"The Stone Bridge in Skopje, often hailed as the city’s iconic landmark, is a disappointing and frustrating experience that fails to live up to its historical significance. Spanning the Vardar River and connecting Macedonia Square to the Old Bazaar, this 15th-century Ottoman structure is undeniably striking with its 13 arches and solid stonework. However, any appreciation for its architecture is quickly overshadowed by the appalling conditions surrounding it.

The bridge is plagued by an overwhelming number of insects, to the point where crossing feels like a battle. Visitors practically need to cover their faces entirely to avoid being swarmed, making what should be a leisurely stroll a deeply uncomfortable ordeal. The sheer volume of bugs is not only irritating but also raises questions about the lack of basic maintenance or pest control in such a central location.

Worse still is the aggressive begging that dominates the experience. Groups of individuals, often described as gypsies, don’t just ask for money—they practically extort it, creating an intimidating atmosphere that makes crossing the bridge feel unsafe and stressful. Their persistence is relentless, and it’s shocking that such behavior is allowed to persist in Skopje’s most prominent public space. The apparent absence of police or municipal intervention is nothing short of absurd, reflecting a broader neglect of public order in the city. It’s as if the authorities have completely abandoned any effort to maintain a welcoming environment for visitors and locals alike.

While the bridge’s historical and architectural value could make it a highlight of Skopje, the reality is a chaotic mess. The combination of swarming insects and aggressive begging, coupled with the authorities’ inaction, turns this landmark into a frustrating symbol of the city’s dysfunction. Visiting the Stone Bridge feels like navigating a gauntlet rather than enjoying a historic site."

Hristiyan Valchev

"The stone bridge on the river Vardar connects Macedonia Square on the right bank and the Old Skopje Bazaar on the left bank of the river. There are two different opinions about its existence. According to the first, it was built in the 6th century, shortly after the catastrophic earthquake in 518, during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. Others believe that the bridge was built in the second half of the fifteenth century, between 1451 and 1469, the time when the Ottoman empire was ruled by the Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror.

The bridge is built of travertine stone blocks bound with iron hooks and fastened with cast lead and crushed stone and mortar. In its original appearance it contained 13 semicircular arches, it had a length of 213.85 m (329 steps) and a width of 6.33 m. Today, the bridge is accessible only for pedestrians, but historically it was also used for traffic. It was named "Stone Bridge" because it was built using crushed stone. In addition, the bridge is historically also known as the Dushan Bridge, in honor of the Serbian king Dusan. Stone Bridge is considered a symbol of the city of Skopje. Stone Bridge is presented as an integral element on the coat of arms of the city.

Alhamdulillah for the opportunity to have arrived here."

Rahmah Ramli

"I asked for the club Sandwich. As on the publicity it looks amazing. But in real life. See the photos yourself and judge.

Waited almost 45 min to get the food, which arrived cold.

Manager too afraid to face us.

First he offered a ball of ice cream we said no. Then he said he would remove the dish completely. 10mins past and he said its not possible to remove anything. So he charged us full price on everything.

We were told that the publicity sign photos outside are just for advertising purposes.

This is false advertising and a tourist trap.

I am Diabetic and need to eat food on time."

CIN ID TV