North Macedonia

Cost of living

What a month costs

One of the cheapest capitals in Europe. Rent, groceries and eating out all run well below EU norms, though imported goods and cars cost more.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Skopje

1. Old BazaarThe largest Ottoman-era market in the Balkans outside Istanbul, full of workshops, mosques and cafes.
2. Stone BridgeThe medieval span across the Vardar linking the old town to Macedonia Square.
3. Macedonia SquareThe vast central plaza dominated by the giant Warrior on a Horse fountain.
4. Skopje Fortress (Kale)Hilltop citadel with old walls and wide views over the city and river.
5. Memorial House of Mother TeresaMuseum on the site of her birthplace, in the heart of the city.
6. Millennium Cross on Mount VodnoA huge hilltop cross reached by cable car, with sweeping views.
7. Mustafa Pasha MosqueA graceful 15th-century mosque and garden above the Old Bazaar.
8. Church of St Panteleimon at NereziA small 12th-century church just outside town, famous for its expressive frescoes.
9. Kuršumli AnA restored stone caravanserai in the bazaar, once an inn for travelling merchants.
10. Museum of the Macedonian StruggleOrnate national history museum near the river, heavy on independence-era displays.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. OhridUNESCO lakeside town about three hours south, with old churches, clear water and summer beaches.
2. Matka CanyonJust 20 minutes out. Kayaking, a dam-lake walk and boat trips to Vrelo cave.
3. Mavrovo National ParkMountains and the country's main ski resort, roughly two hours west.
4. BitolaElegant southern city with a café-lined main street and the Roman ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis.
5. TetovoAn easy drive west, home to the vividly painted Šarena Džamija mosque.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. BrozBuzzing café-bar in Debar Maalo, the city's café-culture neighbourhood.
2. Public RoomRelaxed café and creative hub popular with freelancers and remote workers.
3. PelisterLandmark café-restaurant right on Macedonia Square, good for people-watching.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. DestanOld Bazaar institution grilling the city's most famous kebapi (ćevapi).
2. Skopski MerakClassic Macedonian dishes with live starogradska music most nights.
3. Star GradTraditional tavern near the Old Bazaar serving grills and meze.
4. Vinoteka TemovCosy wine cellar in the bazaar pairing local wines with small plates.
5. Pivnica AnBeer house set in an old Ottoman caravanserai courtyard, big on grilled meat.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Simit KompaniSimit rings and warm pastries, the quick everyday Skopje breakfast.
2. BrozDoes a solid weekend brunch alongside its coffee.
3. PelisterCoffee, eggs and pastries out on the main square.