Enjoying yourself Northern Macedonia
Timetable Northern Macedonia
Most restaurants are also bars. As such, they are generally open from 8am to midnight, every day. Breakfast is ordered from midday onwards. Service is then continuous until around 10pm. Off-season is less flexible. Some restaurants are closed one day a week.
Budget & Tips Northern Macedonia
Expect to pay between 700 and 1,000 MKD (€11/16) on average in restaurants for a full meal without alcohol. But it's often very hearty. Prices are even cheaper in small street restaurants (250/500 MKD). It's very rare to spend more than MKD 1,500 per person. For wine, you can try the "good" bottles from the country's major wineries (Tikveš, Bovin. Sobi...), but it's generally expensive and disappointing. Better to stick to home-made wine, as the locals do. Credit cards are often accepted, except in small villages. It is sometimes possible to pay in euros.
What costs extra Northern Macedonia
Bread, water and cutlery are sometimes charged extra. But this is rarely excessive. Tipping is not compulsory. But they are very important to help hotel and restaurant staff make ends meet. Remember to leave at least 10% extra. Given the local rates, you won't break the bank...
Smokers Northern Macedonia
This is the big problem for bars and restaurants in Northern Macedonia. Despite anti-smoking legislation, most establishments tolerate smokers and it quickly becomes unbreathable, except outside peak hours and on terraces in fine weather.
Take a break Northern Macedonia
Timetable Northern Macedonia
Cafés, bars and brasseries are open every day, but rarely past midnight. Generally speaking, the locals are not big partiers or late-nighters.
Budget & Tips Northern Macedonia
For a soda, count between 60 and 100 MKD. For a local beer, between 100 and 150 MKD per 50 cl. Above all, try to be generous in tipping the waiters, who are often very poorly paid.
Age restrictions Northern Macedonia
Alcohol consumption is permitted from the age of 18.
What's very local Northern Macedonia
As is often the case in the Balkans, being drunk in public is frowned upon. Drink in moderation.
Smokers Northern Macedonia
Despite anti-smoking legislation, most establishments tolerate smokers, and the air quickly becomes unbreathable, except outside peak hours and on terraces in fine weather.
Tourist traps Northern Macedonia
In Ohrid, some drink prices can be a bit crazy... considering the local standard of living. Take a good look at the menu before ordering a fancy cocktail or - what a funny idea! - a bottle of (real) champagne.
