Varna Vibes: A Budget-Friendly 3 Day Adventure

Explore Varna without breaking the bank - budget-friendly trips await!

21 June 2023

A trip to Varna, Bulgaria on a limited budget includes affordable accommodations such as hostels and guesthouses. There are plenty of free activities to enjoy, like strolling along the beautiful beaches or visiting the stunning Cathedral of the Assumption. Local street food is delicious and won't break the bank, and transportation around the city is easy with public buses and trams.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Beach Bumming

  • Check in at the clean and cozy Yo Ho Hostel right in the city center.
  • Head to Varna Beach, one of the largest and most beautiful beaches in Bulgaria.
  • Soak up some sun, rent a paddle boat, or take a refreshing dip in the Black Sea.
  • Satisfy your hunger with some delicious fresh seafood at the beachside restaurant Horizont or the rustic Fisherman's Grill.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Sea Garden, one of the most picturesque parks and gardens in Europe.
  • Catch a stunning sunset with a cocktail at the fancy rooftop bar of the Swiss-Belhotel & Spa Varna.
Day 2

Culture Quest

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the quirky Cat & Mouse Café.
  • Visit the impressive Varna Archaeological Museum, which displays artifacts from different historical eras including the ancient Thracians, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Slavs.
  • Explore the stately Roman Baths, the largest preserved Roman public building in Bulgaria.
  • Admire the exquisite frescoes and icons at the Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral, one of the most beautiful orthodox cathedrals in the country.
  • Immerse yourself in contemporary art at the Experimental Art Foundation, a non-profit space that exhibits and supports emerging artists.
  • Discover Bulgarian cuisine at the charming Divaka Restaurant, which offers homemade dishes cooked with organic and local products.
Day 3

Adventure Time

  • Get your adrenaline pumping with a thrilling ATV safari in the wild forest and hills of the Golden Sands Natural Park.
  • Visit the Aladzha Monastery, a cave monastery carved in a rocky cliff that dates back to the Middle Ages.
  • Take a dip in the mineral springs of the nearby hot spring resort of St. St. Constantine and Helena.
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at the Grand Mall Varna, the largest shopping mall in the region that houses over 200 stores, restaurants, cinemas, and a bowling alley.
  • Conclude your trip with a hearty Bulgarian dinner at the authentic Mehana Chuchurite, where you can enjoy live music and folklore performances while savoring traditional dishes such as kavarma, banitsa, and rakia.

How to get there

Plane

The easiest way to get to Varna, Bulgaria is to fly into Varna International Airport, which is located just a few kilometers from the city center. There are several airlines that offer direct flights to Varna, including Bulgaria Air, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.

Car

If you prefer to travel by car, Varna is easily accessible by road from other parts of Bulgaria and neighboring countries. The city can be reached via major highways such as the A2 and A5, which connect Varna to Sofia and the Black Sea coast. However, it is important to note that traffic in and around Varna can be heavy, especially during the summer months.

Train

While it is possible to travel to Varna by train, the journey can be long and time-consuming. The main train station in Varna is called Varna Central Station and offers connections to other Bulgarian cities, as well as international destinations such as Bucharest and Istanbul. However, it is recommended to check the schedules and plan ahead as the train connections are limited and often not very comfortable.

Boat

While there are no direct boat connections to Varna, it is possible to travel by ferry from other ports on the Black Sea coast such as Burgas or Constanta. The Port of Varna is well-developed and offers several docks for passenger and cargo vessels, making it a popular stop for cruise ships traveling through the Black Sea region.

Bus

Traveling to Varna by bus is another option. There are several bus companies that operate routes to Varna from other Bulgarian cities, as well as from nearby countries such as Romania and Serbia. The main bus station in Varna is called Varna Bus Station and is located close to the city center.

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