Varna, Bulgaria 🇧🇬
#772
43.205213, 27.860202
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Varna is a coastal city located on the Black Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 350,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BGN ≈ 0.54 EUR, 1 EUR ≈ 1.85 BGN |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but it's recommended to use filtered water for better taste. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include A1, Telenor, and Vivacom, with affordable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include DSK Bank, UniCredit Bulbank, and Raiffeisenbank, with options for expats like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and Booking.com are popular for short-term rentals, and long-term options can be found on local sites like Imoti.net. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in most restaurants, shops, and cafes. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local rental agencies, with prices starting from €15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Varna Beach offers dormitory beds starting at €10. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office Varna, known for a vibrant community and reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Sasa, a cozy cafe with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events at Coworking Bonbon and local Meetup groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Varna Expats Facebook group hosts regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | TaxiMe is a reliable app for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available through Lime and local bike-sharing services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Golden Sands Beach, approximately 20 mins away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bulgarian Air Charter operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Multiple carriers, including Wizz Air and Ryanair, offer international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The E70 highway runs near Varna, connecting major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Varna Central Train Station serves regional and national routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes available for around €15. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Varna to nearby cities like Burgas and Dobrich. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | St. Marina Hospital, known for good patient care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Studio Sunshine offers various yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit Nation Varna is a popular choice with modern facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Clean & Fresh Laundry Service offers pick-up and delivery. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is widely used for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Shopska salad, a local favorite made with fresh vegetables and feta. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Sasa Restaurant offers a variety of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cheshire Patisserie has delicious pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Central Market is great for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | eMag is a popular local online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Billa and Kaufland offer online grocery shopping and delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Sea Garden area is bustling with nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Varna Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinprom Varna is known for its good selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls near the beach offer tasty street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Roma, known for its wood-fired pizzas. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Roman Baths and the Cathedral of the Assumption are must-visit attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Varna Archaeological Museum showcases the city’s rich history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Aladzha Monastery, a medieval Orthodox cave monastery located nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral is a stunning architectural piece. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Varna Summer Festival is a renowned cultural event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center features a vibrant mix of cafes, shops, and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Varna State Opera performs various productions throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Varna Farmers Market offers fresh local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city hosts many local bands and international acts, mainly in summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | There are several impressive murals around the city, especially in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available through local culinary schools for traditional Bulgarian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery Varna showcases contemporary works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Varna Aquarium is both educational and historical. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city has a rich maritime history, reflected in its museums and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Golden Sands Nature Park is nearby, ideal for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Nature Park strandzha offers stunning landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Sea Garden has dedicated paths for both walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cape Kaliakra offers breathtaking cliff views of the Black Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Varna are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beaches allow for bonfires during summer. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services offer reliable package delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Techno-Serv offers repairs for various devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Varna offer classes in English, Bulgarian, and other languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Varna City Library is a quiet place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Varna Community Center hosts various cultural events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Hub Varna offers a place for gamers to meet. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Varna is a popular spot for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €950 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €38,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,150 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €69,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Flat-rate taxation system targeting residents' income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on set local rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 2% of the property value. |