9 Exciting Things To Do in Ohrid, North Macedonia
From exploring the historic old town to lounging on serene Ohrid beaches, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in Ohrid.
We’ve visited Lake Ohrid multiple times and we can confidently say that it is still one of Europe’s oldest hidden gems – unless your from The Balkans in which case you’ve already been going to the lake for years.
Offering vibrant blue waters and charming cobbled streets, Ohrid comes alive every summer, attracting locals to its shores. Follow our list of things to do in Ohrid (plus where to stay and where to eat) and make it your next Euro summer getaway.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book or buy something through them – at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we’d actually use ourselves. Read more in our Privacy Policy.
Things To Do in Ohrid, North Macedonia
1. Wander around Ohrid Old Town
Stepping into Ohrid’s old town feels like stepping back in time.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, both the old town and the lake are immaculately preserved, reflecting the lives of the empire’s past.
Spend a couple hours wandering the streets and make your way up the hill to find the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, built during Hellenistic and Roman times.
Getting lost in the Ohrid old town streets was one of our favorite afternoons of our whole Balkans trip.
👉 We recommend booking a walking tour led by a local if you’re interested in learning more about Ohrid’s history.
2. Head out onto the lake with an Ohrid boat tour
There’s no better way to see the town (and maybe scout out some Lake Ohrid beaches for later?!) than from the water.
Ohrid boat tours are plentiful, but we like to book in advance so we can check reviews and ensure the best possible experience.
There’s a few tour options we’d recommend:
🍷 Wine Tasting Boat Cruise – perfect for couples
If you’re feeling a bit fancy this is a great pick! Ohrid is known for its rosé and this tour includes unlimited wine! Spend an hour sipping on the water and enjoying the amazing views around you.
🏰 Ohrid Old Town Panoramic Boat Cruise – great for history buffs
See the sights of Ohrid Old Town from the water and learn about the city’s history from your boat captain. This is a great option, especially if you haven’t done a walking tour.
🛶 Stand Up Paddleboarding Tour – ideal for adventurous travelers
Looking to get a little more active? This is the tour for you. Try out stand up paddleboarding on Lake Ohrid’s blue waters while learning about the history of the city.
This tour also includes FREE photos of your experiences as well as snacks and water. You can also have underwater videos and drone footage taken for an extra fee!
3. Shop for North Macedonian souvenirs
The Balkans are filled with incredible local handicrafts and North Macedonia is no exception. Explore the bazaar in the center of town to browse North Macedonian souvenirs to take home.
The bazaar runs all the way down to the waterfront, so take your time meandering through the shops and end your walk with lunch, dinner, or a sweet treat with a view.
TOP TIP: Ohrid is known for its pearls! If you’ve been looking for a sign to buy some new pearl jewelry at a very good price, this is it.
The bazaar area is also great for people watching. Park up with a beer, Turkish coffee, or a soft drink and watch the locals of Ohrid go about their day.
4. Explore Lake Ohrid beaches
Some lakes only have rocky beaches and nowhere to hang out on the shore, but this certainly isn’t the case for Lake Ohrid.
Whether you’re looking for a swim or just to hang out, the perfect beach is out there for you.
We’ve curated a list of some of our favorite spots around the lake for you to check out too!
Beach Labino
One of the quietest beaches you can reach by foot from Ohrid town.
There are no facilities here so bring anything you want to have with you for the day. This is a great spot to get away from the hustle bustle of Ohrid old town.
Kaneo Beach
A peaceful spot right on the edge of Ohrid old town where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds. Walk over here for a beach with amenities that still tends to be quieter than the spots closer to town.
Trpejca Beach
Located 17 km from Ohrid, Trpejca Beach is perfect if you’re seeking some peace and quiet. Spend the afternoon exploring this traditional fishing village and beach then stick around for a magical sunset over the lake.
Sveti Naum Monastery
Combine your efforts and head over to Sveti Naum Monastery to see both a religious site and one of the best beaches on Lake Ohrid.
This is also one of the only sandy beaches on the lake, so if that’s your thing make sure you get here!
Lagadin Beach
A short bus ride from Ohrid town, Lagadin Beach is a local favorite. Clean and usually quiet, it’s worth leaving town to hang out here.
5. Hike up to Samuel’s Fortress
Hike up to Samuel’s Fortress to discover the ancient capital of the first Bulgarian Empire, built in the 11th century (and refurbished in 2003).
The fortress is quite the hike up a hill, but you’re rewarded with incredible views over the city and Lake Ohrid from the battlements.
TOP TIP: Get to Samuel’s Fortress right when it opens at 9am. This way you’ll beat the heat of the day while walking up the hill as well as the crowds that will come later in the morning.
6. Visit the famous Church of Saint John the Theologian
This is the most iconic view in Ohrid, period. Once you’ve finished at Samuel’s Fortress, take the forest path to the right of the entrance and walk down to the Church of Saint John the Theologian.
Take in the views over the church from above, then continue down to the picnic areas around the church.
The area surrounding the church is free to enter, but you’ll need to pay about 5 Euro to enter the building.
TOP TIP: There is a somewhat hidden path leading down to a boardwalk on the water from the church. Head back up the path a little ways, then take a right where the path splits. This is the most scenic path back to the Ohrid old town.
7. Step into history at the National Workshop For Handmade Paper
A hidden gem experience in a hidden gem city! FREE to enter, you’ll learn about the process of paper making, the workshop’s history, and see one of only two copies of the Gutenberg Press in the world.
The staff speak fluent English and there is handmade paper and prints you can purchase as a North Macedonian souvenir!
👉 Find more of our favorite hidden gems from all of our travels here.
8. Go for a swim in Lake Ohrid
How can you visit Lake Ohrid without going for a swim?
There are a few beaches around the lake – you can swim almost anywhere except for private property and the marina where boats are docked in the town center.
For a local spot that’s easy to access, check out Beach Labino. It’s usually quiet and always clean and cold. Perfect for a hot summer day.
9. Discover day trips around Ohrid
Lake Ohrid has so much more to offer than just Ohrid town. Catch one of the many buses heading around the lake to discover even more nature and history.
Museum “Bay of Bones”
Hop on a bus down the lake to visit the Bay of Bones Museum. This museum is home to a reconstructed village of stilt houses displaying Bronze and Iron Age items recovered from Lake Ohrid.
This is one of the best displays of ancient artifacts in the region and definitely worth the trip.
Sveti Naum Monastery
About 29 km south of Lake Ohrid is the Sveti Naum Monastery. Perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, the monastery is home to iconostasis from 1711 and frescoes from the 19th century.
The monastery is surrounded by sandy beaches, making it a great day out to explore and swim your afternoon away.
National Park Galičica
Head into the mountains surrounding Lake Ohrid for a day of hiking and spectacular views. The park can be difficult to reach without a car, but there are a couple 4 wheel drive and ATV tours you can join from Ohrid.
Your other option is to rent a scooter in Ohrid town and make your own way up, but please only do this if you are an experienced motorbike rider as the roads are not in the best condition.
Where to Stay in Ohrid
There are a variety of options for where to stay in Ohrid. Whether you’re feeling outdoorsy and want to camp or are seeking a private space with a balcony and view, there’s a place for you to rest your head.
Below we’ll walk you through our recommended options for private apartments, hostels, hotels, and a couple campgrounds.
Private Apartments with Lake Views
The best way to experience Ohrid is in a private apartment if you aren’t on a serious budget or looking for a social space.
There are TONS of incredible lakeside accommodation – why not book a little slice of heaven for your trip?
Here’s a few recommendations we saved from our trip:
Apartman Saraiste – Beachfront Apartment: Book this BEACHFRONT apartment for the ultimate Ohrid experience. Yes, beachfront! Imagine walking out of your apartment and going for a swim. You can do that here!
Villa Malezon – Lake View Apartment: Live with lake views, an amazing balcony, and a sparkling clean apartment for a few days. Only a short walk into town, you’ll want to extend your stay before you leave.
Bache Apartments – Lake View Studio: A super cute studio apartment with lake views. We’d want to live here if we moved to Ohrid!
Budget Hostels in Ohrid
Like most Balkan cities, Ohrid has a handful of really spectacular hostels – the kind that you’ll talk about forever and recommend to anyone heading this way.
We’ve stayed at these ones and are now recommending them to you!
Old Town Hostel Ohrid: Located right in Ohrid old town with lake views, it doesn’t get much better than this for a hostel in Ohrid.
We’ve stayed here and would stay here again – it’s clean, social, and draws just the right kind of people.
Blue Lake Hostel: Clean, chill, and a five minute walk from Lake Ohrid, this hostel is another winner. Bonus points for the mountain views from the terrace!
Hotels Close to Lake Ohrid
Traditional hotels in Ohrid are few and far between, but the hotels available offer more amenities than a private apartment or hostel.
Villa Sofija: Situated on a hill overlooking the town, Villa Sofija offers a taste of luxury in Ohrid. All rooms are equipped with AC and some also have balconies.
Villa Scandik Ohrid: Enjoy mountain views and clean, traditional North Macedonian style here. Well rated in all aspects, you’ll definitely have a good stay here.
Beach Camping on Lake Ohrid
There are not a ton of campsites directly in Ohrid but camping is still a very popular accommodation choice here.
Local buses run frequently enough around the lake that you can head into town to explore and return to your campsite when you’ve had your fill!
Here’s a couple campsites close to Ohrid that we would stay at:
Sunrise Hotel & Camping: Located in Struga just down the lake, this site is well reviewed and connected. Set right on Lake Ohrid, you’ll have no shortage of beautiful views.
Campgrounds Gradishte: The beach here is rocky so you won’t have to worry about sand getting in your tent. There are some parties on the beach here if you’re looking to socialize and buses to Ohrid run by frequently.
🏖 Want more beach camping recs? Have a look at this campsite in Himare, Albania we visited last summer.
Where to Eat around Lake Ohrid
Cafe Lemon
A lovely spot with mountain and water views to recharge after a day of exploring all the things to do in Ohrid. Make sure you order the trilece with your coffee for a sweet treat.
💡 FUN FACT: the trilece dessert is said to have gained popularity in the Balkans during the Communist era. Many people watched Latin American soap operas. As a result tres leche was reverse-engineered to give the world trilece. That’s how the story goes, but read more here.
Restaurant St. Sofija
You’ll find this restaurant close to a side alley in the Old Town. A perfect spot to watch people pass by on the cobbled streets whilst sipping on a red wine and some local cuisine.
Gostilnica Mujo
For more local dishes at a super affordable price, this highly rated restaurant is the place to be. Located on the pedestrian street as you head towards the lake, this is a must visit spot.
Try the Macedonian bean soup (baked beans on the menu) and kofte with bread – soooo good!
Is Ohrid Worth Visiting?
Lake Ohrid is absolutely worth visiting! With its stunning scenery and rich history, it’s a destination you shouldn’t miss.
There are countless things to do in Ohrid—from exploring the charming old town to discovering the beautiful beaches around the lake.
Whether you’re day-tripping around the area or shopping for unique North Macedonian souvenirs like textiles and Ohrid pearls, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
Ohrid offers a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to unwind. Visit soon before it becomes even more popular with foreign tourists!
Ohrid and North Macedonia FAQs
How many days to spend in Ohrid?
We recommend spending between 2 to 4 days in Ohrid, depending on how slow you like your days and how much you wish to explore the area around Ohrid.
You can hit the highlights in two days, but we think 3 days is the perfect amount of time to both explore and chill.
Can you use an eSIM in North Macedonia?
Yes, you can use an eSIM in North Macedonia. There are many different eSIM options, but we always use Airalo. You can purchase an eSIM that will last anywhere between 7 and 30 days.
If you’ve never used Airalo before, use code JULIA1616 for $3 OFF your first eSIM purchase!
When is the best time to visit North Macedonia?
The best time to visit North Macedonia (and Ohrid) is between May and October.
Our recommendation: visit in September to avoid the crowds and peak summer heat but the weather will be warm enough to swim still!
How do you get to Lake Ohrid?
The best way to get to Ohrid is via Skopje. Skopje, the capital city of North Macedonia, is easily accessible by bus and plane from anywhere in Europe.
Once you arrive in Skopje, you will need to take a bus or minivan to Ohrid. The trip will take about 2 hours and buses run frequently throughout the day.
🛑 IMPORTANT: The formal bus station in Ohrid is not close to the city center. Most buses will make a stop in the center first, so make sure you follow along on Google Maps when you get close to Ohrid and get off at the first stop (with most locals).
Onward Travel after North Macedonia
The Balkans is one of our favorite regions of Europe. Take advantage of some quieter spots on your next vacation.
Here’s a list of some of our favorites:
- 🇦🇱 Northern Albania (check out our itinerary)
- 🇽🇰 Prishtina, Kosovo
- 🇲🇪 Kotor, Montenegro
- 🇧🇬 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
