Best Places to Visit in Shumen | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Shumen Travel Guide
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Welcome to Shumen, Bulgaria! Located in the northeastern part of the country, Shumen is a city rich in history and culture. As one of the oldest settlements in Bulgaria, it offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, medieval architecture, and modern attractions. The city is famous for its iconic Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria, a towering structure that provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. Additionally, Shumen is home to the Shumen Fortress, a well-preserved archaeological site that dates back to the 5th century. With its vibrant arts scene, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, Shumen is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Bulgarian experience.
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Best Places To Visit in Shumen
1. Sofia, Bulgaria: The capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the country. With a rich history dating back to ancient times, Sofia is home to numerous museums, galleries, and landmarks that showcase the city's cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, and the Vitosha Mountain, which offers breathtaking views of the city.
2. Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Known as the "City of the Seven Hills," Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to numerous ancient ruins, including the Roman Amphitheatre, the Ancient Stadium, and the Roman Forum. Visitors can also explore the charming Old Town, which is filled with colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and quaint cafes.
3. Varna, Bulgaria: Located on the Black Sea coast, Varna is a popular summer destination for tourists. The city is home to numerous beaches, including the famous Golden Sands Beach, as well as the Varna Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of ancient artifacts from the region.
4. Burgas, Bulgaria: Another coastal city, Burgas is known for its beautiful beaches, parks, and gardens. Visitors can explore the Sea Garden, which is the largest park in the city, or take a stroll along the Burgas Bay Promenade, which offers stunning views of the Black Sea.
5. Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria: The former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, Veliko Tarnovo is a picturesque city located in the heart of Bulgaria. Visitors can explore the Tsarevets Fortress, which was once the seat of the Bulgarian kings, or take a walk through the charming Old Town, which is filled with traditional Bulgarian houses and cobblestone streets.
6. Ruse, Bulgaria: Located on the banks of the Danube River, Ruse is a historic city that was once an important center of trade and commerce. Visitors can explore the city's many museums and galleries, including the Ruse Regional Museum of History and the Ivan Funev Art Gallery.
7. Shumen, Bulgaria: The city of Shumen is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Shumen Fortress, which dates back to the 10th century, or visit the Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria, which is one of the largest monuments in the country.
8. Bansko, Bulgaria: Located in the Pirin Mountains, Bansko is a popular ski resort that offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Bulgaria. Visitors can also explore the charming Old Town, which is filled with traditional Bulgarian houses and cobblestone streets.
9. Koprivshtitsa, Bulgaria: A small town located in the Sredna Gora Mountains, Koprivshtitsa is known for its well-preserved Bulgarian Revival architecture. Visitors can explore the town's many museums and galleries, including the Oslekov House and the Lyutov House.
10. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria: Another popular summer destination, Sunny Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and water sports. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and jet skiing, or take a stroll along the beachfront promenade, which is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.
Hotels Map Of Shumen
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Tours And Activities In Shumen
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Food & Drinks To Try In Shumen
1. Banitsa: This traditional Bulgarian pastry is a must-try in Shumen. It is made with layers of filo pastry filled with a mixture of eggs and cheese, and sometimes other ingredients like spinach or pumpkin. It is typically served for breakfast or as a snack.
2. Kavarma: Kavarma is a delicious Bulgarian dish made with slow-cooked meat (usually pork or chicken) and vegetables. The meat is marinated in a flavorful sauce and then cooked until tender. It is often served with rice or potatoes.
3. Tarator: Tarator is a refreshing cold soup that is perfect for hot summer days. It is made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and walnuts. The combination of creamy yogurt, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy flavors make it a popular choice among locals.
4. Mekitsa: Mekitsa is a traditional Bulgarian fried doughnut-like pastry. It is made with a yeast-based dough that is deep-fried until golden brown. Mekitsa is often served with powdered sugar or jam and is a popular breakfast or snack option.
5. Rakia: Rakia is a strong alcoholic beverage that is popular in Bulgaria. It is made from fermented fruit, usually grapes or plums. Rakia is often enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif and is a common drink during celebrations and social gatherings.
6. Bulgarian Yogurt: Bulgaria is famous for its yogurt, known for its thick and creamy texture and tangy flavor. Bulgarian yogurt is made from a specific strain of bacteria called Lactobacillus bulgaricus, which gives it its unique taste. It is often enjoyed plain or with honey and fruits.
7. Shopska Salad: Shopska salad is a traditional Bulgarian salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and feta cheese. It is typically dressed with olive oil and vinegar and is a refreshing and healthy option to try in Shumen.
8. Bulgarian Wine: Bulgaria has a long history of winemaking, and the country produces a wide variety of wines. Some popular Bulgarian wine regions include Thracian Valley, Danube Plain, and Black Sea Coast. Trying local Bulgarian wines is a great way to experience the flavors of the region.
9. Baklava: Baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. It is a popular dessert in Bulgaria and is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
10. Ayran: Ayran is a traditional Bulgarian yogurt-based drink that is popular throughout the country. It is made by mixing yogurt with water and a pinch of salt. Ayran is a refreshing and healthy beverage that is often consumed with meals or as a thirst quencher.
Best Time To Visit Shumen
The best time to visit Shumen, Bulgaria is during the spring and summer months, from April to September. During this time, the weather is pleasantly warm with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). The spring months of April and May offer mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it a great time to explore the city's parks and gardens. June to September is the summer season, when the city experiences its peak tourist season. The weather is hot and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Additionally, Shumen hosts various cultural events and festivals during the summer months, providing visitors with a chance to experience the local traditions and customs. It is important to note that July and August can be quite crowded due to the influx of tourists, so it is advisable to book accommodations and attractions in advance. Overall, the spring and summer months offer the best weather and a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy in Shumen, Bulgaria.
Flight Calendar For Shumen
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Transportation To Shumen
There are several transportation options to Shumen, Bulgaria.
1. By air: The nearest airport to Shumen is Varna Airport, which is approximately 80 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Shumen.
2. By train: Shumen has a train station that is well-connected to other cities in Bulgaria. You can take a train from Sofia, Varna, or other major cities to reach Shumen.
3. By bus: There are regular bus services from Sofia, Varna, and other cities to Shumen. The bus journey usually takes a few hours, depending on the distance.
4. By car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and take the A2 highway from Sofia or the A4 highway from Varna to reach Shumen. The journey by car usually takes around 2-3 hours.
5. By taxi: Taxis are also available for transportation to Shumen. You can either book a taxi in advance or find one at the airport or train station.
Overall, there are several convenient transportation options to reach Shumen, Bulgaria, depending on your preference and location.