The Guardian's Travel Tips: Holidays in Macedonia

The Guardian's Travel Tips: Holidays in Macedonia Bridge of sighs: the Art Bridge in Skopje was built as part of the city's renovations. Photo:tourismus-in-mazedonien.blogspot.com

Skopje is a small city with a big heart, says The Guardian’s travel writer Joanne O'Connor.

Why go?

Skopje's skyline tells the story of this Balkan city more vividly than any history book: socialist-era apartment blocks, the minarets of Ottoman mosques, Byzantine domes, Turkish bathhouses and, most controversially, neoclassical edifices, bridges and grandiose monuments – the result of a recent construction spree aimed at bolstering national pride. Now the building dust has settled, visitors will find much to delight and intrigue them.

Get lost in the narrow lanes of Caršija, Skopje's most atmospheric neighbourhood. Here, you'll find Daud Paša Baths, once the largest Turkish hammam in the Balkans, now home to the National Gallery of Macedonia.

Cross the Vardar River on the 15th-century Stone Bridge to Macedonia Square with its triumphal arch, statues of national heroes and illuminated fountains.

On the slopes of Mount Vodno, a few miles out of town, the 12th-century St Pantelejmon Monastery is a treasure trove of Byzantine art. After you've admired the beautiful frescos, hike, or take the gondola, up the mountain.

Urban Hostel is Skopje's best budget option, with a choice of dorms, twin rooms or self-catering apartments in Debar Maalo, a lively neighbourhood full of bars and restaurants (dorms from EUR 13, apartments from EUR 46).

Stara Kuka is the place to try Macedonian specialities, such as stuffed peppers, shopska salad, bean stew and barbecued pork ribs, in a 19th-century house with carved wooden ceilings.

"Walking along the Kej and eating in the restaurants that line the river is a must. Plaza de Toros and Anja are a couple of my favourites. After dinner, buy an ice cream and walk to Macedonia Square. At dusk you'll be treated to the call of the hooded crows which roost in the parks around the city," says Kathleen Beccue, who runs the K8 American bakery and café in the Old Town.

- See more at: http://www.independent.mk/articles/4074/The+Guardian%27s+Travel+Tips+Holidays+in+Macedonia#sthash.BLzoExJm.dpuf