Veliko Tarnovo – Tourist Attractions, Recommendations and Places to Visit nearby
Veliko Tarnovo is the little town in Bulgaria that has captured our hearts. Read on to see which Veliko Tarnovo sights we liked best.
I’ve visited it twice so far, each time leaving with fond memories.
Initially, we were attracted by the narrow cobbled streets of the old town center, reminiscent of Bulgarian towns 200 years ago.
Veliko Tarnovo has a special charm that transports you into a fairytale world.
Let’s see what to see in Veliko Tarnovo, where to eat well, what to do and much more!
Contents:
- How to get to Veliko Tarnovo?
- A short history of Veliko Tarnovo
- Tourist sights Veliko Tarnovo
- Where to eat well in Veliko Tarnovo?
- Other places to visit Veliko Tarnovo
- Camping Veliko Tarnovo
How to get to Veliko Tarnovo?
Veliko Tarnovo is 182 km south of Bucharest in Bulgaria.
👉See also Must-see sights in Bucharest in 2025!
In theory, you can get here in 3 hours. But, because of the works on the Giurgiu-Ruse bridge, it’s about 4 hours.
What do you need to know about the road?
The road is very good, so you won’t have any problems.
‼️ Attention – Don’t forget to pay Vigneta for Bulgaria. You can do this in cash as soon as you cross the border or online.
A short history of Veliko Tarnovo
To understand what you’ll visit here, you need to know some important facts about the city’s history.
Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Tsarate between the 12th and 14th centuries, during which time it experienced a period of great cultural, religious and military development.
The city is famous for the Tsarevets Fortress, which was the residence of the Bulgarian Tsars and an important religious center. After the fall of the empire to the Ottomans, Veliko Tarnovo lost its political status, but remained a symbol of Bulgarian national revival. Today, it is a vibrant tourist town prized for its medieval architecture and picturesque streets.
Sights in Veliko Tarnovo that we particularly liked
We have to admit, we put Veliko Tarnovo on our bucket list, seeing how much history it has behind it.
And there really is something to see and learn.
1. Medieval streets in the old town
In Veliko Tarnovo’s old town center, cob cobbled streets and buildings with traditional architecture retain an authentic medieval charm that takes you back in time.
One of the most famous streets is Samovodska Charshiya, a former craftsmen’s market. In the past, crafts such as pottery, metalworking, carpentry and weaving were practiced here.
Today, these workshops have been transformed into craft shops and galleries where you can admire or buy handmade products. Choose from pottery to traditional jewelry and souvenirs.
The bohemian atmosphere, with craftsmen working in plain sight and chic cafes, makes this area a place not to be missed.
2. St. Nicholas Church
St. Nicholas Church, located in the Varusha district, was built between 1834-1836, originally by Ivan Davdata. It was then completed by the renowned architect Kolyo Ficheto – nicknamed “the father of Bulgarian architecture”. Built on the basis of a government decree issued by Bishop Ilarion of Crete, the church is a low basilica with wooden columns, a massive ceiling and three semicircular apses, without domes, with carefully carved details in stone and wood.
In addition to its religious role, the church also had an important function in the period of the national revival – it functioned as a center of Bulgarian language learning and was attended by renowned teachers.
3. Multimedia Visitor Center “Tsarevgrad Tarnov”
The Multimedia Visitor Center “Tsarevgrad Tarnov”, located next to the Tsarevets fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, offers a fascinating insight into the atmosphere of Bulgaria’s medieval capital. Here you’ll meet 29 life-size wax figurines bringing to life historical figures such as Tsar Kaloyan, Ivan Asen II, craftsmen, warriors and priests.
You can explore spectacular scenes, such as the capture of the Latin Emperor Baldwin by Kaloyan in 1205, all rendered in breathtaking detail. Through sound, scenery and multimedia effects, you’ll feel like stepping into the past and discover what life was like in the glory days of Tarnovgrad.
4. Serafkina House Museum
When you visit the Serafkina House Museum, you’ll step into an architectural gem of the Bulgarian Renaissance in Veliko Tarnovo. Built in 1861 for the merchant Dimo Sarafina, the house remained in the family of his wife, Anastasia Serafkina. In 1981 it was converted into an ethnographic museum.
The impressive building, with five floors on the Iantra River side and only two on the Gurko Street side, houses exhibitions depicting the life of the local community in the 19th-20th centuries. For example, traditional crafts, folk costumes, ritual objects and original pieces of furniture, all carefully preserved.
5. Tsarevets Fortress
Veliko Tarnovo’s Tsarevets Fortress is a symbol of Bulgaria’s medieval history, having been the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Tsarate between the 12th and 14th centuries. Here you’ll find impressive ruins of the tsars’ palace, the patriarchal complex and the Transfiguration Church, all perched on a strategic hill with a spectacular view of the city and the Yantra River.
For sightseeing, you have the option to explore the citadel on your own or choose a guided tour that gives you detailed information about the history and architecture of the place. We took a guided tour in English and it was great. Visiting hours vary depending on the season: between April and October the citadel is open from 08:00 to 20:00, and the rest of the year from 09:00 to 16:00.
The fortress also hosts sound and light shows called “Tsarevgrad Turnov”, which re-enact key historical moments and are an attraction in themselves. It is advisable to check the schedule and book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to make the most of your visit.
6. Trapezitsa Fortress
Trapezitsa Fortress, situated on a picturesque hill in the north-west of Veliko Tarnovo, awaits you to discover impressive ruins of medieval churches, defense towers and noble residences. Here you’ll see the remains of more than 17 frescoed and mosaic churches. You can easily reach the citadel on foot or by using the funicular, which runs between May and October, giving you a comfortable way to climb the hill, especially on hot days.
The ticket you buy for Tsarevets Fortress doesn’t automatically include access to Trapezitsa, so if you want to visit both places, you’ll have to buy separate tickets or opt for a combined ticket, which gives you access to both fortresses at a reduced price. This way you can explore Veliko Tarnovo’s two historical treasures at your leisure.
7. Boris Denev Art Gallery
The “Boris Denev” Art Gallery in Veliko Tarnovo is one of the oldest and most prestigious art galleries in Bulgaria, opened in 1934. Located in Asenevtsi Park, in a building of great architectural and historical value, the gallery houses an impressive collection of over 5,000 works of art, including paintings, graphics and sculpture. Representative artists in the collection include Vladimir Dimitrov – the Master, Boris Denev, Nikola Tanev and others.
The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays.
8. Petko Slaveykov House-Museum in Veliko Tarnovo
The Petko Slaveykov House-Museum in Veliko Tarnovo is open, but access is by appointment only. To visit the museum you need to make a request at least one day in advance by calling +359 885 927 009.
The museum is dedicated to Petko Rachov Slaveykov, an important poet, writer and leader of the struggle for the independence of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, born in this house on November 17, 1827. The house was restored in 1971 and houses exhibitions illustrating his life and work.
To make sure you can visit the museum on the day you want, it’s a good idea to book in advance.
9. Sveta Gora Park
The Sveta Gora Park, often called the “Green Heart” of Veliko Tarnovo, is located on the hill of the same name. Inaugurated in 2016 and covering approximately 54 hectares, the park offers over 6 km of pedestrian and cycling paths, children’s play areas, picnic spots, outdoor fitness facilities, skate-park and a football pitch.
One of the main attractions is the sky bridge, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Tsarevets and Trapezitsa fortresses and the old town. In addition, the park includes stained-glass art installations by students of the local university and a pet-friendly area. Open 24/7, it is the ideal place for a relaxing stroll, sports activities or romantic moments.
Where to eat well in Veliko Tarnovo?
The food in Bulgaria is generally very good, and Veliko Tarnovo is no exception.
Since we were in a small mountain town, we wanted to try traditional Bulgarian dishes, which we were pleasantly impressed by.
Here’s where we stopped and what the experience was like!
Restaurant Ethno Veliko Tarnovo
We have to admit that we wanted to go to a restaurant with a view of the Iantra River, which flows through Veliko Tarnovo. That’s how we discovered this place, which also had many traditional Bulgarian dishes on the menu.
We loved that they had seating directly overlooking the river. The menu is also oriental inspired, so we had the baba ganoush which was excellent. For the main course, we tried the Hotch-Potch, a sausage and pork stew with roasted peppers and other vegetables, au gratin with cream. Delicious. I also tried a chicken and pork gravy with mashed potatoes, also made in the traditional Bulgarian style. As for prices, about 10 euros each. If you come here don’t miss Captain’s Salad, with zucchini and eggplant, it was brilliant.
We didn’t leave without tasting kunefe, and it was worth ordering it. Don’t forget to make a reservation the day before you’re coming here, otherwise you’re unlikely to get a seat.
Other places to visit in and around Veliko Tarnovo
Being in a hilly area, Veliko Tarnovo also enjoys beautiful nature.
We visited some cool places and here are some of them:
1. The Love Swing
Love Swing is a popular attraction located on Garga Bair hill, just about 1.5 km from the center of Veliko Tarnovo. Here, a swing on a cliff with a panoramic view of the city and the Iantra River awaits you – a perfect setting for romantic photos. Once at the swing, you will feel as if the city is unfolding at your feet.
Although the route requires extra attention – steep gradient, rough terrain – the visual rewards are worth the effort.
2. Hotnitsa Waterfall
In the Veliko Tarnovo area, the most famous waterfall suitable for hiking is the Hotnitsa Waterfall (also known as Kaya Bunar), located about 20 km northwest of the city. The eco trail of about 1.5-2.3 km starts next to the waterfall and climbs through a picturesque canyon with stairs and wooden bridges, offering spectacular views and easy access to several small waterfalls – one of the most impressive in the region, about 30 m high.
The waterfall is surrounded by a picnic and relaxation area and there is a parking lot right near the trailhead. The highlight is the eco trail, which takes you through a spectacular natural environment along the Bohot Valley, offering an easy hiking experience. With comfortable footwear you can make the most of this extraordinary place.
Camping Veliko Tarnovo – An unforgettable experience
Although the first time we came to Veliko Tarnovo we stayed in an Airbnb, the second time we wanted to try a different experience – camping.
Basically, we were coming from Thassos, where we also camped, and we found an absolutely wonderful place to camp very close to Veliko Tarnovo. You can find it on Maps as “Dragijevo” campsite, and it’s about 13 km from Veliko.
We were amazed by the quality of service here, the pool and the exemplary organization. Then we found out that it was run by a UK camping family. Therefore, everything is done with soul and we felt that.
It is a particularly relaxing place where we disconnected from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As amenities go, they lack for nothing. You have everything from showers, to kitchen, washing machines, BBQ, terrace, electricity and water next to the tent.
👉See also the Camping Veliko Tarnovo website
All in all, Veliko Tarnovo is a great destination for a city break. In 3 days here you can enjoy history and nature. Treat your taste buds in the town’s restaurants and relax in the parks around the city.
Were you here?
Write to us in the comments!