Best attractions in Varna: Top 20

The beauty of vacationing in Bulgaria, in addition to the content of the tourist program, in its cheapness. To rest and see the sights in Varna, you do not need too much money, as, say, in another European country. Having a stable currency in your hands you can find for a pleasant price what to see in Varna, where to relax and what places to visit. We advise you to see beforehand the sights of Varna with names and descriptions and choose those you would like to visit obligatory.

What to see first of all in Varna

Varna is a cozy old town, known for the sea, nice beaches and beautiful sites. We advise you where to go in Varna and its surroundings.

1. The Stone Forest

Stone columns of natural origin in the "Stone Forest" valley

The Forest[edit] This interesting place is at a distance from Varna and is called a forest at face value, even though you can see small grassy bushes here and there. The forest covers an area of about 70 sq km and is studded with stone columns. The height of some of them reaches 7 m. The forest is conventionally divided into 3 sections, the stones on them vary in shape and location. Quite an original natural reserve, which is worth a visit.

Official website: http://nature.museumvarna.



2. Euxinograd Palace

Euxinograd Palace and the picturesque green park Spasimir (Spasimir Pilev)

We advise you what to visit in Varna from historical monuments. The residence is located on the coast north of Varna and is strongly reminiscent of the Crimean Massandra. The splendid palace ensemble is buried in luxurious greenery. The park is divided into zones, and each of them has its own appearance and purpose. Especially beautiful is the area in front of the palace: there is a bronze statue of Neptune and a fountain. In the park you can see the ruins of the fortress “Kastritsa”.

Official site: http://www.travel.



3. Roman Baths

The ruins of the Roman baths of the ancient city of Odessos (Varna)

What a trip without seeing the city’s most valuable cultural monuments! This example of Roman culture belongs to the Archaeological Museum in Varna. The baths were built at the end of the first century. The baths consisted of many rooms and an original heating system was used with warm air being supplied from the floor to the roof.

Official website: http://www.archaeo.museumvarna

4. Seaside Park

Flowerbeds in the Seaside Park or the Sea Garden

But what is there to see in Varna from the symbols of the city? Almost 60 hectares of this park stretches for almost 2.5 km. The infrastructure is substantial and includes an aquarium with common and exotic fish, a zoo, the best dolphinarium in Eastern Europe, a planetarium, an observatory. It is interesting to look at the sundial, go to the Naval Museum. There are fountains on the territory, local artists perform daily on the open stage.

5. Varna Opera House

The Varna Opera House is a luxurious empire-style building at night

If the opera scene appeals to you, try to get here when you go on a trip. The theater in Varna is housed in a luxurious empire-style building. With red walls and a green roof, the structure looks like a festive, neatly decorated pie, yet it lacks pomp. The theater’s repertoire is not limited to opera.

Official website: http://www.operavarna.com

6. Assumption Cathedral

The Orthodox Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Kirill and Methodius Square in Varna

If you are going here for a short time, we advise you what to see in Varna in 1 day. The cathedral is the richest historical heritage and the main symbol of the city. The external beauty of the temple will not let you pass by. Inside, Orthodox features of worship are intertwined with Catholic ones. Amazing atmosphere inside and grandiose impression outside. Definitely worth a visit.

7. St. Sarkis Armenian Church

The St. Sarkis Armenian Church is a functioning church in Varna Powerfox

From the outside, the church does not evoke enthusiastic emotions, although the combination of white and terracotta is quite interesting. The style of the building is typical for Armenian temples and is not very luxurious. But already at the entrance there is a feeling of airiness, it seems to be so spacious and light. The walls are decorated with Byzantine paintings. The reviews say that the temple is only open during services, at other hours it can only be viewed from the outside.

Official website: http://translate.google.com

8. Aladzha Monastery

Cave in a twelfth-century Orthodox rock monastery - Aladzha

The historic temple surrounded by nature belongs among the best attractions in Varna, 15 km away. Back in the 4th century hermit monks carved the monastery in a steep cliff. Despite the fact that in the 14th century it was pillaged by the Ottoman invaders, the monastery is in good condition and today hosts visitors as a museum. It is possible to visit the rock complex only between May and October.

Official website: http://www.bulgariamonasteries

9. Dolphinarium

Dolphins in a unique Dolphin show

Even a brief overview of the shows gives an idea of how interesting and original they are. A nice hall with a capacity of up to 1200 seats. Live contact with the animals is possible for a fee. Downstairs at the dolphinarium there is a souvenir store and a cozy cafe where you can watch the dolphins through the aquarium glass.

Official website: http://dolphinariumvarna

10. Varna Aquarium

Facade of the Varna Aquarium or Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute building Clément Dominik

Many tours in Varna include a visit to the local aquarium. The purpose of the building is evident in its decoration: stucco figures of sea creatures on the façade. In addition to freshwater and marine species of the Black Sea basin, there are exotic specimens of tropical waters. In addition to fish, there are invertebrates (jellyfish, mollusks, octopus) and algae. In the exhibition halls are exhibited objects that give an idea of hydrology. There is a specialized library.

11. Varna Zoo

Charming pink pelicans in the Varna Zoo

In a small area tourists can admire representatives of dozens of species of animals and birds. The animals are kept in spacious aviaries and in open space, with some allowing tactile contact. Low price, walking around the territory ponies and scurrying rabbits, the opportunity to look at the wild animals at close range.

12. Museum of Varna history

The Museum of Varna History displays exhibits of the people of Varna from the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century

The museum exhibits are displayed on two floors out of the three former Belgian consulate building. A book room with books and authentic antique furniture, recreating the authentic furnishings of the past, is a special recommendation for the visitors of the museum. There are interiors of craft stores, children’s toys, musical instruments. The exhibits are a reminder of the former life of Varna citizens, their spirit and way of life.

13. Archaeological Museum

View of the building of the Archaeological Museum in Varna

The beautiful noble building of the museum is a landmark of Varna. Its huge collections number more than 1000 thousand items and occupy two floors. The collection of ancient gold, ceramics, ancient medical and working tools, icons is impressive. Rooms are arranged in chronological order. In the lobby you can buy souvenir coins stylized as antiquities.

Official website: http://www.archaeo.museumvarna

14. Ethnographic Museum

The building of the Ethnographic Museum is a monument of architecture of the XIX century Ilonamay

Another museum, introducing visitors to the life of the Bulgarian nation, crafts, clothing, traditions. The showcases are filled with objects related to former life, and some of the rooms exactly replicate the atmosphere of ancient everyday life. Due to the interest in such objects hotels in Varna never lack customers.

15. Retro Museum

Properties that used to be in the possession of the inhabitants of the socialist countries

This museum was created on the private initiative of a local businessman. Tsvetan Atanasov gathered a huge collection of items related to the socialist past of Bulgaria. There are Soviet cars, posters, toys, tricycles, children’s cars. Wax figures of not only Bulgarian figures, but also our compatriots, as well as leaders of countries of far socialist community arouse a storm of emotions. An interesting collection of retro photos.

Varna sights: what else to visit in Varna?

Listing the main attractions of Varna in brief, we have tried not to miss the most important ones. But how much more interesting there is in this city!

16. National Maritime Museum

Sudno Drazki at the National Maritime Museum Kosi Gramatikoff

The deservedly high rating of the museum is based not only on the uniquely beautiful historical building of architectural value. On 400 square meters the maritime history of the country since the 19th century is presented. The exhibits were collected by the officers of the Danube Flotilla. The exhibitions tell about the creation of the Bulgarian navigation, shipbuilding and navy. For lovers of military history there is an extensive library on the museum grounds

17. Vladislav Varnenchik Park Museum

Facade of the mausoleum of Yagaylo in the Park-Museum "Vladislav Varnenchik" Maksim

The park can be safely attributed to sights of Bulgaria. First of all, interesting is the memorial complex built on the site of the death of the Bulgarian hero. The mausoleum is symbolic and serves as an exhibition center. The most valuable exhibit here is the real knight’s outfit of the 15th century. Weapons, maps, banners, coats of arms of noble families, engravings and paintings are on display. In addition, you can just relax in the fresh air here, just like in an ordinary park.

Official website: http://www.varnenchikmuseum

18. University Botanical Garden “Ecopark”

In the rose garden of the University Ecopark more than 30 species of roses are bred

All guides in Varna recommend to come here. The creators of the project managed to combine artificially created and natural objects into a harmonious whole. On the territory there is a jockey club, which annually initiates national tournaments. You will be offered horseback riding under the guidance of instructors, and you can take a cabriolet or cart ride along the paths of the eco-park. There is also a biological station.

Official website: http://www.ubg-bg.com

19. Varna Lake

View of the sunset with boats on the shores of Varna Lake

This freshwater lake stretches for 10 km. It is known for its hydrogen sulfide mud, which, raised from the bottom, has medicinal properties, so it is used for medical purposes. Judging by the findings found by archaeologists on the shores, the area around it was once inhabited. On the northern part, at the beginning of the last century, an entire settlement was discovered, which continues to be explored to this day.

20. Cape Kaliakra

The gate of the medieval fortress Kaliakra

This legendary place is endowed with fantastic beauty. Its rich history and astonishing views attract a lot of tourists. Protruding into the sea for almost 2 km, the cape preserves many interesting objects: the remains of fortress walls, the ruins of historic buildings. There is a small chapel, a small archaeological museum in a cave, a restaurant, a mussel farm. Full view of the cape is limited by the location of the radio post of the country’s Navy.

The temperature schedule of Varna is similar to the weather in other Black Sea resorts, which means you can successfully combine sightseeing in the high season with a beach holiday. Have a great experience! Read also about sights of Nessebar and be inspired for your further travels in Bulgaria.

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