The Ultimate Varna (Bulgaria) Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Varna, Bulgaria? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

Third largest city in Bulgaria and major seaside resort, with about 300,000 residents.
The oldest gold treasure in the world was discovered at the Varna Necropolis – coins, jewellery and weapons dating back to 4,600 BC.
Established as Odessos in the 6th century BC.
Nicknames: The Sea Capital of Bulgaria.

Currency: Bulgarian Leva (BGN).
Spoken languages: Bulgarian.
Best time to visit: from May to September.
Arriving via airport: public transport to the city is 1.60 BGN, while a taxi costs 20 BGN.

Best hostel for solo travelers in Varna: Nomado Hostel. Very clean, with comfortable rooms, and friendly & welcoming English-speaking staff. Great for meeting other travelers. Daily breakfast included. Close to the Cathedral, walking distance to the beach. Great common areas for socializing, including a beautiful garden outside.
During the off-season (October – April) it is better to stay near the center of the city – hotels along Boulevard Kniaz Boris I.
From May to September, it is more convenient to stay on the Golden Sands (the main summer tourist attraction).

GT Varna is the main way to get around. The public transport consists of bus and trolleybus (there is no subway system). A single ride costs 1.60 BGN, while a day ticket costs 4.00 BGN.
Taxis are the other way to get around. The most reliable companies are Omega (052-388 888) and Transtriumf (052-644 444). Fares start at 0.99 BGN, with an additional 0.79 BGN for every kilometer (0.89 BGN after 11 PM).

Drinking age is 21, last call is 5 AM.
Hip/local scene: bars along the coast (directions).
Great bars to start your night: Sundogs, The Black Sheep Pub, Three Lions Pub (sports bar), The Vault Bar (cocktails), Cafe Bar Soho, and Kultura Speakeasy Bar.
Looking for clubbing? Head to Club Retro or Masquerade Club.

Varna Archaeological Museum. Come check out the infamous Gold of Varna, the oldest gold treasure in the world.
Cathedral Sveto Uspenie, the most famous Bulgarian Orthodox Cathedral in Varna.
The Aladzha Monastery is a medieval Orthodox Christian cave monastery complex.
The Stoyan Bachvarov Dramatic Theatre is the most famous theatre in Varna, and occupies a historic building in the centre of the city.

Take a walk in the Golden Sands on a sunny day. Great for people watching and getting a taste of Bulgarian culture and traditions.
The Sea Garden is a great place for a stroll – relax and observe the untouched nature.

Bulgarian people have a good sense of humour, and are generally tolerant to jokes and comments of all kinds.
Great restaurants to try: Staria Chinar, Happy Bar & Grill Center, Chuchura, Marceda Wine & Dinner, SUSHI Masters, and Marché Restaurant ($$$ – Fine dining / European).
Looking for a vegetarian restaurant? Head to Vege Joy Restaurant.
Where to find good cheap eats: just about anywhere in the city! Check out the small restaurants and fast food joints on Varna’s side streets.
Dangerous areas: avoid the neighborhoods of Vladislavovo, Vuzrajdane and Mladost. Other than that, Varna is a very safe city as long as you exercise common sense.

Recommended trip duration: 1-2 days