Major city · Bulgaria
BurgasБургас
Give Burgas 2 nights as a coast base: Sea Garden and beach are free, Nesebar and Sozopol are day trips, and it is cheaper than Sunny Beach.
Burgas is Bulgaria's fourth-largest city and the main gateway to the southern Black Sea coast, with the airport 8 km away at Sarafovo. The centre holds the museums, the bus and train stations and the Sea Garden, a long park over the beach. Most travellers use it as a base for Nesebar, Sozopol and the resorts, or as a cheaper alternative to Sunny Beach.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Jun, Sep
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, peak prices), Nov–Mar (many places shut)
- Airport
- BOJ
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovin…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Balkans ↗Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in pockets of Croatia's former front line: outside towns keep to tarmac and waymarked paths, and treat red triangle signs and taped-off fields as absolute.
- Balkans ↗Serbia refuses onward entry to travellers who reached Kosovo from a third country and then try to cross straight into Serbia; route Kosovo–Serbia legs through North Macedonia or Montenegro, or start the loop in Serbia.
- Balkans ↗Hire cars need written permission from the rental company and valid insurance for every country on the line; Kosovo sells its own border insurance and some contracts exclude Albania, Kosovo or Bosnia outright.
- Bulgaria ↗Bulgaria is in the EU and the Schengen area; the EU Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU visitors. Check the official EU and Bulgarian sources for your passport.
- Bulgaria ↗Drivers need an electronic road vignette for national roads outside towns; rental cars normally include it, but check.
- Bulgaria ↗Signs and timetables are often only in Cyrillic outside Sofia and the coast; learn the alphabet basics or carry offline translation.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Burgas112 ▾
- Police, ambulance and fire112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Burgas, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Bulgaria adopted the euro (EUR) on 1 January 2026, replacing the lev (BGN) at 1.95583 lev to the euro…Bulgaria-wide
- SIM or eSIMA1, Yettel and Vivacom sell prepaid SIMs; bring your passport to register.Bulgaria-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in most cities; mountain spring taps are everywhere.Bulgaria-wide
- TippingRestaurant: About 10%.Bulgaria-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Bulgaria-wide
- SafetyBurgas is generally safe for tourists; the real risks are taxi meters, pickpocketing in busy summer areas, and strong sun and currents on the beach.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsCafés and malls; public toilets usually cost €0.30–0.50 (≈ under US$1).Bulgaria-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, ambulance and fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Monday (some Sunday too); village churches open irregularly.Bulgaria-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBOJ Burgas Airport (In Sarafovo, about 8 km (5 mi) north-east of the centre; bus 15 runs to the city roughly every 20 min, about 30 min.).BOJ Burgas Airport (In Sarafovo, about 5 mi (8 km) north-east of the centre; bus 15 runs to the city roughly every 20 min, about 30 min.).
- Getting aroundBuses and trolleys run about 05:00–23:00; buy a ticket from the collector on board.Buses and trolleys run about 5:00 AM–11:00 PM; buy a ticket from the collector on board.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Sit-down mealLunch or dinner, mid-range€8–20 (≈ US$10–25)
- Street or quick mealBanitsa or a snack€1–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Beerdraught / shop€2–4 (≈ US$3–5)€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across the centre€3–6 (≈ US$4–7) (check)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus rideabout €1 (≈ US$2) (check)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry€2–5 (≈ US$3–6) (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€15 (≈ US$18)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, a night, per room€75 (≈ US$90)
- High-end bedDouble room, a night, per room€160 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €75 (≈ US$90) · High €140 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BOJ Burgas Airport (In Sarafovo, about 8 km (5 mi) north-east of the centre; bus 15 runs to the city roughly every 20 min, about 30 min.)BOJ Burgas Airport (In Sarafovo, about 5 mi (8 km) north-east of the centre; bus 15 runs to the city roughly every 20 min, about 30 min.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Nov
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Jun, Sep. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C) low), wettest May (8 rain days), driest Aug (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Burgas: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
7 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Oct
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Buses and trolleys run about 05:00–23:00; buy a ticket from the collector on board. Minibuses cover some routes and you pay the driver on exit. Taxis are metered but watch the counter; the centre, Sea Garden and beach are walkable, and a bicycle is good along the promenade.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Nesebar
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Bus from the South Bus Station along the coast
Old town on a peninsula; go early in summer.
Sozopol
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Bus from the South Bus Station
Old town, beaches and a relaxed evening.
Sunny Beach
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus from the South Bus Station
Built-up resort strip; peak prices and crowds in Jul–Aug.
Poda Nature Reserve
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Bus or car south on the E87 toward Sozopol
Birdwatching on the Via Pontica migration route; entry fee.
St. Anastasia Island
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
Boat from the Bridge (Mosta)
Boats offered in July and August, with departures around 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00.Boats offered in July and August, with departures around 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centre
Hotels, nightlife, museums, bus and train stations; walk to the Sea Garden and central beach.
Lazur
North-east of the centre, close to the Sea Garden and the Lake Park; several hotels.
Sarafovo
Village by the airport with its own beach; handy for early flights, 8 km (5 mi) from the centre.Village by the airport with its own beach; handy for early flights, 5 mi (8 km) from the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €35–55 (≈ US$45–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- €55–95 (≈ US$65–120) excl. bed
- High
- €95 (≈ US$120)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room1 × 2 nights × €75 | €150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €75 | €300 |
| Bus 15 airport to centre, one way2 × €1 · check | €2 |
| City bus ride2 × €1 · check | €2 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €47 |
| Trip total≈ €130 per person per day, bed included | €521≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and long-distance buses excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Banitsa or a snack | €1–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Lunch or dinner, mid-range | €8–20 (≈ US$10–25) |
| Beer: draught / shop | €2–4 (≈ US$3–5) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| City bus ride | about €1 (≈ US$2) (check) |
| Taxi across the centre | €3–6 (≈ US$4–7) (check) |
| Museum entry | €2–5 (≈ US$3–6) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Check the meter in taxis and agree the fare before you sit; scams are reported.
- Museums close on Saturdays and Sundays in winter.
- The Batumi ferry is a cargo ship with passenger space: expect delays and unclear ticketing.
- Do not swim in Lake Vaya; the water is polluted.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance and fire
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
BurgasБургас
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
До този адрес, моляTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance and fire112
Embassy
No embassies in Burgas; most are in Sofia (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus 15, airport to centre: about €1 (≈ US$2), about 30 min (check)
- Bus to Nesebar or Sozopol: about €2–4 (≈ US$3–5), 45–60 min (check)
- Taxi across the centre: €3–6 (≈ US$4–7) (check)
Say or show
- Здравейте — Hello (zdraveyte)
- Благодаря — Thank you (blagodarya)
- Колко струва? — How much is it? (kolko struva)
- Сметката, моля — The bill, please (smetkata, molya)
- Къде е автогарата? — Where is the bus station? (kade e avtogarata)
- Помощ — Help (pomosht)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Burgas. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun, Sep · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, peak prices), Nov–Mar (many places shut) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BOJ: bus 15 times, taxi fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Centre, Sea Garden and central beach, Lazur, Sarafovo.
- Place pages with verified hours (Archaeological, Ethnographic, Historical and Natural History museums) and eat pages with last orders.
- Summer and shoulder-season fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialBurgas municipality
- officialBurgas Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Burgas, revision 5334491 (CC BY-SA 4.0)