If you’re searching for a unique travel experience, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria could be your perfect destination. With its interesting history, fascinating architecture, and natural beauty, this city has something to offer visitors of all backgrounds. So, if you’re wondering, “Is Veliko Tarnovo worth visiting,” our answer is a resounding yes.

When we tell others we are full-time travelers, one of the most popular questions people ask is: “Where should I go?” The honest answer is: “It depends.” The best destination depends on what you want to do on your trip.

Every city is different and has its pros and cons. We can’t say which city is best or our favorite because we like them all (or, at least, most of them) for very different reasons. We consider several factors when thinking about where we will go next. Some are given more weight than others, but we want to ensure the destination has what we’re looking for and that there are no disqualifying issues (like weather or crowds).

To help you decide if Veliko Tarnovo is a good choice, we’ve analyzed a list of factors we consider when choosing a destination and answered the frequently asked questions.

This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.

If you’re looking for a remarkable travel experience, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria might just be the answer. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, this city has plenty to offer visitors from all walks of life. And let’s not forget the restaurants with amazing views. So if you’re wondering, “Is Veliko Tarnovo worth visiting,” our answer is a resounding yes.

When we tell others we are full-time travelers, one of the most popular questions people ask is: “Where should I go?” The honest answer is: “It depends.” The best destination depends on what you want to do on your trip.

Every city is different and has its pros and cons. We can’t say which city is best or our favorite because we like them all (or, at least, most of them) for very different reasons.

When we start thinking about where we will go next, we consider several factors. Some are given more weight than others, but we want to ensure the destination has what we’re looking for and that there are no disqualifying issues (like weather or crowds).

To help you decide if Veliko Tarnovo is a good choice, we’ve analyzed a list of factors we consider when choosing a destination and answered the frequently asked questions.

This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.

We spent the entire month of July in Plovdiv and feel like we know the city well. Based on our experience, we assigned each factor a score from 1 to 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. If the attribute is unavailable or does not apply, we give it a 0.

If you’re asking yourself, “Is Plovdiv worth visiting?” hopefully, this information will help you make a more informed decision.

Some factors may sway you in one direction or another, depending on your circumstances and interests—for example, the weather. If you like to go to the beach, you may be looking for hot weather in the summer. If you like winter sports, you may be looking for cold weather in the winter. On the other hand, if you want to explore the old town (like us), you may be looking for milder weather in the summer and winter. For this reason, you may need to take your situation into account.

While there are some exceptions, we assume the weather will be good in the Spring and Fall everywhere we consider visiting. So, we focus primarily on the Summer and Winter weather.

Hot in the Summer – 1

Veliko Tarnovo is very hot and sunny during the summer. We spent a few days at the end of July in Veliko Tarnovo, and it was hot. But, it did have a nice breeze that made exploring the town comfortable.

Cold in the Winter – 1

Veliko Tarnovo is a four-season destination and is cold and snows during the winter. We did not spend winter in Veliko Tarnovo, but the average high temperatures are 40, 37, and 42 degrees during December, January, and February.

Few Tourists in Large Groups – 3

The busiest season for tourists in Veliko Tarnovo is Summer, specifically July and August. We spent a few days at the end of July in Veliko Tarnovo, and there were groups of tourists, but few were in very large tour groups. They were mostly in small family groups.

Few Cruise Ship Passengers – 3

Veliko Tarnovo is landlocked in Bulgaria. There are many riverboat cruises on the Danube that shuttle tourists around Bulgaria with Veliko Tarnovo being a popular destination. There were groups of cruise ship passengers, but they were not excessive and did not impact our enjoyment.

Few Tourists in Couples or Small Families – 4

Most of the tourists in Veliko Tarnovo were couples or small families. Even though they were there, their numbers were much less than in the crazy crowded towns in Europe, and they did not impact our experience.

Pedestrian Only Areas – 2

Veliko Tarnovo Old Town is great to wander on foot, but the pedestrian-only area is limited to a couple of streets. You will spend half the time walking on sidewalks with vehicles zipping by and the other half walking on pedestrian-limited streets.

Lines at Attractions – 5

The main attractions in Veliko Tarnovo are wandering the Old Town on the hilltop, exploring the fortress ruins, and enjoying the neighborhood and bridges along the river. None of these activities required standing in line.

Beaches with Calm Water (Kid-Friendly) – 0

Veliko Tarnovo is in the central north of Bulgaria and does not have beaches for swimming or water activities. It does have a large river, but it is not used for water activities.

Beaches with Rough Water – 0

Again, there are no beaches in Veliko Tarnovo.

Boating Activities/Kayaking – 0

Veliko Tarnovo does have a river running through it, but it is not used for boating or kayaking.

Rocky Swim Spots – 0

Veliko Tarnovo is not a destination for swimming.

Sunbathing – 0

You can leave your bathing suit at home for your trip to Veliko Tarnovo as it doesn’t offer many, if any, sunbathing opportunities.

Wine – 4

Bulgaria is a large producer of wine and offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy local wine during your visit. Veliko Tarnovo has a couple of wine bars and several restaurants that offer Bulgarian wines to enjoy with your meal. For more information on drinking wine in Veliko Tarnovo, check out our Tarnovo Tarnovo wine page.

Beer – 2

Bulgaria is a producer of beer, and you can enjoy a local brew while visiting this fun city. That said, I wouldn’t classify it as a beer destination.

Specialty Liquor – 4

Bulgaria, like the rest of the Balkans, is an avid producer of specialty liquors made from plums, grapes, and other fruits. These can all be purchased at the grocery stores and liquor stores.

Specialty Food – 2

Bulgaria has unique and exciting food, but I wouldn’t say it produces specialty foods.

Seafood – 1

Veliko Tarnovo is not a destination for seafood, and this is seen on its menus. Its local dishes focus on meat.

Meat – 4

Veliko Tarnovo is a destination for meat eaters. Many traditional dishes showcase meat, and many local restaurants offer barbequed meat.

Street Food – 1

Veliko Tarnovo does not offer lots of street food options. It is more a destination to sit down and enjoy your meal with the beautiful views.

Food Market – 3

Veliko Tarnovo has a farmer’s market, known as the Central Cooperative Market, with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other local products. The market is worth a visit, but its not the place to shop for groceries every day.

History – 4

Veliko Tarnovo has a unique history that can be enjoyed by visiting its small museums and fortress ruins.

Architecture – 2

The Old Town of Veliko Tarnovo has some interesting architecture that sets the ambiance of the town. While the architecture is nice, it is secondary to the beautiful views. That said, the views wouldn’t be as wonderful if the architecture wasn’t good, so they go hand in hand.

Art – 2

Veliko Tarnovo has some fun things to offer art lovers. It has a few small museums and a large national gallery. Plus, there is interesting mural-type art on some buildings.

Museums – 2

There are a handful of museums in Veliko Tarnovo to enjoy if you are in town for more than a couple of days. But, if you stay for only a couple days, I recommend you skip the museums and focus your time on exploring the fortresses, the neighborhood down by the river, and take a day-trip to Arbanasi.

Castles – 1

I gave this category a one because while Veliko Tarnovo does have a great castle, it is a ruin with the walls being the primary remaining structures.

Walled-City – 2

The Veliko Tarnovo Old Town is not a walled city, but the hilltop fortresses are walled and wonderful to explore.

Palaces – 1

Veliko Tarnovo does have palace-like buildings that are currently used for museums, but it is not a destination for exploring palaces.

Hiking – 1

Veliko Tarnovo is not a great destination for hiking as there are not many maintained hiking trails. We took a “hiking trail” from Veliko Tarnovo to Arbanasi and it was completely overgrown with thorn bushes and a poison sumac-like plant. The experience resulted in blisters from the poisonous plants.

Running – 2

Veliko Tarnovo is not a great destination for running, but you can put together a run route. It will be a hilly run. I found the best area for running down in the Asenov Quarter.

For more information on Veliko Tarnovo’s running routes, check out Map My Run.

High – Fashion Stores/Shopping – 1

Veliko Tarnovo is not a destination for shopping, and there aren’t many stores to fulfill a desire to spend money on clothes.

Nightlife – 2

Veliko Tarnovo has a vibrant restaurant and bar scene to enjoy during your stay, but it is not a late-night, clubbing, and dancing destination.

Dog Friendly – 2

Veliko Tarnovo is average in its dog-friendliness. We had problems getting a taxi with our dog, but it was easy for us to find and book a dog-friendly apartment in the Old Town.

Kid Friendly – 3

We don’t have kids, but Veliko Tarnovo didn’t appear to have alot to offer children. The hilltop fortresses offer a great place for kids to run around and explore, and there are a few kid-friendly museums. The evening light show at the fortress is also great for both adults and children.

Great Grocery Stores – 2

Grocery stores in Veliko Tarnovo are not located near the Old Town and require a bus or car journey.

English Widely Spoken – 4

English is very widely spoken in Veliko Tarnovo, and we had no problem spending a few days there knowing only a handful of Bulgarian words.

Outwardly Friendly Locals – 4

The people of Veliko Tarnovo are outwardly friendly and make visiting the city enjoyable.

American Tourists – 2

There are lots of tourists in Veliko Tarnovo, but there are not large numbers from the United States. We did encounter a group of American tourists on a day trip from their Danube River cruise. Bulgarians and Romanians make up most of the tourists enjoying this city.

Accessible by Train – 2

Veliko Tarnovo has a train station with trains to Sofia and Plovdiv, but the slow trains and limited schedules make it an unpopular mode of transportation. Trains to Bucharest are inconsistent and often don’t connect at the border. We took the train from Plovdiv to Veliko Tarnovo but had to hire a private transfer from Veliko Tarnovo to Bucharest.

Day Trips by Train – 1

The trains from Veliko Tarnovo are slow-moving and take a long time, which provides few opportunities for day trips by train.

Clean Streets – 4

Veliko Tarnovo keeps its streets clean, and there are city workers throughout the Old Town maintaining its cleanliness.

Noise – 4

Most of the noise in Veliko Tarnovo is street noise from cars, but the couple limited-traffic streets allow for a peaceful experience. There are lots of bars, restaurants, and cafes but they don’t create a ton of noise.

Food Cost – 5

Veliko Tarnovo is a very budget-friendly destination for eating at restaurants.

Accommodation Cost – 5

Veliko Tarnovo is also a very budget-friendly destination for accommodation. It is a great place to get the most for your money and have an extremely memorable time.

Activities Cost – 5

Most of the activities in Veliko Tarnovo are very budget-friendly.

Transportation Cost – 1

Veliko Tarnovo is connected to other Bulgarian cities by train, and if the train schedule and route options work for your trip, then your transportation cost will be very budget-friendly. But, if the train doesn’t work for you, you will need to spend some money on a taxi or private transfer, and this will increase your costs.

For taxis and private transfers, we recommend GetTransfer. For rental cars and price comparisons of national and local brands, we recommend Discover Cars.

If you’re planning a trip to Veliko Tarnovo, there are many great places to stay. However, we strongly recommend staying near the castle icon on the map below for the best experience. This is in the Old Town where you can enjoy the unique architecture, close to the restaurants with amazing views over the river, and not far from all the best wine bars. And, it’s a short and easy walk to the fortress.

The below interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

Veliko Tarnovo is a beautiful city in Bulgaria known for its rich history and stunning architecture. The time you need to spend in Veliko Tarnovo depends on your interests and the available time. If you want to explore the city’s historic sites, such as the Tsarevets Fortress and the Church of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki, you may want to plan for at least a day or two. This will allow you to fully appreciate the history and beauty of these landmarks.

Additionally, Veliko Tarnovo is known for its vibrant arts scene, so if you are interested in attending cultural events or exploring local art galleries, you may want to allocate more time to your visit. Ultimately, spending at least a couple of days in Veliko Tarnovo is recommended to fully experience its charm and all it has to offer.

Veliko Tarnovo is a beautiful and historic city located in Bulgaria. There are several reasons why you should consider visiting Veliko Tarnovo:

1. Rich history: Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and is known for its impressive medieval fortress, Tsarevets. Exploring this ancient stronghold immerses visitors in the city’s fascinating past.

2. Architectural wonders: The city is characterized by its picturesque hillside setting and charming old town. Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter stunning examples of Bulgarian Revival architecture, including traditional houses with colorful facades and wooden balconies.

3. Cultural heritage: Veliko Tarnovo is a hub for arts and culture in Bulgaria. It hosts numerous festivals, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing local talent and traditions.

4. Natural beauty: The city is surrounded by scenic landscapes, including the Yantra River winding through the valley below. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, or simply taking in the panoramic views from various vantage points.

5. Warm hospitality: The locals are known for their warm and welcoming nature, which adds to the overall experience of visiting Veliko Tarnovo.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, culture, or natural beauty, Veliko Tarnovo has something to offer every traveler.

Veliko Tarnovo is generally considered to be a safe city. Like any other place, it is always advisable to take standard precautions to ensure your safety, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding isolated areas at night, and keeping an eye on your belongings. It is also a good idea to stay informed about any local advisories or travel warnings that may be in place. Overall, Veliko Tarnovo is a beautiful city with a rich history and many attractions to offer visitors.

In Veliko Tarnovo, there are several options for getting around the city. One common mode of transportation is by car or taxi. There are also public buses that run throughout the city and can take you to various destinations. Another popular option is to walk, as Veliko Tarnovo has many pedestrian-friendly areas and attractions within a reasonable distance of each other. It ultimately depends on your preferences and needs while exploring Veliko Tarnovo.

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