Varna (Варна) is a large city on the Black Sea coast in the northeast of Bulgaria. It's the larger of the country's two major sea ports, and a gateway to the seaside resorts on the northern part of the coast. With a population of nearly 350,000, Varna is the third-largest city in Bulgaria (after Sofia and Plovdiv) and it is often called "the sea capital" (morska stolitsa) of Bulgaria. It also holds the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine, and several institutions of higher education.
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Varna is roughly in the middle of the northern Bulgarian coast, at the bottom of the 8 km (5.0 mi) wide Gulf of Varna. An artificial shipping channel splits the gulf's coastline in two and connects the sea to the long and narrow Varna-Beloslav lake, which in turn is fed by the small Provadiyska River. The city of Varna lies on the northern side of the gulf, on a stretch of relatively flat land under the steeper slopes of the southern edges of a low limestone plateau. The tall Asparuh(ov) Bridge connects Varna to the outlying neighborhoods on the southern side, Asparuhovo and Galata.
Most sights and attractions are concentrated in the compact old part of Varna and the Sea Garden, where you can easily get around by foot. A pedestrian zone connects the Cathedral square to the main entrance of the Sea Garden, and both are within walking distance of the railway station. There are several beaches immediately below the Sea Garden, and the alley that runs along them starts in the same place as the street that leads to public part of the port, 10 min east of the railway station. Even the bus station is doable—25 min to the Cathedral, along a commercial boulevard.
1 Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral (Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral). 08:00–18:00. A symbol of the city and a major landmark due to its central location. People use the small park that surrounds it as a meeting place - "at the Cathedral" (na Katedralata). The tourism information center is right across the street. The cathedral was completed in 1886; the Dormition of Mary refers to the Eastern Orthodox belief that Mary died in spiritual peace and was then resurrected and taken bodily into Heaven. (updated Feb 2023) Other notable old Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox churches include the early 17th-century Theotokos Panagia; the St.
There is a large tourist place where you can enjoy whatever entertainment that can be bought for money. There is something for every taste. But, you can also have nice walks in Varna. Football – PFC Cherno More play football in First League, Bulgaria's top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Ticha (capacity 8250) 1 km northeast of city centre. Their local rivals Sparak Varna are in the Second League.
There are many good restaurants at very decent prices comparing other EU countries. 1 Nord, 9002 Primorski. In front of the beach (updated May 2022) 2 Morski valk, ul. "Odrin" 21, 9000 Center. Temporarily closed as of May 2022 (updated May 2022) 3 Arrest Bar Billiard, bul. "Primorski" №5. (updated May 2022) 4 Korean cuisine "Kimbap", ul. "Dragoman" 28. (updated May 2022) 5 Restorant Trifon Zarezan, ul. "Sheynovo" 14. Bulgarian cuisine (updated May 2022) 6 The Social Teahouse, ul. "Preslav" 53. (updated May 2022) 7 Dуrvenoto, ul. "Nayden Gerov" 1. (updated May 2022) 8 Chjou, ul. "Vasil Drumev" 3. (updated May 2022) 9 Chinese Restaurant Asia, ul. "Veliko Hristov" 37.
The beach at night tends to have the most night life in the summer. There are also clubs and bars in the city but some of them are closed during summer: e.g. Cubo, Horizont, Planet Club.
Varna is in general a fairly safe place, though special caution should be taken in regards to the mafia. There have been several cases of tourists being assaulted by the mafia for improper behavior, such as an Icelandic teenage girl in 2017. Try not to give anyone who might be driving a black sports car, wearing a suit with glasses a bad eye. Common sense, courtesy and respect is always the best thing you can pursue. Stay away from people offering money change on the street, as they are all cheaters.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Varna typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 2 rainy days.
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