[2025 Chair Attraction] Travel Guide for Old Bazaar - Skopje Old Town (Updated May)

Macedonia Attractions - Old Bazaar The commercial and cultural historical part of Skopje and one of the city's biggest attractions. It is located in the area from Stone Bridge to Bitpazar and from Kale to Selava River. The first recorded data about the existence of shopping centers in today's bazaars date back to the twelfth century. During the Ottoman rule of Skopje, the site quickly developed into the city’s largest commercial district, with approximately 30 mosques, numerous palaces and hotels, and other Turkish monuments. The Agora is the only cultural monument in Macedonia, which acknowledges the heritage of many cultures and civilizations that participated in its creation. Ottoman architecture prevails in the bazaar, although vestiges of Byzantine architecture are evident and more recently applications of modernist architecture have gained attention. On October 13, 2008, the bazaar was declared a cultural heritage site of particular importance and has since been under permanent protection by the state. Old Skopje Bazaar a commercial and cultural-historical part of Skopje and one of the biggest sights of the city. It is located in the area from the Stone Bridge to Bit-pazar and from the Kale to the Serava River . The first documented data on the existence of a shopping center on the site of today's bazaar date back to the XII century . [2] During the Ottoman rule of Skopje, the place rapidly grew into the largest commercial part of the city, with about 30 mosques , numerous palaces and inns , as well as other Turkish monuments. The bazaar is the only cultural monument in Macedonia, which recognizes the heritage of many cultures and civilizations that participated in its creation. Ottoman architecture prevails in the bazaar , although remnants of Byzantine architecture are noticeable , and recently the application of modernist architecture has been noticed . On October 13, 2008, the bazaar was declared a cultural heritage of special importance and has since been under the permanent protection of the state.

Macedonia Attractions - Kursumli An Kursumli An is an Ottoman caravanserai located in the old town of Skopje. It is located near the Macedonian Museum. It served as a hotel and a prison. Kursumli An was built in the 15th or 16th century. There are stables for 100 horses. The walls form a square, but the roof consists of a pyramidal dome. The dome was originally covered with lead, which is why the serai is called the “Lead Bazaar”. The rooms on the ground floor are used for storage and the upper floors are used for sleeping areas. Kursumli An is an Ottoman caravanserai located in the Old Town of Skopje. It is in the area of ​​Museum of Macedonia. It has served as an inn and as a prison. Kursumli An was built in the 15th or 16th century. There were stables for 100 horses. The walls form a square but the roof consists of pyramid-shaped domes. The domes were originally covered in lead, and this is why the serai is called "Lead Bazaar." Ground floor rooms were used for storage, upper floor for sleeping quarters. The building also featured rooms for livestock.

#cityplaybook #localguides #familytrip #postandearn Skopje was nothing like I expected—and that’s what made it unforgettable. The capital of North Macedonia is a city of contrasts: neoclassical facades line the riverbank, while ancient fortresses overlook futuristic statues and bustling streets. It’s both bold and historic, quirky and soulful. My journey started at Macedonia Square, where the towering statue of Alexander the Great dominates the skyline. From there, I strolled across the iconic Stone Bridge, connecting the modern city center to the Old Bazaar—one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans. The shift in atmosphere was immediate. Narrow alleys buzzed with the scent of grilled kebabs, Turkish coffee, and the hum of local artisans selling everything from carpets to copperware. What truly captured my heart was Kale Fortress, perched high above the city. From its ancient walls, I soaked in panoramic views of the Vardar River and the city stretching below. It felt like standing at the crossroads of centuries. Skopje’s creative spirit was also on display. Quirky monuments, abstract sculptures, and freshly painted buildings made the city feel like an open-air gallery. I visited the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, a humble tribute to one of Skopje’s most inspiring natives, and paused to reflect in the serene City Park. Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds—perfect for exploring on foot. Helpful Tips: Local buses are cheap, but walking is the best way to discover Skopje’s surprises. Try Tavče Gravče (baked beans) and Ajvar—flavor-packed local dishes. Don’t miss a nighttime stroll along the riverbank—the city lights are magical. Location: Skopje, North Macedonia #SkopjeVibes #DiscoverMacedonia #SkopjeOldBazaar #BalkanAdventures #SkopjeSunset #TravelBalkans #HiddenGemsEurope #SkopjeStreets #MotherTeresaLegacy #StoneBridgeMagic

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent #FebruaryTravelSupportEvent #EuropeTravel Skopje Old Bazaar is the largest Ottoman market in the Balkans, and is a place where you can feel the breath of history that has continued since the 12th century. Narrow stone streets, ornate mosques, and traditional craft shops combine to show the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures. There are many Ottoman buildings and museums, such as Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Daut Pasha Hamam, and Kursumli An, and you can enjoy unique shopping at local handicraft and spice shops. Main Experiences😉 Traditional Restaurant: Turkish tea and kebab, local wine tasting. Night Walk: Romantic atmosphere of stone buildings and narrow alleys illuminated by golden lights. Cultural Events: Various events such as art exhibitions and traditional music performances. Exploration Tips😁 We recommend visiting early in the morning to enjoy the quiet or to see the night view at sunset. Comfortable shoes are essential: There are many stone streets and steep terrain. This place where history and modernity coexist is a must-visit place that fully captures the colorful charm of Skopje. #NorthMacedonia #2024WishEvent

I took a number 7 bus from main bus station to this Old bazaar,only 4 stops away. This vibrant old bazaar built in Ottoman architectural style, with mosques, markets, shops and cafes. The Old Skopje Bazaar is located in the area from the Stone Bridge to Bit-Pazar, and from Kale to the Serava River wich is a tributary of the Vardar River. In the immediate vicinity is the Stone Bridge that connects the Old Skopje Bazaar with Macedonia Square. It has always been an attractive space for me👍 The bazaar is open everyday, but the shops have different opening hours. Most open at 9 a.m., close around sunset, and some take a lunch break in the afternoon.📍Address:

#2024wish In 2023, I got to visit the Old Bazaar in downtown Skopje! 🛍️🤩🇲🇰 The style of the bazaar transports you back to another era. Friendly vendors help you sample and choose local teas and treats. There’s even a currency exchange shop!💶💱 At the Old Bazaar, you can buy everything from snacks and tea, to clothes, to jewelry, and of course souvenirs!💎🪆👗☕️🥙 Lots of local life takes place even with all of the tourism. So it’s a great way to experience local culture! 🇲🇰🏛️ I really wish I can revisit the Old Bazaar in 2024!! 💗 #localguides #shopping #europe

Macedonian Traditional Food - BBQ Pčela The Macedonian restaurant is located in the old bazaar in the old town. It is a very popular restaurant. Whenever you pass this road, you can see full of customers. Our meals include grilled beef ribs, grilled chicken steaks, grilled hamburger meat with homemade freshly baked bread. A dinner for three people only cost 850 Den, which is NT$425 😍 Cheap～～ Macedonian traditional food The Macedonian restaurant in the Old Bazaar in the old city is a very popular restaurant. Whenever you pass this road, you can see full of guests. Our meals include grilled beef short ribs, grilled chicken ribs, and grilled hamburgers. With the freshly baked bread made by yourself, a dinner for three people only cost 850Den, which is NT$425😍 Cheap~~