One Of Europe's Least-Visited Capital Cities Is Wildly Affordable With Unique Architecture

If you're tired of jostling for space to take a photo of the Trevi Fountain or paying way over the odds for a soggy croissant in Paris, turn your eyes southeast. In North Macedonia, you'll find Skopje, one of Europe's quirkiest and least-visited capital cities. Often overlooked in favor of more famous capitals, Skopje blends kitschy grandeur, Ottoman charm, brutalist architecture, and unbeatable affordability. And it's a fantastic European destination for travelers who hate crowds. 

Skopje (pronounced Skop-yay) and North Macedonia fly so far under the radar that they need a bit of context. North Macedonia borders Greece to the south, Bulgaria to the east, and several Balkan countries to the north and west. The capital has suffered several earthquakes throughout its history; the most recent large one in 1963 destroyed around 80% of its buildings. 

North Macedonia's history and relationships with its neighbours help explain why Skopje looks the way it does now. You'll see a historical city full of neoclassical columned buildings, baroque architecture, and statues of ancient heroes. But most of what you're looking at is the result of Skopje 2014, a huge building project that gave the city a makeover to appear much older than it really is. And the heroes are mainly not from North Macedonia, but borrowed from Greece and Bulgaria.

To see one of the most interesting (or egregious) results of the building project, start your trip to Skopje in Macedonia Square in the heart of the city. The square is packed with ancient-looking statues, with the centerpiece a magnificent bronze of a man on horseback. The figure looks extremely similar to Alexander the Great, who has long been fought over by North Macedonia and Greece. (If you're wondering, Alexander was born in the city of Pella, now in modern-day Greece.) While the area leans heavily into kitsch, it's also lined with lively restaurants and bars and is a pretty place to rest your legs.

Just steps from the square is the Stone Bridge, a 600-year-old (recently renovated) structure that crosses the Vardar River. The arched bridge is a must-see in Skopje, as is the Ottoman-era Old Bazaar that lies a short walk away. Spend a few hours getting lost in the cobbled streets, picking up some budget-friendly souvenirs, and people-watching at one of the many pavement cafes and restaurants.

Near the bazaar, you'll find Skopje Fortress, a slightly unkempt, Byzantine and Ottoman stronghold overlooking the city. Roam the old stone walls and snap some photos from the viewpoints. For an even more panoramic view of the city, head up to the 215-foot-high Millennium Cross on the top of Mount Vodno. You can hike up or take a cable car, which costs less than $2 each way.

The easiest way to reach Skopje is by air. While there are no direct flights from the U.S., the airport is well-connected to many cities in Europe, including via a few budget airlines like EasyJet and Wizz. The airport is around a 30-minute drive from the city, and you can take a taxi or go by bus. While the bus takes a bit longer, the one-way fare is a bargain at just $3.70.

Speaking of bargains, North Macedonia offers excellent bang for your buck. A traditional dinner costs around $11 per person, an excellent cup of coffee is a little over $2, and an overnight stay in a highly-rated, central Skopje hotel comes in under $100 for two people. A weekly transportation ticket costs around $10 and includes the cable car. You can live very well in Skopje without forking out a ton of cash.

Once you've had your fill of Skopje's quirky charm, consider extending your stay to explore the country's crown jewel: Lake Ohrid. One of the world's oldest lakes, it sparkles turquoise beneath bright blue skies. The charming Old Town of Ohrid, with its lakeside boardwalk and cobbled streets, makes a great base. And don't miss Sveti Naum Monastery, a Byzantine-era landmark perched dramatically over the water. Like most things in North Macedonia, getting there is a steal at just $11.50 by boat from Ohrid.