· MK

Štip

Stip, Stip, North Macedonia

Štip, located in the heart of North Macedonia, is a charming town that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As you wander through the streets of Štip, you will be delighted by its traditional ar…

#Štip#North Macedonia#Eastern Europe#Historic town#Cultural heritage

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Štip.

Top Hotels in Štip

Top Flights to Štip

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Štip.

Tours

Explore the Old Bazaar

A historic market area where visitors can explore traditional shops, enjoy local cuisine, and purchase handmade crafts.

Visit the City Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Štip through exhibitions and artifacts.

Shopping

Shop at City Mall

A modern shopping mall offering a variety of international and local shopping options.

Outdoor

Hiking to Isar Fortress

A rewarding hike with views over the town and surrounding landscape, leading to a historic fortress.

Bregalnica River Walk

A leisurely walk along the Bregalnica River, offering beautiful scenery and chances to spot local wildlife.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Štip.

Currency

ден | MKD | Macedonian denar

Population

42000.0

Languages

Macedonian, Macedonian, Turkish, Serbian

Average weather

Štip

Jan

5°-3°

Feb

8°-1°

Mar

13°2°

Apr

18°6°

May

23°11°

Jun

28°15°

Jul

31°17°

Aug

31°17°

Sep

26°13°

Oct

19°8°

Nov

12°3°

Dec

6°-1°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Štip.

What people love

Štip is a charming city located in North Macedonia with several attractions and activities that make it a great travel destination. Some of the pros of traveling to Štip include:

Historical and Cultural Sites: Štip is home to several historical and cultural sites, such as the old bazaar, the ruins of the ancient city of Bargala, and the Isar Fortress. Visitors can explore these sites and learn about the city's rich history.
Natural Beauty: The surrounding area of Štip is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Zrnovci Lake and the mountains of Plačkovica and Kozjak. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking in these beautiful natural settings.
Local Cuisine: Štip is famous for its delicious traditional cuisine, including dishes like pastrmajlija (a type of flatbread with toppings) and ajvar (a pepper-based condiment). Visitors can sample these local delicacies at the city's restaurants and cafes.
Festivals and Events: Štip hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the International Folk Festival and the Štip Cultural Summer. These events offer a glimpse into the local traditions and customs of the city.
Affordable Travel Destination: North Macedonia is known for being a budget-friendly travel destination, and Štip is no exception. Visitors can enjoy affordable accommodations, dining options, and transportation in the city.

Overall, traveling to Štip offers a unique opportunity to explore a lesser-known city in North Macedonia, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

What to know

Štip, located in North Macedonia, is a beautiful destination with a rich history and culture. However, there are a few potential cons to consider when traveling to Štip:

Limited tourist infrastructure: Štip is not as popular of a tourist destination compared to other cities in North Macedonia, which means that the tourist infrastructure may be more limited. This could result in fewer accommodation options, restaurants, and transportation services available for tourists.
Language barrier: While many people in Štip may speak English, especially in tourist areas, you may still encounter communication challenges due to the prevalence of the Macedonian language. It is helpful to learn a few basic Macedonian phrases to navigate your way around the city.
Limited attractions: While Štip has a few interesting sites to visit, such as the historical bazaar and the ancient Roman ruins, the city may not offer as many tourist attractions compared to larger cities like Skopje or Ohrid. If you are looking for a wide variety of activities and sights to see, you may find Štip to be more limited in this aspect.
Limited transportation options: Getting to Štip may require some planning, as the city may not be as easily accessible by public transportation compared to more popular tourist destinations in North Macedonia. It is important to research transportation options beforehand to ensure a smooth journey.

Overall, while Štip offers a unique and authentic experience for travelers looking to explore a less-visited destination in North Macedonia, it is important to be aware of the potential cons mentioned above to have a more informed and enjoyable trip.

Štip, located in North Macedonia, is one of the country's oldest and historically significant cities. Here is a detailed history of Štip, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Ancient and Medieval Periods

Antiquity: The area around Štip has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It was initially settled by the Paeonians, an ancient tribe. Later, during the Roman period, it was known as Astibo, a significant settlement along the Via Egnatia, an important Roman road.
Middle Ages: Štip was part of the Byzantine Empire and later came under the rule of various Slavic tribes. During the medieval period, it became a significant center within the Bulgarian and Serbian empires. The city changed hands several times due to the frequent conflicts in the region.

Ottoman Era

Ottoman Rule: In the late 14th century, Štip was conquered by the Ottoman Empire and remained under Ottoman control for over five centuries. During this period, Štip was an important administrative and military center. The Ottomans left a significant architectural mark on the city, with mosques and other structures.

19th and Early 20th Century

National Revival: In the 19th century, Štip became a center of the Macedonian national awakening. The city played a significant role in the cultural and political movements that sought greater autonomy from the Ottoman Empire.
Balkan Wars and World War I: During the Balkan Wars (1912-1913), Štip was liberated from Ottoman rule and became part of the Kingdom of Serbia. It later became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia after World War I.

World War II and Socialist Yugoslavia

World War II: During World War II, Štip was occupied by Bulgarian forces allied with the Axis powers. The city was liberated by the Yugoslav Partisans in 1944.
Yugoslav Period: After the war, Štip became part of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The post-war period saw significant industrialization and urban development.

Modern Period

Independence of Macedonia: Following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Štip became part of the newly independent Republic of Macedonia, now known as North Macedonia.

Significant Landmarks

Isar Fortress: A historic fortress located on a hill overlooking the city, offering insights into the city's strategic importance throughout history.
Bezisten: An Ottoman-era covered market that reflects the architectural style and economic life of the past.
Church of St. Nicholas (Sv. Nikola): A significant religious site dating back to the 19th century, showcasing beautiful frescoes and iconography.
Museum of the City of Štip: Offers exhibits on the local history, culture, and archaeology of the region.

Notable Figures

Goce Delčev: Although not from Štip, he is a significant figure in the Macedonian national movement, and his influence was felt throughout the region.
Ljube Boškoski: A prominent political figure from Štip who played a role in Macedonia's post-independence politics.

Štip continues to be an important cultural and economic center in North Macedonia, with a vibrant community and a rich historical heritage.