In a converted residential house with a sociable front garden for summer lounging, Urban is an excellent budget option on the outskirts of the leafy Debar Maalo neighbourhood, a 15-minute walk west of central Skopje. Decor is eclectic, with a fireplace for cosy winter nights and even a piano. The hostel's modern apartments, on the same road, are great value.
Dorm beds come with curtains and reading lights and the shared bathrooms are large (two have jacuzzi baths!). Breakfast is free, as are the bikes (handy for the schlep into the city centre). There are 10 apartments in total, some near the bus/train stations.