How Much Does Ohrid Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Ohrid offers one of Europe's most affordable lakeside escapes, providing a beach-resort atmosphere at a fraction of Mediterranean costs. A solo traveler can explore this UNESCO-listed destination on a daily budget of $35 / 1,850 ден, while those seeking high-end luxury can expect to spend around $334 / 17,506 ден per day. The city is significantly more affordable than comparable Alpine or Italian lake districts, particularly regarding dining and local transportation. Prices for lakeside leisure remain accessible, though costs for specialized activities like private speedboat tours or paragliding add to the total. Budget travelers will find that staying in local guesthouses and eating in the Old Bazaar keeps expenses exceptionally low.
Is Ohrid expensive to visit?
Ohrid is a highly affordable destination—expect to spend between $35 / 1,850 ден and $334 / 17,506 ден per day depending on your travel style.
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Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Ohrid
$35
per person /day
$107
per person /day
$334
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $106 | $320 | $1,002 |
| 5-Day Trip | $177 | $534 | $1,670 |
| 7-Day Trip | $247 | $749 | $2,338 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is recommended to set aside a 10–20% buffer to cover the $0.77 / 40 ден tourist city tax and the customary 10% restaurant tip. This also covers occasional costs like the ~$3.83 / 201 ден vehicle entrance fee for those driving into the higher elevations of Galicica National Park.
How Does It Compare?
See how Ohrid stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Ohrid
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mid-Range Three-Course Dinner for Two Price for two people. Lake trout is a specialty and may cost extra. | $38 2,001 ден |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5L) Standard restaurant/bar price for local brands like Skopsko. | $3.81 200 ден |
| Cappuccino Coffee is very affordable; waterfront cafes charge slightly more. | $2.3 120 ден |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Taxi: Airport to City Center Official set-rate price. Always use the authorized airport taxi stand. | $14 731 ден |
| Local Bus One-Way Ticket Covers city routes and lines heading toward the southern beaches. | $1.14 60 ден |
| Taxi Fare (5km within city) Start fare is typically ~$0.94 / 49 ден. A 5km trip costs roughly ~$4.71 / 247 ден. | $4.77 250 ден |
| Round-trip Boat to Sveti Naum Large excursion boats depart from the main pier at 10:00. | $24 1,235 ден |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm Bed in Golden Age Hostel Centrally located budget option near the Old Town. | $12 617 ден |
| Private Room at Robinson Sunrise House Highly-rated private accommodation in the historic Old Town. | $32 1,697 ден |
| Luxury 5-star Hotel Room (Nightly) Based on average data for luxury lakeside properties. | $165 8,638 ден |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Samoil's Fortress Entrance Fee Standard non-resident adult price. Offers panoramic views of the lake. | $2.86 150 ден |
| Bay of Bones Museum Ticket Reconstructed prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement on the water. | $2.86 150 ден |
| St. John at Kaneo Church Entry Viewing the exterior is free; the fee applies to entering the chapel and museum area. | $2.86 150 ден |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| A1 Prepaid SIM Card (20GB) Standard tourist package price. Valid for 15-30 days. | $7.62 399 ден |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining scene is centered around fresh lake produce, with a mid-range three-course dinner for two costing approximately $38 / 2,001 ден. Budget eaters can find staples in the Old Bazaar like falafel or local pastries, while a domestic draft beer (0.5L) at a waterfront bar typically costs $3.81 / 200 ден. Coffee culture is prominent and affordable, with a cappuccino at a scenic cafe averaging $2.3 / 120 ден.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Antep Baklava
$1.18–$3.53 / 62 ден–185 денOld Bazaar · Pastry shop
The highest-rated sweet shop in Ohrid (4.9 stars). Try the pistachio baklava — perfect after a meal at Vkusno across the street.
Vkusno
$3.44–$6.67 / 180 ден–350 денOld Bazaar · Street food
Best for a massive 'Pljeskavica' (Macedonian burger) after a day at the beach.
Brioni 2008
$4.77–$9.55 / 250 ден–500 денOld Town · Grill house
Authentic 'Kebabchinja' (small sausages) at very local prices.
Bakery 'Lihnida'
$0.95–$1.91 / 50 ден–100 денNear the Market · Bakery
Grab a 'Burek' (filo pastry) and yogurt for a ~$2.35 / 123 ден breakfast.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around is cheap, with local bus tickets for southern beach routes priced at $1.14 / 60 ден and taxis for 5km trips costing roughly $4.77 / 250 ден. For those arriving by air, the official airport taxi to the city center has a set rate of $14 / 731 ден. Scenic lake transport is a primary attraction, with round-trip excursion boats to Sveti Naum priced at $24 / 1,235 ден.
Accommodation Overview
The lodging landscape offers excellent value, from dorm beds at Golden Age Hostel for $12 / 617 ден to well-located private rooms in the Old Town like Robinson Sunrise House for $32 / 1,697 ден. For a more upscale experience, luxury 5-star lakeside hotel rooms average $165 / 8,638 ден per night. High-value guesthouses (Sobi) are the most popular choice for mid-range travelers.
Accommodation Budget in Ohrid
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat at Vkusno in the Old Bazaar for a massive pljeskavica (Macedonian burger) for under $5.89 / 309 ден — the best value grilled meal in the city.
- 2 Use the local bus for $1.14 / 60 ден to reach the distant beaches of Gradiste or Ljubaništa instead of paying for a water taxi.
- 3 Visit in September when the lake water remains around 22°C (72°F) but accommodation rates drop significantly.
- 4 Purchase fresh produce and local snacks at the Green Market (Pazar) near the post office for picnic lunches.
- 5 Drink the tap water; Ohrid’s water is sourced from mountain springs and is perfectly safe and free.
- 6 Avoid waterfront restaurants on the Kej during peak hours and walk inland to Brioni 2008 for more local prices.
- 7 Look for 'Sobi' signs on private houses in the Old Town to find unlisted guesthouses that often charge less than online platforms.
- 8 Stick to local beer brands like Skopsko or Zlaten Dab for $3.81 / 200 ден rather than more expensive imported craft beers.
- 9 Visit the Ancient Theatre early in the morning to enjoy the site for free before the midday heat and crowds.
- 10 Group together with other travelers at the main pier to negotiate a shared private speedboat tour, splitting the hourly rate.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jul, Aug
+40-60%
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
-30-50%
Jun, Sep
Ohrid is a summer resort; many lakeside restaurants and boat operators close or have limited hours from Nov to March. Visit in September for ~22°C (72°F) water and significantly lower hotel rates.
Events to Watch
- ● Ohrid Summer Festival (mid-July to August): +50% hotel prices
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Swimming at Potpesh Beach under the cliffs of the Old Town.
- 2 Watching the sunset from the exterior of the Church of St. John at Kaneo.
- 3 Exploring the Ancient Macedonian Theatre in the Varosh neighborhood.
- 4 Walking the wooden boardwalk (Bridge of Wishes) along the lake cliffs.
- 5 Hiking the trails of Galicica National Park (walking access is free).
- 6 Browsing the traditional crafts and silver filigree shops in the Old Bazaar (Stara Čaršija).
- 7 Viewing the exterior of the 11th-century Church of St. Sophia.
- 8 Climbing to the 'Cross' viewpoint above the city for panoramic lake vistas.
- 9 Walking through the Upper Gate (Gorna Porta) of the old city walls.
- 10 Visiting the Gorica beach area via the forest walking path from the city.
- 11 Admiring the traditional architecture of the Robevci Family House from the street.
- 12 Exploring the ruins of the Early Christian Basilica at Plaošnik (exterior viewing).
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Paragliding over Lake Ohrid
Unbeatable views of the UNESCO lake and Galicica mountains from 1,700 meters high.
Private Speedboat Tour (1 Hour)
Avoid the crowds and reach hidden beaches like Labino or secluded caves only accessible by water.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Ohrid
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Ohrid and what they cost
Bitola & Heraclea Lyncestis
$14 / 750 ден by bus
$2.86 / 150 ден
$48 / 2,501 ден
Struga & Vevčani Springs
$3.81 / 200 ден by bus/shared taxi
$0.95 / 50 ден
$29 / 1,501 ден
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Macedonian Denar (MKD)
1 $ ≈ 52 ден
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels and mid-to-high-end restaurants; cash is essential for old bazaar stalls, churches, and smaller cafes.
Rounding up the bill is common for coffee (~$0.24–$0.59 / 12 ден–31 ден), while 10% is the standard for restaurant service.
Look for Stopanska Banka or NLB ATMs for the lowest withdrawal fees (~$0). Always choose 'Decline Conversion' to let your home bank handle the rate.
Only expected in the Old Bazaar (Stara Čaršija) for crafts and souvenirs. Not done in restaurants or for fixed-rate taxis.
Connectivity
eSIM: $5.3–$11 for 1-3GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $7.65 / 401 ден at official shops
WiFi: Excellent in cafes, hotels, and the main square.
Buy a local A1 or Telekom SIM at the airport or center for ~$7.65 / 401 ден (399 MKD) for 20GB—much better value than eSIM.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Ohrid.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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