Just footsteps away from Hotel Arka, you will find the most popular tourist attraction in Skopje, the Old Bazaar. Situated in the old part of Skopje and just a short walk from the main square, it is easily reached and explored. It has characteristics and dynamics of its own kind and remains the oldest living witness of the history of this region. Every corner here, tells its own story. It represents the old commercial heart of the town and the largest bazaar in the Balkans. This is the place where the social and urban elites of the capital emerged during the beginnings of the 20-th century. When you come to the Old Bazaar you get the impression that this is the place where the links of civilization are cut off: the dynamics and stress of modern living are replaced by a state of coolness and idyllic tranquillity. Nowadays it is a protected national landmark and contains numerous old craftsmen shops, where age-old traditions are kept alive by goldsmiths, shoemakers, coppersmiths and other skilled craftsmen.