5 common complaints and negative experiences reported by tourists in Varna

Varna generally offers fantastic and safe experience for tourists, however, some common complaints and negative experiences reported by visitors often revolve around a few key areas, related to certain services and expectations. It’s not about specific attractions being “bad,” but more about common frustrations or scams.

These are some of the most frequently mentioned negative experiences or common complaints from users visiting Varna:

Taxi Scams and Overcharging:

The Experience: This is perhaps the most common and frustrating complaint. Tourists frequently report taxi drivers either refusing to use the meter, taking unnecessarily long routes, not having correct change, or outright overcharging, especially for rides to or from the airport, bus stations, or popular resorts like Golden Sands. This can sour a holiday quickly.

How to avoid it: Use the Taxi companies in Varna, those not related to summer resorts, you’ll need to call them personally, because if you ask the hotel staff they will call the overpriced taxi (they work together). There are old and trusted companies like Omega Trans Taxi (tel.:052 38 88 88) Any other taxi you can find in the touristic resort is overpriced, their pricing is made for tourists and these taxis are never used by locals.

User Feedback: “Taxi scammers destroy any holiday feeling in Varna. Not one of our four taxi transfers handled payment properly… Varna is a beautiful place, but it has lost much of its appeal because of dishonest people.” Many recommend using only reputable taxi companies like Triumf Taxi (often official airport partners) and insisting on the meter or pre-negotiating a fixed price.

Poor Customer Service / Language Barrier Outside Major Tourist Spots:

The Experience: While staff in major hotels and tourist-oriented restaurants often speak English, travelers sometimes report sub-par service or a significant language barrier in less touristy areas, local shops, or smaller eateries. This can lead to frustration when trying to order, ask for directions, or resolve issues.

User Feedback: “Hospitality industry is chock full of people who seem to hate money, service in most restaurants that speak English is really sub par compared to literally any other west Europe country.” And, “Low knowledge of popular languages. Yes, in the hotel and in the restaurants they will know English and Russian… Try buying an ice-cream on a gas station :).”

General “Grittiness” / Run-Down Infrastructure:

The Experience: Some visitors, particularly those expecting a polished Western European aesthetic, express disappointment with the city’s “grittiness.” This can include crumbling buildings outside the main tourist zones, cracked pavements, prevalent graffiti, and overall less-maintained public infrastructure.

User Feedback: “The city is so grimy and run-down that it was just one disappointing day after another. Ick.” And, “Expect wall-to-wall prettiness, and you’ll be disappointed. The city has an inescapable grittiness that sets it apart from other, more polished tourist destinations: crumbling buildings, cracked pavements, and graffiti scrawled hastily on weather-beaten walls.”

Petty Theft / Pickpocketing (especially in crowded areas):

• The Experience: While Varna is generally considered safe, much safer than most western european cities, like any popular tourist destination, there are reports of petty theft, especially pickpocketing in crowded areas like markets, on public transport, or at busy beach spots during peak season. Unattended valuables on the beach are also targets.
• User Feedback: “The Sea garden is pretty safe, however, it can become pretty crowded in the summer and can be prone to petty theft in peak season.” And, “Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight just to be safe. Don’t leave your valuables unattended at the beach as theft there can occur.”

Overpriced or Disappointing All-Inclusive Packages (particularly in resorts like Golden Sands):

The Experience: Some reviews for all-inclusive resort experiences (especially in nearby Golden Sands, which is a major draw for Varna tourists) mention dissatisfaction with the quality and variety of food and drinks, or a lack of good entertainment within the package, leading to feelings of not getting value for money.

User Feedback: “The major complaints are in regard to the quality and the variety of food and drinks provided, and the poor entertainment. When a traveler expects the same standard of the tourist services in Bulgaria as in more developed destinations such as Spain, Turkey etc. [they are disappointed].”

It’s important to note that many visitors have wonderful experiences in Varna. These points highlight common frustrations that can occur, often managed by being aware and prepared (e.g., researching taxi companies, carrying small bills, managing expectations about infrastructure).