What To Do In Ohrid North Macedonia

Hey fellow travelers, are you looking for ideas on what to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia? Often called the pearl of Europe, Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, if not the world. We stayed here for 10 days and loved every moment of our trip from the crystal clear water, picturesque nature, to the well preserved old town. There is something everyone will love in Ohrid. Here are our recommendations for the top things to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia.

This post features affiliate links. Take action (i.e. make a purchase) after clicking one of the affiliate links. We’ll earn some travel money which will continue to support us on our journey so we can continue to make content that makes your travels easier. It’s free and helpful for you, but it supports us too 🙂

1. Take a Boat Tour of the Lake

While we aren’t often ones for paid tours while traveling, a boat tour in lake Ohrid is a must! The boat tour we took during our time in Ohrid was the highlight of our trip. There are many places on the lake that are not reachable by car or foot so it’s best to take a boat tour to see it all in one day.

A full day boat tour on average costs 25 euros per person, including non alcoholic drinks. You can reserve your spot on a tour from the boat dock at the city center or online here. It’s hard to miss as many of the drivers will chat you into taking one. Plan to leave at 10:30 am and arrive back at 4ish.

2. Visit Church of Saint John the Theologian

Perched up on a hill overlooking the lake, Church of Saint John the Theologian is a stunning sight to see during your time in Ohrid. The church dates back to pre 13th century and share similar architecture to Armenian churches.

The path up to the church can be accessed from the Ohrid boardwalk (see below). It takes 20 to 30 minutes to walk from the city center up to the Church of Saint John the Theologian. Place this high up on your list of what to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia, as it is a spot not to miss.

3. Take a Walk on the Ohrid Boardwalk

The water of lake Ohrid is crystal clear and the Ohrid Boardwalk is the best way to see it. Located a short walk from the waterfront, this raise platform is the perfect way to admire the beauty of Ohrid. Follow the boardwalk to the end to access Potpesh Beach, one of the hidden beaches of Ohrid for a swim or to watch the sunset.

This activity is great to pair with a visit to the Church of Saint John the Theologian as the boardwalk is part of the path to get to the church.

4. Walk Up to Samuel’s Fortress

If you’re looking for the best view in Ohrid, then Samuel’s Fortress is the place to go! One of the most popular sites to visit in Ohrid, this fortress porched on the hilltops over the old town has views of all sides of the lake. While there is not much to see inside other than the views, it’s still worth a visit during your time in lake Ohrid.

5. Explore the Hidden Alley Ways of the Old Town

Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, the old town of Ohrid is full of winding streets with so much history. It was built on archeological remains that dated back from the Bronze Ages to the Middle Ages. Now you’ll be able to marvel over the old Ottoman style houses and narrow cobbled lanes.

It the perfect place to get lost in, get away from the crowds, and travel back in time to this beautiful part of Ohrid.

6. Eat at Gostilnica Kaj Meče

Want to eat traditional Macedonian food at the spot where locals go? We befriended a Macedonian in Skopje who grew up in Ohrid and he told us Gostilnica Kaj Meče is a must visit place. It is the restaurant where all the locals go, the food is incredible and the prices are even better.

7. Visit the Bay of Bones Museum

The Bay of Bones Museum is a authentic reconstruction of prehistoric settlement dating back between 1200 and 700 BC. Macedonia is full of history dating back to prehistoric times and this is one of the top places to learn about it.

A series of mud huts set over some of the clearest blue water of the lake, its a stunning place to visit and learn how people used to live at Lake Ohrid. The best way to visit the Bay of Bones Museum is by boat tour. You can purchase your tour online here.

8. Spend a Day at Trpejca

Trpejca is a small Macedonian fishing village still preserved from mass tourism, it will charm you. Venture beyond the mild crowds in Ohrid to experience a quieter part of the lake. It’s a great place to enjoy local food and spend a day at the beach.

Trpejca can be accessed by either boat or car. If you’re looking to rent a car during your trip to lake Ohrid, we suggest checking out our favorite car rental site.

9. Hike around Black Drim’s Springs

Black Drim’s Springs has the clearest water we’ve ever seen in the world. While you can take a boat trip onto the springs, we recommend taking the 30 minute hiking loop instead. It is both the money saving option and a way to marvel at the natural beauty of this place on your own time. If we had to choose what to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia, this would be high up on our list.

10. Visit the Monastery Saint Naum

Another popular stop on the boat tour, the Monastery of Saint Naum is situated on a cliff overlooking the lake. It is probably the most visited spot on the lake, understandably, as it’s surrounded by lots to do. The history of the monastery dates back to 905 and was rebuilt in the 16th century. If you plan a trip to Ohrid, then definitely add this to your to do list!

Do You Want To Travel Like Us? Here are some of our favorite travel tips and resources:

Flights: Our go-to flight websites to find the best deals are CheapOair and Kiwi.com. The destinations everywhere feature is perfect for finding spontaneous cheap flights! 

Accommodations: There’s no better site than Booking.com. We save hundreds of dollars each year through their Genius program. It’s the most reliable site for accommodations with no added fees! 

Tours and Tickets: Our favorite site is GetYourGuide. They have the best-rated tours all over the world. Also, it is a perfect place to buy an entrance ticket that takes international cards.