Shopping in Skopje: Best Malls, Markets & Souvenirs
Old Bazaar, Modern Shopping Centres, Local Crafts & What to Buy
Shopping in Skopje can mean two completely different experiences.
On one side of the Vardar River, modern shopping centres bring together international fashion brands, supermarkets, cinemas, restaurants and entertainment. Cross the Stone Bridge and you enter the Old Bazaar, where narrow streets still contain jewellery workshops, small stores, traditional crafts, textiles, food shops and souvenirs.
That contrast is exactly what makes shopping in North Macedonia’s capital interesting.
You can spend the morning looking for handmade filigree in the historic Čaršija, stop for kebapi or Turkish-style coffee, then spend the afternoon inside one of Skopje’s large modern malls.
In this MacedoniaTOP guide, we show you the best places for shopping in Skopje, which malls are worth visiting, where to buy authentic souvenirs and what is actually worth taking home from North Macedonia.
Shopping in Skopje at a Glance
| Place | Best for |
|---|---|
| Old Bazaar | Crafts, souvenirs, jewellery & atmosphere |
| Skopje City Mall | International brands & all-round shopping |
| East Gate Mall | Large modern mall & wide brand selection |
| Diamond Mall | Modern central shopping, dining & entertainment |
| GTC | Central shopping + Skopje architecture |
| Ramstore Mall | Convenient central shopping |
| Bit Pazar | Everyday local market experience |
| Macedonian Corner | Traditional Macedonian gifts & souvenirs |
Where Is the Best Shopping in Skopje?
The best place depends entirely on what you want to buy.
Choose the Old Bazaar if you want:
- traditional jewellery;
- filigree;
- souvenirs;
- textiles;
- ceramics;
- small craft shops;
- a shopping experience combined with sightseeing.
Choose a modern mall if you want:
- international fashion;
- sportswear;
- cosmetics;
- electronics;
- children’s shops;
- supermarkets;
- cinema and entertainment;
- air conditioning during a hot summer afternoon.
1. Old Bazaar: Best Shopping Experience for Visitors
If you have limited time and want shopping to become part of sightseeing, Skopje’s Old Bazaar – Stara Čaršija is our first choice.
A commercial quarter is documented here from at least the 12th century.
The bazaar expanded dramatically during Ottoman rule and became the commercial heart of Skopje.
At its peak in the 16th and 17th centuries, historical sources describe thousands of shops and specialised craft areas.
Today, it remains one of the largest and best-preserved historic bazaar districts in the Balkans and has been legally protected as cultural heritage of particular importance since 2008.
What Can You Buy in the Old Bazaar?
The modern Čaršija mixes tourist souvenirs with genuine local commerce.
Look for:
- silver and filigree jewellery;
- handmade decorative objects;
- traditional textiles;
- ceramics;
- leather products;
- religious icons and decorative art;
- coffee and tea sets;
- spices and sweets;
- small Macedonian souvenirs.
Do Not Rush Through the Main Street
The best strategy is to wander.
Small lanes branch away from the main pedestrian route and lead towards historic hans, hammams, mosques and workshops.
Shopping here is much more enjoyable when combined with the architecture and food of the neighbourhood.
Read our complete Skopje Old Bazaar guide.
2. Skopje City Mall: Best All-Round Modern Mall
Skopje City Mall in Karpoš remains one of the city’s principal modern shopping centres.
It combines shopping with entertainment, restaurants and services and is particularly useful when you want many different types of stores in one building.
Best For
- fashion;
- sportswear;
- shoes;
- beauty and cosmetics;
- electronics and accessories;
- children’s shopping;
- supermarket purchases;
- cinema and entertainment.
The mall is located at Ljubljanska 4 in western Skopje.
Its standard shopping hours are generally around 10:00–22:00, although Sunday and holiday hours can differ.
3. East Gate Mall: Best for a Huge Choice
East Gate Mall is one of Skopje’s largest modern retail developments.
The mall opened in 2021 as part of the larger East Gate development.
Its approximately 160,000-square-metre complex includes a large retail selection, restaurants, services and entertainment.
Why Choose East Gate?
East Gate works well when you want to spend several hours in one place rather than visit individual shops across the city.
It is particularly suited to:
- fashion shopping;
- international brands;
- beauty products;
- home and lifestyle stores;
- food and coffee;
- family shopping;
- rainy or extremely hot days.
The mall is located on Belasitsa 2, east of central Skopje.
A taxi is normally the easiest option for visitors staying around Macedonia Square.
4. Diamond Mall: The Newer Central Option
Diamond Mall opened in October 2023 as part of the larger Diamond of Skopje mixed-use development.
Its biggest advantage for travellers is location.
Unlike Skopje City Mall or East Gate, Diamond is easy to combine with central sightseeing and can even be reached on foot from much of downtown Skopje.
What Will You Find?
The development combines:
- more than 100 shops;
- fashion;
- beauty and lifestyle stores;
- Gourmet Avenue;
- family entertainment;
- cafés;
- a large parking facility.
The retail section generally operates around 10:00–22:00, while restaurant and entertainment areas may keep different hours.
5. GTC: Shopping Inside a Piece of Skopje History
Gradski Trgovski Centar – GTC is completely different from Skopje’s enclosed suburban malls.
It is also one of the most misunderstood buildings in the city.
GTC is not part of the Skopje 2014 project.
Construction began in 1969 during the post-earthquake redevelopment of central Skopje, and the shopping centre officially opened in 1973.
Its open passages deliberately connect:
- Macedonia Square;
- the Vardar riverfront;
- surrounding streets;
- shops and services;
- public pedestrian routes.
Rather than functioning as a sealed retail box, GTC forms part of the city itself.
What Can You Buy?
The exact mix of tenants changes, but you will find combinations of:
- clothes;
- shoes;
- sports stores;
- mobile-phone and electronics shops;
- small specialist businesses;
- cafés and food;
- services.
6. Ramstore Mall: Convenient for the City Centre
Ramstore Mall remains a practical central shopping option near the southern side of downtown.
It is particularly useful if you need:
- a supermarket;
- clothing;
- everyday products;
- pharmacy or personal-care items;
- food;
- services without travelling to the edge of the city.
Ramstore is close to both Diamond Mall and the Museum of the City of Skopje, so the area now contains a significant concentration of retail.
7. Capitol Mall: Useful if You Are Staying in Aerodrom
Capitol Mall is located along Boulevard Jane Sandanski in the Aerodrom municipality.
It is smaller than East Gate or Skopje City Mall and is unlikely to justify a special cross-city trip for most tourists.
However, it is convenient if your accommodation is nearby and you need:
- shops;
- food;
- a supermarket;
- coffee;
- everyday services.
8. Bit Pazar: Shop Where Skopje Shops
At the northern edge of the Old Bazaar lies Bit Pazar, one of the city’s major traditional markets.
This is not primarily a souvenir destination.
It is somewhere people actually shop for everyday goods.
Depending on the season, stalls and surrounding shops may sell:
- fresh fruit;
- vegetables;
- peppers;
- herbs;
- nuts;
- dried foods;
- household items;
- clothes;
- various inexpensive goods.
It is colourful, busy and considerably less polished than a modern shopping centre.
Who Will Enjoy Bit Pazar?
Visit if you enjoy:
- markets;
- street photography;
- local produce;
- everyday city life;
- browsing rather than searching for a particular brand.
9. Macedonian Corner: Easy Place for Traditional Gifts
If you want something more specific than a generic magnet, Macedonian Corner – Makedonsko Katče is an established souvenir and traditional-gift shop in the Old Bazaar.
Its current range includes items such as:
- traditional handmade souvenirs;
- decorative craftwork;
- hand-painted objects;
- ethno-inspired bags;
- traditional clothing and costume elements;
- gifts connected with Skopje and North Macedonia.
It is particularly useful if you want a curated store rather than comparing dozens of small souvenir stalls.
What Should You Buy in Skopje?
1. Macedonian Filigree Jewellery
For a small, valuable and genuinely craft-based souvenir, filigree jewellery is one of our strongest choices.
Filigree uses extremely thin threads of silver or other metal to create delicate decorative patterns.
The craft has deep roots across the Balkans and Ottoman cultural sphere and remains practised by jewellers in North Macedonia.
Look for:
- earrings;
- pendants;
- bracelets;
- brooches;
- traditional-inspired designs;
- modern jewellery incorporating filigree techniques.
2. Handmade Ceramics and Decorative Crafts
Ceramics are easy to transport if carefully packed and provide a more distinctive souvenir than mass-produced merchandise.
Look for:
- small bowls;
- coffee cups;
- decorative plates;
- hand-painted pieces;
- traditional motifs;
- modern Macedonian designs.
3. Traditional Textiles
Traditional Macedonian clothing varies significantly between regions.
You are unlikely to buy an entire historic costume casually, but shops may sell:
- embroidered textile pieces;
- woven bags;
- decorative belts;
- scarves;
- ethno-inspired modern products;
- small replicas of regional costume elements.
These make much better cultural gifts when they are genuinely locally produced rather than factory-printed tourist merchandise.
4. Ajvar
One of the easiest edible souvenirs is ajvar.
This roasted red-pepper spread is eaten throughout North Macedonia and is particularly associated with the pepper-preserving season in late summer and autumn.
Supermarkets sell numerous commercial versions ranging from mild to hotter recipes.
Can You Take Ajvar on a Plane?
Remember that ajvar is treated as a liquid or paste for cabin-baggage security purposes.
A normal jar therefore belongs in checked luggage unless it meets the current airport liquid-size requirements.
Wrap glass jars carefully.
5. Macedonian Honey
Honey is another compact edible gift.
Depending on the producer and region, you may find:
- mountain honey;
- wildflower honey;
- acacia honey;
- forest honey;
- other regional varieties.
For a better purchase, look for clearly labelled producer information rather than buying only according to decorative packaging.
6. Macedonian Wine
North Macedonia has a serious wine industry and Skopje provides access to bottles from wineries across the country.
Popular varieties to look for include:
- Vranec – powerful red;
- Temjanika – aromatic white;
- Kratošija;
- Stanushina when available;
- international grape varieties grown in the Tikveš and Vardar regions.
Specialist wine stores can provide more advice, but larger supermarkets also sell a broad range of domestic bottles.
Wine lovers can learn more in our Wine Tasting & Winery Tours in Macedonia guide.
7. Lokum, Sweets and Coffee
The Ottoman and Balkan heritage of Skopje makes edible gifts from the Old Bazaar particularly appealing.
Look for:
- lokum;
- baklava for immediate eating;
- coffee;
- tea;
- nuts;
- spices;
- packaged sweets.
Choose sealed products if you need to transport food internationally.
8. A Local Design Instead of a Generic Souvenir
You do not need to buy something decorated with a flag or landmark for it to be a meaningful souvenir.
Look for locally designed:
- prints;
- illustrations;
- jewellery;
- bags;
- ceramics;
- books;
- small art pieces.
A contemporary object made by a Skopje artist can be much more memorable than a factory-produced magnet.
Should You Bargain in Skopje?
It depends where you are shopping.
Modern Malls
No. Prices are fixed.
Established Shops
Normally fixed as well, particularly when products have visible prices and fiscal receipts.
Markets
There may be somewhat more flexibility for certain goods, particularly when buying several items.
However, aggressive haggling over a very small amount is unnecessary.
Old Bazaar Craft Shops
Ask politely if there is flexibility, particularly for several purchases or expensive handmade items.
Do not assume that every handmade object’s first price is automatically inflated for tourists.
Cash or Card?
The official currency is the Macedonian denar – MKD.
Cards
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in:
- shopping malls;
- supermarkets;
- fashion stores;
- established souvenir shops;
- larger restaurants.
Cash
Carry some denars for:
- market stalls;
- small craft businesses;
- bakeries;
- very small purchases;
- some Old Bazaar shops.
Are Shops Open on Sunday?
Sunday opening is less straightforward than in some major European cities.
Large shopping centres commonly have Sunday trading, often with shorter hours than Monday–Saturday.
Individual shops, markets and smaller businesses may follow different schedules.
Public holidays can also change opening hours substantially.
Best Shopping for Different Travellers
| If you want… | Go to… |
|---|---|
| Traditional souvenirs | Old Bazaar |
| Filigree jewellery | Old Bazaar craft shops |
| International fashion | Skopje City Mall / East Gate |
| Central modern shopping | Diamond Mall |
| Architecture + shopping | GTC |
| Local market atmosphere | Bit Pazar |
| Food souvenirs | Supermarket + Old Bazaar |
| Rainy-day activity | East Gate / City Mall / Diamond |
A Perfect Half-Day Shopping Route
Start at Macedonia Square
Walk through central Skopje and enter GTC.
Cross the Stone Bridge
Continue directly into the Old Bazaar.
Browse Traditional Shops
Look for:
filigree → ceramics → textiles → souvenirs.
Stop for Lunch
Have kebapi or another local meal inside the Old Bazaar.
Use our Where to Eat in Skopje guide for ideas.
Continue to Bit Pazar
Browse the market if you enjoy a busier local atmosphere.
Optional Afternoon
Take a taxi to:
Skopje City Mall
or:
East Gate Mall
if you still want international-brand shopping.
Combine Shopping with a Skopje Walking Tour
Central Skopje and the Old Bazaar are easy to explore independently, but a walking tour can provide much more context about the bazaar’s former hans, hammams, craftsmen and multicultural history.
Shopping Tips for Skopje
- Keep some denars. Cards are common, but markets and small craft shops can still be easier with cash.
- Check Sunday hours. They often differ from normal weekday schedules.
- Ask whether an item is locally made. Not every souvenir in the Old Bazaar is produced in North Macedonia.
- Request a receipt for expensive purchases. Particularly for jewellery and higher-value craftwork.
- Pack food carefully. Glass jars of ajvar and honey belong in checked luggage unless they satisfy cabin-liquid rules.
- Compare before buying. Several shops may sell similar-looking jewellery or souvenirs at different quality levels.
- Do not over-haggle. Handmade work has genuine labour value.
- Shop early at markets. The atmosphere and produce selection are generally strongest earlier in the day.
- Use malls during extreme weather. They are particularly useful during hot summer afternoons, rain or winter cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skopje good for shopping?
Yes. Skopje combines several large modern malls with one of the Balkans’ most important historic bazaar districts. It is particularly good if you want to combine normal retail shopping with traditional crafts and food souvenirs.
What is the best shopping mall in Skopje?
For the broadest traditional mall experience, Skopje City Mall and East Gate Mall are strong choices. Diamond Mall is particularly convenient if you want modern shopping close to the city centre.
What is the newest major mall in Skopje?
Diamond Mall opened in October 2023 and is one of the newer major retail developments in central Skopje.
When did East Gate Mall open?
East Gate Mall opened in 2021, not 2022 as some older travel descriptions state.
Is GTC part of Skopje 2014?
No. GTC is much older. Construction began in 1969 and the complex officially opened in 1973 as part of the wider post-earthquake redevelopment of central Skopje.
What should I buy in Skopje?
Our favourite souvenirs include filigree jewellery, locally made ceramics or textiles, ajvar, honey and Macedonian wine.
Where should I buy souvenirs?
The Old Bazaar is the strongest area. Compare several stores and ask whether handmade products were actually made locally.
Where can I buy Macedonian filigree?
Jewellery and craft shops in and around the Old Bazaar are the best place to begin. Ask about the metal, production technique and whether the piece is handmade.
Is the Old Bazaar worth visiting if I do not want to shop?
Absolutely. It is one of Skopje’s most important historic districts, containing mosques, hammams, hans, museums, galleries, restaurants and cafés.
Can I pay by card in Skopje?
Yes. Cards are widely accepted in malls, supermarkets and larger shops. Carry some Macedonian denars for market stalls and smaller businesses.
Can I pay in euros?
Do not depend on it. The official currency is the Macedonian denar, which is the best currency for everyday purchases.
Should I bargain in the Old Bazaar?
Polite negotiation may be possible in some market and craft situations, especially when buying several products. Prices are fixed in normal shops, branded retailers and malls.
Are shops open on Sundays?
Many major shopping centres open on Sundays with reduced hours, but individual shops and markets can differ. Always check current opening information for the specific place.
Where can I buy food souvenirs?
Large supermarkets are excellent for packaged ajvar, honey, sweets, coffee and wine. Old Bazaar shops and markets provide a more atmospheric alternative for certain products.
Which shopping area is closest to Macedonia Square?
GTC begins beside Macedonia Square, while the Old Bazaar is immediately across the Stone Bridge. Diamond Mall and Ramstore are also relatively central.
Continue Exploring Skopje
Shopping works particularly well when you connect it with Skopje’s neighbourhoods rather than dedicating an entire day exclusively to malls.
Walk through GTC, cross the Stone Bridge, shop in the Old Bazaar, stop for lunch and continue into the historic centre.
Continue planning with these MacedoniaTOP guides:
Final Verdict: Where Should You Shop in Skopje?
For international fashion and convenient modern retail, Skopje now has several strong options.
Skopje City Mall and East Gate provide the largest conventional mall experience, while Diamond Mall is particularly convenient for visitors staying downtown.
But those are not the places that make shopping in Skopje memorable.
For that, cross the Stone Bridge.
Start Planning Your Macedonia Trip
Make your trip easier with a reliable airport transfer, a top day tour from Skopje, and our most useful Macedonia travel guides.
- Arrive without stress: Book your airport transfer and enjoy a smooth ride straight to your hotel. Drivers will meet you at Arrivals.
- Take one of the best day trips from Skopje: Join a Vodno and Matka Canyon guided tour and discover some of the area’s most beautiful natural highlights.
- Need ideas for your trip? Explore our MacedoniaTOP Where To Go and Things To Do guides for top destinations, attractions, and travel inspiration.
Travel Essentials
Walk through the Old Bazaar, enter small workshops, look at filigree jewellery, compare handmade crafts, buy something edible to take home and stop for coffee somewhere between the shops.
