Top guide to Varna, Bulgaria: sights, life hacks, and restaurants

Varna's hospitality offers visitors countless free ways to explore the city. Photo by Adam Jones, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Varna welcomes its guests with open arms and a wealth of free experiences that other big cities would charge a hefty fee for. The number one tip for your adventure here is to grab a digital city card as soon as you arrive. This magical pass grants you free entry to over 10 of the city's most famous museums and galleries, a free craft beer tour and tasting, and awesome deals and bonuses on food, shopping, and fun activities. Plus, the app gives you a handy city navigator and free maps – absolutely essential for any tourist. The card comes in three durations, from one to three days, making it a super cost-effective way to save both money and time waiting in lines.

What's more, every day, free two-hour guided tours kick off from Saints Cyril and Methodius Square. These excursions will whisk you away to see the top historical and architectural sights, and reveal the best-kept secrets of Bulgaria’s Sea Capital. Rain or shine, no reservations needed – just show up and join in. The program is exclusively for solo travelers, so it’s the perfect chance to meet fellow explorers. Don’t miss out on discovering the city's fascinating stories, local customs, must-see highlights, legends, and invaluable tips from a local expert guide.

Free Varna highlights walk
Start: daily, 10:30 a.m.
Duration: up to 2 hours
Language: English
Meeting point: Tourist Information Center - Varna
Learn more about Varna Highlights Walk

Digital Varna city card for free admission to museums, etc.
Cost: from $13 for 24 h to $20 for 72 hours
Buy it on the official website

Tucked beneath a majestic 100-year-old plane tree, Staria Chinar Restaurant is the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the heart of Varna. With its cozy, homely vibe and decor featuring natural materials like wood, stone, and plants, it’s the ideal setting for indulging in delicious Balkan cuisine cooked over an authentic hearth.

Start your culinary adventure with grilled zucchini topped with fresh salted cheese, traditional Shopska salad, and porcini mushrooms sautéed in butter and thyme. For the main event, sink your teeth into the juiciest meat you’ll ever taste – lamb drob sarma or game loin filets with truffles, paired with a side of butter polenta or eggplant moussaka. And don’t even think about skipping dessert. A glass of homemade wine and a luscious caramel flan are absolutely mandatory, and the friendly hosts will make sure you leave with a full belly and a happy heart.

Average bill – $16

Spend endless days at Sea Garden without ever repeating the same activity. Photo by Mister No, licensed under CC BY 3.0

Visitors to Varna never have to wonder where to go next, thanks to the grand and picturesque Primorski Park (Sea Garden), which stretches along the entire coastline for about 8 km. If you think it’s just a series of shady paths with pretty plants, you’re in for a surprise. Travelers could spend several days here and never run out of new things to do. The park boasts the Museum of Natural History, the Varna Maritime Museum, Roman Baths, a planetarium, an astronomical observatory, a walk-in terrarium, a zoo, an aquarium, and a dolphinarium – all accessible for free with the Varna city card.

But that’s not all. Hidden deep within the garden lies an amusement park for kids with serene boat rides on an artificial pond, indulgent sweet cocktails at local cafés, and places for sports enthusiasts – whether you prefer hitting the gym or dominating the courts for tennis or table tennis. And for teenagers into skateboarding, rollerblading, or biking, there are fantastic tracks and spots just for them. In a nutshell, Primorski Park promises endless fun for families with kids and history lovers alike, with everything conveniently packed into one stunning location.

Coordinates on Google maps: Sea Garden

Right by the Central entrance of the Sea Garden, Atelier 60 is a hotspot that caters perfectly to your eclectic group of friends. This cosmopolitan hangout doesn’t just draw tourists – it’s a local favorite for its stylish design, fantastic light and healthy meals, and a charming courtyard draped in twinkling lights, ideal for balmy summer evenings.

It’s one of Varna’s most fabulous spots where you can feast on incredible burgers, sushi, wholesome poke bowls, and hearty meat dishes. Sample hosomaki with salmon, or dive into poke bowls featuring fresh salmon, peas, rice, and a medley of nutritious toppings. Warm up with their homemade soups on chilly days. And don’t forget stellar homemade lemonades – make sure to try the strawberry-basil – and their refreshing cocktails that are a must-have, especially when the courtyard turns into a lively concert venue that can keep you entertained well past midnight.

Average bill – $8

The ancient Roman Thermae Varna, standing tall for over 18 centuries, creates a striking contrast against modern buildings. Photo by Svilen Enev, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Transport yourself back to the 2nd century A.D., when Varna, known then as Odessos, thrived as part of the Roman Empire. At the heart of its bustling social scene were the Roman Thermae – massive structures that still awe with their grandeur. Stretching across more than 7,000 square meters, with some spaces soaring to heights of 22 meters – these dimensions are a feat rarely matched even by today's standards!

This complex wasn't just for bathing – it housed gyms, meeting halls, and spacious courtyards surrounded by columns and shops selling luxurious perfumes and textiles. While a dip in the baths isn’t possible now, you can spend hours exploring preserved mosaics, statues, and ingenious heating systems. Picture the lavishness that once graced these halls centuries ago as you wander through this remarkable piece of history.

Admission fees:
adults – $2.80, children – $1.70, or free admission with a City Card
Opening hours:
Summer (June 1 - September 30): 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, open daily
Winter (October 1 - May 31): 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed on Sundays and Mondays
Coordinates on Google maps: Roman Thermae Varna

Calling all prosciutto and ravioli aficionados: we've unearthed a true haven of Italian cuisine – Corsi di Cucina & Corsi di Pasta, conveniently located just a hop away from the Roman baths. From the moment you step inside, this place oozes charm with its Mediterranean-style courtyard decked out in flickering lanterns, cozy wicker furniture, and vibrant blossoms.

Prepare your taste buds for a feast served on premium handmade porcelain – each dish a testament to Italian sophistication and quality. Indulge in homemade pasta with Black Sea mussels, silky ravioli filled with the finest ingredients, or tagliatelle smothered in savory meat sauce. And don't miss their artisanal charcuterie boards boasting smoked meats and Alpine cheeses.

Enhancing the ambiance, live violin melodies waft through the air, setting the stage for a night filled with romance, warmth, and impeccable hospitality from the friendly hosts.

Average bill – $39

Discover the oldest Thracian jewelry at the Archaeological Museum. Photo by Gabriele Burchielli, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Even if you’re not usually one for peering at ancient artifacts under glass, you absolutely shouldn’t pass up the chance to behold true treasures at the Museum of Archaeology. It’s famed for its Gold of Varna, stunning Thracian jewelry dating back 6,000 years, unearthed from the Varna Eneolithic necropolis. Picture over 3,000 dazzling golden pieces, weighing a total of more than 6 kilograms and showcasing a remarkable diversity with over 38 unique types.

The museum also houses original finds spanning from the Paleolithic Age (about 100,000 years BC) to the Middle Ages, each offering profound insights into Europe’s ancient past. Explore the largest Mesolithic collection of flint tools in Southeast Europe, marvel at extensive ancient terracotta, tombstone reliefs, lamps, and exquisite glass vessels found only in Bulgaria.

Plus, there’s an exceptionally rich and ancient collection of icons dating back to the 14th century. Here, every artifact breathes history and tells a captivating story, making your visit an unforgettable journey through time.

Admission fees:
free admission with a City card, or adults – $5.50, children – $1.70, students – $2.80
Opening hours:
Summer (May - September) – daily, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Winter (October - April) – closed on Sundays and Mondays, Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Coordinates on Google maps: Varna Museum of Archaeology

If you're looking to spice up your Balkan dining experience, head to Sushi Masters, Varna's number one Japanese restaurant, conveniently located near the Clock Tower. Here, guests rave about the top-notch quality of fresh fish – trustworthy and expertly paired with ingredients that sushi masters skillfully juggle to create authentic tastes straight from the Land of the Rising Sun. Sink your teeth into a tantalizing array of sushi delights: from nigiri to sashimi, uramaki to hosomaki, and luxurious bowls brimming with sashimi and crisp veggies. Don't forget to indulge in their mouthwatering tuna tataki – seared tuna with truffle cream and unagi sauce that's a game-changer.

Whether you cozy up inside their quaint space adorned with whimsical wall art or opt for takeaway to enjoy your sushi al fresco in the park or at home, Sushi Masters promises an unforgettable dining experience that transports you to the heart of Japan.

Average bill – $8

Experience the picturesque waterfront of Saints Constantine and Helena, a gem on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. Photo by Kiril Kapustin, licensed under CC BY 2.5

In Varna, you'll find 6 urban beaches along with wild and nudist spots, some recognized with the prestigious "Blue Flag" for their cleanliness and environmental standards. Ideal for families, these shorelines offer calm waters, shallow entries, and clear, inviting seas.

Among the popular spots, Central beach buzzes with activity day and night, attracting crowds with music and affordable drinks. South beach caters to active vacationers with playgrounds and volleyball courts, while Officer's beach features therapeutic pools with hydrogen sulfide water. Bunite and Bunite-2 provide high-quality service near the northern stretches. Pro tip: The beaches on the north side are broader and sandier, ideal for laying out your towel and soaking up the sun from sunrise onwards, as they face east.

For a change of scenery, just 9 km away is St. Constantine and Elena, Bulgaria's oldest seaside resort, known for its healing mineral springs and tranquil setting near a monastery. Further along at 19 km lies Golden Sands, a vast resort with a pristine coast, dense forests, and a plethora of entertainment options, from clubs to water activities.

Admission:
Access to the beaches is free, but there are areas with umbrellas and sun loungers available for rent at $4 each. For a more comfortable option, tents and gazebos with soft cushions can be rented for $8.
Transport: Buses, minibuses, and taxis from Varna to St. Constantine and Helena resort run every 10 minutes. To reach Golden Sands beach, you can take city buses 9, 209b, and 409, stopping at Travel, Madara, Aqva park, Republika, Direktsiyata, Zora, and Kukeri.
Note: Varna is a balneological resort offering leisure opportunities not only in summer but also in the off-season. Many visitors prefer this time to avoid summer crowds and benefit from lower off-season prices while exploring the city's attractions at their own pace.
Coordinates on Google maps: Saints Constantine and Helena, Golden Sands, Varna beach

At Varna's Central beach, El Kapan stands as a true gem with its seafood-focused dishes and a light, carefree atmosphere. Sit inside the stylish dining area with designer furniture, airy partitions, and woven rattan lamps, or opt for one of the colorful outdoor tables where you can dine soaking up the sun and sea breeze.

The menu dazzles with Black Sea delicacies – poke bowls and fresh salads, exemplary paella with giant prawns and mussels, grilled filets of salmon, tuna, and sea bass, and a standout fish cake served with grilled corn and lettuce leaves. The variety of dishes, artfully presented with vibrant flair, will leave you spoilt for choice. Don't forget to complement this vibrant experience with a delicious refreshing cocktail, lounging on the restaurant's beachside sunbeds.

Average bill – $19

Varna still has plenty of secrets up its sleeve, and we can't wait to reveal them to you soon. Meanwhile, dive into our guide to Bulgaria's iconic dishes and the best spots to try them in Sofia, the country's vibrant capital.