A lively Black Sea coastal city with sandy beaches, narrow streets, and a busy harbor. Home to vibrant nightlife and restaurants serving Bulgarian specialties.
Burgas, Bulgaria's fourth-largest city, sits on the Black Sea coast. Visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, explore the Sea Garden park, or wander through the Old Town. The city has several museums, including the Archaeological Museum and the Natural History Museum. From Burgas, you can easily take day trips to nearby sites like the ancient town of Nessebar. The city's location makes it a good starting point for exploring Bulgaria's Black Sea region.
Exploring the Sea Garden
The Sea Garden is Burgas' largest park, extending 7 km along the Black Sea coast. As you walk its paths, you'll see flower gardens, playgrounds, cafes, and open-air stages. The park connects directly to Burgas Beach, where you can swim in the Black Sea or relax on the sand. For a view of the coastline, walk out on the park's pier that extends into the water.
Discovering Burgas' Old Town
Burgas' Old Town centers around the pedestrian streets of Aleksandrovska and Bogoridi. These cobblestone lanes have 19th century buildings that now house shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can see the Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral with its detailed facade or visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn about local traditions. In the evenings, many people gather at the Old Town's outdoor cafes.
Visiting Burgas' Museums
To learn about local history and culture, visit some of Burgas' museums. The Archaeological Museum displays items from Thracian and Roman settlements in the region. At the Natural History Museum, you can see exhibits about the ecosystems of the nearby Burgas Lakes. The Retro Museum has a collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and everyday objects from Bulgaria's communist era.
Taking a Day Trip to Nessebar
About 35 km north of Burgas is the town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 6th century BC. Nessebar's Old Town is on a rocky peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. As you walk its narrow lanes, you'll see the ruins of over 40 churches from various time periods. The Church of Christ Pantocrator has detailed exterior decorations. After exploring, you can eat fresh seafood at one of the restaurants with sea views.
Sampling Local Cuisine
Burgas' location on the Black Sea means seafood is common in local cuisine. You can try tarama, a creamy fish roe spread, or mussels cooked in white wine. Other local dishes include kebapche (grilled meat rolls) and kavarma (a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew). You can drink local rakia, a strong fruit brandy, with your meal. Many restaurants in the Old Town have outdoor seating where you can watch local life while you eat.
Visiting Lake Atanasovsko
North of Burgas city center is Lake Atanasovsko, which has a distinctive color caused by microalgae. The lake is part of the Burgas Lakes Complex, where many migratory birds live. You can walk along the lake's shore or swim in its mineral-rich waters, which some people believe have health benefits. The lake's color is most vivid in late afternoon when the sun is setting.
Getting Around Burgas
Most attractions in Burgas are in the city center and along the coast, within walking distance of each other. For longer trips, the city has many bus routes. You can buy bus tickets from the driver or at kiosks throughout the city. Taxis are also available and affordable. If you want to explore the wider region, you might want to rent a car. The airport is 10 km from the city center, with regular bus connections.
