The fourth-largest city in the country is located on the Black Sea coast.
The city of Burgas in Bulgaria was unexpectedly announced as the host city of the next Eurovision Song Contest. According to Euronews, many believed that Bulgaria’s victory at the Eurovision Song Contest would mean holding the 2027 contest in the capital Sofia. However, it became known that it will be Burgas that will host the contest.
This city is much less well‑known internationally, but it has long been one of the country’s most beloved seaside resorts. The arrival of “Eurovision” in May next year will draw the world’s attention to its beaches, lively promenade, and relaxed summer atmosphere.
“Although the contest will certainly attract large crowds of tourists, Burgas has much more to offer than Eurovision-related events: long sandy beaches, green parks, seafood restaurants, cultural attractions and a rich cultural life,” the authors note.
Regardless of whether you’re coming for the show or just want to understand what makes the city so attractive to tourists, here’s how to make the most of your time in Burgas.
We are talking about the fourth-largest city in Bulgaria, located on the Black Sea coast. The resort is known for its sandy beaches and clear blue water. It is about 400 km from Sofia, and just under 150 km from Varna, the hometown of Dara – the winner of Eurovision 2026.
Burgas Airport is located just 10 km from the city centre and offers direct flights from many European cities, including London, Rome, and Berlin.
If you combine a trip to Burgas with a visit to Sofia, you can take the train. They run approximately eight times a day, and the fastest trip takes 5 hours and 43 minutes. Buses are even faster: the journey from Sofia to Burgas takes at least five hours. On average, about six trips are available daily.
Upon arrival in Burgas, you can easily rent an electric bicycle. The city also has a well-developed public transport network, and the Burgasbus system is the most convenient for tourists.
Where to stay
The arrival of “Eurovision” in the city usually leads to a sharp increase in housing prices. However, hotels in Burgas are still quite affordable for tourists. The Euronews Travel team checked the prices and found that in August, private rooms can be booked from 32 euros per night, and four‑star hotels from 67 euros. You can also find a one‑night room at the five‑star beach hotel Hotel Residence Promenade for about 130 euros.
What to see in Burgas
The Central and Northern beaches of the city are the busiest: there are many restaurants and bars here. However, the Sarafovo and Krymori beaches are quieter and are famous for their natural beauty. The Burgas Pier is worth visiting after a beach holiday. From here you can enjoy magnificent views of the city, and it’s also an ideal place to watch the sunset.
Nearby is the Sea Garden – a five‑kilometre route along cobblestone pedestrian paths through a vast public park. It is also suitable for cycling. Here you can see exotic plants, cultural monuments and some of the most impressive examples of Balkan architecture in the region.
The old town of Burgas is a pedestrian zone. It has many restaurants, bars and shops, and is also home to the Orthodox Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
The city’s cultural life is also worth paying attention to. The sand sculpture festival runs from early July to the end of September and features large‑scale works on the theme of world pop culture.
Another important event was the Spice music festival; in early August, one of its headliners was Luis Fonsi, the performer of the hit “Despacito.”
What to try and drink
Bulgarian cuisine may not be as well‑known as the gastronomic traditions of other European countries, but it has quite a lot of interesting things. And Burgas has its own local dishes that are worth trying.
Since the city is located on the coast, fish and seafood are especially popular here. In particular, it’s worth trying Burgas‑style mussels – the dish is prepared right in the shells with onions, tomatoes, peppers, and aromatic herbs. Another popular dish is the Black Sea flounder, which is usually grilled.
In Burgas, you can also try dishes that are popular in other regions of Bulgaria. Among them are Strandzhanski dyado, a traditional dried meat with spices, as well as the national dish – Shopska salad made from chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and peppers, which is topped with grated sirene cheese – a white brined cheese.
Among the drinks, it’s worth trying Burgas 63 — a rakija made from local grapes, Bulgarian wines, particularly the rich red wine Mavrud, as well as the local light beer Burgasko, which has been produced in Burgas since 1971.Read also:
According to the Numbeo platform, the average bill at an inexpensive restaurant is 12.39 euros, half a litre of local draft beer costs on average 1.79 euros, and a dinner for two at a mid‑range restaurant — three dishes without drinks — will cost approximately 40.90 euros.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
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