What To Do On A Rainy Day In Varna

Varna, the so-called seaside capital of Bulgaria is a sunny place most of the time but if you happen to visit it on a rainy day, don’t worry. Even though the beach won’t be the perfect spot for the day, there is much more to do in Varna. Here are some of the best ideas.

See an art exhibition

If you are not well acquainted with the Bulgarian art scene, start from the Varna City Art Gallery that will walk you through the basics, presenting a collection of the best artists in the region over the last century. If you want to meet contemporary artists, head for Largo Art Gallery whose schedule is busy with exhibitions showcasing both well-established and young Bulgarian artists. Contemporary Space is a cultural hub where in addition to art exhibitions, you can see video and audio installations, workshops and courses.

Read a book while sipping your favorite hot drink

There’s nothing better on a cold, rainy day than a good book and a hot drink steaming next to you. Book lovers will feel at home in the café of The Three Dolphins Hotel which has a cozy feeling of somewhere that has gathered the whole world in one place. The venue also features a small food bazaar with products from different parts of the world. You might be surprised to know that the coffee beans for your favorite drink are roasted in a family shop in Austria specially for this café.

27 Gabrovo Str., Varna, Bulgaria, +359 52 600 911

Practice skateboarding indoors

There are few places in Bulgaria where skateboarding can be practiced indoors and Halle 3 in Varna is one of them. It houses a chill zone and ping pong and soccer tables and is a home of various events – from craft bazaars to movie screenings, so check its program in advance.

Drink tea with a cause

Cafe

The Social Teahouse is not just a regular coffee shop but also a place where young people who grew up in an orphanage are given a chance to have their first job. The venue is decorated in a fresh and upbeat style to contrast the bad weather outside. https://www.instagram.com/p/BTv1HVBBiux/?taken-at=794210027337127

Shop in style

You will quickly notice that Varna is a city where women love to dress up and men love to keep fit. What better place to shop for clothes, shoes, and accessories than this?! Discover some of the best Bulgarian brands or if you want to check your favorite international brands, head for Grand Mall or Mall Varna.

See the oldest gold treasure in the world

Museum

Few people are aware that Varna is the place where the oldest crafted gold in the world was discovered. Created by the Varna Culture more than 7,000 years ago, it was dug out in 1972 at the Varna Necropolis. Visit the Archaeological Museum in Varna to see the exquisite gold items from the graves and to learn more about these old times and what life was like then.

Understand life in a Communist country

Museum

If you haven’t experienced life in a Communist country, you may be interested in the Retro Museum telling the story of the life of the Bulgarians between 1944 and 1989. You will see home appliances, everyday tools, food and, the biggest attraction, a collection of Soviet-era car makes.

See the show of the dolphins

One of the biggest and oldest attractions of Varna, the show of the dolphins is a great experience that doesn’t depend on the weather. If you include Festa Dolphinarium in your itinerary, it’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance, especially in summer when they sell out very fast. You can also sign up for a special swim with the dolphins.

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."