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Picture of Varna, Bulgaria

Travel Guide for
Varna

Bulgaria

Humid subtropical, mild winters, warm summers

Introduction

Varna, Bulgaria’s lively seaside city, sits along the glittering Black Sea coast. Steeped in history, it boasts Roman baths, ancient cathedrals, and charming promenades.

Visiting in late September means mild, sunny weather—ideal for exploring beaches, parks, and outdoor attractions with the family. Enjoy the Sea Garden, the Dolphinarium, and affordable seafood restaurants. Varna’s welcoming vibe, rich heritage, and gentle climate make it perfect for a budget-friendly, family escape.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleFamily friendly

Dates19-26 September 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

family activitiesoutdoor adventures

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Picture of Varna, Bulgaria

Key Facts

Location

Northeastern Bulgaria (Black Sea coast)

Currency

Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Religion

Eastern Orthodox Christianity

Population

340,000

Language

Bulgarian, English, Russian

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, type C/F plugs

Time zone

UTCEET/EEST (UTC+2)

Country code

+359

Internet access

High availability, fast speeds, affordable

Climate

Humid subtropical, mild winters, warm summers

See More Bulgaria Facts

Language:

Bulgarian

  • hello

    здравейте (zdrah-VEY-teh)
  • goodbye

    довиждане (doh-VEEZH-dah-neh)
  • yes

    да (dah)
  • no

    не (neh)
  • how much

    колко струва това? (KOHL-koh STROO-vah toh-VAH)
  • please

    моля (MOH-lyah)
  • thank you

    благодаря (blah-go-da-RYAH)
  • excuse me

    извинете (eez-vee-NEH-teh)

Map

Logistics

Getting to Varna is easy and family-friendly, with Varna Airport (VAR) offering direct flights from many European cities, especially during the summer season. Taxis or affordable city buses can take you from the airport into the city center in about 15–20 minutes. For a budget option, international buses run from Bucharest, Istanbul, and Sofia, offering comfort and reasonable prices.

If you prefer train travel, daily trains connect Varna with Sofia and other Bulgarian cities, but the journey can be long (7–8 hours). Ferries operate from nearby ports across the Black Sea, though schedules are seasonal and weather-dependent. In late September, expect mild weather and minimal disruptions, but always check transportation timetables as services may reduce after peak summer.

Weather

Varna enjoys a mild climate, with warm summers and cool, breezy winters. The city is located on the Black Sea coast, making it a popular spot for beach outings and outdoor adventures from late spring to early autumn. Rain is spread throughout the year, but extreme weather events are rare.

From September 19 to September 26, expect pleasant early autumn weather. Daytime temperatures typically range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with cooler evenings, and occasional light showers. This period is ideal for family activities, outdoor explorations, and visiting parks or the seaside, without the intense summer crowds or heat. Extreme weather is not common during this time.

Food & Drink

Varna’s cuisine is a flavorful mix of Bulgarian, Turkish, and Greek influences, with dishes like shopska salad, banitsa (cheese pastry), grilled meats, and fresh Black Sea fish. Try tarator (cold cucumber-yogurt soup) in summer and sip local wines or rakia, the traditional fruit brandy, with your meal.

For family-friendly dining, Happy Bar & Grill is a popular chain offering a wide menu at reasonable prices. For a taste of local seafood, check out Staria Chinar Port Varna. Sweet treats and coffee can be enjoyed at Patisserie Café Cherry by the Sea Garden.

Tipping around 10% is customary. Many places offer vegetarian options, but vegan and allergy-friendly choices may be limited; ask staff for recommendations and ingredient details.

A picture of Banitsa

Banitsa

Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of filo dough and a filling of eggs, white...

A picture of Shopska Salad

Shopska Salad

Shopska salad is a refreshing Bulgarian salad made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions, topped with...

A picture of Kavarma

Kavarma

Kavarma is a hearty Bulgarian stew made with meat (usually pork or chicken), onions, peppers, and tomatoes, seasoned...

A picture of Tarator

Tarator

Tarator is a chilled Bulgarian soup made with strained yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and walnuts. It has a...

A picture of Mekitsa

Mekitsa

Mekitsa is a popular Bulgarian fried dough pastry, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Made from...

Accommodation

For a family-friendly stay in Varna, look to the central city area near the Sea Garden. Hotels like Graffit Gallery Hotel and mOdus Hotel offer modern amenities, spacious rooms, and easy access to the beach and attractions. Golden Sands, a lively resort area nearby, offers larger resorts such as Melia Grand Hermitage, which include family-friendly pools and activities.

Booking.com and Airbnb are reliable options for comparing prices and finding deals. In September, accommodation is generally more available and affordable as the tourist crowds fade, but it's still wise to book ahead for your chosen dates. For a quiet location with playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes, consider the Chayka neighborhood, just north of the center.

Itinerary

Kick off your Varna adventure by getting acquainted with the city’s inviting coastline and family-friendly outdoor spaces, creating the perfect introduction to a fun-filled trip.

Morning Stroll and Family Games at Sea Garden (Primorski Park)

Start your Varna adventure at the famous Sea Garden (Primorski Park), one of the city's most beloved green spaces. Walk scenic paths, explore playgrounds, and enjoy the playgrounds, fountains, and panoramic views of the Black Sea. Perfect for family photo opportunities!

Relax on Varna Central Beach

Spend a few relaxing hours at Varna Central Beach, where the whole family can swim, build sandcastles, or rent paddleboats. Umbrellas and loungers are available to rent, and there are plenty of cafés nearby for snacks and ice cream.

Discover the Varna Aquarium

Visit the Varna Aquarium, where kids and adults can see native Black Sea marine life up close. The displays are educational and engaging, making it both a fun and informative stop for families exploring the coast.

Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna

Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

This is a full day private tour that takes you to the north of Varna to explore a region with exceptional natural beauty, very rich in birdlife, archaeological and historical landmarks. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will reach the northernmost point of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, Durankulak Lake, home to one of the most ancient civilizations in Europe. You will explore the rugged beauty of Cape Kaliakra and hear the legends it has inspired. A visit to the charming bohemian residence of a Romanian queen and the adjacent botanic garden in Balchik, is another highlight of this tour. The garden is famous for its unique collection of big cacti, second biggest of its kind in Europe, exotic trees and seasonal flower collection. You will be treated to a free wine tasting in the Queen's cellar, while enjoying the story of her turbulent life.

5.0 (4 reviews)

From $260 USD

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Attractions

4.7 (142 reviews)
The OFFroad Adventure

The OFFroad Adventure

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This fabulous adventure takes you by 4x4 vehicle to places that cards and coaches cannot reach. Explore the wonderful mountains, forests and picturesque villages. Meet the locals, see the farms and animals while travelling by wild fields and crossing rivers!

From $70 USD

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4.0 (24 reviews)
Superb Black Sea Yacht Picnic with Food & Drinks

Superb Black Sea Yacht Picnic with Food & Drinks

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Join us on an yacht trip along the charming Black Sea coast north from the town of Balchik! We depart the picturesque port of Balchik in order to enjoy a relaxing day with bath, swimming and good food. We sail away with a beautiful view over the small town of Balchik, its white houses and the green Botanical garden of Queen Maria`s summer residence.

From $94 USD

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5.0 (4 reviews)
Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting

Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Taste an unforgettable selection of Bulgarian wines with appetizers. We have sorted the best of the best so that you can say "Yes, I tasted true Bulgarian wine". Come and try this absolute favorite experience in Varna.

From $70 USD

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4.9 (48 reviews)
Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea

Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Plateau Cycling provides relaxed to intensive cycling trips suitable to everyone who enjoys riding. Choose your guided bike trip for fun, fitness and adventure. Enrich your experience while visiting Bulgaria. We select captivating routes to remote and tranquil areas, full of nature beauty, history and local spirit. We find unique places, which you don't intend to visit, while traveling to Bulgaria. The riding on our routes becomes sensitive adventure of colours, smells, discussions with locals, pictures, wildlife observation and food experience. Our guides are open to share unique knowledge about the Balkans and the Bulgarian history and culture, to present the ancient heritage of early civilizations, Thracians, Greeks, Romans and old Bulgarians. Places like Provadia, Dobrich, Balchik and Yailata just amaze with historical depth and authenticity. Our bicycle tours gives you time to perceive the rich environment, while riding.

From $69 USD

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4.4 (31 reviews)
Jeep Safari Varna, Albena, Golden Sands & Kranevo

Jeep Safari Varna, Albena, Golden Sands & Kranevo

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Traveling with the jeeps through an off-road route, crossing of several river places, driving along the river about 300m, wonderful vegetation, animals on the road. Animation throughout the itinerary. Exploring the wonders of the Northern Black Sea coast like no other jeep safari in the region. You have the opportunity for a bespoke wine tasting in the vicinity of Varna which is included in your package which you need to reach at your own transport in a day which you would like to take. You need to contact us to fix it.

From $118 USD

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3.0 (4 reviews)
Help the hosts: Breadmaking, Yoghurt making and Cattle Keeping

Help the hosts: Breadmaking, Yoghurt making and Cattle Keeping

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Wonderful experience with local hosts. Learn how to make traditional Bulgarian bread and yoghurt. Help the locals with the cattle. Merge yourself with the locals for an unforgettable experience. We operate this tour in more than 20 destinations all around Bulgaria with local people. You will get the local flavor of the experience. Note that the activities differ from destination to destination as for example in destination Sofia we show the cattle keeping. For everyone in Veliko Tarnovo the activity happens in the unique Salasuka village with workshop on preparation and baking the traditional bread, milk fermentation, garden daily life activities and light lunch. For the customers in Bansko and the area of Bansko, the activity happens in Vlahi village which is really authentic and very interesting. For the customers in Varna, Dolishte village is used. Please, note that this is a more specific product and contact us as it may incur additional costs.

From $70 USD

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5.0 (5 reviews)
Kamchia river kayaking day tour

Kamchia river kayaking day tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Kamchia biosphere reserve has spectacular scenery with a large variety of plants and animal species. You can observe them from a different point of view. Be an adventurer kayaker, do something different and run away from everyday life. We promise full enjoyment for the adventurers.

From $83 USD

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4.1 (8 reviews)
Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting

Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Indulge your senses on a captivating 3-4 hour walking tour around the highlights of the sea capital of Bulgaria – Varna. Led by a passionate local guide, you'll discover hidden gems and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant spirit. End the tour with savoring exquisite selection of 4 Bulgarian wines either in the charming ambiance of a sommelier villa or in the stylish backdrop of a premium downtown location in where you will unravel the secrets of Bulgarian cuisine with a selection of appetizers and dishes. Soak up the atmosphere of the Black Sea capital. Choose your own adventure with our self-guided option or let our expert guide curate a lead the personalized privately-guided experience just for you. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and create lasting memories!

From $70 USD

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