11 Things to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia

In this post, I’ll take you through the best things to do in Ohrid, based on my amazing trip in North Macedonia.

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Staying in the old town while exploring the beautiful Lake Ohrid offered so many wonderful things to do nearby! During my time here, I discovered there are many unique places to visit in Ohrid, each historic and beautiful in its own way. It remains one of my favourite cities in Europe.

When it comes to planning an itinerary here, where do I start? Ohrid in North Macedonia was one of my favourite stops while backpacking The Balkans for four weeks. It was calming, easy to get around and totally picturesque. Visiting the Balkans in the off-season meant it was pretty empty too!

Famously home to hundreds of churches despite its small size, Ohrid’s star attraction is Lake Ohrid itself. This serene body of water will be the backdrop for your activities in this area. I stayed in the Old Town which was the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere.

What is Ohrid known for?

• Lake Ohrid is located largely in North Macedonia, but one-third of the lake crosses the border into Albania.
• Lake Ohrid is 300m deep and 34km wide.
• It’s one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes at 3 million years old
• Lake Ohrid is on the UNESCO Natural World Heritage List, and Ohrid city is on the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage list!
• Ohrid once had 365 churches and was referred to as the ‘Juraseleum of the Balkans.’ That’s one church for every day of the year!

Now you know a little bit about what makes this Balkans gem so special, let’s continue on with the best things to do in Ohrid!

Best Things to do in Ohrid

1. Ohrid Boardwalk

Could there be a more peaceful spot for a quick stroll? This was the first place I came to in Ohrid, and it was deserted in the off-season. There are some lovely water-view restaurants at the end of the walk, or continue on to the Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo.

There is also a ‘city beach’ further along the shore which is popular for sunbathing in the summer months.

2. Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo

A wonderfully photogenic scene set against the edge of Lake Ohrid, this 13th-century church is an ideal sunset spot. In fact, the sunset here was probably the most calming and serene experience I had while backpacking the Balkans.

The Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo is generally agreed to be a must-see place to visit in Ohrid! As with many free tourist attractions, it is a very popular spot for photos, and I can imagine it gets crowded in high season. I advise photography enthusiasts to come for sunrise or early morning before the tour groups arrive.

There are many Byzantine-style Orthodox churches across the Balkans, but this one stands out due to its clifftop position. Definitely not a view you’ll forget in a hurry!

3. Walk around Lake Ohrid

I loved this unexpected walk around Lake Ohrid! After viewing the church, you can follow the path which snakes around the lake for as long as you like. I just went 20-minutes or so before heading back though you could go much further, either walking back on yourself or taking a taxi one way.

It was particularly lovely in the late afternoon light, although I made sure not to be walking in the dark. As you can see from the photos below, the constant lake views make this a beautiful walk.

4. Visit Plaosnik

Built in 893, Plaosnik looks alright for its age, eh?

St Clement Church on Plaosnik hill is a familiar architecture if you’ve been in the Balkans for a while, and due to nearby building work during my arrival, it was not as attractive as some other spots. But worth the stop all the same! I walked through the woods from the Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo. Its close proximity to Ohrid’s other attractions makes it an easy addition to my Ohrid itinerary.

5. Samuel Fortress

While minding my own business, strolling around Ohrid’s old town, I couldn’t help but notice this 10th-century fortress dominating my view. Once you climb up to the fortress, as you can imagine, the views of Ohrid are gorgeous. Samuel Fortress is one of the best things to do in Ohrid for the panoramic views!

In the 11th century, Ohrid was briefly under the Slavic rule of Car Samuel, and the city was an important city within the Balkans. Today, though far from the fierce fortress it once was, the location is striking. If you walk around the ramparts, you’ll essentially have a panoramic view.

This is the only attraction on this list that must be paid for! The cost is just 60 denar… that’s just 0.80 GBP, 1.08 USD or 1.58 AUD!

6. National Workshop for Handmade Paper

Although this was a tiny shop, considering Ohrid has one of only TWO copies of the Gutenburg Press in the world, it’s firmly on the tourist radar. Since the 16th century, Ohrid’s been printing paper, and this cramped shop is what remains of this legacy.

The staff are friendly and will give you a short demonstration, answering any questions you may have. You can also buy handmade paper here, often in the form of diaries or unique gift cards.

If you’re wondering what to do in Ohrid when it rains, this is probably you’re best bet.

7. Ancient Theatre of Ohrid

According to local tourism, this site was built in 200BC and was once a place of performance, gladiator fights and the execution of Christians by Romans. Locals did not like this and buried the site after the demise of the Roman empire. It was accidentally rediscovered in the 1980s!

The amphitheatre is one of the top things to see in Ohrid for history lovers, but anyone will be transformed back in time by this beautifully maintained site.

8. Sunbathe or enjoy a coffee overlooking the water

I arrived at Ohrid in November, so definitely no sunbathing for me, thanks! Though I can imagine it’s a serene spot to enjoy the sun in high season. You can swim in the lake then too.

Instead, I sat with a coffee and watched the waves lap against the shore. Still lovely even from the other side of a window on a cold day.

9. Take a boat trip across Lake Ohrid

There are various short trips from Ohrid, the most obvious being a boat trip across the lake. Though there were not many boat trips running during my visit in November, this is usually a key activity with various tour options available.

You can combine a boat trip with Sveti Naum Monastery and get a round-trip ferry ticket too.

10. Visit Sveti Naum Monastery

Sveti Naum Monastery is a must-see for anyone travelling by car at only 29km from Ohrid, though personally, I didn’t go in favour of attractions I could reach by foot. However, there is a bus schedule or else taxis can take you there and back. The monastery is a vast Orthodox monastery complex rebuilt in the 16th century. Visitors enjoy its stunningly detailed architecture and serene natural setting, nearby forests and the lake.

For more information, see all OHRID tour recommendations on GetYourGuide here: https://www.getyourguide.com/ohrid

11. Hiking in Galicica National Park

Speaking of nearby trips, I’d have loved to go hiking in Galicica National Park if I’d had more time! Many local hikes have amazing views over Lake Ohrid, and the hikes here are famous for stunning panoramas.

You can arrange hiking trips here with a guide from Ohrid Pass – I spotted their stall was open in the old town in November, and it’s one of the city’s main places for tourist information. The stall came up on google maps, so it was easy to find.

Of course, you can also take a taxi and go independently; just make sure you’ve checked your route with a local first!

Information on hiking and other activities nearby Ohrid from Ohrid Pass: http://www.freepassohrid.mk

12. Soak up Ohrid’s fascinating history

Ohrid has a varied history and archeologists believe it’s one of the oldest settlements in Europe. This means that, throughout the centuries, many different empires have had their hand in shaping the city. Ohrid

Ohrid was first mentioned in Ancient Greek documents and later became the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. During the Byzantine period, Ohrid was a prominent centre for trade and culture. Its historical affiliations can also be seen in the Roman Empire and have been ruled at some point by the Serbian Empire, the Albanian, the noble Gropa family, the powerful Ottoman empire, and more, alongside its roots within Christianity!

Today, visitors can explore numerous Ohrid tourist attractions and historical sites that have been preserved from these different eras such as the ancient theatre, fortress walls, medieval churches and monasteries that are scattered throughout this charming town.

Walking through the historic Ohrid places to visit in the old town is definitely a memorable part of any trip to Ohrid.

13. Enough a sunset cruise over Lake Ohrid

In terms of tours, this is one of the cheapest things to do in Ohrid, at only US$9 at the time of writing. The cost even includes a glass of champagne.

You’ll soar past the Old Town and the gorgeous St Kaneo Church while enjoying a glass of juice or sparkling wine. The boat is comfy with cushions and plenty of space, alongside the onboard bar.

Take the 1.5 Ohrid Lake Sunset Cruise.

14. Take an ATV tour through Galicica National Park

If you’re not in the mood for hiking but want to explore the stunning nature around the city, then this ATV adventure tour to Galicica National Park is one of the most fun things to do in Ohrid.

The tour winds through tiny local villages before heading up to 1600-metre-high peaks with wonderful views over the wilderness and coastline. Your ATV will take you through the Asandjura highlands where you’ll stop for a picnic lunch, before heading under Tomoros Peak.

This is a great way to have wonderful views of Lake Ohrid that go all the back into Albania, as well as see Lake Prespa, on your 70km loop tour of the national park. Definitely one of the best Lake Ohrid things to do for adventurous travellers.

15. Visit Skopje on a day trip

Skopje is a three-hour bus from Ohrid, so this is one to fit in only if it easily fits in with your route! For example, if it’s cheaper to fly into Ohrid and out of Skopje. Or perhaps you’re backpacking the Balkans and will be arriving at Ohrid via Kosovo, Bulgaria, or Serbia, potentially making Skopje a natural stopover.

Although Skopje is North Macedonia’s capital, many people I spoke to skipped it in favour of Ohrid. And, to be fair, I can understand why… Ohrid is bloomin’ gorgeous!

However, Skopje surprised me. I only went for an afternoon before getting the bus to Ohrid the following day, and it was a pretty exciting place.

Below you can see photos of the city centre with its New But Made To Look Old Architecture. Walking around the city centre, you’ll see SO MANY statues! Too many to count… Apparently, in the naughties, the government’s tourism strategy was to spend millions on (not good infrastructure, transport etc) but statues?!

Whilst it’s sort of fun spotting them as you walk around, you can understand why this expenditure didn’t go down well with the locals. This statue on the right is the most controversial of all. Some say it’s meant to be Alexander the Great, but the government can’t call it that because there’s an argument over whether he’s Greek or Macedonian. So instead, people call it… warrior on a horse.

The Old Bazaar and Kale Fortress are far less controversial.

The main structure of Kale Fortress was built in the 10/11th century, although it was initially built in the 6th century. Due to earthquakes, much of North Macedonia has been rebuilt over the years, with the fortress most recently being renovated after the earthquake in 1963.

If you only have a short stopover in Skopje, I recommend visiting the fortress for sunset. You also get a lovely view from here over the city.

Next to the fortress is the Old Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the Balkans and dates back to the 12th century. It’s a great place to try some delicious Macedonian food, explore a vibrant local market, and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Things to do in Ohrid FAQ

How to get around Ohrid

The easiest way to get around Ohrid is on foot! At no point did I visit anywhere in Ohrid using anything other than my feet! Most significant attractions are closely located to one another and are only a short walk.

If you’re visiting Sveti Naum Monastery, you can take a bus, boat, or tour.

How to get to Ohrid

There are regular flights into the Ohrid airport from specific European cities. Alternatively, fly into Skopje – which has far more connections – and take the bus from there.

Is visiting Ohrid worth it?

Visiting Ohrid is definitely worth it – it’s one of the most charming, beautiful, and utterly underrated cities to visit in Europe! Not to mention the fact that it’s budget-friendly, too.

Nestled in the southwestern corner of North Macedonia, Ohrid is a Balkans hidden gem that really stands out from other European cities, due to its tranquil setting and charming historic streets. With its expansive lake, quaint cobblestone streets, and rich history dating back to ancient times, Ohrid is a fascinating place. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural immersion, this picturesque town is definitely worth the visit.

Decided to travel the Balkans by bus? Perhaps these posts will help:

How to get from Sarajevo to Belgrade by bus

A scenic bus journey between Mostar and Sarajevo (+ how it compares to the train)

Kotor to Dubrovnik by bus – What to expect

Getting from Prizren to Skopje by bus

Getting from Belgrade to Pristina by bus

More on the Balkans:

Backpacking the Balkans in Off-Season – What to expect

How I spent one day in Sarajevo (Bosnia & Herzegovina)

One week Montenegro itinerary

Solo Travel in Kosovo

Complete Balkans Guide