Rich in history, Bitola has a relaxing atmosphere and a noticeable Western European feel. Nicknamed “the city of consuls” for its…well, large number of consulates, the main attraction is an archaeological site dating back to the 4th century BC.
However, as you stroll down the main pedestrian walkway, admiring the charming architecture, you’ll notice it has so much more to offer. There’s a strong café culture, an assortment of health conscious restaurants, and an enticing old bazaar. As the sun sets, a buzzing energy hangs in the air and the city starts to come to life. It’s a place that will draw in all types of travelers!
I came here after a visit to the beautiful Lake Ohrid and immediately became enamored. The small city charisma and mixture of past and present were on full display. Bitola itself is extremely easy to explore by foot and has all the makings to be a backpacking hotspot. It’s also one of the reasons I find North Macedonia to be such an underrated country. I guess that’s why I felt the need to write about it.
So here we go, 8 awesome things to do in Bitola, North Macedonia!
Experience The Ruins At Heraclea
No trip to Bitola is complete without a visit to the spectacular Heraclea Lyncestis. Macedonian ruins, Greek inscription, and a Roman theatre are combined to form a jumble of history.
Founded by Philip II of Macedon, it was a strategically significant town on the borders of the great empire. If the name Heraclea sounds familiar, it’s because it was named after the popular mythological hero Heracles.
While the interwoven Greek and Macedonian history will undoubtedly draw you in, the highlights of the excavations come from later periods. After Macedon was conquered by the Romans, Heraclea maintained its prosperity with monuments, baths, and town walls being built.
The biggest eye catcher however, is the impressive theatre. If you want to feel like a modern day gladiator, this is the spot. The structure overlooks the vast majority of the ruins and features animal cages and the typical Roman stadium seating.
Heraclea has beautiful mosaics and parts are still being discovered.
While you look down at the tattered remains of the town, you’ll notice some beautiful mosaics from the early Byzantine period. The tiles are in surprisingly good shape and offer a glimpse into the artistic style of that era.
On my visit to the ruins, there was no one else around (besides the friendly ticket agent). So, if you want an undisturbed walk through antiquity, make sure to check out Heraclea while you’re in Bitola!
Hang Out at Magnolia Square and the Clock Tower
There’s no getting around a visit to the clock tower and Magnolia Square. They are right in the heart of the city and create a splendid combination.
At night, the clock tower lights up to create an impressive sight above trees and a crowded park. It’s the most notable landmark in Bitola and stands over 30 meters tall. Some records state that a tower was built in the 1600’s, but there is no reliable way of telling if it was the same as the current structure. The only thing for certain is the clock mechanism used now was placed there in 1936. It was later restored and in 1970 was given a keyboard mechanism that’s in only 180 towers around the world.
Across the way, Magnolia Square opens up and families and friends gather throughout the day. Macedonian and Ottoman style architecture surrounds a statue of King Philip II of Macedon. The very pretty looking Russian Consulate overlooks it all and food venues with open air seating add to the sometimes chaotic meeting point.
Get Your Health Food On
The food in the Balkans is both distinctive and delicious. But, healthy is not the first word that comes to mind. It’s rare to find a restaurant serving more than one or two vegetarian dishes, and even those tend to be simple salads. However, North Macedonia is much different to its neighbors in this regard. After all, the national dish (Tavce Gravce) is made from vegetables and baked beans.
If there was one city in the country that really draws attention to the nutritional well being of the food it serves, it’s Bitola. I found plenty of restaurants with menus catering to people with dietary needs. Some go as far as having separate pages with lean meal options. Sure, if you’re from California or parts of Australia you’ll think this is normal, but in the Balkan countries this is almost unheard of.
While I don’t watch what I eat so much anymore, I’ve gone through times of strict dining habits. It’s always nicer having the choice to eat out when you don’t feel like cooking for yourself. Bitola is perfect for that, there are tasty vegan and vegetarian possibilities to go along with the regional cuisine.
Some restaurant recommendations:
Vino Bar Bure – I came here for the location and found the food to be really good (and clean tasting). There were a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes, and the servers all seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Kus Kus – They have amazing salads and mouth-watering food. There’s also a section of their menu dedicated to vegan dishes.
2110 Fast & Healthy – A fast food place that serves vegan and vegetarian bites. I really enjoyed the fresh smoothies.
There are some other places too, mostly along Shirok Sokak and the surrounding streets. If you are looking for a healthy appetizing meal, you can’t go wrong with any of the spots I mentioned above.
Walk Down Shirok Sokak
If you’re searching for the life of the city, look no further than Shirok Sokak. It’s a pedestrian street that starts at Magnolia Square and ends all the way down at City Park. As the day progresses the wide walkway gradually fills up with happy locals. Everyone is there for the same reason – a good time. It’s eerily reminiscent of the Albanian tradition of xhiro, with groups of people strolling down the street at sunset.
There’s not much you can’t find here. Cafés, restaurants and shops line the neoclassical buildings and several consulates call the street home. Most of the hotels in Bitola are in this area, with many having vintage balconies above the multitude of stores. It’s what gives the city that traditional European ambience.
If you’re not really sure what to do with your day, just saunter down Shirok Sokak and you’ll surely get some inspiration. If not, you can always spend the morning and afternoon hopping from café to restaurant.
Hang Out In Bitola's Misted Cafes
In the summer Bitola gets hot, in an uncomfortable sweaty kind of way. But, luckily there are plenty of shaded parks and cafes to keep you busy.
After a morning wandering around Heraclea, there’s nothing better than a refreshing drink while you sit on a misted terrace. I found myself drawn to the heat resistant overhangs and easy going lifestyle.
Grab an iced coffee or smoothie and people-watch until the intensity of the sun disappears. You’ll find all kinds of comfortable establishments in the city center.
Head Towards City Park at night
Where Shirok Sokak ends and City Park begins, a row of fast food restaurants appears. At night (at least in the summer) the whole area lights up and it overflows with people.
Corn on the cob stands fill the neighborhood with delectable scents and coffee vendors pop up next to them. It’s a perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat or an espresso after dinner. You can wander to one of the park’s benches or embrace the party-like mood.
Wander Around The Old Bazaar
Almost every city in North Macedonia has a bazaar and Bitola is no different. While the marketplace isn’t the flourishing economic center it once was, the city is still extremely proud of the historical monument.
After numerous fires wreaked havoc on the Bitola Bazaar throughout the years, it’s grown more and more modern. Due to this inherent danger, the shops are made of mostly solid materials. As you zig-zag through the brick and concrete streets you’ll notice some pretty neat things.
Some pictures from around the bazaar.
There’s a large central market with eye-catching produce under a tarp overhang. Small alleyways show off vibrant graffiti lined walls and bars with laughing customers lure you in. That, along with the colorful awnings and faded exteriors of aged establishments, make the maze-like bazaar a place you’ll want to visit.
Stop Inside One Of The Bazaar's Bars
When you finish admiring all that the Bitola Bazaar has to offer, settle down for a cooling beverage. There are a couple bars in the area, but only one that really stands out – Bar Carsija.
Built inside the ruins of an old hammam, the bar is a place you could lounge for hours. The architecture will transport you back to the Ottoman era, but the friendly vibes will keep you there. Make sure to grab a drink and lean back on one of the outdoor chairs in the courtyard.
Inside Bar Carsija’s courtyard.
During the day, you’ll find yourself amongst a youthful group of locals, listening to chatter and chilled out music. At night there is a chance for some live music and a more upbeat atmosphere.
Amid the cracked stone interior, garden plants hang from the ceiling and brightly colored bicycles lay around. Vintage books are stacked on the shelves and quirky posters add to the unique style of the bar. It’s hard to put into words just how cool of a place this is, you’ll just have to go and experience it for yourself.
I’m sure there are numerous things I missed out on during my trip, but I’ll leave that for the next time. I’ll end by saying that Bitola is one of those cities that is perfect for the curious traveler. A place that should definitely be added to your North Macedonia itinerary!
