A number of world travellers have said that the most “underrated” city in Europe is one that is super cheap and has barely any visitors. European city breaks are highly popular among Brits, with some of the most common destinations being Paris, Rome, and Barcelona. However, there are a huge number of cities in Europe, each with its own distinct identity, culture, and range of things to do. There are some great ones that you may have never heard of before.
One of those is the capital of a tiny country right next to a place you may well have been before. Skopje is the capital of the Republic of Macedonia, a country also known as North Macedonia, located north of Greece and bordering Albania, Kosovo, Serbia and Bulgaria. The city is home to just 526,000 people, making it a relatively small place compared to other European giants. However, it is the continent’s most “underrated city”, according to one travel enthusiast.
TikTok user and travel vlogger @beckophotography documented his recent trip to Skopje, Macedonia and coined it Europe’s most underrated city for a number of reasons. Firstly, he says, there are “so many” grand statues that left an impression on him.
He then points out the Old Bazaar, which he says strikes him as nothing like the old towns in other European cities. “You can find some amazing food and interesting gelato flavours,” he revealed.
He also praised the Mount Vodno hike right beside the city, which he said was his “favourite experience” out of everything he has done while travelling the world.
“I really can’t recommend this place more,” he added. “It’s extremely cheap, has such good food, there’s so much to see. It isn’t overrun by tourists and the people were so friendly”.
Many people have had great things to say about Skopje. One commenter wrote under the TikTok user’s video: “[I] went there while studying abroad in London. My friend and I had the best time, better than Amsterdam, Prague, Florence, or Barcelona. Loved it there.”
Another said: “I really liked Skopje and the locals are so friendly.”
Among the top-rated things to do in Skopje is Lake Matka, a scenic canyon that one Tripadvisor reviewer called an “amazing natural gem”. There is also the Old Bazaar, where you can find street vendors and shops selling local fare, the Millennium Cross cable car that offers amazing views, and the historic Stone Bridge in the centre of the city.
To get to Skopje from the UK, you will most likely take a Wizz Air or Austrian Airlines flight from London to the Macedonian capital. The journey typically takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
The UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel to North Macedonia, but it does offer some warnings for tourists hoping to visit places like Skopje. There are occasionally protests in the country which can cause “disruptions”.
The FCDO says attacks against foreign nationals in North Macedonia are “extremely rare”.