9 Best Things To Do In Bitola, North Macedonia

1. Wine and dine at Ciflik Winery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Ciflik Winery is a hotel in Bitola known for its calm and cozy ambiance. A breathtaking view and tons of nature surround the winery. You can enjoy an overnight stay in their gorgeous suites or grab a bite in their 24-hour restaurant. Before you leave, make sure to give their unique wines a try!

Ciflik Winery

Address: 2 br.18 Brusnik, Bitola, North Macedonia

Website: Ciflik Winery

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 8am - 1am; Sun - Thu: 8am - 12am

2. Travel back in time through the ruins of Heraklea Lynkestis

Heraklea Lynkestis is one of the historical attractions of Bitola built during the 4th century, but people lived here until the end of the 6th century. This place used to be an episcopal center and was strategically located. Today, you can walk through the ruins and see Roman baths, ancient mosaics, a theatre, and more.

Heraklea Lynkestis

Address: Bitola, Pelagonia Statistical Region, North Macedonia

Opening hours: April - October: 9am - 6pm (daily); October - March: 9am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 150 MKD (3 USD)

3. Dive into the culture of Bitola at Ishak Çelebi Mosque

Ishak Çelebi Mosque is the biggest mosque in Bitola. It has tons of beautiful features like its Ottoman architecture style, a minaret, and a wooden gallery. Some people visit mosques to channel their inner peace or to pray, but one can also visit the mosque to admire its ornaments and architecture. Always keep in mind to respect the space and follow their rules.

Ishak Çelebi Mosque

Address: Boulevard 1st of May b.b., Bitola 7000, North Macedonia

4. Get lost in nature surrounding the main landmark of Bitola, The Clock Tower

The Clock Tower in Bitola, with a height of 32 meters (105 feet), is one of the landmarks in the city. It’s also known as Saat Kula and can found in the middle of the city. An enchanting park surrounds the tower. This tourist spot is open 24 hours a day so tourists can come by at any time. Fun fact: this is a functional clock, which makes it easier for onlookers to tell the time.

The Clock Tower

Address: Jorgo Osmano, Bitola 7000, North Macedonia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Take a walk down history lane at NI Institute and Museum Bitola

Before it became a museum, NI Institute and Museum Bitola used to be a Military Academy, a military gym, and an army barracks. Today, it houses thousands of artifacts from different eras. Talk about versatility! Want a sneak peek of their collection? Check out their website to see what they have on display.

NI Institute and Museum Bitola

Address: St Clement of Ohrid BB, Bitola 7000, North Macedonia

Website: NI Institute and Museum Bitola

Opening hours: April - October: 9am - 6pm (daily); October - March: 9am - 4pm (daily)

6. Visit the heart of Bitola, Magnolia Square

Magnolia Square is a park in the middle of the city. You can find buildings from both the Macedonian and Ottoman eras surrounding Magnolia Square. This public park is also near the Clock Tower, and it’s surrounded by trendy cafes and restaurants that you should try out! Also, landmarks like The Founder of Heraclea Statue and the Vergina Sun fountain are also in the area. This part of the city is one of the best places to take a stroll.

Magnolia Square

Address: Jorgo Osmano, Bitola 7000, North Macedonia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

7. Bask in the fusion of east and west in House of the Army

This building showcases a fusion of styles from the East and the West. The design of House of the Army resembles that of a fortress and a palace. Having towers and cannons in the buildings shows its fortress-like design while having high ceilings and windows gives the sophistication of a palace. Although this infrastructure was to be used by the Turkish, the building was not finished in time for it to serve them. Later, it became a spacious hall for any functions hosted in the area.

House of the Army

Address: Shirok Sokak, Bitola, North Macedonia

8. Shop ‘til you drop at Stara Čaršija

For all the shopaholics out there, this is a must-visit! Aside from the number of products available here, there are also tons of restaurants and museums that you can check out. To maximize the experience, it’s best to visit during the morning where there is fresh produce available and when it isn’t too hot to roam around. Stara Čaršija or Old Bazaar is the oldest and biggest shopping place in the area. It dates back to the 12th century, and structures from the Ottoman and Byzantine eras are still present here.

Stara Čaršija / Old Bazaar

Address: MK, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

9. Explore the gardens of Rezidencija Hadji-Kosta Milevski

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Rezidencija Hadјi-Kosta Milevski is located in the center of the city, and its enchanting structure and landscaping are its salient features. People often come here to do their wedding shoots or explore the gardens. Before you end your Bitola vacation, don’t forget to drop by.

Rezidencija Hadјi-Kosta Milevski

Address: Slavko Lumbarko 6, Bitola 7000, North Macedonia

Website: Rezidencija Hadјi-Kosta Milevski

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 5pm - 8pm

Looking for a culture-rich place to visit? Bitola is the place for you

Whether you’re a history nerd, a shopaholic, or a traveler looking for a slow-paced vacation, Bitola has it all for you! What are you waiting for? Plan your Bitola escapade now!