13 Best Things to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia

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Last Updated on March 2, 2025 by sydabroad

Looking for the best things to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia? Then, keep reading! 

Welcome to the stunning city of Ohrid, North Macedonia. This Balkan city is full of so much charm and history — a destination you can’t miss when traveling around the Balkans 

In this guide, we’re diving into the best things to do in Ohrid. I’ll give you a rundown on where to stay, the best places to eat, how to get around Ohrid, and much more. I’ve also included a map with all of the locations mentioned in this guide. 

This little city was one of the most beautiful places I visited during my Europe backpacking trip. It’s a magical place with so much to explore — a city known for its historic charm, ancient churches, and gorgeous lake. 

Alright, let’s get into this Ohrid travel guide. 

Looking for more Balkan travel guides? 

• Amazing Things to Do in Shkoder, Albania | Travel Guide 
• Is Tirana Worth Visiting? + A 1 Day Itinerary 
• How to Spend a Day in Kotor, Montenegro
• 7 Amazing Things to do in Perast, Montenegro

Ohrid Travel Guide | The Basics 

Currency = Macedonian Denar

The currency in North Macedonia is the Macedonian Denar (MKD). 

1 USD = 58.52 Macedonian Denar

The local currency in North Macedonia is the Macedonian Denar (MKD). Although cards are accepted in many places, I suggest taking out cash for your trip. You’ll need cash for small shops, markets, and even some hostels. 

I stayed at Sunset Lake Hostel (more on where to stay in Ohrid later in this guide), and I paid for my stay in cash. However, there are plenty of ATMs around the city, so it shouldn’t be an issue if you need to get cash. 

A little tip that I haven’t spoken about in many of my blogs is a good debit card for travel. I use the Charles Schwab debit card for traveling, and this is the best because it reimburses all ATM fees. It’s incredible. Seriously, it’s so worth getting one to use when you are out of the USA. 

Language = Macedonian

The official language in North Macedonia is Macedonian  However, I found that it was easy enough to get around fine with English. Honestly, after traveling Europe for over four months and visiting many places in the Balkans, I was surprised just by how easily it was to get around with English. 

The staff at hostels and hotels will speak English, and I found that people in many cafes and restaurants spoke English just fine. I always suggest having the Google Translate app on your phone — this is super helpful for searching up a quick phrase or scanning a menu in another language. It’s also nice to learn a few words to be polite. I love learning a language with the Duolingo app or Rosetta Stone. 

Phone & Internet in Ohrid 

I found that the phone service was okay in Ohird. There were times when my phone didn’t work the best. This is why I always have Google Maps downloaded for my destination to get around without cell service.

My hostel had good wifi, and you may find some cafes and restaurants with wifi available. I think that as more and more tourists are visiting, the digital infrastructure is getting better. I used an eSIM — Airalo, as I did during my entire year of travel, and it worked just fine for me in North Macedonia.  

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

Daily Budget in North Macedonia 

One thing I just love about the Balkans is how affordable it is. Ohrid is no exception. If you’re visiting from a Western country, money goes a long way. Whether you are a luxury traveler or traveling on a budget, there’s no need to sacrifice experiences in Ohrid.

Plan to pay about €10 to €20 for a hostel bed and €5 to €15 for meals, and you can do so many activities in Ohrid for free — this is a great way to backpack Ohrid. If you are planning to stay at a comfortable hotel and eat at nicer restaurants, plan to spend about €60 to €80 per day. 

Tipping in North Macedonia 

Tipping in North Macedonia is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. If you’ve had great service at a restaurant, a 10% tip is good. You can also round up the bill at cafes and bars. Know that locals don’t always tip; it’s not expected, but it is seen as a nice gesture. 

Keep in mind that if you book a “free walking tour,” make sure to tip your guide at the end. I typically tip the equivalent of $10 USD on many walking tours. 

Can you drink the tap water in North Macedonia? 

Yes! The tap water in Ohrid and North Macedonia is safe to drink. It’s very clean, and most tourists don’t have a problem drinking the tap water. I drank tap water during my time in Ohrid, and I was just fine. 

What to know before going to Ohrid, North Macedonia

To be honest, I didn’t know much at all before visiting myself. So here are some nice things to know before you visit, just so that you are a bit more prepared and know what to expect. 

Okay, first off, Ohrid is incredibly stunning. It’s truly one of the most picturesque places in Europe, in my opinion. We’ve touched on some of the basics, like the local language, currency, etc. So here are some things to know about the weather, safety, and getting around.

Know that it gets hot during the summer. Perfect for swimming in the refreshing lake! Also, Ohrid is extremely safe. The locals were so kind and welcoming, and as a solo traveler, I always felt safe. Even at night. 

Additionally, there are plenty of cultural sites to visit in Ohrid, and if you visit the churches, there are a couple where you’ll need to have your shoulders and knees covered. So pack accordingly. 

Ohrid is also a very walkable city, you really don’t need to go far unless you want to take a day trip from Ohrid or visit a beach a bit farther away. Oh, and don’t miss the sunset at St. John Kaneo. It’s magical. Anyway, that’s a quick rundown of what to expect, and we’ll dive into more detail in this Ohrid travel guide. 

How to Get to Ohrid? 

To reach Ohrid, you will likely take a bus or a car. If you are traveling from another Balkan city, you can book very affordable buses with Flixbus or Omio.

If you are traveling from a bit further away, you can fly into the capital city, Skopje. You’ll fly into Skopje International Airport and then take a bus to Ohrid. 

I was traveling from Tirana, Albania, to Ohrid, North Macedonia. I booked a bus with Flixbus, and it was a super easy journey. The bus ride took about 4 hours in total. 

The buses in the Balkans are honestly very efficient, but make sure you have cash (small bills and coins) because typically there is a small bus station fee and sometimes a small fee for your luggage. It’s cheap, though, just a few coins or so.  

Getting to Ohrid by Car 

On the other hand, you can travel to Ohrid by car. If you’d like to rent a car in Ohrid (or in another Balkan city), check out RentalCars.com for renting cars abroad. 

I love using RentalCars.com for renting cars abroad! They’ll make sure you get the best rate across rental companies and have a wonderful cancellation policy. If you want to rent a car in Ohrid, check out your rental options here!

Getting to Ohrid by Bus 

As mentioned above, this is the route I took, and bus travel is very common in the Balkans. Book your buses with Flixbus or Omio, and I suggest booking your buses at least a week ahead of time. Especially if you are traveling during the summer. 

Usually, you should be fine to book a couple of days beforehand, but if you’re traveling during the peak tourist season, there is a possibility of the buses filling up, and then you have limited options.

Book your bus to Ohrid here!🚌

Best things to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia 

Now, let’s get into the best things to do in Ohrid! This is a charming little town with so many beautiful spots to see. Here’s a curated list to help create your Ohrid travel guide. 

1. Boat tour of Lake Ohrid 

Lake Ohrid is situated between the southwestern part of North Macedonia and eastern Albania. You can see Albania from the other side of the lake. 

Did you know that Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in all of Europe? The lake has a maximum depth of 288 meters (or 945 feet). 

Anyways, one of the best things to do on this lake is to take a boat tour! The lake is absolutely gorgeous, and taking a boat cruise around the lake will let you experience Ohrid from a unique perspective. 

The crystal clear, calm waters, the stunning blue color of the lake, and the greenery surrounding it really make you feel as though you are in Italy. 

This panoramic boat cruise is a great tour option! While touring around Ohrid Old Town on the boat, you’ll learn about its history from the captain onboard. Tourists will see popular sites like the Church of Saint Sophia, the Church of Saint Clement, the Caves of Love, and more. 

Book a panoramic boat tour of Lake Ohrid here!⛵️

2. Wander Around Ohrid City Square 

The area around Ohrid City Square is probably the busiest area in the city. You’ll find a statue and a nice water fountain and it’s close to many shops, bars, and restaurants. Ohrid City Square is right near the waterfront, making it a perfect place for an afternoon walk. 

3. Church of Saint Sophia

The next few activities on this list are churches. I know it’s Europe, and there are a million churches to look at, and at some point, they start to look similar. But Ohrid is small, and you’ll likely stumble upon these anyway. 

If anything, it’s worth it to simply see the churches in person, they are beautiful. If you want to learn more about these landmarks, visit inside the churches or book a guided tour. 

The Church of Saint Sophia is one of the most prominent in North Macedonia. It was built in the 9th century on the foundations of an early Christian basilica. It was then converted into a mosque during the Ottoman rule. Years passed, and it was eventually abandoned during the 20th century and then turned back into a church. 

Today, visitors can experience art and architecture from the Middle Ages. It’s conveniently located in the old town, so you’ll likely pass by it when exploring Ohrid.

4. Church of Saint John the Theologian | Saint John at Kaneo

Okay, now this is a church you don’t want to miss. It’s stunning. I believe this is the most photographed spot in Ohrid and for a great reason. 

This little church sits perched atop Lake Ohrid. From the church, you can see the city of Ohird and picturesque views of the lake. I suggest visiting early in the morning, at sunset, or both! 

I went exploring in the morning before it got too hot and ended up here at around 9 AM. It was seriously magical. There was relatively no one else here, and the views were just unreal. You also can’t forget your camera! 

On the flip side, I also visited during sunset, and again, it was beautiful. A bit busier but still incredible. Some of the photos I took here really remind me of Lake Como in Italy. 

Pro-tip: I was a bit confused in Google Maps when looking for this church. To make it easier for you, know that the full name is the Church of Saint John the Theologian. But it’s also commonly known as Saint John at Kaneo. Just know these are the same place.

5. Church of Saint Clement and Pateleimon

And now onto another church in Ohrid. I stumbled upon the Church of Saint Clement and Panteleimon on my first day in Ohrid when looking for the previous church. Again, it was another beautiful landmark. 

This is a Byzantine church that was built around 893 AD and is situated on Plaošnik Hill. The church overlooks Lake Ohrid and was used as a liturgical space and a center for teaching disciples, making it one of the earliest known universities in Europe. 

This church underwent several transformations over the centuries, and today, it stands as a testament to the rich history of Ohrid. If you’d like to explore this church, you can purchase tickets once you arrive. 

6. Explore The National Workshop for Handmade Paper 

This was another little gem I stumbled upon when wandering around Ohrid’s Old Town. To be honest, I didn’t do much research before visiting, but I happened to end up at the best places!

Ohrid has been printing paper since the 16th century, and here at the National Workshop for Handmade Paper, you can experience the ancient art of papermaking. I stepped inside and was greeted by the kindest old man. He showed me a demonstration of traditional papermaking and printing techniques and shared some insightful information about the workshop and its products. 

Here at this museum, you’ll see an authentic replica of the Gutenberg Press. Some say it’s original and one of only two copies in the entire world. I’m not 100% sure, but it was cool to see, regardless. 

The workshop is laid out as a small museum with a shop to purchase handmade paper prints. The prints are beautiful. They are super unique and make the perfect souvenir. They also take up no space, so they are perfect for anyone! I couldn’t leave without a little gift for myself. 

7. Climb to The Top of Samuel’s Foretress

Located in Ohrid Old Town, Samuel’s Foretress is a historic landmark sitting atop the city’s highest point. It was the capital of the first Bulgarian Empire and one of the largest medieval fortification constructions in North Macedonia. 

Now, visitors can enjoy Samuel’s Fortress and experience the stunning views from the ancient walls. You do have to buy tickets and these shouldn’t be more than 150 denars (or 2.5 euros) 

8. Explore the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid 

Another historical landmark to visit in Ohrid, is the Ancient Theatre. It was constructed in 200 BC and is the only Hellenistic-type theater in North Macedonia. 

The theater was built into a hillside and originally hosted musical events and performances. Since then, the theater was abandoned and eventually buried. During the late 20th century, it was rediscovered, and it now serves as a cultural venue, a place to host plays, concerts, and the annual Ohrid Summer Festival. 

Because Ohrid is very walkable, I suggest carving out time in the morning to explore all the historic sites. I had a little solo wander through the city before it was too hot and busy. 

9. Wander Along The Ohrid Boardwalk 

A trip to Ohrid is not complete without a stroll on the Ohrid boardwalk. The boardwalk connects the old town with some quaint beaches and small restaurants and bars. 

On a hot summer day, you’ll find this area lined with travelers and locals enjoying dining by the water and relaxing on Ohrid’s beaches. Because the water is so calm and clear, there’s no better way to spend an afternoon! 

Whether you’re looking for a cocktail with a view or a nice place to enjoy the sun, you’ll find it on the Ohrid boardwalk. Again, I suggest coming down here as the sun sets because it’s truly magical. The water looks like glass; it’s so calm, and the colors of the sunset reflecting off the water are seriously unreal. 

10. Spend Time Relaxing at the Best Beaches in Ohrid

Onto the beaches in Ohrid! Spending time at the beach is one of the best things to do in Ohrid during the summer months. It gets hot. Like really hot. So definitely take advantage of this beautiful lake while you’re here. 

I have a full guide coming soon about the best beaches in Ohrid, but here is a rundown of a few of the most popular beaches: Potpesh Beach, Cuba Libre Beach, Lagadin Beach, Labino Beach, and Gradiste Beach. 

Pro-tip: Know that the beaches on Lake Ohrid are pebbly — much like the beaches in Kotor, but they are still so nice to relax at. Also, the water is very calm and clear. It’s incredibly refreshing on a hot summer day.🌞

11. Shop For The Famous Ohrid Pearls 

If you love picking a fun souvenir to remember a destination, you can’t leave without Ohrid pearls in Ohrid! The pearls found here in Ohrid are unique because they are created from ground shells formed into a ball and coated with layers and layers of special emulsion. 

The emulsion comes from a fish in Lake Ohrid — the Ohrid Lake Plashica fish. It’s a rare species only found here. This natural coating gives the pearls their distinctive shine and smooth texture. 

You’ll see pearls being sold basically everywhere in the city. Many of these aren’t the real deal, but they are very affordable, so if you’re looking for authentic Ohrid pearls, make sure that they come with a certificate of authenticity. 

12. Macedonian Cooking Class 

Something that I love to do in a new place is to take a cooking class! You’ll learn something new, try delicious food, and connect with locals and other travelers. 

This Ohrid cooking class is about four hours long and includes transportation, lunch that you’ll learn to make from a local, coffee, and a couple of glasses of wine. 

I think this looks like such a fun tour to book in Ohrid. Check it out if you are interested in Macedonian cuisine.🍲

13. Try Macedonian Cuisine 

Speaking of Macedonian cuisine, here is a list of some local foods you should try. 

• Tavče Gravče: This is the national dish of Macedonia — baked beans cooked with onion, peppers, and spices. 
• Burek: A Balkan staple. This is a flaky, savory pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat. 
• Ohrid Trout (Ohridska pastrmka): This dish is made from a fish found only in Lake Ohrid. Therefore, it’s the most famous local dish! 
• Shopska Salad: This is a Macedonian salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated white cheese. It’s super light and refreshing. 
• Sarma: Cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and minced meat, slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce.  
• Ajvar: A yummy red pepper spread and a staple in Macedonian cuisine. 

Best Places to Eat in Ohrid 

• Kaneo Restaurant: a nice restaurant right on the water. Amazing views! 
• Roastery – Artisan Coffee House: I loved this cafe! It was right on the water with the best views of the lake, and the coffee was delicious. You have to come here for breakfast or lunch. 
• Fruit Box: Delicious smoothies, juices, and healthy snacks.
• Vkusno Kebap Shop: a nice spot for a quick local meal. 
• Restaurant Kajche: This is another restaurant on the water and it has a beautiful terrace. 

Where to Stay in Ohrid

I’ll share a few options depending on your budget. I was backpacking around the Balkans at the time, so I stayed at Sunset Lake Hostel. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was such a wonderful hostel. 

First off, it was in a perfect location — walking distance to just about everywhere. Secondly, the man running the hostel was seriously the kindest person ever. He was so fun and gave the best recommendations for Ohrid and even helped with securing my bus pick-up spot when I was leaving Ohrid and heading back to Tirana. 

I also met the most amazing people at this hostel. This was one of the best hostel friend groups I had made during my time in Europe. Everyone was so friendly, and we pretty much spent our entire time in Ohrid exploring together.

Budget | Sunset Lake Hostel: The best for backpackers and budget travelers! Check availability here.

Boutique | Villa Sofija: This is a beachfront hotel in Ohrid. For beautiful views and a cozy stay, check out Villa Sofija. 

Luxury | Aleksandar Villa Boutique Hotel and Spa: One of the nicer properties in Ohrid. It’s situated in gorgeous gardens and only a 10-minute walk from Lake Ohrid. Check availability here. 

FAQs About Ohrid, North Macedonia 

Is Ohrid worth visiting? 

Absolutely! Ohrid truly surprised me. It’s such a gorgeous hidden gem. Okay, it’s not too hidden to Balkan travelers, but not many Western travelers visit Macedonia. I suggest visiting before it gets even more touristy. 

What is Ohrid known for? 

Ohrid is known for its rich history and ancient churches, and the lake itself is one of the oldest and deepest in all of Europe. Also, Ohrid is famous for its unique handmade pearls — the Ohrid pearls. 

What to see in Ohrid city? 

There is so much to see here in the city, like the Church of St. John at Kaneo, Lake Ohrid beaches, Samuel’s Fortress, the Ancient Theater of Ohrid, and more! I’ve covered all the highlights in this Ohrid travel guide. 

Can you swim in Lake Ohrid?

Yes! It’s the most refreshing way to spend a hot summer day. There are plenty of places to swim in the lake, and the water is absolutely stunning — crystal clear and so nice!  

Day trips from Ohrid

• Struga: A small lakeside town known for the Black Drim River. It’s a chill vibe with pretty views and great restaurants and cafes. 
• Resen: A tiny historic town known for its Ottoman architecture and apple orchids! 
• St. Naum Monastery: This is one of the most famous landmarks near Ohrid. It’s a stunning 10th-century monastery that sits on the edge of Lake Ohrid. 
• Galiccica National Park: If you’re into hiking, this is the day trip for you! 

Thinking about booking a guided day trip from Ohrid? This full day of wine tasting at Monastery Winery would be an incredible way to spend the day!🍷

What is the best time to visit Ohrid? 

I suggest visiting during the summer to take full advantage of the lake OR during the shoulder season, which is either April – May or September – October. The summer is peak tourist season; however, I didn’t find it too crowded. 

I visited at the end of June and had a wonderful time. It wasn’t too busy, especially compared to places in Western Europe like Florence or Madrid. 

Because North Macedonia is not as popular of a tourist destination for many Western travelers, it’s good to visit now! Although it still is a popular vacation spot for Macedonians and Albanians. 

What to do in Ohrid when it rains? 

Even when the weather isn’t perfect, Ohrid is still beautiful. On a rainy day in Ohrid, you can explore the museums in the city, visit Ohrid’s historic churches, find a cozy cafe, take a cooking class, or shop for local souvenirs and gifts. There is still plenty to do in Ohrid when it rains! 

How many days do you need in Ohrid? 

I suggest spending at least 3 to 5 nights in Ohrid. You can easily stay longer to explore more of the surrounding region and go on day trips, but 3 days will be enough time to experience the highlights of Ohrid. 

Map of The Best Things to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia

I hope you enjoyed this post on the best things to do in Ohrid. If you have any questions about traveling around the Balkans, comment below or DM me on Instagram!

Recommended Tours in Ohrid, North Macedonia

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