Making the most of Nessebar
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Nessebur (also spelled Nesebur, Nesebar and Nessebar) is a UNESCO world heritage site, and a port where you can step off the ship straight into town (larger ships may tender here).
Nessebur is not wheelchair accessible and has cobbled streets and many steps.
Printable map to take along.
Nessebar is best known for the old town (about 9000 years) on the peninsula. No one can say for sure whether the isthmus is natural or man-made. The largest number and best known buildings date from 11th to 14th centuries almost all of them churches in the so called "picturesque" style: walls intersected by pilasters and lunettes, with stone, brick and ceramic ornaments and arches along the cornice.
A multiticket 10 lv, is sold at the Archaeological Museum, gives access to Sveti Stefan Church, Sveti Spas Church, the Ethnographical Museum and the Archaeological Museum. Cheaper tickets, valid for the Archaeological Museum plus one or two of the other sights, are also on sale.
Today the old part of the town has regained its original romantic atmosphere: narrow cobblestone lanes, tiny squares, two-storeyed period houses with stone-built ground levels and wooden upper floors jutting above the streets and external staircases, gift shops, pubs, tavern and lovely flower gardens.
Getting around
Nessebar isn't very big and you can actually go everywhere on foot. However, if you don't feel like it, there are these cute little trains that will take you from one part of town to the other in less than 10 minutes. The ride costs about 1 euro.
The water route A boat ride from Nessebur to Sunny Beach can be a lot of fun. There are different boats located at the dock in the old part of Nessebar. Some are more upper scale and will offer cocktails and drinks on board. Others are just plain old modified fishing boats. A ride on the more upper scale boats and yachts is about 20 levs. Cocktails cost about the same as they do in the local bars. The fishing boats will charge you about 8-12 levs.
Nearby places
Bulgaria's biggest beach resort Sunny Beach is only 5 km away, offering lot of amusements and excellent night life.
Food and shopping
The town greets you with its cafes, where you can take a rest under the shades of the trees before you start with your shopping marathon. Here you will see 2 streets one left and one right. Take the left if you want to visit the endless shops and souvenirs, and the right if you want to take a walk through the old houses and beautiful renaissance architecture. Here on the right side of the Tatoo studio and the hotel is located the archaeological museum of Nessebar.
Prices in Bulgaria for some items are around half that of Western Europe, and good bargains are to be had on shoes and leather goods as well as other clothing. Note that clothes from famous international brands, perfumes, electronic equipment, etc. often are more expensive than in other parts of Europe.
Money
Since 2026 Bulgaria uses the Euro.
Staying connected
Internet access: Widely available in the cafes which offer free WiFi for customers both in new and old town.
Opening Hours and
Most stores are open 7 days a week.