Burgas is the fourth largest city in Bulgaria, combining a rich history, dynamic cultural life and picturesque beaches on the Black Sea coast. It’s the perfect destination for a weekend trip or a short break, with something for everyone. Cozy beaches, historical sights and various cultural events attract tourists from all over the world. In this article, you will find all the necessary information for an unforgettable trip to this magical city.
Brief history
Burgas has a rich history dating back to the time of the Thracians. In ancient times, during the time of the Romans, the city was an important trade center. In the 5th century, Burgas came under the control of the Byzantine Empire, and in the 13th century, it became part of the Bulgarian kingdom. Under Ottoman rule from the 14th to the 19th century, the city remained an important port. After the liberation of Bulgaria in 1878, Burgas developed rapidly, becoming an important industrial and economic center. Today, it is a modern city with a dynamic economy and a rich cultural heritage that attracts tourists from all over the world.
How to get there
We traveled from Kiev , and in our opinion, the most optimal route passes through Odesa towards Ishmael. You can easily get to Izmail in a day and even catch one of the evening ferries in Orlivka, spending the night on the territory of Romania. We decided to take our time and spend the night in Izmail. They arrived calmly, filled up a full tank at the entrance to the city, so as not to waste time in the morning.
Stop in Izmail
Поселились в готелі Dream Hotel, where you can have a very tasty dinner, which we did. There is also a car wash nearby where you can wash your car after a long journey. For those who do not plan to stay in Ukraine, but want to cross the border immediately, after crossing the border, you can spend the night at Pensiunea Dunarea Isaccea is a transit city popular among travelers.
Travel to Constantia
From Izmail we continued our journey to Constanta, one of the largest ports Romania on the shores of the Black Sea. Constanta is known for its long history, beautiful architecture and wonderful beaches. This place became a miraculous link on our route to Burgas. Read about how we spent an hour in Constanta in our supplement Constanta in 1-3 days and rest at sea
How to get from Constanta to Burgas
From Constanta, we went to Burgas, which is located on the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and border conditions. The distance between the cities is about 300 km. While traveling by car, you can enjoy the scenery and make several stops at interesting places along the route.
What to see
Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius (Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius)
The main temple of Burgas, located in the center of the city. Built in 1895-1907 according to the project of the Italian architect Riccardo Toscani, it combines the neo-Byzantine style with innovative architectural solutions. The cathedral is decorated with magnificent frescoes and icons that create an impressive interior. It is the spiritual center of the city and an important architectural monument that attracts many visitors.
Marine park (The Sea Garden)
This is a wonderful park located along the Black Sea coast in Burgas. It stretches for several kilometers and offers wonderful views, cozy alleys for walks, fountains and various monuments. There are cafes, playgrounds and recreation areas in the park. It is an ideal place for family holidays and walks, attracting both locals and tourists.
St. Anastasia Island (St. Anastasia Island)
A small island located in the Black Sea not far from Burgas. The island is known for its ancient monastery dating back to the 15th century and its magnificent scenery. The island can be reached by boat from Burgas, making it a popular day trip destination. The island attracts tourists with its history, natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The island is also home to a museum, restaurant and hotel, allowing guests to enjoy both historic and modern amenities. An excursion to the island can be ordered ⇓
Zero kilometer (The Compass)
This is one of the attractions of Burgas. It looks like a stylized decorative tile with embossed heraldic symbols of the city: a trident, a fish, a laurel wreath and a ship. This attraction is located on the pedestrian Oleksandrivska Street.
The exact coordinates of the territory – longitude and latitude – are drawn on the tile, and the rays of the mosaic compass indicate the four directions of the world. This is a convenient guide for tourists to help decide where to go next in Burgas.
Museums
Archaeological Museum (Archaeological Museum Burgas)
The Archeological Museum in Burgas houses a rich collection of artifacts from various historical periods, from the ancient Thracians to the Ottoman rule. Exhibits include ceramics, jewelry, coins, and other valuable items that reflect the region’s multifaceted history.
Working hours: Daily from 10:00 to 19:00
Cost: Adult ticket — BGN 6, child — BGN 3, family ticket BGN 10
Ethnographic Museum (Ethnographic Museum Burgas)
The ethnographic museum is dedicated to the traditional lifestyle and culture of the region. Visitors can see exhibitions of folk clothes, crafts, household items and learn more about the customs and traditions of local residents.
Working hours: Daily from 10:00 to 19:00
Cost: Adult ticket — BGN 6, child — BGN 3, family ticket BGN 10
Natural Museum (Natural History Museum of Burgas)
The Natural History Museum reveals the wealth of flora and fauna of the Black Sea to its visitors. Exhibits include marine ecosystems, rare species of animals and plants, and interesting scientific exhibits.
Working hours: Daily from 10:00 to 19:00
Cost: Adult ticket — BGN 6, child — BGN 3, family ticket BGN 10
Entertainment for children
Sunset Aquapark (Sunset Aquapark Pomorie)
It’s the perfect place for fun for the whole family, offering numerous water slides, pools and other water attractions. The park is suitable for visitors of all ages, from young children to adults, and provides unforgettable experiences and entertainment for the whole day.
Working hours: Daily from 10:00 to 18:30
Cost: depending on height and time from 20 to 54 BGN
Luna Park (Luna Park)
It is not only a place for walking and relaxing, but also an entertainment center for children. The park has several playgrounds and entertainment attractions that provide children with many hours of fun and active recreation.
Working hours: Around the clock
Cost: Admission is free, some attractions may have an additional cost
Burgas Zoo (ZOO)
Provides an opportunity to see animals in natural conditions. It is a great place for children and adults where you can get acquainted with different types of animals and learn more about their lives. The zoo is not big, there are not many animals.
Opening hours: Daily in summer from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Adult ticket, after 14 years — 8 BGN, child — 4 BGN
Tourist port
Burgas has a modern tourist port where cruise ships depart and tour boats. It’s a convenient way to see the coast and visit nearby islands.
The most popular beaches
Central Beach (Beach Burgas)
Known for its golden sand and clear water. This is one of the most popular beaches in the city, equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable rest: showers, changing rooms, cafes and bars. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented on the beach.
Price for a deckchair: 5-8 BGN, Price for an umbrella: 5-8 BGN
Sarafovo beach (Central Beach Sarafovo)
A quiet beach that attracts fewer tourists. It is located in a quiet area, which makes it an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. The beach has clean sand and a gradual entrance to the water, suitable for families with children.
Price for a deckchair: 5-7 BGN, Price for an umbrella: 5-7 BGN
Kraimorie Beach (Beach Kraymorie)
Ideal for family holidays with children. The beach has wide sandy areas, shallow water and all the necessary amenities. There are playgrounds for children, cafes and bars for adults.
Price for a deckchair: 4-6 BGN, Price for an umbrella: 4-6 BGN
Solnitsa beach (Solnitsa beach)
This is a unique place in Burgas, known for its healing mud and salt lakes. This beach is located near the salt pools, where visitors can take mud baths, which have a healing effect. The beach also offers standard amenities for relaxation, including sunbeds and umbrellas.
The water in the lakes is rich in minerals, which helps in the treatment of various diseases. It is an ideal place for those who want to combine relaxation at sea with health treatments.
Пляж Сакса (Saxa Beach)
Saxa Beach is a popular beach in Burgas, known for its golden sand and clear water. The beach is equipped with all the necessary facilities for a comfortable rest, including sunbeds, umbrellas, changing cabins and showers. Here you can enjoy a variety of water sports, as well as visit nearby cafes and restaurants.
Price for a deckchair: 5-7 BGN, Price for an umbrella: 5-7 BGN
Salt mines (Burgas Salt Pans)
Burgas salt mines, also known as Burgas salt mines (Burgaski solnitsi), are located on the Black Sea coast. This is a unique place where salt has been mined from sea water since ancient times. The salt mines are not only an industrial facility, but also a popular tourist destination where you can learn more about the salt extraction process and enjoy the healing mud.
Salt is obtained by evaporating seawater in special pools. In the summer, excursions are held here, during which you can learn about all the stages of salt production.
One of the main features of the Burgas Salt Flats is the presence of healing mud. They are rich in minerals and have numerous beneficial properties for skin and health. Visitors can immerse themselves in mud pools and enjoy therapeutic treatments.
Accommodation in Burgas
Burgas offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. From luxury hotels to cozy apartments, everyone will find something suitable.
Hotels
Burgas has hotels of various categories, from budget to luxury, including world-famous chains.
- Primoretz Grand Hotel & Spa: rating 9.1 Five-star hotel with luxurious rooms, located next to the Marine Park. It offers spa services, a swimming pool and a restaurant with fine cuisine, breakfast is included in the price. 100 meters to the beach.
- Hotel Bulgaria Burgas: rating 9.2 Four-star hotel in the city center, with comfortable rooms, restaurant and bar. An ideal option for business trips and tourists.
- DIT Evrika Beach Club Hotel – All Inclusive: rating 8.2 A three-star hotel that offers modern rooms, free Wi-Fi and delicious breakfasts. Located close to major attractions.
Apartment
The apartment is a convenient option for families or a long vacation, which provides comfort and independence.
- Milena`s House: Spacious apartments with kitchen, balcony and sea view. Ideal for families or groups of friends.
- Tatyana Apartment: Cozy apartments equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, including a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony and free Wi-Fi. Ideal for families or couples.
- Diamond Beach Sarafovo: These modern apartments offer luxurious accommodation with sea views. The complex has a swimming pool, recreation areas and a garden. Each apartment is equipped with a kitchen, TV and air conditioning. It is an ideal place to relax with family or friends.
Booking.com
Popular restaurants and cafes
Visitors to Burgas can enjoy a variety of tastes and culinary traditions by visiting the city’s numerous restaurants and cafes. Here are some of the most popular places to visit.
Happy Bar & Grill $$ is part of a well-known restaurant chain that offers high-quality food and excellent service. The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and pleasant interior. The menu includes fresh seafood, traditional Bulgarian dishes, European cuisine, a variety of salads, soups, grill menu, as well as desserts and drinks. It is an ideal place for a family lunch, a meeting with friends or a business dinner.
These restaurants and cafes not only offer great food, but also create a unique atmosphere that allows you to enjoy the beauty and culture of Burgas. Regardless of your food preferences, you will find a place that will satisfy your gastronomic tastes.
Excursions
Walking tours of historical places
A great opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the city by visiting its most prominent sights. Guides will tell about the rich heritage from the time of the Thracians to the present day, lead through ancient streets, show historical buildings, temples and museums. This is an ideal way to learn more about the culture and traditions of Burgas.
For those who want to enjoy sea views and discover the scenery of the coast, Burgas offers boat cruises. The most popular route is a trip to the island of St. Anastasia, where you can see the ancient monastery, taste local delicacies and enjoy the wonderful views of the Black Sea. Such trips allow you to see the city from a different perspective and feel the atmosphere of the sea.
Parking lots
Central parking lots:
Fees:
“Blue Zone“: This zone covers most of the city center. Parking is charged Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Parking costs 1 BGN per hour.
“Green Zone“: This zone covers some areas of the city center as well as coastal areas. The parking fee is charged from 11:00 to 20:00 during the tourist season (April 1 to September 30). Parking costs 1 BGN per hour.
Interactive map of parking lots.
Free:
“Red zone“: This zone covers some remote areas of the city center. You can park in these parking lots for free for an unlimited time.
Parking lots near the beaches:
Paid: Most beaches in Burgas have paid parking. The price of parking is usually BGN 2 per hour.
Free: Some beaches located far from the city center have free parking.
Hotel parking lots:
Most hotels in Burgas offer parking for their guests. The price of parking is usually included in the price of the room, but may be charged additionally. The apartment we rented included parking.
Many parking lots in Burgas are equipped with parking meters. You can pay for parking by cash, credit card or using a mobile app.
Some parking lots have height restrictions. Please pay attention to the signs before entering the parking lot. In some areas, parking is prohibited at night. Please pay attention to the signs before leaving your car.
Some popular mobile applications for parking in Burgas: ParkMap, Blue Zone, Green Zone
Висновок про Бурґас
Burgas is a great place for relaxing on the sea, cultural discoveries and active pastime. Here you will find many interesting places to visit, from historical monuments to modern entertainment centers. The main attractions include the Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Marine Park, the island of Saint Anastasia, and several museums such as the Archaeological, Ethnographic and Natural History Museums. For families with children, there is plenty of entertainment, including the Sunset Water Park, a mini zoo and various attractions in the Marine Park.
Visitors are offered a variety of accommodation, from budget hostels to luxury hotels and apartments, such as Tatyana Apartment and Diamond Beach Sarafovo by KP. There are also many great restaurants and cafes in Burgas, including popular places like Happy Bar & Grill and Incanto.
Enjoy your vacation and discover wonderful Burgas!
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