Situated on the Black Sea in eastern Bulgaria, Varna is 273 mi/440 km of Sofia, an eight-hour train ride or six- to seven-hour road trip. Varna is Bulgaria's third-largest city and the country's largest city on the Black Sea coast.
Sites to see there include a ruined Roman citadel, two Roman baths, an aquarium, an astronomical observatory, the 19th-century Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, the Archaeological Museum (one of Bulgaria's most interesting museums), the Museum of the Revival, which details the city's history, the Naval Museum, the Georgi Velchev Art Museum, the huge Sea Garden park, several golden-sand beaches, a coastal walking/cycling promenade and botanical gardens. Varna is most famous as a beach party destination during summer months.
The city's entertainment is the best along the coast, especially during the Varna Summer International Music Festival held in June and July. During this time, the city comes alive with various musical concerts and performances.
Excursions from Varna include Pobiti Kamani, a "Stone Forest" of cylindrical rock formations, located 12 mi/20 km west of Varna; the Aladzha Monastery, located 5 mi/8 km north of Varna and 2.5 mi/4 km from Golden Sands; and Euxinograd Palace, situated 5 mi/8 km north of Varna along the coast.
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