Varna is the gem of the Bulgarian Black Sea and everyone needs to visit it! Every year, over a million tourists go to the seaside resort for vacation and it’s well worth it – let’s take a glimpse into one particular reason why…

The Sea Garden is the emblem of Varna and you can really feel the charm of the city there. It’s a preferred place for a walk by locals and visitors and there is so much to do there. You can visit museums, the planetarium, take the kids to the zoo or aquarium, spend hours in the children’s complex, socialize at the cafes or simply walk around and enjoy nature.

Can’t decide how to spend your day there? Here are the best attractions in Varna’s Sea Garden!

Festa Dolphinarium

If you’re visiting Varna, the Festa Dolphinarium is a once in a lifetime experience. Dolphin shows take place in a modern complex in the garden, not far from the sea. You can see well-trained dolphins do tricks and throw balls at the crowd. The show is very entertaining and great fun for families with children and adults alike. 

Tip: Buy tickets online to avoid queues and to get a discount. Ticket cost varies according to the season (15-25 lv).

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

Varna Zoo

The Zoo is situated in the heart of Varna’s Sea Garden. It makes for a great family day trip for those with children and for all animal lovers. It’s very cheap to enter and there are many animals to see. You can get close up and personal with lions, tigers, bears, camels, wolves, foxes and you can even see red deer, native to Ireland. There is a cafe just outside the zoo and for the price (1.50 – 3 lv entry fee, or free with Varna City Card) and enjoyment it gives children, it’s well worth a visit.

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

Varna Aquarium

Don’t miss the Aquarium! It’s a great place to see a lot of fish species and learn a little bit about the Black Sea. The walk around it takes about an hour and is very entertaining to children. There are around 140 fish species from the Black Sea and some exotic ones from the Indian and World Oceans. With Varna City Card you get free admission to the Aquarium!

Tip: Don’t miss the 3D map of the Black Sea in front of the aquarium.

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

The Copernicus Astronomy Complex Planetarium

The Planetarium is one of the most impressive sights in Varna. Take a peek at the stars and planets through the telescopes and learn about the mysteries of the universe. The complex is open to tourist groups, students, and for lectures and conferences. Tours with an English speaking guide can be booked in advance (+359 52 684 444). 

Interesting fact: From ancient times, the Marines used the starry skies as a map for direction when they travelled through the oceans and as a way to get home.

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

National Maritime Museum Varna

Another good way to spend an hour or so while walking around the garden is to visit the Naval Museum. It’s quite small but has a very interesting collection of military vehicles, artefacts and war machinery. A must-see for technology enthusiasts and great fun for teenage boys (there’s a really cool 1913 torpedo boat you can explore from within on display just outside the museum).

The selection of military equipment inside is also very nice and the maps, photos and paintings give a glimpse into over 200 years of Bulgarian maritime history. 

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

Museum of Natural Sciences

If you’re a fan of nature and history, the Museum of Natural Sciences is a place where you can always learn something new.

Founded in 1960, then renovated in 2008, the museum features geology, flora and fauna from the Black Sea and other regions of Bulgaria. You can see exhibits of rare species such as the black stork and brown bear in their natural habitat as well as impressive fossil teeth of the ancestors of elephants. It’s a good way to get kids close to animals while educating them.

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

Alley of Revival

The site is dedicated to famous Bulgarian people – poets, clerics and revolutionaries who helped preserve the Bulgarian spirit and culture during the 5 centuries of Ottoman rule. It’s a very unique and important landmark that’s definitely worth seeing if you’re walking around the sea garden. Some of the monuments include Hristo Botev (great poet and revolutionary) and Vasil Levski (The Apostle of Freedom).

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

Great views from inside the Sea Garden

One of the best places for a walk inside the sea garden is along the “Alley of the Sporting Glory” which gives a magnificent view of Varna Bay and Cape Galata. Horizont Veranda (a restaurant within the Horizont complex) is the perfect place to dine in the summer months. It’s located in the sea garden on a large terrace with a beautiful sea view.

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

The Crooked Tree

One of the emblems of Varna’s sea garden and children’s favourite climbing spot. The unique shape of the curved tree formed naturally. It’s no accident that you will often find people there practising martial arts and other spiritual practices. It’s said that it’s a place surrounded by good energy.

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

Bridge of Wishes

This small and attractive bridge is a popular local’s spot worth stopping by. According to city legend, if you make a wish while walking on the bridge your wish will come true.

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

Central Beach and Coastal Alley 

The Sea Garden is close to the Central beach. Along the Coastal Alley, you will find many restaurants, cafes and bars. It’s a great chance to try some fish specialities from the Black Sea or watch the sunset there while sipping on a cocktail or a glass of wine. The central area of the city is also just next door. You can explore the wide variety of shops, bars, music and entertainment there.

Here’s how to get there from the Tourist Information Centre >

Would you enjoy a seaside adventure in Varna? Tell us in the comments which site you are most excited about! And if you’re already planning your trip, why not explore the amazing opportunities you get with Varna City Card?