Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria 🇧🇬
#775
43.024971, 25.713472
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Veliko Tarnovo is a historic city situated in central Bulgaria, renowned for its medieval architecture and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 70,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BGN ≈ 0.54 USD, 1 USD ≈ 1.85 BGN. Major banks include UniCredit Bulbank and DSK Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink in Veliko Tarnovo. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, using Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like A1 and Vivacom offer affordable prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Unicredit and Raiffeisen have good services for expats, many accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, and local real estate sites like Imot.bg. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular for short-term rentals, often costing around 30-50 BGN per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Mostel offers dorms starting from 20 BGN per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sofia Workspace offers excellent facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Hadji Nikoli Inn Café provides a cozy environment with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local expat communities are held at Babel Cafe. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | There is a Facebook group for expats in Veliko Tarnovo that hosts social events regularly. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use the TaxiMe app for reliable taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent-a-Bike Veliko Tarnovo offers bicycle rentals for exploring the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is in Varna, approximately a 2-hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | There are no regional airlines; the nearest major airport is in Varna. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Flag carrier Bulgaria Air operates flights from Varna and Sofia. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the A2 motorway connects to Sofia and Varna. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Veliko Tarnovo train station connects to major cities like Sofia and Varna. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus passes can be purchased at bus stations for discounted travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate frequently to nearby cities like Gabrovo and Dryanovo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Multi-profile Hospital for Active Treatment 'Dr. Stefan Cherkezov' offers comprehensive healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Element provides various yoga classes throughout the week. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center 'Euphoria' is well-equipped and has reasonable membership prices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service is available near the city center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda delivers food from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Kavarma', a traditional meat and vegetable dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant 'Mador' offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Restaurant 'Sasa', known for its Baklava and other desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in the center offer fresh produce and street food at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local platforms like eBag and international options like Amazon deliver to Veliko Tarnovo. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and Lidl offer delivery services through their online platforms. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The 'Samovodska Charshiya' area is popular for bars and nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Zagorka Brewery products are widely available in the region. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar 'Vino' features a great selection of Bulgarian wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in the central area serve various local fast foods. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several Italian and Greek restaurants are available, like 'Pasta House'. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Tsarevets Fortress is a historic site that should not be missed. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Historical Museum offers insights into the region's past. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Architectural Reserve of the Old Town shows beautiful historic buildings. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Saint Demetrius is famous for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Veliko Tarnovo Summer Festival offers cultural performances each August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town is filled with galleries, shops, and cultural spots. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Drama Theater 'Stefan Kirov' hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Artisan market offers handcrafted goods every weekend. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local live music can often be found in cafes and bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be seen in various neighborhoods, adding to the city's character. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The 'Culinary School' offers cooking classes focusing on traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery 'Svetlina' showcases local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Police Station is an excellent example of preserved architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Veliko Tarnovo is known for being Bulgaria's capital during the Second Bulgarian Empire. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Balkan Mountains offer breathtaking trails and natural parks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Central Balkan National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Beautiful walking paths along the Yantra River. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint from Tsarevets Fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The valley around Veliko Tarnovo attracts various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the surrounding parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Speedy offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops provide phone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports complex Veliko Tarnovo has table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language school 'Globo' offers Bulgarian language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Veliko Tarnovo Regional Library is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural center 'Bolyar' organizes various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming lounges offer community gaming events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are several small casinos throughout the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €24,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €20,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €42,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €36,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €64,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €56,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Flat personal income tax rate of 10%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Bulgaria imposes CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax of around 0.15% - 0.2% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on property purchases. |