Varna Zoo (Zoopark)

The Basics

There is a token charge to visit Varna Zoo, further discounted for children, perhaps reflecting the fact that the zoo doesn’t take long to cover. While many travelers will find the animal cages more cramped than at the zoos they are used to, Varna Zoo does important work rescuing local birds, including endangered species. The zoo is not a common stop on Varna tours, and most everyone visits independently. Younger children will enjoy the small playground.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Varna Zoo will mainly be of interest to bird lovers and families with younger children.

• There are a range of food options close by in Primorski Park.

• The zoo offers free entrance to disabled travelers and is reasonably wheelchair-friendly.

How to Get There

Varna Zoo sits roughly in the middle of beachfront Primorski Park, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) northeast of the city center. Bus 409 runs between the Golden Sands resort and the airport through Varna city center, with a stop at the cathedral. Get off at the Akaciite stop on Knyaz Boris I Boulevard and walk for a minute or so.

When to Get There

Varna Zoo is open seven days a week. It operates until surprisingly late in the evening during the June-through-August summer peak, closing during the early evening outside those times. Aim to avoid visiting on weekends, when it’s a popular destination for local families.

Things to Do in Primorski Park

Bulgarian cities tend to offer a lot of green space, and Varna is no exception. Primorski Park, first laid out in 1878, stretches for around 5 miles (8 kilometers) along the Black Sea coast. Besides sports facilities, gardens, and eateries, it’s home to four Varna attractions: the dolphinarium, Varna Zoo, the aquarium, and the planetarium. It’s also a great people-watching spot.