The Colorful Umbrella Street is one of Skopje’s most charming little surprises – a small pedestrian passage near the Old Bazaar where hundreds of bright, open umbrellas float overhead. Simple but joyful, it has become one of the most photographed spots in the city and a favourite for anyone who loves a bit of street art.
A canopy of colour
Inspired by similar installations in cities around the world, the street is covered by a canopy of umbrellas in every colour, strung between the buildings so they seem to hang in mid-air. The effect changes with the light through the day, casting colourful shadows below and framing a perfect photo from almost any angle.
What to do there
This is a quick stop rather than a long visit – the main thing to do is look up, take photos and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere. It sits among cafés and shops, so it is easy to combine with a coffee and a wander through the surrounding lanes of the old town.
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How to get there
The umbrella street is right by the Old Bazaar, an easy walk across the Stone Bridge from Macedonia Square. It is free and open at all times, though it is at its most photogenic in daylight when the colours really pop.
Tips
Visit outside the busiest hours if you want a clear shot, and look for the changing patterns of coloured light on the ground as well as overhead. It is a lovely little detour rather than a destination in itself.
Explore more
The umbrella street is one of many small treasures in this part of the city – see our guide to hidden Skopje attractions and the wider Old Bazaar, or browse the top things to do in Skopje.
Make it part of your walk
Because it only takes a few minutes to enjoy, the umbrella street is best combined with a wider wander through the Old Bazaar and along the river. Pop in on your way between Macedonia Square and the bazaar, grab a coffee at one of the nearby cafés, and you will have the perfect excuse to linger and take a few more photos. It is a small but genuinely cheerful detail that adds a splash of colour to any Skopje sightseeing route.
Where to Stay Near the Umbrella Street
The Umbrella Street is in the Old Bazaar, so the most convenient base is a hotel in or next to the bazaar – or around Macedonia Square, five minutes away across the Stone Bridge.
- Hotel Arka – a small hotel in the Old Bazaar, so the cafés and mosques are on your doorstep.
- Bushi Resort & Spa – a spa hotel within walking distance of both the Old Bazaar and Macedonia Square.
- Hotel De Koka – another option within walking distance of the bazaar.
Browse all hotels around the Old Bazaar, read our guide to the best hotels near the Old Bazaar, compare neighbourhoods in our Where to Stay in Skopje guide, or see our pick of the best hotels in Skopje.
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