Where to Stay in Varna: Best Areas for Every Traveller
Varna offers a few very different areas to stay in, and the right choice really depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. On our recent trip, we visited each of these areas ourselves and also spoke with local tour guides, which gave us a much clearer idea of how different each one really feels.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the main areas to stay in Varna: the city centre, St. Constantine and Helena, Riviera Holiday Club, and Golden Sands, so you can quickly figure out which one best suits your travel style.
Bear in mind that prices will depend on the season, with winter, spring and autumn offering the lowest rates.
Carol and Max selfie at Aquahouse Thermal & Beach in Varna, Bulgaria
Everything you need to plan your Varna trip!
We’ve gathered top-rated recommendations for transport, accommodation, services, and tours below:
- Best all-around: Astor Garden Hotel (9.4/10)
- Exclusive beachfront: GRIFID Noa (9.1/10)
- Boutique design: HVD Boutique Hotel Oasis (8.8/10)
Where to stay in Varna? (Short answer)
Varna city centre: Best for budget travellers, explorers, authentic atmosphere, sightseeing
St. Constantine and Helena: Best for couples, families, wellness stays, quiet luxury, relaxation
Riviera Holiday Club: Best for privacy, exclusivity, couples, nature, upscale stays
Golden Sands: Best for beach holidays, families, nightlife, groups, lively atmosphere
Varna city centre
Best for: Budget travellers, explorers, authentic atmosphere, sightseeing
Varna city centre is the most convenient place to stay if you want everything within easy reach. You can walk to the Sea Garden, the beach, restaurants, cafés, and most of the main sights without needing transport.
It’s also the most practical base, especially if it’s your first time in Varna. There’s a good mix of hotels and apartments, plenty of places to eat, and public transport is easy to use if you want to go further out.
Where to stay in Varna’s city centre
Varna City Center Apartment: Stylish apartment right next to the cathedral, fitting up to 5 people, from €80-€90 per night.
Grand Hotel London: 5-star hotel near the centre and steps away from the coast. From €120-€160 per night.
How to get to the city centre from the airport?
Bus (line 409): 25 minutes
Taxi: Around €20-€30. We recommend pre-booking through GetTransfer.com.
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St. Constantine and Helena
Best for: Couples, families, wellness stays, quiet luxury, relaxation
St. Constantine and Helena is a much quieter resort area just outside Varna, but still close enough to reach the city centre in around 10-15 minutes. This is where we stayed in our last trip, and we couldn’t have asked for a better resort. It feels more relaxed and green, with hotels set among trees, mineral springs, and a stronger focus on wellness and spa facilities. In fact, the best-rated spa in Varna is located in this resort.
It’s a great choice if you want a slower pace, with easy access to both the beach and thermal spas, without the busier city atmosphere. There are a few restaurants and shops within the resort, but most people stay here for relaxation rather than nightlife or sightseeing every day.
Where to stay in St. Constantine and Helena
Astor Garden Hotel: 5-star beachfront hotel with free access to Aquahouse Thermal & Beach. From €200-€350 per night.
Ensana Aquahouse: 5-star beachfront hotel with 11 indoor and outdoor pools, plus spa facilities. From €215-€300 per night.
How to get to St. Constantine and Helena from the airport?
Bus (line 409): 50 minutes
Taxi: Around €25-€35. We recommend pre-booking through GetTransfer.com.
Riviera Holiday Club
Best for: Privacy, exclusivity, couples, nature, upscale stays
Riviera Holiday Club feels much more secluded and exclusive compared to the rest of Varna’s coastline. The area has only 5 hotels, and road access is limited to guests or those with reservations. What really differentiates this resort is the greenery surrounding it and its quieter beach areas, which give it a noticeably calmer atmosphere.
It’s a great option if you want a peaceful beach stay without being completely isolated, since both Golden Sands and Varna are still within easy reach. Compared to the larger resort areas, everything here feels more low-key, spacious, and relaxed.
If you are looking for the Best Hotels in Varna with a Private Beach (2026 Guide), make sure to read this blog.
Where to stay in Riviera Holiday Club
HVD Boutique Hotel Oasis: Upscale beachfront boutique hotel with an infinity pool, from €500-€600 per night.
HVD Nympha Hotel: Adults-only beachfront hotel with free parking, from €200-€375 per night.
How to get to Riviera Holiday Club from the airport?
Bus (line 14 and line 9): 1 hour 50 minutes
Taxi: Around €35-€45. We recommend pre-booking through GetTransfer.com.
Golden Sands
Best for: Beach holidays, families, nightlife, groups, lively atmosphere
Golden Sands is the busiest and most tourist-focused area near Varna. The resort is packed with large hotels, beach bars, restaurants, shops, and summer activities, giving it a much livelier atmosphere compared to the other areas.
It’s the best option if your priority is being close to long sandy beaches and having plenty of things happening around you throughout the day and evening. That said, it’s also noticeably more crowded and noisier during summer, especially during peak season. On the other hand, in Golden Sands you can also find the Golden Sands Nature Park, offering nature-focused activities.
Where to stay in Golden Sands
GRIFID Noa: 5-star beachfront hotel with adults-only floor, infinity pool, spa and more, from €400-€775 per night.
Sentido Marea Hotel: Beachfront hotel, from €315-€615. Family rooms include free access to GRIFID Waterpark.
How to get to Golden Sands from the airport?
Bus (line 409 and line 9): 1 hour 20 minutes
Taxi: Around €35-€45. We recommend pre-booking through GetTransfer.com.
Practical information
Climate: Summers in Varna usually bring temperatures between 25°C and 35°C, while winters are much cooler, making the city especially appealing for wellness and spa retreats.
Car rental: Highly recommended for flexibility. While you can get around using public transport or taxis, renting a car in Varna is quite affordable, and many hotels also offer free parking for guests. We always use QEEQ to rent cars, because they consistently offer the best deals, and the booking process is really smooth and easy to use.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best all-inclusive hotel in Varna?
The clear winner is GRIFID Noa. It’s an exclusive hotel with plenty of amenities and on-site restaurants, plus unique touches like dedicated ice cream and waffle stations. The in-room minibar is also included and restocked daily.
Should I stay in Varna city centre or in Golden Sands?
Both areas offer completely different perks. To gain additional insight, we recommend reading this blog: Best Hotels in Varna with a Private Beach (2026 Guide).
Are there budget-friendly options in the centre?
Varna’s city centre offers plenty of budget-friendly options, from apartments to hotel rooms and hostels. If none of the hotels mentioned above matches your style or budget, we recommend checking out Booking.com, or leave a comment below, and we can help you find the perfect accommodation.
What are the best things to do in Varna?
We’ve written two blogs that will help you answer this question: The 11 Best Things to Do in Varna This Summer 2026 and 5 Days in Varna: The Perfect Itinerary for a Relaxing Getaway.
Is Varna a safe city to visit?
Varna is generally a very safe city for tourists, with a lower crime rate compared to many Western European cities. However, the main tourist areas can attract petty theft, so always be aware of your belongings and surroundings.
If you enjoyed this blog, please share your thoughts in the comments below, and we wish you an amazing trip to Varna!
