Useful Tips about Bourgas

     Transport

   In addition to the International Airport, Bourgas can be just as easily reached by train and bus. Regular bus service is available to pretty much all points in Bulgaria.

   The Bourgas city centre is mainly comprised of two main pedestrian streets- Alexandrovska and Bogoridi, with the latter leading to the sea park and the beach. Generally getting around the city centre is quite easy to do on foot. With large leafy trees shedding a shadow on the streets, shop browsing or just strolling along the centre is pleasant and a favourite past time of locals as well.

    The city’s public transportation system is a quick and cost effective way to get around town. There are buses, trolleys and mini buses which ideally service the city area and the nearby neighbourhood of Sarafovo, Meden Rudnik and the Bourgas International Airport. Taxis are also a convenient way to get around the city.

Things to See

-          The Sea Park: Stretching along the sea shore and leading to the Atanasovo lake and

the salt lakes, the park is well maintained and ideal for leisure activities such as jogging or biking. Visited at night, you’re bound to stop by one of the many beach bars, restaurants or cafes in the park itself or by the beach. The open air theater which hosts theatrical and musical performances and the program is especially diverse and entertaining during the summer months when the whole city seems to be buzzing with life.  If visiting the city in May, be sure to stop by the Flower Exhibition and market which transform and adorn the park into an oasis of blossoming, aromatic flowers on display for weeks on end.

-          The St. St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral is a must see with its frescos and unique

wooden altar.

-           Art Gallery- it is among the oldest in the country. Housed in the building of an old

synagogue, it is a spectacular architectural monument built between 1905 and 1910 by Italian architect Ricardo Toscani. Home to more than 2500 works of art- valuable icon collections, paintings, sculptures and fine art. The Museum of Nature and Science has 6 halls, 1700 exponents, 102 pictures and 299 drawings. It is divided into a Geology, Invertebrates, Botany and Vertebrates Departments. The Ethnographic Museum has an interesting collection of folklore objects, traditional costumes, masks and artifacts which represent the region and Bulgarian culture as a whole.

FESTIVALS

- end of April     five days of Classical German and Austrian music

- May & June      International Theater Festival of Small Forms

- July                   3 week Festival of Opera and Classical Music

- August             International Fold Festival of Week of the Arts for Children

- September        International Pop and Jazz assembly “Bourgas and the Sea”

- December         International Tournament for Standard and Latin American Dances

WARNINGS

Although a relatively safe place, there are some things to be aware of while in Bourgas. Common sense should be enough to prevent you from getting in dangerous situations. Avoid exchanging money in places other than bank and your hotel. You will most likely come into contact with people offering you better exchange rates on the street, but don’t get tempted by them. Always be aware of your belongings, especially in crowded places.