Holiday in Veliko Tarnovo
City in Bulgarien — tips, highlights & best time to visit
Country
Bulgarien
Type
City
Best time to travel
May to October (warm, light show running)
Budget/day
50-80€: Boutique hotel, restaurants, tours
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Sofia (about 2.5h), then 3h bus/car to Veliko Tarnovo.
Deals for Veliko Tarnovo:
What makes Veliko Tarnovo special as a destination?
Veliko Tarnovo is the most spectacular city in Bulgaria — the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire dramatically sits on three hills above the bends of the Jantra River. The Tsarevets Fortress with its reconstructed walls and the evening sound-and-light show is one of the most impressive monuments in the Balkans. The picturesque old town with its artisan streets and the vibrant student scene make Veliko Tarnovo an underrated gem.
What are the top highlights in Veliko Tarnovo?
The top highlights in Veliko Tarnovo include Tsarevets Fortress, Samovodska Charshia, Asenov Quarter, Arbanasi.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Tsarevets Fortress
The medieval fortress on the hill offers panoramic views and a spectacular light show on summer evenings.
Samovodska Charshia
The historic artisan street with traditional workshops, art galleries, and cozy cafés.
Asenov Quarter
The picturesque district by the riverside with the Church of the Holy 40 Martyrs and old mills.
Arbanasi
The museum village (4 km away) with richly painted churches and Ottoman merchant houses.
Hotels in Veliko Tarnovo
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Reise-SIM für Veliko Tarnovo
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Veliko Tarnovo?
The best time to visit Veliko Tarnovo is May to October (warm, light show running). Warm, 25-33°C, occasional thunderstorms In winter: Cold, -2 to 8°C, snow possible, atmospheric
Recommended travel time
May to October (warm, light show running)
Summer
Warm, 25-33°C, occasional thunderstorms
Winter
Cold, -2 to 8°C, snow possible, atmospheric
How much does a holiday in Veliko Tarnovo cost?
Budget travellers: 25-40€: Guesthouse, Bulgarian cuisine, buses/day, mid-range: 50-80€: Boutique hotel, restaurants, tours/day, luxury: 120€+: Heritage hotel, private tours, wine tasting/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
25-40€: Guesthouse, Bulgarian cuisine, buses
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
50-80€: Boutique hotel, restaurants, tours
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
120€+: Heritage hotel, private tours, wine tasting
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Veliko Tarnovo?
Flight to Sofia (about 2.5h), then 3h bus/car to Veliko Tarnovo.
Book a package holiday to Veliko Tarnovo
Compare thousands of package holidays to Veliko Tarnovo and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Veliko Tarnovo?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The sound-and-light show at Tsarevets only takes place in summer — check dates in advance!
Bulgaria is extremely cheap — a dinner rarely costs more than 10€
The best view of the city is from the Monument of the Asen Dynasty
From here, a day trip to the rock churches of Ivanovo (UNESCO) is worthwhile
What should you eat in Veliko Tarnovo?
Typical specialities in Veliko Tarnovo: Shopska Salata — The Bulgarian national salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and grated Sirene cheese, Kavarma — Hearty stew with pork, vegetables, and spices in a clay pot, Banitsa — Puff pastry filled with Sirene cheese, the traditional breakfast, Rakia — Bulgarian fruit brandy (mostly grape or plum), consumed on every occasion.
These specialties you must try!
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