Nightlife Skopje: capital of the small republic of North Macedonia, Skopje surprises its visitors with its lively nightlife, able to offer many possibilities for recreation and night fun, as well as panoramas and original light effects.
Nightlife Skopje
With almost a million people, including travelers and students, Skopje is one of the most crowded places, noisy and exciting 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 e, with its reconstruction, the Macedonian government decided to renovate the city with imposing monuments and statues. In the city, buildings from the era of Titus are alternating today, a triumphal arch, statues of Macedonian leaders and a large fountain with a statue of Alexander the Great that stands in the center of the main square.
If during the day the city offers a good number of attractions for visitors, at sunset the historical center of Skopje acquires a particular charm, with illuminated monuments and many games of colored lights, and is the most popular destination for night entertainment in the country. The nightlife of Skopje it can easily satisfy almost any taste with a mix of tradition and modernity, offering a combination of trendy bars, discotheques, restaurants and kafanas, jazz club and night clubs with traditional music shows.
The lively disco scene in Skopje it is often supplemented by numerous concerts, DJ parties and performances that will surely make your stay spicier and offer a pleasant contrast to the visit to the museums, to Monte Vodno and shopping centers. In addition to, in Skopje there is a large student community which makes the nightlife of the city very young and lively.
If you are passionate about music, in addition to, you will love the variety of live concerts and nightlife in this area. From jazz bands to rock music, there are many clubs and pubs with music for sale. If you want to dance then, find clubs with techno music, trance or house music within easy reach of each other.
Traditional restaurants in Skopje
Skopje's nightlife starts at dinner time and goes on until the morning. Serving Macedonian cuisine, in addition to international dishes, most Macedonian restaurants offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a pleasant gastronomic experience, quiet and unforgettable. Taste the typical ones Kebapchini, small sausages of minced meat, at the restaurant Destan (Kazandžiska, Skopje). To enjoy good grilled meat, head to the Meana B (Skupi 3 36a, Skopje), where you can accompany your meal with excellent local grappa.
The Macedonian bohemian atmosphere is expressed in its authenticity in the cafes, 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 simply hanging out with friends, have a bite to eat and enjoy a drink or two. The Kafanas are typical small restaurants and often with excellent value for money with a lively environment, most likely a live band that performs and serves local specialties and drinks.
We recommend you to visit some of the Kafanas located in the old bazaar and in the center of Skopje. But be careful, there are many types of Kafana that differ in terms of music selection. There are Kafanas who have a band that plays popular and slow romantic melodies, some perform Balkan folk and turbo music and some play traditional Macedonian music (that we recommend). Here you always find many young people celebrating something, they drink and dance. Kafanas are therefore an interesting option to immerse yourself in traditional nightlife in Skopje.
The neighborhoods of Skopje and the nightlife
After dinner, the crowd moves to the many nightlife teeming with young people in the center of Skopje. Skopje clubs and discos are scattered throughout the center, but for the pre evening jump in Kay 13 November, where there are numerous pubs to have a few drinks and warm up. Skopje's nightlife is mainly concentrated along the Vardar river, with numerous bars, pub, restaurants, pubs and night clubs at cheap prices, frequented by local youth and tourists.
Located 5 minutes from downtown, Debar Maalo it is another area of Skopje's nightlife with a high density of bars and cafes and characterized by a relaxed atmosphere and imaginative places. The nightclubs of Debar Maalo offer various types of music. Live bands usually play international and ex-YU rock (popular rock songs from Yugoslavia), while usually DJs play R&B, house music and commercial hits. During the weekend, in the various bars in 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 the city.
In summer, Skopje's nightlife shifts to City Park, where most of them are located summer discos who organize the opening evenings in June. The city park offers a relaxed atmosphere, a lot of people who relax and drink, live music and proximity to all night clubs located in this area. Here you will find a couple of streets where bars and discos follow one after the other.
The city's artificial beach is also located in the city park. Skopje clubs have free admission but reservations are required. All tables are meant to be reserved. Then, It is very important that you join the club no later than midnight and a half, because otherwise the club has the right to give the reservation to someone else.
Clubs and discotheques in Skopje
Stanica 26 (Jordan Mijalkov 26, Skopje) 
Open from Thursday to Saturday from 23.00 to 4.00.
Located just south of the city center, Station 26 is one of Skopje's favorite clubs for young Macedonians. This shouldn't be surprising, since it is big, modern and full of beautiful girls, making it a perfect destination for singles who are ready to socialize. The club regularly hosts local DJs, ready to make one to remember every evening.
Vox Night Club (Ul. Teodosij Gologanov, Skopje)
It was once a brewery, now VOX is one of the most famous clubs in Skopje. Popular with young people looking for fun, the club plays mainly rock and pop music, with live performances by famous local bands and DJs. Sometimes it can be very crowded, but still a lot of fun.
XL Summer Club (Gradski Park, Skopje)
Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 23.45 to 5.00.
XL Summer Club is one of the largest summer clubs in Skopje. Located in the heart of City Park, it is easily accessible from any part of the city and this is what makes this disco the number one place for summer parties in the city. The club hosts performances by the best international DJs and local bands, and is one of the landmarks of the Skopje nightlife.
Club AVENUE (Gradski Park, Skopje)
Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 23.45 to 5.00.
With a very varied musical program, Avenue is one of the most popular discos in Skopje. One of the most exclusive night clubs in the city, with state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, the club hosts mostly local DJs during the week who play different genres like hip hop, house and Latin music. On weekends, local or Balkan music usually plays.
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 established Macedonian DJs, that will allow them to grow together with the club.
Havana Summer Club (Aminta the third, Skopje)
In the summer the Macedonian capital has a lively nightlife. One of the most popular Skopje nightclubs, Havana Summer Club, it is located in the heart of City Park, and it is the most relaxing 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 come with a larger group, we recommend that you book a table that should facilitate entry.
Intermezzo Music Bar (Mitropolit Teodosij Gologanov 65, Skopje)
Open daily from 8.00 to 1.00.
Well stocked with beers and spirits and lots of champagne, this popular disco bar in Skopje it is often frequented by the elite of the Macedonian capital that you will often find here in the notorious 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 until late at night.
Sektor 909 (11-ti Oktomvri 3A, Skopje)
Open from Thursday to Saturday from 24.00 to 5.00.
Sector 909 is an outdoor disco 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 evening, with jazz and blues concerts that alternate on stage. Marakana's set-up is rudimentary with only room to stand, a wooden floor on which to drop cigarettes 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 When is 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 music, electronics, trap, drum and bass, dubstep e musica dance.
MKC Club Restaurant (Kej Dimitar Vlahov 15, Skopje)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 8.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 8.00 to 1.00.
During the day you will find excellent food, while in the evening MKC hosts events of all kinds, from live music concerts to DJ sets by local and international artists. Certainly one of the reference points of the 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 by attending artistic and photographic 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 rock music all night, 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 between 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 space, intimate and welcoming, it hosts the best electronic DJ shows 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. Even the chairs are different: second-hand pieces inherited from older generations.
The bars and pubs of the city of Skopje
Kolektiv Bar (11th October, Square Macedonia, Skopje)
Open daily from 8.00 to 24.00.
This popular bar in Skopje hosts evenings with live music and boasts a selection of 30 craft beers on tap, all produced in the city.
Beertija Pub (Frederic Chopin 4, Skopje)
Tucked away in a narrow street in the city center, Beertja is the best place in Skopje to have a fresh 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 most beautiful part is the outdoor garden where you can sip a beer or have a snack in the shade of large trees. Beertija is the only place in Skopje where you can find all types of beer, from all countries. In addition to, there are performances by rock and punk bands, as well as evenings 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 unpretentious bar offers a punk music selection, Rock and folk, with distorted guitars and heavy riffs. An institution of Skopje nightlife, Custom Pub is a small slice of magic for those who love loud music and frozen 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.
Not surprisingly, this extremely popular nightclub in Debar Maalo is decorated with more than just a nod to the film industry. Café by day and busy bar by night, here you will find a lot of aspiring models and movie stars while drinking a cocktail and watching the DJs. A relaxed bar during the week with a large selection of beers of all types, malt whiskey and other sophisticated drinks, with live music every Monday.
Brick Bar (Kej 13. Noemvri, Skopje)
Open daily from 9.00 to 1.00.
Located inside the Park Hotel & Spa, this extremely colorful bar complete with an orange upright piano serves a wide range of drinks including some highly recommended cocktails. Complete with an equally impressive outdoor terrace very popular during the summer season, this is the perfect place to relax during the day or have an evening drink.
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 colorful interiors and good music with dj sets. There are many events organized and most of them are hip hop parties held by Macedonia's most famous rappers.
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 coffee with an industrial atmosphere serves delicious coffee and snacks during the day, while in the evening it turns into a popular disco bar in Skopje which hosts regular DJs who try to merge rather than dominate the environment. Most people love this place because it is one of the few places in town where you can bring your pet. Vynil is here for all those who want to have fun after a hard day with a good drink and a welcoming atmosphere.
Van Gogh Bar (Naum Naumovski Borche 80, Skopje)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 8.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 8.00 to 1.00.
An institution of Skopje nightlife which has been operating for over three decades, Van Gogh is a very popular bar with an extravagant style and a cheerful artistic audience. The week is very busy at Van Gogh, with live music, salsa dancing and music with DJ. A really pleasant bar, although sometimes frantic, loved by young people from Skopje.
St. Patrick Irish Pub (Kej 13 Noemvri 8, Skopje)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 8.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 8.00 to 1.00.
Located opposite the old bazaar, this Irish pub in Skopje it is decorated in a Victorian rail theme and features Guinness draft beers. There are bar snacks galore, live music on the weekends and a pleasant outdoor terrace along the river for the summer months. The pub attracts both local kids and visitors to Skopje.
Rakija Bar Kaldrma (Jorgandziska, Skopje)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 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 with a traditional Macedonian look. Here you can choose between 30 types of Macedonian schnapps and other local liqueurs while smoking a good hookah.
Cocktail Bar (Dame Gruev 3, Skopje)
Open Monday through 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 most long-lived and popular cocktail bar in Skopje. Here you will have the opportunity to try many tasty cocktails of all sizes and colors, let yourself go and enjoy the evening until late at night. The garden is specially decorated and, if you like parties with Latin music, this place will not disappoint you.
Izlet (Nikola Trimpare 15, Skopje)
Open daily 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 seats both inside and outside and a lot of plants, the place is reminiscent of a miniature jungle. The relaxing green colors of the plants and the warm shades of brown contribute to creating an atmosphere of full relaxation. Sit under giant trees and colorful flowers, sipping a cocktail and relaxing with good musical vibrations. The place is perfect for a coffee or 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 over the city of Skopje, on mount Vodno and on the river Vardar. Characterized by a luxurious and refined style, this bar is the perfect place for an unforgettable night with an extraordinary setting and music.
Speakeasy (Naum Naumovski Borche, Skopje)
Open daily from 16.00 to 24.00.
Located right next to the city park in an old rebuilt building, Speakeasy is the perfect place to meet locals and drink original cocktails. Speakeasy works like a classic American cocktail bar where you may even come alone and not feel alone. If you have no idea what to drink, Do not 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 the Hotel Arka, this rooftop bar in Skopje is one of the best places to admire the impressive view over the city. Here you will find a series of comfortable chairs and sofas, and a discreet atmosphere that makes it one of the best options for a romantic date. They serve beer, wine, cocktails and other drinks, 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 groups and powerful voices that accompany your evening. Decorated with exposed brick and wooden elements, this bar is the perfect combination of Brooklyn atmospheres 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 an excellent quality craft beer. The family-run company adheres to the German Reinheitsgebot brewing system, ensuring that 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 great snack dishes 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 places among locals. This urban place, trendy and comfortable it offers tasty food prepared and served very carefully at affordable prices. There is always excellent music and the staff is kind and dedicated. The exceptional interiors and the welcoming outdoor garden are the perfect space to enjoy the light breeze of spring and summer nights. Perfect location, appetizing food and the right place to meet delicious 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.
Furnished in a modern and colorful style, this bar and restaurant offers a menu of modern and international dishes. There are live concerts on the weekend and the place also has an outdoor space for summer evenings.
Cosy 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 excellent 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 and hectic two-story bar functions like a normal bar-restaurant during the day, even if it is in the evening that the place really comes into itself. Popular with students and characterized by a large outdoor terrace at the back, it's a fun place to eat and be lulled with cheap cocktails.
Centar Bar (Dimitrya Chupovski 13, Skopje)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 9.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 1.00.
Characterized by an urban and industrial design, this bar in Skopje is highly regarded for its excellent and delicious food.
Cresha Bar (ul.Ivan Milutinovikj br.8, Skopje)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 9.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 1.00.
A great place for coffee, a cocktail and a fabulous range of dishes from the Mediterranean to Asia with cheese fondue, the Cresha Bar manages to satisfy the most varied tastes. Enjoy their legendary beer and fried chicken wings, immersed in an informal environment where you can always meet someone interesting. There are also live music events.
Pub Porta (Bul. Partizanski Odredi 21/A2-1, Skopje)
Open Monday through 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 selections of beers in Skopje at fairly inexpensive prices. Like any good pub, they also serve food, especially dishes that go well with beer, like chicken wings, onion rings and melted cheese.
Che Café Bar (2, Kosturski Heroi 15, Skopje)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 8.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 8.00 to 1.00.
Close to the city center, this unusual and trendy place with a distinct vintage atmosphere serves excellent drinks at reasonable prices. They organize various events, from music to presentations, all aimed at offering everyone a nice evening and lots of fun. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is always high.
Casa Cubana (Kay, 13 novembre, Skopje)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 9.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 9.00 to 1.00.
One of the numerous riverside terraces east of the Ploštad, This Cuban-themed bar hosts a popular Latin evening 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.
