay up to 90 days in Macedonia. Most Asian countries and all African countries except Botswana need a visa.
Revolut and other pre-paid cards:
Most of the expenses in Macedonia can be settled with pre-paid cards, as card terminals are ubiquitous in big cities. Some restaurants in smaller cities might not have terminals, so it’s better to have some physical money with you when visiting such places.
SIM cards:
From July 2021 Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia share a single roaming area. You can roam without surcharges in these countries using a SIM card from one of them. It is possible to buy a SIM card in Skopje arrivals hall. Many cafes and restaurants can provide a Wi-Fi connection.
What to wear:
Western clothes are well accepted. Avoid shorts and tops when visiting mosques or monasteries. Women should also cover their heads and shoulders at these locations.
Safety:
North Macedonia is a fairly safe country and tourists hardly face any problems here.
Tipping:
You’re not expected to tip in Macedonia, as it is not part of their culture. Nevertheless, some bars and restaurants apply a service charge (usually 5-10%). If you really enjoyed a meal or a service, a rule of thumb is to tip about 10% of the total amount you’re paying.
Accommodation:
There’s a wide array of accommodation that fits every pocket in most touristic sites. You may find accommodation in Ohrid more expensive than everywhere else in the country, mainly in Summer time. In spite of that, Macedonia is still a fairly cheap country to visit.