What To See And Do In Varna: Top Picks
Varna is the perfect tourist destination. It’s a lively, vibrant town full of culture, history and things to do. So whether you prefer to relax on one of the beaches there, sail away in a regatta or stroll down the centre and the beautiful Sea Garden you’ll find that Varna has something for everyone’s taste. Here are our top picks of what to see and do in Varna!
Visit the City Centre
The city centre is a good place to start exploring Varna. Strolling down the centre you will be spoiled with choice for shops, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment. The main pedestrian zone includes the area between the “Nezavisimost” Square and the entrance of the Sea Garden, all along “Knyaz Boris I” Blvd. This makes it convenient to get around most of the key sights in town and see as much as possible.
If you’re looking to do some shopping, Grand Mall Varna is the place. There are enough shops to tire you out and you’ll come across many international brands.
Here’s how to get there from the Tourist information centre >
Stop by the Cathedral – one of the most beautiful architectural buildings in Bulgaria
The Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral is a symbol of Varna and one of the most visited places. It’s always worth a stop just to admire the amazing architecture of the building. The domes are coated with gold and silver and the frescoes are amongst the most beautiful features of the cathedral.
Here’s how to get there from the Tourist information centre >
Stroll down the beautiful Sea Garden
Varna is also famous for its Sea Garden. It’s an emblem of the city and a National Monument of landscaped architecture. In the summer, it’s a lively place full of people and activities. This is where locals come to relax, go for a walk with friends and family, socialize and have fun. Within the garden, you’ll find several museums such as the Naval Museum, a zoo and a dolphinarium.
Here’s how to get there from the Tourist information centre >
Grab a bite at GODZILA Restaurant
Godzila Restaurant, picture source: facebook.com/GODZILARestaurants
How about going for a delicious meal after cruising around town? The quality of the food at GODZILA is great, the portions are generous and the prices are reasonable. Their large menu offers many tasty pizzas, fresh seasonal salads, sushi, pasta dishes, and appetizers.
Here’s how to get there from the Tourist information centre >
See the world’s oldest gold treasure at the Archaeological Museum
Varna has a very rich, historical past! Did you know that Varna is home to the oldest Gold Treasure in the world? You can see it for yourself in the Archaeological Museum and with Varna City Card you get free admission.
The Gold Treasure was found in the Varna Necropolis. Its artefacts date back to 4000 BC and consist of about 2000 golden objects. Archaeologists refer to the Varna Necropolis as the „Prehistoric find of the century”.
Here’s how to get there from the Tourist information centre >
With Varna City Card, you’ll get free admission or a discount at these locations!
Don’t miss the Roman Thermae
The ancient Bath Complex once belonged to the Roman city of Odessus and is amongst the largest remaining Roman Bath ruins still existing today – 4th in Europe and 1st on the Balkans.
You can see remains of facilities such as changing rooms, a cold, warm and hot pool and an area for social and athletic functions.
With Varna City Card you get free admission to the Roman Thermae!
Here’s how to get there from the Tourist information centre >
Enjoy a dolphin show at the Festa Dolphinarium
Varna has more than enough to keep you entertained and there are plenty of fun places to visit. The Festa Dolphinarium is the only one of its kind on the Balkans and a must see! The amazing Dolphin shows take place every day at the Dolphinarium (located in the Sea Garden). You can watch trained dolphins perform tricks and throw balls at the crowd!
The shows are very entertaining and great fun for children and adults. Check out their summer programme and buy tickets online to avoid queues and to get a discount. Ticket cost varies according to season (15-25 lv).
Here’s how to get there from the Tourist information centre >
Fun at the Varna Zoo
The Varna Zoo makes for a perfect family day trip and has plenty to keep both adults and children entertained for hours. Be on the lookout for the magnificent royal pheasant and the golden eagle. You can also see some lamas, wolves, bears, foxes and the main attraction of the zoo – the tigers and lions!
There is a cafe just outside the zoo and for the enjoyment it gives children, it’s well worth a visit. Admission is free with Varna City Card!
Here’s how to get there from the Tourist information centre >
Go back in time at the Retro Museum
Travel back in the time of Socialism inside the Retro Museum – a must visit place in Varna. You can find the Retro Museum inside Grand Mall Varna. The whole museum is dedicated to the Socialism period from 1945 to 1989. Make sure to see the amazing collection of Restored Vintage Cars, the wax figures of famous people from the Socialist era and the interesting collection of Bulgarian cigarettes.
With Varna City Card you get free admission!
Here’s how to get there from the Tourist information centre >
Try bungee jumping from the Asparuhov Bridge
If you’re looking for something crazy fun to do while in Varna, why not try bungee jumping from the Asparuhov bridge? The jumps are organized by the extreme club Adrenalin, who have been doing this for 25 years! The bridge is 52 meters high and 2km long, above a canal.
With Varna City Card you get 15% off bungee jumping!
Here’s how to get there from the Tourist information centre >
Water Fun at Wake Park Varna
Wake Park Varna is the best wakeboard cable park in the city and a great place to learn how to wakeboard. They have all the facilities needed and provide the equipment so all you need to do is enjoy this incredible experience. Best part?
Here’s how to get there from the Tourist information centre >
Go on a cruise around Varna bay
Pinta Varna is a great option if you like cruises! It offers entertainment sailing cruises on their gorgeous ship (summer season only) from Varna to the northern Bulgarian Black-sea coast.
Pirate Party
Want to dress up as a pirate and go on a medieval sea adventure? The Pirate Party Marine Battle is guaranteed fun! Join in the search for lost treasures, pirate trials and a sea battle between pirate ships with water cannons! At the end of the cruise, everyone receives a pirate certificate from the Captain of the ship.
Sunset Cruise
Prefer the romantic Sunset Cruise? You can go on a stroll in the sea at sunset. With a glass of champagne in hand and the sound of pleasant background music, you can enjoy the lights of the city at night with someone really special.
With Varna City Card you’ll get amazing discounts for the fun!
Here’s how to get there from the Tourist information centre >
Now that you know about some of the best things you can do in Varna all you need to do is head down to the Sea Capital of Bulgaria and put on your favourite sunglasses. Enjoy your stay and discover more with Varna City Card!
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