North Macedonia


Our Guide To North Macedonia

North Macedonia is a country desperate to assert itself on the European stage, with the capital Skopje receiving a major makeover and Ohrid being added to the roster of cheap flight destinations for Brits. The cultural stereotype about loud assertive nightlife is very true, so don’t be surprised to find ear-splittingly loud music in some venues, boisterous singing among larger groups in restaurant and general gregariousness. That’s welcome really when compared to the bland coastal Caffe Bars of Croatia but you may want to take it in small doses! Arrive to find a variety of bars that give people looking for good nightlife a genuine option.

Ratings Key (0-10)

Bars marked (*) will take you to our full profile write-up!

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Jazz Inn Ohrid 6 8 8 7 8 7.6
Pub Porta Skopje 9 8 9 8 7 8.6
Speakeasy Skopje 9 8 9 6 6 8.6
Gluvo Kuce / Deaf Dog Skopje 9 8 9 8 7 8.5
Woodstock Skopje 8 8 7 7 8 7.6
Custom Pub Skopje 6 7 8 8 8 7.6
BKW Hybrid Bar Skopje 7 8 7 7 6 7.5
Old Town Brewery Skopje 7 8 8 7 6 7.5

pop. 42,041

An Ottoman town with ancient history and true natural beauty with a promontory looking out over one of Europe’s most majestic lakes, there are many sights from the Roman theater, hilltop fortress and half a dozen ancient Orthodox churches. The every day Ohrid is more normal with a mixture of Christians and Muslims intermingling on what is really a resort type town with a strip. Bar life is mediocre as a result, with only Jazz in and an okay Irish pub standing out.

pop. 428,988

A provincial city has had an injection of dramatic bombast in the city centre in efforts to project power and turn the place into a destination. In combination with the Old Bazaar, the Fortress and the garish makeover over the centre makes for a fun, if ludicrously bad taste experience. In reality, the real Skopje is quite charming in its everyday normality. A real effort has been made to provide for its citizens and its functionality certainly makes it stand out above many ex-Yugoslavian cities. Nightlife is pretty good too, with a selection of options covering different districts. Beer culture has arrived too, with 2 really good beer-focused pubs and a central brewpub in the Old Bazaar. Outside of that you’ll find buzzing corners with the famed LOUD North Macedonian party culture and some hidden gems. Much to recommend.