If you’ve planned a trip to Bulgaria and you’re getting out of Sofia, then Veliko Tarnovo is the place to go. But, if you don’t know much about the city you are probably wondering what to do in Veliko Tarnovo. Don’t worry, this guide to Veliko Tarnovo will help. The city has plenty to offer and many great things to do and see.
Veliko Tarnovo is the old Bulgarian capital from the time of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The city has a historic and traditional feel that you won’t find in Sofia. The atmosphere and energy seem to reflect this as you walk through the streets of the old town lined with beautifully designed buildings.
I spent 3 days and 2 nights in this small city, which was more than enough time. Depending on what your plans are, you could do the same or spend less time here. It is easy to see everything in 2 days but one of the charms of this city is its relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect place to chill out and unwind.
The city itself is very beautiful, I didn’t go into the city proper and you most likely won’t either and spend your time in the old town.
The old town is built upon 3 hills Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora. The landscape is sculpted by the Yantra River cutting and meandering around the 3 hills. This creates a beautiful and striking landscape where tradition meets nature. Tsarevets is the hill with the town, shops, hotels, and restaurants. From here you can look out onto the other two, seeing the ruins of the old capital on Trapezitsa and the forested landscape of Sveta Gora.
Things to do in Veliko Tarnovo
1. Explore the Old Town
The old town sits atop Tsarevich hill. There are a lot of shops, eateries, and views to see and explore. The town sits upon the hill, which is a peninsula with the river cutting around, this allows for great panoramic views of the town. Sit and drink coffee, take in the atmosphere, and explore. There are many interesting things to find around.
2. Visit Tsarevets Fortress
Tsarevets Fortress is a medieval fortress located at the end of the old town on Tsarevets Hill. Mostly ruins now, but the walls remain intact along with the long bridge entering it. You can walk around the complex, visit the various ruins such as Baldwin’s Tower, and there are plenty of seats to relax and enjoy the view. The price was 10lv when I went (5 euro).
3. Visit the Samovodska Charishia Market
This is also part of the old town and has 2 lovely traditional streets that connect. You’ll find various craft shops along here selling a range of ware. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s still a quaint and beautiful street to walk down. There are a few cafes and bakeries along here. I recommend coming in the morning before the crowds to buy a banitsa and coffee and relax in the sun.
4. Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension
The cathedral sits on the top of Tsarevets Hill and looks out across the stunning landscape with a 360-degree view. Originally the seat of the Bulgarian patriarch, it was destroyed in 1393, and then reconstructed in the 1980s
Although it is no longer an active place of worship, the church accepts visitors to enter. You can view the beautiful modern frescos that decorate the interior walls.
5. Sound and Light show
Tsarevets Fortress holds a sound and light show in the evening on different dates. There are two ways to see this, one by buying a ticket and going to a specific viewing area, or standing in the small square near the entrance for free.
Go to the website to see the show’s dates.
https://www.soundandlight.bg/en
6 Visit the monument to the Assen Dynasty
The Assen dynasty started when Ivan and Peter Assen led a rebellion against the Byzantium empire. This led to the second Bulgarian empire with the Assen dynasty proclaiming Tarnovo as its capital. 800 years since and now this monument celebrates the family.
The huge sword pierces the sky and is surrounded by the first 4 rulers of the Assen dynasty. The monument is seen from all around Veliko Tarnovo, such as various areas along the main road of Tsarevich. It looks especially beautiful at dusk as the sun sets and the shadow of the sword contrasts with the sky.
The monument can be accessed by a bridge from Tsarevich to Sveta Gora Park.
7. Visit the State Art Gallery ‘Boris Denev’
The museum is located in the Sveta Gora Park right next to the Assen Dynasty monument. If you want to learn about Bulgarian art, or are generally interested in art, then this is a must see gallery. The gallery houses many pieces from various Bulgarian artists and shows the progression of Bulgarian art through time. It also houses a collection of pieces from artist Boris Deneuve.
8. Hike up Sveta Gora
One of the three hills is accessible by a large bridge across the ravine. You can walk past the Assen monument this way too. Once you follow the road past the art gallery and through the Sveta Gora park, with various statues to inspect, you will cross a road and find many steps leading up the hill. Follow these steps up to the top and you’ll be treated to some wonderful views of Veliko Tarnovo. Carry on further and you’ll reach a nice cafĂ© to grab a hot drink at.
There is much more to do and you can explore and find new things in this city. I stayed for a few days and preferred to relax when I visited. I stayed in Hostel Mostel in the old town of Tsarevets near the Fortress. It was a short walk down the hill and in a quiet area. The hostel was great and very relaxed.
I hope you enjoy your visit to Veliko Tarnovo
I love this article! Great place and a pleasant surprise