The Old Bazaar (Čaršija) is the historic heart of Skopje – a maze of cobbled lanes, Ottoman caravanserais, mosques, churches and kebab grills. This walking route links its ten best stops in a logical order, so you can see everything in about three hours without doubling back.
Route in short: Stone Bridge → Daut Pasha Hamam → Kapan Han → Suli An → Kuršumli An → Čifte Hamam → Bezisten → Clock Tower → Church of St. Spas → Mustafa Pasha Mosque (→ Kale Fortress).
1. Daut Pasha Hamam
Right where the Stone Bridge enters the bazaar stands this beautifully preserved 15th-century Ottoman bathhouse with its many domes. Today it is part of the National Gallery and hosts art exhibitions. Read more in our Daut Pasha Hamam guide.
2. Kapan Han
A former caravanserai where merchants once rested with their goods, now filled with restaurants and cafés around a courtyard. It is lively and atmospheric, especially in the evening. See our Kapan Han guide.
3. Suli An
Another Ottoman-era caravanserai, Suli An is home to the Museum of the Old Bazaar and the Faculty of Fine Arts – so you may find students sketching in its arcaded courtyard.
4. Kuršumli An
This 16th-century caravanserai, named after its lead-covered roofs, is the most impressive of the three. Its stone arches and courtyard are now part of the Museum of Macedonia.
5. Čifte Hamam
A 15th-century double bathhouse (čifte means “pair” – one side for men, one for women), now used as an art gallery that mixes contemporary exhibitions with Ottoman architecture.
6. Bezisten (covered market)
The bazaar’s historic covered market is lined with small shops selling jewellery, textiles and traditional crafts – a good place for souvenirs such as silver filigree.
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7. Clock Tower
One of the oldest clock towers in the Balkans and a symbol of the bazaar, standing next to the Sultan Murad Mosque on the slope towards Kale. It is best admired from the outside.
8. Church of St. Spas
This modest, half-sunken church hides one of the finest carved wooden iconostases in the Balkans, made in the 19th century by masters of the Mijak woodcarving school. A must-see for lovers of art and history.
9. Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Built in 1492, this is the most elegant mosque in Skopje, with a peaceful garden and views over the bazaar. See our Mustafa Pasha Mosque guide. From here, Kale Fortress and the Museum of Contemporary Art are just a few minutes uphill.
10. Dinner at a kebab grill
Finish where locals do: at one of the bazaar’s famous kebapčilnici. Destan, Turist, Teteks and Pčela are known for the best kebapi in Skopje. For more ideas see the best restaurants in Skopje.
Beyond the route: Bit Pazar
If you still have energy, walk to Bit Pazar, the busy market at the edge of the bazaar, for fresh produce, spices and local delicacies – the best place to see everyday Skopje.
Tips for walking the Old Bazaar
- Check the Old Bazaar opening hours – many shops close on Sundays.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the cobblestones are slippery after rain.
- Don’t miss the colourful Umbrella Street on the way.
- Want a guide? The free walking tour covers the bazaar too.
Looking for gifts? Our Skopje souvenir guide shows what to buy in the bazaar.
Where to Stay Near the Old Bazaar
All ten places on this list are within a 15-minute walk of each other, so a hotel inside the bazaar – or around Macedonia Square, five minutes across the Stone Bridge – is the perfect base.
- 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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