23 Best Places to Visit in Ohrid Right Now

There is a moment, usually right as the sun begins to dip behind the Jablanica Mountains, when Lake Ohrid stops looking like a real place and starts looking like a painting you aren’t supposed to touch. The surface turns into a mirror of liquid gold, the scent of fresh pine and wood-fired trout floats through the air, and the distant ringing of Orthodox church bells echoes across the water.

Straddling the mountainous border between North Macedonia and Albania, Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. It isn’t just remarkably pretty; it is one of the oldest and deepest lakes on the entire continent—a UNESCO-protected natural wonder that has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. Legend has it the region once housed 365 churches, one for every day of the year, earning it the title “The Jerusalem of the Balkans.”

From the iconic cobblestone alleys and hilltop fortresses of Ohrid to the serene riverbanks, cave monasteries, and vibrant literary history of neighboring Struga, this corner of North Macedonia delivers a rare kind of magic. Whether you’re drawn by ancient stone monasteries clinging to dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear natural springs, or simply the desire to escape Europe’s overcrowded tourist traps, you are in for an unforgettable journey.

Ready to explore? Here are the 23 best things to see and do in Ohrid and Struga for an unforgettable trip!

Iconic Historic Churches & Spiritual Landmarks

1. 🌅 Church of Saint John at Kaneo. Perched dramatic on a cliff edge high above Lake Ohrid, this 13th-century Byzantine church is North Macedonia’s most famous postcard view. Visit at sunset to catch the golden light hitting the water and the stone facade.

🎨 2. Church of Saint Sophia. Built in the 9th century, St. Sophia is one of the most significant medieval structures in the Balkans. Step inside to discover world-famous 11th-century Byzantine frescoes that were miraculously preserved under plaster during Ottoman rule

📜 3. Plaošnik & Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon. A sacred archaeological complex where Saint Clement established one of Europe’s earliest universities to teach the Cyrillic script. Walk through restored church halls and view sprawling 5th-century Christian floor mosaics.

🦚 4. Monastery of Saint Naum, Located 29 km south near the Albanian border, this 10th-century complex sits among lush grounds filled with roaming peacocks. Press your ear to St. Naum’s tomb inside the church—legend says you can still hear his heartbeat!

🕌 5. Ali Pasha Mosque Situated right along the Old Bazaar, This late 16th-century Ottoman landmark features a strikingly restored dome and minaret, marking an important architectural pillar of Ohrid’s Islamic history.

🖌️ 6. Church of Holy Mother of God Peribleptos. Constructed in 1295, This hilltop sanctuary houses expressive late-Byzantine frescoes that signaled the start of the Renaissance style in Eastern European Christian art.

Historic Fortresses & Cultural Heritage

🏰 7. Samuel’s Fortress

Dominating the city skyline, this 10th-century stronghold served as the capital of Tsar Samuel’s Bulgarian Empire. Walk the massive stone ramparts for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Old Town red roofs and the sparkling lake.

🎭 8. Ancient Theatre of Ohrid

Built around 200 BC, this Hellenistic open-air amphitheater hosted Greek dramas and Roman gladiator fights. Today, it comes back to life every summer as a venue for live performances during the Ohrid Summer Festival.

🛖 9. Bay of Bones Museum (Ohrid)

An authentic reconstruction of a prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement (1200–600 BC) built on wooden stilts over Lake Ohrid. It offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient life on the water and serves as a top spot for scuba diving.

🏠 10. Robevci Family House City Museum (Ohrid)

A prime example of traditional 19th-century Ottoman-Macedonian residential architecture. The three-story wooden home functions as a city museum packed with ancient Roman statues, coins, and intricate woodcarvings.

📜 11. National Workshop for Handmade Paper (Ohrid)

Tucked into the Old Town, this free hidden gem demonstrates paper-making techniques using a 16th-century Gutenberg press replica—one of only a handful left operational in the world.

🦪 12. Ohrid Old Town & Old Bazaar (Stara Čaršija)

Stroll down cobblestone lanes lined with artisan shops and cozy cafes. Be sure to stop by local jewelry shops to learn about Ohrid Pearls, crafted using a closely guarded family secret involving local fish scales!

🛍️ 13. Struga Old Bazaar (Stara Čaršija)

A peaceful alternative to Ohrid’s market district. Lined with classic Ottoman shopfronts, traditional bakeries, and outdoor cafes leading directly toward the riverbank.

Museums, Literary Sites & Culture (Struga)

📚 14. Brothers Miladinovi House Museum (Struga)

The historic birthplace of Dimitar and Konstantin Miladinov—pioneering 19th-century folklore collectors and writers. The museum highlights manuscripts, traditional family relics, and early Cyrillic poetry.

🦅 15. Dr. Nikola Nezlobinski Natural History Museum (Struga)

Founded in 1928, this charming museum holds over 10,000 taxidermy specimens showcasing the flora, fauna, and aquatic life native to the Lake Ohrid ecosystem.

🖼️ 16. Vangel Kodžoman Art Gallery (Struga)

An intimate local gallery dedicated to one of North Macedonia’s premier modern painters, displaying vivid mid-century oil scenes of local life along the Black Drim.

Rivers, Springs & Nature Spots

🪵 17. Lake Ohrid & Over-Water Boardwalk (Ohrid)

Walk along the wooden plank boardwalk that hugs the limestone cliffs from the main port directly to Kaneo Beach, leading past quiet coves perfect for a summer swim.

🛶 18. Springs of the Black Drim River (St. Naum)

Located beside St. Naum Monastery, these crystal-clear freshwater springs surge directly into Lake Ohrid. Take a peaceful wooden rowboat ride over turquoise waters surrounded by lush trees.

🥾 19. Galičica National Park & Magaro Peak (Ohrid)

Rising between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, this mountain national park features scenic hiking trails. Summit Magaro Peak (2,254 m) for rare vistas looking down at both big lakes simultaneously!

🌉 20. Black Drim River Walk & Poetry Bridge (Struga)

Watch Lake Ohrid flow out into the crystal-clear Black Drim River. Stroll along tree-lined promenades down to the Poetry Bridge, host of the international Struga Poetry Evenings festival every August.

Cave Monasteries & Historic Hidden Gems

🕯️ 21. Kalishta Monastery (Kališta)

Located 5 km south of Struga right on the lake, this active monastic complex features the Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God built directly inside a natural stone cave face.

🧗 22. Cave Church of St. Athanasius (Radožda)

High in the rocky cliffs of the fishing village of Radožda, a steep stone staircase leads to this 13th-century cliffside cave sanctuary featuring remarkably well-preserved medieval frescos.

💦 23. Vevčani Springs & Village (Vevčani)

Located 14 km inland from Struga, the self-proclaimed “Republic of Vevčani” features rushing mountain streams and waterfalls. Explore wooden walkways running over gushing springs nestled at the base of Mount Jablanica.