How to Spend One Day in Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo is a lesser known destination within Bulgaria, but this fascinating medieval city was once the most important political, economical, cultural, and religious center of Bulgaria. With just one day in Veliko Tarnovo you can learn about its fantastic history, take in some of its most famous sights, and be charmed by its unique layout in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains.
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Why Visit Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Varnovo is one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria and the capital of the second Bulgarian Empire. In the Middle Ages, between the 12th and 14th centuries, it grew to become the strongest Bulgarian fortifications, and today you can still visit some of these remnants to take in the rich history.
Additionally, the town is uniquely situated across three hills, Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora, around the Yantra River. This topography not only makes the town very picturesque, but it also offers stunning views throughout the Old Town as you navigate the narrow alleys and stairwells.
Perhaps best of all, Veliko Tarnovo is very centrally located in Bulagaria. This makes it an easy destination to travel to or through, whether you have just one day in Veliko Tarnovo or a full week. Even if you just have one hour, stop and take a gander through town. You won’t be disappointed.
Getting to Veliko Tarnovo on Public Transportation
Located just off of one of the main roads in Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo is easy to get into and out of, whether you’re driving yourself or taking public transportation. From most of the major cities in Bulgaria, it will take just a few hours to reach it. Here are some of the best ways to get to Veliko Tarnovo.
Traveling to Veliko Tarnovo by Train
If you’re coming from Plovdiv or Russe, you can take the train directly into Veliko Tarnovo. However, if you are coming from Sofia or Varna the train will arrive at the bus station in the town of Gorna Oryahovitsa, about 7km from Veliko Tarnovo. There you can change trains, hop on a bus, or grab a taxi to get into the city. You can also plan international journeys to Bucharest and Istanbul from Gorna Oryahovitsa.
Find train schedules on the Trainline or the BDZ website.
Arriving in Veliko Tarnovo by Bus
There are lots of options for arriving in Veliko Tarovo by bus. There are regular services from Sofia and Varna that will both take about 3 hours, and there are a number of daily buses to Plovdiv, Rousse, and other major Bulgarian cities. They all arrive at Bus Station South about 1 km from town. From there you can either walk into the city or take a taxi.
Check bus schedules and purchase your tickets from BusBud or Union Ivkoni.
Top Things to Do in Veliko Tarnovo
The the whole town of Veliko Tarnovo is quaint and simply beautiful. It can easily be explored within a day or two. Here are the top things to plan into your day.
Visit the Tsarevets Fortress
The main point of interest in Veliko Tarnovo is the Tsarevets Fortress. It sits prominently on top of the Tsarevets hill with imposing stone walls and a long elevated stone walkway as the entrance. This not only makes it a very impressive sight, but it also kept it well protected from enemies. Whether you’re spending a week or just one day in Veliko Tarnovo, the Tsarevets Fortress is a must see.
Details for your visit:
- Tickets for Tsarevets Fortress are just 6 leva per adult, 2 for students, and free for Children under 7.
- The best views are from on top of the hill by the Patriarchal Cathedral St. Ascension.
- You will need about an hour and a half to explore the fortress in full.
- Find additional details and history on the official website.
Explore the Old Town of Veliko Tarnovo
Part of the charm of Veliko Tarnovo is that there are really only a few main roads, and they are lined with all kinds of shops and restaurants. To help you focus your time and energy, I highly recommend exploring these two particular streets:
- Georgi S. Rakovski Street: This pedestrian street in the Old Town is where you’ll find the Samovodska Charshia Market. It features all kinds of crafts from silversmiths to potters and wood carvers.
- Stefan Stambolov Street: The main road through the Old Town in Veliko Tarnovo. You’ll need to take this road to get around by foot or public transit and this is where you’ll see the city really come alive.
From these two streets along, you will get the feel of the city and some amazing views of the Old Town. They will also offer you the opportunity to do a bit of souvenir shopping, if that’s your thing.
Admire the Views from the Asenevtsi Monument
Just across from the main road of Stefan Stambolov Street, you’ll find the back part of the city which is set across a beautiful gorge. From here you can see how the city is built into the hillside, which is not something you can really tell when walking around town. You’ll also be able to access the famous Asenevtsi Monument.
The Asenevtsi Monument, or Monument to the Assen Dynasty, was built in 1985 to honor the 800th anniversary of the uprising of the kings Asen and Petar. It features a giant sword surrounded by four rulers to symbolize the power and the rise of medieval Bulgaria. It is centrally located and a can’t miss destination, even if you only have one day in Veliko Tarnovo.
Watch the Sound and Light Show at Tsarevets Fortress
If you’re lucky enough to be in Veliko Tarnovo over the “Sound and Light” show at Tsarevets Fortress, make sure to check it out. You’ll be treated to a dramatic music, light, and laser show that depicts the tumultuous history of Bulgaria. There are two different types of shows, free and paid. You can check the dates of the Sound and Light show to determine if they are happening while you’ll be in town and what type of show it is.
Where to Stay in Veliko Tarnovo
While you don’t have to stay overnight in Veliko Tarnovo, it is definitey worth a one or even two night stay. You’ll have the time then to check out the nightlife in town.
Best Backpacker Budget Options
Bulgaria in general is a fairly affordable country, and Veliko Tarnovo is no exception. You can find (clean) dorm beds for under $10/night. Here are the two best budget finds:
- Hostel Mostel: This charming little hostel is located in just steps away from Fortress Tsarevets and a 10 minute walk from the city center. You’ll find everything you’ll need here. I know, because this is where I stayed, and I loved it. Check the rates for Hostel Mostel now.
- Hikers Hostel: This budget friendly hostel is located in the center of town, just a 2 minute walk to the Samovodska Charshia Street Market. It also offers a terrace overlooking the Tsarevets Fortress. Check the rates for Hikers Hostel now.
Best Budget-Friendly Mid-Range Hotels
Just to reiterate, Bulgaria is not an expensive destination. In fact, there really aren’t “expensive” options unless you want to rent a whole house in Veliko Tarnovo. Otherwise, you can stay in the nicest hotels in the area for under $65/night in most seasons. Here are two great options to try out.
- Boutique Hotel and Spa Tsarevets: This 4-star hotel features some of the luxuries you might be looking for but at a cost you can afford. You’ll have an indoor pool, a sauna and hot tub, a kids club, and more here, and its centrally located so you can walk everywhere. Check the rates for Boutique Hotel and Spa Tsarevets now.
- Yantra Grand Hotel: Another 4-star hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, you’ll find stunning views of the Tsarevets Fortress as well as the historical settlement of Arbanassi. You’ll also have the luxuries of an indoor pool and fitness center, as well as a spa offering massages and a Turkish Bath. Check the rates for Yantra Grand Hotel now.
Explore Nearby Destinations
While Veliko Tarnovo has enough charm and sights to keep you entertained for a day or two, I highly recommend you spend a lot more time in this part of Europe. There are plenty of nearby places to check out that are perfect to continue your trip. Here are some of my top recommendations.
Day Trip to Buzludzha Monument from Veliko Tarnovo
If you have more than one day to spend in Veliko Tarnovo, I highly recommend you head to the Buzludzha Monument. This Communist Regime monument sits on a remote hilltop about 75 km from Veliko Tarnovo and is most famous for its unusual architecture. It looks exactly like a UFO. In fact, some might say it’s out of this world! (You’re welcome for my terrible humor.)
Find everything you need to visit Buzludzha Monument here.
Explore Sofia and Plovdiv
Bulgaria offers multiple other destinations of interest. I recommend spending a couple of days in Sofia and another one in Plovdiv, which sits between Veliko Tarnovo and Sofia. This will give you a great feeling for Bulgaria, and Sofia really offers great insight into the history of the country.
Head to Romania for Bucharest, Brasov, and Dracula’s Castle
An easy train journey from Veliko Tarnovo, Bucharest is a stunning city offering tons of history, sights, and a great nightlife scene. While you’re there, definitely head to Brasov to try out the smaller cities of Romania and a day trip to Bran Castle, known better as Dracula’s Castle.
Visit Veliko Tarnovo on a Tour
Maybe you want to spend one day in Veliko Tarnovo, but you don’t want to make the journey alone. Don’t worry, there are plenty of options from nearby cities to get you there.
Tours of Veliko Tarnovo from Bucharest
Tours of Veliko Tarnovo from Other Parts of Bulgaria
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