Tucked in the southwest corner of North Macedonia, close to the Albanian border, Ohrid is one of the most enchanting cities in the Balkans. Once home to 365 churches, one for every day of the year, it’s often called the Jerusalem of the Balkans.
With its blend of Orthodox Christian and Muslim heritage, cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era houses, and the shimmering expanse of Lake Ohrid, it’s no surprise that both the lake and city are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their unique cultural and natural beauty!
How to Get There
We traveled to Ohrid from Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital. The journey takes around 3-4 hours by bus through winding mountain roads and charming villages. We went with FlixBus, which was comfortable and easy to book online, and returned to Skopje with a smaller local company. Prices typically range from $10 to $30 USD one way, depending on the line and schedule!
Where to Stay
Stay at this gorgeous Airbnb overlooking the entire town of Ohrid and the lake, averaging around $50 a night. We were met with sweet hospitality, a delicious coffee frappe and a tour of the grounds. The apartment a large studio style loft with cable TV, air conditioning, heating, a private bathroom, hair dryer, balcony (major bonus), free Wi-Fi (very very weak), towels, a shared terrace, and free parking.
Everything you’ll want to explore, including churches, museums, and historical monuments, is just steps away… MANY steps and stairs away haha! If stairs or steep inclines are not medically feasible for you DO NOT stay at this Airbnb. We are capable later 20 year olds and the daily 20,000 steps and climbing stairs is a challenge. 🤣
Additionally, the listing notes it sleeps four, there are only three single beds, with two pushed together. It’s extremely comfortable(I slept like a baby) but the space is best suited for three adults or a family with small children who can share a bed.
Enjoying the Lake Shore
The lakeside is the heart of Ohrid and the perfect place to experience the town’s peaceful rhythm. Everything is within walking distance, from the stone promenade that winds along the water to small beaches and cozy cafés. The lake’s surface often glimmers like glass, reflecting the mountains that surround it, and it’s common to spot swans and fish in the clear shallows. Enjoy walking along the shore, stopping for breakfast or coffee at Kaj Kanevche, Liquid Café Bar, or Dr. Falafel, all offering calm lake views and a relaxed start to the day.
Locals and visitors alike swim off the docks or sunbathe on the pebble beaches near the Old Town. The water is refreshingly cool and remarkably clear, making it ideal for a quick dip or a long float beneath the sun. It was raining the weekend we went, but it didn’t stop us from fully enjoying all the shore has to offer!
If you prefer to be on the water, it’s easy to book a boat tour on Lake Ohrid from the main dock to explore the shoreline, visit quiet coves, or simply enjoy the scenery from a new perspective. The lake changes color throughout the day, from deep blue to green and silver, depending on the light and breeze. This was the one thing we missed doing and so wish we did!
Make sure to at least once settle into a table at one of the lakeside restaurants like Kaneo, Dalga, or Antico, where you can enjoy traditional Macedonian dishes while watching the sun sink behind the mountains. We found these best fine dining feeling restaurant that also had lake side lounge chairs. this is our #1 recommendation on the Lake! ☺️
Old Town, Eats, and Bazaar Life
Start your morning with strong Turkish coffee and Trileçe (MUST try! Like the Mexican Tres Leche dessert) in the Old Bazaar. Be sure to try Albanian dishes at Restaurant Dalga or Antico. Favorites include flija, a layered pastry baked with cream, or qofte, seasoned meatballs grilled to perfection. Explore Turkish-inspired dishes that reflect the city’s Ottoman past. Look for burek, a savory pastry filled with cheese or meat, and tulumba, fried dough soaked in sweet syrup!
Then spend the day exploring Ohrid’s ancient streets. Visit some of the city’s most iconic churches, including the Church of St. John at Kaneo perched on a cliff above the lake, Saint Sophia, and Saint Clement and Panteleimon. Optional hikes lead to monasteries tucked in the surrounding hills, offering peaceful views of the lake and a deeper look into Ohrid’s centuries-old faith traditions.
Revisit the Ohrid Old Bazaar, as it comes to life in the evening, filled with local crafts, copperware, and the city’s famous Ohrid pearls. Jewrey stores are everywhere, and I found multiple pairs of earrings I wear every single day! Totally worth planning to shop here or find unique wearable gifts!
Filter, Freddo, & Traditional Coffee
Roastery Ohrid is a local favorite known for its expertly brewed espresso and lakeside atmosphere, this was my go to spot for great single origin espresso (try the Ethiopia)! Meydan Çay Ocağı offers a taste of Turkish tradition with strong tea, Turkish coffee, and warm hospitality in a relaxed, authentic setting (must try the Trileçe)
İstanbul Çaycı Çaytore brings the feel of a classic Turkish teahouse to Ohrid, serving rich coffee, sweet pastries, and flavorful teas, I had great coffee and tea here! Retro 45 is a modern cafe in Old Town, this is a great spot to grab a freddo espresso and light breakfast
Coffee Shop Weekend Bucket List:
If you are coffee lover and planning to visit the nations capital, I wrote a full guide to Skopje’s specialty coffee shops: check it out here for my favorite spots!
Monasteries
Spend your final morning visiting Sveti Naum Monastery, about 30 kilometers south of Ohrid. The drive along the lake is stunning, and the monastery grounds are filled with peacocks, gardens, and views of the turquoise springs. If you’re there during prayer hours, you may hear the serene hum of Orthodox chanting echoing through the stone walls.
Before returning to the city or your next destination, stop by a lakeside café for one last Turkish coffee and soak in the peaceful rhythm of Ohrid. The sounds of bells and calls to prayer, the taste of traditional dishes, and the view of the calm lake all blend together into a weekend that feels timeless.
Planning to Explore More of North Macedonia?
Happy Traveling,
Cosette
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