Burgas, Bulgaria: travel guide
Black Sea port with lakes, a sea garden and flamingos close to the coast
A relaxed Black Sea port city ringed by lakes rich in birdlife (flamingos on Atanasovsko Lake), with a long seaside garden, sandy central beach and boat trips to St Anastasia Island.
About Burgas
Burgas is a laid-back port city on Bulgaria's southern Black Sea coast, with a long seaside garden, a sandy central beach and a ring of lakes that attract large numbers of birds. Atanasovsko Lake, just north of the city, is known for its flamingos.
The Sea Garden is the place for a walk, passing sculptures and terraces down to the water. In town, the Regional Historical Museum and the cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius are worth a stop, and boat trips run out to St Anastasia Island. The coast and resort towns such as Sozopol and Nessebar are close.
Burgas suits beach holidays and nature lovers. Summer is the main season, with spring and autumn good for birdwatching.
- Country
- Bulgaria
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Sofia
- Nearest airport
- BOJ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Burgas
Burgas Sea Garden
seaside park · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A century-old seaside park stretching two kilometres of promenades, gardens and sculptures above the beach.
Burgas Central Beach
city beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A wide dark-sand city beach below the Sea Garden, known for its mineral-mud healing zone.
St Cyril & Methodius Cathedral
orthodox cathedral · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Burgas's main Orthodox cathedral (1907), named for the creators of the Cyrillic alphabet.
St Anastasia Island
island monastery · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Bulgaria's only inhabited island, reached by boat, with a monastery, lighthouse and legends of pirates.
Atanasovsko Lake
salt lake reserve · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A salt lagoon on the city's edge that hosts thousands of flamingos, pelicans and migrating birds.
Poda Protected Area
bird reserve · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A compact wetland reserve with observation hides where over 300 bird species have been recorded.
Burgas Regional Historical Museum
history museum · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Southeast Bulgaria's largest museum, spanning archaeology, ethnography and natural history across several houses.
Pantheon of the Fallen
memorial · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A 1981 memorial with an eternal flame honouring the region's fallen, set within the Sea Garden.
Burgas Bridge (Mostut)
pier · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A 300-metre pedestrian pier reaching into the bay, a favourite spot for sunsets and sea-view strolls.
Aquae Calidae - Thermopolis
thermal baths · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A restored Roman and Ottoman thermal-bath complex around ancient hot springs at Vetren, northwest of Burgas.
Things to do
- Burgas Lakes Birdwatching Tour Nature · 4 h · from EUR 35 per person
- St Anastasia Island Boat Trip Boat · 3 h · from EUR 15 per person
- Burgas City Walking Tour Walking Tour · 1.5 h · from EUR 10 per person
- Nessebar & Sozopol Day Trip Day Trip · 8 h · from EUR 45 per person
Day trips and tours
- Nessebar & Sozopol Coastal Day Tour 9 h · from EUR 45
Where to stay in Burgas
- City Center about EUR 75 per night
Aleksandrovska and Bogoridi pedestrian streets with hotels and museums.
- Sea Garden / Central Beach about EUR 90 per night
The waterfront park and beach — best for sea views and summer strolls.
Hotels
- Hotel Bulgaria Burgas 4-star · EUR 55 to EUR 95 per night
- Hotel Bulair 3-star · EUR 40 to EUR 60 per night
- Old House Hostel Burgas EUR 12 to EUR 25 per night
- Grand Hotel & Spa Primoretz 5-star · EUR 120 to EUR 260 per night
- Aqua Hotel Burgas 3-star · EUR 45 to EUR 70 per night
- Family Hotel Chiplakoff 3-star · EUR 45 to EUR 75 per night
Where to eat
- Restaurant Neptun Bulgarian, Seafood · about EUR 20 per person
- Ethno Restaurant Bulgarian, Traditional · about EUR 16 per person
- Magazia 1 Seafood, Mediterranean · about EUR 28 per person
- Red Fox Pub Pub, International, Grill · about EUR 14 per person
- GOTi Family & Kitchen Bulgarian, Home cooking · about EUR 11 per person
Getting to Burgas
Airport: Burgas (BOJ)
Getting around
- Bus
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Bulgaria
Frequently asked questions about Burgas
- What are the main places to visit in Burgas?
- Places covered in our Burgas guide include Burgas Sea Garden, Burgas Central Beach, St Cyril & Methodius Cathedral, St Anastasia Island, Atanasovsko Lake.
- Where should I stay in Burgas?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Burgas: City Center, Sea Garden / Central Beach.
- How do I get around Burgas?
- Ways to get around Burgas covered in our guide: City bus, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Burgas?
- The nearest airport to Burgas has the code BOJ.