Skopje is one of Europe most unexpected capitals. Cross the old stone bridge from the flamboyant, statue-filled modern centre into the atmospheric Old Bazaar, one of the largest in the Balkans.
Visit the house museum of Mother Teresa, born here, and ride out to the dramatic Matka Canyon for kayaking and cave boat trips just 30 minutes away.
Affordable and walkable, Skopje makes an easy and intriguing first stop in the country.