The idyllic port city of Varna is located on the Black Sea and invites you to enjoy a wonderful holiday in Bulgaria. Relax on the beautiful sandy beach or explore the city’s rich past. In Varna, you’ll also discover many Roman relics. A visit to the Roman Baths is an absolute must! This destination is perfect for a family vacation or a solo trip full of new adventures.
Varna offers a wide range of remarkable highlights. You definitely won’t get bored here! Dive into the city's history and visit the Archaeological Museum or the Roman Baths. The Stone Forest, a true natural phenomenon, should also be on your list.
This cathedral is one of Varna’s landmarks and is located in the city center at “HI. Cyril and Method” Square. Built in 1886 by the Russians following Bulgaria’s liberation from the Ottomans, the cathedral is now the seat of the Diocese of Varna and Preslav.
It is known as the largest church in Varna and the third-largest in all of Bulgaria. Tourists love it as a photo subject and it often appears on the city’s postcards. The cathedral’s impressive size and gleaming copper domes fascinate visitors. Not only is the exterior stunning, but the interior is also adorned with beautiful wall paintings and exquisite woodwork.
Varna’s impressive Archaeological Museum was founded in 1887 by brothers Karel and Hermann Škorpil and is located in a former girls’ high school (1892–1898). Today, it houses an extensive collection of artifacts from across the ages. Discover exhibits from the prehistoric, Thracian, Ancient Greek, and Roman periods, as well as from the medieval Bulgarian and Byzantine empires. There are also exhibits from the Ottoman era and the Bulgarian National Revival.
The museum also features a storeroom, a notable library, and a fascinating children’s school museum, showcasing reconstructions of historic homes and tools. What’s the ultimate highlight? Undoubtedly, the world’s oldest gold treasure, dating back to 4600–4200 BC.
Another fascinating site in the city is the Aladzha Monastery, known as the most famous medieval rock monastery in Bulgaria and certain to catch your eye. Little is known about this cave monastery to this day, which adds to its mysterious allure. Many legends tell of ghostly figures haunting the site. The name "Aladzha" comes from Persian, meaning "colorful" or "mixed", adding to the mystery. This unsolved riddle is definitely worth a visit!
The Roman thermal baths are a cultural monument of Varna and served as public baths in the historic center during Roman times. Today, you can still see their remains and vividly imagine the lively life of ancient Odessos. In Roman culture, thermal baths were a symbol of a thriving social and cultural life.
What makes this Roman bath so special? The public bath of Odessos is one of Bulgaria’s best-preserved Roman architectural monuments. It truly takes you back in time. The complex spans 7,000 m², making it the largest Roman bath in Bulgaria and the fourth largest in Europe. In addition to the central bath, you can also discover other ruins in southeast Varna.
Want to visit more museums but don’t know where to start? Head to the Sea Garden. This park begins at Varna’s port and stretches for several kilometers along the stunning Black Sea coast, filled with colorful flowerbeds and lush greenery. Along the way, you’ll find Varna’s most interesting museums: the Natural History Museum, Naval Museum, Planetarium, Zoo, and Terrarium.
When you're ready to take a break from your museum hopping or stroll, enjoy a relaxing moment at one of the cafés or restaurants lining the Sea Garden.
If you want a great view of the city or to watch the buildings sparkle at sunset, head to this scenic lookout. It’s easily reachable via bus lines 17, 17A, 46, or 60, with the stop located at "Ivanova Cheshma." If you're traveling as a couple, don’t miss this romantic sunset spot.
The harbor is the heart of the city and offers a great setting for both relaxation and entertainment. Fully renovated in 2016, the promenade features numerous restaurants and cafés perfect for strolling. Many cultural and sports events also take place at the harbor, and there’s even an amusement park for all ages.
In addition to the harbor, you should also make time to relax on Varna’s beach and swim in the clear waters of the Black Sea.
If you're eager to explore beyond the city of Varna, we’ve got two fantastic highlights nearby that are perfect for a day trip.
This unique natural phenomenon is not to be missed! The Stone Forest, also called “Pobiti Kamani” or “Dikilitash,” is located just about 20 km from Varna and is famous for its striking rock formations. These include groups of stone pillars up to 10 meters tall, scattered across the landscape in varying shapes and sizes.
Historically, the Stone Forest was considered a sacred place. The earliest written accounts date back to 1829, but the rocks themselves have been forming for over a thousand years. Over time, nature has sculpted the stone into formations resembling people, animals, monsters, or mythical creatures—some so distinctive they have names like "The Stone Guardian", "The Camel", and "The Stone Forest".
The most popular site is the "Dikilitash Group", easily reached from Varna via the E70 road. This area features over 300 stone columns spread across a long, narrow strip (850 m x 120 m), creating a truly breathtaking scene.
The Euxinograd Residence lies just 8 km from Varna and is absolutely worth a visit. Originally built as a summer residence for monarchs, it’s now a favorite destination for visitors. The residence itself is beautiful, and its 80-hectare park is divided into several distinct areas: the central area with the residence, a Greek garden, an English garden, a river area, a beach zone, and a utility section. Each is charming in its own way. Don’t miss the remains of the late antique fortress “Kastritsi” in the park’s northeast section.
To fully experience the highlights of the residence and its gardens, a guided tour is highly recommended. Afterwards, you’ll still have time to explore the grounds at your leisure. Want to stay longer? No problem—overnight accommodations are available on-site.
If you want to experience Bulgaria’s nightlife alongside your city trip, head to the famous Golden Sands, known for its vibrant party scene. Here you can enjoy an affordable night out and meet plenty of young travelers, especially during the high season (June to August). You’ll also find many restaurants and souvenir shops in the area.
Depending on the reason for your trip to Varna, the best time to visit can vary. If you’re looking for a summer vacation in this beautiful harbor city, including plenty of time swimming in the sea, then June to September is ideal. If you’re also interested in experiencing the party scene and planning to combine your visit to Varna with several days at Golden Sands, then travel between June and August. Keep in mind that July and August tend to be the busiest tourist months.
Outside of summer, April, May, and October are also excellent months to visit Varna. These shoulder seasons are less crowded, allowing you to explore the city in peace.
We wish you lots of fun on your journey to Bulgaria and your adventure in Varna. Order your digital vignette for Bulgaria easily through us to enjoy worry-free travel on the country’s highways. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us via email at [email protected].
