Our 12 Favorite Ohrid City Tours

Ohrid is a city that practically invites you to explore it on foot—its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and stunning lakeside vistas make every step a delight. What makes Ohrid truly exceptional for city tours is its blend of archaeological sites, religious landmarks, and scenic views, all packed into a manageable compact old town. We especially love the private city tour for its personalized approach, perfect for history buffs and photographers eager to capture iconic spots like St. John at Kaneo or the Ancient Theatre.

In addition, the full-day group tour from Skopje offers a great way to see Ohrid’s UNESCO sites and enjoy the lively atmosphere of its old town. Whether you prefer a shorter walk or a full-day immersion, Ohrid’s diverse options ensure that every traveler can find a tour tailored to their interests, schedule, and energy level.

1. Private City Tour: Discover Ohrid’s Hidden Gems

At number 1, this private tour offers an intimate look at Ohrid, with a local guide leading you through the city’s most photogenic spots like St. John at Kaneo and the Ancient Theatre. The tour lasts about two hours but offers rich detail on Ohrid’s history and architecture, making it ideal for travelers short on time but eager for a meaningful experience. The itinerary includes stops at the Robev Family House, Saint Sophia Church, and Filevi, where you can buy Ohrid’s famous pearls.

This tour is highly rated at 4.9/5 based on seven reviews, with travelers praising the good pace, knowledgeable guides, and stunning views. It’s perfect for those who want a flexible, personalized experience that can be tailored to your interests. The guide’s local knowledge and stories turn a walk into a fascinating narrative of Ohrid’s past and present.

Bottom line: If you want a quick, customized introduction to Ohrid and its visual highlights, this private tour delivers a well-paced, insightful experience.

2. From Skopje: Full-Day Group Tour to the UNESCO City of Ohrid

Number 2 on our list is the full-day group tour departing from Skopje, lasting around 10 hours. It’s the best option if you’re based in Skopje and want to see Ohrid without the hassle of organizing transportation. The tour covers Ohrid’s main UNESCO sites, including its old town, the fortress walls with panoramic lake views, and the ancient Macedonian Theater.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy a social atmosphere and want a rundown. The reviews are glowing, with 20 five-star ratings praising the informative guide Vlad, and the well-paced, relaxed itinerary. The itinerary includes a stop at the Ohrid Lake, with opportunities to stroll and take photos. It’s a great way to see a lot in one day, especially for those who prefer group travel and structured schedules.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers based in Skopje wanting a relaxed, informative day trip with fellow explorers.

3. Ohrid city tour – the best of Ohrid

This six to eight-hour tour offers a thorough exploration of Ohrid, combining walking and museum visits. You’ll see the Bay of Bones Museum, an impressive reconstructed prehistoric fishing village, and take a boat ride to the monastery of St. Naum. The latter is about 28km from Ohrid, but well worth the trip for its stunning location and serenity.

Rated 5 stars by 13 reviews, travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and well-planned itinerary. It’s suitable for those who want a bit of everything—history, culture, and nature. The visit to the Bay of Bones Museum is especially engaging, giving insight into the ancient water-based settlements of the region.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive day combining museums, boat trips, and scenic monasteries.

4. Ohrid Half-Day City Tour

This four-hour tour is ideal if you’re short on time but still want a solid overview of Ohrid’s highlights. Starting from Anastasija Uzunova 18, it covers major sights like Saint Sofia Church and Ohrid Lake. The tour emphasizes religious landmarks and the city’s cultural significance, making it perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Rated 4.6/5 from 14 reviews, travelers appreciate the relaxed pace and clear guidance. The tour offers a good balance of sightseeing and free time, allowing you to soak in the views or buy souvenirs along the way. It’s a handy option for those who want a taste of Ohrid without committing to a full day.

Bottom line: Great for travelers on a tight schedule who want a guided taste of the city’s main sights.

5. City tour Ohrid

This 3.5-hour tour is a quick yet enriching experience, focusing on Ohrid’s most iconic sites. Starting at A. den Doolaard, it includes stops at St. Kliment Ohridski Monument, Saint Sophia Church, and Churches of Saints Clement and Panteleimon. The tour emphasizes cultural highlights and the city’s role as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans.”

Rated 4.5/5 based on 2 reviews, it’s praised for its slow, relaxing pace and knowledgeable guide. It’s suitable for travelers who want an overview without feeling rushed, especially if they are interested in religious and historical architecture.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for those wanting a brief but meaningful introduction to Ohrid’s spiritual and cultural landmarks.

6. City Trip Struga and Vevchani from Ohrid and Struga

Number 6 takes you beyond Ohrid, combining a visit to Struga’s river and market with the natural springs of Vevchani. Over 7 hours, you’ll enjoy local products at the market, learn about Lake Ohrid’s flora and fauna, and explore the picturesque Vevchani springs.

Rated 4.5/5, travelers mention the well-organized itinerary but note that the Vevchani springs may be less spectacular than expected. Still, the experience is authentic, offering a mix of cultural and natural sights with knowledgeable guides.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers interested in local culture, natural scenery, and village life beyond Ohrid.

7. City Trip Skopje from Ohrid

For those wanting a day in North Macedonia’s capital, this 9.5-hour tour takes you from Ohrid to Skopje. Highlights include Macedonia Square, the old house of Mother Teresa, and the Kale Fortress. It’s a long day, but it offers a deep dive into urban life and historical landmarks.

Rated 3.9/5 from seven reviews, some mention the long travel time, but everyone appreciates the informative guides and iconic sites. It’s ideal for those wanting a more city-focused experience and a change of scenery from lakeside tranquility.

Bottom line: Best for travelers with a full day to spare and an interest in North Macedonia’s broader history.

8. Lake Ohrid: Monastery, Museum, and City Private Car Tour

Number 8 offers an extensive 12-hour private car trip from Tirana, covering Saint Naum Monastery, the Bay of Bones Museum, and Ohrid’s UNESCO sites. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, stress-free experience with plenty of time to explore.

Rated 5/5, reviewers mention the knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics. Highlights include panoramic views of Lake Ohrid, visits to Church of St. John at Kaneo, and hearing legends of the saint’s heartbeat at Saint Naum.

Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a full-day, private, adventure-packed tour blending culture, history, and scenic beauty.

9. Ohrid city walking tour

This 4-hour walking tour is great for those who want to explore Ohrid intimately on foot. It includes archaeological sites, museums, and breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid. The guide is friendly and eager to share stories, making it engaging.

Rated 5/5, this tour emphasizes personalized storytelling and local insights. It’s especially good for travelers interested in urban archaeology and local legends, with a relaxed pace that lets you soak it all in.

Bottom line: Perfect for those who love walking and want a detailed, personal look at Ohrid’s core.

10. Ohrid: Private Guided City Tour

This 2-hour private tour covers main highlights like Tsar Samuel’s Fortress, St. John at Kaneo, and the Old Town. It’s a quick, focused overview, suitable for travelers with limited time.

Rated very low at 1.6/5, this tour has mixed reviews, mainly due to inconsistent guide quality or experience. Still, it’s a good quick fix for seeing the key sights with a private guide.

Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a speedy, private introduction but should check reviews before booking.

11. Ohrid the Shiny City in multiple languages

Rated 4.9/5, this 10-hour tour explores Ohrid’s beauty and cultural harmony, with stops in Struga and the city’s main highlights. It emphasizes local tolerance and scenic lakeside views, making it ideal for cultural travelers.

The itinerary includes several scenic stops and a focus on the city’s tolerance and diverse religious traditions. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a deep cultural connection on a long day trip.

Bottom line: Excellent for those interested in cultural appreciation and panoramic lake views.

12. Ohrid: Old City Walking Tour with Local Guide

This 3-hour tour offers a relaxed walk through Ohrid’s hidden courtyards, artisan shops, and famous churches like St. Sophia. You’ll learn about local legends and see panoramic views from Samuel’s Fortress.

Rated without reviews, it’s priced affordably at $89 for groups up to 10, making it a good option for small groups wanting a personalized experience. Optional boat rides from Kaneo Beach add extra charm.

Bottom line: Great for small groups who want an intimate, local-led exploration of Ohrid’s quieter corners.

How to Choose Your Ohrid Tour

When selecting the best Ohrid city tour, consider your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a personalized experience, the private tours or private car tours provide flexibility. For those on a tight schedule, the half-day or quick city walking tours are ideal, allowing you to see key landmarks without feeling rushed.

If you prefer an immersive full-day experience, the full-day group tour offers a social, comprehensive look at UNESCO sites and scenic locations. For culture and villages, the Vevchani and Struga trip blends natural springs and local markets, perfect for curious travelers wanting a taste of local life.

Booking early is a good idea, especially for popular tours like the full-day excursions, which fill up quickly in peak season. Always check the availability and seasonality—some tours are best enjoyed in spring or fall when the weather is milder.

Final Thoughts

Ohrid offers a remarkable variety of city explorations, whether you’re after a quick overview, a private tailored experience, or a full-day adventure. For a personal touch, the private tours stand out, while the full-day group tour is perfect for social travelers eager to meet others and see the major sights. Small groups seeking an authentic, relaxed approach will enjoy the Old City Walking Tour, whereas history and architecture aficionados should consider the city tour of Ohrid.

Regardless of your choice, Ohrid’s charm is undeniable. Be sure to book early, especially if you want to experience the most popular tours, and prepare to fall in love with this Pearl of the Balkans—a city that beautifully combines history, scenery, and culture for an unforgettable visit.