Town
Ohrid
North Macedonia
A lakeside town of Byzantine churches, cobbled lanes and clear water, the country's top destination.
Balkans
North Macedonia
A landlocked country of old lakes, Byzantine churches, Ottoman bazaars and mountain parks, with the ancient Lake Ohrid at its heart.
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For storytellers
Why North Macedonia matters
North Macedonia is a compact country where Byzantine frescoes, Ottoman bazaars and wild lakes sit close together. Lake Ohrid is the star: one of the oldest lakes in Europe, ringed by mountains, with a small town of churches and cobbled lanes on its shore. Skopje, the capital, is a mix of Ottoman lanes and bold modern monuments, and canyons and national parks lie just beyond the city. It is affordable, rarely crowded, and the food is hearty, with grilled meat, fresh salads and strong local wine. A great pick for travellers who want something different.
Talking points
- Lake Ohrid is among the oldest lakes in Europe and has many species found nowhere else.
- Skopje combines an Ottoman bazaar with bold, modern monuments.
- Medieval churches here hold some of the most expressive Byzantine frescoes in the region.
- Mountain parks and canyons are only minutes from the capital.
- Ajvar, a roasted red pepper spread, is a national favourite.
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- Capital
- Skopje
- Languages
- Macedonian, Albanian
- Currency
- Macedonian denar (MKD)
- Best time to go
- May to June and September for pleasant weather; July and August are best for swimming in Lake Ohrid, and winter brings snow to the mountains.
Where to base yourself
Cities and towns in North Macedonia
City
Skopje
North Macedonia
The capital, where an Ottoman bazaar meets a modern centre full of statues, bridges and neoclassical facades.
City
Bitola
North Macedonia
A southern city of neoclassical mansions, a pedestrian boulevard and nearby Roman ruins and mountains.
City
Prilep
North Macedonia
A central city under granite hills, known for tobacco, rocky landscapes and the ruined towers of a medieval ki...
Top places
What to see in North Macedonia
- Top places
- Church, mosque or temple 5
- Ruins 4
- National park 2
- Square 1
- Bridge 1
- Market 1
- Museum 1
- Viewpoint 1
- River or canal 1
- Lake 1
- Neighbourhood 1
- Historic site 1
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Church of St John at Kaneo
Ohrid, North Macedonia
A small Byzantine-style church on a cliff above Lake Ohrid, the town's most photographed view.
Lake · UNESCO
Lake Ohrid
Ohrid, North Macedonia
A very old, very clear mountain lake shared with Albania, with many species found nowhere else.
Market
Old Bazaar
Skopje, North Macedonia
One of the largest Ottoman bazaars in the Balkans, with mosques, hans, craft shops and tea houses.
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Church of St Sophia
Ohrid, North Macedonia
A medieval cathedral with some of the finest Byzantine frescoes in the Balkans, also used for concerts.
Square
Macedonia Square
Skopje, North Macedonia
Skopje's huge central square, ringed by statues, fountains and a giant warrior monument.
River or canal
Matka Canyon
Skopje, North Macedonia
A green canyon and reservoir near Skopje, with medieval monasteries, caves and boat trips.
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Monastery of St Naum
Ohrid, North Macedonia
A lakeside monastery near the Albanian border, beside springs that feed Lake Ohrid.
Bridge
Stone Bridge
Skopje, North Macedonia
A long Ottoman-era stone bridge across the Vardar, joining the modern centre and the old bazaar.
Ruins · UNESCO
Ancient Theatre of Ohrid
Ohrid, North Macedonia
A Hellenistic theatre set on the hill above the old town, still used for summer performances.
National park
Galicica National Park
North Macedonia
A mountain park between lakes Ohrid and Prespa, with a panoramic road and clear-day views over both.
Ruins
Heraclea Lyncestis
Bitola, North Macedonia
Ruins of an ancient city founded in the 4th century BC, with a Roman theatre and fine floor mosaics.
Viewpoint
Millennium Cross on Vodno
Skopje, North Macedonia
A very large cross on top of Mount Vodno, with views over Skopje and its valley.
National park
Pelister National Park
Bitola, North Macedonia
A mountain park above Bitola with rare five-needle pines, glacial lakes known as mountain eyes, and hiking tra...
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Plaosnik
Ohrid, North Macedonia
A hilltop archaeological and monastery site tied to early Slavic literacy, with a restored church and mosaics.
Neighbourhood
Shirok Sokak
Bitola, North Macedonia
Bitola's long pedestrian boulevard, lined with cafes, neoclassical buildings and a clock tower.
Museum
Mother Teresa Memorial House
Skopje, North Macedonia
A small memorial museum to Mother Teresa, who was born in Skopje.
Church, mosque or temple
St Panteleimon Church, Gorno Nerezi
Skopje, North Macedonia
A small 12th-century Byzantine church on the slopes of Vodno, famed for its emotional frescoes.
Ruins
Stobi
North Macedonia
Excavated ruins of a Roman and early Christian city, with a theatre, mosaics and basilicas.
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