Top 4 Itineraries in Varna

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Varna.

If you only have a few days, Varna weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Varna offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Varna are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Varna’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Varna offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Bulgaria's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Varna offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty. With plenty of time to relax and explore, a beach trip to Varna is the ideal way to recharge.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Varna truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Varna belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Varna are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Varna and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Varna itinerary with our handpicked list. Each of these 4 itineraries is crafted to match different travel styles. So whether you're in Varna just for a weekend, or you plan to see more on a longer city break or road trip, there's an itinerary for you!

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these itineraries will help you experience the best of Varna without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Varna!

A scenic 7-day road trip through Бургас, Варна, Балчик, Несебър, and Обзор is one of the best ways to experience Bulgaria. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 7-day itinerary means that Varna can easily be combined with other top destinations in Bulgaria without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Бургас, Варна, Балчик, Несебър, and Обзор by public transport, renting a car in Bulgaria opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 7 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Varna

• Arrival city: Варна
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel
• Sightseeing: Sea Garden

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Varna. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Варна

• Destinations: Варна
• Driving distance: 37.1 km, approx. 1 hour and 30 seconds
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel
• Sightseeing: Retro Museum, Archaeological Museum Varna, Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, and Aladzha Monastery

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Retro Museum, Archaeological Museum Varna, Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, and Aladzha Monastery. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Варна, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Варна

• Destinations: Варна
• Driving distance: 26.91 km, approx. 51 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel
• Sightseeing: Roman Thermae Varna, Dolphinarium Varna, Varna Zoo, and Asparuhov park

Spend the day exploring Roman Thermae Varna, Dolphinarium Varna, Varna Zoo, and Asparuhov park. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Балчик and Балчик

• Destinations: Балчик and Балчик
• Driving distance: 79.2 km, approx. 1 hour and 25 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel
• Sightseeing: Balchik Botanic Garden, Balchik Dvoretsa Palace and Park, and Aquapark Aquamania

Continue your journey through Балчик and Балчик, where you can explore Balchik Botanic Garden, Balchik Dvoretsa Palace and Park, and Aquapark Aquamania. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Несебър and Обзор

• Destinations: Несебър and Обзор
• Driving distance: 142.85 km, approx. 2 hours and 47 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Burgas, e.g., Bulgaria
• Sightseeing: Park Obzor, Ancient Theatre, Church of Saint Sophia, Sunny Beach, and Nesebar Archaeological Museum

Drive through Несебър and Обзор, stopping to visit Park Obzor, Ancient Theatre, Church of Saint Sophia, Sunny Beach, and Nesebar Archaeological Museum. Embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems off the beaten path. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Burgas.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Бургас

• Destinations: Бургас
• Driving distance: 139.75 km, approx. 2 hours and 47 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel
• Sightseeing: The Sea Garden, Boris's Garden (Borisova Gradina), The Clock, and Park "Mineralni bani"

Spend time discovering The Sea Garden, Boris's Garden (Borisova Gradina), The Clock, and Park "Mineralni bani", with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Varna.

Day 7: Spend Time in Варна

• Destinations: Варна
• Driving distance: 9.08 km, approx. 19 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varna, e.g., Continental Hotel
• Sightseeing: Monument of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship

Explore Monument of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Varna.

Day 7: Bid Farewell to Varna

• Departure city: Варна
• Driving distance: 9.08 km, approx. 19 minutes
• Sightseeing: Monument of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Varna. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along the route is around 550 EUR for two people, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Varna. So, if you’re ready to explore iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming towns at your own pace, this 7-day road trip itinerary through Бургас, Варна, Балчик, Несебър, and Обзор is an excellent choice.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Varna for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Varna with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Varna without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Varna

Arrive in Varna and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Sea Garden.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at Staria Chinar Restaurant, a top local restaurant—the ideal way to kick off your getaway!

Day 2: Discover Nearby Attractions and Iconic Landmarks

Enjoy your first full day in Varna by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Retro Museum, Roman Thermae Varna, Yunashki Salon, Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, and Clock Tower of Varna.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Varna. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Varna in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Detski kat Varna and Archaeological Museum Varna are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Varna.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Varna. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Bulgaria!

A 7-day beach vacation in Varna offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Varna:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Rappongi beach, Plyazh Zolotyye Peski, and Plyazh Kabacum.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Continental Hotel for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Beach activities: Dive into beachside fun with options like sup-surfing, sup-surfing, and sup-surfing, and more.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Staria Chinar Restaurant, Pizza Selena, and Three Dolphins, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Rock Bar Download, Grijn bar, and ECO-Bar By Michael, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Sea Garden, Dolphinarium Varna, Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, Retro Museum, Varna Zoo, Detski kat Varna, Aladzha Monastery, and Asparuhov park, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 7-day beach vacation itinerary in Varna, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Varna

Arrive in Varna, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 7 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Rappongi beach or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Varna.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Plyazh Zolotyye Peski, a top beach in Varna. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Dolphinarium Varna, Varna Zoo, and Archaeological Museum Varna for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 3: Embark on a Sailing Adventure

Start your day with a refreshing sailing adventure, where you'll explore hidden coves and untouched bays around Varna. After a day on the water, take a peaceful sunset stroll along the beach, or enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Dive into Water Sports

Enjoy a fun-filled day of water sports at Varna beach. Alternatively, try out popular activities in Varna to add some adventure to your day. End the evening with a meal at a local restaurant and soak up the unique atmosphere.

Day 5: Relax at a Local Beach

Start your day by lounging by the crystal-clear waters of Plyazh Sahara, one of the best beaches in Varna. Add a cultural twist to your beach trip in the afternoon with a local cultural tour.

Day 6: Explore the Local Scene

Spend a sun-filled day at Plyazh Asparuhovo. In the afternoon, explore the local scene by visiting Sea Garden, Detski kat Varna, and Evksinograd Palace. As the day winds down, enjoy a meal and a refreshing drink while admiring the beautiful views.

Day 7: Unwind by the Beach

Relax and rejuvenate with a beach day at Riviera beach. Bring a book, lounge under an umbrella, and enjoy the day with a refreshing drink in hand. As evening falls, enjoy a beachside dinner.

Day 7: Say Farewell to Varna

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Varna. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye. Then, take a convenient transferto make your departure easier.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Varna. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Varna's coastline.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Varna offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Varna itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Varna weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Varna

Arrive in Varna around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Sea Garden, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Varna’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Varna with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Retro Museum early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Yunashki Salon, stopping by Roman Thermae Varna for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Varna and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Varna

No itinerary in Varna is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Monument of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship.
• Afternoon: Explore Dolphinarium Varna and Varna Zoo, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Varna and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Bulgaria.

Day 5 - Depart from Varna

Make the most of your last few hours in Varna before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Varna. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Varna itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Varna, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Varna for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Varna in a way that feels truly unforgettable!