About Veliko Turnovo
Veliko Tarnovo Province, the historic heart of Bulgaria, offers travelers a captivating journey through time where medieval grandeur meets dramatic natural beauty. The region's crown jewel is Veliko Tarnovo city, Bulgaria's medieval capital, where the magnificent Tsarevets Fortress dramatically perches on cliffs above the winding Yantra River. This 'City of the Tsars' enchants visitors with its unique architecture of houses stacked on steep hillsides, the Sound and Light show at the fortress, and the historic Samovodska Charshiya market street. Beyond the city, the province reveals stunning monasteries like Dryanovo and Preobrazhenski hidden in forested gorges, the charming architectural reserve of Tryavna with its wood-carving school, and the ethnographic village of Arbanasi with its fortified stone houses. Nature lovers can explore the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) with excellent hiking trails, caves like Bacho Kiro, and picturesque waterfalls. The region pulses with cultural festivals, traditional crafts, and authentic Bulgarian cuisine, making it an essential destination for those seeking history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Things to do in Veliko Turnovo
Interactive Presentation about Bulgarian Poets
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
From GHS 198
5.0 (19)
Electric Bike Tour in Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Monasteries and Waterfalls Tour from Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Wine Experience & Tasting Hub
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Guide and Entrance for the Mini Bulgaria Park near Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
E-Bike Rental in Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Electric 4x4 Off-Road Scooter Tour in Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Guided Walking Tour of Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
From GHS 198
5.0 (1)
Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of God Self-Guided
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
ATV and UTV Off-Road Tour in Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi day tour from Sofia with pickup
Sofia, Bulgaria
Admission Ticket to Illusions in Museum in Veliko Turnovo
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
From GHS 172
4.8 (35)
Day trip to Buzludzha Monument and Shipka from Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Full Day Trip to Bulgaria from Bucharest
Bucharest, Wallachia
From GHS 937
4.5 (359)
Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches from Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Travel Tips for Veliko Turnovo
Getting Around
In Veliko Tarnovo city, the historic center is compact and best explored on foot, though be prepared for steep hills and stairs. The city has a local bus network; tickets are purchased from the driver. For travel between towns in the province, buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) are the primary public transport, departing from the central bus station in Veliko Tarnovo. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive; use reputable companies like OK Taxi or insist the meter is turned on. Ride-hailing apps like TaxiMe operate in the city. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the wider province, monasteries, and villages at your own pace. Roads are generally good between major towns but can be narrow and winding in rural and mountain areas.
Best Time To Visit
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal. These months offer pleasant, mild weather perfect for exploring historical sites and hiking, with fewer crowds than peak summer. Summer (July-August) is warm and sunny but can be hot and crowded, especially in Veliko Tarnovo city. It's a great time for festivals like the Sound and Light show and the medieval reenactments at Tsarevets. Winter (December-February) is cold and can be snowy, offering a magical atmosphere in the historic towns and opportunities for winter sports in nearby mountain areas, but some attractions may have reduced hours.
Local Customs
Bulgarians nod for 'no' and shake their head for 'yes'—a common source of confusion, so listen for the words 'da' (yes) and 'ne' (no). A firm handshake is the standard greeting. Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and churches (cover shoulders and knees). Tipping is customary in restaurants (round up the bill or leave 5-10%), for taxi drivers, and in hotels. Hospitality is important; if invited to a home, bring a small gift like flowers, chocolates, or wine. Avoid discussing politics or making comparisons to other Balkan countries. Smoking is still common in many public places. Respect for elders and historical heritage is deeply ingrained.
Safety Information
Veliko Tarnovo Province is generally very safe for tourists with low violent crime rates. Standard precautions against petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) should be taken in crowded tourist areas, on public transport, and in markets. Be vigilant for common scams like taxi overcharging (always use licensed taxis with meters or agree on a price beforehand) or currency exchange tricks. Avoid poorly lit areas at night. When hiking in the Balkan Mountains, stay on marked trails, inform someone of your plans, and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Road conditions can be poor in rural areas; drive cautiously, especially at night. The tourist police in Veliko Tarnovo city can assist with issues specific to visitors.
Health Information
Medical facilities in Veliko Tarnovo city are adequate for routine care, with the Multi-Profile Hospital for Active Treatment 'Dr. Stefan Cherkezov' being the main public hospital. For serious emergencies, evacuation to Sofia may be necessary. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, polio, flu). Consider Hepatitis A and B vaccinations. Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested and rural areas during warmer months; use insect repellent and check for ticks after outdoor activities. Tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas. Pharmacies ('Apteka') are widely available.
Languages Spoken
Bulgarian
Quick Facts
Currency
Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
лв
лв
Timezone
Europe/Sofia +02:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+359
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
220,000
Area
4662 km²
Government
Provincial Administration with a Regional Governor appointed by the Council of Ministers, and municipalities with elected mayors and councils.
ISO Code
BG-04