21 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT NORTH MACEDONIA.
Travelling to North Macedonia is a rich and exciting experience. There’s so much to see and do and many surprises along the way. Based on our travels in the country, we’ve put together a list of 21 things to know before you visit North Macedonia. From food to customs, language barriers to tech – we’ve got you covered.
Here are 21 things to know before you visit North Macedonia.
North Macedonians love their dairy, especially curd (known locally as “kajmak”). You’ll find it on everything from bread to meat dishes. It’s creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious but dangerous for the waistline.
2/ Salad is king in North Macedonia
Salads here are fresh, vibrant, and an integral part of every meal. The Shopska salad, made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a generous sprinkling of white cheese, is a must-try. I am also a fan of the Vitamin salad – a combination of raw cabbage, beetroot and carrot.
On most menus you’ll see at least four to five options for different salads. Normally this will be served as a starter, so be sure to ask if you want it with your main meal. The salads in North Macedonia are also excellent value, you can expect to pay a couple of Euros for a giant salad, perhaps four Euros for one with chicken or meat.
3/ Coffee is an adventure
Coffee culture is strong in North Macedonia. Whether you prefer a thick Turkish coffee or a smooth espresso, you’ll find plenty of options to fuel your caffeine fix.
I don’t know if it’s just us, but every time we tried to order an iced coffee or a frappe, we got something different. Sometimes it was more like a milkshake with sprinkles and cream. Often a hot coffee, like a Cappuccino was served with a straw. It was a total adventure ride!
4/ Tap water is drinkable
Good news for anyone travelling on a budget, the tap water in North Macedonia is perfectly drinkable. You’ll notice that in bars and coffee shops you’ll often be served a glass of water with your drink – this will be tap water. But if you ask for water in a restaurant, they tend to bring a bottle.
As an FYI, I don’t know why – but sparkling water in North Macedonia is absolutely delicious! It often comes in fabulous vintage looking glass bottles too. A great addition to any dining table.
5/ But the wine is better
North Macedonia has a long history of wine making. In fact, a large part of their agricultural economy is wine making. All bars and restaurants will have at least one white and one red wine on the menu.
In restaurants, you’ll more likely see bottles of wine or glasses on offer than a carafe. But the prices are very reasonable – you can expect to pay between 700 and 1200 MKD for a bottle of wine.
Whether you are based in Ohrid, Skopje or travelling around the country, we recommend making a visit to winery.
You can find out more about North Macedonian wine here in this great wine blog.
6/ And the Rakija is…invigorating
Rakija, a strong fruit brandy, is a staple of North Macedonian hospitality. It’s potent and packs a punch, so sip it slowly and enjoy the warmth.
7/ The summer gets really hot
The summer weather in North Macedonia in July and August is no joke. It can get up to 40 degrees centigrade.
The area around Ohrid tends to be cooler, with a lovely breeze on the lake. But around the Tikves region and in Skopje (towards the North) temperatures in summer can be scorching.
8/ The best airport to fly into may not be in North Macedonia
Depending on your itinerary for exploring North Macedonia, the best airport to fly into may not actually be in North Macedonia. For example, if you are travelling to Ohrid, Tirana airport (in neighboring Albania) may be the best option.
Flights into North Macedonia aren’t that frequent, so you may be best off exploring nearby airports rather than Skopje or Ohrid airport.
Find our seven day itinerary for North Macedonia here.
9/ There is no coast, but you don’t need it
While North Macedonia is landlocked, it doesn’t lack for water-based activities. Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa offer beautiful beaches and plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, and relaxation.
Find our guide to the best beaches in Lake Ohrid here.
10/ There are National Parks in North Macedonia
Nature lovers will be delighted by North Macedonia’s national parks. Mavrovo, Pelister, and Galicica offer stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife.
11/ Public transport is good
Getting around North Macedonia is relatively easy with buses and trains connecting major cities and towns. Buses are particularly frequent and reliable.
Buses tend to be quite small mini-buses rather than large coaches. They run efficiently and on time, but are not always the most comfortable – don’t expect air-con.
We’ve got more information on getting around North Macedonia by bus here.
12/ But timetables aren’t available online
Public transport timetables are often not available online, so it’s best to check at local bus and train stations or ask for help from locals.
We often asked our hosts or hoteliers to help us navigate the buses as they had access to up to date timetables. This is a good strategy if you contact them in advance of your journey.
13/ WiFi is readily available
You’ll find WiFi in most hotels, cafes and bars, making it easy to stay connected during your travels. But don’t expect to see WiFi codes displayed in bars and cafes – you’ll have to ask for them.
14/ But having a SIM card is useful
For seamless connectivity, consider buying a local SIM card. They’re affordable and available at airports and major shops. You can also buy an eSIM, so you don’t need to faff with buying one when you arrive. We use Airalo eSIM when we travel.
15/ English is spoken widely
Many North Macedonians speak English, especially in tourist areas. You won’t have much trouble communicating.
16/ But North Macedonian’s love if you try to speak their language
A simple “Zdravo” (hello) or “Blagodaram” (thank you) will be greatly appreciated. In our experience, North Macedonian’s seemed delighted to hear us try to speak their language and even tried to teach us a word or two.
17/ It is a family friendly destination
North Macedonia is a great destination for families. The people are friendly, and there are plenty of activities and attractions suitable for all ages. In particular, Lake Ohrid is a wonderful place for families with young children.
18/ And a great budget destination
Accommodation, food, and transport are all very affordable compared to Western Europe. North Macedonia will really suit budget travellers.
A meal out for two including drinks frequently cost us around 20 Euros and our accommodation averaged about 30 to 40 Euros per night.
19/ Prices are sometimes in Euros
While the official currency is the Macedonian Denar (MKD), you’ll often see prices listed in Euros, especially in tourist areas. Euros will often be accepted for hotels or tours in Ohrid for example.
20/ And cash is often required
While credit cards are accepted in many places, having cash on hand is essential, especially in smaller towns and for public transport. ATMs are widely available for easy withdrawals and don’t tend to charge fees.
Check whether your hotel and accommodation accepts card, many will not. However, if you do turn up without cash your host will help you to find an ATM and normally they are very relaxed about you paying as you leave, rather than when you arrive.
21/ Smoking indoors is still a thing
Theoretically, smoking indoors in North Macedonia is banned. However, in reality smoking indoors still – you’ll find that smoke can be particularly heavy in bars and sometimes restaurants too. Most smoking we saw was on terraces, rather than indoors – but it does still happen inside.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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