Silistra is one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, dating back to the Thracian period. It’s located on the banks of the Danube River, which forms the border with Romania, and is a convenient stop on the way to or from Bucharest. The town is a mix of old and new, with a lovely old town centre full of cobbled streets and Ottoman-era buildings, and a modern quarter with shopping malls and a lively nightlife. The highlight of a visit to Silistra is undoubtedly the fortress, which overlooks the town and is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Bulgaria. There are also a few interesting museums, including the Museum of History and the Museum of Ethnography.