Varna offers visitors and residents a wealth of entertainment as well as cultural and historic attractions and this article is about the history, economy and present day life in Varna, Bulgaria.

After Sofia and Plovdiv Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria, it is located on the shores of the Black Sea and as a port city in Bulgaria Varna is strategically highly significant.  The city has a strong economy built on tourism but also on trade and transportation and in 2004 Varna was named by FDI magazine as ‘European City of the Future’ because of the strength of its economy and its positive prospects for the future.

Historically Varna is an incredibly ancient city, it was established in 580 BC as a Greek trading base and has changed hands many times over the years.  Varna’s chequered past means that today it is a centre of great historic interest with many astonishing archaeological finds having been made in and around the city including the oldest gold treasure ever found.

Varna is appropriately also known as “The Summer Capital” of Bulgaria because in the summer months the city really comes alive.  Its many cafes and bars spill out onto the streets and the nightlife of Varna heats up.  Because Varna is close to all the beautiful Black Sea coastal resorts and visitors and residents in Varna have direct access to clean stretches of untouched sandy beach and the beautiful clear waters of the sea the title “The Summer Capital” is also appropriate.

In terms of the attractions that visitors can experience in Varna they range from historical and cultural attractions such as visiting the city’s cinemas, theatres and opera house or visiting mausoleums and museums.  Alternatively Varna is quite a popular sporting town with activities ranging from football to beach volley ball and visitors can either participate or spectate!

Many international buyers and expatriates who have recently bought property in Bulgaria have done so near Varna and so the city has quite a strong international flavour which is particularly well reflected in the wealth of different cafes, bars, bistros, restaurants and clubs there are in the city all offering a unique theme and flavour and all home to many different types of people. 

Therefore for those seeking some social and gastronomic entertainment Varna is a great place to be and a good way to discover what’s on is on the Nightlife Bulgaria website.  Here you select your city and the type of entertainment you’re after and the site lists all the venues that fulfill your requirements.

After Sofia, Varna is probably the most international city in Bulgaria and whether you’re considering visiting or are thinking about moving to and living in Bulgaria full time Varna has plenty going for it and is well worth a visit.