My one bucket list item for North Macedonia was Lake Ohrid, a stunning lake that borders Albania. The Old Town is extremely tiny and is totally doable to walk around; if you have a car, make sure it’s not much bigger than a Smart Car, Fiat, or something of the like! Otherwise it’ll get stuck!

How to Get There

I was on a multi-country solo road trip from Croatia; I started from Dubrovnik, crossed into Montenegro, continued onto Albania, Kosovo, then finally North Macedonia. I’ve heard that certain rental car companies have restrictions on crossing borders in the Balkans so make sure you check before you rent if that’s your intention!

What to do in Lake Ohrid

The Old Town & Historic Core (The Walkable Highlights)

Wander the Old Town

My go-to for any European town is wandering the Old Town areas. You can check out the Old Bazaar and make your way over to the iconic Church of Saint John of Kaneo.

Church of Saint John of Kaneo

This was the one place that made me decide to visit Lake Ohrid! Photography tip: you can catch the most stunning sunset from this church!

St. Sophia Church

Check out the 11th-century Byzantine frescoes inside (which were covered and preserved during the Ottoman era).

The Ancient Theatre

The Hellenistic-era amphitheater tucked directly between modern residential houses.

Tsar Samuel’s Fortress

Walk the ancient ramparts for a 360-degree panoramic view of the lake; I recommend doing it early in the morning to beat the heat!

On and Around the Water

The Ohrid Boardwalk

The over-water wooden bridge that leads from the main port down to the beaches

Boat cruises to Sveti Naum

Cruise past Tito’s summer villa (Vila Biljana) and the sheer cliffs of the lake.

Practical Survival Tips

Food

Try local dishes like Tavce Gravce (baked beans) or Burek, but avoid ordering the native Ohrid Trout, as it is an endangered protected species. Try Belvica instead!