The best and fastest way to see Skopje and to experience the very typical and standard life is using a bicycle as a transportation. Not too big, but in the same time not small, Skopje could be a perfect example of everyday usage of the bicycle instead of a car.
Where to begin? OK, let's see. First of all - the very unique Communism Architecture is A MUST SEE attraction! The National Bank, the New Railway Station, the University, the Campus, the National Library, the Academy of Sciences, the Nikola Karev High School, the National Opera and Ballet House, the National Post, the Student Dormitory Goce Delcev, the high-rise buildings in the city center and many others. Built in the time after the big earthquake in 1963 these buildings represent the time of the architectonic awakening of the Yugoslavian style in the '70s. This style is also called Brutalist architecture. Brutalist buildings are characterised by minimalist constructions that showcase the bare building materials and structural elements over decorative design. The style commonly makes use of exposed, unpainted concrete or brick, angular geometric shapes and a predominantly monochrome colour palette; other materials, such as steel, timber, and glass, are also featured.
A 3 - hour tour and a visit of all these unique things is a true pleasure.
MATKA is also something that I could recommend for the bicycle. The biggest canyon in the country with the deepest cave in Europe is reachable on 2 wheels, about 18 km from the center. It is a truly place to discover and enjoy the peace and the quiet of the nature and maybe rent a kayak or boat and visit the complete canyon. However, the tour with the bike will be a perfect company for you, and will give you the chance to take a look at the municipality of Saraj, a muslim neighborhood, with delicious local stores and a nice bazaar. It's right before Matka.
Riding Vodno and reaching the typical Millennium Cross will be also a challenge, but the ones who will do it, will taste the beer on the very top much more intense instead when you use the cable car.
The Fit-ones could also give it a try to ride to gorgeous Karadzica Hut. About 40km from the town, and about 1400m altitude, the dusty road will offer an unforgettable adventure and one of a kind possibility to enjoy the Jakupica mountain massif, with some delicious mountain lunch/ brunch there.
The biggest Roma- neighborhood of Europe is just around the corner too. The one and only lifestyle of the Roma people in the Balkans can be seen on 2 wheels, only 15km from the city center.