Things to do in Varna
Discover the best attractions and experiences Varna has to offer
Historic Monuments
Varna's history stretches from ancient Odessos to medieval and early modern eras, visible in its ruins and sacred sites along the coast.
Roman Baths (Rimski Bani)
Partially preserved ancient baths in the city center, offering a glimpse into Odessos life and Roman architecture.
Aladzha Monastery
A cave monastery carved into chalk cliffs with medieval frescoes, set in a scenic hillside near Varna.
Remains of ancient Odessos walls
Archaeological remnants and ruins that echo Varna’s Thracian and Greek-Roman past.
Museums
Varna’s museums showcase the region’s ancient treasures, history and everyday life through engaging exhibits.
Varna Archaeological Museum
Houses the Gold of Varna and artifacts spanning millennia from the region’s ancient civilizations.
Regional History Museum Varna
Bakery of exhibits tracing Varna’s history from ancient times to the modern era.
Retro Museum Varna
A nostalgic collection of everyday items from the socialist era and mid-20th century Bulgaria.
Religious Monuments
Religious sites in Varna offer architectural beauty and spiritual heritage dating back centuries.
Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral (Varna Cathedral)
The city’s main neo-Byzantine cathedral, a landmark with a striking interior.
Aladzha Monastery
A cave monastery with medieval frescoes, closely tied to the region’s religious history.
Holy Trinity Church (Varna)
A historic Orthodox church contributing to Varna’s spiritual and architectural landscape.
National & Theme Parks
Near Varna, protected nature areas and parks offer coastal scenery, biodiversity and day-trip escapes.
Poda Nature Reserve
A protected coastal wetland known for birdlife and scenic boardwalks.
Golden Sands Nature Park
A nature park surrounding the popular resort area with pine forests and beach access.
Sea Garden (Primorski Park)
Varna’s iconic seaside green space extending along the coast, perfect for walks and viewpoints.
Neighborhoods
Explore Varna by distinct districts, each with its own character, shops and seaside vibes.
Varna City Centre
The historic and commercial heart with markets, churches and walkable streets.
Asparuhovo
A residential district on the northern bank offering local life and river views.
Chaika District
A seaside neighborhood near beaches and promenades with cafes and relaxed vibes.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy Varna without spending a dinar by strolling, sunbathing or soaking in city views.
Sunset stroll along the Sea Garden
A gentle walk through Varna’s premier coastal park with views of the Black Sea.
Beach time on Varna’s central city beaches
Relax on the public beaches and enjoy the sea air and skyline views.
Walk the Seaside promenade
A pleasant waterfront walk from Port Varna to the Dolphinarium and beyond.
Gastronomy
Bulgarian flavors shine in Varna, from fresh seafood to hearty regional staples.
Shopska salad
A crisp, refreshing Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and feta.
Tarator
A cold cucumber-y yogurt soup—great as a light, refreshing starter.
Kebapche / Kavarma
Grilled minced meat (kebapche) or slow-cooked stew (kavarma) typical of Bulgarian fare.
Grilled seafood by the promenade
Fresh fish and shellfish prepared seaside with simple, bright flavors.
Nightlife
Varna’s nightlife blends coastal ambiance with bars and live performances along the seafront.
Varna Opera House – evening performances
Attend an opera, ballet or concert in a historic venue by the sea.
Seaside promenade nightlife
Bars and casual venues line Varna’s coast for a relaxed evening out.
City center live music nights
Hidden-gem venues and pubs in Varna’s core area offer local rhythms after dark.
Entertainment
The city’s cultural venues deliver performances, shows and seasonal festivals.
Drama Theatre Varna (Stoyan Bachvarov)
A historic theatre hosting dramas and contemporary performances.
Festival & Congress Centre Varna
A hub for conferences, concerts and cultural events with sea views.
Varna Opera House
A landmark venue offering opera and music performances.
Sports
Active travelers can enjoy a range of sun-sand sport and outdoor activities.
Windsurfing on Varna beaches
Experienced or beginner-friendly windsurfing along the Black Sea coast.
Cycling the Sea Garden
Ride along shaded paths with sea views and city scenes.
Beach volleyball on city beaches
Join a game or watch local players on Varna’s sandy shores.
Off the Track
For the curious traveler, Varna and its surroundings offer lesser-known gems.
Pobiti Kamani (Stone Forest)
A striking natural limestone formation just outside Varna, perfect for a day trip.
Balchik Palace & Botanical Garden
A fairy-tale palace complex and lush gardens a short drive from Varna.
Kamchia Nature Reserve boat trip
Peaceful boat rides through riverine landscapes and protected landscapes nearby.