A Digital Nomad Guide to Varna

Varna Visa

Bulgaria is relatively easy to visit as it is part of the EU. EU citizens can live and work in Bulgaria without a visa; however, external countries may need to apply for a visa. Countries such as the UK will obtain a stamp upon arrival, which indicates the arrival date, and most passports will be allowed to spend a maximum of 90 days in the country in a 180 day period. 

If you are not from the EU, then you will only be able to enter Bulgaria for a limited time. Those from the US can enter for the same time that is allocated as part of the EU entrance policy, which is a total of 90 days. After this time, you will need to leave or to have obtained a long-stay visa. It is better to apply for a visa before visiting if you plan on staying longer than your allowed time.

It is possible to visit the migrations office in Bulgaria, where you can extend visas and apply for residence permits. Please check with your embassy in Sofia or your nearest Bulgarian embassy for more detailed information and to find out if you require a visa for entry.

Culture and Food in Varna

Varna is known for its fantastic seafood and a great selection of Bulgarian dishes specific to coastal towns. Bulgarians love their mealtimes, and you will see that many restaurants serve large portions with the intention of it being a sharing dish. It is common for Bulgarians to eat out in groups or as a family and to order for the table rather than just order a main each. This makes a really homely and welcoming dining experience as generally; you will be passing plates between each other and sharing. Most restaurants will display the weight of a dish, so this will help you tell if it is for sharing or for one. 

The most common form of restaurant in Bulgaria is the Tavern, where you will find typical traditional salads such as the shopska salad or basked cheese. These are the best places to try local foods.

Traditional Tavern

Traditional cuisine varies across the countries as many dishes are regional, using locally grown produce. In the mountains, you will find lots of stews containing meats and baked dishes using lots of potatoes and cheese. Whereas on the coastline, you will find that many dishes revolve around seafood. Some of the best taverns or ‘mehana’s’ are Mehana Kashtata, Tavern Hashove, Chuchura Restaurant, and Механа Рай. 

Seafood

From grilled to fried fish and stewed shellfish, you will find a fantastic selection in Varna. If you want to try some traditional seafood, then check out Captain Cook Varna, Magdalena, Nemo Port Varna, Mr. Baba, which is a boat restaurant, and BM Gulf. You will find the best seafood places are located close to the port and main beach near the Sea Park Garden. Take a stroll along and see what suits your budget and desires. There are places that can seem a little more touristic and others that are more aimed at locals. 

Modern Cuisine

One of the best food chains in Bulgaria is Happy Bar & Grill, and I highly recommend going to one if you are craving a bit of international cuisine. They do the best sushi in Bulgaria, fantastic burgers, and a great selection of dishes from across the globe. This is a common place for young Bulgarians to go as all their restaurants are trendy and serve great food for a good price. Other restaurants to check out are El Kapan, The Sea Terrace, mOdus Bistro, and The Martini.

Vegetarian

There is a good selection of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Varna; however, just be aware that some Bulgarians will assume that vegetarian means that you still eat fish, so make sure to check what you are ordering. The best places to eat with dietary needs are Vege Joy Restaurant, Curry & Wok, So Fresh Sevastopol, Sunny Green, Organdzha, Happy Bar & Grill, Veggie Fresh, Food For love, and Nutrio Bar. As it is a touristic destination, the cuisine has adapted over the years to suit a variety of needs.

Varna Nightlife

Varna has a great nightlife scene, and you will find many events happening throughout the summer months. Throughout the winter, many bars and clubs will close up as it is considered out of season; however, there will always be some that remain open. If you are there in the summer months there are a lot of options for evening entertainment and here are some of the best things to do.

Bars

There is a good selection of bars in Varna, all offering a different vibe and night out. If you are looking for beach bars, then the best in town are Cubo and Cuba Beach Bar, as they are both located directly on the beach. These can be a little expensive and touristy, but great if you want a few drinks with the sand between your toes. Some great bars to check out for an evening of nice drinks in the city are The BRICK Bar, Kultura Speakeasy Bar, THE VAULT BAR, Craft Bar – The Bar, Rubik Art and Music, Cafe Bar Soho,  and The Black Sheep Pub.

Nightclubs

If you are looking for a fun night out on the town to dance the night away, then Varna is a great place to be. It has a buzzing nightlife scene due to its popularity in summer with tourists from across Europe. Some of the top nightclubs in town are PORTe, Theatro club Varna, Kult, Zakhir, and Club Retro. Be aware that some nightclubs charge an entry or cover fee and require certain dress codes, so make sure to check on their websites before turning up for more specific information. 

Evening Walking Tours

If you are looking for something a little different, then why not check out some of the evening walking tours around the city. Many cities offer free walking tours, sometimes with themes, and there are some great ones in Varna. One of the best is the Craft Beer Trail, where you will try a selection of Bulgarian brews in multiple venues. More information can be found on the Varna city card website. 

Boat Trips

Varna is situated right on the Black Sea coast, so you will see many boat trips, evening sunset cruises, and party boat offers around the city. Sunset cruises start from as little as $12 USD and party boats from around $25 USD. More information and timetables can be found on Varna Party Boats website.

Things to do in Varna

Varna has a great variety of things for you to do on your days off, from enjoying a beach day to exploring ancient ruins; you will find it all in the area. Bulgaria is a great place for exploring as it has a vast landscape, from mountain ranges to beautiful golden beaches, and it has some interesting history too. Here are some of the best things to do in Varna and in the surrounding areas. 

• Varna City Card

  If you are interested in history and culture and are looking to visit multiple museums, then it might be of interest to invest in the varna city card. They have different time lengths costing different amounts, but it gives you access to a great selection of attractions in Varna. The most expensive city card costs around $21 USD for a three-day pass. The pass allows access to over ten museums, a free beer tour, and much more. Sadly, the card has been temporarily suspended throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, so make sure to keep up to date on when you can use it.

• Beach Day

  The beauty of being by the beach is the ability to have a relaxed, chilled-out afternoon having a casual swim or just reading a book on the sand. There are a number of beaches in the area, some more rugged which are good for hiking, others better for sunbathing.

• Museums and Galleries

  There are many museums and galleries across the city, all showcasing something a little different. For history, you should visit the Museum of National Revival, Archaeological Museum, The Roman Baths, ‘History of Varna’ Museum, and Ethnographic Museum.

• Historical ruins

  Bulgaria is full of historic ruins, and it is common when building works begin that many new ancient sites are discovered. There are many to see within the vicinity of Varna, and I would recommend seeing the Roman Baths, The Stone Forest, and Аladzha Monastery.

• Varna Necropolis

  This is the oldest burial site in Varna and it is where some of the worlds oldest gold jewelry was found. It is located just west to the city next to Lake Varna. It makes for an interesting walk and is free to roam around.

• Lake Varna

  This is a huge lake that divides the city and is connected to the sea. It is a great place to wander around and enjoy some of the natural greenery and wildlife. It is often used for watersports such as sailing, as it is a little safer for beginners than going out on the sea.

• Sea Garden Park

  Located by the ocean is the Sea Garden, a popular spot with joggers and people looking for somewhere to spend the long summer afternoons and it is the largest park of its kind in the Balkans. The Park is quite large and has many features inside, like spectacular fountains and well-curated gardens. Make sure to go and see the crooked tree.

• Monument of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship

  If you are interested in communist history, then you should pay a visit to the monument of friendship located just northeast of the city. This vast sculpture is looking a little worse for wear now as people graffiti on it and the concrete slowly erodes, but it is still worth a visit. I last visited in October 2021, and although it isn’t in the greatest shape, it is a very interesting place to visit, and you get some fantastic views of the city.

• Boat Trips

  Being a coastal city means lots of watersports, including boat trips. There are many companies offering a variety of boat trips, but one of the most popular is the sunset cruise. You can find sunset cruises which are very calming and a great way to look back at the city for under $20 USD.

• Surfing and Watersports

  The Black Sea has a few top surfing spots dotted along its coastline, and a couple of these are close to Varna. You will find some surf schools located in Varna, but the waves don’t get a big here as it is a little bit of a protected coastline. But just north of Varna near the popular resort called Golden Sands is some of the best surfing in Bulgaria. You will find most boards will cost around $30 USD per day to rent, but you might be able to haggle yourself a deal if you want a board for multiple days or weeks. Other popular watersports are paddleboarding, kitesurfing and sailing, kayaking, and more.

• Day Trips

  Varna is situated to the north of the Black Sea coastline in Bulgaria, which means you have a lot on your doorstep, such as popping across the border into Romania or driving south to other cities such as Burgas or Nessebar.

• Kaliakra Fortress

  Located a short drive from Varna is the historical fortress of Kaliakra, which is great for anyone into ruins and historical sites. Entry will cost under $10 USD, and you can easily spend a good few hours wandering around the ruins.

• Nessebar

  The ancient town of Nessebar is located just a 2-hour drive south of Varna, and it is really worth a visit. The beautiful cobbled streets flow through this little peninsula of the past. You will find great seafood and crafts here whilst learning about the history of the region.

Best Time to Visit Varna

The weather in Varna varies depending on what time of year you visit. During the winter months, from November until April, the weather is the coldest. Temperatures can drop to as low as 3°C in January and February as these are the coldest months. 

The peak season is in the summer months, so if you plan on visiting in the summer, you are in for a treat as average temperatures reach up to 25°C (77°F). Sometimes it can become very humid, and in more recent years, due to the effects of global warming, temperatures have been hovering in the 30s during the summer months. The summer months are generally from June through until September, and this is the best time of year to visit as everything is up and running, and you will see the city in full swing. The days are warm, and the skies are mostly clear with lots of sun.

Spring occurs in May and autumn in October, November time and these are still nice times of year to visit. However, temperatures are a little warmer than winter but considerably colder than the summer months. Spring is a nice time of year as all the trees start to blossom, and there is a sea of green across the parks.

Varna for Families

Depending on your needs and expectations, Varna can be a great place for families. It is a very international city as it is popular with tourists and expats because of its beautiful golden beaches and affordability. 

As it is one of the largest cities in Bulgaria with a large international community, you will find there is a great selection of schools such as the American International School, where classes are only taught in English. You will also find that there are a handful of hospitals and clinics that will speak foreign languages too, which will make integration easier. 

Finding accommodation may be a little more expensive as a family as you will most likely be looking at villas, which during the peak season can hold a higher value than, say, a one or two-bedroom apartment. For example, on Airbnb, a small villa just outside the center for a family of four during August will cost around $1,060 USD per month, which isn’t as much as some digital nomad locations in the world, but quite high for the country. 

There are lots of things to do with families such as watersports, taking a pirate ship ride, visiting the zoo or museums in Varna as well as enjoying the beach. You won’t be bored for sure. Overall I think Varna is a good location for families as there are great international facilities and lots to do. The cost of living is fairly low compared to other countries in Europe, and you will find schooling and daycares very affordable. The best thing to do is find an expat group on Facebook or online and ask families living there what they think and what they can recommend. 

Living in Varna

Varna Transportation

Getting around Varna can be very simple if you know all the options available to you. It, of course, depends as well on the season you are there as you will find more services are running during peak season in the summer months.

Buses

The bus system in Varna has, over the last few years, been developed to cover a wide portion of the city and surrounding areas. The buses run from the early hours until late into the evening, sometimes running until midnight. A ticket will cost just $0.60 USD that can be used within 1 hour, but you can buy passes that last for the day, which cost around $1.20 USD. Varnatraffic.com is the best website to find out specific information about bus stops and timetables. Visit Varna is another useful tourism website with more information about buses in the city. 

Trains

There is a central station in Varna where you can take trains across the country or to other major cities. There is no network that works specifically within Varna, so this is not an option for commuting but is a way for you to see the country. Tickets can be purchased from the main rail website for Bulgaria. 

Taxi

There are taxis in Varna, and this is a common way to get around the city if you are in a rush, for example, catching a flight or needing to get to a meeting and don’t want to rely on public transport. Sometimes the bus system can be unreliable with its timing, so some people prefer to take a taxi. Common taxi apps in Bulgaria are Taxi Stars, Yellow Taxi, and Hippo Taxi. Using apps is a good way to get reliable rates, and it helps with communication as the driver knows where you want to go. Taxis can vary dramatically in price in Bulgaria depending on the time of day and availability but will generally cost around $1 USD per mile or minute depending on how the taxi driver calculates the journey or depending on the app. Using taxis can be affordable if you don’t travel at peak times. 

eScooter

There is a company called Hop Scooter which has made its way to Varna. The electric scooter sharing service will cost just $0.50 USD to unlock the scooter and then cost just $0.17 USD for every minute after that. This is a great way to get around the city in a quick way; however, make sure to be vigilant of traffic as it can get a little crazy at times. There are also a handful of bicycle rental shops in Varna too so make sure to check those out because cycling around the city could be a great option for you.

Fitness and Health

Staying fit in Varna is pretty easy as you have a wide variety of exercising opportunities, from gyms, fitness classes to running along the beach.

Gyms

There is a good selection of gyms in Varna, each offering different rates and equipment. Here are some of the top-rated in town; My Gym Box, Gym ‘ATLAS,’ Fullmax Fitness and Spa, Maxifit, and VM Fitness Center. Most gyms will offer a variety of memberships, but it is possible to use most gyms for around $6 USD per session. If you want to buy a monthly membership, then you will likely receive a discounted price. It will cost around $50 USD for a month’s membership to a good gym in Varna. 

Fitness Classes

There are a number of gyms that offer fitness classes in Varna; mostly, they are dance or yoga studios aimed at women. If you are looking for something a little different, then check out Strong Zumba Fitness center, as they offer intense Zumba classes for as little as $4 USD a class. If you want something a little less intense, then you can visit a yoga center. Some of the best in town are Yoga Studio’ Om Shanti’ and Gayatri. Many will offer classes in English, and you should expect to pay around $5 USD per session. 

Getting Outdoors

Another way to stay fit is to enjoy some outdoor activities such as hiking along the coastline, cycling along the beach, running in the Sea Park Garden, or even swimming in the sea. Varna is an active city, and you will see lots of locals taking part in outdoor activities such as volleyball on the beach, so why not get a group together and have a game.

Varna People

Varna is known for its history and is often considered the birthplace of European civilization as the area has had settlers for thousands of years. The Thracians were the main inhabitants of Bulgaria, and many cultural traditions come from this race. Bulgarians overall are quite religious, but you will find that the majority of the youth in Varna are becoming less interested in religion, but it is still important to the older generations, and you will see it has more of a presence in smaller towns.

The people in Varna today are a bit more complex and differ greatly; you have holidaymakers, seasonal works who are only there in the summer months, and locals who live there year-round. As Varna is one of the biggest cities in Bulgaria, there are many people of all ages who live and work permanently in Varna, but there are also people there just for the summer season. The whole of the Bulgarian coastline has become a popular destination for beachgoers, and this really changes the type of people who live in the area. There are many business owners that live and work during the summer months and then pack up and leave for winter to head inland to the ski resorts. Particularly restaurant and bar owners who know they will struggle with business during the winter months if they were to stay on the coast. Many towns shut up for winter, but Varna still keeps alive.

Varna is also becoming very popular with digital nomads. It has always attracted tourists from Europe and Bulgaria as it is an affordable place to enjoy a beachside villa. Having multiple coworking spaces means there are a lot of nomads here, as it is beautiful and very affordable when you look at the cost of living in other beach cities in Europe. 

Across Bulgaria, there is a large gypsy community, and there is a quarter in Varna in which they have created their own sector. Although they live in a more defined area of the city, they are as much part of the make-up of the city as any others living there. The gypsy community often hosts celebrations and events focusing on their traditions, so you may see some old-fashioned carts around town from time to time; however, they mostly stay in their community.

Varna is a mix of old, new, expats, and tourists, and this is what has made Varna the place it is today. Ti is a fusion of the past, present, and future and is a melting pot of culture.

Varna Insurance and Medical Care

When you travel anywhere, it is always advised to have health and medical insurance as accidents happen. The healthcare system in Bulgaria is varied; public healthcare is not of a high standard and will usually incur long wait times. The private healthcare system is of a good level in Bulgaria, but perhaps not up to the same level as care in Western Europe. 

Having medical insurance is advised as private healthcare in Bulgaria can be expensive and may involve a journey to another city. For serious medical issues, then you may need to go to the capital city Sofia which is on the other side of the country. Depending on the care you need, the larger cities should have facilities to help. Always take a translator with you as not everyone can speak English or foreign languages. Varna has multiple hospitals and is very likely to be able to take care of you, but always be prepared. 

Having insurance will help with the payment of healthcare, as things can cost a lot when you get private healthcare in Bulgaria. Insurance that also covers your personal belongings is also advised, as although it is relatively safe in Bulgaria, there is crime wherever you go. There are some poorer areas of Bulgaria, where you may find trouble, however it is highly unlikely to experience pickpocketing or loss of belongings in Varna. 

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Varna

Finding a job in Varna may be simple if you have skills and experience within the hospitality or entertainment industry. There is a large population of English speakers, so it is possible to find small part-time jobs helping out during the summer season at the resorts. The best place to find work is online, either with foreign tour companies or on Facebook, asking locals for work. The biggest struggle will be the language barrier, as if you don’t speak Bulgarian, then finding a job may be more difficult.

Other options are by using online search engines, although you will see that many jobs are based in the capital city Sofia as this tends to be where larger companies are based. You may find opportunities via coworking spaces in Varna, as often other nomads need help with odd bits of work, but this isn’t particularly reliable.

There may also be some volunteering opportunities or skill exchanges, so check out workaway.com or search on Facebook for similar groups.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.