Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
Stop researching. Start exploring.Discover all 69 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.
Get instant access
Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations include MMR, DTP, polio, and influenza. Consider Hepatitis A, as you can get it through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B is advisable if you plan close contact with locals. If you’re an adventurer heading into rural areas, consider rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Always consult a healthcare provider before traveling to tailor your vaccinations to your personal health needs.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in North Macedonia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for North MacedoniaCulture & Customs
Respect religious sites by dressing modestly and covering shoulders. It’s polite to greet with a handshake and direct eye contact. If invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift or sweets. Avoid discussing politics, particularly ethnic tensions.
While North Macedonia is generally safe, LGBTQ+ travelers should be discreet, especially in rural areas, as attitudes can be conservative. Women travelers usually find it safe, but solo travelers should stay alert in less busy areas. Always ask before taking photos of people.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for North Macedonia.
- Tavče Gravče: This is a hearty bean stew that’s a staple in Macedonian homes. Cooked with onions, peppers, and sometimes smoked meat, it’s traditionally baked in a clay pot. Super filling and a go-to comfort food for locals.
- Ajvar: A red pepper spread that’s labor-intensive to make but oh-so-worth-it. Usually made in the fall, it’s packed with roasted peppers and eggplants. Spread it on bread or as a side to meat dishes—it’s a real taste of Macedonian home kitchens.
- Kebapi: Small, skinless sausages made from minced meat (usually beef or a mix with lamb). Grilled to perfection, they’re usually served with onions and flatbread. A Balkan classic, but each region has its twist.
- Pastrmajlija: Sometimes called Macedonian pizza, this is a flatbread topped with cubed meat—usually pork or lamb. It’s simple but the flavors are rich, especially when topped with a sunny-side-up egg.
- Sarma: Cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice. It’s a dish that’s been passed down through generations and is especially popular during winter. Each family has their own secret twist to it.
Yes, tap water in North Macedonia is generally safe to drink and locals do consume it. However, if you’re sensitive or have a delicate stomach, opting for bottled or filtered water might be a good idea. It’s always handy to keep a reusable bottle with a filter just in case.
The main language in North Macedonia is
Macedonian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Macedonian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for North Macedonia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In North Macedonia,
English proficiency varies significantly depending on the region and demographic. In urban areas like Skopje, the capital, and popular tourist destinations, many younger people and professionals, especially in the hospitality and service industries, speak English fairly well. This is particularly true among those who work in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
However, in rural areas and among older generations, English may not be as commonly spoken. Many locals may understand basic phrases, but fluency can be limited. Macedonian and Albanian are the primary languages, and while English is taught in schools, the level of proficiency can differ widely.
Travelers may find that using simple English, along with gestures or translation apps, can help bridge communication gaps. Overall, while English is not universally spoken, many visitors can navigate their travels with relative ease in urban settings.
Money & Payments
The local currency of North Macedonia is MKD (ден).
ATMs: North Macedonia has a good spread of ATMs, especially in cities like Skopje and Bitola. Stick to those located in busy areas or inside banks for safety. Note that some machines might charge a fee, so it’s wise to check if your bank has any partners for fee-free withdrawals.
Cash is King: While cards are growing in acceptance, cash remains crucial, especially in rural areas and small towns. Most places accept the local currency, the Macedonian denar, so keep some on hand.
Currency to Carry: Euros are widely accepted for exchange, and you might get a better rate compared to US dollars. However, don’t rely on spending euros directly; it’s best to exchange for denars.
Card Payments: Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments, hotels, and some restaurants. However, don’t count on using them everywhere, so always have cash as a backup.
Currency Exchange: You’ll find exchange offices (menjačnica) in cities, offering decent rates. Avoid exchanging money at the airport unless it’s an emergency, as rates are usually less favorable there.
In North Macedonia, tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated. In restaurants, leaving a tip of about 10% is common if the service was good, while rounding up the taxi fare is also customary. For hotel staff, a small tip for helpful service is welcomed.
Best Backpacking.jpg)
Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere..jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.v2.webp){kind=logo}
