Gabrovo, Bulgaria 🇧🇬
#1540
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gabrovo is a city located in central Bulgaria, known for its rich history and cultural significance, especially in the field of trade and crafts. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps, with options for fiber optic. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Bulgarian Lev (BGN) - 1 BGN ≈ 0.54 USD, 1 USD ≈ 1.85 BGN. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but it's advisable to use a filter. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available through providers like A1, Telenor, and Vivacom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as DSK Bank and UniCredit Bulbank are popular; services like Revolut are accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local hotels to short-term rentals via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local real estate listings. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Gabrovo offers affordable lodging from 15 BGN per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Historical center near the Gabrovo's clock tower for easy access to landmarks. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the city center for proximity to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Gabrovo Innovation Center offers a conducive space for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Tih Eko is internet-friendly and offers a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by the Gabrovo Business Incubator. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings facilitated through Facebook groups like 'Gabrovo Expats'. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi 112 is a reliable local taxi app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cycling paths along the Yantra River offer rentals at various local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is located in Varna, about 2.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bulgarian Air Charter connects to other cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Bulgaria Air offers flights to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via Hemus Highway (A2) for access to Sofia and Varna. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gabrovo's train station connects to major cities like Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes available for local travel with options for daily and monthly passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train and bus services offer connections to neighboring cities like Veliko Tarnovo and Lovech. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Dr. Tzvetan Koynov Hospital is the main healthcare facility in Gabrovo. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Life Gabrovo offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sport Fit Gym provides modern facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Bar offers affordable self-service and drop-off laundry options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo provides a variety of food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional 'Gabrovski kladenets' - a local sausage. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Delicious options available at Garden of Senses. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Buzludzha is known for its homemade pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Central Bazaar offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores like wezone.bg focus on Bulgarian products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Store.bg provides grocery delivery services within Gabrovo. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife area around Cafe Kafe offers a variety of bars and music venues. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gabrovo Brewery produces traditionally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Chervenkata features a range of Bulgarian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for local vendors in the main square for authentic street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Pizzeria Da Marco offer Italian favorites. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Clock Tower and the Etar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gabrovo Museum of History showcases the city’s rich heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Bazaar area represents traditional Bulgarian commerce. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michael's Church is a notable place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Gabrovo Humor Festival attracts visitors every spring. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area is vibrant with local art and workshops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Gabrovo Theater hosts regular performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets promote local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venues like Club Cosmos host local and regional music artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals in the city center for urban culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at local culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gabrovo Art Gallery features contemporary and traditional Bulgarian art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old railway station is an architectural gem from the early 20th century. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Gabrovo is known as the 'capital of humor' due to its culture around satire and humor. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Balkans mountain range near Gabrovo offers stunning nature trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Central Balkan National Park provides rich biodiversity and natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous walking paths along the Yantra River cater to cyclists and walkers. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Shipka Pass is a must-visit for panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Gabrovo region is great for birdwatching, notably in the foothills of the Balkans. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping areas in the nearby forests allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Speedy and Econt provide reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like GSM Service offer repair services for gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Tables available at Sport Fit and community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Foreign Language School in Gabrovo offers Bulgarian language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Gabrovo Regional Library is a quiet space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community Center at Buzludzha hosts various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Hub Gabrovo features high-end PCs for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Maritza offers gaming facilities and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio would cost around €32,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €650 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio would cost around €26,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €750 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² 1-bedroom would cost around €45,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €600 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² 1-bedroom would cost around €36,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €700 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² 2-bedroom would cost around €56,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €550 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² 2-bedroom would cost around €44,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax based on income with low rates for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules, favorable for expats. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax typically around 0.15% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% of the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income for property owners residing abroad. |