Skopje, Macedonia isn’t just Europe’s Capital of Kitsch. Besides a wide and curious range of architecture and that signature brand of Balkan cool, the city offers some strikingly affordable apartment rentals—we’re talking less than $20/night for some places. Here are 10 of our favorite whole-home rentals, most priced under $30/night.
Paste’s Airbnb columnist Erica Jackson Curran is a former alt-weekly editor turned moonlight freelancer based in Richmond, Virginia.
1 of 10
![]()
Suzana's studio apartment is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the train station and right next door to the Church of St. Clement of Ohrid, the largest cathedral of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. It's in Debar Maalo, known as the bohemian part of town, where you can easily walk to Skopje's main square, parks, and the Turkish bazaar. The apartment is decorated with 19th century antiques including a sewing machine and tea service, but it also has modern amenities like Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Those who stay 10 days or longer get free laundry service.
2 of 10
![]()
Sanja and Iva's sunshiney spot has two bedrooms and three beds, making it ideal for families with kids. Situated in Debar Maalo, the apartment is surrounded by coffee shops and traditional restaurants where you can sample Macedonian delicacies like tulumba (a fried pastry) and kukurec (lamb intestines). The hosts can organize cultural walks, hiking trips, bike rentals, and airport transport for guests.
3 of 10
![]()
The décor in Filip's "MusicBox Apartment" was inspired by pioneers of the early electronic music scene with a nod to warehouse parties. The studio is in a quiet area about 15 minutes from the city center. It has a kitchenette and a sofa bed, plus a recliner that can sleep an additional guest in a pinch. Filip can arrange tours of the area along with a mobile SIM card for guests if needed.
4 of 10
![]()
Less than a 10-minute walk from the train station, Goran's studio apartment is located in a private home. The recently renovated space has a kitchen, garden, and twin beds that can be attached into a double. There's free parking and Wi-Fi, and no cleaning fee. The host recommends the bakery across the street for an authentic Macedonian breakfast or dinner.
5 of 10
![]()
This cheery one-bedroom apartment is in the center of town close to the city park and cafes. The open floor plan has living and dining areas as well as a stocked kitchen. Past guests says host Biljana is friendly and responsive, and a great guide to the city. Hagen says it's "probably one of the coolest Airbnbs I've ever stayed in."
6 of 10
![]()
Situated next to the Romanian embassy 15 minutes from Skopje's old town, Maxime's two-bedroom apartment has room for six guests. There's a sunny terrace off of the kitchen, which also has a dining table. The bathroom has a washing machine, and one of the bedrooms is perfect for kids.
7 of 10
![]()
Kristina's brand-new apartment is in Debar Maalo close to the zoo and City Park. Located on the third floor (with elevator), the place has two bedrooms with three beds, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. There's also a washing machine, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, cable, and free parking.
8 of 10
![]()
Martin's mod two-bedroom apartment is in a quiet area about 15 minutes from the main square. The living room has a sprawling sectional and a sunny dining area, and there's a balcony overlooking the surrounding hills. The kitchen is compact but updated and stocked with all the necessities. Free parking is available.
9 of 10
![]()
Zac's centrally located flat has two bedrooms and plenty of room for eight guests. There's a kitchenette, a balcony, and a living room with a sofa bed. Markets, bars, and the main square are a quick walk away along with public transportation. It's on the fourth floor with no elevator, but past guests praise the spot's "perfect location" and the welcoming, helpful host.
10 of 10
![]()
Inspired by the works of Dali and Gaudi, Josif's apartment has views of some of Skopje's top sites. There's one bedroom, a basic kitchenette, and the host can arrange an airport transfer. The place has been described as bizarre, chaotic, and even messy, but one past guest says "you discover new details by each hour of your stay."