A First-Timer’s Guide to Ohrid: What to Know Before You Go To Ohrid

This small city offers something for everyone—from rich history and charming villages to delicious food.

In this blog, I’ll tell you how to get to Ohrid, the best time to visit Ohrid, where to stay, and a few things to watch out for so your trip is stress-free and organized.

If you want to have an organized trip to Ohrid, keep reading because I’ll share information that every tourist visiting this city would find helpful…

How to Get to Ohrid?

The main airport is in Skopje, and it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to Ohrid.

You can rent a car and drive to Ohrid yourself—the roads are good.

Or a better option, if flights are available, Ohrid has its own airport as well.

You have several options for booking airline tickets:

• Many tourists from the Netherlands book flights through TUI fly (click HERE for details).
• If you’re from the Netherlands, you can also check ticket availability by clicking <<HERE>>
• If you’re not from the Netherlands, use skyscanner.com to find a possible flight to Ohrid.

BTW, I’m not sponsored by any of these sites above—just sharing tips!

Click HERE to have a car waiting for you in Ohrid or to rent a car.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Ohrid?

Ohrid attracts many tourists from May to September. I’d say these are the best times to visit Ohrid.

But if you’d like to avoid crowds, come in late September.

Or if you want to avoid crowds and have an amazing time with your family or wife. Then book our tour “Experience the Real Macedonia” by clicking HERE.

Watch Out for Scams

Don’t worry—Macedonian people are known for being polite and friendly. I know, I’m a Macedonian guide but this is what tourists say about us, and I agree.

BUT, like anywhere, a few people try to make extra money. Here’s how to avoid common scams:

• Taxis: Avoid taxis without yellow plates.
• The one that stops and says to you: “Taxi, taxi!!!” avoid them. 
• Choose taxis with logos and branding—they charge fair prices.

Macedonian Phone Number: Consider buying a Macedonian SIM card, (it’s about €8 to €20). 

Ask locals, “Where can I buy a Macedonian SIM card?” People here are polite and will give you directions.

Once you have a SIM card, you can call reliable taxi services:

Here are some local taxi companies that I recommend:

• Taksi Suzuki: Call this number 13999  (English-speaking)

Or…

• Taxi Mercedes: Call this number 13666 (also English-speaking)

Pro Tip: Once the taxi arrives, show your destination on Google Maps to the driver and they’ll take you there. They might not know how to speak English.

The price should range from 100 to 500 denars, depending on the distance.

Changing Money

Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and businesses.

You can pay with euros too but If I were you I would change my money at the airport. (there is an exchange office for sure)

Install a currency converter app on your phone to track how much you’re spending.

Some people might try to give you fewer denars for your euros. If you have a currency converter, you can spot these tricks easily.

Unfortunately, some locals believe tourists are “easy targets” for overcharging. I don’t know where this mindset comes from, but it’s something to be mindful of.

Where to Stay in Ohrid?

You have two main options for accommodations in Ohrid:

1. The Old Town: Known for its winding cobbled streets and charming alleyways, this area has most of the sights, shops, restaurants, and cafes.
2. Along the Shores of Lake Ohrid: While farther from the town center, you’re more likely to find hotels or resorts with private beaches, swimming pools, and on-site restaurants.

If you want my recommendations? Click HERE to contact me and I’ll recommend some of the best hotels and villas that other tourists like.

I also wrote a FREE guide about 6 secret gems you must see in Ohrid. 

To get it, click <HERE>

Sincerely,

Viktor Strahilov | Tour Guide Agency Owner

P.S. If you’re curious about what we could do for you while you’re in Ohrid, contact us by clicking HERE.