Old Bazaar Skopje Opening Hours & Visitor Guide

The Old Bazaar is one of Skopje’s must-see areas, and the good news is that it is easy to visit at almost any time. The streets themselves are open-air and free to walk around 24 hours a day – it is only the individual shops, mosques and museums that keep set hours. Here is what to expect so you can plan your visit.

Old Skopje Bazaar

Shop opening hours

Most of the craft shops, jewellers and stores in the bazaar open in the morning, from around 9:00, and trade until the early evening (roughly 17:00–18:00). Hours vary from shop to shop, and some smaller family-run places may close earlier or take a break during the day. Saturdays are generally busy and lively, while on Sundays a number of shops stay closed or open for shorter hours.

Cafés and restaurants

The bazaar’s cafés, tea houses and restaurants keep longer hours than the shops, staying open into the late evening. This makes the early evening a wonderful time to visit – the shopping crowds thin out, the lights come on, and the area takes on a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

Mosques and museums

The historic mosques in the bazaar can usually be visited outside of prayer times, and it is respectful to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Nearby museums and the climb up to Kale Fortress have their own opening hours, so it is worth checking those separately if they are on your list.

Best time to visit

For shopping and browsing the crafts, come in the late morning or early afternoon when everything is open. For atmosphere, food and photos, come in the early evening. Weekday mornings are the quietest if you prefer to avoid the crowds.