The beauty of a holiday in Bulgaria, in addition to the content of the tourist program, is its cheapness. In order to relax and see the sights in Varna, you will not need too much money, as, say, in another European country. Having a stable currency on hand, you can find what to see in Varna, where to relax and what places to visit for a pleasant price. We advise you to see the sights of Varna in advance with photos with names and descriptions and decide on those that you would like to visit without fail.
What to see in Varna first of all
Varna is a cozy old town, famous for its gentle sea, good beaches and remarkable sites. We will advise you where to go in Varna and its surroundings.
1. Stone Forest
Stone columns of natural origin in the valley “Stone Forest”
This interesting place is located far from Varna and is called a forest only nominally, although in some places you can observe small grass bushes. This area of almost 70 square kilometers is “planted” with stone columns. The height of some reaches 7 m. The forest is conditionally divided into 3 sections, the stones on them differ in their shape and location. A very original nature reserve that is worth a visit.
Official website: https://nature.museumvarna.com
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2. Evksinograd Palace
Evksinograd Palace and the picturesque green park Spasimir (Spasimir Pilev)
Let’s tell you what to visit in Varna from the historical monuments. The residence is located on the coast north of Varna and strongly resembles the Crimean Massandra. The magnificent palace ensemble is surrounded by lush greenery. The park is divided into zones, each of which has its own appearance and purpose. The area in front of the palace is especially beautiful: there is a bronze statue of Neptune and a fountain. In the park you can see the ruins of the Kastritsa fortress.
Official website: https://www.travel.government.bg
3. Roman Baths
Ruins of the Roman baths of the ancient city of Odessos (Varna)
What a trip without visiting the most valuable cultural monuments of the city! This example of Roman culture belongs to the Varna Archaeological Museum. Huge thermal baths were built at the end of the first century. The baths consist of many rooms, their design used an original heating system with the supply of warm air from the floor to the roof.
Official website: https://www.archaeo.museumvarna.com
4. Seaside Park
Flower beds in a seaside park or a marine garden
But what to see in Varna from the symbols of the city? Almost 60 hectares of this park stretch 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, and an observatory. It is interesting to look at the sundial, go to the Naval Museum. There are fountains on site, and local artists perform daily on the outdoor stage.
5. Varna Opera House
Varna Opera House is a luxurious Empire style building at night
If you like the opera scene, then when you go on a trip, try to get here. The theater in Varna is housed in a luxurious building built in the Empire style. With red walls and a green roof, the structure looks like a festive, neatly decorated pie, while it is devoid of pomp. The repertoire of the theater is not limited only to opera.
Official website: https://www.operavarna.com
6. Assumption Cathedral
Orthodox Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Cyril and Methodius Square in Varna
If you are going here for a short time, we will advise you what to see in Varna in 1 day. The cathedral is a rich historical heritage, the main symbol of the city. The external beauty of the temple will not allow you to pass by. Inside, the Orthodox features of worship are intertwined with the Catholic ones. An amazing atmosphere inside and a grandiose impression outside. Definitely worth a visit.
7. St. Sarkis Armenian Church
The Armenian Church of St. Sarkis is an active church on the territory of Varna Powerfox
From the outside, the church does not cause enthusiastic emotions, although the combination of white and terracotta is quite interesting. The style of construction is typical for Armenian temples and is not particularly luxurious. But already at the entrance, a feeling of airiness is created, so it seems spacious and bright. The walls are decorated with Byzantine paintings. The reviews say that the temple is open only during the service, at other times it can only be viewed from the outside.
Official website: https://translate.google.com
8. Aladzha Monastery
Cave in the Orthodox rock monastery of the XII century – Aladzha
The historical temple surrounded by nature is one of the best sights of Varna, 15 km away. Back in the IV century. Hermit monks carved the monastery into a sheer cliff. Despite the fact that it was looted by the Ottoman invaders in the XIV century, the monastery has been well preserved and today welcomes guests as a museum. You can visit the rock complex only during the period of May-October.
Official website: https://www.bulgariamonasteries.com
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 good hall with a capacity of up to 1200 seats. Live contact with animals is possible for a fee. Downstairs at the dolphinarium there is a souvenir shop and a cozy cafe, from where you can watch dolphins through the glass of the aquarium.
Official website: https://dolphinariumvarna.bg
10. Varna Aquarium
The facade of the Varna Aquarium or the Institute of Aquaculture and Fisheries Clément Dominik
Many excursions in Varna include a visit to the local aquarium. The purpose of the building is indicated by its design: stucco figures of marine inhabitants on the facade. In addition to freshwater and marine species of the Black Sea basin, exotic specimens of tropical waters are also represented here. In addition to fish, there are invertebrates (jellyfish, mollusks, octopuses), algae. In the exhibition halls there are objects that give an idea of hydrology. There is a specialized library.
11. Varna Zoo
Adorable pink pelicans at 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 enclosures and in an open space, with some tactile contact is allowed. Low price, ponies walking around the territory and scurrying rabbits, the opportunity to look at wild animals from a close distance.
12. The Museum of the History of Varna
The Museum of the History of Varna presents exhibits of the life of the inhabitants of Varna in the late 19th and early 20th century
Two of the three floors in the building that previously belonged to the Belgian consulate are reserved for the museum’s exhibits. Some recommendations of those who visited this museum relate to the inspection of the study with books and real antique furniture, in which the authentic atmosphere of the old times is recreated. The interiors of craft shops, children’s toys, and musical instruments are presented here. The exhibits remind of the former life of the citizens of Varna, their character 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. The huge collections number more than 1,000 thousand exhibits, occupying two floors. The collection of antique gold, ceramics, ancient medical and working instruments, icons is impressive. The halls are arranged in chronological order. You can buy antique-styled souvenir coins in the lobby.
Official website: https://www.archaeo.museumvarna.com
14. Ethnographic Museum
The building of the ethnographic museum is an architectural monument of the XIX century Ilonamay
Another museum that introduces visitors to the life of the Bulgarian nation, crafts, clothes, traditions. The display cases are filled with objects related to former life, and some rooms exactly repeat the atmosphere of ancient life. Due to the interest in such facilities, hotels in Varna never experience a shortage of customers.
15. Retro Museum
Items that were in common use among residents of the socialist countries
This museum was created on the private initiative of a local businessman. Tsvetan Atanasov has collected a huge collection of objects related to Bulgaria’s socialist past. USSR cars, posters, toys, tricycles, children’s cars are presented here. An interesting collection of retro photos.
Sights of Varna: what else to visit in Varna?
Listing the main sights of Varna briefly, we tried not to miss the most important of them. But there are still so many interesting things in this city!
16. National Maritime Museum
The Drazki ship at the Kosi Gramatikoff National Maritime Museum
The deservedly high rating of the museum is based not only on a uniquely beautiful historical building of architectural value. For 400 sq. m . The maritime history of the country since the 19th century is presented here. The exhibits were collected by officers of the Danube Flotilla. The exhibitions tell about the creation of Bulgarian shipping, shipbuilding and the navy. For fans of military history, it is suggested to visit the extensive library on the territory of the museum
17. Vladislav Varnenchik Park Museum
The facade of the Yagailo Mausoleum in the Vladislav Varnenchik Park Museum Maksim
The park can be safely attributed to the sights of Bulgaria. First of all, the memorial complex built on the site of the death of the Bulgarian hero is interesting. The mausoleum is symbolic and serves as an exhibition center. The most valuable exhibit here is the real knight’s equipment of the XV century.. The exhibitions showcase weapons, maps, banners, coats of arms of noble families, engravings, paintings. In addition, you can simply relax in the fresh air, as in an ordinary park.
Official website: https://www.varnenchikmuseum.com
18. Ecopark University Botanical Garden
More than 30 species of roses are bred in the rose garden of the University Ecopark
All guides in Varna recommend coming here. The creators of the project managed to combine artificially created and natural objects into a harmonious whole. A jockey club is located on the territory, which annually initiates the holding of national tournaments. Under the guidance of instructors, you will be offered horseback riding, along the trails of the ecopark you can ride a convertible or a cart. A biological station is also located there.
Official website: https://www.ubg-bg.com
19. Lake Varna
Sunset view with boats on the shore of Lake Varna
This freshwater lake stretches for 10 km. It is known for hydrogen sulfide mud, which, raised from the bottom, has medicinal properties, therefore it is used for medical purposes. Judging by the finds found by archaeologists on the shores, the area around it was once inhabited. At the beginning of the last century, an entire settlement was discovered in the northern part, which is still being explored.
20. Cape Kaliakra
The gates of the medieval fortress of Kaliakra
This legendary place is endowed with fantastic beauty. The rich history and amazing views attract a lot of tourists here. Jutting out into the sea for almost 2 km, the cape holds many interesting objects: the remains of fortress walls, ruins of historical buildings. There is a small chapel here, in the cave there is a small archaeological museum, a restaurant, a mussel farm. A full inspection of the cape limits the location of the country’s Navy radio engineering post.
The temperature schedule of Varna is similar to the weather in other Black Sea resorts, which means that an excursion holiday in high season can be successfully combined with a beach holiday. I wish you bright impressions! Read also about the sights of Nessebar and be inspired to travel further in Bulgaria.
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