2024 Odesos Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

@ THE ROMAN THERMAE!

The Roman Thermae (Bulgarian: Римски терми, Rimski termi) are a complex of Ancient Roman baths (thermae) in the Black Sea port city of Varna in northeastern Bulgaria. The Roman Thermae are situated in the southeastern part of the modern city, which under the Roman Empire was known as Odessus. The baths were constructed in the late 2nd century AD and rank as the fourth-largest preserved Roman thermae in Europe and the largest in the Balkans. Ancient Varna, first a Thracian settlement and then an Ancient Greek colony, became part of the Roman Empire in 15 AD and was assigned to the province of Moesia with a certain degree of local autonomy. The Roman baths of Varna were built towards the end of the 2nd century and remained in use for about a hundred years, till the late 3rd century.[1] Coins of Roman emperor Septimius Severus (r. 193–211) have been discovered among the bath ruins. Much later, in the 14th century, the ruins of the Roman Thermae were the site of craftsmen's workshops #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport #freehotelstay #mytravelhacks #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip

A LOVELY BLUE HOTEL NEAR THE BEACH!

In a typical building for Varna from the beginning of the 20th century, the 16 charming rooms successfully combine modern and antique style. All you have to do is cross the street and you are on the beach and in the city pool. The hotel is located in the city center, only 400 meters from the main train station, 100 meters from the Naval Museum and from the entrance of the Sea Garden. Its ideal location offers quick and easy access to many restaurants, bars and boutiques. A rich continental breakfast can satisfy every taste. In the summer you can have breakfast on the terrace, and evening time you can enjoy a drink and the sea view. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and central heating, minibar, hairdryer, safe, TV, desk and high speed internet connection (cable or Wi-Fi). Elevator serves all floors. The staff speaks French, English, Dutch and Russian. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

@ THE VARNA ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM!

The inauguration of the Varna Archaeological Museum and its further development is closely connected with the names of the two brothers Herman and Karel Škorpil, Czechs by origin, who came to help with the education and culture of their sister Slavonic nation following the Liberation of Bulgaria from the Turkish Yoke. In 1894 they permanently settled in Varna. On 12 December 1901, a group of socially active figures and teachers established the Varna Archaeological Society that for decades since has been the basic motivating power for interest and study in the history of Varna, Varna Region, and Northeast Bulgaria. The inauguration of an archaeological museum was a task of prime importance for the Society. On June 11, 1906 the first exhibition of the Museum was officially opened in a room of the Girls’ High School. Karel Škorpil was elected as director of the Museum and remained in that post till his death in 1944. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Varna, known as the "Pearl of the Black Sea."

🗺️Varna is the largest seaport in Bulgaria and a famous seaside city. As a famous tourist destination in Bulgaria, Varna has a mild climate and four distinct seasons, earning it the nickname "Pearl of the Black Sea." 🚌Transportation: Taking the bus in Varna is very convenient. Most bus stops have ticket machines, and you can also buy tickets on the bus with coins or a credit card. There are three types of bus tickets: 60-minute tickets for 2 lev, 90-minute tickets for 2.5 lev, and 1-day tickets for 4 lev. Please prepare coins in advance. 🍔Dining: We recommend Happy Bar & Grill, the largest restaurant chain in Bulgaria. They offer a wide variety of food, including grilled meats, fried foods, main courses, and even sushi. The prices are reasonable, and the value for money is excellent. ✨Highlights: [One] Seaside🌊 Facing the vast Black Sea, this calm sea is a famous seaside tourist destination in Eastern Europe, attracting many tourists. [Two] Architecture⛩️ Varna has a long history and many ancient ruins. The ancient Roman bath ruins are like a sleeping museum, telling the story of ancient civilization. [Three] Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral🕍 This is a landmark building in Varna and one of the most important Orthodox churches in Bulgaria. Built in the 19th century, the church is famous for its magnificent architectural style and exquisite mosaics.

Varna, Bulgaria: A Cultural Journey by the Black Sea

Varna, the coastal jewel of Bulgaria, is like a dazzling gem set on the shores of the Black Sea. This city, with its rich history and romantic cultural atmosphere, awaits travelers to explore. As you step onto the land of Varna, the first thing that catches your eye is the azure Black Sea. The waves gently lap the beach, as if telling ancient stories. The fine and soft sand on the beach is the perfect place to enjoy sunbathing and strolling. You can be like a lonely poet, listening to the sound of the waves by the sea, watching the distant horizon meet the sky, and letting your thoughts drift in the boundless world. The architecture of Varna is a solidified art history book. The ancient Roman bath ruins, though weathered by time, still allow you to feel the glory of the past from the broken walls. The stones of the bath have unique textures, as if recording the laughter and joy of the ancients who once bathed and relaxed here. There is also the Varna Cathedral, solemn and sacred, with its exquisite murals and splendid decorations, showcasing the unique religious art charm of Bulgaria. When the sunlight shines through the stained glass into the church, the interplay of light and shadow creates a dreamlike scene, making you feel as if you are in a hall of art. The streets of the city are filled with a cultural atmosphere. The cafes and bars on the street have retro signs and decorations. The museums in Varna are also not to be missed. The Archaeological Museum houses many precious artifacts, from ancient pottery to exquisite gold and silver jewelry, witnessing the development of the city in different historical periods. Here, you can travel through time and space, converse with ancient civilizations, and feel the weight and wonder of history.

Varna | Dragonstone from Game of Thrones.

| Dragonstone from Game of Thrones. 🏖 Varna is located on the west coast of the Black Sea. It is the third largest city in Bulgaria and the maritime capital of Bulgaria. As the largest coastal city in Bulgaria, it attracts a large number of tourists from Bulgaria and surrounding countries. Varna is also my favorite city in Bulgaria! Highly recommended! 🐲 There is a Dragon in Love statue by the sea in Varna. A casual photo gives you the feeling of Dragonstone from Game of Thrones, and the seagulls in the sky in the distance are like dragons soaring in the sky. (Of course, Dragonstone was not filmed here~) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Along the coastline of Varna is a forest park with dense trees. From the park, you can go down to the beach, which is full of various specialty restaurants. Next to the beach, there is an amusement park and a Ferris wheel, which are great places for family and young couples to relax and have fun. 🏊🏻 There are also several outdoor swimming pools by the sea, and the beautiful bodies in the pool are as good as the princes in Creation of the Gods. The key is that there are many people sitting on the pool watching. You can watch the black-skinned guys swimming all day long.

Varna Theatre: A Cultural Icon in Stunning Architecture 🎭🏛️

#traveldiaries Varna Theatre stands as a beacon of culture and art in the heart of this beautiful seaside city. With its elegant Neo-Baroque architecture and intricate details, the theatre is a masterpiece that reflects Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage. From captivating performances to simply admiring the stunning façade, Varna Theatre is a must-see for any culture lover. It’s not just a venue—it's a symbol of Varna's artistic soul. 🌟🎶 #CulturalGem #VarnaTheatre #VarnaTheatre #ArchitecturalBeauty #CulturalVarna #BulgarianArt #TheatreAndCulture #HistoricVarna #SeasideCulture #VarnaLandmarks #ArtInArchitecture

Fountains in Varna's Heart 💦🎭

#traveldiaries Step into the heart of Varna and be enchanted by the beautiful fountains next to the city's grand theatre! Whether day or night, these fountains offer a serene and captivating spot to relax, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city. Watch the water dance in perfect harmony, adding a magical touch to your stroll through Varna’s cultural center. It’s a must-see stop while exploring this seaside gem! 🌟💧 #VarnaMagic #FountainsOfVarna #VarnaFountains #CulturalVarna #CityCenterVibes #VarnaTheatre #WaterAndCulture #BulgarianCharm #SeasideCity #VarnaLife #FountainViews

Varna Roman Baths 🏛️

#2024wish Just experienced a fascinating piece of history at the Varna Roman Baths! 🛁 The entrance fee, only 6 leva, is a bargain for the well-preserved ruins and a glimpse into Roman-era Varna. #VarnaRomanBaths #BulgariaHistory Wandering through the archaeological site, you get a sense of the ancient Roman bathing rituals. The intricate mosaics and the layout of the complex are a testament to the advanced engineering and cultural sophistication of that era. 🏛️🔍 After soaking in the historical vibes, I headed to the nearby Sea Garden. The picturesque park, with its beautiful landscaping and sea views, offers a perfect place to unwind after a journey through time. 🌳🌊 Hungry? Stroll to the nearby Primorski Park and grab a bite at The Little Things restaurant. The casual vibe and diverse menu are a great way to wrap up the day. 🍲🍹 To sum it up, the Varna Roman Baths are a hidden gem for history enthusiasts. It's a step back in time right in the heart of the city, complemented by the coastal charm of the Sea Garden. #VarnaHistory #AncientWonders

Archaeological museum Varna

#bucketlistreboot Another good place where one can learn more of Varna’s history is the Archaeological Museum. Filled with many artefacts from over the past millennia it aims to uncover the heritage and legacy of this place. Interesting enough the Museum and the wider Archaeological programme in Bulgaria have been founded by Herman and Karel Škorpil, Czechs by origin who came soon after Bulgaria’s liberation from the Ottoman rule. We came with a few minutes to spare till closing time so we didn’t have much time to spend inside but we definitely aim to make a return trip and finish the visit. #bulgaria #varna

Varna Cathedral

#bucketlistreboot The “Dormition of the Mother of God” Cathedral The first stone upon the construction of the temple was placed by Prince Alexander I of Battenberg (1857 – 1893) in 1880. After the consecration, the prince reprieved all the prisoners from the Varna prison, for which three months of their sentences were remaining. The name that was chosen, The Assumption of Holy Mother, was to the memory of the Russian Empress Maria Alexanrovna, benefactor of Bulgaria and aunt of the Prince. The Cathedral boast an impressive façade dominating the skyline of the “St. Cyril and St. Methodius” square #varna #bulgaria

#bucketlistreboot Stroll on Boulevard “Knyaz Boris I” Have some cash and time to spare? If the answer is yes, then head over to this boulevard. Over here you will find a great deal of luxury shops, souvenirs and bars and cafes. If shopping is something you’re after, this place doesn’t come cheap. I remember we went to a jewellery shop and inquired for a bracelet. When we saw the prices we thought our eyesight was letting us down. It turned out our wallets were a bit slim. Walking down this boulevard, you’ll be met by many period houses all dating to a bygone era. Classy and painted in bright, yet subtle tones, make this a very enjoyable walk. #varna #bulgaria

Roman Baths

#bucketlistreboot The Romans established them as means for people to use them as public baths. These baths particularly were conceived to be one of the largest in this province. Built in the 2nd century A.D. they were functional for the next 100 years. They offered everything from changing rooms to cold water and warm baths, steam rooms and also relax areas. Not that much different you’d say from today’s modern concept of a spa. We felt fairly intrigued to see they also had under floor heating. It was interesting to see a cross-section of such a floor and how the mechanism worked. #varna #bulgaria