Burgas is a city in Bulgaria, located along it’s Black Sea coast. The city boasts many things to do and see, as well as a good selection of restaurants, a long sandy beach and great connections to some of the other top towns to see in Bulgaria. If you want to know what to do in Burgas and how best to spend your time, then we have just the list for you.
1. Visit Burgas Sea Gardens
At 5km long, Burgas sea gardens are the beating heart of the city. Locals and tourists alike go to the sea gardens to relax, work out, catch up with friends and family and have fun. Built in 1910, the gardens bridged the empty space between the city and beach. They are filled with a mix of native and exotic plants, fountains, pavilions and cafes. Many events also take place within the park. Exploring the gardens is one of the top things to do in Burgas, and a visit to the city isn’t complete without spending a few hours wandering the gardens.
- Opening times: Open 24 hours, daily
- Entry/Tickets: Free to enter
2. Day Trip To Sozopol
Sozopol is located 40min from Burgas by bus and is one of the best day trips from Burgas. Sozopol is a small town that is popular due to its history, pretty old town and scenic views. The town’s history as a settlement dates back to the bronze age but it was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century. Some of the best things to do in Sozopol are to explore the streets of the old town, visit the beach, have lunch in one of the restaurants on the coastal path and visit St. Cyril and Methodius Church. One trip is enough to cover the main sights and get a good feel for the town. Buses leave Burgas South bus station regularly. For more information about Sozopol, including how to get there, what to do and where to eat, check out our Sozopol day trip article.
- Opening times: Buses run daily from 06:00 to 20:30
- Entry/Tickets: Bus tickets cost 5BGN per person
- Where to Buy: On board the bus
3. Poda Conservation Area
Declared a protected site in 1989, the Poda conservation area was the first protected area in Bulgaria to be managed by a non-government organisation. The Poda area is surrounded by the black sea and consists of three large lakes, which are referred to as Burgas lakes. Its location has made it a vital resting point for thousands of birds that use the Eastern European migratory route. There are also many birds who nest here. Visitors can explore the areas and use the binoculars, telescopes and species posters to understand and identify birds on the wetlands.
- Opening times: April to Sep daily from 09:00 to 19:00, Oct to Mar daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
- Entry/Tickets: 5BGN per adult, 2.50BGN per student, free for children under 6 years old
- Where to Buy: At the kiosk on entry
4. Burgas Beach
The long sandy beach that lines the city and sea gardens of Burgas transform this city into a destination for families, those wanting to relax and a well rounded summer holiday spot. The beach is well equipped with sun loungers, easily accessible connections to the sea gardens and a small number of cafes. The sea is remarkably clear and, in summer, warm. When visiting the city, spending some time at the beach, even if just to wander along the sand or the pier, is a must do in Burgas.
- Opening Times: Open 24 hours daily
- Entry/Tickets: Free
5. St Cyril And Methodius Cathedral
Built between 1894 and 1907, St Cyril and Methodius Cathedral is the biggest Orthodox church in the city of Burgas and is located in the heart of the city centre. The cathedral has naturally become an iconic landmark for the city. Internally, the cathedral has a particularly ornate and detailed wall of icons, which has been beautifully carved, as well as many colourful paintings and murals.
- Opening Times: Open daily from 08:00 to 17:00
- Entry/Tickets: Free
6. Archaeological Museum Burgas
Established in 1912, the Archaeological Museum is the oldest museum in Burgas. The museum has many collections, including items which depict the history and culture of the Greek colonies along the Black Sea, the Roman Empire, pre historic time and Thracian. The first statue that was ever found in Bulgaria is one of the most notable exhibits at the museum. Situated in the centre of Burgas city, the museum is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about Burgas and Bulgarian history.
- Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00, closed Sundays and Mondays
- Entry/Tickets: 5BGN per adult, 2BGN per student, children under 7 years have free entry
- Where to Buy: In person, on entry
7. A Trip To St Anastasia Island
Located 1.5km off the coast of Burgas, St Anastasia island is the only inhabited island off the Bulgarian black sea coast. The island is formed of volcanic rock and is 12m above sea level, 17m in some areas. It has an interesting past and is shrouded in mystery, myths and legends. One of the most famous legends says that a fossilised ship, that can be seen on the island today, was broken in two by Saint Anastasia when monks prayed to her because pirates attacked the monastery on the island. Some of the most notable features of the island are the lighthouse and the monastery. Boats to Anastasia island leave from the passenger terminal at the Port of Burgas at 10:00 and 13:30. The journey takes 30min and tickets for the boat can be bought at a kiosk near the port, or reserved by emailing [email protected]. Return boat times from the island are at 12:30 and 16:00.
- Opening Times: Refer to boat times to the island above
- Entry/Tickets: Boat tickets from June to September are14BGN per adult, 3BGN per child (3years to 7years). From October to May 12BGN per adult. Children under 3 years go free
- Where to Buy: By emailing [email protected] or at kiosk near port
8. Day Trip To Nessebar
Similar to Sozopol, Nessebar is a small, historic town steeped in ancient history. Nessebar is accessible from Burgas by bus or car, and takes around 1 hour to reach. The town is very picturesque and is situated on its own small section of land, connected only by one road to the mainland. Some of the most popular Nessebar attractions are the Archaeological museum, the church of Christ Pantocrator and Hagia Sophia Basilica. The town of Nessebar itself is also very pretty, with many old buildings and small shops and restaurants to explore and experience. Nessebar was once a thriving trading city and has been a Thracian settlement, as well as being colonised by both the Greeks and Byzantines. It’s many rulers, and complex history, have all contributed to the interesting and diverse architecture and townscape that Nessebar is so well known for today.
- Opening Times: Buses run to Nessebar from Burgas daily in summer months from 06:20 to 22:50
- Entry/Tickets: Varies each year, check at bus station for latest price
- Where to Buy: In person, from the bus driver
9. Sand Festival
Burgas Sand Sculptures festival is held every year from July to September, and has been held since 2008. The festival takes place at Burgas Park Ezeroto (the lake) and has a different theme each year. Some of the previous themes have been sea world, cartoon characters and circus. Each year around 2500 tons of sand are used to build these incredible structures, some reaching 8metres tall. The festival brings many visitors from Burgas, Bulgaria and Europe and an array of international artists. Visiting the festival is one of the must do Burgas attractions if you’re there in the summer months.
- Opening Times: Open from July to September, morning to evening
- Entry/Tickets: 3BGN per adult, 1BGN per child
- Where to Buy: In person, on entry
10. Lake Atanasovsko
Atanasovsko lake is 5km long in total, and is definitely one of the best things to see in Burgas. As a salt lake, it is well known for the variety of bird species and plant life that call it home, even if just for a short while. The lake is connected by a canal to the Black Sea which results in an increase of the lake’s salt content every year. The north part of the lake is in a conservation area while the south section of the lake is used for salt production. Burgas salt works, which are available to visit, are at the south of the lake, and this is where the pink section of the lake is, pictured below. When travelling by road from Burgas to Nessebar or Varna, you will drive over the lake, as the main road is on a small sandy strip through the lake.
- Opening Times: Open from dawn to dusk
- Entry/Tickets: Free entry to salt baths
Let us know in the comments if you have been to Burgas and have seen or done any of things to do in Burgas above, or if you have any suggestions. For more information about visiting Burgas, including how to get in, out and around the city, where to stay and what to eat, check out our Burgas travel guide.
Burgas, Bulgaria seems like an adventurous place to visit. The salty pink lake looks interesting. Thanks for sharing the details of your experiences.
Thanks for commenting! The pink lake is beautiful