Making the most of Varna
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
Bulgaria's only cruise destination, Varna has its cruise terminal close to the city center, beaches and the Sea Garden, which is a 15 minute walk away. The Varna Archaeological Museum displays the Gold of Varna, chalcolithic grave-goods forming the world's oldest gold treasure.
Take along a printable map.
Bulgaria's third largest city, Varna has an almost one half million metropolitan population and is the largest city on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It extends over 11 km in length and, including the new residential district, nearly 9km in width. Following the curves of the Bay of Varna, the city rises in tiers amid gardens, vineyards and deciduous groves. Private country houses and small farms occupy almost the whole territory. Varna is a regional center.
A former Renaissance school houses the Archaeological museum. The Museum of the Bulgarian Revival occupies an 1861 building proclaimed a culture monument. In the Sea garden, the Naval Museum holds every object of importance for the Bulgarian Navy. North-west of the city is Park-Museum Vladislav Varnenchik. The Ethnographic museum is in a 19-th century Renaissance house, while the Natural – science museum shows species typical of Bulgarian flora and fauna. The Aquarium and the Black Sea museum is the first and only marine biological station in the…
Getting around
Use caution with taxis: a fare can be 10 times the proper price. Check the per-kilometer fare on the small square paper plate at the lower corner of the rear-door windows. In downtown Varna, 20 leva should cover pretty much anywhere you want to go.
Food and shopping
Beautiful lacework and embroidery are available here.
Some Bulgarian items cost around half as much as in Western Europe, making shoes, leather goods and other clothing good bargains. Clothes from famous international brands, perfumes, electronic equipment and so on can, however, cost more than elsewhere in Europe.
If a large group of kids suddenly surrounds you, watch your belongings!!
Money
Bulgaria has used the Euro since 2026.
Collect local cash from an ATM machine on arrival, as hardly any shops or restaurants take credit cards.
Staying connected
The language is Bulgarian.
Follow the crew to the nearest internet/wifi spot.
Opening Hours and
Most stores trade 7 days a week.