Veliko Tarnovo is probably one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria and also the former capital city of the country. The city lies on the Yantra River on the steep northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. In addition to numerous sights, Veliko Tarnovo offers a unique charm. With its winding streets, bars with beautiful views, great restaurants, unique houses and amazing sunsets, this place is special.
There are plenty of things to see and explore. You can easily get to Veliko Tarnovo by car or by bus. With around 60,000 inhabitants, it’s a slightly larger city by Bulgarian standards. The city is also around 100 kilometers away from the border with Romania. Veliko Tarnovo is also a cultural center with universities, theaters, picture galleries and museums. Because of its historical traditions and architectural monuments, the city is also a preferred tourist destination.
medieval streets, fortress views & timeless charm
We instantly fell in love with Veliko Tarnovo’s medieval charm. Wandering the cobblestone streets and discovering cozy cafés and local shops felt like stepping back in time.
The Tsarevets Fortress is breathtaking, especially at sunset, and the views over the Yantra River are unforgettable. For anyone who loves history, culture and stunning scenery, Veliko Tarnovo is a must-visit destination in Bulgaria.
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The best way to get to Veliko Tarnovo is by bus, car or train. There are public transport options from various places in Bulgaria. If you are not traveling by car, we definitely recommend taking the bus. From Sofia, it takes about three hours to drive the 220 kilometers to Veliko Tarnovo.
The best months to visit the historic city are May to October. The temperatures are pleasant, although in July and August it can be very hot, sometimes reaching over 35 degrees.
In the countless restaurants with great food, nice bars with good drinks and great views or pretty shops you can enjoy good quality for little money. An evening for two in a good restaurant costs around 40-60BGN (around 20-30€).
Great place to spend at least one night. You can easily explore the city in one day. There are also some beautiful places and sights in the region around Veliko Tarnovo.
