Don’t miss these things to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a lakeside escape filled with cobblestone streets, sparkling blue water, and a laid-back Balkan vibe, Ohrid is guaranteed to steal your heart. This UNESCO World Heritage city is easily one of the most magical places in the Balkans, with a charming old city and a lake so beautiful you won’t believe your eyes. From daytime beach sessions along its rocky shores to soaking in the beauty of its many churches, there’s a special kind of peace that will draw you in. This round-up of the best things to do in Ohrid will help you discover the best of what it has to offer.

Things to Do in Ohrid: FAQs

Why should I visit Ohrid?

Imagine the clearest, bluest water you’ve ever seen, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, and diving straight into it after wandering around an old historic town. That about sums up what your days can look like if you visit Ohrid. A hidden gem of the Balkans (but one that won’t remain a secret much longer), Ohrid captured my heart. It’s a small town, but one with a big impact with its beautiful beaches, fascinating history, blend of cultures, gorgeous churches, and more.

Where to stay in Ohrid?

The best place to stay in Ohrid is in the town center. You’ll be walking distance from the major historic attractions, the pier, and a few beaches, plus great food and drink options. It’s also a very scenic and unique place to stay, surrounded by iconic Ottoman-era townhouses.

How long to stay in Ohrid?

Many tourists stay in Ohrid for only 2 or 3 nights, but I would encourage you to stay for 4 or 5 nights if you have the time. I stayed for 5 nights and everyone I met kept extending their time to stay for 5 nights, as well. While there aren’t 5 days’ worth of things to do in Ohrid, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the beautiful lake and scenery.

When to visit Ohrid?

May to September is the best time to visit Ohrid, with peak season being in June to August. During peak season, tourists flock to Ohrid to enjoy the lake’s cool temperatures in the heat of the Macedonian summer. I visited in September so I could avoid crowds, extreme heat, and still swim in the lake. It was the perfect time, so I highly recommend visiting in May or September if you can for these reasons. The lake was a little chilly for my East Coast self, but more than tolerable.

How to get to Ohrid?

Ohrid is connected to neighboring cities and countries by road, so you can either take the bus or drive yourself. I took the bus because I don’t rent cars abroad on my own, and it was a smooth experience.

• From Skopje:
  • Bus: Frequent departures daily; about 3.5–4 hours.
  • Drive: Roughly 3 hours on the A2 motorway.
• From Tirana, Albania:
  • Bus: Runs a few times a day; about 4–5 hours.
  • Drive: Around 3.5–4 hours, depending on border time.
• From Berat or Gjirokastër, Albania:
  • Bus: Involves a connection in Tirana; around 6–8 hours total.
  • Drive: Around 6 hours, depending on border time.

Is Ohrid good for solo travelers?

The entirety of my 5-day stay in Ohrid was solo, and I loved every minute. Not only is it a welcoming place for solo travelers, but the top things to do in Ohrid are solo-traveler-friendly. From going on a walking tour to lounging on the beach, I found it a very peaceful and relaxing place for some me-time. Plus, when I wanted to meet other people, I had no issue, as there were lots of other solo travelers there wanting to socialize.

I can never guarantee safety, but I felt comfortable during my stay, and every other solo traveler I met felt the same way. Practice standard safety precautions as always, and you’ll have a rewarding time solo traveling in Ohrid.

Should I refer to it as Macedonia or North Macedonia?

Something to keep in mind when visiting Ohrid is that while the country’s official name is North Macedonia (a change made in 2018 to resolve a long-standing dispute with Greece), most locals simply refer to it as Macedonia. Tourists using “North Macedonia” may find it upsets the locals, so it’s more advisable to just say “Macedonia” when speaking with people there.

Top Things to Do in Ohrid

Take in the views at the Church of St. John at Kaneo

Just a 15-minute scenic walk from the town center, the Church of St. John at Kaneo is one of Ohrid’s most beautiful spots. This 13th-century Macedonian Orthodox church is situated on a cliff overlooking the lake and its surrounding mountains. The church itself is gorgeous, but the views of the church set against the stunning landscape make it unforgettable. This is also one of Ohrid’s best sunset spots.

Swim at Labino Beach

If you continue to walk for 5 more minutes from the Church of St. John at Kaneo, you’ll reach Ohrid town’s best beach. Labino Beach is the only “wild” beach you can walk to from the town center, meaning it hasn’t been built up with sun beds and restaurants. Set in a small cove with clear, turquoise water, it also has slightly warmer water temperatures than the other beaches. It’s a rocky beach, like all but one beach around Lake Ohrid (more on that in the next point), so bring water shoes and plenty of towels for cushion.

Go on a boat tour around the lake

Often cited as the best thing to do in Ohrid, the boat tour around the lake to Saint Naum Monastery and the Bay of Bones Museum is considered a must-do. Saint Naum Monastery is a Macedonian Orthodox monastery set near the Albanian border and is Lake Ohrid’s most iconic landmark. The monastery has stunning views of the lake, plus the only sandy beach on Lake Ohrid. Most boat tours stop here for a few hours, giving you plenty of time to explore and relax on the beach.

You’ll also stop at the Bay of Bones Museum, a reconstruction of a prehistoric settlement based on what archaeologists found at a nearby excavation site. There are a few other short stops at churches, and the boat ride is very scenic.

FYI: The boat tour is very touristy, so it wasn’t my favorite thing I did in Ohrid, and I wouldn’t do it again. However, many people believe it’s a must-do for first-time visitors. I’d recommend packing snacks because the food options at Saint Naum are overpriced.

Visit an off-the-beaten-path beach

One of my favorite things to do in Ohrid was asking the owner of my hotel about the best beach, and ending up in the middle of nowhere with a group of locals at one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen. Labino Beach is beautiful, but once you venture outside of Ohrid town to beaches usually only visited by locals, the water gets even clearer and bluer (yeah, it’s possible).

These aren’t always easy to reach if you don’t rent a car, but it’s possible with a little sense of adventure. There’s a bus run by Pupe Company that runs between Ohrid town and Saint Naum monastery every few hours. It stops at two incredible beaches, Gradishte and Trpejca, on the way. As long as you have the correct timetable (check their Instagram here or ask a local), it’s more than doable to get there on the bus. Taking taxis is also an option.

Go on a walking tour

I swear by a walking or food tour on my first night somewhere new to learn about local history and culture, plus get a local’s recommendations and tips for the rest of my trip. My walking tour in Ohrid was an incredible introduction to Macedonia, and it set me up for a successful visit. I joined this free walking tour with Damian and had a great and rewarding time. We learned about iconic historic sights like the Church of Hagia Sophia and the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Lychnidos while also visiting hidden gem spots with hardly any other tourists.

Damian also told us a lot about local food and gave us his recommendations for sightseeing, eating, shopping, and more. The cultural and historic knowledge he shared, along with these recommendations, crucially shaped the rest of my time in Ohrid.

Try authentic Macedonian food

Macedonian food is heavily influenced by Turkish food, featuring lots of meat, dairy, and fresh produce. But do yourself a favor and research local restaurants in advance so you don’t end up at an overpriced, average restaurant for tourists. Most of the restaurants on the water are beautiful, but my walking tour guide called them “Ohrid’s biggest tourist trap”. Here are some recommendations:

• Vkusno Kebap Shop: For grilled meats (and also great baked beans for vegetarians), plus homemade bread
• Viva Ksantika kaj Tanja: Wide variety of Macedonian food with vibey outdoor seating (try trileche cake for dessert)
• Antep Baklava: Seriously, the best baklava I’ve ever had (try the chocolate pistachio one)

Sip a cocktail or coffee with lake views

Whether it’s for a daytime coffee, nighttime cocktail, or something in between, Liquid is the place to be. With a beautiful patio located on the lake, it’s the aesthetic cafe of your dreams. They partner with the next-door coffee shop, Roastery, for the best coffee in Ohrid. Take in the views and sip on a yummy drink.

Ohrid easily became one of my favorite stops on my month-long Balkans trip. It’s beautiful without being flashy, historic yet relaxed, and not yet overrun with tourism. Whether you’re taking a dip in crystal clear waters, wandering the fortress walls, or learning about the local culture, it’s the kind of destination where you can slow down yet feel so satisfied.

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