On the edge of rocky mountains in North Macedonia’s little-visited central region, Prilep offers a compelling alternative to the country’s better-known cities and towns.
Whether you want to hike to hilltop castles or explore Ottoman bazaars, Prilep has plenty to offer the curious traveller and is well worth adding to your North Macedonia itinerary. We stayed here on a spontaneous visit during an October heatwave, and both agreed it was a surprise highlight of our latest Balkans trip, with excellent food and one of the most lively markets we’ve ever visited.
From mouthwatering grillhouses to eye-catching memorials, here are our 13 top things to do during a visit to Prilep.
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1) Visit the fantastic market in Prilep
Best for: One of the most lively markets in North Macedonia.
Prilep’s market was one of our favourite surprises of the trip. It was undoubtedly the best market we visited in North Macedonia.
When we visited on a busy weekend morning, we hadn’t intended to spend much time wandering among the stalls. We thought we would need 15 or 20 minutes to stroll through and see what was going on.
As it turned out, we could have happily spent a whole morning exploring everything that was happening. The market was absolutely packed.
On the streets outside, a raucous crowd of sellers and buyers yelled and gesticulated across the street. Amongst the bedlam, you could seemingly buy everything you could imagine. Bathroom essentials. Live hens. Sacks bursting to the seams with dried peppers. It was chaotic and brilliant.
Inside, things were slightly more ordered – but no less interesting. Row upon row of stalls stretched as far as the eye could see. From imported bananas to piles of honey bots and jars of ajvar (a popular sauce made from aubergine and red pepper), thousands of Prilep locals had descended on this one spot to stock up on their food.
Nimble-footed helpers dashed and dodged among the crowds, carrying small carts laden with goods. Mothers dragged children with one hand and heavy bags full to the brim with fruit and vegetables in the other.
At times, you could barely move for the crowds. If you love the sights, smells and sensory overload of markets – this was the place to be. It was probably our favourite thing to do during our visit to Prilep.
How to do it: We visited the market on a Saturday morning. The main indoor section is here, whilst sellers are spread out across the streets, culminating in the busy outdoor square here.
2) Eat kebapi at Сокаче
Best for: A classic dish with amazing portions.
During our latest North Macedonia trip and on previous visits to the Balkans, we survived on a diet of kebapi and burek. The latter, small parcels of filo pastry wrapped around mincemeat or feta cheese, is a breakfast staple that you can find at any decent bakery.
Meanwhile, the former is the signature dish of the thousands of grill houses dotted around every town and city in the region. These tiny rolls of meat, usually served with freshly baked bread and a small side salad, make for a delicious lunch or a hearty evening meal. It’s rare to find a ‘bad’ kepabi place – although they do exist. Finding a truly excellent restaurant, however, requires a combination of luck and careful planning.
The stars aligned on our visit to Prilep. Having done some prior research, I honed in on Сокаче, which stands just off the main square and came with excellent reviews.
We headed to the restaurant at around 7pm on a pleasant Friday evening. The streets were busy, but not overly crowded. Inside the restaurant, however, was a different matter.
As soon as we stepped through the door, we could see that every table was taken. The handful that were unoccupied had ‘Reserved’ signs clearly displayed. Everyone was tucking into plates piled high with grilled meat, washing their meals down with local beer and the occasional shot of raki.
Tucking into our dinner at Сокаче
Unlucky, we thought. It was obviously the place to be. Just when we thought we had been defeated, a smiley waiter came over and offered us a small table outside, next to the door. Thanking him profusely, we took our seats and glanced through the menu.
It didn’t take long to decide what we wanted. Two portions of kebapi, please – 10 pieces each – with extra bread and a traditional Shopska Salad on the side. Our usual tactic was that I (Matt) would eat 12 and Lucy would have 8. However, we hadn’t counted on the portion sizes at Сокаче. They were enormous.
Resembling full-sized meatballs, each piece was roughly twice the size of what we’d been used to. The Shopska Salad was the width of my head. Everything was utterly delicious – and there was so much of it.
It’s very, very rare that we don’t manage to finish a meal. However, the generous size of the kepabi at Сокаче defeated us in the most brilliant way possible. Thankfully, our waiter obliged when we asked for a box to take our leftovers. They made for an excellent breakfast the following day.
How to do it: Сокаче is open most days until late. In our experience, the restaurant can get very busy in the evenings. You may want to try to reserve a table in advance.
3) Visit the Alley of National Heroes
A short walk from the centre of Prilep, the Alley of National Heroes lines the entrance to the popular Memorial Park to the Revolution. Here, on a grassy path leading to the centre of the park, ten bronze busts commemorate some of Prilep’s National Heroes.
It’s worth spending a few minutes here to look at the statues. Each of the heroes fell during the Second World War, when the region of Macedonia was invaded and occupied by Axis forces. Once you’ve walked through the Alley and viewed the memorials, it’s time to move on to another of Prilep’s monuments – the Mound of the Undefeated.
How to do it: Prilep’s Alley of National Heroes stands at the entrance to the Memorial Park to the Revolution.
4) Admire the Mound of the Undefeated
Best for: One of the finest Yugoslav spomeniks.
Spomeniks – Serbo-Croat for monuments – can be found all over North Macedonia and the former Yugoslavia. There are thousands of these statues dotted across the countryside, built during the Yugoslav period to commemorate battle sites and military heroes. Some are more impressive than others.
Prilep’s Mound of the Undefeated is certainly some of the best Spomeniks in North Macedonia. The complex consists of eight marble urns representing the 462 fallen fighters who battled the Axis occupation during the Second World War. Each urn is unique, with a different size and shape.
The urns stand a few metres from a crypt in which the remains of the fighters lie. Inside the crypt, the fighters’ names are inscribed – locals from Prilep and the surrounding area who fought for the liberation of Macedonia.
How to do it: We recommend visiting the Mound of the Undefeated at sunset. Once you’ve visited the site, take a stroll around the park and enjoy the golden hour light. The views from the northern side of the city and to Marko’s Towers are particularly good.
5) Hike up to Marko’s Towers for the best views over Prilep
Best for: An energetic walk on the outskirts of Prilep.
Marko’s Towers – or Markovi Kuli – are the hilltop remains of ancient fortresses and settlements that overlook the city of Prilep. The towers are named after Prince Marko, who ruled the region from his Prilep castle.
These days, little remains of Prince Marko’s fortress, save for a few crumbling walls and interesting archaeological features. Nevertheless, the hike from Prilep to Marko’s Towers is a popular route for locals and visitors alike.
When viewed from the perimeter of the Memorial Park, the twin peaks appear to tower above the city. The walk is steep, but should only take 30-60 minutes depending on your route.
How to visit: You can hike up to Marko’s Towers from Prilep. Many people choose to start the walk in the Varosh neighbourhood, taking a rocky road for just under 2 kilometres to reach the top. Click here for the route.
6) Check out the brand-new Church of St. Naum
Best for: A brand-new take on classic architecture.
On the way back from the Memorial Park, take a few minutes to admire the brand-new Church of St. Naum. This tiny chapel has been built in classic style, resembling some of North Macedonia’s most famous churches – such as Ohrid’s Church of St. John at Kaneo. However, Prilep’s version is just a few years old.
Bizarrely, the church stands in the middle of an unassuming building plot on the corner of two busy roads. Behind it, a dilapidated sports hall slowly crumbles. There is no churchyard; there are no flowers.
When we walked past, the church wasn’t open. We’re not sure who uses it, but we found it to be an interesting example of a new building constructed using an iconic, centuries-old design.
How to do it: Whilst we wouldn’t recommend going out of your way to visit the church itself, you can see it on the main walking route back from the Memorial Park.
7) Visit the statue of Alexander the Great
Best for: Gazing upon a hero of Macedonia.
The statue stands on a quiet pedestrianised path, just across the road from the main square. Gleaming gold, Alexander clasps a spear and shield. Standing atop a stone plinth, he gazes triumphantly out into the distance.
The plinth bears his name, along with a map of ancient Macedonia. Behind Alexander, the twin peaks of Marko’s Towers provide a striking background.
How to do it: You can find the statue of Alexander the Great here.
8) Have a coffee in the Town Square
Best for: Living like a local.
Across the road from the Alexander the Great statue, the sprawling Town Square is the beating heart of Prilep. On the eastern edge of the square, a handful of cafes line the entrance to the old bazaar.
Take a seat at one of the cafes, order a coffee and enjoy an hour of people-watching. Cyclists crisscross the square, occasionally laden with shopping bags after a trip to the market. Families, friends and couples wander in unison.
Benches line the square, many of them under the shade of the trees. If you visit on a sunny day, the shaded benches will likely be occupied by Prilep’s retirees, catching up and chatting with old friends.
How to do it: You can find Prilep’s Town Square here.
9) Wander the Old Bazaar of Prilep
Best for: Window shopping.
Once you’ve had your coffee, head into Prilep’s small Old Bazaar quarter. Whilst the Ottoman-era bazaar is not as extensive as, say, that in Skopje, it still makes for an interesting place to stroll.
From wedding dresses to jewellery, the bazaar is still a shopping destination in its own right, with dozens of independent stores vying for passing trade. If you don’t intend to buy something at the bazaar, you can probably cover the main shopping streets in 20 or 30 minutes. However, the shops aren’t the only intriguing features in the bazaar.
How to do it: Prilep’s Old Bazaar is located just off the main Town Square.
10) Look at the ruins of the Čarši Mosque
Best for: A touch of history.
One of Prilep’s most intriguing sites is the old ruined mosque, which stands in a pleasant square on the edge of the bazaar. Dating back to Ottoman times, the mosque has succumbed to fire on more than one occasion – most recently as a result of clashes during the 2001 insurgency in Macedonia.
Today, the shell of the mosque is open to the elements, with the roof long since gone. Only a few walls and the semi-collapsed minaret remain.
You are free to wander inside the walls, but – to be honest – the mosque appears to be in a state of complete disrepair. The site is overgrown, with long grasses and stray dogs to contend with. It’s a curiosity best viewed from afar.
How to do it: You can find the Čarši Mosque here.
11) Prilep’s leaning Clock Tower
Best for: Prilep’s most famous meeting place.
Next to the Čarši Mosque, the Ottoman-era Clock Tower is one of Prilep’s most iconic sights. A constant feature on the city’s skyline, the tower dates back to 1858, when it was built to replace an older tower that had been destroyed in a fire.
The tower, which stands at 38 metres, leans slightly – see if you can spot the effect from a distance. Due to its central location and impressive height, the tower is a focal point for meet-ups and events in Prilep.
How to do it: Unfortunately, it is not possible to climb the tower. However, you can walk right up to the entrance – click here for the location.
12) The Memorial of the Defenders of Prilep
Best for: One last Spomenik.
Just when you thought you had covered all of Prilep’s best Spomeniks, there is one final monument we think you should visit.
The Memorial of the Defenders of Prilep is just a few minutes walk from the Old Bazaar and the Town Square. It stands tall in the middle of a busy roundabout, with a constant stream of traffic rotating around it.
Unlike Prilep’s other famous monuments, this Spomenik commemorates the soldiers from the Macedonian army who died in the Karpalak ambush during the 2001 insurgency. The monument’s futuristic design comprises a red globe, held tall by ten steel arms that stretch into the sky.
How to do it: You can find the memorial in the middle of the roundabout at the end of Goce Delčev Street.
13) Explore Prilep’s Treskavec Monastery
Best for: One of North Macedonia’s most beautiful monasteries.
Hidden away among the sprawling hills to the north of Prilep, the remote Treskavec Monastery is probably the most popular day-trip from Prilep. The monastery dates back to the 12th century and has been a pilgrimage site for centuries.
Sadly, much of the monastery burnt down in the early 2010s, but the on-site church escaped largely unscathed. Inside the church, a myriad of remarkable Byzantine-era frescoes adorn the walls and domes.
The remainder of the site is under renovation, seeking to recover from the devastation of the fire. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful place to visit – an oasis of quiet and a lovely contrast to the hustle and bustle of Prilep.
How to do it: Until recently, the only way to access the monastery was via a steep 8-kilometre hike from Prilep. For adventurous travellers, the hiking route is still an excellent option, winding through the mountains and rewarding you with marvellous views. Just be sure to take plenty of water and plan your route carefully.
However, there is now a well-paved vehicular road that winds its way through the mountains and leads directly to the Treskavec Monastery. It will take about 30 minutes to drive to the monastery from the centre of Prilep.
Read next: How to take a day trip from Skopje to Tetovo.
Visiting Prilep: How to do it
From getting to Prilep to the best places to stay, here’s how you can visit this charming city.
Getting to Prilep by bus
If, like us, you are exploring North Macedonia without a car, the best way to get to Prilep is by bus. Many of the timetables only use the Cyrillic alphabet, so we have included both spellings of the city names below.
Buses from Skopje (Скопје) to Prilep (Прилеп)
There are over 10 buses each day between Prilep (Прилеп) and Skopje (Скопје). The first bus from Skopje leaves at 06:00, and the final bus leaves at 21:00. A single ticket costs 560 MKD, with a return ticket costing 860.
Several carriers run the route between Prilep and Skopje, including Galeb Ohrid (ГАЛЕБ ОХРИД), Roman Prilep (РОМАН ПРИЛЕП) and Transcop Bitola (ТРАНСКОП БИТОЛА). The buses will take about 3.5 hours.
For the latest bus timetables from Skopje to Prilep, click here.
For the latest bus timetables from Prilep to Skopje, click here.
If you are travelling between Prilep and Skopje, you may also want to consider catching the train.
Buses from Ohrid (Охрид) to Prilep (Прилеп)
There are a handful of daily buses between Ohrid (Охрид) and Prilep (Прилеп). Unfortunately, Ohrid’s bus station does not have online timetables, so we cannot confirm the latest bus times from Ohrid to Prilep.
However, there are services leaving from Prilep to Ohrid at 08:20, 08:40, 17:40 and 09:40. A single ticket costs up to 630 MKD, with a return ticket costing up to 1020 MKD, depending on your carrier. There are 3 carriers – Extra Bus (ЕКСТРА БУС), Galeb Ohrid (ГАЛЕБ ОХРИД) and Auto Atom (АВТО АТОМ).
If you are travelling from Ohrid, we suggest checking the timetables at Ohrid bus station as soon as you arrive in the city.
For the latest bus timetables from Prilep to Ohrid, click here.
Buses from Bitola (Битола) to Prilep (Прилеп)
One of the most popular bus routes to Prilep is from Bitola (Битола). Like Ohrid’s bus station, the Bitola bus station website does not have a working timetable. However, there are departures during most hours, from early morning to late evening.
A single ticket from Bitola (Битола) to Prilep (Прилеп) costs 220 MKD. There are multiple carriers – the most popular one is Transcop Bitola (ТРАНСКОП БИТОЛА).
For the latest bus timetables from Prilep to Bitola, click here.
Staying in Prilep
Whilst Prilep doesn’t have the same abundance of accommodation as Skopje or Ohrid, there are still plenty of good places to stay.
Budget rooms: We stayed at the budget Cavleski Rooms, which was perfect for a short break. The room was a good size, with a comfortable bed, electric stove and a decent shower. It’s a short walk from the Town Square, but we had no issues with the neighbourhood – in fact, we found that people were friendly and helpful when we took a wrong turn. Check-in was straightforward, with clear instructions and a lockbox to collect the keys. Rooms from £25 a night.
A central hotel: For those seeking a larger hotel in the heart of Prilep, the Atlas City Center Hotel offers comfortable, spacious rooms with breakfast included in the rate. Most accommodation in Prilep comprises basic guest houses or self-catering apartments, so this is probably your best option if you’re looking for a more classic hotel experience. Atlas has a 4th-floor restaurant with good views over the city and is located just off Town Square. Rooms from £59.
Old-school vibes: Just a five-minute walk from Town Square, Guest House Prilep offers a series of classically furnished apartments in a grand old house. Don’t expect sleek, modern fittings – a stay here is a throwback to a different era, befitting of a home that has stood for nearly 100 years. With friendly hosts and plenty of room, it’s a compelling option for an alternative stay in Prilep.