Summary of Best Activities in Varna
Varna, the third-largest city in Bulgaria, is a prominent Black Sea port that has served as a summer destination for everyone from Bulgarian aristocracy to youthful vacationers for over a century. Those in their late teens and 20s can explore the vibrant bars and nightclubs, while individuals of all ages will discover diverse attractions suited to their preferences.
The city boasts the oldest gold treasure known to man, approximately 6,000 years old, available for viewing at the local archaeological museum. Additionally, Varna features remarkable natural rock formations, trails for hiking through a unique desert landscape, transportation back to the communist era, and relaxing days spent on its sandy Black Sea beaches.
Below are the top activities to enjoy in Varna:
1. The Sea Garden
The expansive Sea Garden extends along the coastline and into the city, recognized as a national monument of landscape architecture.
This park serves as a recreational haven for Varna’s inhabitants, featuring attractions such as a dolphinarium, a zoo for families, and a casino for adults.
Although the Sea Garden offers numerous activities, a leisurely stroll along the wide promenades amidst blooming flowerbeds and shaded areas provided by palms and deciduous trees is remarkably restorative, especially on a hot day.
While wandering, be sure to seek out the statue of Yuri Gagarin located in the Alley of the Cosmonauts, marking his inaugural visit to this part of the garden in front of large crowds in 1961.
2. Archaeological Museum
Varna’s Roman heritage has endowed the city with a wealth of valuable artifacts, with the Gold of Varna exhibit elevating the Archaeological Museum’s status as a must-visit venue.
This collection, featuring gold and valuable items retrieved from the Varna Necropolis, which dates back an astounding 6,500 years, draws numerous visitors.
The Gold of Varna holds the distinction of being the oldest gold treasure globally, with exhibits that have traveled around the world, showcasing various jewelry, utensils, and decorative artifacts.
One particular tomb, believed to belong to a chief or priest, contained an impressive 1.5 kg of gold.
3. Aladzha Monastery
Situated just beyond Varna’s northeastern suburbs is an impressive Orthodox cave monastery complex, set within a protected natural area near the coast.
These man-made caves are carved from a 25-meter tall karst cliff, providing a rewarding experience for those who navigate the challenging terrain. Inside the monastery, visitors can admire well-preserved mosaics and medieval frescoes that, although partially worn over time, remain remarkable.
A short trail through the forest leads to two catacombs for further exploration.
4. Varna Cathedral
The bright copper domes of this magnificent cathedral comprise one of the city’s iconic views.
Constructed shortly after Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule in the late 19th century, the cathedral was influenced by the architectural style of the Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg.
More than 50 icons displayed within the cathedral’s expansive interior were presented by Tsar Nicholas II in the early 20th century. Additionally, much of the interior decor was added gradually due to the impact of war, including the sizable stained-glass windows that were not installed until the 1960s.
5. Battle of Varna Park Museum
This museum commemorates a significant event in the history of late medieval Europe. In 1444, the Christian Army of Hungary-Poland was defeated by Sultan Murad II’s Ottoman forces at Varna.
This defeat ushered in centuries of Turkish domination in the region until the late 19th century.
Located west of Varna, the museum’s facilities house a permanent exhibition featuring 15th-century weapons and armor recovered post-battle.
Allow time to wander through the rest of the park, where one can also find the city’s mausoleum and ancient Thracian burial mounds dating back to 4,000 BCE.
6. Stone Forest
Located further from the battlefield, this astounding natural phenomenon is situated in Bulgaria’s only desert.
The Stone Forest consists of numerous towering stone columns, some reaching heights of seven meters, and spans an area of approximately 13 square kilometers.
These columns are hollow and formed through methane oxidation caused by microorganisms, resembling man-made structures, making them even more intriguing.
Visitors will find the columns perfect for photography opportunities, as well as the unique chance to explore a desert environment rare in Europe, apart from Tabernas in Spain.
7. Varna Roman Baths
Positioned in the southeastern part of Varna is the bath complex that once served the Roman city of Odessus.
Dating back to 100 CE, these baths are among the largest Roman Thermae remaining in Europe and are only second to those situated within Rome.
One section of the complex reaches a height of 25 meters, allowing visitors to perceive the original facilities clearly.
The remains of the hypocaust, which heated the baths through an intricate network of underground pipes, are also visible. Elevated walkways offer a sweeping view of the baths, which become particularly enchanting at night when illuminated.
8. Retro Museum
For those seeking a nostalgic glimpse into recent history, Varna’s Retro Museum provides insight into the city during its socialist period.
Situated within the Grand Mall, the museum showcases a wide array of daily life artifacts from the 20th century, spanning everyday items such as Bulgarian cigarettes, kitchen tools, vacuum cleaners, and cosmetics. It also displays lifelike figures of notable historical figures, including popular singer Emil Dimitrov and Todor Zhivkov, the longtime leader of the state during that era.
Undoubtedly, the highlight is the collection of 50 vintage automobiles, featuring well-known models like Skodas, Trabants, and Volgas, including a Chaika limousine that transported members of the Politburo.
9. University Botanical Garden
For families visiting Varna, the University Botanical Garden presents an ideal opportunity for a leisurely afternoon.
This tranquil 360-hectare park and arboretum is perfect for a scenic walk or a picnic beneath the shade of its many trees.
Opened in 1977, the garden showcases 300 plant species and if you visit in early summer, you will be treated to a beautiful display of 250 iris species and 30 rose species in full bloom.
10. The Wonderful Rocks
These remarkable rock formations were designated as a “National Phenomenon” by the government in 1949.
Similar to the Stone Forest, this landscape is one that must be witnessed to be fully appreciated.
Visitors will find towering limestone needles, reaching heights of 50 meters, standing along the riverbank like the towers of an awe-inspiring abstract fortress.
Rock climbers frequent these formations, and casual walkers can enjoy stunning views by traversing the tunnel that runs beneath them.
11. Barite Complex
This distinctive attraction offers an enriching experience for both tourists and local residents, allowing them to reconnect with traditional Bulgarian ways of life.
Described as an open-air museum that accommodates overnight stays, the complex features five traditional houses and a rustic restaurant constructed from locally sourced stone and wood.
Visitors can observe typical crafts and clothing within the ethnographic museum, as well as experience performances of traditional dances, songs, and rituals rooted in Bulgarian folklore.
Set along a serene river and surrounded by verdant hills inhabited by cattle, which contribute the milk for the yogurt served at the restaurant, the complex offers a picturesque country setting.
12. Museum of the History of Medicine
Hosted by the University of Varna, this unique museum is the sole institution in the Balkans dedicated to the history of medicine.
It caters not only to aspiring medical professionals but also provides an overview of medical practices in Bulgaria, spanning from Ancient Thrace, through Ancient Greek and Roman eras, to the early days of Bulgarian independence, with each period represented by locally discovered authentic artifacts.
With a collection of approximately 4,000 medical volumes, the museum also features natural history exhibits showcasing the chronology of human development in the region.
Modern medical advancements are illustrated through displays of an X-ray machine and ultrasound scanner.
13. Euxinograd
Originally a monastery, Euxinograd was transformed into a lavish estate by Prince Ferdinand I following the Bulgarian Revival, who engaged French architects to design the gardens surrounding a French-style chateau.
He introduced various plant species, such as Atlantic cedar, for the grounds, and erected greenhouses to sustain exotic plants like palms throughout the winter.
A winery was established within the converted cellar of the monastery, which included a modest bottling facility.
Currently serving as a summer residence for the president, the palace welcomes visitors to explore its gardens adorned with topiaries and several of its exterior structures.
14. Golden Sands
During the summer months, temperatures in Varna can reach the high 20s Celsius, providing ample opportunity to enjoy a refreshing time at this nearby Black Sea resort, easily accessible by car or bus.
A tranquil and family-oriented option is Nirvana Beach, which features an undeveloped coastline accompanied only by a beach bar.
The main beachfront resembles a Mediterranean destination like Marbella, boasting high-rise apartments and hotels nestled among bars and nightclubs, along a wide expanse of golden sand that lends the resort its name.
15. Amusement Park Varna
Geared towards younger visitors, Varna’s Amusement Park, located within the Sea Garden, offers an assortment of attractions designed to engage children’s energy levels.
Among the various rides are bumper cars, carousels, mini-roller coasters, a lake for dinghies, a Ferris wheel, and trampolines equipped with bungee cords that children will eagerly enjoy for hours.
Although older kids and teenagers may find fewer activities suited for them, this park remains an excellent choice for younger family members.
