On this digital nomad information to Ohrid, you’ll discover out all you’ll want to find out about distant working and residing within the beautiful metropolis of Ohrid in North Macedonia. Being a digital nomad here’s a vastly rewarding expertise because of its location on lovely Lake Ohrid.
There are many cafes and eating places across the previous city and alongside the waterfront which are excellent for working, and taking in some unbelievable views. I spent a few months working and residing as a digital nomad in North Macedonia final yr and spent most of my time based mostly in Ohrid.
Along with the superb cafes (that fortunately characteristic quick WiFi) there are a few co-working areas within the city when you’re searching for someplace with fewer distractions (it’s significantly simple to change into distracted by the beautiful mountain and lake views). It’s additionally a really low-cost place to dwell with lodging and meals costing rather a lot lower than elsewhere in Europe.
About Ohrid
Ohrid is a metropolis situated within the southwest of North Macedonia on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Though a metropolis in title, it feels rather more like a city. It’s very small and has a inhabitants of simply 42,000 individuals (making it one of many smallest cities in Europe).
It has a wealthy historical past together with time as a part of many various empires from Hellenic to Ottoman and later Yugoslavia. Proof of that is on show in all places throughout the town from the Hellenic amphitheater to the mosques, monasteries, and church buildings dotted across the previous city and past.
There are many great issues to do in Ohid from strolling alongside the boardwalk to sipping drinks on the lakeshore, swimming at one of many many seashores, or hitting one of many beautiful mountaineering trails. There are boat journeys that depart from the middle of city to close by locations of curiosity like Sveti Naum and the Bay of Bones.
Residing in Ohrid As a Digital Nomad
Residing in Ohrid as a digital nomad is straightforward as there’s wonderful infrastructure, quick and dependable WiFi (although 5G is but to be rolled out throughout the area), and loads of wonderful cafes the place you’ll be able to sit and work with a cup or two of the native Turkish-style espresso (or a Frapamochacino when you want).
Coworking isn’t actually an enormous factor on this a part of the world but, nonetheless, there are two coworking areas in Ohrid so when you want to work in a extra formal setting, that is actually potential (see beneath for more information). Personally, I want to work within the citys’ cafes, as exterior of lunchtime and evenings, it’s simple to discover a quiet desk.
After your work day is completed, there’s lots to maintain you occupied as an Ohrid digital nomad. You may hit the seashores close by for a swim, hike, or jog alongside the clifftop paths, or sit again and revel in fabulous Macedonian delicacies at one of many many eating places across the city.
The price of residing in Ohrid is relatively low in comparison with northern and western Europe, which is certainly one of my principal issues when selecting someplace to dwell and work remotely. As such it’s a unbelievable place to dwell as going out to eat or drink is cheap. The identical will be mentioned for transport prices, museum entries, and different incidentals.
Is Ohrid Protected?
Ohrid (and North Macedonia basically) is extremely secure for guests. Crime ranges are low in comparison with cities in Western Europe or the USA. Corruption exists, however this isn’t one thing that impacts vacationers or individuals coming to dwell quick time period. Offered you’ve got the related visa (extra on that beneath) you don’t have cause to fret.
There aren’t any areas of Ohrid to keep away from usually, however you need to apply widespread sense and keep away from venturing off at midnight into locations you’re not accustomed to. As soon as the solar has set, keep away from footpaths by the forest and as an alternative use the paths alongside the shore and thru the city.
Offered you utilize the identical precautions as with touring wherever resembling not flashing money and valuables, conserving doorways locked and never exploring after darkish, life in Ohrid is a hassle-free affair. Having lived right here for over two months, I by no means skilled any issues with crime or corruption.
Finest Locations to Stay in Ohrid
Ohrid is a really small metropolis and in all places is reachable on foot (although for those who don’t prefer to stroll too far, nowhere is greater than a ten-minute taxi trip away). The very best space to dwell is within the previous city and across the lakeshore, and lodging right here is surprisingly inexpensive.
I lived within the previous city, a two-minute stroll from the principle procuring avenue, and had a lakefront property with lake and mountain views from my balcony. I paid simply €300 Euros per thirty days for a big room with a kitchenette and personal lavatory. Under, you’ll discover a number of the greatest areas to dwell within the metropolis.
1. Varosh/Outdated City
The previous city stretches from the lakeshore up the hill to Samuil’s Fortress. It’s one of the charming previous cities in Europe and is lined with cobbled streets and winding alleyways that lead all the way down to the shore. You’ll discover the streets dotted with church buildings and small monasteries clinging to the hillside and overlooking the azure blue waters of the lake.
This space is filled with retailers, bars, cafes, and eating places serving native specialties from sarma (stuffed vine leaves) to stuffed peppers, freshly caught fish, and a few mouthwatering meat dishes. Costs are very affordable and you may get pleasure from meal for underneath €10 Euros.
That is additionally the place you’ll discover a lot of the greatest cafes to arrange and work from. Costs are affordable, the WiFi is free and quick, and you may get pleasure from gorgeous views over the previous city, lake, and close by mountains whilst you beaver away. That is the place I lived and labored from, and the place I’ll return to when I’m subsequent in North Macedonia.
2. Heart
Heart is a neighborhood to the southeast of the previous city and will be reached inside a five-minute stroll. That is an space with a big promenade alongside the lake and many lakefront eating places. There’s additionally a big number of accommodations and locations to remain in Heart making it an amazing possibility for nomads and vacationers alike.
There are a few supermarkets and cafes right here and different facilities are inside strolling distance. It is a excellent place for being a digital nomad in Ohrid because it’s central, with all you want on the doorstep; the gorgeous views of the previous city, lake, and mountains are bonuses.
The Heart can be the right place to be for nightlife with a number of the greatest bars within the metropolis right here (such because the Octava Lounge Bar). It’s additionally an amazing spot for swimming. Though there aren’t any seashores on this a part of city, there are steps main into the crystal-clear waters for simple entry to the lake.
3. Koshishta
The Koshishta suburb is situated on the opposite facet of the hill from Samuil’s Fortress and is extra of a residential space. There are many flats right here, in addition to supermarkets, pharmacies, and different facilities. You gained’t discover a lot in the best way of cafes and eating places in Koshishta, however the previous city remains to be inside strolling distance.
This space is barely cheaper to remain in than the previous city and Heart however remains to be inside simple attain of the lake and all of the points of interest, bars, and eating places on the town; making it a wonderful possibility for digital nomads in Ohrid.
4. Voska
Voska is a small neighborhood adjoining Koshishta, however this space has the added bonus of getting its personal seashore. In the summertime there are seashore events right here which might get fairly wild, so when you’re searching for a quiet suburb, that is presumably a spot to avoid.
There are many lodging choices right here from resort rooms to flats and visitor homes. There are a few small supermarkets, however you’ll need to stroll into city which takes round ten minutes if you would like something aside from primary provides.
5. seventh November
The neighborhood generally known as seventh November is situated within the north of the town near the principle Ohrid bus station (go right here for buses to Bitola, not Skopje). It’s round a thirty-minute stroll from the middle and previous city or 5 minutes in a taxi. It is a quiet, residential space with plenty of Soviet-style condominium buildings.
You’ll discover Ohrid’s greatest co-working house right here at CoWorkOhrid, so when you want to work in a extra formal setting fairly than in cafes or your individual condominium, this can be a good possibility. Right here, you’ll discover a big grocery store, a number of comfort shops, a bakery, and different facilities so it’s a handy place to remain, regardless of it not being tremendous central.
Discover Lodging in Ohrid
There’s no secret to discovering good lodging in Ohrid and the variety of locations on supply across the city implies that costs are nonetheless comparatively low. Under are 3 ways to discover a good place to remain in Ohrid:
1. Airbnb. I discovered my wonderful room on Airbnb and there are many finances choices for long-term stays of a month or extra.
2. Reserving.com. This in style resort web site is one other nice solution to discover lodging in Ohrid.
3. Hostelworld. On my first go to to Ohrid in 2019 I stayed on the Sunny Lake Hostel which I discovered by Hostelworld.
Price of Residing for a Digital Nomad in Ohrid
Residing as a digital nomad in Ohrid will be very low-cost in comparison with residing in lots of different international locations around the globe. Lodging, meals, and even going out prices are all about as inexpensive because it’s potential to search out in Europe, together with locations like Albania and Bulgaria.
Eating places and Groceries
Ohrid has plenty of wonderful eateries starting from cheapish quick meals and pizza locations to extra upmarket eating places alongside the waterfront and across the previous city. My favourite place for an inexpensive meal is Leonardo Pizzaria. They make a wonderful rooster cutlet in cream and mushroom sauce for 350 MKD (€5.70 Euros). Pizzas value between 350 and 700 (€5.70-€11.40 Euros).
Immediately reverse Leonardo is Restaurant Antico, a conventional Macedonian restaurant that serves up rustic dishes of sarma, stuffed peppers, grilled fish, and extra. I paid underneath €10 Euros for a principal and glass of the selfmade home wine (which was scrumptious).
Greater-end eating places down on the lakeshore are predictably costlier however the high quality doesn’t all the time match the value. Resatuarnat Cun is a well-liked spot on the water’s edge. The meals is nice, however the portion sizes are just a little stingy and the wine is overpriced. Count on to pay €20-€30 Euros for a meal and wine.
There are many supermarkets within the city heart (I used High and Ramstore) the place on a regular basis cooking gadgets are low-cost compared to again residence (and to Armenia the place I’ve been residing for the final 4 months).
Lodging Prices
Being a digital nomad in Ohrid is nice as a result of lodging prices are nonetheless low. I paid simply €300 Euros per thirty days for my giant, self-contained room overlooking the lake (you’d pay nearly double for one thing comparable in close by Croatia or Greece).
In the event you’re searching for a primary room in shared lodging you’ll be able to count on to pay underneath €200 Euros per thirty days. In the event you’d fairly have a complete condominium to your self then count on to pay between €400 and €600 Euros a month for a one or two-bedroom place with a central or lakeside location.
Transportation Prices in Ohrid
All the pieces there’s to see in Ohrid is well reachable on foot. Close by points of interest and locations of curiosity resembling Sveti Naum and the Bay of Bones will be reached by boat, bus, and taxi, with buses (or fairly marshrutkas – minibusses with fastened routes), and also you gained’t pay greater than a few Euros per journey.
There are each day buses to different cities and cities round North Macedonia like Bitola and Skopje, and these additionally supply a really low-cost means of getting across the nation. Count on to pay round €12 to €15 Euros for the bus to Skopje (you’ll be able to e book on-line with Get by Bus), and should buy tickets on the bus station for Bitola.
Taxis are cheap however all the time be certain to agree on the fare first to keep away from any disagreeable surprises. I paid 300 MKD (€4.90 Euros) for a taxi for the 9.5 miles (15 km) from Struga to Ohrid. Sadly, there aren’t presently any ride-sharing apps like Uber in Nort Macedonia.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
Though my UK information plan labored in Croatia as a result of it’s EU, as North Macedonia isn’t, I had to purchase a SIM card to hold on working remotely (although in practicality, with wonderful WiFi in my condominium and in any respect the cafes, you may get away while not having one if circumstances permit).
There are a number of telecom networks in North Macedonia together with A1, Lycamobile, Makadonski Telecom, and T-Cell. A1 has the greatest protection in Ohrid so I like to recommend going with them. You should purchase a SIM at any cell phone store, at airports, and at many comfort shops, in addition to on-line.
You don’t want any ID to buy a SIM in North Macedonia. A1 has a variety of pricing choices and the most effective offers is the 10GB month-to-month bundle for 299 MKD (€4.85 Euros). Click on right here to search out out extra.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Ohrid
- Meals is affordable in supermarkets (and even cheaper on the markets) so prepare dinner meals at residence.
- Consuming and ingesting at eating places on the lakeshore is costlier than at inland institutions.
- Don’t order wine within the eating places as they mark it up closely (although it’s regionally made).
- Purchase meals and wine from the grocery store for a picnic on the seashore.
- Guide boat excursions on-line upfront as its cheaper than paying on the dock.
- Use Airbnb for long-term lodging.
Coworking Areas in Ohrid and WiFi Pace
On every go to to Ohrid, and all through my time residing there, I used to be impressed by the quick WiFi which enabled me to work with out problem, browse the online, and stream movies on YouTube. I didn’t expertise any outages in my total time within the metropolis which is uncommon when on the street.
The common obtain pace in Ohrid is 28.86 MBpS with a median add pace of 26.62 MBpS and a latency of 16. Click on right here for more information and up-to-date speeds.
Though working remotely in Ohrid is a superb possibility because of quick WiFI, nice cafes, and low-cost residing prices, there isn’t a big co-working scene right here. There are solely two co-working areas within the metropolis, and neither is especially central.
- CoWorkOhrid: That is positively one of the best co-working house within the metropolis (they provide free espresso too!) and is in style with younger distant staff, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs. 799 MKD (€12.95 Euros) per day or 3,099 MKD (€50.25 Euros) per week. Click on right here for instructions.
- Kasarna Hub: It is a neighborhood house for freelancers, distant staff, and different entrepreneurs that’s situated in an previous military barracks within the north of the town. 500 MKD (€8 Euros) per day or 2,000 MKD (€32 Euros) per week. Click on right here for instructions.
Actions and Issues To Do in Lake Ohrid
Among the finest issues about life in Ohrid is that there’s a lot to see and do. From exploring the beautiful previous city to eating on the waterfront, swimming, boating, and mountaineering, there’s lots to maintain digital nomads entertained throughout downtime in Ohrid.
1. Discover the Outdated City
Ohrid has one of many most charming previous cities I’ve visited with plenty of slim lanes to discover and wooded footpaths that lead all the way down to the lake. In the event you’re a historical past lover like me you then’re in for an actual deal with. See the Hellenic (pre-Roman) amphitheater that’s been remarkably nicely preserved.
Discover picturesque monasteries and Jap Orthodox church buildings, browse boutique retailers promoting souvenirs and Macedonian handicrafts (I purchased a few good work of the city and lake to take residence), and calm down at one of many many streetside cafes, bars, or eating places.
From the previous city, there are paths and trails as much as Samuil’s Fortress (see beneath) and all the way down to the lake. I strolled across the previous city and all the way down to the lake day by day whereas residing on Lake Ohrid. Among the finest methods to expertise the previous city and find out about its fascinating historical past is to take a tour. Click on right here to search out out extra.
2. Stroll to the Church of St. John the Theologian
The Church of St John the Theologian is among the most iconic photos of North Macedonia and seeing this beautiful monastery above the lake impressed me to go to for the primary time again in 2019 (and it completely lived as much as expectations).
The church dates again to the thirteenth Century and is manufactured from the red-brick and terracotta roofing typical of the area. The church sits on a promontory overlooking the lake with a backdrop of pine forest. It’s one of the serene spots in Ohrid and is the right place to take a seat and collect your ideas.
St John’s is situated at Kaneo which is a ten to fifteen-minute stroll from the previous city both alongside the wood boardwalk above the lake or by the forest. There are a few small (and stony) seashores at Kaneo in addition to some beachside bars and eating places, so this can be a excellent place to spend a day.
3. Hike as much as Samuil’s Fortress
Samuil’s Fortress (additionally known as Samuel’s Fortress) is an eleventh Century fort on the prime of the city and named after Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria (Ohrid was as soon as the capital of the primary Bulgarian Empire). The fortress underwent large restoration work in 2003 which changed most of the partitions that had fallen into disrepair.
The views from the Samuil’s Fortress are phenomenal and you may see all the best way throughout the lake to Albania with a backdrop of mountains. You may climb the restored partitions and battlements for panoramic views of all the previous city and the lake past. It’s a wonderful place for photographers.
The fortress is a brief ten minutes from the previous city and plenty of roads and paths result in the highest – keep in mind it’s all uphill however there are fortuitously loads of locations to cease for a relaxation and take within the views. The fortress is open each day from 10 am to 4 pm and prices 125 MKD (€2 Euros) to enter.
4. Have a Meal on the Lakeshore
Probably the most nice issues to do in Ohrid is to get pleasure from a meal or a glass of wine at one of many many bars and eating places on the lakeshore. One among my favorites is the Noa Lounge Bar which sits on a wood platform above the lake providing gorgeous views of Kaneo and St John the Theologian.
A lot of the eating places are open for breakfast and morning espresso and that is one thing I took benefit of just about each day (even in late October it was heat sufficient to take a seat exterior). Different wonderful choices embody Liquid, Alexandrija, and Kak Kanevche at close by Kaneo.
Simply take a stroll wherever from Heart all the best way to Kaneo and also you’ll move loads of wonderful choices for consuming and ingesting. Whether or not you fancy a espresso, a beer, a glass of wine, or a full meal, there are various nice locations to select from, all with unbelievable views out throughout the lake.
5. Take a Boat Journey
You may’t come to Ohrid and never spend day trip on the water. Taking a ship journey is an effective way to get a distinct vantage level of the city and see sights like St John the Theologian and Samuil’s Fortress from a distinct angle. There are additionally each day boat journeys to close by points of interest just like the must-visit Bay of Bones.
You’ll see plenty of individuals promoting boat journeys down on the water’s edge and across the dock. There’s a each day ferry service to Sveti Naum on a big boat, or you’ll be able to go for a smaller speedboat (normally with drinks included and extra stops to smaller bays).
There’s a variety of excursions you’ll be able to e book on-line like this wonderful cruise across the previous city the place you’ll get to see the Church of Saint Sophia, the Church of Saint Clement, St John the Theologian the Caves of Love, and much more, all from the consolation of a personal vessel with your individual captain. Click on right here to e book.
Climate in Ohrid
The very best time to go to Ohrid is within the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. On my first go to, I used to be there in April and had heat, sunny days day by day. On my latest return, I used to be there in September and October and the climate was beautiful and nonetheless heat sufficient for a swim.
Summer season is lengthy and sizzling, and Ohrid can get fairly busy with vacationers throughout this time, so it’s greatest averted if you would like relative peace and quiet for work. Winter runs from November to March and that is the coldest interval with temperatures between 27 and 41 levels Fahrenheit.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Ohrid
As with wherever on the planet, there are each professionals and cons of residing in Ohrid:
Execs of Residing in Ohrid
- Stunning – Ohrid is among the most charming cities in Europe. It’s nonetheless comparatively off the overwhelmed path so doesn’t get too crowded, there’s heaps to see and do, and sitting in one of many lakeside cafes is certainly one of life’s easy pleasures.
- A number of cafes – If like me you prefer to discover a good cafe to work in with quick WiFi, good espresso, and attractive snacks, you then gained’t need to look far in any respect for one in Ohrid.
- Low-cost – Costs are nonetheless rather a lot cheaper than the remainder of Europe right here which makes being a digital nomad in Ohrid a wonderful possibility. Lodging, meals, and transport are all very inexpensive.
- Good WiFi – I’ve all the time discovered the WiFi in all places in Ohrid to be very quick with no interruptions. That is true of the cafes, hostels, and accommodations.
- Simple to discover close by locations – Ohrid makes an amazing base for exploring close by locations of curiosity from the Bronze Age village on the lake on the Bay of Bones to the Roman ruins at Heraclea Lyncestis.
Cons of Residing in Ohrid
- English isn’t extensively spoken – When residing as a digital nomad in Macedonia you’ll discover they use the Cyrillic script fairly than Roman, and most of the people don’t converse English (except some youthful generations).
- It may be crowded in summer season – In summer season specifically, Ohrid can change into busy and also you’ll need to struggle for house in town’s small seashores. Decide as an alternative for autumn which is a unbelievable time to go to.
- Public transport isn’t nice – Getting round North Macedonia isn’t as simple as elsewhere in Europe. Most individuals use marshrutkas however there aren’t timetables and it may be tough to plan issues utilizing public transport alone.
Digital Nomad Visa for Ohrid
On the time of writing (Might 2023) North Macedonia doesn’t have a digital nomad visa, although they’ve been speaking about implementing one since 2021. As a British passport holder, I’m in a position to keep in North Macedonia visa-free for as much as 90 days. This is identical for all EU residents, in addition to these from Canada and the USA.
As many nationalities can keep for as much as three months with no visa, North Macedonia is a unbelievable place for digital nomads searching for a brief to medium-term keep. In the event you want to keep longer (which is totally believable after spending time in lovely Ohrid), you’ll want to speak to your nearest Macedonian embassy about long-term stays.
In Conclusion
Now all about tips on how to be a digital nomad in Ohrid, I extremely advocate this unbelievable metropolis as a spot to work remotely for a number of months. I cherished each minute of residing right here and stay up for returning very quickly. With quick WiFi, plentiful cafes, trendy co-working areas, and much to see and do, that is the right place to dwell your greatest nomad life in lovely environment.
