• Understand
• Get around
• See
• Drink
• Stay safe
• Get out

Veliko Turnovo (Велико Търново, also transliterated as Veliko Turnovo) is a mountain city located in the north of Bulgaria.

Veliko Turnovo

Near the centre of the town

[edit] Understand

A town with rich history, Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and has long traditions in the culture of Bulgaria. The city is rich in museums and historical sites, combined with vivacious night life propelled by the students in one of the largest universities in Bulgaria.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Although Veliko Turnovo's Gorna Oryahovitsa 4km (2miles) away is currently not open to international passenger air traffic (It is possible to arrange private aircraft landings there by arrangement), it is possible to fly to Bulgaria's capital city Sofia, or the coastal city of Varna and then by rail or modern coach to Veliko Turnovo.

[edit] By train

There is a small railway station in the town and it is possible to get a taxi to the centre of town from there for a cheap price. An alternative is to get a train a larger railway station at the nearby town of Gorna Oryahovitsa. You could then take a bus/minibus/taxi from Gorna Oryahovitsa station to Veliko Tarnovo.

[edit] By car

One of the main roads in Bulgaria runs through the city, so car transport is not a problem to and from the city. Since the town is located relatively in the centre of Bulgaria, it is quite comfortable to stop there for an hour to rest and get a glimpse of the sights.

[edit] By bus

Busses run approximately hourly from Sofia. Several buses daily run from Plovdiv and Varna.

[edit] Get around

• By Foot - Walking is the best way to see Veliko Turnovo. The town is fairly large but everywhere is within easy reach including attractions such as Tsarevets, the medieval stronghold.

[edit] See

Tsarevets

If in Veliko Turnovo, make sure to visit the castle of the old Bulgarian capital - Tsarevets. The city itself is a collection of traditional renaissance houses scattered over the hills around the river Yantra.

[edit] Eat

[edit] Budget

• Shopska Salad - Made from tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, peppers and goats cheese, it is cheap and great as a snack. There are many restaurants and bars in Veliko Turnovo and this will be one of the most common things on the menu.

[edit] Mid-range

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[edit] Splurge

[edit] Drink

• Zagorka Beer - Zagorka is one of the most popular types of beer in Bulgaria and is definitely worth a try if you are a fan of beer. The best thing is that it is very cheap in comparison to beer prices in Western Europe, as are other beers and alcoholic drinks in general in Bulgaria.

• Bottled Water - It is strongly advisable to drink bottled water in Bulgaria as opposed to tap water.

[edit] Sleep

View from the balcony of a private room

Veliko Turnovo offers a wide range of accommodation, from very cheap private rooms and hostels to 4* hotels that can make you feel like you are in a Western European town or city. There is seemingly something to suit all types of people that are staying in the town.

[edit] Budget

You can try the following places:

• Hiker's Hostel [1] - Beds from 20lv (10 euro) per person. Good quiet but central location and lovely view of the fortress. Free pickup service and very helpful English speaking staff. Free internet, wifi, breakfast.... Highly recommended.

• Low Costel Hostel [2] - Great location, very clean and comfortable, social and cheap. An absolute gem.

• Hostel Mostel [3] - 20lv per person per night for a dorm, 30 lv per person per night for a double en-suite room. Free Internet access and WiFi, free breakfast, and a free light meal and a local beer at night. Very friendly staff, who will do anything for you. Also free pick up from the bus/train station. 10% discount if you book ahead from their sister hostel in Sofia.

• Hostel Pashov [4] - About 30lv for twin room (3 rooms available). Friendly owner with free transport to and from the station.

[edit] Mid-range

• The Big White House - Mid range prices by Bulgarian standards but still cheap. Stay in large luxury self catering apartments close to Veliko Tarnovo in the peaceful village of Tserova Koriya. Great quality at very affordable prices. Visit the website at http://www.classicstyles.co.uk

[edit] Splurge

There are a number of 4* hotels in Veliko Turnovo with modern facilities and clean, comfortable rooms.

[edit] Stay safe

With a little common sense and respect for the locals, your stay in Veliko Turnovo will be a safe one. It is a friendly student town with a lot of history and welcoming people.

[edit] Get out

A place to see is nearby village of Arbanassi.

The roads around Veliko Turnovo are generally in good condition, making for pleasant (if sometimes rather hilly) cycling. A number of monasteries are close enough for cycling day trips. The closest and easiest is Preobruzhenie Monastery, approximately 5km north-west of Veliko Turnovo. It is also moderately easy to cycle to Arbanassi, although a few kilometres of climbing and high traffic may put off beginners.

Information on Veliko Turnovo, information about Arbanassi, accommodation in Veliko Turnovo and some videos are at Veliko Tarnovo

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