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A pleasantly warm climate attracts holidaymakers to this attractive city at the best time of year, from May to September. Many cultural events also provide insights into Macedonian traditions. Summer begins in mid-April with the week-long Skopje Film Festival. A highlight is the world music festival OFFest at the end of May/beginning of June. For Independence Day on 8 September, locals present parades, festivals and music all over the city. September ends with the week-long wine festival Vino-Skop. One of the most important jazz festivals in Europe also takes place in Skopje. In mid-October, music fans can listen to jazz sounds, Cuban music and experimental music.
Vaccinations are not compulsory for holidays in Skopje but all the usual vaccine are recommended. Popular sights in the city include The Old Bazaar with its incomparable alleys, museums and mosques, which is an inviting place to stroll. Outside the bustling capital, the Matka Canyon is a delight: a walk to one of the old monasteries in the area, a mountain hike, kayak tours or mountain bike rides through scenic terrain is likewise highly recommended.
Weekly market shopping, restaurant visits and overnight stays are cheaper than in the UK. Lunch costs about MKD 120, beer about MKD 120 and soft drinks about MKD 100. From the airport, take the "Vardar-Ekspres" shuttle bus to the bus station in the centre. The journey (about MKD 175) takes about 35 minutes with stops at the Capitol Mall shopping centre and in the city centre at the Holiday Inn hotel. The bus network is cheap, but taxi rides are also cheaper than at home: the first two kilometres cost about 50 MKD, each additional kilometre about 25 MKD.
Overnight stays in a guesthouse or backpacker hostel cost about MKD 600 per night, a three-star hotel from about MKD 1,500 per night and person.
Cost of living and travel
Weekly market shopping, restaurant visits and overnight stays are cheaper than in the UK. Lunch costs about MKD 120, beer about MKD 120 and soft drinks about MKD 100. From the airport, take the "Vardar-Ekspres" shuttle bus to the bus station in the centre. The journey (about MKD 175) takes about 35 minutes with stops at the Capitol Mall shopping centre and in the city centre at the Holiday Inn hotel. The bus network is cheap, but taxi rides are also cheaper than at home: the first two kilometres cost about 50 MKD, each additional kilometre about 25 MKD.
Overnight stays in a guesthouse or backpacker hostel cost about MKD 600 per night, a three-star hotel from about MKD 1,500 per night and person.