OHRID FAQ'S
Visitors to Ohrid will arrive at Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (IATA code OHD), located about 6 miles northwest of the town center. Licensed taxis are available at the airport, marked with the standard yellow-and-black TAXI light on the roof, and are required to use meters (although in practice this doesn't always occur, so agree on a price before departing). Expect to pay around 600 to 800 denari ($10-$15) depending on the time of day, luggage, and number of passengers. A well-recommended and reliable operator between the airport and the town center is Ohrid City Taxi and Airport Transfer (+389 70 519 760). Ohrid does not have a dedicated airport shuttle service, but during peak tourist season, some hotels may offer their own shuttle options.
How do I get from the train station to my hotel?Ohrid bus station is located a bit over a mile east of the town center, making it a quick journey by taxi to most accommodations in town. Taxis are readily available at the station and will take you into the city for around 150-200 denari ($2.50-$3.50). Ohrid's bus station has connections to various North Macedonian cities, including Skopje, Bitola, and Struga, as well as seasonal international routes to Thessaloniki and other regional destinations.
How do I get around Ohrid using public transportation?Ohrid's compact size and layout mean that most attractions in the Old Town are best reached on foot. Public transportation options within Ohrid itself are limited, as buses mainly connect to outlying areas like Struga, Pestani, and the Monastery of St. Naum. Galeb Bus Company operates these routes, with buses departing from the main bus station. For visits to St. Naum or Struga, expect to pay around 100-150 denari ($1.50-$2.50) each way.
Ohrid's lack of an in-town bus network means visitors often rely on taxis for convenient and affordable transport. For trips outside of Ohrid, including to nearby villages or other towns on Lake Ohrid's shore, taxis and private transfers can be arranged. It's best to confirm fares in advance.
Yes, Ohrid is quite walkable, especially within the historic Old Town and lakeside areas. Most of Ohrid's popular sights, like Tsar Samuel's Fortress, the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, and the Church of St. John the Theologian are within close proximity to each other and can be easily reached on foot. Exploring by foot allows visitors to fully experience the charm of Ohrid's narrow, cobbled streets and beautiful lakeside views.
Note that certain areas in the Old Town have steep inclines, especially up toward the fortress and the theatre. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and visitors with mobility concerns may wish to have a companion to assist on steep sections. Outside the Old Town, attractions along the lakeshore, like Sveti Stefan or St. Naum, are better reached by bus, taxi, or private transfer.
Ohrid is a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. The historic center and popular tourist areas around Lake Ohrid are generally safe day and night, though, as in any destination, basic precautions should be observed. Petty theft, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, so keep valuables secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Taxis in Ohrid are mostly reliable, but it's advisable to look for the yellow-and-black TAXI light and confirm that the meter is running, as by law meters are required to run, but some drivers might bank on you not necessarily knowing this. For evening outings, particularly around the lakeshore or Old Town, well-lit areas are safe, and the presence of other tourists and locals means these spots remain lively until late.
The currency in North Macedonia is the Macedonian denar (abbreviated as "den"), with the plural form being denari. U.S. dollars are not accepted as legal tender, and few tourist businesses accept them. For the best rate, use an ATM to withdraw denari, as ATMs offer a fair exchange rate linked to the international market. Credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in tourist areas, particularly hotels and larger restaurants, but smaller shops, taxis, and guesthouses may only accept cash. Tipping is appreciated, with 5-10% customary in restaurants, generally by rounding up the bill.
I don't speak Macedonian. Will many people speak English?English is widely spoken in Ohrid's tourist areas. Hotel staff, restaurant servers, tour guides, and workers at attractions typically speak English well. However, in more traditional areas, such as small markets, local shops, or with older residents, English skills may be limited.
It's a good idea to download a translation app, such as Google Translate, that can translate text or photographs of signs. Macedonian is written in Cyrillic, so having a translation tool can help with navigating signs or menus in smaller establishments. Here are a few helpful phrases in Macedonian. Note: The letter "c" is pronounced like "ch" in "chair", and "š" is pronounced like "sh" in "shop".
Hello = Zdravo (ZDRAH-voh)
Goodbye = Cao (CHAO) or Doviduvanje (doh-vee-DOO-van-ye)
Excuse me = Izvinete (iz-VEE-neh-teh)
Please = Ve molam (veh MO-lahm)
Thank you = Blagodaram (blah-GO-dah-rahm)
You're welcome = Poveli (PO-veh-lee)
Where is...? = Kade e...? (KAH-deh eh...?)
Where are the toilets? = Kade e toaletot? (KAH-deh eh to-AH-leh-tot?)
How much is this? = Kolku cini ova? (KOL-koo CHI-nee O-vah?)
Numbers 1-10:
1 = eden (EH-den)
2 = dva (dvah)
3 = tri (tree)
4 = cetiri (CHE-tee-ree)
5 = pet (pet)
6 = šest (shest)
7 = sedum (SE-doom)
8 = osum (O-soom)
9 = devet (DE-vet)
10 = deset (DE-set)
Macedonians typically have breakfast between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., lunch from 1 to 3 p.m., and dinner from 7 to 10 p.m. In Ohrid, dinner is often a leisurely affair, especially with the lakeside views many restaurants offer, making it common to linger over a meal.
Reservations are usually required only at the more upscale restaurants, especially on weekends or during the summer tourist season. Popular spots like Belvedere, Dalga, and Kaneo are known for their scenic locations and may fill up quickly, so it's wise to book in advance. Reservations are usually accepted by phone or sometimes via social media.
Yes, respecting local customs adds to the positive experience of visiting Ohrid. When visiting Orthodox churches or monasteries, dress modestly: covering shoulders, arms, and legs is respectful. Women may be asked to cover their heads. Local custom includes making the sign of the cross when passing a church, a gesture that visitors can acknowledge with a nod if they choose.
When dining with locals, you may be offered rakija (fruit brandy). Accepting a small sip is polite, but any health or personal restriction will be understood if communicated clearly to the host. In Macedonia, it's common for one person to cover the entire bill at a meal; splitting the bill isn't customary. If invited to someone's home, it's thoughtful to bring a small gift, like sweets or wine.
While Ohrid's traditional areas are welcoming, avoid taking photos of people without permission, particularly in markets or religious sites. General courtesy applies to discussions on topics like North Macedonia's cultural ties and history; many locals are open to respectful conversations, though sensitive topics like the Yugoslav period or relations with neighboring countries may arise. Overall, Macedonians are warm and gracious hosts, appreciative of tourists who show curiosity and respect for their culture.
Ohrid's Old Bazaar and lakeside markets offer the best shopping experiences for visitors seeking traditional items. Here, you'll find Ohrid pearls, a famous local product made using a secret process involving Lake Ohrid fish scales, alongside handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and artisanal goods. The Old Bazaar also has shops selling ajvar (a red pepper spread), honey, and other local specialties.
For modern shopping, Struga (about 10 miles away) and the local markets in central Ohrid offer a mix of everyday goods, souvenirs, and regional products. Note that Ohrid is known for its handicrafts, so visiting local artisans' shops is an excellent way to support local craftmakers and bring home a unique item. Bargaining is typically accepted in the Old Bazaar, though most modern shops have fixed prices.
Ohrid's nightlife is vibrant yet relaxed, with a mix of lakeside bars, traditional taverns, and open-air cafes that appeal to a range of tastes. The lakeside promenade is popular for evening strolls, and many of the cafes along the shore stay open late, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the lake under the stars.
Traditional kafanas (taverns) offer live Macedonian music, local food, and drinks, if you're looking for an authentic local experience. In summer, nightlife expands with several venues hosting open-air events and live performances. Ohrid is known for its cultural heritage, so don't miss the chance to attend performances at the Ancient Theatre, where concerts and events take place, especially during the Ohrid Summer Festival in July and August.
While there are few dedicated nightclubs, bars around the Old Town and the lakeside cater to visitors seeking a relaxed but lively evening scene. Drink prices are reasonable (think cocktails around $5, beers under $3, and coffees and soft drinks under $2 each), and some venues permit smoking indoors. Most places stay open until midnight or later, especially during the tourist season.