The Best Attractions In Varna

Varna is nicknamed ‘the seaside capital of Bulgaria‘, and is the third largest city in the country. With a neat and compact center that’s easy to navigate, it offers a fantastic variety of museums, galleries and fun attractions. Here’s our guide to the the best.

Sea Garden

Bar

The Sea Garden of Varna is one of the symbols of the city, stretching along the coast. From the green and shady garden you have direct access to the beach – all you have to do is choose a beach bar and order a cocktail and a hookah as the locals do. Time is irrelevant when it’s summer and you are in Varna.

Archaeological Museum

Museum

You may have visited many archaeological museums around the world or in Bulgaria in particular, but few places boast a finding like the Varna Necropolis with the oldest crafted gold items in the world discovered among its graves. The necropolis was found by accident in 1972 while construction works were taking place, and was immediately turned into a worldwide sensation. Today, three of the halls of the Archaeological Museum in Varna are dedicated to the necropolisn along with other artefacts from the Varna area. Below a 3D model of a clay burial mask with gold ornaments is pictured.
Lake Godess
by Svetlin Angelov
on Sketchfab

Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral

Church

The biggest Orthodox Christian cathedral in Varna and one of the biggest in Bulgaria, Dormition of the Mother of God in Varna is worth the visit to witness the icons and ornaments typical of Orthodox churches. Pay attention to the beautifully ornamented stained glass windows depicting four of the most important people who took part in creating the Cyrillic script – saints Cyril, Methodius, Clement of Ohrid and Angelarius.

Drazki Ship Museum

Museum

Army and naval history buffs will enjoy a visit to the historic Drazki Ship Museum, part of the Naval Museum in Varna. There you can see the original 1908 torpedo ship that took part in three 20th century wars, before it was turned into a museum. Though it is located in the Sea Garden instead of at sea, it’s still an impressive sight.

Festa Dolphinarium

This is the only place of its kind in Bulgaria, and is a much-cherished memory from the childhood of many Bulgarians. Festa Dolphinarium held its first show in 1984 with dolphins brought from Cuba, and continues to showcase the acrobatic abilities of these clever mammals. There are several shows a day, but it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance, especially in summer.

Retro Museum

Museum

For an intriguing insight into life in a Communist society, plan a stop at the Retro Museum for a step back in time. The museum, located in Grand Mall Varna, contains everyday objects and an impressive collection of Communist-era cars – Trabant, Volga, Lada. A wax figure collection finishes the atmosphere of the venue.

Summer Theater

Theater

The Summer Theater turns into a major cultural hub in the warmer months, hosting theater, opera performances, and concerts of local and international stars. It is located in the Sea Garden, so you are surrounded by greenery and fresh sea breeze. For upcoming events, ask at your hotel or at the Tourist Information Center.

About the author

Maria Angelova

Maria Angelova is in love with Bulgaria, fortune-telling, photography and talking to strangers. She is the author of several travel books in Bulgarian and English, including "50 Secret Places to Discover in Bulgaria' and "203 Travel Challenges. Travel the World. Explore Your Inner Self."