Nessebar or Nesebur, is a coastal town in Burgas Province of Bulgaria. The old town of Nessebar sits on an island facing the Black Sea. The majority of the best things to do in Nessebar, Bulgaria are on this island.
The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best places to visit in Nessebar’s Old Town include churches, old city fortifications, historic landmarks, seaside promenades, beaches, and museums. Some of the things to see in Nessebar date back to the 5th century.
The old town also has historical sites from the Medieval, Byzantine, and Modern Era. You will also see many maritime Nessebar tourist attractions in the old town. It became a major port during the Middle Ages and was called the Pearl of the Black Sea.
This position also brought threats to the town. You will see old fortifications and watch towers close to the coast. Though most of these Nessebar attractions are in ruins, they tell the story of a once glorious port.
The thriving trade also brought with it the influence of many cultures. These old churches, buildings, and artworks show the influence of Greece, Rome, and even Turkey. You can still witness these influences when you visit Nessebar. You will see it in culture, food, traditions, artworks, festivals, and clothing.
Although, the best place to begin Nessebar sightseeing is the Archeological Museum in the Old Town. This museum gives you a complete overview of the town’s history and evolution over the years. It is a must-see in Nessebar as it lends context to the things you will see and experience.
However, Nessebar travel is not just about historical sites. It is home to some amazing water parks and amusement parks. One of these bears claims to have the longest water slide in Europe and the largest variety of rides in the continent.
The coastline also has some amazing beaches with a lot of fun things to do in Nessebar Old Town and beyond. These beaches have facilities for leisure, entertainment, and water sports. You will also find some of the best restaurants and shopping venues along the Nessebar beaches. Sunny Beach is also known for its happening nightlife venues.
A little further from the town, you will find capes, bays, and coastal cliffs. These are the best places to visit near Nessebar, Bulgaria for hiking, camping, and outdoor activities.
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Top 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Nessebar, Bulgaria
1. Archaeological Museum of Nessebar
This museum tells you the entire story of the origin and evolution of the town. Some of the best things to do in Nessebar Old Town revolve around exploring historical sites.
So this is one of the first attractions you should visit. It will help put the rest of the Nessebar sightseeing into perspective. You will see how different cultures influenced the history of this coastal town over the years.
You will see the influence of Greece, Byzantine, Eneolithic, Roman, Thracian, and modern Bulgaria. The collection includes photographs of archeological excavations, excavated artifacts, jewelry, pottery, architectural pieces, ancient town plans, equipments, weapons, art pieces, and much more. You will need about an hour from Nessebar travel to tour this museum.
2. Church of Christ Pantocrator
The church was built between the 13th and 14th centuries and is renowned for its history and architecture. It is one of the best places to visit in Nessebar, Bulgaria.
The exterior is dominated by red and pink stones forming a blend of Romanesque and Byzantine styles. The interior features rich murals, artworks, medieval tombs, and a variety of ornamentations. You will need about an hour to explore this church.
3. Aquapark Nessebar
Head to this waterpark if you are looking for fun things to do in Nessebar, Bulgaria alongside sightseeing. The park claims to have the most variety of water attractions in all of Europe.
You get to enjoy all sorts of themed slides, rides, games, pools, spas, and activities. People can also try out adventure activities such as river rafting and surfing. This park also has the longest slide in Europe.
This is among the most popular Nessebar tourist attractions for families. You can easily spend a few hours enjoying the water park when you visit Nessebar.
4. Old Windmill
Built-in the 19th century, this windmill stands at the entrance of the old town. It is one of the most iconic things to see in Nessebar, Bulgaria.
It is also the town’s most photographed attraction. Take a few minutes to admire this relic and click pictures with it.
5. St. Stephen’s Church
This church was built between the 11th and 13th centuries. It was further extended and renovated during the 16th century. This is one of the most important historical and cultural Nessebar attractions.
The interiors are decorated with several 16th-century treasures including 258 murals and 1000 paintings. It is a must-see in Nessebar if you admire artworks from Middle Ages and Renaissance. You will need about an hour to explore this church.
6. Ravadinovo Castle
This castle was built late in the 20th century and is more like a fairytale-themed park than a historical site. It is one of the best places to visit near Nessebar in Bulgaria.
The park has different themed areas, gardens, lakes, towers, castle rooms, and also a small zoo. You will also get some amazing backdrops to click insta-worthy pictures at this castle. You will need 2 to 3 hours from Nessebar travel to explore the castle.
I suggest you should get your Entrance Ticket to Ravadinovo Castle in advance.
7. Church of Saint Sophia
This church was built during the 5th century, but only a few parts of it remain standing today. The church was an important place of worship and is an important cultural landmark in Bulgaria as well as Europe.
Despite losing most of its glory, you can still see the archways, stone pillars, and walls. It is one of the somber using Nessebar tourist attractions in the old town. You will only need a few minutes to explore and admire this church.
8. Nessebar Beach (Sunny Beach)
Also known as Sunny Beach, this is the most happening spot in the town during the day and night. People come here for leisure, water activities, beach sports, dining, shopping, and nightlife.
It’s the place for all the top things to do in Nessebar, Bulgaria. The beach strip has bars, clubs, restaurants, adventure sports, boat tours, shopping venues, amusement parks, and more. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying this beach when you visit Nessebar.
From Nessebar, either you should go for a Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner and Champagne or you can go for a Half Day Catamaran Cruise Trip to Black Sea.
9. Cabar Ship Restaurant
This restaurant was built inside and alongside an old ship that looks stranded on the beach. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Nessebar for a seaside-view dining experience.
The restaurant sits on the Nessebar beach and is quite close to the old town. You can easily incorporate this spot with Nessebar sightseeing.
10. Nessebar Old Town
The old town of Nessebar used to be an island and was later connected to the mainland with a manmade isthmus. It is a unique world by itself populated by historical buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
There are a lot of things to do in Nessebar’s old town. You can explore the cobbled streets to admire the quaint vibe or head to the bazaars to shop for handicrafts, clothing, spices, souvenirs, and more.
You will also get the best street foods and traditional cuisines in the old town. Take an hour or so to just roam around the streets and discover things to see in Nessebar’s old town.
11. Holy Mother of God Eleusa Church
The history of the basilica dates back to the 6th century when it used to be a monastery. It served the same purpose until the 14th century and underwent renovation.
This is another one of Nessebar’s attractions that now lies in ruins but was an important landmark of the town. Part of the church has sunk into the ocean and parts of it are in ruins.
But you can still see the fundamental structure of the basilica. It is also one of the best spots in the city to get a great view of the ocean and the town’s coastline. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore the site.
12. Church of Saint Paraskeva
The church was built during the 1700s, but its history dates back to the 14th century. It is one of the most well-preserved historical sites in the old town.
The church now houses a museum dedicated to religious artworks. It is a must-see in Nessebar for art admirers. You will need an hour to explore the church and its museum.
13. The Old Stone Fountain
This is one of the few remaining ancient drinking water fountains in the town. It is a must-see in Nessebar. The fountain still pours water and people come to drink water from here. You can take a few minutes from Nessebar sightseeing to visit this fountain.
14. Nessebar Promenade
The town has a great promenade where you can take nice evening strolls and enjoy sunset views. Many people just come and sit here to watch the ocean and listen to the waves.
The promenade is also connected to many Nessebar tourist attractions, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. You can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes strolling the promenade when you visit Nessebar Old Town.
15. Nessebar Tower
This tower is part of an ancient fortress that dates back to the medieval era. It was rebuilt under Byzantine rule but now lies in ruins.
Only a few parts of the fort stand today, including the circular tower. You will get to learn more about the tower at the Archeological Museum. Take 20 to 30 minutes from Nessebar’s travel to witness this historical defense of the town.
16. Boat Tour
The boat tour takes you on a journey alongside the coastline as a guide tells you about the historical and cultural significance of various places to visit in Nessebar, Bulgaria.
The tour also takes you to the bays of Ravda and Pomorie. It is one of the top things to do in Nessebar, Bulgaria.
This is a port town, it is better to experience it than to approach it from the sea. You will need 2 to 3 hours for this tour.
I suggest you should go for 4 Hours Boat Tour with Fishing, Lunch and Drinks.
17. Church of Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel
This medieval Eastern Orthodox Church was built between the 13th and 14th centuries. It is one of the few churches in the region dedicated to archangels.
It follows the cross-in-square architecture, which was typical of Byzantine churches. While much of the church lies in ruins, the photographs and sketches give you a pretty accurate picture of what this church used to be. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this Old Town Nessebar attraction.
18. Church of St. John Aliturgetos
This church is not technically a church. Built-in the 14th century, this church was never consecrated as a man died here during construction.
It is also a must-see in Nessebar for its architecture, which marks a deviation from the traditional Byzantine style. You will need 30 to 40 minutes to explore this church.
19. Cape Emine
This cape is the north-most point of Burgas Bay. It is one of the best places to visit near Nessebar for coastal sightseeing and hiking.
The majority of the beaches, hills, and cliffs along this cape see very little crowd. You will get to experience the thrill of wilderness and enjoy incredible natural sights. Take 2 to 3 hours to make an evening trip to this cape so that you can catch the sunset.
20. Varna Day Trip
Varna is another beautiful coastal town in Bulgaria. It is among the most popular day trip destinations from Nessebar. The town has historical attractions, colorful buildings, vibrant markets, and more.
But it is best known for its beaches. Varna is about 2 hours away by road and you can make a day trip to this town by bus or car when you visit Nessebar.
If you are looking for more things to see in Nessebar, Bulgaria check out the sections below. We have created a comprehensive list of attractions and activities that you can enjoy in the town and around it.
Things to do in Nessebar, Bulgaria
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Nessebar, Bulgaria
- Church of Saint Sophia
- Church of Christ Pantokrator
- Nessebar Archeological Museum
- Church of St. John Aliturgetos
- Ancient Roman Theatre
- The Windmill
- Holy Mother Eleusa Church
- Church of St. Stephen
- Church of Saint Paraskeva
- Church Dormition of Theotokos
- Church of Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel
- Church of Saint John the Baptist
- Church of the Holy Saviour
- Castro Mesembria
- Statue of St. Nicholas
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Nessebar, Bulgaria
- Cape Emine
- Pomorie Saltpans
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Nessebar, Bulgaria
- Aquapark Nessebar
- Sol Marina Palace
- Messembria Winery
- Nessebar South Park
- Action Aquapark
- Sunny Beach Amusement Park
- Camel Park
- Atlantida Aqua Park
- Platinum Casino
- Dives Estate Winery
- Pirates of Caribbean Waterpark
- Starbet Gambling
Shopping in Nessebar, Bulgaria
- Old Town Nessebar
- Tabacco Mall
- Sunny Beach
Beaches & Island in Nessebar, Bulgaria
- Sunny Beach / Nessebar Beach
- Buna Beach
- Plaza Miejska
- Rumba Beach
- Sveti Vlas Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Nessebar, Bulgaria
- Boat Cruise
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Sailing
- Jet Ski
- Water Sports
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Nessebar, Bulgaria
- Plakamoto
- Dionis
- Cabar Ship
- Gloria Mar
- White Rose
- Old Anchor
- Bistro Aquamarin
- Zlatnoto Runo
- Kanela Boutique Restaurant
- Vega
- Mehana Pri Shopite
- Mexicano – The White
- Prince Kyril
- The Old Nessebar
- Emona
- Old Sailor
- Mario
- Stariat Kavak The Old Tree
Where to Stay in Nessebar?
Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in Nessebar. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Nessebar.
- St. Stefan Family Hotel
- Castro Mesembria boutique hotel
- Hotel Italia
- Elizabeth Dy
- Chateau Del Marina Complex Apartment
- Valencia Gardens Luxury Apartments
- Panorama Blue Hotel
- Festa Panorama
- Iris Hotel
- Prince Cyril Hotel
Custom Tours Package in Nessebar
How to Reach Nessebar, Bulgaria?
By Air
The closest airport for Nessebar travel is Burgas Airport. It sits about 20 km away from the town. This airport receives direct flights from several cities in Europe and Asia. Some of the major destinations include Dublin, Riga, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, Belfast, Cardiff, Brussels, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester, New Castle, Sofia, Warsaw, Kuwait, Dresden, Dusseldorf, Madrid, Luxembourg, Helsinki, Berlin, and many more.
You can get road transport from Burgas to reach Nessebar. Although, you may not get transport directly from the airport.
By Road
The closest train station to visit Nessebar is also in Burgas. You can get to Burgas by either flight or train. Then take a bus or rental car to reach Nessebar.
If you are planning to get to Nessebar by road, you should head for route E87. The route pretty much runs along the coast and connects Nessebar to Burgas and Varna.
By Water
There are no direct water routes to travel to Nessebar. The nearest passenger port town is Varna. Although, you can take boat tours from Nessebar to explore nearby port towns and bays.
Image Reference
- Archaeological Museum of Nessebar – Svik / Wikimedia Commons
- Church of Christ Pantocrator – Hristo Mumdzhiev / PixaBay
- Aquapark Nessebar – ARKADIUSZ MARKIEWICZ / Wikimedia Commons
- Old Windmill – Borislav krustev / Wikimedia Commons
- St. Stephen’s Church – Paulmezmerrick / Wikimedia Commons
- Ravadinovo Castle – Александр / PixaBay
- Church of Saint Sophia – Vicki Burton / Flickr
- Nessebar Beach – casur / PixaBay
- Cabar Ship Restaurant –
- Nessebar Old Town – Vicki Burton / Flickr
- Holy Mother Eleusa Church – Михал Орела / Flickr
- Church of Saint Paraskeva – Gitanes232 / Wikimedia Commons
- The Old Stone Fountain –
- Nessebar Promenade – Julian Nyča / Wikimedia Commons
- Nessebar Tower – pr1me / Flickr
- Boat Tour – TatiannaCP / PixaBay
- Church of Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel – Dudva / Wikimedia Commons
- Church of St. John Aliturgetos – Pudelek / Wikimedia Commons
- Cape Emine – Evgeni Dinev / Wikimedia Commons
- Varna Day Trip – Vicki Burton / Flickr
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