2024 Veliko Tarnovo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Majestic Bulgarian Castle

Perched on a hill in the heart of Veliko Tarnovo, Tsarevets Fortress stands as a testament to Bulgaria's rich and tumultuous history. As you approach this medieval stronghold, the imposing stone walls come into view, whispering tales of ancient battles and royal intrigues. Overlooking the Yantra River, the fortress invites you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the legacy of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Passing through the main gate, you can almost hear the echoes of the past. The cobblestone paths, worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, lead you deeper into the fortress. Each step feels like a journey through history, with every corner revealing a new story. The ruins of the palace, once the center of power, evoke images of grand feasts and solemn ceremonies. It's easy to imagine these walls once bustling with life, from the clanging of armor to the hushed whispers of courtly conversations. The panoramic views from the fortress are breathtaking. Gazing out over the rolling hills and winding rivers, you feel a profound connection to the land and its history. The beauty of the landscape intertwined with the fortress's history creates an experience that is both humbling and inspiring. Tsarevets Fortress is not just a historical site; it's a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the soul of Bulgaria.

A 360-Degree View - Veliko Tarnovo

Today, I want to share a hidden gem. This small town offers the most stunning 360-degree views I've ever seen in all my years of traveling. Walking into Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of Bulgaria, I discovered a town with no bad angles. Standing on Tsarevets Hill, you have the majestic palace behind you and the picturesque narrow streets built along the hillside in front of you. To the right in the photo, there's a railway bridge and a castle, while to the left, there's a vast plain filled with residential houses. The claim of zero bad angles is no exaggeration. The town is so small that you can see it all at a glance. The beauty of the town, however, is beyond words.

THE ENCHANTED VELIKO TARNOVO!

Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgarian: Велико Търново, romanized: Veliko Tyrnovo, pronounced [vɛˈliko ˈtɤrnovo]; "Great Tarnovo") is a city in north central Bulgaria and the administrative centre of Veliko Tarnovo Province. It is the historical and cultural capital of Bulgaria. Often referred as the "City of the Tsars", Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River and is famously known as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture. The old part of the town is situated on three hills, Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora, rising amidst the meanders of the Yantra. On Tsarevets are the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors and the Patriarchate, the Patriarchal Cathedral, and also a number of administrative and residential edifices surrounded by thick walls. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2024travelwish #passionpassport

CAFÉ WITH FRIENDLY STAFF!

Excellent third wave coffee shop in the heart of Velinko Turnovo. If not best in this town, this may be the best in all of Bulgaria. So many choices from hot to cold, they have food, and sparkling water. The owner is really passionate about coffee and very knowledgeable, he explains the different roasts and aromas to his curious customers and let’s them smell the aromas. The shop itself is beautifully decorated, plenty of seats and very clean. If you’re into third wave or just coffee in general this is the spot. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2024travelwish #passionpassport

CAFÉ WITH BEAUTIFUL DÉCOR!

Excellent third wave coffee shop in the heart of Velinko Turnovo. If not best in this town, this may be the best in all of Bulgaria. So many choices from hot to cold, they have food, and sparkling water. The owner is really passionate about coffee and very knowledgeable, he explains the different roasts and aromas to his curious customers and let’s them smell the aromas. The shop itself is beautifully decorated, plenty of seats and very clean. If you’re into third wave or just coffee in general this is the spot. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2024travelwish #passionpassport

COZY CAFÉ IN VELIKO TURNOVO!

Excellent third wave coffee shop in the heart of Veliko Turnovo. If not best in this town, this may be the best in all of Bulgaria. So many choices from hot to cold, they have food, and sparkling water. The owner is really passionate about coffee and very knowledgeable, he explains the different roasts and aromas to his curious customers and let’s them smell the aromas. The shop itself is beautifully decorated, plenty of seats and very clean. If you’re into third wave or just coffee in general this is the spot. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2024travelwish #passionpassport

SMALL BUT BUSY COFFEEHOUSE!

Excellent third wave coffee shop in the heart of Velinko Turnovo. If not best in this town, this may be the best in all of Bulgaria. So many choices from hot to cold, they have food, and sparkling water. The owner is really passionate about coffee and very knowledgeable, he explains the different roasts and aromas to his curious customers and let’s them smell the aromas. The shop itself is beautifully decorated, plenty of seats and very clean. If you’re into third wave or just coffee in general this is the spot. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2024travelwish #passionpassport

EXCELLENT COFFEEHOUSE!

Excellent third wave coffee shop in the heart of Veliko Turnovo. If not best in this town, this may be the best in all of Bulgaria. So many choices from hot to cold, they have food, and sparkling water. The owner is really passionate about coffee and very knowledgeable, he explains the different roasts and aromas to his curious customers and let’s them smell the aromas. The shop itself is beautifully decorated, plenty of seats and very clean. If you’re into third wave or just coffee in general this is the spot. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2024travelwish #passionpassport

OUR FAVOURITE SPOT TO HANG OUT!

Excellent third wave coffee shop in the heart of Velinko Turnovo. If not best in this town, this may be the best in all of Bulgaria. So many choices from hot to cold, they have food, and sparkling water. The owner is really passionate about coffee and very knowledgeable, he explains the different roasts and aromas to his curious customers and let’s them smell the aromas. The shop itself is beautifully decorated, plenty of seats and very clean. If you’re into third wave or just coffee in general this is the spot. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2024travelwish #passionpassport

COZY CAFÉ IN BULGARIA!

Excellent third wave coffee shop in the heart of Velinko Turnovo. If not best in this town, this may be the best in all of Bulgaria. So many choices from hot to cold, they have food, and sparkling water. The owner is really passionate about coffee and very knowledgeable, he explains the different roasts and aromas to his curious customers and let’s them smell the aromas. The shop itself is beautifully decorated, plenty of seats and very clean. If you’re into third wave or just coffee in general this is the spot. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2024travelwish #passionpassport

BEAUTIFUL COFFEESHOP!

Excellent third wave coffee shop in the heart of Veliko Turnovo. If not best in this town, this may be the best in all of Bulgaria. So many choices from hot to cold, they have food, and sparkling water. The owner is really passionate about coffee and very knowledgeable, he explains the different roasts and aromas to his curious customers and let’s them smell the aromas. The shop itself is beautifully decorated, plenty of seats and very clean. If you’re into third wave or just coffee in general this is the spot. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2024travelwish #passionpassport

BEAUTIFUL VELIKO TARNOVO!

Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgarian: Велико Търново, romanized: Veliko Tyrnovo, pronounced [vɛˈliko ˈtɤrnovo]; "Great Tarnovo") is a city in north central Bulgaria and the administrative centre of Veliko Tarnovo Province. It is the historical and cultural capital of Bulgaria. Often referred as the "City of the Tsars", Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River and is famously known as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture. The old part of the town is situated on three hills, Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora, rising amidst the meanders of the Yantra. On Tsarevets are the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors and the Patriarchate, the Patriarchal Cathedral, and also a number of administrative and residential edifices surrounded by thick walls. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2024travelwish #passionpassport

MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS.

Enter the fascinating world of illusion which will trick your confidence in senses, but amaze you by doing it; the world that will confuse you completely, but also educate you… Visit us and you will be thrilled because nothing is what it seems, especially not in the Museum of Illusions! #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE'S RESTAURANT!

The Hadji Nikoli Inn of Veliko Tarnovo is part of the Bulgarian cultural and historical hetitage and a unique masterpiece from the age of the Bulgarian Renaissance. The inn was built in 1858 for Hadji Nikoli - a famous Turnovo tradesman who took an active part in the struggle for an independent Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The architect and builder was the native genius builder master Kolyo Ficheto who created a magnificent monumental building compared to a Venetian Palace even today. The Inn is also significant because of the fact that it is the only one of all 70 inns built in the city that survived over the years. Recently restored and renovated, it is now open for visitors as a complex of a restaurant, cafe, wine-bar with a wine-shop, museum and an Art gallery. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

THE BEAUTIFUL TRAPEZITZA!

Trapezitsa (Bulgarian: Трапезица) is a medieval stronghold located on a hill with the same name in Veliko Tarnovo in northern Bulgaria. The name of Trapezitza is believed to derive from the word “трапеза” (table) or from “trapezium” as is the shape of the plateau. The most likely origin is the word “trapezits” – soldiers guarding the passes who were the first settlers on the hill in the Middle Ages. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

@ TSAREVETS FORTRESS!

If you're travelling through Bulgaria and want to stop in a small city with a lot to offer, then you're sure to fall in love with Veliko Tarnovo. There are a lot of diverse things to do here and it's simply lovely to wander through and enjoy the scenery. Tsarevets (Bulgarian: Царевец, romanized: Tsarevets) is a medieval stronghold located on a hill with the same name in Veliko Tarnovo in northern Bulgaria. Tsarevets is 206 metres (676 ft) above sea level.[1] It served as the Second Bulgarian Empire's primary fortress and strongest bulwark between 1185 and 1393, housing the royal and the patriarchal palaces, and it is also a popular tourist attraction. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2023travelwish #passionpassport

Bulgaria-Valiko Turnovo-Tsarevets Fortress

Day 6 of road trip. This was the highlight of today. The medival 14th century fortress is the iconic landmark of the city and it looked alluring from afar. This was one place we had to visit. The entrance fee cost 15 Lev for a family pass of 4 which is quite reasonable. The fortress is quite nice but does not need too long to explore, around 1 hour would be sufficient. There are good views of the city from the castle and many instalworthy sights. A must go for this city I would say.

Bulgaria-Valiko Tarnovo-Day View

Day 6 of road trip. We get to see the day view of the city today. I personally still prefer the day version of the city. Visibly more traffic than night time but not much people on the streets either. Shops open quite late (some at 1pm). The shopping streets is not too long u can cover in less than an hour. The Ethnographic Complex in the same area is more interesting with shops selling lots of artisan hand crafted souvenirs. The houses are very unique with stone pathed roads.

Bulgaria-Valiko Tarnovo-Night View

Day 5 of road trip. Started driving from Bansko to Valiko Tarnovo early in the morning. Took a total of 6 hours drive including breaks. However most of the drive was a straight road on the highway so it was not too difficult. The sky was already dark when we had our early dinner at 5pm. The first impression of this town upon arrival was an arty feel, with many huge wall arts. The night views of the street were what’s left for us to explore today but it was not bad at all ! However most of the shops closed at 530 pm and the streets had very few people.

Balkan Tour (14) Veliko Tarnovo, one of the three ancient capitals of Bulgaria.

Travel Together Season 8 - Balkan Tour (14) Veliko Tarnovo, one of the three ancient capitals of Bulgaria Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria - Bucharest, Romania July 2, 2019, sunny, 20-30°C Morning tour of Veliko Tarnovo (Photo 1). Veliko Tarnovo, one of the three ancient capitals of Bulgaria, was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire in history. In 1908, the Kingdom of Bulgaria declared independence here. In 1965, the city was officially renamed "Veliko Tarnovo" to commemorate its rich historical significance (Photo 2). Tarnovo is a strategically important city, and in the Middle Ages, it was the second largest city on the Balkan Peninsula after Constantinople (Photo 3). There are many ancient sites and attractions preserved here, the most famous of which is the Tsarevets Fortress (Photo 4). The fortress is magnificent, with thick walls and towers for defense, and a royal palace inside. It is a famous medieval fortress. It was the main fortress and barrier of the Bulgarian Empire from 1185 to 1393, and is now a famous tourist attraction in Bulgaria. The main buildings of the ancient city include churches (Photo 5), as it was the seat of the archbishop at that time, and is therefore famous for its church architecture. On the top of Tsarevets Hill is the Ascension Cathedral of the Archbishop and the Archbishop's Palace. The churches all have murals, but the difference is that the murals in this church are in a modern style (Photo 6). Today, the ancient city of Veliko Tarnovo has been designated as a key protected area and tourist destination. The ancient city is located on the two hills of Tsarevets and Trapezitsa, with the Yantra River winding through it (Photo 7). 12:30 Drive to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. 14:45 Cross the Friendship Bridge on the Danube River at the Bulgaria-Romania border, 15:30 Enter the border, arrive at 17:00, check in at Hotel Rin Grand after dinner (Photo 8), there is an open wetland park opposite the hotel (Photo 9).

Trapezitsa Fortress 🗺️

#summerdestinations During my summer vacation, I explored Trapezitsa Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, and it was an incredible experience. Located on the Trapezitsa Hill, this fortress is a fascinating step back into Bulgaria's medieval past. The entrance fee was a reasonable €4, and it felt like a great deal for the historical and scenic value you get. 🏰🌟 The fortress's well-preserved ruins, including its massive walls and several churches, provide a stunning view of the surrounding valley. The climb up the hill is a bit steep, but the panoramic vistas of Veliko Tarnovo and the Yantra River are absolutely worth it. The historical significance of the fortress, once a major stronghold during the Second Bulgarian Empire, adds a deep sense of intrigue to the visit. Nearby, the historic town of Veliko Tarnovo offers charming streets and local eateries, and the Tsarevets Fortress, just a short distance away, complements the visit with its own rich history and stunning views. Trapezitsa Fortress was definitely a highlight of my trip, blending breathtaking views with fascinating history. #trip #TrapezitsaFortress #VelikoTarnovo #BulgarianHistory #MedievalRuins #TravelAdventures

Tsarevets Fortress 🗺️

#summerdestinations During my summer vacation, I had the chance to explore Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, and it was a truly memorable experience. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this medieval fortress is a marvel of architecture and history. The entrance fee was just €6, which was well worth it for the expansive views and historical depth. Walking through the fortress grounds, I was captivated by the well-preserved walls, towers, and the impressive Patriarchal Cathedral. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Yantra River were breathtaking. 🏰🌄 The fortress’s layout and its role in Bulgarian history make it a fascinating visit. Nearby, Veliko Tarnovo’s old town is charming, with its narrow streets and quaint shops. Don’t miss a stroll along the Tsarevets Hill and the nearby Samovodska Charshiya, a historical marketplace with traditional crafts and foods. Tsarevets Fortress was definitely a highlight of my trip, offering a rich blend of history and stunning vistas. #trip #TsarevetsFortress #VelikoTarnovo #BulgarianHistory #MedievalWonders #TravelHighlights

Relentless Journey to the East: The Mountain Town of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Walking along the ancient street 'Samovodska charshia' in Veliko Tarnovo, you will blend in and feel the leisurely charm of this mountain town. 🏞 Veliko Tarnovo is a typical mountain town with a terrain somewhat similar to Chongqing, built on the slopes of a mountain and divided into an upper and lower town. Most of the hotels and houses on the streets are old buildings, with lobbies on the street level and guest rooms below, from where you can see the lower town and the meandering Yantra River. 🍾 The Old Market of the Fortress Town: The 19th century was the largest commercial district in the town, and today it has become the most artistic spot in Veliko Tarnovo. Inside the preserved old buildings along the street are various cafes, restaurants, handicraft shops, and souvenir shops. The rose water series here is very famous, and many shops have it. You can also find many local artists' handicrafts and uniquely designed high-end jewelry here, which are very special and pleasing to the eye. 📈 Following a small path from the old market up to the top of the upper town, along the way are the red-roofed cottages of the locals, as well as small chapels, and even the cats and dogs are very gentle and adorable. The view from the top of the mountain is also excellent, overlooking the city of Veliko Tarnovo. The residents have planted roses🌹 and other flowers in front of and behind their houses. The Bulgarian Rose Festival is on the first Sunday of June, so we came just in time for the warm-up. Fortunately, we also encountered a couple exchanging rings under the rose tree, truly letting love bloom in the ancient capital of Bulgaria, feeling warm all over, making the trip worthwhile.

Bulgarian Historical Mountain: Tsarevets Hill

Leaving Sofia, a journey of more than 220 kilometers takes you to one of the three ancient capitals of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. The road conditions are good, with lush vegetation along the way, and the verdant lawns present a pleasant sense of relaxation under the sunlight. The roadsides are lined with blooming acacia flowers, occasionally interspersed with rapeseed flowers. The gas stations along the road are very clean, and the restrooms are free of charge. About 25 kilometers from Veliko Tarnovo, we were delayed a bit due to road construction limiting the speed to 40 kilometers per hour, but we arrived in two and a half hours. The first stop is the historical mountain, Tsarevets Hill, which is now a symbol of Veliko Tarnovo. It is about 1 kilometer from the city center to Tsarevets Hill, just across the bridge. The whole experience, including photography, takes about 2 hours. The hill still retains family churches, fortresses, and the Baldwin Emperor's Tower. 💥Points of interest: 1⃣Ancient capital ruins: At the end of the 12th century, the Bulgarian nobles, the Asen brothers, organized forces in Tarnovo to break away from the rule of the Byzantine Empire and establish a new kingdom, making it their capital. Therefore, this place is not only one of the three ancient capitals of Bulgaria but was also the capital of Bulgaria. The ancient capital spans across Tsarevets Hill and Trapezitsa Hill. From the bottom of the hill, Tsarevets Hill is strategically located with walls on all sides, and the Yantra River meanders quietly below. Along the way, we mostly see the remnants of walls and later restored gates, etc. The palaces, imperial tombs, and 18 large churches recorded in books are no longer visible. The surrounding environment is still nice, and it's good for taking photos on a clear day, with a sense of historical vicissitudes. 2⃣Family fortress church: This church is the later-built Ascension Cathedral, located at the top of the hill. Admission is free, and the modernist frescoes on the dome and walls are quite exquisite and worth seeing. 3⃣Baldwin Emperor's Tower: There is a fee of 7 leva to climb to the top of the tower, and there doesn't seem to be much to see inside, some of which I also don't understand, so it's fine to just look at the exterior. 📷When we were descending the hill, we happened to meet a local photography team shooting a historical documentary at the entrance. In addition to chatting, we also got to play with their DJI drone with a camera lens, which was a rare experience. 🕹Address: 353m·ul.Stefan Stambolov, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria 🚪Ticket price: 6 leva ⏱️Opening hours: April to September 8:00-19:00; October to March 9:00-17:00

The Tsarevets fortress 🇧🇬

Tsarevets is a medieval fortress located on a hill with the same name in Veliko Tarnavo, Bulgaria. It served as the primary fortress and strongest bulwark of the Second Bulgarian Empire between 1185 and 1393. The fortress is situated on a hill that is 206 meters (676 feet) above sea level. The castle complex is located in the center, surrounded by an internal stone wall, two battle towers, and two entrances - north and south. It consists of a throne hall, a castle church, and the king’s chamber. The restoration of the fortress began in 1930 and was completed in 1981 in honor of the 1300th anniversary of the establishment of the Bulgarian state. The fortress is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its spectacular light and sound show that takes place every evening during the summer months. #dreamvoyage

Veliko Tarnovo

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY OF TSARS!

Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgarian: Велико Търново, romanized: Veliko Tyrnovo, pronounced [vɛˈliko ˈtɤrnovo]; "Great Tarnovo") is a city in north central Bulgaria and the administrative centre of Veliko Tarnovo Province. It is the historical and cultural capital of Bulgaria. Often referred as the "City of the Tsars", Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River and is famously known as the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture. The old part of the town is situated on three hills, Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora, rising amidst the meanders of the Yantra. On Tsarevets are the palaces of the Bulgarian emperors and the Patriarchate, the Patrivarchal Cathedral, and also a number of administrative and residential edifices surrounded by thick walls. #passionpassport #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #cafe #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #couplestrip #2024travelwish #passionpassport

One of Bulgaria’s oldest town

Medieval history emanates from Veliko Târnovo’s fortified walls and cobbled lanes. One of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, Veliko Târnovo has as its centrepiece the magnificent restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Historic Târnovo is tucked into the dramatic bends of the Yantra River, clasped by an amphitheatre of forested hills. Bulgaria’s 19th-century National Revival splendour is easy to relive along historic lanes such as ul Gurko; similarly evocative is the handicraft market, Samovodska Charshiya, which retains much the same atmosphere it had two centuries ago.

Pizza duner При майстор Миро

The fortress of Tsarevets is among the top 3 historical sights of the Balkan peninsula and #bulgaria of course. It is on the top of the hill in Veliko Tarnovo city. In the 14th century it was among the last Bulgarian fortress' that were been occupied. Nowadays is very important tourist attraction and also it features light show from time to time. #happynewyear