Veliko Tarnovo, known as the "City of the Tsars", is one of Bulgaria’s most historic and picturesque locations.
Nestled on the steep hills along the Yantra River, this ancient city was once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and remains a symbol of Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage. With its cobblestone streets, medieval fortresses, and breathtaking views, Veliko Tarnovo is an attractive destination for those considering a move to Bulgaria.
From documents to embassy interviews—this guide explains every step of applying for a D Visa for Bulgaria.
In fact, Veliko Tarnovo is a favorite amongst the British moving to Bulgaria and you will find plenty of expats to help you navigate your way around your new life here. However, like any city, it comes with its own set of advantages and challenges.
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Bulgaria. In this guide, we look at the advantages and disadvantages of coming to live in Bulgaria.
Veliko Tarnovo is a treasure trove of history and culture. The city is home to the Tsarevets Fortress, one of the most important medieval sites in Bulgaria, where the Bulgarian tsars ruled during the 12th to 14th centuries. The fortress, with its thick stone walls and commanding views of the surrounding landscape, is a constant reminder of the city’s glorious past.
Walking through the old town, you’ll find a blend of Ottoman-era houses, churches, and monuments that tell the story of Bulgaria’s complex history. For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, living in Veliko Tarnovo offers the unique experience of being surrounded by history at every turn.
Wondering about medical care in Bulgaria? Learn how expats and locals alike navigate the system with ease and minimal cost.
The city’s dramatic setting, with houses perched on steep hills and overlooking the winding Yantra River, makes Veliko Tarnovo one of the most picturesque places in Bulgaria. The surrounding area is equally beautiful, with opportunities for hiking, exploring caves, and visiting waterfalls in the nearby Balkan Mountains.
Nature lovers will appreciate the abundance of green spaces and the easy access to outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy walking through the city's historic streets, relaxing in a riverside park, or venturing into the mountains, Veliko Tarnovo offers a stunning natural backdrop for daily life.
Considering the Bulgarian lifestyle? Explore where expats are putting down roots.
Veliko Tarnovo is certainly cheaper than places like Varna or Sofia but because it is popular with expats and is a tourist destination, the city centre especially is expensive. Choose a village outside the city and the cost of living and house prices drop dramatically.
There is a good range of markets and supermarkets where grocery prices are probably far cheaper than you currently pay. And there is a great outdoor fruit and veg market that is open every day and the prices are very reasonable. It should also be mentioned that because this is a popular expat region there is a good supply of renovated homes in this region, often renovated to a very high spec.
Visit Realistimo.com to see just what amazingly good value-for-money homes you can get in the Veliko Tarnovo region.
Veliko Tarnovo is quite a small city and therefore has a tight-knit community feel. You will find several social media groups online for Veliko which will give you a sense of what this area is like. The city hosts numerous local events, festivals, and markets that bring people together.
In and around Veliko you will often find car boot sales and secondhand markets. Samovodska Charshia hosts traditional craft fairs and there are several cultural celebrations throughout the year so there are plenty of opportunities to meet people and make connections.
In addition to its historical attractions, Veliko Tarnovo has a lively contemporary arts scene. The city is home to several galleries, including the Boris Denev Art Gallery, and hosts various cultural events, including the Veliko Tarnovo International Folklore Festival and the Open Air Theatrical Festival.
This is a great city for young artists and musicians, with events, exhibitions, and performances happening regularly. Living in Veliko Tarnovo means having access to a rich array of artistic and cultural experiences, making it an inspiring place for creatives and art lovers alike.
Save yourself surprises and read the true costs of living in Bulgaria before relocating.
Veliko Tarnovo’s central location in Bulgaria makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the country. The city is well-connected by road and rail, with easy access to Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, and the Black Sea coast. You can be on the Black Sea coast in just a couple of hours, Sofia in just 2 hours, or even get to Romania which is about 3 hours away.
You would also be on the main routes to Greece and Turkey. For those who enjoy traveling, Veliko Tarnovo’s location is a significant advantage, offering the possibility to explore Bulgaria’s diverse landscapes and cultural sites with relative ease. Its position as a crossroads of historical trade routes adds to its strategic importance and convenience.
You may also like to read: Buying a Property in Bulgaria. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on buying a property in Bulgaria with the average costs you can expect to pay when buying a property here.
Amongst some of the expats that I talked to, the general feeling is that Veliko is a bit Marmite, maybe the variety with peanut butter. That’s my personal view too, I have been to Veliko many times, and living there is going to be different but the city just feels a bit……just OK. Yes, it is a beautiful city but reading the blurb you would expect every street to be cobbled with row upon row of authentic historic Bulgarian homes, but it isn’t.
The city center is obviously aimed at tourists, there are numerous designer stores and outlets, but for me, it just lacks authenticity, it is a strange feeling to quantify. That said, many people obviously see what I don’t, it is one of the most popular places for expats to live in Bulgaria. There are some beautiful, authentic villages in the area surrounded by stunning scenery which is where the majority of expats live, so be sure to check out the wider Veliko area before deciding where your new home will be.
What's the Average Cost of Living in Bulgaria
As one of Bulgaria’s most popular tourist destinations, Veliko Tarnovo experiences a significant number of visitors during the peak tourist season, particularly in the spring and summer. While tourism is a vital part of the city’s economy, the crowds can be overwhelming, especially in the old town and around major attractions like Tsarevets Fortress.
This seasonal influx can lead to crowded streets, nowhere to park, higher prices, and a more commercialised atmosphere during the peak months. For those who prefer peace and quiet, the busy tourist season might be a downside.
You may also like to read: Is Moving to Bulgaria a Good Idea? In this guide, we discover what life is like in Bulgaria and why moving here could be the best decision you ever made.
I will put limited nightlife here, but in my experience, I have never found a lack of good restaurants or things to do in an evening here, and the fact that Veliko hosts the second largest University in Bulgaria means that there are always plenty of students to keep things lively. However, many expats feel that there is a lack of variety here.
So while Veliko Tarnovo has a vibrant cultural scene, its entertainment and nightlife options are more limited compared to larger Bulgarian cities.
The city has a good selection of bars, cafes (be sure to visit the Cuban Bar that overlooks the Yantra River), and restaurants, but it doesn’t offer the same variety or intensity of nightlife as Sofia or Plovdiv.
There are a couple of Chinese and Italian Restaurants, but the majority are Bulgarian. There is always something going on in Veliko just don’t expect a raucous nightlife. However, for those who prefer a quieter lifestyle focused on cultural and outdoor activities, this may not be a significant drawback.
Veliko Tarnovo experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The winter months can be particularly challenging, with temperatures often dropping below freezing with snowfall. However, the city is well-prepared for winter conditions and you will just get used to it and prepare accordingly. Nonetheless, the cold weather can be a downside for some potential residents.
If you are looking for mild winters then you should take into consideration Varna and Burgas.
While Veliko Tarnovo has numerous shops, markets, and services, many are focused on tourists and may not offer the same variety or convenience as larger cities. For those used to having access to a wide range of international brands, specialised shops, or large shopping malls, the options in Veliko Tarnovo might feel limited.
However, the city does have a number of supermarkets, local markets, and smaller retail outlets that cater to most everyday needs. I have never found Veliko lacking in shops, but I mention this as some people I spoke to felt it should be a consideration when choosing whether to live here.
You may also like to read: How to Find a Trusted Real Estate Agent in Bulgaria. Like anywhere in the world there are good and not-so-good real estate agents. Here, we help you to find background-checked and trustworthy real estate agents in Bulgaria.
Veliko Tarnovo is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city’s rich heritage, scenic surroundings, and affordable cost of living make it particularly attractive for anyone seeking a slower pace of life in a picturesque setting. This is certainly a beautiful part of the country and being so central makes getting anywhere in the country and beyond easier. Having so many expats in the area will certainly help you adjust to your new life quicker and having that support network is important for many people.
Many may be put off living in a tourist destination, but the reason for tourists is because this is such a desirable place to spend some time. One thing that should also be mentioned is that Veliko is very hilly, getting around could be a problem for some, especially if they use a wheelchair or are pushing a heavy pram.
As with anywhere you are planning on moving to visit as often as you can, especially through the different seasons, and ideally rent in the area before making a final decision. Be sure to visit our blog where you can read more about the various regions of Bulgaria and find invaluable advice about moving and living in Bulgaria.
Before choosing Veliko Tarnovo, see how it compares to Sofia in the pros and cons of moving to Sofia.
Good luck with your search for a new home in Bulgaria!
Let Realistimo track for you instead
😃 Install the app and we'll notify you first when a suitable listing appears.
Stay updated on what's new in real estate, statistics, and news from Realistimo, without spam:
