Varna, Bulgaria 🇧🇬
#772
,
Nomad Score:
73%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Varna is a coastal city located on the Black Sea, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 335,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 65 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.95 BGN, 1 USD ≈ 1.70 BGN |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but bottled water is often preferred. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include A1, Telenor, and Vivacom offering competitive mobile plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Bulgarian banks such as DSK and UniCredit accept international accounts; Revolut also works. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local property rental websites. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental sites offer numerous options in central neighborhoods. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Chillout Hostel' provide affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Sea Garden area is popular for its parks, attractions, and proximity to the beach. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center and the area around the Marine Station are ideal for longer stays with amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office provides a collaborative space with fast internet and relax zones. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Grand Cafe offers a quiet atmosphere, good coffee, and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup events for professionals are organized at various location and online. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Varna' facilitate community interaction. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is the preferred ride-hailing service. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Electric scooters are available through local rental apps like Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Golden Sands Beach is the most popular, just 20 minutes drive from the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bulgaria Air operates regional flights to nearby destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and Wizz Air offer budget international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A2 highway connects Varna to Sofia and Burgas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Varna Railway Station serves both national and international routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | City transport passes are available, allowing unlimited travel for a day. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect to nearby cities like Burgas and Dobrich. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | St. Anna Hospital is well-regarded for general healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Center 'Zdravets' provides classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Sport Palace Varna offers modern fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Takeaway.com offers a variety of local cuisine delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Shopska Salata', a fresh Bulgarian salad made of tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'Himalaya' cater well to vegetarians with diverse menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Retro offers delicious pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Central Market provides local produce at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online platforms like Emag.bg offer a wide selection of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Big supermarkets like Kaufland offer online shopping with delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The center around the Sea Garden is lively with bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Varna's own 'Varna Brewery' offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino Culture offers a variety of local wines to taste. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the beaches offer delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like 'Happy Bar & Grill' serve a wide range of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Roman Baths and the Sea Garden for a mix of history and beauty. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Varna Archaeological Museum houses extensive historical artifacts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cathedral of the Assumption is a notable architectural landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral is a must-visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Varna Summer Festival occurs each July-August featuring arts and culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The neighborhood around the Cathedral is vibrant with local cafés and shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Varna State Opera hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Varna Central Market is a hub for local goods and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venues like Porto offers live music and a lively atmosphere. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals in the city center showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Traditional Bulgarian cooking classes are available at 'Gastronomic School'. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery Varna showcases local artists and contemporary exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Roman Baths date back to the 2nd century and are a key historical site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Varna's rich history as a cultural crossing point can be seen in its architecture and museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Golden Sands Nature Park offers hiking trails and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Kamchiya River Nature Reserve is a short drive away, ideal for outdoors enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | 'Sea Garden' has beautiful walking and cycling paths along the coastline. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Overlook points in the Sea Garden provide stunning views of the Black Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Varna wetlands are a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the beaches allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Bulgarian Post offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech24 can assist with device repairs in the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like 'Lexis School' offer Bulgarian language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Varna Regional Library provides excellent study facilities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community hubs like 'Café Kultura' host events and social gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Haven is a popular spot for gamers and eSports fans. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Varna is a central spot for gambling entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €114,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Flat tax rate on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreign income may have favorable tax treatments depending on residency status. |