Varna: The Pearl of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

• HelloЗдравейте
  [Zdraveyte]
• GoodbyeДовиждане
  [Dovizhdane]
• YesДа
  [Da]
• NoНе
  [Ne]
• Please/You're welcomeМоля
  [Molya]
• Thank youБлагодаря
  [Blagodarya]
• Excuse me/SorryИзвинявайте
  [Izvinyavayte]
• How are you?Как сте?
  [Kak ste?]
• Fine. And you?Добре. А вие?
  [Dobre. A vie?]
• Do you speak English?Говорите ли английски?
  [Govorite 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!Отидете!
  [Otidete!]
• Call the Police!Обадете се на полицията!
  [Obedete se na politsiyata!]
• Call a doctor!Обадете се на лекар!
  [Obedete se na lekar!]
• I'm lostЗагубих се
  [Zagubih se]
• I'm illБолен съм
  [Bolen sam]

• I'd like to buy...Бих искал да купя...
  [Bih iskal da kupya...]
• I'm just lookingПросто гледам
  [Prosto gledam]
• How much is it?Колко струва?
  [Kolko struva?]
• That's too expensiveТова е прекалено скъпо
  [Tova e prekaleno skapo]
• Can you lower the price?Можете ли да намалите цената?
  [Mojete 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)Половин на (10)
  [Polovin 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)?
  [Mojete 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 ....)]

Varna's history dates back over 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. Archaeological evidence shows that it was a thriving settlement in the Chalcolithic period. The Varna Necropolis, discovered in 1972, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, containing the oldest gold treasure ever found, dating back to 4,600-4,200 BC.

In the 6th century BC, Greek colonists from Miletus established the city of Odessos on the current site of Varna. It became a thriving center of trade and culture within the Greek world. The city's strategic location on the Black Sea made it an important hub for commerce and interaction between different civilizations.

In 15 AD, the Romans conquered Odessos and it became part of the Roman Empire. The city flourished under Roman rule, becoming an important administrative and economic center. Numerous Roman baths, an amphitheater, and other public buildings were constructed, remnants of which can still be seen today.

Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Varna came under Byzantine control. It changed hands several times between the Byzantines and the First Bulgarian Empire. During this period, the city was a key player in the regional power struggles and saw significant cultural and economic development.

On November 10, 1444, the Battle of Varna was fought between the forces of the Ottoman Empire and a coalition of European powers led by the Kingdom of Hungary. The battle ended in a decisive Ottoman victory, which solidified Ottoman control over the region and had long-lasting effects on the political landscape of Eastern Europe.

Varna remained under Ottoman rule for nearly five centuries, from 1393 to 1878. During this period, the city retained its status as an important port and commercial center. The Ottoman influence is still visible in the city's architecture and cultural heritage.

In 1878, Varna was liberated from Ottoman rule during the Russo-Turkish War and became part of the newly established Principality of Bulgaria. The city rapidly modernized and expanded, becoming a key naval and economic center. Varna's port was developed, and it became a popular seaside resort, contributing to its status as Bulgaria's maritime capital.

Varna is home to a wealth of cultural landmarks, including the Varna Archaeological Museum, which houses the treasures of the Varna Necropolis, the Roman Baths, the Sea Garden, and the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral. These sites offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and diverse cultural influences.

Varna is accessible via multiple modes of transportation. Varna Airport (VAR) is the primary gateway, offering flights from numerous European cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use public buses to reach the city center. Alternatively, Varna is well-connected by train and bus services, with regular routes from Sofia, Bucharest, and other major Bulgarian cities.

Varna offers a variety of transport options. The city's public transport system includes buses and trolleybuses that cover most areas. Taxis are widely available but ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging. For more flexibility, car rentals are available at the airport and in the city. Cycling is also a viable option with dedicated bike lanes in some areas.

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 throughout Varna, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. Currency exchange offices, as well as banks, offer exchange services.

Varna is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any urban area, caution is advised. Avoid poorly lit areas and parks at night, particularly in the Asparuhovo and Vladislavovo neighborhoods, where petty crimes can occur. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas like the Sea Garden and central market.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for all services including police, medical, and fire. Varna has several hospitals and clinics for medical emergencies, including the University Hospital St. Marina. Pharmacies are readily accessible for minor health concerns. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly in churches where women should cover their heads. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. A friendly 'Zdravei' (Hello) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and drinks. Don't refuse food and drink as it might be considered impolite. Always tip in restaurants, usually around 10% of the bill.

To experience Varna like a local, visit the local markets like the Kolhozen Pazar for fresh produce and unique Bulgarian products. Take a stroll in the Sea Garden, a favorite spot for locals. Engage in conversations; Bulgarians are generally friendly and open to sharing stories. Don’t miss visiting the Archaeological Museum to see the oldest gold treasure in the world.