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
Varna is Bulgaria's only cruise destination with the cruise terminal located near the city center and within walking distance to the Sea Garden, a 15 minute walk, and beaches. City landmarks include the Varna Archaeological Museum, exhibiting the Gold of Varna, a cache of chalcolithic grave-goods, which constitute the oldest gold treasure in the world.
Printable map to take along.
Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria with a metropolitan population of almost one half million.Varna is the biggest city at the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Varna's length is over 11 km, its width including the new residential district in nearly 9km. The city stands in tiers and follows the curves of the Bay of Varna. It is surrounded by lots of gardens, vineyards and deciduous groves. Almost the whole territory is occupied by private country houses and small farms. The city is a regional center.
The Archaeological museum is housed in a building that used to be a school during the Renaissance. The Museum of the Bulgarian Revival is housed in a building from 1861 which was proclaimed a culture monument. The Naval Museum is in the Sea garden and possesses all the objects of importance for the Bulgarian Navy. The Park-Museum Vladislav Varnenchik is to the north-west of the city. The Ethnographic museum is housed in a Renaissance house from 19-th century. The Natural – science museum displays species typical of the Bulgarian flora and fauna. The Aquarium and the Black Sea museum is the first and the only marine biological station in the…
Getting around
Be careful with the taxis: You may pay 10 times the right price, and to check for the fare per kilometer look at the small square paper plate located at lower corner of the rear doors' windows. 20 leva should take you pretty much anywhere you'd like to go in downtown Varna.
Food and shopping
Beautiful embroidery and lacework can be found here.
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.
If you are suddenly surrounded by a lot of kids, make sure you watch your belongings!!
Money
Since 2026 Bulgaria uses the Euro.
Do get local cash at an ATM machine when you arrive because hardly any shops or restaurants accept credit cards.
Staying connected
Bulgarian
Just follow the crew to the nearest internet/wifi spot.
Opening Hours and
Most stores are open 7 days a week.