Hostel Review: Central Hostel, Skopje

Location & Accessibility

Arriving in a new country and city always brings a sense of vulnerability, and Skopje is no different. I came without WiFi, and trying to navigate without it felt daunting. Fortunately, I managed to connect at the bus station and discovered the hostel was just 400 metres away.

The building is easy to find, though I arrived at a locked door. Thankfully, there’s a doorbell provided—assuming your host is inside to answer. (Note: my phone doesn’t recognise WhatsApp due to the country it was purchased in, which made communication tricky.)

The location is excellent—very close to the mall, the Vardar River, Stone Bridge, Macedonia Square, Skopje Fortress, the Old Bazaar, and the Mother Teresa Memorial. All are within a 5–10 minute walk, with plenty of restaurants and bars nearby to suit all tastes.

First Impressions & Atmosphere

The hostel sits on a corner and is easily spotted, with the reception located on the first floor. I was warmly greeted by my host, Zoran, whose enthusiasm immediately put me at ease. First impressions in a foreign place matter, and the genuine hospitality made this place feel welcoming from the start.

The vibe is friendly and communal—ideal for solo travellers or those looking to connect.

Rooms & Facilities

This is a relatively new hostel, open for just 12 months, and still fine-tuning its operations. It's well maintained, with thoughtful décor—paintings and stencilled designs throughout give it personality.

There are two mixed 6-bed dorms:

Dorm A is spacious and includes a balcony.

Dorm B is smaller and can feel a bit cramped when full.

Each bed comes with a night light and power outlet. Heat pumps in the rooms ensure comfort year-round. While there aren’t workspaces in the dorms, the kitchen can serve as a makeshift workstation.

Common Areas & Amenities

The shared kitchen on the first floor is well-stocked and has enough seating for guests who want to cook. There’s also a lounge area by reception.

However, the main drawback is the limited bathroom facilities: only one toilet and one shower for up to 12 guests. Several guests I spoke to raised concerns about the morning rush—it’s a first-come, first-served situation.

That said, the entire hostel is spotlessly clean, which contributes greatly to the comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Add privacy curtains for beds

Upgrade sagging mattresses for better support

Install a second toilet and shower

Create a dedicated workspace for digital nomads

Staff & Hospitality

Zoran and his daughter go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. They’re friendly, passionate about Skopje, and full of helpful suggestions. Their warmth truly enhances the experience.

Final Thoughts

Central Hostel is a well-run, inviting place that delivers a solid and enjoyable experience for travellers. With just a few tweaks, it has the potential to become one of Skopje’s top hostels.

If I return to Skopje, this would be my first choice, these are my thoughts and not the thoughts of others who may differ from my take on this hostel.

Ratings

Staff: ★★★★★ (10/10)

Room: ★★★★☆ (8/10)

Location: ★★★★★ (10/10)

Common Areas & Amenities: ★★★★★ (9/10)

Facilities: ★★★★☆ (8.5/10)

Overall Experience: ★★★★★ (9/10)