Varna: Pros and Cons of Living in Bulgaria’s Sea Capital

Introduction

Varna used to be one of the best cities to live in Bulgaria. It was called the ideal place for young people and comfortable living. But what has changed since then? Is Varna still one of the most attractive cities in the country, or is its former glory a thing of the past?

Let’s look at the numbers. The ratio of men to women in the city is 47% to 53%. The population changes from year to year: in 2019, Varna had 336,216 people, in 2020 – 332,394, in 2021 – 332,686, and in 2023 – about 314,607. The downward trend is obvious, but what is hidden behind these numbers?

85% of the residents are Bulgarians, and the remaining 15% represent different cultures, creating a unique multicultural image of the city. This combination of tradition and modern influences makes Varna multifaceted and lively.

Photos of Varna

But what is the secret of this city? What makes some people fall in love with it and others leave? Let’s figure out what Varna can offer for a comfortable life, stable work and unforgettable leisure.

Location

Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria, located on the Black Sea coast. The city is considered the “sea capital” of the country due to its strategic location and importance for the economy and tourism. Varna is located in the north-eastern part of Bulgaria, only 470 km from the capital Sofia, making it easily accessible for travelers and potential residents.

The city’s location on the sea makes it attractive for both recreation and living. In its vicinity are such popular resorts as Golden Sands and St. Constantine and Helena. This allows residents to enjoy a beach holiday without leaving the region.

However, due to its location, Varna is subject to seasonal influxes of tourists, which can create certain inconveniences for permanent residents.

Transport

International communication

Varna has a developed transport infrastructure, which provides connections with other cities in Bulgaria and neighboring countries. The city has an international airport, which serves regular and seasonal flights. This makes Varna a convenient point for those who travel frequently.

The airport offers free entry to the territory for the first 10 minutes, which is convenient for those meeting. However, the subsequent time is paid – from 2 euros. The city also has a railway station, which receives the famous Eastern Express, and the new bus station serves both domestic and international flights.

Domestic transport

City transport is represented by buses and trolleybuses. Modern stops are equipped with electronic boards, and traffic can be tracked through the VarnaTraffic application. The cost of travel varies: a ticket when purchased on the bus costs 75 euro cents, and through the application – 50 cents per hour.

However, it is worth noting that the quality of roads in Varna leaves much to be desired. Only half of the way to the capital is on the motorway, and the rest is a two-lane road. To get to Burgas, you will also have to drive along winding roads with sharp turns.

Transport infrastructure problems

Congestion of roads and lack of parking spaces are among the main problems of the city. These issues are especially acute in the central areas. The authorities do not plan to expand the number of parking lots, which worsens the situation. As a result, aggression from drivers on the roads is increasing, which was not observed before.

Climate

The climate in Varna is moderate continental with a noticeable influence of the Black Sea. Summers are long and sunny, with temperatures reaching 30–35°C. Winters are mild, but can be rainy, with an average temperature of around 0°C. Due to the maritime influence, the city’s climate is comfortable for living all year round.

Spring and autumn in Varna are especially pleasant, with moderate temperatures and little rainfall. These seasons often attract those who prefer to avoid the summer heat. However, it is worth noting that high humidity can be a problem for some people, especially in winter.

The ecological situation in the city depends on the season. In summer, air pollution levels are reduced due to sea breezes, but in winter, due to the heating season and transport load, air quality can deteriorate. However, compared to large European cities, the air in Varna remains relatively clean.

Housing

When it comes to moving, one of the key factors is the choice of housing. Varna offers a variety of options for every taste and budget.

Housing for rent:

• A one-room apartment in the center will cost an average of 332 euros per month, which is significantly higher than prices in Sofia (261 euros).
• Outside the center, renting such apartments becomes more affordable – from 150 euros.
• A two-room apartment in the center costs about 475 euros, outside the center – from 200 euros.
• Three-room apartments in the center cost an average of 665 euros, and on the outskirts – from 300 euros.

It is important to remember that rental prices in Varna have increased significantly since 2022. In addition, when concluding a long-term contract, as a rule, a deposit is required, which can be retained in case of early termination of the contract.

Buying real estate:

• Apartment prices start from 40,000 euros for small properties in non-prestigious areas.
• Modern and spacious housing in the center or elite areas can cost significantly more, but such investments often justify themselves due to liquidity and high standards.

New houses are being actively built in Varna: 561 buildings were commissioned last year alone. New housing is built from reinforced concrete and brick, which ensures comfort and durability. Panel construction, popular in the past, is no longer used here.

City infrastructure

Varna is a city of contrasts, and its infrastructure is a clear example of this.

Problems:

• Garbage on the streets, especially outside the center.
• Deteriorating condition of roads and sidewalks, many of which have not been repaired for years.
• Lack of parking spaces, especially in the central part of the city.
• Problems with public areas for pedestrians and cyclists.

Pros:

• Electronic boards at bus stops and the ability to track transport through the VarnaTraffic app.
• Gradual development of bike paths and renovation of some areas.
• Good transport accessibility for tourists: convenient connections to resorts and neighboring towns.

Despite the difficulties, Varna remains an attractive city due to the combination of historical charm and modern technologies. Infrastructure development is one of the key tasks for the coming years.

Ecology

The ecological situation is an aspect that cannot be ignored when choosing a place to live. In Varna, it has both its advantages and obvious disadvantages.

Perhaps one of the key disadvantages is the general state of cleanliness of the city. Many streets, especially outside the central areas, are often littered with garbage. The waste disposal system requires improvement, which, unfortunately, creates additional discomfort for local residents and tourists.

The air quality in Varna can be considered moderate: the average index is about 35. This indicator is relatively acceptable for health, but far from ideal. The main sources of pollution remain cars and industrial enterprises. To put the situation in context, it is enough to compare this index with the largest polluted cities in the world: compared to them, Varna is in a much more advantageous position.

The beaches of Varna, despite their popularity, have not been awarded the Blue Flag status, which also indicates the need for a more thorough approach to environmental issues. However, the marine environment around the city remains an important source of attraction, and the opportunity to enjoy a beach holiday, even if it is far from ideal, is still a significant plus.

The city is also actively working on the development of green areas. The Seaside Park, for example, remains a popular recreation area for residents. This is the largest green area of ​​the city, stretching along the coast, where you can stroll among the trees, breathe in the sea air or play sports.

Culture and entertainment

Varna is a city with a rich cultural heritage and wide opportunities for leisure. Here everyone will find something interesting for themselves: from visiting historical sights to modern entertainment events.

One of the main cultural attractions of Varna are the Roman Baths – the remains of ancient baths, which immerse you in the atmosphere of the ancient world. This is one of the largest archaeological sites of this kind in Bulgaria, which is definitely worth a visit.

Another unique place is the Varna Archaeological Museum, where the world-famous Varna Golden Treasure is kept – the oldest processed gold in the world. This museum attracts not only tourists, but also researchers from different countries.

Varna is also famous for its festivals. Among them are the International Ballet Festival, the classical music festival “Varna Summer” and numerous events dedicated to contemporary art. Film lovers will enjoy the program of the Love is Folly film festival, which is held annually.

If we talk about modern leisure, the city has many bars, restaurants and night clubs, located both in the center and on the coast. In the summer season, beach parties become one of the main entertainment options for young people and guests of the city.

For family recreation, Varna offers an oceanarium and a dolphinarium, which will be interesting for both children and adults. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the marine fauna and enjoy the bright shows with dolphins.

The city theaters and concert halls also offer a wide range of events. The Varna Drama Theatre and the Opera House are places where you can enjoy high-level performances.

Thus, Varna successfully combines historical depth, cultural diversity and modern entertainment, making it attractive to a wide range of residents and tourists.

Education

Varna is one of the largest educational centers in Bulgaria, offering a wide range of educational opportunities. The city is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the Varna University of Economics, the Technical University and the Medical University. These institutions attract students not only from Bulgaria but also from abroad, thanks to the high level of education and programs in English.

For families with children, Varna has a variety of kindergartens and schools, including public and private institutions. Some private schools offer education according to international standards, which is especially important for foreign families living in the city. Education in public schools is free, but private schools require fees, which vary depending on the level and specialization.

Special attention should be paid to the Maritime Academy in Varna, which trains specialists for the maritime industry. It is one of the oldest and most respected educational institutions in Bulgaria in its field.

Social life and community

Varna is famous for its diverse community and active social life. People of different nationalities live here, which creates a unique atmosphere. Expats often organize meetings, fairs and cultural events where they can make new friends and find like-minded people.

One of the centers of social life is the Sea Garden, where concerts, festivals and other events are held. The city also has many cafes, restaurants and bars where you can have a good time and make new acquaintances.

Varna is a city where everyone can find something to their liking, whether it is active participation in the life of the local community or a quiet retreat in nature.

Emergency services and security

Security is one of the important factors when choosing a place to live. Varna has a relatively low crime rate, although, like any other city, there are pickpocketing and petty crimes, especially in tourist areas.

Emergency services in the city function reliably. The numbers for calling the police, ambulance and fire department are standard for Bulgaria: 112 is the single emergency number. In the city center and in popular areas there are CCTV cameras, which helps to increase the level of security.

Varna has well-equipped medical facilities. In emergency situations, you can get help both in public hospitals and in private clinics. The latter offer faster and more comfortable service, but for a fee.

Economy and labor market

Varna is not only a cultural and historical center, but also one of the key economic hubs of Bulgaria. The city offers many employment opportunities, especially in such areas as tourism, trade, the maritime industry and IT.

At the end of 2024, the labor market in Varna has more than 2,100 vacancies, according to the largest job search sites such as Jobs.bg. Despite the lower figure compared to Sofia (where there are more than 11 thousand vacancies), Varna is significantly ahead of other cities in the country, for example, Burgas, with its 900+ offers. The areas with the greatest demand in Varna include the hotel business, catering, construction, engineering professions and office work.

The average salary in the city is about 2,141 leva before taxes. This is lower than in Sofia, where this figure reaches 3,128 leva, but higher than in Burgas, where the average salary is 1,850 leva. However, Varna compensates for this gap with a more relaxed pace of life and the opportunity to combine work with a vacation by the sea.

The unemployment rate in Varna is at 2.2%, which indicates the stability of the local labor market. For comparison, in Sofia this figure is 1.6%, and in Burgas – 2.5%. This makes Varna an attractive place for both professionals and beginners.

The main disadvantage of the economic situation in Varna is the high growth in the cost of living, especially against the background of increasing prices for rent and utilities. This makes the city less accessible for young professionals and low-income families.

City infrastructure

Varna is a city with a developed but uneven infrastructure. The city center and tourist areas are well maintained, but more remote areas face serious problems.

Transport infrastructure: The city’s road network is overloaded, and due to insufficient road capacity, traffic jams often occur. This creates tension among drivers, which leads to increased aggression on the roads. The condition of the road surface also leaves much to be desired – potholes and unevenness are found not only on secondary, but also on main highways. Problems with sidewalks and bicycle paths are also a topic of discussion.

Communal infrastructure: The water supply in the city is stable, but the quality of tap water is questionable – it is hard and requires additional filtration. On the contrary, the electricity supply and the Internet in Varna deserve high marks – interruptions are extremely rare, and the Internet speed allows you to work even with large amounts of data.

Housing infrastructure: Thanks to active construction, Varna annually commissions hundreds of new properties. However, the high cost of renting and buying real estate makes housing unaffordable for many. Panel houses are almost never built, which improves the overall level of comfort in the city.

Recreation areas and parks: Varna Seaside Park is one of the largest and best-kept green areas in the city. There are playgrounds, cafes and even a small zoo. However, outside this park, the general condition of the green areas leaves much to be desired, and problems with garbage often spoil the impression.

Culture and entertainment

Varna deservedly bears the title of the cultural capital of Bulgaria. The city hosts dozens of festivals, exhibitions and theatrical performances every year. The main events include the international music festival “Varna Summer”, the film festival “Love and Cinema” and the Animation Festival.

Theaters and museums: Varna has several theaters, including the Stoyan Bachvarov Drama Theater and the Varna Opera House. The city’s museums are a real find for lovers of history and art. Among them, the Archaeological Museum with one of the oldest collections in Europe and the Naval Museum stand out.

Nightlife: For lovers of active recreation and nightlife, Varna has many bars, clubs and restaurants. The establishments on the embankment are especially popular among both locals and tourists.

The main disadvantage of the city’s cultural life is its seasonality. Many events and establishments work only in the warm season, leaving the autumn-winter period less eventful.

10 pros of Varna

10 cons of Varna

Summary

Varna is a city of contrasts. It attracts with its economic opportunities, rich cultural life and the opportunity to enjoy a holiday by the sea. However, its shortcomings, such as problems with transport infrastructure, high cost of living and seasonality of cultural events, make you wonder how comfortable life will be in this city.

Nevertheless, Varna remains one of the most desirable places to move to Bulgaria. If you are willing to live with its shortcomings, the city offers a unique lifestyle that combines modern amenities with a maritime climate.

Weather in Varna today