Of all the many places I have visited, Lake Ohrid ranks right up towards the top. The beautiful lake is lined with a wooden boardwalk, ideal for admiring the lake on a sunset stroll. Tumbling down the hillside are the quaint, cobbled streets of Ohrid old town. All topped with a spectacular fortress with equally spectacular views. Here is my pick of the top 10 things to do on a visit to Ohrid.
How to get to Ohrid
We drove to Ohrid from the North Macedonian capital, Skopje, which is 106 miles away. It’s an easy drive (pretty much just one road). There are also several companies offering a bus service following a similar route, with the journey taking approximately 3 hours. Fares are in the region of £10.
After visiting Ohrid, we crossed over the border to Albania. To reach the border crossing it is a 27 mile drive round the shores of Lake Ohrid. The border was very quick and easy to cross. By bus, Flixbus provides a twice daily service to Tirana. Fares cost around £15.
Getting Around Ohrid
Despite what Google Maps might tell your, the old town of Ohrid, with its narrow cobbled streets, is most definitely best explored on foot. If you are driving, there is a car park at the entrance to the old town, close to the marina. Don’t do like we did and try and drive into the old town!
Where to Stay in Ohrid
We stayed at Villa & Winery Mal Sveti Kliment; a villa in the heart of the old town, which also has its own winery. The villa is a beautiful old building, perched on the hillside overlooking the lake. Note: The hotel is reached via cobbled steps – probably not the best place to stay if you have restricted mobility (or a lot of luggage).
In the cellar is a restaurant and bar where they serve their own wine.
Ohrid: Top 10 Things to do
| 1 | Explore the cobbled streets of Ohrid Old Town |
| 2 | Have drinks or dinner overlooking beautiful Lake Ohrid |
| 3 | Take a stroll along Lake Ohrid Boardwalk |
| 4 | Admire the ancient Sveta Sofija Cathedral |
| 5 | Climb to Sveti Jovan at Kaneo to see the ancient church |
| 6 | Enjoy the stunning view from Kaneo Viewpoint |
| 7 | Relax in the pretty Ohrid City Park |
| 8 | See the 2300 year old Amphitheatre |
| 9 | Stroll along the ramparts of Tsar Samuel’s Fortress |
| 10 | Pass through the historic Gorna Porta |
No 1 – Explore the cobbled streets of Ohrid Old Town
Wander round the quaint, cobbled streets of Ohrid Old Town and maybe purchase a few souvenirs.
No 2 – Have drinks or dinner overlooking beautiful Lake Ohrid
Ohrid is a pretty town, however the star of the show is the stunning Lake Ohrid; beautiful by day and even more beautiful at sunset.
We chose Restoran Cun, which has tables right next to the lake. Here, you can unwind over dinner and a beer whilst taking in the wonderful view.
No 3 – Take a stroll along Lake Ohrid Boardwalk
Take a walk along the over-water Boardwalk. The view is stunning at any time but particularly as the sun sets, turning the lake a shade of lavender.
No 4 – Admire the ancient Sveta Sofija Cathedral
As you wander along the lake, stop at Sveta Sofija Cathedral, which has its origins in 11th century. Inside, the church is decorated with Byzantine frescoes, dating from the 11th to 14th Centuries.
Outside is a pretty garden, where you might even spot a tortoise.
The cathedral is open daily, from 9 am until 6 pm. Entry costs MKD 100 (around £1.40).
No 5 – Climb to Sveti Jovan at Kaneo to see the ancient church
Climb to Sveti Jovan at Kaneo; a 13th century church perched on the cliff top overlooking the lake.
The church is open daily from 9 am until 6 pm. Entry costs MKD 100 (around £1.40). During the day, it is possible to catch a boat between the church and the old town (MKD 300).
No 6 – Enjoy the stunning view from Kaneo Viewpoint
Next to the church, there is a viewpoint with views across the lake. The view is spectacular, even though it was almost dark by the time we arrived!
No 7 – Relax in the pretty Ohrid City Park
On the shores of Lake Ohrid is Ohrid City Park with sculptures, floral displays and shady benches.
No 8 – See the 2300 year old Amphitheatre
Situated on the hillside just outside the town, is the historic amphitheatre. This ancient hillside stadium was build in the 3rd Century BC. A century later, the Romans arrived and added seating (and removed a few rows to fit in gladiators). Parts of the theatre have been reconstructed and can seat 1700 people for outdoor performances.
No 9 – Stroll along the ramparts of Tsar Samuel’s Fortress
Built in the 10th Century, the huge Tsar Samuel’s Fortress sits overlooking the lake.
You can walk along the ramparts and admire the ancient fortifications and the lake glistening down below.
The Fortress is open daily except Monday from 9 am until 3.30 pm. Entry costs MKD 150 (around £2).
No 10 – Pass through the historic Gorna Porta
Depart the city via Gorna Porta, the ancient Upper Gate set in the fortified town walls.
- Trip Taken: September 2018
- Updated: August 2025
I hope you found the above information useful. For more top picks from other destinations in the 50+ countries we have visited, check out my full Top 10 Things To Do list here.
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