Skopje, with its famous Stone Bridge and numerous statues is a must to go and visit when in Macedonia.

See also the blog for Matka Canyon and the Millennium Cross

Walking along the canal there are numerous restaurants where you can have a drink or find something more ‘western’ to eat. The prices may be a little higher than in Kocani but are still in comparison to Western Europe very reasonable.

There are plenty of shops, but not being a big shopper myself I cannot advise you on where to be! What I do know is, the brands and the electrical goods, such as Smart Phones are definitely not cheaper than outside Macedonian and are in fact often more expensive due to less demand of the goods.

If you walk over the Stone Bridge, where you will be confronted, as in all large cites, with people begging. Unfortunately there is a trend to use children to weigh on the conscience of the tourist. I find this very disturbing but in place of me feeling empathy it makes me so angry. (This is not a political blog so I will not go into details here about life for the less privileged in Macedonia.) Decide for yourself what you want to give.

Over the Stone Bridge and you will find more statues and fountains. These statues where all erected by a former Prime Minister and some of them are now being removed. Which seems a shame as they are certainly a tourist attraction.

Walking further past the statues you cross over into the Turkish area of Skopje. This area resembles a Turkish Bazaar, with shops selling clothes, leather goods, souvenirs, and fortunately for us umbrellas!

One minute we were sitting in a restaurant enjoying our kebabs and the next minute were were not only, literally, holding the roof up, but also running for umbrella’s while water gushed down the pavements blocking the drains and our newly purchased sunglasses were stowed away for another day!

Do not let this put you off visiting! Its a great atmosphere at all times, and you can pick up some good bargains. Look out for the the painters, drawing and painting the world around them, and don’t be afraid to bargain, even when the prices seem ridiculously low. Its a game the vendors and my husband love to play!

If you don’t get put off by the rain you can continue walking up towards Skopje Fortress