Bitola was one of our favorite stops on our tour of Macedonia. It has a charming, small city vibe with shady parks and a cafe-lined Main Street. Also, of all of Macedoniaβs cities, Bitola feels the most European with its romantic 19th-century neo-classical architecture.
Known as The City of Consuls, it is home to twelve different consulates. Generally, they are housed in beautifully crafted buildings on the cityβs main strip.
This travel guide and itinerary will share things to do, day-trip ideas, and budget-savvy tips, and provide contact information for locals to help you plan your next holiday to this amazing city.
Part of the lure of exploring this city was the opportunity to go slowly through it. We people-watched at a cafe, ate ice cream admiring the beautiful Russian Consulate, and drank cheap bottles of TikveΕ‘ wine at the local Irish pub. As a rule, we love exploring cities where thereβs enough to keep you busy, yet opportunities to enjoy life at a slower pace.
Logistics and Accommodations
After touring Lake Ohrid, we stayed in Bitola for three nights. Then, we took a 2-hour bus from Ohrid to Bitola which cost about USD 7 per person. Finally, from the Bitola Bus Station, we were able to walk about 1 mile to our hotel.
We booked accommodations at the Theatre Apartments for about USD 30 per night. In short, it was a clean, comfortable place to stay with a kitchenette, washing machine, and a balcony. Also, the apartment is a short 5-10 minute walk from the city center.
Furthermore, the location offers a quaint, residential feel. This is appreciated since the city center can get quite rambunctious at night.
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9 Best Things to See and Do in Bitola, Macedonia
Join us on a photo tour sharing some of the best sights around the town. Below are the nine best things to do in Bitola, Macedonia.
1. Heraclea Lyncestis
About 1 mile or 2 kilometers from the city center, visitors can tour Heraclea Lyncestis, an amazing piece of preserved history. These ruins originate from the 4th century BC and admission costs about USD 2.
The highlights include five gorgeous tiled mosaics, an amphitheater, and a museum.Β Indeed, the stunning, mountain backdrop accents the experience.
Interesting Facts About the Heracela Ruins
- The mosaic floor in the Great Basilica is depicted on the back of the Macedonian 5000 bill.
- The Roman emperor Hadrian constructed the theater.
- The ruins were discovered in 1968.
- In 1931, a small bone was found that was a ticket for a seat in the 14th row and was the earliest proof of the theaterβs existence.
- In the late 4th century AD, the rise of Christianity caused the gladiator flights here to be banned as they were considered to be pagan rituals and entertainment.
- There were three animal cages found when the ruins were excavated.
From Skopje: Private Full-Day Trip to Bitola > Check Availability
2. Ε irok Sokak Street
Ε irok Sokak is the lifeblood of the city. There are many cafΓ© bars along the pedestrian street running from City Park to Magnolia Square. CafΓ© Pajton, with its Parisian cafe vibes, is one of the best in the city.
In the summer, consider ordering a NescafΓ©, which is how the locals order an iced coffee. Those paying close attention to the signage will see that the real name of the street is Marsal Tito.
3. Catholic Cathedral on Shirok Sokak Street
4. Bitola Clock Tower
The clock towerβs beginnings are a highly-debated mystery. This is because it is unclear when the Bitola Clock Tower was constructed. Some records speak of a clock tower in the city as early as 1664.
However, it is unlikely that this is the exact tower that still stands today. Some researchers suggest that the tower was constructed in 1830, at the same time as the nearby church of St. Demetrius.
Historians do know that 15 new bells (weighing 900 kg) were placed in the tower as a sign of gratitude for the construction of the Memorial Cemetery of German soldiers killed in the First World War. Finally, thereβs a hidden falcon located on the Bitola Tower so be sure to look for it.
5. Church of St. Demetrius
In 1830, near the end of the Ottoman occupation, the Church of Saint Demetrius was constructed. Under Turkish rule, the building of Christian churches was not permitted. However, as the Turkish empire weakened, permission was granted to build churches to keep the population happy.
The builders were required to follow certain rules when constructing the church. For example, the exterior needed to be plain without ornate decorations. Also, the church had to be constructed one meter below ground so it wouldnβt dominate the cityβs skyline.
Peek inside and youβll discover that the interior is ornately beautiful with lavish woodwork. Lastly, the church is featured in two moviesβin the opening scenes of βThe Peacemakerβ and in βWelcome to Sarajevo.β
6. Bitola Zoo
Near Heraclea, the Bitola Zoo is quite small but features lions, a Siberian tiger, and bears. The cost for admission is about USD 1, respectively. Furthermore, weekday admission is free for seniors, kids under 5, and those with special needs. Next, to the zoo, visitors will observe a Serbian Military Cemetery located on a sloped hill.
7. The Old Bazaar
The Old Bazaar in Bitola is cleaner and smaller than the Old Bazaar in Skopje. In addition, many consider it the most beautiful old bazaar in Macedonia.
8. Angel for the Defenders of Macedonia
9. Magnolia Square with Russian Consulate
Magnolia Square is Bitolaβs main town square and is located near the Bitola Clock Tower. Also, the square has a central fountain featuring the Macedonian Sun in the center. Finally, the Macedonian flag features the same Kutlesh star shape.
Best Restaurant in Bitola
In the evenings, we enjoyed Pub Bourbon Street an Irish pub only in appearance. Apart from the typical bar food, they serve up local Macedonian cuisine too. Furthermore, one of the specialties is a melted cheese and mushroom pot served with a basket of warm sesame bread. Of course, the melted cheese pot is a signature dish in Bitola and pairs well with the liters of TikveΕ‘ wineβoften served in the bottle, at a budget-friendly cost of around USD 4.
Bike Rental in Bitola
If youβre looking to rent bikes to explore Bitola, our hotel (Theatre Apartments) offered a bicycle rental service. A full-day rental costs about EUR 8 per bike.
Pelister National Park
Many travelers passing through Bitola visit Pelister National Park to enjoy the mountains and hike. Unfortunately, without a car or a local guide, this may be difficult. One of the best ways to tour the park is by taking a guided tour walk to an alpine lake. The tour includes pickup and dropoff in Bitola and provides lunch.
