City in Veliko Tarnovo Province, Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo
Former royal capital stacked on a river gorge, with Tsarevets fortress and a student feel. Cheap and scenic for 2–3 nights; quiet evenings and steep, cobbled hills.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,130–1,690Comfortable, one person · €1,000–1,500Details
- Value for money73/100Better value than 72% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 31°CDetails
- Air quality14.3 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · ModerateDetails
- Internet94 MbpsFixed broadband, Bulgaria medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and widely drunk, though resorts often serve bottled.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$28–68Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundCity busWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work in most restaurants, shops and hotels; keep cash for markets, kiosks and some taxis.Details
Where to stay in Veliko Tarnovo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old town (Samovodska Charshiya) | Cobbled lanes, craft shops, cafés and views |
| Varosha | Quiet historic quarter below Tsarevets, guesthouses |
| Center (near Stambolov Square) | Hotels, restaurants and buses |
Apps that work in Veliko Tarnovo
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Glovo | Restaurants and groceries; check coverage |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Viber
- BG Toll: Buying the highway e-vignette
- Taxis: Taxis wait at the center and station; agree the fare or insist on the meter. Bolt is not confirmed to work here.
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 hotels; keep cash for markets, 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.