Burgas: The Coastal Gem of Bulgaria

• HelloЗдравей
  [Zdravey]
• GoodbyeДовиждане
  [Dovizhdane]
• YesДа
  [Da]
• NoНе
  [Ne]
• Please/You're welcomeМоля
  [Molya]
• Thank youБлагодаря
  [Blagodarya]
• Excuse me/SorryИзвинявайте
  [Izvinyavayte]
• How are you?Как си?
  [Kak si?]
• Fine. And you?Добре. А ти?
  [Dobre. A ti?]
• Do you speak English?Говориш ли английски?
  [Govorish li angliyski?]
• I don't understandНе разбирам
  [Ne razbiram]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseБих искал да видя менюто, моля
  [Bih iskal da vida menyuto, molya]
• I don't eat meatНе ям месо
  [Ne yam meso]
• Cheers!На здраве!
  [Na zdrave!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseБих искал да платя, моля
  [Bih iskal da platya, molya]

• Help!Помощ!
  [Pomosht!]
• Go away!Отиди си!
  [Otdi si!]
• Call the Police!Обадете полицията!
  [Obedete politsiyata!]
• Call a doctor!Обадете доктор!
  [Obedete doktor!]
• I'm lostЗагубен съм
  [Zaguben sam]
• I'm illБолен съм
  [Bolen sam]

• I'd like to buy...Бих искал да купя...
  [Bih iskal da kupya...]
• I'm just lookingСамо се разглеждам
  [Samo se razglezhdam]
• How much is it?Колко струва?
  [Kolko struva?]
• That's too expensiveТова е твърде скъпо
  [Tova e tvurde skapо]
• Can you lower the price?Можете ли да намалите цената?
  [Mozhete li da namalite tsenata?]

• What time is it?Колко е часът?
  [Kolko e chasat?]
• It's one o'clockЕдин час е
  [Edin chas e]
• Half past (10)Половина на (10)
  [Polovina na (10)]
• MorningСутрин
  [Sutrin]
• AfternoonСледобед
  [Sledobed]
• EveningВечер
  [Vecher]
• YesterdayВчера
  [Vchera]
• TodayДнес
  [Dnes]
• TomorrowУтре
  [Utre]
• 1едно
  [edno]
• 2две
  [dve]
• 3три
  [tri]
• 4четири
  [chetiri]
• 5пет
  [pet]
• 6шест
  [shest]
• 7седем
  [sedem]
• 8осем
  [osem]
• 9девет
  [devet]
• 10десет
  [deset]

• Where's a/the...?Къде е...
  [Kade e...]
• What's the address?Какъв е адресът?
  [Kakav e adresat?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Можете ли да ми покажете (на картата)?
  [Mozhete li da mi pokazhete (na kartata)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Кога е следващият (автобус)?
  [Koga e sledvashtiyat (avtobus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (до ....)
  [Bilet (do ....)]

The area around modern-day Burgas has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, with evidence of Thracian settlements. The strategic location by the Black Sea made it a favorable spot for ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, who established colonies along the coast.

During the Roman Empire, the region thrived as part of the province of Moesia. The Romans built roads, fortifications, and bathhouses, facilitating trade and cultural exchange. Ruins from this period, such as the Deultum colony, offer a glimpse into the Roman way of life.

In the Middle Ages, Burgas saw the rise and fall of various empires, including the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires. The fortresses from this period, such as the one at Rusokastro, played crucial roles in the military strategies of these empires.

The Ottoman Empire conquered the region in the late 14th century, and Burgas remained under Ottoman rule for nearly five centuries. During this time, the town developed as a modest trading hub, with its port facilitating commerce across the Black Sea.

Burgas was liberated from Ottoman rule in 1878 following the Russo-Turkish War. The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a period of significant growth and modernization. The construction of the railway and expansion of the port transformed Burgas into an important economic center.

During World War II, Bulgaria allied with the Axis powers, and Burgas was a strategic location for military operations. Post-war, the city experienced industrial growth and urbanization under the socialist regime, becoming a key industrial center in Bulgaria.

In recent decades, Burgas has embraced its cultural heritage while modernizing its infrastructure. The Sea Garden, a sprawling park along the coast, and numerous festivals like the Spirit of Burgas music festival, highlight the city’s cultural vibrancy.

Burgas can be reached by air, land, and sea. The Burgas International Airport (BOJ) is located about 10 kilometers from the city center and operates flights to and from major European cities. Alternatively, you can arrive by train, with regular rail services connecting Burgas to Sofia and other Bulgarian cities. Long-distance buses also serve Burgas from various national and international destinations. For travelers arriving by sea, the Port of Burgas accommodates cruise ships and ferries.

Burgas has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trolleybuses that cover most of the city. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks or directly from the driver. Taxis are readily available and are a convenient way to get around, but make sure to use licensed taxis with meters. Renting a car is another option for exploring the region at your own pace. For eco-friendly travel, consider using the city’s bicycle-sharing program.

The official currency in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the city. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets that may not accept cards. Currency exchange services are available at banks, exchange bureaus, and the airport.

Burgas is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Be cautious in crowded areas such as markets and public transport to avoid pickpocketing. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists include the bus and train stations; stay vigilant and avoid displaying valuables. Avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which will connect you to police, fire, and medical services. Burgas has several hospitals and clinics that can provide medical care. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing in public spaces. Religion: Do respect local traditions and practices. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly nod or 'Zdravei' (Hello) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and say 'Nazdrave' (Cheers) when toasting. Don’t refuse food or drink as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Burgas like a local, take a stroll through the Sea Garden, a beautiful park along the coast. Visit the local markets, such as Krasnodar Market, for fresh produce and traditional Bulgarian goods. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share insights about their city. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal at a traditional mehana (tavern) to savor authentic Bulgarian cuisine. For a unique experience, take a boat trip around the Burgas Lakes or a day trip to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nessebar.