Varna, Bulgaria, is one of the most popular seaside destinations on the Black Sea coast. Even if at first it gives a rather industrial vibe, thanks to the largest port in the country, there are actually pretty many great and diverse things to do in Varna, making the city a perfect spot for everyone to visit.

I had a chance to visit Varna twice. I enjoyed my first, rather rushed trip to Varna so much that I decided to give the city a proper chance and returned for a few days. And then I liked the place even more, and I’m sure I will be back then again!

If you are wondering what to do in Varna, I have put together this guide, which covers the best things to see in the city and its surroundings. Read on and prepare yourself for visiting Varna!

Where is Varna, Bulgaria

With a population of around 350 thousand, Varna is the third-largest city in Bulgaria. It is located in the eastern part of the country, right on the Black Sea shore. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is 440 km west of Varna.

Why visit Varna

Even if Varna is a large, busy city with a strong industrial vibe, it is also a great destination to relax as well as for sightseeing. For many, it is an entry point to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, but don’t rush immediately to your final destination. Give Varna a chance, and you will not be disappointed.

There is a vibrant center with pedestrian streets lined with beautiful buildings; the Black Sea shore is separated from the city with a wonderful big park perfect for strolls, and numerous beaches are ideal spots to take full advantage of the seaside location.

If you are interested in Varna sightseeing, you will find some interesting museums and even ancient remnants in the city (the area of Varna has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has always played an important role in the region).

How to get to Varna

Getting to Varna is easy. The local airport is a busy hub (especially in the summer) serving around 80 destinations, mostly in Europe. Many of those are low-cost flights, so if you are lucky with your planning, you will not spend a fortune on your trip. The airport is located only a few kilometers away from the center; you can reach it by the local bus, no. 409.

Traveling from within Bulgaria, you can reach Varna by train or bus. One of the major railway lines in the country connects Varna with Sofia and is linked to Bucharest in Romania (via Ruse). The travel time from Sofia to Varna depends on the train you take, but it is usually around 8 hours. The train station is located in the center of the city.

The bus station in Varna is a bit further away, some 2 km from the center, but it offers more connections to places in Bulgaria (Burgas, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia, etc.) and abroad—to Romania, Turkey, and Central Europe.

If you plan to visit Varna in the summer, it is recommended that you get your train or bus tickets in advance, as those might sell out quickly (I even had issues with getting the same-day tickets to Veliko Tarnovo in September).

How to get around Varna

Most of Varna attractions are located in the center of the city, and you can easily walk everywhere. If you need to get to places a bit further away, there is an extensive public transport network that covers the city and beyond.

The tickets are cheap: 2 BGN for 60 minutes or 4 BGN for 24 hours. You can buy them in the machines at the bus stops or inside the bus. I used the Easyway app to figure out the routes I needed.

Where to stay in Varna

Since Varna is a popular tourist destination, there are many accommodation options to choose from for each taste and budget. I suggest staying somewhere in the center so you can enjoy your time to the fullest.

Here are some of the recommended places to stay in Varna:

• Hotel Cherno More (8.5/10) – the view from here is exceptional
• Panorama Hotel (8.8/10)
• Graffit Gallery Design Hotel (8.9/10)
• and many more!

Things to do in Varna

And finally, here are the best things to do in Varna, in no particular order.

Find the ancient remnants

Even if Varna is a bustling modern city today, its history dates back to ancient times. You can still find the remnants from that time in the center of the city.

The Roman baths were founded here in the 2nd century AD and are the 4th largest Roman baths that remain to this day (and the largest one in the Balkans). Even if the baths are not in the best condition, it’s still easy to imagine how grand this place used to be in its times of glory.

The baths played an important social role in the ancient Odessos (the old name of Varna) as they were a meeting point for the most influential people in the city to discuss current affairs and plans. That’s why the baths were very modern for its times, with plenty of amenities such as heated floors.

In the 19th century, the baths’ underground served as the local prison. Today, parts of the baths feel neglected, but it’s still a nice place to visit and explore all the corners.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum

One of the best museums to visit in Varna is the Ethnographic Museum. It is located in a beautiful house from the 19th century, built in the lovely Bulgarian Revival style, typical for the region.

Inside, you can get to know the rich culture and traditions of Bulgaria. There are numerous items from everyday life in the past, as well as beautiful folk clothes and art. On the top floor, you can see what the interior of the upper-class houses used to look like.

Altogether, the Ethnographic Museum is an excellent insight into the Bulgarian culture and traditions and a place definitely worth visiting.

Enjoy the pedestrian center

The large part of central Varna is pedestrian and perfect for wandering around. This is where you will find numerous shops and restaurants as well as some beautiful buildings, so it’s always worth looking around curiously as you never know what kind of details you might spot. The most impressive structure is the Opera House, built in 1932.

This part of Varna is vibrant and alive until late at night, especially in the summertime, and it’s the best place to feel the unique atmosphere of the city.

While you are here, it’s worth venturing beyond the pedestrian parts as the rest of the center also hides some real architectural gems. It’s a pleasant area with trees lining the streets and some beautiful buildings around.

Visit the cathedral

Probably the most impressive building you can see in Varna is the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, dating back to the first half of the 19th century and shortly after being rebuilt to its current glory.

The legend says that after the Russian-Ottoman war (1877-1878), the locals invited the Russian Prince Dondukov-Korsakov to attend the mass in the cathedral. He was disappointed with the look and condition of the place and promised to help with the improvements. Eventually, the reconstruction was financed by private grants with the help of the state.

The design of the cathedral was inspired by one of the churches in Peterhof. Over the years, the structure developed further – the new bell tower was built, and new icons and stained-glass windows were added to the interior. Today, the Varna cathedral is a stunning place worth visiting not only for its religious value but also for the beautiful sacral art you can admire inside.

Visit the archeological museum

Not far from the cathedral, you will find the Archeological Museum – one of the greatest places of that kind in the region. It was founded at the end of the 19th century, and today, it is home to over a hundred thousand artifacts, ranging from the prehistoric period to the 19th century.

The most valuable item you can find there is the Gold of Varna – the oldest gold treasure in the world, with some three thousand items dating back to 4600-4299 BCE. Besides the exhibitions, there is also a library focusing on the ancient history of the region.

Relax in the Sea Garden

One of the best places to visit in Varna is the Sea Garden Park, stretching for over 3 km along the Black Sea coast. Founded in the mid-19th century, this is the oldest and the largest city park in Bulgaria. The green space is very well taken care of, with numerous paths, arranged flower compositions, benches to sit on, etc.

It is a favorite place for locals and visitors to wander around and simply relax in the green oasis in the heart of the busy city. In the Sea Garden you can find numerous cafes and restaurants, there are also a few museums and a planetarium here.

In the afternoon and evenings, the park turns into a scene of street performers; you can also attend various events taking place here. If you are looking for peace and quiet, you can find it a bit further from the entrance and still enjoy the green scenery without too much interruption.

Enjoy the beach

Even if Varna is a large city, it is also a popular seaside destination, and you can enjoy your perfect Black Sea holiday here. There are long, wide sandy beaches where you can relax sunbathing or enjoy the water activities. The most convenient beaches are in the center, next to Sea Gardens Park.

You can also go for a little trip to nearby Golden Sands – one of the most popular seaside towns in Bulgaria known for its fantastic beach, which is over three kilometers long and up to a hundred meters wide.

Admire brutalist architecture

If you follow me for a while, you should know that I’m a big fan of brutalist architecture and masterpieces created from concrete. There are some really good works in this style in Bulgaria (like in nearby Shumen), but Varna has its moments, too. If, like me, you enjoy brutalist architecture only in the center of the city, you will find the impressive city hall, the planetarium, Hotel Cherno More, the shopping center in the pedestrian center, or the Palace of Culture and Sports.

See the Monument of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship

This is the most spectacular example of brutalism in Varna that brings so much controversy. Everyone has an opinion about it, and while most people hate it, there is no doubt that this is a real architectural masterpiece.

The idea of the monument commemorating the Bulgarian-Soviet friendship first appeared in 1958, and twenty years later, the structure was uncovered. The structure is huge, 23 meters in height and 48 meters in width. On one side, you can see three people – welcoming Bulgarians, on the other, four Soviet soldiers. Inside the monument, a war shelter was located.

Since the monument was built on the top of the hill, with 301 stairs leading to it, you can expect a great panorama of Varna and the Black Sea. This is also a popular place among the locals for physical activity, so even if the place seems a bit secluded, there are usually people around.

Admire the best view of Varna

The best place to admire the panorama of Varna is Hotel Cherno More. That’s where I stayed during my recent visit, and since I got a room on one of the higher floors, I could admire a breathtaking view from my window.

But don’t worry—you don’t need to stay there to see this spectacular view. On the top floor of the Hotel, you will find the Panorama Restaurant, where you can visit for a meal or a drink to enjoy the spectacular view of Varna and its surroundings.

If you wish, you can book a room in Hotel Cherno More here.

Visit the Stone Forest

Located around 18 km west of the center, you can visit one of the most unique rock formations in the Balkans – the so-called Stone Forest. A few dozens of limestone pillars occupy the area, either still standing proudly or lying down. They are really impressive, with some of the pillars reaching a height of twelve meters and three meters in diameter.

The origin of the Stone Forest is not really known. Some theories even say that the rock formations are the remnants of the temple of Poseidon from the mythical Atlantis, but most likely, the pillars date back to prehistoric times and were created by nature. It is a beautiful place to visit and a great escape from the busy city.

Visit the memorial complex “Vladislav Varnenchik”

In 1444, an important battle took place in Varna; the Ottoman army crushed the Crusaders commanded by the young King of Poland and Hungary – Ladislaus III (also known as Ladislaus of Varna). As a result of the battle, the Crusaders’ leader lost his life at the age of twenty.

In the place where the clash happened, you can now visit the memorial complex dedicated to Ladislaus of Varna. There is a nice park and a small museum commemorating the king as well as the battle, with artifacts found on the battlefield and works of art showing this important historic event.

The memorial complex is located a bit away from the center, but it’s worth a little detour. It is especially important for Polish and Bulgarian visitors, but others should find it interesting, too.

Visit Aladzha Monastery

Aladzha Monastery is one of the most beautiful and spectacular sites you can find near Varna (it is only 15 km away from the center of the city). What makes it unique is the location, as the monastery was incorporated into the vertical high cliff; hence, it is one of the very few rock churches in the region.

The complex is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and dates back to the 12th century when it was home to hermit monks inhabiting the place, although even older remnants were found there. There are two levels inside the rocks, one with the monastery church, monks’ living quarters, and a crypt and the other with the monastery chapel.

Besides the monastery itself, the place is worth visiting for its surroundings – the Golden Sands Nature Park. Since the Aladzha Monastery is located between Varna and Golden Sands, you can stop there on the way to the seaside resort.

Visit Euxinograd Palace

Another interesting place that is located a bit away from the center (but is worth a small detour) is the Euxinograd Palace.

The former royal summer palace, located right at the shore of the Black Sea, dates back to the end of the 19th century and is a perfect example of the beautiful architecture of that period. Not only is the palace itself stunning, but so are the surrounding gardens and the park.

Currently, this is a government-owned place, but it is still possible to visit the premises; you just need to book it in advance.

Enjoy the harbor area

Since Varna is the most important seaside port in Bulgaria, the local harbor is really impressive not only in its size but also in its infrastructure. It was opened in 1906 and still today operates as both a passenger and cargo port.

However, the harbor area is also a nice place for a stroll, observation of the works on the port, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere in this part of the city. There are a few restaurants and bars and even an amusement park with the Ferries wheel offering some fantastic views of the area. You can walk all the way to the end of the pier to reach the lighthouse and admire the surrounding vista of the Black Sea and the industrial space along the way.

Try Bulgarian food

I personally think that Bulgarian food is a real gem that doesn’t get all the attention it deserves. It is so delicious, with fresh ingredients, and – what’s important to me – there are plenty of vegetarian options to choose from. In Varna, thanks to the Black Sea, you can also enjoy some good seafood. Some of my favorite local dishes to try in Bulgaria are tarator (the cold soup made of yogurt and cucumber), shopska salad, or fries topped with Bulgarian white cheese (sirene).

In Varna, you will find plenty of restaurants serving local food, some of them offering a modern twist on well-known dishes. I used Google Maps and checked the opinions, and I was lucky to always find good places.

Bulgaria also has a great cafe scene, and Varna is no different. There are so many great cafes around—if you like good coffee, you will not be disappointed. As always, I used the European Coffee Trip app to find the best places, and they were all spot on.

Go for day trips from Varna

I’ve already mentioned here some interesting places that technically are not located in Varna, but there are some more great destinations a bit further from the city that can be visited on day trips from Varna.

Some of my favorite choices are:

• Veliko Tarnovo – a beautiful city with a picturesque location and impressive medieval fortress
• Nesebar – probably the most beautiful seaside town in Bulgaria, a UNESCO site with numerous medieval churches
• Shumen – known for its magnificent brutalist Monument to the Founders of the Bulgarian State and the UNESCO site the Madara Rider

You can reach them by public transport but sometimes it can be time-consuming so you might want to consider renting a car (click here for the best deals with Discover Cars). If you decide for a car option, there are so many more amazing places available (mostly natural sites).

There are also some good tours from Varna to nearby places; here are the recommended ones:

• Nessebar: Guided City Tour
• Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna
• Private Cape Kaliakra & the Balchik Botanical Gardens from Varna
• Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna

Further reading

I published many articles about Bulgaria that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 23 Amazing Places to Visit in Bulgaria
• Bulgaria itinerary – what to see in Bulgaria in 2 weeks
• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Sofia, Bulgaria
• 11 Wonderful Day Trips from Sofia, Bulgaria
• Koprivshtitsa, Bulgaria – is this the prettiest town in the country?
• 7 Perfect Things to Do in Sozopol, Bulgaria
• 9 Great Things to Do in Burgas, Bulgaria
• Why you should visit Shumen, Bulgaria
• and more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Balkans and ask your questions there.

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For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Bulgaria too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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