Frequently asked questions
Veliko Tarnovo: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is April-June, September-October. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Veliko Tarnovo: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +28.2°C, during the day — up to +28.2°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Veliko Tarnovo: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +-3.6°C, during the day — up to +3.4°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Veliko Tarnovo: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-June. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Veliko Tarnovo: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $59.00 (≈ 4 951 ₽ · ≈ 106 BGN) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the
trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Veliko Tarnovo: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $8.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $35.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $60.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $100.00 per night, an apartment — $40.00 per night, a villa — $80.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Veliko Tarnovo: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $7.00, dinner at a restaurant — $15.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $1.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.80. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Veliko Tarnovo: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $20.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.60, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Veliko Tarnovo: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Tsarevets Fortress — Main attraction of Veliko Tarnovo, medieval fortress with Patriarchal Cathedral and sound and light show; Trapezitsa Fortress — Ruins of a medieval town on a hill, part of the architectural and museum reserve; Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs — Masterpiece of medieval architecture with the column of Khan Omurtag from the 9th century; Samovodska Charshia — Historic street of craftsmen with workshops, galleries, and shops; Asen Monument — Impressive monument to Tsars Asen, Petar, and Kaloyan, symbol of the city. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Veliko Tarnovo: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Pestil — Plum marmalade known as Gabrovo chocolate; Balsudzhuk — Traditional walnut churchkhela in grape juice; Tarnovo Halva — Traditional sweet made from sunflower or sesame seeds; Byalo Sladko — Jam made from white cherries or walnuts, served with water; Banitsa with Ayran — Layered pastry with white cheese, served with a sour milk drink; Shopska Salad — Salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onion, and white cheese; Kebapcheta — Spicy minced meat sausages grilled on a barbecue. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Veliko Tarnovo: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Center — Historic center with main street, museums, restaurants, and shops; Asenov — Area at the foot of Tsarevets Fortress with hotels and authentic atmosphere; Kartala — Northernmost quarter on a hill with panoramic city views; Akatsia — Quiet green area near the center, popular for living. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Veliko Tarnovo: is a visa required?
Visa: required (Schengen). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Veliko Tarnovo: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Варна Международный Аэропорт (code VAR). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $20.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Veliko Tarnovo: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — BGN. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $59.00 (≈ 4 951 ₽ · ≈ 106 BGN). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Veliko Tarnovo: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Veliko Tarnovo: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Veliko Tarnovo: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Arbanasi — Historic village with churches and monasteries, 4 km away; Dryanovo — Town with monastery and caves, 30 km away; Gabrovo — Town with ethnographic museum, 45 km away; Tryavna — Town with wood carving museum, 40 km away; Nikopol — Danube town with fortress, 60 km away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.
