Bourgas

Cityscape: Salty and spontaneous

Bourgas is the second largest city on the Black Sea coast. It is situated in the western part of Bourgas Bay and is 390km east of Sofia. The low level of the coast helped the formation of three beautiful lagoon lakes Atanassovo, Bourgas, and Mandren. The city of Bourgas is situated between the sea and the two lakes. Bourgas Lake is the largest natural lake in Bulgaria and is inhabited by a wide variety of species, it is also a nestling site of numerous pelicans, ibis, and herons. Atanassovo Lake is situated between the airport and the city and it is nestling site of many marsh and sea birds. The lake is great for fishing, swimming and relaxation. Mandren Lake is located 10km south of the city and is also an important ornithological reserve with a large bird population during summer. Small beautiful lagoons are formed in it and makes it the perfect place to go wandering (‘lonely as a cloud’).

Bourgas port is the largest port in the country which makes the city important industrial centre in the country. The city is much more than a holiday zone, though, with its own art, history, culture and stories.

Local events

In August city hosts an International Folk Festival and a Week of the arts for children. In July there is a festival of Opera and Classic Music and in September the International Pop and Jazz Session spices up the city atmosphere.

Worth seeing

The District Museum of History was founded in 1925 and it houses an archaeological hall with rich collection of old colonies at the Black Sea coast. There are exhibitions of ceramic vessels, ancient coins and jewelries, Thracian tools and miniature models of ancient settlements. The Art Gallery exhibits foreign art and works of Bulgarian artists as well as icons from Bulgarian Revival period. The city has beautiful Sea Garden, situated on a high shore, flecked with beautiful flowerbeds, trees and sculptures. The St. St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral is landmark of Bourgas, interesting for its marvelous frescos and wooden altar. The Ethnographic Museum also deserves special attention with its interesting collection of traditional Koukeri's masks and folklore costumes typical for this region. The museum has a video-hall, where one can watch ethnographic and historical films.

The St. Anastassia Island is situated in 6km east of the city. There you will find a well preserved church with impressive architectural style.
Bourgas also has a mineral public baths with curing mud, which are located 13 km north-west of the city.

Going out

If you are in a mood to try some sea food go to On the Pier restaurant (3, Tzar Simeon str.). It has great interior and very tasty fish specialties along with excellent wine selection. Another place to try great fish dishes, this time with a variety of beers is The Grolsh Pub (14, Raina Kniaginia str.), try the chilly baby octopuses on pan with cold local lager beer. For all meat-lovers, the place to visit is Beograd Serb Grill (6, Mitropolit Simeon str.). You can not go wrong with the ribs topped-up with the Chief’s special sauce.If you are a pasta fan, you will need to visit  The Grand Italia Restaurant (3, Republikanska str.). The owner is Leo, an Italian guy currently leaving in Bourgas. He become well known after his appearance in the Bulgarian reality show Big Brother 2. Upon entrance he will greet you with a big smile and take your aperitif order. Other good place to visit is the wine saloon Fors (17, Konstantin Fotinov str.). Bourgas is famous for its white wines coming from Pomorie and Singurlare regions.

Bourgas has a great night life, with a place for every taste. If you prefer quiet piano music there are two elegant bars – Velvet (61, Aleksandrovska str.) and 5th Avenue (15, Lermontov str.) both bars have live performances every night. A Karaoke action can be enjoyed at Karaoke Bar (2, Kliment Ohridski str.) and live saxophone and trumpet performances at Groove Club (10, Antim I str.). For all old school disco fans, the place is Disco Club Studio 54 (60, Demokracia blvd.). This place is pretty popular, especially Friday and Saturday so make sure you have reservation (+359 885 105 059). In the summertime the night life fiesta shifts to the beach alley – do not miss it.