Nightlife Skopje: capital of the small republic of North Macedonia, Skopje surprises its visitors with its lively nightlife, capable of offering many possibilities for entertainment and nightlife, as well as views and original plays of lights.
Skopje nightlife
With nearly one million people, including travelers and students, Skopje is one of the busiest, noisiest and most exciting places in North Macedonia . The capital of Macedonia is characterized by a picturesque atmosphere and a little kitschy taste, a unique city of its kind. In 1963 the city was hit and razed to the ground by a disastrous earthquake and, with its reconstruction, the Macedonian government decided to renovate the city with impressive monuments and statues. In the city today there are palaces from the time of Titus, a triumphal arch, statues of Macedonian leaders and a large fountain with a statue of Alexander the Great that stands out in the center of the main square.
While the city offers a good number of attractions for visitors during the day, Skopje's old town acquires a special charm as the sun goes down, with its illuminated monuments and many plays of colored lights, and is the most popular destination for entertainment nocturnal in the country . Skopje's nightlife can easily satisfy almost all tastes with a mix of tradition and modernity, offering a combination of trendy bars, discos, restaurants and kafanas, jazz clubs and night clubs with traditional music performances.
Skopje's lively nightclub scene is often complemented by numerous concerts, parties and DJ performances that are sure to spice up your stay and provide a pleasant contrast to visiting museums, Mount Vodno and shopping malls. In addition, a large student community resides in Skopje which makes the nightlife of the city very young and lively.
If you are a music fan, you will also love the variety of live concerts and night clubs in this area. From jazz bands to rock music, there are many clubs and pubs with music to sell. And if you want to dance, you will find clubs with techno, trance or house music just a short distance from each other.
Traditional restaurants in Skopje
Skopje's nightlife starts at dinner time and goes on until morning . Serving Macedonian cuisine, as well as international dishes, most Macedonian restaurants offer a relaxed atmosphere perfect for an enjoyable, peaceful and memorable dining experience. Taste the typical Kebapchini , small minced meat sausages, at the Destan (Kazandžiska, Skopje) . For some good grilled meat, head to Meana B (Skupi 3 36a, Skopje) , where you can accompany your meal with some excellent local schnapps.
The Macedonian bohemian vibe is expressed in its authenticity in the kafanas , places where grilled barbecues and traditional dishes mix with Macedonian wines, traditional alcoholic drinks and often live Balkan music. Kafanas are one of the most popular options when it comes to just hanging out with friends, grabbing a bite and enjoying a drink or two. Kafanas are typical small and often great value restaurants with a lively atmosphere, most likely a live band performing and serving local specialties and drinks.
We recommend that you visit some of the Kafanas located in the old bazaar and in the center of Skopje. But beware, there are many types of Kafana that differ in terms of their musical selection. There are Kafanas who have a band playing slow popular and romantic melodies, some perform folk and turbo Balkan music and some play traditional Macedonian music (which we recommend). Here you will always find many young people who celebrate something, drink and dance. Kafanas are therefore an interesting option to immerse yourself in the traditional nightlife of Skopje .
Skopje districts and nightlife
After dinner, the crowd moves on to the many nightclubs teeming with young people in the center of Skopje. Skopje's clubs and discos are scattered throughout the center , but for the pre-evening head to Kej 13 Noemvri , where there are numerous pubs to have a few drinks and warm up. The nightlife of Skopje is mainly concentrated along the Vardar River , with numerous bars, pubs, restaurants, breweries and nightclubs at affordable prices, frequented by local young people and tourists.
Located 5 minutes from the center, Debar Maalo is another area of Skopje's nightlife with a high density of bars and cafes and characterized by a relaxed atmosphere and imaginative places. Debar Maalo nightclubs offer various types of music. Live bands usually play international rock and ex-YU (popular rock songs from Yugoslavia), while DJs usually play R&B, house music and commercial hits. During the weekend, in the various bars of the neighborhood people go wild and literally dance on the tables.
The old bazaar district is also a must visit: the mixture of setting, people and music often creates the best atmosphere in town.
In summer, Skopje's nightlife moves to City Park , where most of the summer clubs that organize their opening nights in June are located. The city park offers a relaxed atmosphere, lots of people relaxing and drinking, live music and proximity to all the nightclubs located in this area. Here you will find in fact a couple of streets where the bars and discos follow one after the other.
The city's artificial beach is also located in the city park. Skopje nightclubs have free admission but reservations are required . All tables are intended to be reserved. Hence, it is very important to enter the club no later than half past midnight, because otherwise the club has the right to give the booking to someone else.
Clubs and discos in Skopje
Stanica 26 
(Jordan Mijalkov 26, Skopje) Open Thursday to Saturday from 23.00 to 4.00.
Located just south of the city center, Stanica 26 is one of Skopje's favorite clubs for young Macedonians . This shouldn't come as a surprise, as it's large, modern, and full of beautiful girls, making it a perfect destination for singles who are ready to mingle. The club regularly hosts local DJs, ready to make each night one to remember.
Vox Night Club
(Ul. Teodosij Gologanov, Skopje) Once a brewery, now VOX is one of the most famous clubs in Skopje . Popular with young people looking for fun, the club plays mostly rock and pop music, with live performances by famous local bands and DJs. It can be very busy at times, but still a lot of fun.
XL Summer Club
(Gradski Park, Skopje) Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11.45pm to 5.00am.
XL Summer Club is one of the largest summer clubs in Skopje . Located in the heart of City Park, it is easily accessible from anywhere in the city and this is what makes this nightclub the number one summer party venue in the city. The club hosts performances by the best international DJs and local bands, and is one of the landmarks of Skopje's nightlife .
Club AVENUE
(Gradski Park, Skopje) Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11.45pm to 5.00am.
With a very varied musical program, Avenue is one of the most popular nightclubs in Skopje . One of the most exclusive nightclubs in the city, with state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, the club hosts mostly local DJs during the week playing different genres such as hip hop, house and Latin music. During the weekends they usually play mostly local or Balkan music.
Club Epicentar
(Boulevard Saint Clement of Ohrid 60a, Skopje) Open Wednesday and Thursday from 23.00 to 4.00, Friday and Saturday from 23.30 to 5.00.
Epicentar is one of the best electronic music clubs in Skopje. The club focuses on the future, giving young DJs the same opportunity and visibility as the already established Macedonian DJs, which will allow them to grow together with the club.
Havana Summer Club
(Aminta the third, Skopje) In summer, the Macedonian capital has a lively nightlife . One of Skopje's busiest nightclubs , Havana Summer Club, is located in the heart of City Park, and is the most relaxed and urban place for alternative fun and memorable summer nights. The dress code is not strict, but you may find a queue in front of the entrance, especially if you arrive after midnight. If you are coming with a larger group, we recommend that you book a table which should make it easier for you to enter.
Intermezzo Music Bar
(Mitropolit Teodosij Gologanov 65, Skopje) Open every day from 8.00 to 1.00.
Well stocked with beers and spirits and plenty of champagne, this popular Skopje disco bar is often frequented by the Macedonian capital's elite who you'll often find here on infamous weekend parties. A real magnet for the beautiful Macedonian ladies and gentlemen of the city, this is one of the few places where you will find foreign DJs who keep the crowd alive well into the night.
Sektor 909
(11-ti Oktomvri 3A, Skopje) Open Thursday to Saturday from 24.00 to 5.00.
Sektor 909 is an open-air nightclub in Skopje where you can dance to the rhythm of electronic music.
Club Marakana
(Gradski Park, Skopje) Open daily from 23.00 to 5.00.
Located in City Park, this nightclub specializes in live music every night, with jazz and blues concerts alternating on stage. The Marakana set-up is rudimentary with only room to stand, a wooden floor to drop cigarettes on, and a small stage.
Kapan An
(Old Bazaar, Skopje) Open daily from 22.00 to 5.00.
Located within the Kapan An complex of the same name in the historic center of the Macedonian capital, is the Kapan An Club , the right place for all people who like to party until the early hours of the morning. It is one of the most famous clubs in Skopje for its summer parties in the courtyard . Techno, electronic, trap, drum and bass, dubstep and dance music.
MKC Club Restaurant
(Kej Dimitar Vlahov 15, Skopje) Open Sunday to Thursday from 8.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 8.00 to 1.00.
During the day you will find great food, while in the evening MKC hosts all kinds of events, from live music concerts to DJ sets by local and international artists. Definitely one of the landmarks of Skopje nightlife .
Public Room
(50 Divizija 22, Skopje) Open Monday through Thursday from 8.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 8.00 to 1.00, Sunday from 9.00 to 1.00.
This multifunctional space allows all visitors to spend pleasant afternoons or evenings listening to famous bands and DJs, or attending art and photography exhibitions. It is a pure hybrid place that abounds with opportunities, creative potential and offers a program for all tastes and people with a positive attitude.
Night Club Saloon
(Skopje) Open daily from 21.00 to 4.00.
Decorated in the style of wild west saloons, the Saloon Bar offers all night rock music, big parties and is located in the center of Skopje, right next to the Komedija Theater. It promises a totally new nightlife experience , a western-style lounge amidst communist-style buildings.
Short Bus
(Blvd. Partiazanski Odredi, br. 17, Skopje) Open Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 1.00, Sunday from 12.00 to 24.00.
This sociable, intimate and welcoming space hosts the best electronic music shows by DJs from all over the world, becoming the only place in town where you can enjoy intelligent electronic and techno sounds. Outside there is a small courtyard with tables each with a different design. The chairs are also different: second-hand pieces inherited from old generations.
The bars and pubs of the city of Skopje
Kolektiv Bar
(11th October, Square Macedonia, Skopje) Open every day from 8.00 to 24.00.
This popular Skopje bar hosts live music nights and boasts a selection of 30 craft beers on tap, all brewed in the city.
Beertija Pub
(Frederic Chopin 4, Skopje) Tucked away on a small street in the city center, Beertja is the best place in Skopje to grab a cool and tasty beer and listen to the best local rock bands at the same time. This nightclub is becoming the favorite place for people of all generations thanks to that concept of comfort and good musical taste. The best part is the outdoor garden where you can sip a beer or have a snack in the shade of the large trees. Beertija is the only place in Skopje where you can find all kinds of beer, from all countries. In addition, there are performances by rock and punk bands, as well as nights with DJs playing alternative and indie music.
Custom Pub
(Boulevard VMRO, Skopje) Open Monday through Thursday from 9.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 1.00, Sunday from 10.00 to 24.00.
This busy, unassuming bar offers a selection of punk, rock and folk music, with distorted guitars and heavy riffs. A Skopje nightlife institution , Custom Pub is a little slice of magic for those who love loud music and ice cold beers.
Kino Karpoš
(Blagoja Davkov 2/1, Skopje) Open Monday through Thursday from 8.00 to 24.00, Friday from 8.00 to 1.00, Saturdays from 9.00 to 1.00, Sunday from 9.30 to 1.00.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this hugely popular nightclub in Debar Maalo is decorated with more than just a nod to the film industry. Café by day and busy bar at night, you'll find plenty of aspiring models and movie stars here drinking cocktails and watching DJs. A relaxed bar during the week with a large selection of beers of all types, malt whiskeys and other sophisticated drinks, with live music every Monday.
Brick Bar
(Kej 13. Noemvri, Skopje) Open daily from 9.00 to 1.00.
Located within the Park Hotel & Spa, this extremely colorful bar complete with an orange upright piano serves a range of drinks including some highly recommended cocktails. Complete with an equally atmospheric outdoor terrace that is very popular during the summer season, this is the perfect place to relax during the day or have a drink in the evening.
Badu Bar
(Blvd. Partizanski Odredi 13, Skopje) Open daily from 8.00 to 1.00.
One of the most relaxing places in the city, this place boasts a colorful interior and good music with DJ sets. There are many events organized and most of them are hip hop parties held by the most famous rappers of Macedonia.
Vinyl
(Blvd. Partizanski Odredi 14, Skopje) Open Monday to Saturday from 8.00 to 1.00, Sunday from 10.00 to 24.00.
Located in Debar Maalo, this classic industrial-vibe cafe serves delicious coffee and snacks during the day, while in the evening it transforms into a popular Skopje disco that hosts regular DJs looking to blend in rather than dominate the setting. Most people love this place because it is one of the few places in the city where you can bring your pet. Vynil is here for anyone who wants to have fun after a hard day with a good drink and a cozy atmosphere.
Van Gogh Bar
(Naum Naumovski Borche 80, Skopje) Open Sunday to Thursday from 8.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 8.00 to 1.00.
A Skopje nightlife institution that has been operating for over three decades, Van Gogh is a hugely popular bar with a quirky style and a cheery arty crowd. The week is very busy at Van Gogh, with live music, salsa dancing and DJ music. A really nice, if sometimes hectic bar, loved by the young people of Skopje.
St. Patrick Irish Pub
(Kej 13 Noemvri 8, Skopje) Open Sunday through Thursday from 8.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 8.00 to 1.00.
Located opposite the old bazaar, this Skopje Irish pub is decorated in a Victorian railway theme and features Guinness beers on tap. There are bar snacks galore, live music on weekends, and a pleasant riverside outdoor terrace for the summer months. The pub attracts both local kids and visitors to Skopje.
Rakija Bar Kaldrma
(Jorgandziska, Skopje) Open Sunday to Thursday from 9.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 1.00.
Located in the old bazaar of Skopje, Rakija Bar Kaldrma is a bar decorated in a rustic style and with a traditional Macedonian look. Here you can choose from over 30 types of Macedonian schnapps and other local spirits while smoking a good hookah.
Cocktail Bar
(Dame Gruev 3, Skopje) Open Monday to Thursday from 8.00 to 24.00, Friday from 8.00 to 1.00, Saturdays from 10.00 to 1.00, Sunday from 10.00 to 24.00.
With its easily accessible location in the city center, this is certainly one of the longest running and most popular cocktail bars in Skopje . Here you will have the chance to try many tasty cocktails of all sizes and colors, let yourself go and enjoy the evening until late at night. The garden is decorated in a special way and if you like parties with Latin music, this place will not disappoint you.
Izlet
(Nikola Trimpare 15, Skopje) Open every day from 8.00 to 1.00.
Hidden like a small jungle in the city center, Izlet is a true oasis in the heart of Skopje. With both indoor and outdoor seating and lots of plants, the place is reminiscent of a miniature jungle. The soothing green colors of the plants and the warm shades of brown help to create an atmosphere of full relaxation. Sit under giant trees and colorful flowers, sipping a cocktail and relaxing with some good musical vibes. The place is perfect for a coffee or a beer on a sunny day and for an evening drink.
Sky Bar
(AVNOJ Blvd 22, Skopje) Open Tuesday to Sunday from 20.00 to 3.00.
Located on the eighth floor of the Hotel Russia, Sky Bar offers an extraordinary panoramic view of the city of Skopje , Mount Vodno and the Vardar River. Characterized by a luxurious and refined style, this bar is the perfect place for an unforgettable night with an extraordinary ambience and music.
Speakeasy
(Naum Naumovski Borche, Skopje) Open every day from 16.00 to 24.00.
Located right next to the city park in a reconstructed old building, Speakeasy is the perfect place to meet locals and have original cocktails . Speakeasy works like a classic American cocktail bar where you might even come alone and not feel alone. If you have no idea what to drink, don't worry. After a short and honest conversation with the man behind the counter, you will give up and let him choose the right drink for you.
Hotel Arka Rooftop Terrace
(Ul. Bitpazarska 90/2, Skopje) Located on the top floor of Hotel Arka, this Skopje rooftop bar is one of the best places to admire the impressive view over the city . Here you will find a number of comfortable chairs and loveseats, and a discreet atmosphere that makes it one of the best options for a romantic date. They serve beer, wine, cocktails and other beverages, snacks and full meals.
Bruklinski JAZZ Bistro
(Orce Nikolov 75, Skopje) Open Monday through Thursday from 8.00 to 24.00, Friday from 8.00 to 1.00, Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 to 1.00.
Secluded yet in the heart of the city and frequented by a regular clientele, Bruklinski Jazz Bistro hosts jazz bands and powerful voices to accompany your evening. Decorated with exposed brick and wooden elements, this bar is the perfect combination of Brooklyn atmosphere and Skopje jazz for an exceptional experience.
Brewery Temov
(Samuilova, Skopje) Open daily from 9.00 to 3.00.
Furnished like an old mountain house, this brewery produces excellent quality craft beer. The family run business adheres to the German Reinheitsgebot brewing system, ensuring the beer in question is as pure as possible, and the bar is worth a visit even if you are hungry as they also serve a range of excellent foods including burgers and large snack plates to share. Relaxed atmosphere, good beer, good music.
Kantina
(Radnjanska no.4, Skopje) Open Monday through Thursday from 8.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 8.00 to 1.00, Sunday from 9.00 to 24.00.
Kantina is one of the most popular spots among the locals. This urban, trendy and comfortable place offers tasty food carefully prepared and served at affordable prices. There is always great music and the staff are friendly and dedicated. The exceptional interior and cozy outdoor garden are the perfect space to enjoy the gentle breeze of spring and summer nights. Perfect location, mouthwatering food and the right place to meet lovely people.
Barbakan Bistro Bar
(Boulevard 8-mi Septemvri 18, Skopje) Open Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 1.00, Saturdays from 12.00 to 1.00.
Decorated in a modern and colorful style, this bar and restaurant offers a menu of modern and international dishes. There are live concerts on weekends and the place also has an outdoor space for summer evenings.
Cozy Beer Bar
(Boulevard Saint Clement of Ohrid 18, Skopje) Open Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 24.00, Saturday and Sunday from 9.00 to 24.00.
This innocent-looking bar in Debar Maalo is now a favorite with the city's growing number of beer fans, and for good reason. The bar serves great snacks along with a wide range of bottled beers from Belgium, Germany, Macedonia and the Netherlands. There are also tasting evenings for beer enthusiasts.
Austrian Palace
(Old Bazaar, Skopje) Open daily from 9.00 to 1.00.
Located in the Old Bazaar, this large, busy two-story bar functions as a regular bar-restaurant during the day, although it's in the evening that the place really comes into its own. Popular with students and featuring a large outdoor terrace at the back, it's a fun place to eat and be lulled into cheap cocktails.
Centar Bar
(Dimitrya Chupovski 13, Skopje) Open Sunday to Thursday from 9.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 1.00.
Featuring urban and industrial design, this Skopje bar is highly regarded for its great and delicious food.
Cresha Bar
(ul.Ivan Milutinovikj br.8, Skopje) Open from Sunday to Thursday from 9.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 1.00.
A great place for coffee, cocktails and a fabulous range of dishes from Mediterranean to Asia to cheese fondue, the Cresha Bar caters for a variety of tastes. Enjoy their legendary beer and fried chicken wings, immersed in a casual setting where you can always meet someone interesting. There are also live music events.
Pub Porta
(Bul. Partizanski Odredi 21 / A2-1, Skopje) Open Monday to Thursday from 9.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 1.00.
A nice place to spend an evening with friends, Porta offers one of the largest beer selections in Skopje at fairly cheap prices. Like any good pub, they also serve food, especially dishes that pair well with beer, such as chicken wings, onion rings, and melted cheese.
Che Café Bar
(2, Kosturski Heroi 15, Skopje) Open Sunday to Thursday from 8.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 8.00 to 1.00.
Close to the city center, this offbeat and trendy spot with a distinct vintage vibe serves great drinks at reasonable prices. They organize various kinds of events, from music to presentations, all aimed at offering everyone a nice evening and lots of fun. The staff are friendly and the vibe is always high.
Casa Cubana
(Kay, November 13, Skopje) Open from Sunday to Thursday from 9.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 1.00.
One of the many riverside terraces east of Ploštad, this Cuban-themed bar hosts a popular Latin night every Wednesday. It serves medium mojitos and a food menu that ranges from Cuban cuisine to pasta and steaks. Borrow a magic marker to scribble your message among hundreds of others on the walls and ceilings inside.
