15+ Magical Things to Do in Ohrid, North Macedonia (2026)!

One of the most magical places to visit in North Macedonia is Ohrid.

Perched on a vast sparkling lake, it’s a slice of paradise where you can sit back and relax for a couple of days. 

It’s known as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans” due to the number of historic churches built here that form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Part of the reason why I booked my trip to Macedonia was to visit the famous Church of St John at the Kaneo viewpoint. 

But, I was pleasantly surprised at how much you could do in Lake Ohrid otherwise. 

It’s such a beautiful place with attractions for all interests. Here are all the magical things to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia. 

Best things to do in Ohrid

1. Church of Saint Jovan the Theologian at Kaneo

The most famous attraction in Ohrid is the Church of Saint John at Kaneo.

It’s not the oldest or the most valuable church in Ohrid, but its prominent position on a cliff over the lake makes it the most iconic. 

Today, it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in the country.

It was built in the 15th century (although many believe it was built before, in the Ottoman era) and is dedicated to John of Patmos. 

Despite the size of this church, the interiors are quite small, and you can visit for a small donation. There are some lovely frescoes inside. 

But most visit this gorgeous temple for panoramic views of the azure water surrounding it.

2. Kaneo Viewpoint 

If you walk up the steps behind Saint John’s Church, you’ll find the famous Kaneo Viewpoint.

This is one of the most recognisable scenes of Ohrid and one of my favourite photography locations I’ve ever visited on my travels.

The view of this church perched by the sparkling lake, surrounded by water, greenery and mountains, was so magical. 

It was a glorious sunrise when I went, and the pink and orange hues in the sky added to the enchantment. 

The best time to visit would be at sunrise, as this viewpoint is packed throughout the day and only gets worse at sunset. 

Thats how I was able to get all these photos without people in them. It’s so peaceful here before the world wakes up. 

3. Ohrid Old Town

Ohrid Old Town is a picturesque area to take a stroll above the lake.  

You can wander down cobblestone streets, admiring all the quaint houses and ancient buildings. 

It’s filled with narrow lanes from the Turkish occupation, and every corner provides something charming. 

There are also lots of lovely restaurants and bars to pop into, plus shops selling souvenirs, antiques and Ohrid pearls.

4. Old Bazaar Street

On your travels through Ohrid, you’ll be bound to walk through the Old Bazaar Street.

This is just one road filled with souvenir stalls, sweet shops and snack vendors. There’s even a local market each week. 

It feels like you’ve stepped back in time, especially with the spire of the Mosque of Ali Pasha in the distance. 

5. Samuel’s Fortress

Another one of the best things to do in Ohrid is to head up to Ohrid Fortress (Samuel’s Fortress).

The history of this place is fascinating, as the foundations were laid by King Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, in the 4th century BC!

But it’s the incredible views of Lake Ohrid from the ramparts that make this fortress worth visiting.

You can see for miles over to Albania on a clear day, and they normally have a huge Macedonian flag raised. 

They had an archaeological team working here during my visit. It’s incredible to think that they are still making discoveries.

Although the views from here are amazing, the walk to get up to the fortress and ramparts is far from it. So, prepare your legs for a workout. 

6. Plaošnik Archaeological Park

Plaošnik Archaeological Park is a fascinating attraction in Ohrid found beyond the Kaneo viewpoint, which dates back to the 5th Century BC.

It’s an ancient Byzantine settlement with the Church of Saints Clement of Ohrid & Panteleimon at its heart. 

You can explore the archaeological site with its ancient pillars, mosaics, hypocaust, basilica ruins, and the tomb of Sinan Çelebi. 

St Clement’s Church is also worth a look inside. It dates back to the 9th century BC.

It was founded by St Clement of Ohrid, and he dedicated it to St. Panteleimon. Today, it’s named after both of them.

It is said that St Clement taught Christianity and the Cyrillic alphabet here. So, it’s considered the first Slavic university. 

For me, visiting this place felt like being transported back in time. The views of the lake from here were also wonderful. 

You do have to pay to explore, but tickets are only 150 MKD or roughly €3.

7. Ohrid Boardwalk / Bridge of Wishes

Of course, one of the best things to do in Ohrid is to walk around Lake Ohrid. Luckily, there are plenty of scenic paths to enjoy.

My favourite part was a stroll along the Ohrid Boardwalk that hugs the cliffs. 

It is a wooden walkway built over the water, which provides stunning views the whole way. 

You can walk from Ohrid Old Town to the Kaneo Viewpoint, passing the Bridge of Wishes and Potpesh Beach. 

There are plenty of places where you can stop to sunbathe or take a dip in the lake along the way. 

8. Robevci Family House

Robevci Family House is a wonderful museum that allows you to look into the life of a notable family living in Ohrid during the 19th-century.

It’s a protected monument built in the traditional Turkish Ottoman style and has three floors filled with archaeological and ethnographic items.

It also serves as a memorial to the Robevci Family, and you can see their clothing, furniture, handicrafts and art. I found it fascinating. 

On the bottom floor, you’ll find an archaeological collection and a modern art gallery. 

As it was a stifling hot day in Ohrid, this museum was surprisingly cool. So, I spent a long time in here relishing the respite. 

Tickets cost 100 MKD (roughly €2). It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am – 8 pm and is closed on Mondays. 

You should be aware that it’s a historic house and there are very steep steps to climb to the upper floors. There’s no lift or other accessibility options.

9. National Workshop for Handmade Paper

Just down the cobbled street from Robevci Family House, you’ll find the National Workshop for Handmade Paper.

They have been making paper the old-fashioned way here since the 16th century, using a practice which dates back to ancient China. 

You can step inside their workshop and see the process in motion, and they even ask volunteers to join in. 

They have a small shop selling souvenirs such as pretty notebooks to take home after your visit. 

Amazingly, this museum also owns one of the two surviving copies of the Gutenberg Press found in the entire world. 

10. Church of St Sophia

You can find the Church of St Sophia tucked between the labyrinth of cobbled streets in the Old Town. 

It’s one of the most important monuments in North Macedonia that dates back to the 9th century. 

Inside, you can find architecture, valuable relics and artwork from over 1000 years of Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Orthodox history. 

There’s also a lovely square just outside that has a few cosy restaurants to dine in and admire the view. 

11. Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Lychnidos

One of the highlights of Ohrid Old Town is the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Lychnidos.

This is one of the only Hellenistic Theatres to survive in the country and dates back to 200 BC. 

Something incredible is that this theatre was only discovered in the 1980s. It’s amazing to think what else could be lying under these ancient streets. 

It’s a wonderful place for photography and to take a rest. In summer, they sometimes use the Ohrid amphitheatre for outdoor performances. 

12. Potpesh Beach

There are quite a few wonderful beaches around Lake Ohrid, but the most popular is Potpesh Beach.

I say beach; it’s more of a pebbled sunbathing spot, but it’s a very popular place nonetheless.

There’s a bar that rents out sunbeds, and they play music throughout the day. 

This is also just inches away from my favourite restaurant in Ohrid, Kaj Kanevche, where you can try some of the famous Ohrid Trout. 

13. Try Ohrid Trout

You definitely have to try the Ohrid Trout, which is a speciality here. It’s prepared in a variety of ways, such as baked, stewed or grilled.

Also, you must try an Ohrid Cake, a layered sweet treat made with caramel, walnuts and chocolate. It’s divine.

My favourite place to eat in Ohrid was the row of fishermen’s restaurants found beneath the Kaneo viewpoint and before Potpesh Beach.

They all have stunning alfresco tables right by the water, which provide romantic views while you eat.

Fisherman’s House Kaneo, Kaj Kanevche (my top recommendation), and Letna Bavča Kaneo are all incredible. 

They aren’t the cheapest restaurants, especially in the evening. But you’re paying for the fresh seafood and the panoramic views.

14. Bay of Bones

If you have extra time in Lake Ohrid, I highly recommend planning a day trip to St Naum. On the way, you can stop by the Bay of Bones.

It sounds scary, but it’s an open-air museum that is made up of prehistoric dwellings over Lake Ohrid and a Roman fortress. 

It’s like stepping back in time to see how people used to live between 1200 and 700 BC.

In the visitor centre, you can learn the history of human settlement in Ohrid and find artefacts recovered from archaeological digs.

This museum on the water is located in Gradishte, 16 kilometres from Ohrid town. So, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi here. 

I loved this place as it was so unusual and the delightful views over the turquoise water were worth the effort.

15. Sveti Naum (St. Naum)

The monastery of Sveti Naum is a popular pilgrimage and day trip from Ohrid. It’s one of North Macedonia’s most visited destinations. 

It was founded in 905 AD by the scholar St Naum, and you can see authentic frescoes and relics inside. Some peacocks roam free, and it’s charming. 

Beyond the monastery, there is lots to see and do here on a visit as it’s a tourist destination. 

The monastery is perched on a cliff overlooking the lake. So, there are boat trips and swimming areas on the water. 

My favourite thing I did here was a rowboat ride to see the famous springs of Naum. The water was some of the clearest I’ve ever seen. 

It’s 29 kilometres from Ohrid. You can get the ferry to St Naum, or you can opt for a local bus or taxi. 

Is Ohrid worth visiting? 

Most definitely. Out of all the places I visited in North Macedonia, Ohrid left an unforgettable impression. 

There are lots of things to do in Ohrid for every type of traveller, whether you’re a foodie, history buff or sun worshipper.

It’s the perfect place to relax for a few days and take it easy by the water. 

I had the most magical time here, and I would go back in a heartbeat if given the chance. 

Don’t skip Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia; it’s a little slice of paradise waiting for you. 

How to visit Ohrid in North Macedonia

There used to be direct flights from London to Ohrid, but these have since been suspended.

Most travellers in North Macedonia take the bus to Ohrid from Skopje, and regular services run from Skopje Bus Station.

I used busticket4.me throughout the Balkans to check bus schedules and buy tickets. On this occasion, I booked my journey through FlixBus.

Like with other Balkan countries, you have to pay a separate fee to validate your ticket. This is usually around €2 per person.

Make sure to do this at the ticket desk and present your receipt to the driver, or you won’t be able to board the bus. 

If I’m being perfectly honest, my journey to Ohrid was a complete nightmare. 

We started really late, our driver was smoking, and we later broke down as the brakes stopped working on a winding mountain road with sheer drops.

We had to get off the bus in the intense heat and wait to be rescued by another bus. Some of the passengers hitchhiked. 

A two-hour journey ended up taking over five hours. So yeah, my experience getting here was not great. 

But Balkan bus travel is always a gamble, and it was an adventure I won’t forget in a hurry.

If you want to avoid the hassle, you could book a private transfer or rent a car for the journey. 

Why not book a guided tour?

There are some day trips you can book from Skopje or Tirana if you would rather not plan transport yourself. Here are some options:

How many days do you need in Ohrid? 

Lots of tourists visit Lake Ohrid as a day trip from Skopje on their travels through North Macedonia, and that certainly is possible.

There is a FlixBus that heads to Ohrid early in the morning and comes back in the evening. This is what I was originally planning to do.

However, I’m glad I decided to extend my stay in Ohrid as it’s literally paradise and the perfect place to relax for a few days.

I’d highly recommend 2-4 days in Ohrid so you can see everything it has to offer at a relaxed pace and take advantage of the laid-back vibe. 

This also gives you some time to plan a day trip to the Bay of Bones, Sveti Naum and even Albania. 

The Albanian border is nearby, as half the lake is in their territory. You could also travel on to the capital of Tirana (Tiranë). 

Where to stay in Lake Ohrid 

I stayed at the wonderful Villa Sofija on my visit to Ohrid. It was just a few steps away from the Church of St Sophia in the Old Town.

I chose this property as it was a 10-minute walk to the Kaneo Viewpoint and meant I could visit early in the morning for photography. 

It was a wonderful place with panoramic views of the lake and St Sophie Church from my balcony. I’d recommend them to anyone. 

Read more of my Macedonia guides

How to visit Matka Canyon from Skopje 

Save these things to do in Ohrid for later