If you want to rent a car in Skopje, you have several options available. Make sure you comply with the supplier’s age policy and bring a valid driver’s license.
AVIS offers competitive rates and a wide selection of vehicles. It also offers a hassle-free pick-up and drop-off process. The company also provides discounts and loyalty programs.
Skopje Airport
Skopje “Alexander the Great” Airport is a large and modern facility that is quickly becoming the main hub for international flights to North Macedonia. This is especially true with the emergence of low cost carrier Wizz Air, which has based over five aircraft at the airport and serves a stunning 31 destinations across Europe.
The airport is located about 24 km from the city center and is easily accessible by car. It features a brand new terminal building that was built and is operated by Turkish company TAV. The facility is also home to a number of restaurants and shops.
Taxi service at the airport is readily available and can be booked from the taxi counter in the arrivals hall. Prices are regulated and can be found on the price list that is displayed in the arrivals area. The bus shuttle from the airport to the city center is another option and costs 180 MKD per trip (approximately EUR3). A full schedule can be found on the company’s website.
If you’re looking to rent a car at the Skopje airport, be sure to book online. This will ensure that you get the best possible rate on your rental, and it will also give you the option to cancel if your plans change. Most car rental companies offer this flexibility, and it can help save you a lot of money.
Skopje City Center
There isn’t much of a city center in Skopje but what there is, makes up for it. It’s a mishmash of beautiful mosques, covered markets, yummy restaurants and really weird shops (though some of the statues are tacky). The streets are twisting and turning and completely free of traffic – so get lost!
The main thing to see is the old town. Despite the fact that the new city centre is on one side of the river, walk just 214 metres across the bridge and you’re in the old Albanian part of the city – sometimes referred to as Little Macedonia. This is the area where the North Macedonians and the Albanians don’t mix (it’s a heated situation that you probably shouldn’t talk about).
Skopje has a pretty good selection of museums. The largest, Museum of North Macedonia, is spread over three floors and contains a solid collection of historical displays and a stunning wood-carved iconostases. There is also an archeological museum in the Old Town that covers the whole history of the country.
There’s also a festival every month and the OFFest music festival, which gathers all sorts of performers for five days in late May or early June. The Skopje Summer Festival is a cultural event hosting art, theatre and film. There are also plenty of events focusing on music, including jazz and folk festivals.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia (Macedonian: еедниа; /maei/) is an upper middle-income country that has made great strides in reforming its economy. It is an important hub of regional and global trade and a popular tourist destination. However, more work is needed to generate sustainable economic growth and improve living standards for all.
It is a landlocked country located in the south-central Balkans, bordered to the north by Serbia and Kosovo, to the east by Bulgaria, to the south by Greece, and to the west by Albania. Its capital is Skopje. North Macedonia is a member of the European Union and NATO. Its currency is the Macedonian denar. The main language is Macedonian, a south Slavic language closely related to Bulgarian and Serbian. The main religion is Christianity, primarily Eastern Orthodox.
Roads are generally good, but some secondary roads lack lighting and may be unpaved or ice-covered in winter. Driving after dark is dangerous due to reckless drivers and stray animals on the roads. It is advisable to carry an international driving permit. Credit cards are not widely accepted.
It is recommended to bring a first-aid kit and medication for common ailments, as medical facilities are limited and specialised treatment is often unavailable. Visitors are also advised to take precautions against mosquito bites, and to be aware that HIV, hepatitis C, and mpox are present in the region.
Travel Tips
Skopje has something for everyone, from nature to history to shopping and nightlife. There are a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget, from luxury hotels to apartment rentals. Many restaurants and attractions offer discounts for students and seniors. For a unique shopping experience, visit one of Skopje’s traditional markets. You’ll find everything from spices and handicrafts to local products and souvenirs. The city also has several high-end malls, such as East Gate and Ramstore.
Another must-see attraction is the Bridge of Civilisations, which combines the old and new parts of Skopje. This bridge is decorated with several statues and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city. It’s a great place to take pictures and walk around with friends.
The city is very easy to get around. There are bus routes throughout the city, which run frequently and are relatively inexpensive. Taxis are also available, but can be more expensive than buses.
If you have a car rental, you can drive outside of Skopje to explore the surrounding countryside. You can even head to Matka Canyon, which has a beautiful lake, hiking trails, and monasteries. Just make sure to check the weather and road conditions before you go, since the mountains can be snowy in the winter. Make sure to bring a map of the area with you, and have enough money to pay the toll fees in cash if necessary. rent a car skopje