City in Varna Province, Bulgaria
Varna
Bulgaria's sea capital: Sea Garden park, long beaches, good food and a student scene, with Black Sea summers and quiet winters. Cheaper than Sofia, but hot and crowded in July–August.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,460–2,140Comfortable, one person · €1,300–1,900Details
- Value for money56/100Better value than 55% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, SepWarmest: Aug, 27°CDetails
- Air quality10.9 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2025) · ModerateDetails
- Internet94 MbpsFixed broadband, Bulgaria medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and widely drunk.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–90Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCity busVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work in most restaurants, shops and cafés; keep cash for markets, beach kiosks and some taxis.Details
Where to stay in Varna
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Center and Sea Garden | Walkable: restaurants, beaches, bus access |
| Briz | Quieter residential area on the coast, near the beach |
| Chaika | Residential coastal suburb with apartments and parks |
| Asparuhovo | Cheaper flats, local life, bus ride to center |
Apps that work in Varna
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Viber
- BG Toll: Buying the highway e-vignette
- Taxis: Use licensed taxis or call a dispatcher; Bolt is not confirmed to work in Varna, so check the app before relying on it.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Bulgaria.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work in most restaurants, shops and cafés; keep cash for markets, beach kiosks and some taxis.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Avoid Euronet ATMs with high fees; use bank ATMs and always decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants is customary; round up taxi fares. In resorts, check whether service is already on the bill.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at contactless terminals almost everywhere in cities.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Full Schengen member since 2025: 90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area. Non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a photo for the EES.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is not yet required; its launch has slipped beyond 2026.
- Border guards may ask for proof of accommodation, an onward ticket and enough money for your stay.
Emergency numbers
Police 166 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 160 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
EU SIMs roam at no extra cost. Prepaid SIMs at operator shops require passport registration; a month of data costs about €10–20. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Bulgaria
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.