Ohrid Travel Guide: Best Things to Do & How to Visit
Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a captivating city nestled on the shores of Lake Ohrid.
This ancient city boasts stunning Byzantine architecture, including the iconic St. Clement of Ohrid Church.
Explore the charming cobblestone streets, soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches, and savor the delicious local cuisine.
Ohrid is a picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural significance. It is home to more than 365 churches, earning it the nickname “Jerusalem of the Balkans.”
Visitors can enjoy a serene atmosphere while exploring the city’s cobbled streets, vibrant markets, and traditional architecture. Ohrid is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, nature, and spirituality.
Here you’ll find the best things to do in ohrid!
Table of contents
Church of Saint Sophia
The Church of Saint Sophia, constructed in the 9th century atop the remains of an early Christian basilica, was transformed into a mosque during Ottoman rule, with its beautiful medieval frescoes concealed. It was abandoned in the early 20th century and later restored, returning to its original function as a church.
During the restoration, the original frescoes were uncovered, allowing visitors to admire them today.
🕘 Opening Hours:
📅 Daily: 09AM to 6PM
🎟️Admission: €4.00 (approx. $4.50)
🕰️Time to visit: 20-30 minutes
The Old City
Old Ohrid is the heart of the city, where you can get lost in winding cobblestone streets and soak in the old-school charm. It’s like stepping back in time with its ancient churches, traditional houses, and cozy little cafes.
The views of Lake Ohrid from here are simply stunning, and it’s a perfect spot to just relax and watch the world go by. There’s also a cool mix of local shops, offering everything from handmade crafts to delicious traditional snacks.
Whether you’re into history, nature, or just exploring, Old Ohrid has something for everyone.
church of saint john at kaneo
The Church of Saint John at Kaneo is one of Ohrid’s most iconic landmarks, perched on a cliff overlooking the stunning Lake Ohrid. Built in the 13th century, this beautiful church is a mix of Byzantine and medieval architecture, with breathtaking frescoes inside.
Make sure to climb the steps behind the church for the best views.
If you’re visiting during peak season, it’s a good idea to arrive early to beat the crowds, as this spot can get quite busy with tour groups.
🕘 Opening Hours:
📅 Daily: 09AM to 6PM
🎟️Admission: €5.00 (approx. $5.40)
🕰️Time to visit: 10-20 minutes
National Workshop For Handmade Paper
If you weren’t specifically searching for it, you might easily overlook this small, humble workshop.
But it turned out to be one of the most fascinating places we visited in Ohrid, housing one of only two existing copies of the Gutenberg Press in the world. Ohrid has a long paper-making history, dating back to the 16th century, and this museum/shop is dedicated to preserving that craft. The paper-making demonstration was incredible – the man who gave it was not only a true craftsman but also incredibly kind, sharing his knowledge with such passion.
Afterward, we were able to buy beautiful handmade paper products, there was no hard sell, but we were more than happy to buy after seeing the magic of the process firsthand.
Here the Exact location
Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimonr
The Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon is one of Ohrid’s most important historical and spiritual sites.
Believed to be the first Slavic university, it was originally built in the 9th century by Saint Clement, who played a key role in spreading literacy and Christianity in the region. The church sits on a hill overlooking Lake Ohrid, offering stunning views alongside its rich history.
You can explore its beautifully restored interior, ancient ruins, and impressive frescoes, making it a must-see in Ohrid.
🕘 Opening Hours:
📅 Daily: 09AM to 7PM
🎟️Admission: €5.00 (approx. $5.40)
🕰️Time to visit: 30-40 minutes
Naum Monastery
Naum Monastery is a stunning 10th-century monastery known for its beautiful frescoes and peaceful surroundings.
Just 45 minutes trip from Ohrid, sandy beaches border the monastery on two sides, offering some of the best swimming spots around Lake Ohrid. Surrounding the heart of the complex is a peaceful garden adorned with fountains, blooming roses, and wandering peacocks, adding to the serene atmosphere.
You can also reach it by boat from ohrid.
A bit further away, you’ll find several smaller chapels that are worth visiting if you’re up for a walk, the area is well-signposted, with frequent maps and clearly marked trails to guide you.
🕘 Opening Hours:
📅 Daily: 07AM to 8PM
🎟️Admission: €2.50 (approx. $2.7)
🕰️Time to visit: 3-4 hours ( but you can easily spend the day)
The lake
Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, with crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing swim.
Just staring at the lake from the top of Old Ohrid is an experience in itself, with breathtaking panoramas that will leave you speechless.
How to get there
By Air
Ohrid has its own airport, Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (OHD) located about 10.4km from Ohrid.
Only a few airlines offer direct flights to Ohrid, including Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, Chair Airlines, Corendon Airlines, and Edelweiss.
Taxis from the airport to Ohrid take about 15–20 minutes and have a fixed fare. As of 2024, the cost is 730 MKD (€12).
Also rent a car is great option, especially if you plan to explore the region, roads are generally in good condition, and people drives safely.
Alternatively, you can fly into Skopje International Airport (SKP), which has more connections, and then take a bus or rent a car to Ohrid (about 3 hours).
By Bus
Regular buses connect Ohrid with Skopje (3 hours), Bitola, and other Macedonian cities.
There are also international buses from Tirana (Albania), Pristina (Kosovo), and Thessaloniki (Greece).
The main bus station is a short taxi ride from Ohrid’s center.
best time to vist ohrid
Spring and Autumn are generally the best season to visit Ohrid:
🌿Spring (April–June) offers mild temperatures (15–25°C), perfect or exploring Old Town, churches, and hiking around the lake.
☀️Summer (July–August) is ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying Ohrid’s vibrant festival scene, though it’s the busiest and most expensive time, with temperatures reaching 25–35°C.
🍂Autumn (September–October) provides mild weather, fewer crowds, and stunning fall colors, making it a great time for sightseeing and relaxation.
❄️Winter (November–March) is cold (0–10°C) and quiet, ideal for budget travelers seeking a peaceful getaway, though some places may close for the season.
How long to stay
To fully experience the charm of Ohrid, spending at least 2 nights is ideal, allowing time to explore its historic sites, enjoy the lake, and soak in the local atmosphere.
However, if you only have one night, you can still visit the main attractions, such as the Church of St. John at Kaneo, the Old Town and the Church of St Sophia.
A short stay means a faster pace, but Ohrid’s beauty and history are compact enough to be appreciated in a limited time. Whether you stay one or two nights, the stunning lake views and rich heritage will make your visit unforgettable.
Is Ohrid safe to visit?
Ohrid is a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate and a welcoming atmosphere. The city is known for its friendly locals, who are generally eager to help visitors.
As with any popular tourist spot, it’s important to remain cautious in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
Where to sleep in ohrid
Stay in the old town
Stay along the Lake
This has been our choice as it offers a beautiful and peaceful experience.
All the accommodations provide easy access to the beach, as well as to Ohrid’s Old Town, just a short trip away.
Click here for more options