Stays
Велико Търново, БългарияMark Ahsmann · CC BY-SA 4.0
City guide

Veliko Tarnovo

Велико Търново

Medieval capital drawn across dramatic river hills

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City guide

Велико ТърновоMark Ahsmann · CC BY-SA 4.0
What makes it special?

Veliko Tarnovo turns the steep bends of the Yantra into a theatrical cityscape of fortress walls, stacked houses, craft streets, churches and wide views.

As the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, Tarnovo carries exceptional national symbolism. Its present-day appeal also comes from a strong arts scene, university life and the working craft shops of Samovodska Charshiya.

  • Tsarevets & medieval statehood
  • Craft streets & old houses
  • Yantra panoramas
Велико Търново — пешеходен маршрутIzvora · CC0
Walking route

Walking route

Enter Tsarevets early, continue through Asenova Mahala and the old churches, then climb toward Gurko Street and Samovodska Charshiya. Sunset viewpoints reveal the full river amphitheatre.

Map →
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What to see

Check menus, opening hours and prices before your visit; availability varies by season.

Крепост Царевец, Велико ТърновоMrPanyGoff · CC BY-SA 3.0
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Tsarevets Fortress

Крепост Царевец

The fortified hill preserves palace, church and defensive remains at the heart of medieval Tarnovo.

Самоводска чаршия, Велико ТърновоIzvora · CC0
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Samovodska Charshiya

Самоводска чаршия

A historic commercial street where workshops, small museums and food stops keep craft traditions visible.

Църква „Св. Четиридесет мъченици“, Велико ТърновоKlearchos Kapoutsis · CC BY 2.0
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Holy Forty Martyrs Church

Църква „Св. Четиридесет мъченици“

A major medieval church in Asenova Mahala closely tied to Bulgarian rulers and historical inscriptions.

Трапезица, Велико ТърновоKandi · Public domain
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Trapezitsa

Трапезица

The second fortified hill adds archaeology, restored paths and a different panorama toward Tsarevets and the old town.

Read the guide →
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A day in the city

Велико Търново сутринMrPanyGoff · CC BY-SA 3.0
09:00 · Morning

Tsarevets Fortress

Start here: Tsarevets Fortress. Continue to: Samovodska Charshiya.

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13:00 · Local lunch

Local lunch

Elena ham, Gorna Oryahovitsa sudzhuk, stewed beans. Check menus, opening hours and prices before your visit; availability varies by season.

Велико Търново следобедKandi · Public domain
16:00 · Afternoon

Trapezitsa

Leave time for a park, a neighbourhood street or a view.

Bulgarian food

Local food

Local food →

Elena ham · Gorna Oryahovitsa sudzhuk · stewed beans · local wine

LukankaWikimedia Commons contributors
Dry-cured sausage

Lukanka

A flattened, air-dried sausage with a dense texture and warm spice, sliced thin as a meze.

What's in it Pork and beef, salt, black pepper, cumin and curing cultures in a natural casing.
Shopska saladViktorija N. Ivanov / Wikimedia Commons
Salad · vegetarian

Shopska salad

The classic first order: tomatoes, cucumber and peppers under a generous snowy layer of white brined cheese.

What's in it Tomatoes, cucumber, roasted or fresh pepper, onion, parsley and sirene cheese.
BanitsaBiso / Wikimedia Commons
Breakfast · pastry

Banitsa

Crisp filo layers wrapped around eggs, yogurt and white cheese—a warm Bulgarian breakfast staple.

What's in it Filo pastry, eggs, yogurt, sirene cheese and butter or oil.
TaratorSumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Cold soup · vegetarian

Tarator

A cooling yogurt and cucumber soup served cold—simple, fresh and especially popular in summer.

What's in it Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, walnuts, water and a little oil.
NEARBY

Public transport

Велико Търново

© OpenStreetMap contributors · Open Database License · availability depends on local mapping

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Public transport

Arrival

Arrival

Routes 4, 5 and 55 meet around Veliko Tarnovo; historic-centre streets are steep and parking is limited.

Public transport

Buses and trains

Gorna Oryahovitsa is the main railway junction; frequent local buses and taxis cover the final 10 km to Veliko Tarnovo. Intercity coaches arrive directly in town.

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Explore the province

Explore the province: Veliko Tarnovo Province.

Province guide · Veliko Tarnovo Province →
Map

Directions