Ohrid is a charming little town in the southwest region of North Macedonia. It is located on Lake Ohrid, the oldest lake in Europe! While it is quite off the beaten path, Ohrid is becoming a more and more popular destination for travelers in the Balkans region because of its natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. Ohrid has been known as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans,” because it used to have 365 churches, one for each day of the year! With centuries of different tribes occupying the city, the Ohrid you see today has been influenced by the Ottomans, Greeks, and Romans over time, giving it its own distinctive character. Here is my guide on how to spend the perfect day in Ohrid!
How to get to Ohrid
Ohrid is small enough to experience everything in one day. The easiest way to get to Ohrid would be to fly into Skopje and hop on a bus or rent a car to drive to Ohrid. Because half of Lake Ohrid lies in Albania, you can also reach the city of Ohrid from Albania by bus or car. I visited Ohrid with my dad and came into North Macedonia from Greece which was nothing short of a headache that we were not prepared for given the tensions between the two countries. It is certainly possible to do this but much more difficult, so have a plan to get across the border well in advance.
Fort Cafe
Start your day off with a delicious coffee at the Fort Cafe. This cafe is full of artifacts from decades past, giving it a unique atmosphere. It is situated near the top of Ohrid hill and has a beautiful view of the town down below. Enjoy your coffee and snack while taking in the gorgeous view of the mountains and city below!
Samuel’s Fortress
Adjacent to the Fort Cafe is Samuel’s Fortress. Sitting at the top of Ohrid hill, this fortress offers a 365° view of the city below, the mountains and lake. When looking at the lake from the south side of the fortress, you’re actually looking into Albania! The fort has been demolished and rebuilt many times over the centuries and is still being restored and worked on today. The history of the fort dates back to the 4th century BC, in which King Philip II of Macedonia is said to have built the original fort. When you arrive at the fort, make sure to have cash on you as there is a small entrance fee (they only take the local currency, Macedonian Denar). It was less than 1 US dollar per person, so it is certainly worth it!
Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon
From the fortress, it is less than a 10 minute (downhill) walk to the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon. This is a traditional Macedonian Orthodox church, and in my opinion, the most beautiful one you will find in Ohrid. The stonework and colors of the church are just beautiful. There are ongoing excavations and restorative projects happening inside and outside of the church and you will notice remains of what used to be a Roman basilica surrounding the church.
Church of Saint John
When you do a google search for Ohrid, North Macedonia, almost all of the pictures you will get are of the Church of Saint John. Situated on a cliff overlooking the lake, the location of this church is hard to top. Not only is it the most picturesque spot in Ohrid, but it is also a peaceful place to take in the view and admire all of the beauty in front of you. The church is just a short walk down the hill from the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon.
Ohrid Lakeside
To take the scenic route back into town from the Church of Saint John, head down to the water and follow the Ohird boardwalk. You will walk by some little beaches to get here, and while these are not soft sandy strips and rather quite pebbly, they are still a beautiful place for a nice walk back into town. In the warmer months you can hop on a boat from here for a ride around the lake. There are several lakeside restaurants in this area as well, making it a nice spot for lunch or dinner. And yes, you will find no shortage of sweet cats in Ohrid 🙂
Old Bazaar Street
Once you are in the center of town, you can walk down the Old Bazaar Street. Here you will find many shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is the most lively part of Ohrid and a great place to have a meal or just people watch 🙂
Old Town Ohrid
Continue to wander the streets of Ohrid’s old town. You’ll find churches, monuments, and picturesque buildings lining every little street. Be sure to stop by the Ancient Macedonian Theater, situated just under Samuel’s Fortress (you’ve come full circle!). It is perfectly situated on the hill, with yet another beautiful view of the mountains and lake to the south.
Traditional Macedonian food at Restaurant Sv. Sofija
End your day with a delicious dinner at Restaurant Sv. Sofija (situated across from the church of the same name). We were so impressed with the food and ambiance that we ate here both nights we were in Ohrid! I discovered my new love for the dish known as “turlitava,” a traditional Macedonian baked vegetable and meat stew. It was exceptional, and one of my all time favorite meals I have ever had. I highly recommend to anyone visiting Ohrid to have a meal at Restaurant Sv. Sofija to enjoy the beautiful setting and incredible Macedonian food. The perfect end to your day exploring Ohrid!