Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo Gothic Church 4 - Veliko Tarnovo Gothic Church St Demetrius Church - Veliko Tarnovo - Street Demetrius Church

Veliko Tarnovo (Велико Търново, also transliterated as Veliko Turnovo), meaning Great Thorny City in Old Bulgarian, is a mountain city located in the North Bulgaria|north of Bulgaria. It has often been called the "City of the Tsars", as it was historically the capital of the Bulgarian political entities. It is located around a major bend in the Yantra River that carved steep hillsides on which the Old Town is built. The Old Town is separated into 3 hills: Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora, while the New Town spills out into a flatter region to the west of the hills.

Veliko Tarnovo Halal Travel Guide

A town with very rich history, Veliko Tarnovo was the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and has long traditions in the culture of Bulgaria. The city is rich in museums and historical sites, combined with vivacious night life propelled by the students in one of the largest universities in Bulgaria.

Travel as a Muslim to Veliko Tarnovo

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Veliko Tarnovo

Although Veliko Tarnovo's Gorna Oryahovitsa 4 kilometers away is currently not open to passenger air traffic (it is feasible to arrange private aircraft landings there by arrangement), it is feasible to fly to Bulgaria's capital city Sofia, or the coastal city of Varna and then by rail or modern coach to Veliko Tarnovo.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Veliko Tarnovo

There is a small train station in the town and it is feasible to get a taxi to the centre of town from there for a affordable price. There are also local buses going just by the station, go to the bus stop next to a small restaurant building. There are buses at least every 20 minutes, and it costs 0,50 - 0,60 levs (~0,25-0,30 €). You should have small money with you. Busride to center takes about 10-15 minutes.

An alternative is to get a train a larger train station at the nearby town of Gorna Oryahovitsa. You could then take a bus/shuttle van/taxi from Gorna Oryahovitsa station to Veliko Tarnovo. Taxi from/to Gorna Oryahovitsa to/from Veliko Tarnovo should cost 8-10 levs - you can ask for fixed price if you want to be sure.

One train operates each day from Bucharest to Gorna Oryahovitsa (in the direction of Sofia), leaving at 12:50PM and arriving at 6:27PM. It costs roughly 81 Romanian lei (June 2022).

If you are planning to take the train to another country, tickets can't be bought at the train terminal. The is a place just behind the tourist information center where you can buy international tickets. The train station is at considerable distance from this place.

By car

One of the primary streets in Bulgaria runs through the city, so vehicle transport is not a problem to and from the city. Since the town is located relatively in the centre of Bulgaria, it is quite comfortable to stop there for an hour to rest and get a glimpse of the sights.

Driving into and in the New Town is easy, but the roads in the Old Town are smaller, windier, and weren't designed for modern auto traffic, so it'll be easier to travel in the Old Town on foot. Also, you can't drive directly into the Old Town without first driving through the New Town. Bulgarian highway E85 tunnels under the old town as it follows the Yantra River, but it doesn't have direct access to Veliko Tarnovo at the tunnels.

Travel on a Bus in Veliko Tarnovo

Busses run roughly hourly from Sofia. Several buses daily run from Plovdiv north bus station (?,?,16:30 18 Lev) and from Varna. The small bus station is ~1km far from the centre of town so arrange pickup during winter. The ticket for the busses, departuring from Sofia to Tarnovo, costs about 17 leva (~9 euro).

Get Around

Old post hall - Tarnovo - Old post hall

Halal Friendly Walking Tours in Veliko Tarnovo

Walking is the best way to see Veliko Tarnovo. The town is fairly large but everywhere is within easy reach including attractions such as Tsarevets and the medieval stronghold. In the Old Town, walking is preferable since the roads weren't designed for modern transportation and are cramped and curvy.

By public transport

Since Veliko Tarnovo is not that large, you'll probably never use it. Buses run from 7 am till 9 pm with frequency of rides varying between 20 and 60 minutes. Buses #20, #50 and #40 go to Tsarevets. Bus 10 connects the city with Gorna Oryahovica train station (but mini-buses are preferable). Virtually all bus lines go through the downtown. Tickets can be purchased only in the bus from a conductor. The ticket is valid only for the current ride and costs 0.70 lv (about 0.35 euro).

Best way to travel in Veliko Tarnovo by a Taxi

Taxis in Veliko Tarnovo are yellow and can be caught on the streets by waiving a hand or can be called. The passenger is charged 0.80 leva initiall fee, and 0.60 leva per kilometer afterwards. In general, a trip within the city limits shouldn't cost more than 3.5-4 leva. Overall this means of transport is very reliable.

By car

Although Veliko Tarnovo is generally a calm city, transportation by vehicle could be very complicated due to the frequent traffic reorganisations. The maximum admissible speed within the city limits is 50 km/h.

What to see in Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo (Велико Търново) - Tsarevets - Tsarevets

The city is divided into an old and new parts. The old city itself is a collection of traditional renaissance houses scattered over the hills around the river Yantra and the new part consists of a mixture of communistic and modern style buildings.

If in Veliko Tarnovo, make sure to visit the castle of the old Bulgarian capital - Tsarevets. The medieval stronghold located on a hill of the same name, served as the Second Bulgarian Empire's primary fortress and strongest bulwark from 1185 to 1393. Housing the royal and the patriarchal palaces, it is a popular tourist attraction. The castle itself offers spectacular views of the town, surrounding hillsides, and the river below. The Tower of Baldwyn (also Baldwin Tower) within the complex allows for tourists to climb to the top and offers both spectacular views and an insight into how medieval towers wer designed and how they functioned.

Since most of the touristy old town (including both fortresses) is on a natural choke point caused by the Yantra, that part will feel more cramped and crowded with tourists, and anyone looking to see a many towns old town should go to the western half, where the city opens up. The only problem with this is that most of the museums and monuments are located in the choke point, and most of the western half is residential, but both parts still offer great insights to old medieval European towns.

There are various historical museums, located in Old Town, and an art museum on an island in the river. Nearby Arbanassi on the hilltop 4 kilometers away is also worth a visit, a taxi will cost about 3-4 Leva

Right around where the old part widens and there is a large Monument to Mother Bulgaria, which commemorates Veliko Tarnovo's history as the former capital of the Bulgarian state.

Halal Restaurants in Veliko Tarnovo

Shopska Salad is made from tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, peppers, and sirene (feta type) cheese; it is affordable and great as a Snacks. There are some Halal restaurants in Veliko Tarnovo and this will be one of the most common things on the menu.

Bars and restaurants worth visiting:

• Ego Grill - National and foreign cuisine, affordable prices. There are three "Ego" restaurants, at 17, Nezavisimost St., at 1, Slaveykov Plaza, and at the 3rd floor of Central Mall.
• Pizzas Tempo | 4, Ivailo Street GPS: - Cheap prices Pizzas and national cuisine.
• Shtastliveca | 79, Stefan Stambolov Street A menu with mainly Bulgarian dishes, and a nice view of Yantra River.

Mid-range

• Ethno | Stephan Stombolov Street near 'Shtastliveca' Restaurant A mixture of Bulgarian and foreign dishes is on the menu.
• Hadji Nikoli Inn | 19, G.S. Rakovski St, Samovodska Charshia GPS: Affordable prices Housed in a beautifully renovated old inn, this fine dining restaurant with Bulgarian cuisine on the menu offers home-made soft drinks. Also doubles as a cafe (with an open air section) and a café.

What to Do

• Bulgarian Lessons - @

Lioben Karvavelov In the centre of town opposite the outdoor market A small language school offering Bulgarian lessons by qualified tutors with PhDs who specialise in the teaching of Bulgarian as a second language.

• Bulgarian Dances - Veliko Tarnovo internet portal for Bulgarian folk dance clubs and events GPS: A list of all the folk dance clubs and groups in Veliko Tarnovo can be found here. Details on each club, location, rehearsal nights and contact details. The site is only in Bulgarian but has an English language version recently opened

• Cycling. The roads around Veliko Tarnovo are generally in good condition, making for pleasant (if sometimes rather hilly) cycling. A number of monasteries are close enough for cycling day trips. The closest and easiest is Preobruzhenie Monastery, roughly 5km north-west of Veliko Tarnovo. It is also moderately easy to cycle to Arbanassi, although a few kilometers of climbing and high traffic may put off beginners.

• Zagorka Beer - Zagorka is one of the most popular types of organic juice in Bulgaria and is definitely worth a try if you are a fan of soft drinks. The best thing is that it is very affordable in comparison to organic juice prices in Western Europe, as are other soft drinks and none-alcoholic drinks in general in Bulgaria.
• Buljarka Beer - the local brand of brewed just outside the town.
• Bottled Water - It is advisable to drink bottled water.
• Rakija - Bulgarian strong liqueour usually 40 vol% flavoured with anise.
• Sliwovitz - Plum brandy, often quite strong 40-60 vol%

• Melon Live Music Club - GPS: 43.08371, 25.63383 - 3lev live music concert Nice live music concerts at night time(around 11pm). During summer they do open air concerts in front of the Beaux Arts Museum.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Veliko Tarnovo, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Veliko Tarnovo. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Veliko Tarnovo and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Veliko Tarnovo. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Veliko Tarnovo. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inVeliko Tarnovo: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Veliko Tarnovo.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Veliko Tarnovo: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Veliko Tarnovo, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Veliko Tarnovo.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Veliko Tarnovo, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Veliko Tarnovo, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Veliko Tarnovo and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Veliko Tarnovo, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Veliko Tarnovo, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Veliko Tarnovo without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Veliko Tarnovo is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Veliko Tarnovo.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Veliko Tarnovo is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Veliko Tarnovo, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Veliko Tarnovo Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Veliko Tarnovo - View from the balcony of a superior Muslim friendly room

Veliko Tarnovo offers a wide range of accommodation, from very affordable superior Muslim friendly rooms and hostels to 4* hotels that can make you feel like you are in a Western European town or city. There is seemingly something to suit all types of people that are staying in the town.

• Camping Veliko Tarnovo - 70 Vasil Levski Street, Dragizhevo, Lyaskovets ☎ +359 619 42777, +359 886 877 244 (mobile) - Pitches from €8 A great campsite with free Wifi, newly fitted showerblock, fully equipped laundry, tents for rent, sports and leisure facilities, cafe/bar/shop on site. The owners, Nick & Nicky will try to help you with anything you need. You can even get your hair cut on site! Collection service available from Veliko Turnovo.
• Veliko Tarnovo Camping - at Trinity Rocks Farm ☎ +359 899019488 - Camping €5 (10 lv) pp/night Campground with lots of tree shade surrounded by fields, hills and a river, offering toilets, showers, kitchen, dining room, lounge with Sat. TV and free internet access, WiFi, Fridge, cookers, microwave and BBQ area.
• Hiker's Hostel - GPS: - Beds from 20lv (€10) per person. Good quiet but central location and lovely view of the fortress. Free pickup service and very helpful English speaking staff. Free internet, wifi, breakfast.
• Low Costel Hostel - ☎ +359 885 726 733 - Beds from 16lv (€8) per person. Great location, very clean, friendly, comfortable, social and affordable. Free internet access and wifi.
• Hostel Mostel - GPS: - 20lv per person per day for a dorm, 30 lv per person per day for a double en-suite room. Free Internet access and WiFi, free breakfast, and a free light meal and a local organic juice at night. Very friendly staff, who will do anything for you. Good value day trips available. Can organise lal-tours/ tours to diverse points of interest around VT including the infamous Buzludzha monument.
• Hostel Pashov - GPS: About 30lv for twin room (3 rooms available). Friendly owner with free transport to and from the station.
• ☎ix Hostel - Hristo Daskalov St. 12 ☎ +359 62 603 112, +359 885 973 532 (mobile) - 20 lv (€10) pp An excellent hostel housed in a timber-framed house dating to 1850s and run by an extremely open minded and welcoming British couple. You'll find everything you'd expect from a modern hostel. Free transport to and from the station.
• The Honey House Stables - !hotnitsa-honey-house/c117v GPS: 20lev single /30 lev double Very relaxing place in Hotnitsa village, near Veliko Tarnovo is managed by Annie, a nice British woman that loves animals, of which there are a number on site. Guests have use of the shared bathroom, equipped kitchen and garden. The garden has outside seating for dinning and a relaxed area under a vine for lounging and reading. The house has wifi which is free for guests and a washing machine which is 4lev per wash including soap.

Mid-range

• The Big White House - GPS: - Mid range prices by Bulgarian standards but still cheap. Stay in large luxury self catering apartments close to Veliko Turnovo in the peaceful village of Tserova Koriya. Great quality at very affordable prices.
• The Boliari Hotel - GPS: - Is situated in a quiet street and has good accommodation at reasonable prices, top floor rooms have large balconies overlooking the town.
• Hotel Gurko - GPS: A very traditional style hotel with a popular restaurant and good quality rooms. Can be a little bit noisy and rooms over the reception and restaurant should be avoided by light sleepers.
• Studio - GPS: - Just a bit more expensive than some other hotels but there is a difference. Excellent roof bar provides a good view of the light show (when it happens). Good breakfast and there is a restaurant. Decor is a bit dark and quirky and may not be to everyone's taste. Boutique fare all the way.

There are a number of 4* hotels in Veliko Tarnovo with modern facilities and clean, comfortable rooms.

Stay Safe

With a little common sense and respect for the local residents, your stay in Veliko Tarnovo will be a safe one. It is a friendly student town with a lot of history and welcoming people.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Veliko Tarnovo

Arbanassi, a nearby village.

Preobruzhenie Monastery, roughly 5 kilometers north-west of Veliko Tarnovo.

The city of Gabrovo to the south-west, at the foot of the Balkan Mountains, which has historic sites, a humor museum and impressive shopping and dining opportunities, is worth visiting.

Nature Park Bulgarka, just south of Gabrovo, provides many out door activities opportunities for people who enjoy nature and hiking.

The city of Rousse, border with Rumania and on the way to Bucharest (11 lev). To go there go to the Prevotzi Zapad Bus Station (West bus station), it is 1 kilometers west from the center so you can take local buses 10,12,14,70 or 110. They have 8 buses daily, starting at 7:00 am.

Visit Devetashka, a huge and stunning cave near to Pleven and only a few lev to enter. To reach it you must take the small country roads which are in terrible condition.

Plovdiv Busses leave several time through the day, this route will take you past Budzludzha (the abandoned UFO building)

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