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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: BGN
- Languages: Bulgarian, English, Russian
- Climate: Continental
- Timezone: Europe/Sofia
- Population: Approximately 70,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is late spring through early autumn for pleasant weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several other countries can enter Bulgaria visa-free for short stays up to 90 days. Citizens from many countries may obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa prior to travel. Travelers should have a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and return tickets. It is recommended to check specific visa requirements based on nationality before traveling.
About Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo is a captivating city in north-central Bulgaria, renowned for its dramatic setting on the hills above the Yantra River. Once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, it offers a unique blend of medieval history and vibrant cultural life. The city’s most iconic feature is Tsarevets Fortress, a sprawling medieval stronghold that provides panoramic views and a glimpse into Bulgaria’s royal past. Visitors are drawn to the charming cobblestone streets of the old town, lined with traditional Bulgarian Revival architecture, artisan shops, and cozy cafes. Veliko Tarnovo’s lively atmosphere is enriched by numerous festivals, art galleries, and museums that celebrate its heritage. Its combination of historical significance, scenic beauty, and welcoming local culture makes it a must-visit destination for travelers interested in history, architecture, and authentic Bulgarian experiences.
Top Attractions
1. Tsarevets Fortress – A medieval fortress with impressive walls, towers, and the Patriarchal Cathedral ruins, offering spectacular views and historical reenactments. 2. Samovodska Charshia – A historic market street featuring traditional crafts, pottery, and local artisan shops. 3. The Church of St. Forty Martyrs – A notable medieval church with beautiful frescoes and significant historical importance. 4. Asen’s Monument – A monument dedicated to the Asen dynasty founders, set in a scenic park with views over the city. 5. Museum of the Bulgarian Revival and Constituent Assembly – A museum showcasing artifacts from Bulgaria’s National Revival period and its path to independence.
Popular Activities
Visitors can explore the medieval fortress and enjoy guided historical tours. Walking tours through the old town reveal traditional crafts and architecture. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the surrounding hills or take boat rides on the Yantra River. Cultural experiences include attending local festivals, folk music performances, and workshops on Bulgarian crafts such as pottery and woodcarving. Dining in local taverns offers a taste of authentic Bulgarian cuisine. Photography, shopping for handmade souvenirs, and visiting art galleries are also popular activities.
Veliko Tarnovo Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Bulgaria
- Duration Range: Visitors can explore the medieval fortress and enjoy guided historical tours. Walking tours through the old town reveal traditional crafts and architecture. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the surrounding hills or take boat rides on the Yantra River. Cultural experiences include attending local festivals, folk music performances, and workshops on Bulgarian crafts such as pottery and woodcarving. Dining in local taverns offers a taste of authentic Bulgarian cuisine. Photography, shopping for handmade souvenirs, and visiting art galleries are also popular activities.
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is late spring through early autumn for pleasant weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and layered clothing for variable temperatures. Respect local customs such as greeting with a nod or handshake and dressing modestly when visiting churches. Veliko Tarnovo is safe, but keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas. Cash is widely used, but credit cards are accepted in many places. ATMs are available in the city center.
Average Tour Price: $65
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $200
34 Available Tour Excursions in Veliko Tarnovo
We are a creative house with a lot of artists working here and the stories you will hear about our poets will be presented by a poet itself. A real story that you will be able to tell after your visit and a philosophical question that will be able to discuss together.
Price: $11.92
Duration: 0 hours
Our brand new service lets you explore the old capital in an unusual way with an electric bicycle. If you are visiting Veliko Tarnovo and want to get to know the city in depth, then a ride on an electric bike is the right choice for you. Handling the bike is easy and comfortable. The bicycle develops up to 25 km/h. The range is 50-100 kilometers. We have selected for you more than 30 sites worth visiting - beautiful panoramic views, museums and unique architectural landmarks. Enjoy a route recommended by our guide or customize your own experience. The ride starts from a suitable starting point. The 2h ride includes a tour of the entire city with highlights on some of the most significant sites. Choosing the 3h ride, you will have the opportunity to visit more sites, including Tsarevets and Trapezitsa fortress and the "Asenevtsi" monument. On rides lasting 4h, you will visit beautiful views, the picturesque village of Arbanasi and a maximum number of sights.
Price: $46.47
Duration: 2-4 hours
Visit ¨the City of Tsars¨ with the most impressive medieval fortress in Bulgaria. Take the advantage of this small-group tour with free hotel pickup.
Price: $101.36
Duration: 10-11 hours
Explore some of the most beautiful natural and cultural landmarks around Veliko Tarnovo with our guided tours to monasteries and waterfalls. You can choose between two options, depending on how adventurous you want your journey to be. The first option is a 3-hour tour with a 4x4 jeep, where you are a passenger and our professional guide drives you. This tour includes off-road terrain, taking you through scenic forest paths and less accessible terrain for a more immersive experience in nature. The second option is a 2-hour tour with self-driving included. The route includes mostly paved roads with some light off-road segments. This is ideal for travelers who prefer to experience the adrenaline along with the nature's beauty. You can visit breathtaking sites like Hotnitsa Waterfall and Preobrazhenski Monastery, or Kapinovski Monastery and its waterfall. Other routes are available upon request. Discover Bulgaria’s natural beauty and history
Price: $147.86
Duration: 3 hours
Only at Wine Tasting Centre you will be introduced to the best wineries of Central Northern Bulgaria. Boutique wine cellars and those with long lasting traditions come together to reveal the secrets of the local wine types. You will have the opportunity to taste and buy their best quality wines from local and international types. Our team will introduce you to the background of the cellars and everything you need to know of the local terroir. The region is known for its unique wine grape varieties such as Gamza, Red Misket, Dimyat. They are the reason our local wines are fresh, smooth and fruity - following the world tasting trend.
Price: $16.69
Duration: 0 hours
Fully personalized electronic and audio guide with all info and logistics for you. Live maps and route for you to follow. An unique product which brings you stress-free travel at your own pace in the Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of God near Veliko Tarnovo. Very flexible and easy for the customer.
Price: $10.73
Duration: 1-3 hours
ATV/BUGGY tours with instructor on off-road routes • Our tours will give you the opportunity to experience the old historical capital Veliko Tarnovo as well as the architectural reserve Arbanassi from a different point of view. • For longer and more interesting routes, you can choose a longer duration. • All of the machines are two seaters. We have 8 ATV's and 8 BUGGY's, with more available upon request. The choice is yours, your pleasure is guaranteed • While enjoying the surrounding nature, we will take a few breaks at pre-selected locations which reveal beautiful views of panoramic sights.
Price: $54.85
Duration: 1 hours
Explore the world famous BULGARIAN UFO - the Buzludzha monument. This is a half-day tour to Buzludzha and Shipka. You get picked from Veliko Tarnovo and we head to Buzludzha monument, which is located in Stara Planina (less than a 100km away from Tarnovo). At the Buzludzha monument, you won't be able to get inside, as it is forbidden by the government, but you will get to sneak peak inside and explore it from as close as possible. You get more than a 30 minutes rest time at the monument, which you can use freely. At the Shipka Monument, you'll be able to explore both the area and the monument itself freely, as it is open to the public. You’ll have around 20 minutes to walk around the monument, take in the stunning panoramic views, and feel the deep historical significance of this site. In addition, you can add extra time to your tour, so you could visit more landmarks on the way. We will give you the opportunity to learn the maximum about the monument and it's cultural spirit.
Price: $250.41
Duration: 4 hours
The Museum of Illusions in Veliko Turnovo turns the notions of reality and shakes the confidence in one's own eyes! A memorable meeting of science and entertainment in 500 square meters awaits you at the most amazing museum in Veliko Tarnovo. We have prepared over 100 illusions, both optical and physical, that will take you to a new world: holograms, 3D paintings, a levitating orb, an inverted room, an Ames room, and more. Only here will we show you interactive Veliko Tarnovo 100 years ago and an artistic copy of the Tsarevets fortress of sand with the audio-visual spectacle "Sound and Light". Only here you have a special Jedi place to take your coolest photos while hovering in the air. The Museum of Illusions in Veliko Turnovo awaits you every day of the week. Come and see how illusions happen!
Price: $15.50
Duration: 1 hours
In only a few hours this tour takes you from Bucharest to the foothills of the Balkan Mountains where the impressive medieval settlement of Veliko Tarnovo is located. The tour will start with a visit to the remarkable medieval capital of Veliko Tarnovo, built high on the surrounding hilltops, full of medieval charm. Once you have explored Veliko Tarnovo and enjoyed lunch, the tour will continue to the city of Ruse, one of Bulgaria's most elegant cities, boasts a touch of Central European grandeur rarely found elsewhere in the country. It's a city embellished with grand belle époque buildings and carefully tended green squares, reminiscent of a petite piece of Vienna that has gracefully made its way down the Danube. While exploring Romania, be sure not to overlook the incredible chance to explore Bulgaria, another enchanting destination easily accessible through guided day trips from Bucharest!
Price: $94.20
Duration: 12 hours
The focal point of the day-tour is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique 14th century frescoes revealing the exceptional artistry and the remarkable artistic sensitivity of the Bulgarian medieval art. The murals are accommodated by the chapels and cells of the 12th century rock-hewn churches and monasteries.
Price: $117.46
Duration: 8-10 hours
Journey back in time as you explore Veliko Tarnovo, a city sculpted across three majestic hills – Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora – that rise dramatically from the Yantra River. Imagine yourself walking where Bulgarian emperors once tread, exploring the grand Tsarevets fortress – a labyrinth of palaces, a patriarchal seat, and imposing walls whispering tales of a glorious past. But Veliko Tarnovo is more than just a fortress city! Trapezitsa, once a haven for nobility, awaits with its captivating churches, each a testament to the city's artistic heritage. Here, the echoes of the Tarnovo Artistic School – a renowned center of medieval art – still linger. This exclusive tour, unlike any other, offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the heart of Veliko Tarnovo. Your local guide, a true expert, will show you the beauty and the glory of this wonderful city. This is Veliko Tarnovo, unveiled just for you. Choose between self-guided or privately-guided experience.
Price: $34.58
Duration: 2-4 hours
Wonderful experience with local hosts. Learn how to make traditional Bulgarian bread and yoghurt. Help the locals with the cattle. Merge yourself with the locals for an unforgettable experience. We operate this tour in more than 20 destinations all around Bulgaria with local people. You will get the local flavor of the experience. Note that the activities differ from destination to destination as for example in destination Sofia we show the cattle keeping. For everyone in Veliko Tarnovo the activity happens in the unique Salasuka village with workshop on preparation and baking the traditional bread, milk fermentation, garden daily life activities and light lunch. For the customers in Bansko and the area of Bansko, the activity happens in Vlahi village which is really authentic and very interesting. For the customers in Varna, Dolishte village is used. Please, note that this is a more specific product and contact us as it may incur additional costs.
Price: $70.35
Duration: 1-3 hours
Experience Veliko Tarnovov’s culinary world through its diverse neighborhoods and charming small streets. Along the way, pop into lively markets, specialty shops, and cafes to sample the best of artisan Bulgarian cuisine like local cheese and cured meat and Bulgarian salami - Lukanka, homemade bread with Bulgarian vegetable relish - Lutenitsa, Kebapche - like a skinless sausage - and traditional salad, street-food snacks, and experience what Banitsa taste like with Airyan or Boza, taste local craft beer and wine. Enrich your cultural and culinary world from the suburbs, through the modern urban area, to old Tarnovo. End your experience with captivating sweet flavors dating back to the centuries.
Price: $84.07
Duration: 4 hours
Just let us know the time and the place from where we should pick you up. We guarantee discretion, tips and useful information about any activities you have planned. and flexibility. It should not surprise you that with us you get a private driver whose only purpose is to make your trip memorable, in a positive way.
Price: $310.04
Duration: 2-3 hours
The guide will meet you near the Church St. Peter and Paul. You will visit more than 20 attractions and cultural monuments of Veliko Tarnovo. For convenience and good audibility of the excursion, you will be given audio guides and headphones. You will move comfortably, enter the museums and temples, take photographs, and all this will allow you not to stand next to the guide. The tour will end at the Mother Bulgaria monument, not far from the Samovodska Charshiya shopping street, where you can eat and buy unique beautiful souvenirs. With us you will see the sights of Veliko Tarnovo freely, in your own language, and at your own pace!
Price: $17.89
Duration: 3-4 hours
When tourists come to our country, they always ask why and what the reason is for building the monument, but also what the fate of the people connected with this brutal project is. Immerse yourself in the complete history and architecture of this monstrous and brutal architectural masterpiece of the communist regime. You will learn why the monument to Dimitar Blagoev, progenitor of the Bulgarian Communist Party, marks the approach to Buzludzha. You will immerse yourself in the history of Bulgarian rebels against the Ottomans and their connection with the partisan movement in Bulgaria. You will not miss visiting even monuments related to the history of the Communist Party and the fate of its rebellious members before it established its dictatorship after 1944. Finally, after all the points are collected, you will find not only an abandoned monument on top of an Eastern European mountain but also all the personal dramas and fates associated with creating this monumental monster.
Price: $61.41
Duration: 8 hours
This unique Pokémon tour will lead you in one of the most beautiful cities situated on three hills, Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora raising amidst the meanders of the Yantra. Choose between a privately-guided and self-guided option of this tour. Be prepared for this thrilling Pokémon hunt with a professional local expert in Pokémon guiding.
Price: $20.27
Duration: 4 hours
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2. Check Details
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Veliko Tarnovo’s cuisine reflects traditional Bulgarian flavors with dishes like banitsa (cheese pastry), kavarma (slow-cooked meat stew), and shopska salad (fresh vegetables with cheese). Local specialties include grilled meats and hearty soups. Dining customs emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and communal meals. Noteworthy restaurants include "Shtastlivetsa," known for its traditional menu and cozy atmosphere, and "Han Hadji Nikoli," which offers authentic Bulgarian dishes in a historic setting.
Getting Around
Veliko Tarnovo is reachable by train and bus from Sofia, Varna, and other Bulgarian cities. The closest major airport is Sofia Airport, about a three-hour drive away. Within the city, walking is the best way to explore the old town and fortress areas. Local buses serve the wider region. Taxi services are available and affordable. Renting a car is an option for exploring surrounding countryside but not necessary for city sightseeing.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is late spring through early autumn for pleasant weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and layered clothing for variable temperatures. Respect local customs such as greeting with a nod or handshake and dressing modestly when visiting churches. Veliko Tarnovo is safe, but keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas. Cash is widely used, but credit cards are accepted in many places. ATMs are available in the city center.
Culture & Customs
Veliko Tarnovo’s culture is deeply rooted in Bulgarian history and Orthodox Christian traditions. Social customs include polite greetings and hospitality toward guests. Important festivals include the Sound and Light Show at Tsarevets Fortress and the Veliko Tarnovo Folklore Festival. Visitors should show respect when visiting religious sites by dressing modestly and speaking quietly. It is customary to try local food and participate in cultural events to fully appreciate the city’s heritage.
