Burgas is about to become far more familiar to European travellers. The Bulgarian Black Sea city has been selected to host the <b>Eurovision Song Contest 2027</b>, with the semi-finals scheduled for 11 and 13 May and the final for 15 May at Arena Burgas.

Yet Eurovision is only one reason to visit. Burgas combines long beaches, a huge seaside park, pedestrian streets and surprisingly manageable prices, making it easy to turn the event into a longer coastal break.

<h3>Getting to Burgas</h3>

Burgas Airport is roughly <b>10 km from the centre</b> and receives seasonal and regular connections from numerous European cities. Bus 15 links the airport with the central bus station, so renting a car is unnecessary for a city stay.

Travelling from Sofia is also possible by train. Bulgarian State Railways operates services between the capital and Burgas, although journey times and departures should be checked for the specific travel date. Once in Burgas, much of the centre and waterfront can be explored on foot.

<h3>Start at the Sea Garden</h3>

The natural starting point is the <b>Sea Garden</b>, the city's enormous green waterfront area.

Paths run between trees, flowerbeds, sculptures and viewpoints overlooking the Black Sea. It is equally suited to a morning walk, cycling or an evening stroll before dinner.

From here, continue towards the famous Burgas Pier extending out over the water. It is one of the simplest places to enjoy sunset without paying for an attraction.

<h3>Choose Your Beach</h3>

Central Beach and North Beach are the easiest choices if you are staying downtown. Both allow you to combine swimming with restaurants and the Sea Garden.

For somewhere calmer, head towards <b>Sarafovo</b>, north of the centre, or <b>Kraymorie</b> to the south.

Burgas may not have the dramatic cliffs associated with some Mediterranean destinations, but its broad sandy coastline makes it particularly convenient for relaxed beach days.

Burgas

<h3>Explore the Centre</h3>

Away from the shoreline, central Burgas is compact and largely pedestrian-friendly.

Bogoridi Street is one of the liveliest areas for cafés, shops and evening walks/

During summer, Burgas also hosts cultural events and temporary exhibitions, including its long-running sand sculpture festival.

Eurovision will bring considerably larger crowds in May 2027, so visitors travelling specifically for the contest should reserve accommodation well ahead of time. Burgas was selected partly because of its venue, accommodation capacity and plans for hosting visitors.

<h3>What to Eat</h3>

Being a Black Sea city, Burgas is an excellent place to focus on seafood.

One local dish worth looking for is <b>midi po burgaski</b> — mussels prepared with tomatoes, peppers, onions and savoury herbs.

Black Sea turbot is another regional favourite, commonly served grilled.

For something found throughout Bulgaria, try <b>Shopska salad</b>, combining tomatoes, cucumber, onion and peppers beneath a generous layer of grated sirene cheese.

Another local speciality is <b>strandzhanski dyado</b>, a seasoned cured meat associated with the nearby Strandzha region.

<h3>How Much to Budget</h3>

Burgas remains relatively affordable compared with many major European seaside cities.

For a normal sightseeing day excluding accommodation, around <b>€35–€55 per person</b> is comfortable.

A casual restaurant meal can be found for roughly €10–€15, while coffee, snacks and local transport add relatively little. Beaches, the pier and the Sea Garden can all be enjoyed without an entrance fee.

During Eurovision week, accommodation is likely to be the expense that changes most sharply. Visiting before or after the contest should offer better value and a calmer atmosphere.

<h3>A Simple Two-Day Plan</h3>

<b>Day 1:</b> Walk through the centre and Bogoridi Street, continue through the Sea Garden, spend the afternoon at Central Beach and finish at the pier around sunset.

<b>Day 2:</b> Visit Sarafovo or Kraymorie for a quieter morning by the sea, return to the centre for Bulgarian food and leave the evening open for a cultural event or another waterfront walk.

Eurovision will introduce millions of viewers to Burgas, but the city does not need the contest to justify a visit.

<b>Its appeal is refreshingly uncomplicated: sandy beaches beside the city, plenty of green space, straightforward transport and prices that still allow a coastal holiday without turning every day into a major expense.</b>