A city in Bulgaria with about 200,000 inhabitants, Burgas is an important industrial and tourist centre on the Black Sea, also surrounded by several lakes. It has an interesting historical centre and is rich in beaches, parks and green areas. Burgas is an excellent low-cost destination where you can spend a few days of your holiday by the sea.
If you are planning a trip here, here is what to see in Burgas and recommended itineraries!
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14 Things to see in Burgas
1 - St Anastasia Island
Photo by EvelinaRibarova. Ideal for getting away, if only for a few hours, from the hustle and bustle of the city, the small island of St Anastasia is one of the attractions not to be missed. This place, once used as a prison for communists, is now a true paradise for loners, the reflective, nature lovers, who want nothing more than to treat themselves to a rare moment of peace and silence.
Visit the monastery and the small museum to understand the past of this place, the only attractions on the island along with a lighthouse and the inevitable restaurant.
We recommend that you spend at least half a day visiting this attraction and enjoy the wonderful views.
How to get there: in the Bay of Burgas, reached by boat from the pier in Burgas. Departures several times a day, journey time 40 min - Get directions
Timetable: always accessible / ferry from May to October 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Ticket price: ferry round trip BGN 12.00 (€6.00)
2 - Sea Garden
Among the must-seeattractions in Burgas, the Sea Garden is definitely worth a mention. This gigantic 800-hectare public park, overlooking the city's seafront, features trees, flowers, children's playgrounds, an open-air theatre, bicycle lanes and places to sip a good coffee or eat a cool ice cream while enjoying a breathtaking view of the sea.
In the northernmost part of the garden, during the summer months of July and August, the Sandfest is held, a festival in which enormous sculptures made only of sand are built- one of the most anticipated events in town! There is also a summer theatre, a casino, the 'A. Pushkin' monument and flower exhibitions and a jazz festival.
On the beach adjacent to the park, every mid-August, the Burgas Fest Spirit takes place for three days, where artists of ethno, rock, pop, indie, Latin and electro music perform.
How to get there: on the Burgas seafront, near the pier, and a 16-minute walk from the centre. Ethnographic Museum (900 m) and Archaeological Museum (700 m) nearby - Get directions
Hours: always accessible / Sandfest July and August 9:00-21:00
Ticket price: free / Sandfest 3.50 BGN (€1.80)
3 - Atanasovsko Lake
Photo by Professor Caretaker. North of Burgas is this salt lake, also known as Lake Atanasovsko. It is about 5 km wide and is divided in two by a strip of sand, over which the road from Burgas to Varna passes.
Famous for its diversity of flora and fauna and surrounded by marshes and gullies that drain the entire basin into the sea, the northern part has been a nature reserve since 1980 while the southern part, smaller and used for salt mining, is a buffer zone for the reserve. The lake is home to around 230 species of tracheophytic plants, of which seven are considered endangered in Bulgaria. It is a place to admire beautiful sunsets and relax for a few hours.
North of Burgas, it can be reached by car (20 min) following road No 9 or by taxi (average cost BGN 12.00/€6.00) - Get directions
Given the proximity, you could combine a visit to the lake and the Burgas Zoo, which are an 8-minute drive away, on the same day. One of the best times to visit the lake is at sunset, so you could stop on the way back from the zoo.
4 - Aquae Calidae
16 km north of Burgas is this place that attracts visitors by offering various opportunities for relaxation and fun. Aquae Calidae has a history stretching back thousands of years. Here, the remains of fortified walls belonging to Thermopolis, the Roman baths from the 1st AD with hot and cold pools, have been found. It is possible to visit the restored bath of Suleiman the Magnificent and watch a 3D film reconstructing the history of this place.
The complex also has a building with a cafeteria, playground, souvenir shop and a green area where you can relax. In the future, the idea is to set up a spa and wellness centre, with an adjoining museum to display the various artefacts found during the excavations, including gold coins, silver, ceramic jewellery and cult objects.
How to get there: 16 km north of Burgas, at Thermopolis. Can be reached by car (25 min) following road No. 6 - Get directions
Hours: daily 8:30-17:30
Ticket prices: October to May 4.00 BGN (€2.00), June to September 6.00 BGN (€3.00)
5 - Archaeological Museum
Photos from Spiritia. Not just sunny beaches and kiosks, because in beautiful Burgas, culture is predominant. The city centre is home to the oldest museum in the city, preserving evidence of ancient cities such as Apollonia and Messambria, which once stood on present-day Bulgarian territory.
The Archaeological Museum, founded in 1912, displays exhibits from Thrace dating back to the Bronze Age. Don't miss the coin collection and the first statue found in Bulgaria.
How to get there: by bul. "Aleko Bogoridi 21, in the centre. Walking distance from the Burgas Ethnographic Museum (300 m, 4 min) and the Sea Garden (750 m, 10 min) - Get directions
Hours: June to September daily 10:00-19:00, October to May Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00
Ticket price: general 5.00 BGN (€2.55), concessions 2.00 BGN (€1.00)
6 - Burgas Ethnographic Museum
Photo of Spiritia. Not far from the Archaeological Museum is the Ethnographic Museum of the city of Burgas. It is housed in an elegant 19th-century mansion built for Dr Todorov Brakalov, a very important figure in Burgas.
Inside, one can view traditional clothes and costumes used by the Bulgarian population, as well as an extensive collection of fabrics and clothes used in religious rituals. Temporary exhibitions on the local weaving and fishing industries are sometimes set up.
How to get there: ul. 'Slavyanska' 69, in the centre. Walking distance from the Burgas Archaeological Museum (300 m, 4 min) and the Sea Garden (950 m, 11 min) - Get directions
Hours: June to September daily 10:00-19:00, October to May Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00
Ticket price: full price 5.00 BGN (€2.55), concessions 2.00 BGN (€1.00)
7- Church of Saint Cyril and Methodius
Photo by Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia. The imposing Cattedralet. St Kiril & Metodii is one of the oldest and largest Orthodox churches in the city and a symbol of Burgas. It is located in the city centre, in the square of the same name, and is named after the holy brothers, creators of the Slavic alphabet and missionaries of Christianity among the Slavic peoples. It was built between 1897-1907 to a design by Italian architect Riccardo Toscani.
The structure of the basilica has three naves and the interior is divided into five pairs of supporting marble columns. The main dome rises on a high drum with twelve-walled windows. Above the main entrance is a beautiful stained glass window depicting Cyril and Methodius.
How to get there: in Sv. Kiril i Metodiy square, in the centre. Walking distance from the Archaeological Museum (350 m, 4 min), the Ethnographic Museum (70 m, 1 min) and The Sea Garden (1 km, 13 min) - Get directions
Hours: daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Ticket price: free
8 - Armenian Church Saint Cross
Photo by Gitanes232. Among the city's most important religious monuments is the Armenian Church Saint Cross, characterised by simplicity and composure. Built in 1673, it has a single nave and displays the main features of Armenian church architecture.
The bell tower was added later during one of the many reconstructions. Inside, there is a touching tribute to the Armenian victims of the terrible genocide that took place in 1915.
At ul. 'Mihail Lermontov' 20, in the centre. It is within walking distance of the Archaeological Museum (160 m, 2 min), the Ethnographic Museum (300 m, 4 min) and The Sea Garden (950 m, 10 min) - Get directions
9 - Poda Nature Reserve
Photos of Evgord. South of the city, between the sea and Lake Mandrensko, lies Poda, a small reserve for birdwatchers and nature lovers in general.
Although it is a small area, 265 species of birds can be spotted in Poda, 46 of which nest here, thanks to the wet and marshy environment. Among the animals to be spotted are various types of herons and egrets, as well as spoonbills and glossy ibises. Qualified and helpful staff will provide you with information and 'equipment' to observe the numerous birds.
Interesting fact: sometimes thousands of storks arrive here, using the local marshes as a transit point on their way from Europe to Africa.
How to get there: 10 km south of Burgas. It can be reached by car along Route 9 southbound (10 min), or by bus line 17 from the bus station (25 min) - get directions;
Hours: April to September daily 9am-7pm, October to March daily 9am-5pm
Ticket price: free
10 - Pier
Photo by Mister No. On the seafront, a stone's throw from the Sea Garden, is the quay in Burgas, a romantic spot par excellence. The attraction, recognisable by its distinctive 'T' shape, overlooks the Black Sea, offering dreamy views for all lovers and more!
It is also one of the city's 'hot' tourist spots, where you can watch the fishermen at work and where you can dive freely into the crystal-clear Bulgarian waters. Very nice at sunset, when you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
It is located along the beach bordering The Sea Garden and is a 14-minute walk from the centre of Burgas. Nearby The Sea Garden (300 m, 5 min), The Sea Casino (200 m, 3 min) - Get directions
If you happen to be in Burgas in winter, visit the pier for the feast of St Jordan (6 January), at which a rather curious solemn service takes place. According to tradition, the bishop throws the Christian cross into the sea and a few brave swimmers are called upon to dive into the cold waters to retrieve it. The winner, who first catches the cross, enjoys health and prosperity throughout the year.
11 - Burgas Zoo
Close to the Cherno More district, north of the centre, is the Burgas Zoo, an ideal attraction for those travelling with children. Within an area of 38 acres, more than 60 species of animals and a total of 650 specimens such as white polar wolves, platinum foxes, albino kangaroos and many others live in conditions very similar to those of their natural habitat. One area is dedicated to the largest collection of peacocks in Europe, with around 320 peacocks belonging to 29 different variants.
At the Zoo you can meet Paco and Molly, two very talkative parrots that entertain visitors, and a rare albino kangaroo, which was born here. You are not allowed to bring food or chase animals into the park.
How to get there: Cherno More district, north of the centre. It can be reached by bus line 6 from the centre (20 min) or by car following the signs for Route 9 (15 min). Nearby Lake Atanasovsko - Get directions
Hours: daily 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Ticket price: full price 5.00 BGN (€2.55), concessions 3.00 BGN (€1.50)
12 - Sunny Beach
Photo by www.vacacionesbulgaria.com. This beach is the most famous in Burgas and represents an essential part of the tourist accommodation capacity of the Bulgarian Riviera. It is home to over 800 hotels with more than 300 thousand beds, 130 restaurants and numerous clubs with live music, pubs and discos. Considered somewhat the Ibiza of the East, it does not have many residents, but in the summer thousands of tourists arrive mainly from Russia and Germany, but in recent times it is also chosen by holidaymakers from northern Europe for its competitive prices.
Characterised by a long sandy beach of golden sand and a dark, sometimes algae-rich sea, it has many bathing establishments that organise daily sports and recreational attractions. Of course, one does not come here for the crystal-clear water, but Sunny Beach is mainly a destination for young people in search of cheap nightlife. However, if you find yourself in Burgas and are in the mood for a bit of social life and nightlife, you cannot miss this resort.
35 km east of Burgas. It can be reached by car following the 906 road (40 min) or by bus line ArdaTur from the centre to the Sunny Beach stop (1 h 10 min) - Get directions
This location hosts the annual Golden Orpheus, one of the most important pop music festivals in Eastern Europe, where several times some Italian singers have been invited to perform.
13 - Pomorie
Photo by Eola. 20 km north of Burgas is this Bulgarian coastal town on the Black Sea founded by the Greeks, with the name Anchialos. Known as a seaside resort in summer, it is especially famous for the curative mud extracted from Lake Pomorie. In fact, the resort has numerous spas and wellness centres where one can receive both cosmetic and health treatments.
In Pomorie, you can also see the tomb that once served as a mausoleum for the rich families of the area, the various typical Bulgarian wooden houses in the old waterfront district and witness monastic life at the monastery of St George. Finally, the town is home to two interesting museums: the Salt Museum and the Historical Museum.
Located 20 km north-east of Burgas, in the direction of Sunny Beach, it can be reached in 25 min by car from the centre following road 9; by bus line ArdaTur from the centre to the Pomorie stop (30 min) - Get directions
If you are travelling on a tight budget and don't want to overspend on wellness centres, you can head to the Salt Pans right at the entrance to the Salt Museum. Here you can coat yourself in black mud from head to toe free of charge and then rinse off in the lake just a few metres away. It is not recommended to apply the mud for more than 20 minutes a day
14 - Nessebar
Photo by Sergey Galyonkin. Finally, we recommend devoting at least half a day to Nessebar. The town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and is characterised by a historical centre full of churches and archaeological remains. Founded more than 3,000 years ago, the city is today a perfect mix of antiquity and modernity. Besides keeping its buildings and archaeological remains alive, it has invested heavily in tourism.
Another feature is the presence of around 40 churches throughout the territory. Some of these are now museums, others have remained in their original function. Among those that are definitely worth a visit are the Church of St. Stefan, the most famous, its interior containing more than a thousand Christian depictions, the Church of St. John Aliturgetus and the Church of Christ Panocrator, and finally the Temple of St. Spas. Finally, enjoy a stroll through the characteristic streets to take in the atmosphere of the city!
Located 35 km from Burgas, not far from Sunny Beach, it can be reached in 40 min by car from the centre by following route 9 - Get directions
Other nearby attractions, activities and excursions
Photos by Ivanistudio. These are the main things to see, but if you have the time and inclination, Burgas also offers other attractions, albeit of lesser importance.
Among them, in the centre you will find the Gramophone Sculpture, the Roman Catholic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Temple of Saint Ivan Rilskiy church (all with free admission). Near the pier is the beautiful sculpture ofPeptko Blagoev.
In addition to the museums we have described above, we also mention the Aviation Museum, near the airport (BGN 4.00/€2.00), the Natural History Museum (BGN 5.00/€2.55) interesting to see with children, and the Burgas Writers House, a meeting place for book presentations (free).
As for excursions in the surrounding area, the ancient city of Sozopol, just 32 km away, is worth a visit for its historical centre with medieval fortifications and wooden buildings. About 80 km away is the Strandzha Nature Park, perfect for trekking and hiking.
What to see in a day
One day is not much, but it still allows you a taste of the city's beauty. You won't have much time to enjoy the beach, but there will still be a chance to relax for a couple of hours. Here are the recommended stops.
10:00 - Sea Garden
11:00 - Walk through the centre (Cathedral, Alexandrovska Street, Troykata Square, St Nicholas Arch, Armenian Church Saint Cross)
15:00 - Excursion to the Islet of St. Anastasia
17:00 - Sea Beach
19:00 - Walk on the Pier and Evening in the Centre
What to see in three days
Three days are perfect for enjoying the destination in its entirety, from the streets and churches of the old town to the relaxing beaches, not forgetting the parks and wonders in the surrounding area such as the beautiful Nessebar. Here is how to organise the itinerary.
Day 1: Sea Garden, Old Town, in the afternoon Islet of St Anastasia, Sea Beach, Walk on the Pier
Day2: Ethnographic Museum and Archaeological Museum in the morning, Nature Reserve Pula or Relaxation in Pomorie in the afternoon
Day 3: Excursion to Nessebar in the morning, Relaxation at Sunnybeach in the afternoon
Plan your stay in Burgas: useful tips, flights and hotels
When to go: the best time is undoubtedlysummer. Important events such as Sandfest and the International Folklore Festival take place during this period.
Getting there: Burgas Airport is only 10 km from the city centre. It is connected bybus line 15. One leaves every half hour from 5:00 to 23:00 and has a journey time of 20 minutes. The ticket costs 1 BGN (about €0.50) and you can buy it directly from the driver. The alternative is a taxi, which will take you to your destination in about 15 minutes at a cost of 30 BGN (about €15.00). Flights from €180.00 - see offers
Where to sleep: in the centre and near the Sea Garden, so you can be close to the major attractions. If you want to be closer to the sea instead, we recommend the North Beach or Port Burgas districts. Accommodation from €38.0 per room - see offers
Getting around: definitely on foot. The centre is very small and all the major attractions are close to each other. To cover longer distances, however, you can rely on buses and taxis. Buses run from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and a single ticket costs only 1 BGN (about €0.50). If you want to get around by taxi, be aware that prices are quite cheap (maximum 0.79 BGN / €0.40 per km travelled during daylight hours).
Currency: Bulgarian Lev (€1.00 - 1.96 BGN). As with any city, we recommend that you change your money once you arrive at one of the many offices you will find in the city. Avoid the airport to avoid paying high commissions.
What to do with children: Burgas can also be a destination for family travellers. Recommended attractions for children include The Sea Garden, the zoo, the Prikazkite Amusement Park, the boat excursion to St. Anastasia Island and the Theatre of the Marionettes.
Nightlife: Sunny Beach is full of discos, pubs and clubs where you can dance until late at night; Burgas, on the other hand, is much quieter and in the evening the main things to do are to stroll through the gardens and along the seafront or have a cocktail in the old town or on the pier.
