Nessebar Old Town
If you’re planning your trip on the Bulgarian coast, make sure you don’t skip Nessebar Old Town. It’s hands down one of my favorite coastal towns – cobblestone streets, fresh seafood, great wine, ancient ruins, beautiful seaviews and preserved architecture.
And all this is stuffed on a tiny peninsula that’s easy to explore in a day.
The old town is romantic, charming, cozy and just has an amazing laid-back vibe that, believe me, you don’t want to miss.
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About Old Nessebar
Nessebar Old Town is the historic heart of Nessebar, set on a tiny peninsula on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast and connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an official architectural and archaeological reserve.
Unlike the newer seaside resort part of Nessebar, the Old Town is where the real history lives. People have been settling here for more than 3,000 years, making it one of Europe’s oldest cities.
Walking through the Old Town feels like stepping into an open-air museum. You’ll spot cobblestone streets, traditional 18th and 19th-century Black Sea houses, ancient fortification walls, and the remains of around 40 churches – hence the nickname “Bulgarian Ravenna.”
That’s what makes Nessebar such a great getaway. You can mix history and culture with stunning old architecture and a relaxed vibe. If you are wondering what to do in Burgas, this is your perfect one- or two-day trip, as it is just 35 km away from the city and close to Sunny Beach, Ravda, Sveti Vlas, and Cape Emine.
History of Nessebar Old Town
Nessebar’s history goes back more than 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Europe.
It started as a Thracian settlement called Melsambria, then turned into a thriving Greek colony known as Mesambria Pontica around the 6th century BC.
The Greeks built temples, fortifications, and even an amphitheater here, and the city became one of the first in the world to mint its own coins.
The Romans arrived in 72 BC, took over without much of a fight, and rebuilt Nessebar Old City with their trademark roads, water systems, and basilicas.
Later, the Byzantines and Bulgarians fought over it, with the Bulgarians first claiming it under Khan Krum in 812 AD. That’s when the town slowly started being called Nessebar, but it was officially renamed in 1934.
Nessebar’s old town was declared a national architectural reserve in 1956, and gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983.
Ancient city of Nessebar as a UNESCO site
The Ancient City of Nessebar has been on the Bulgaria UNESCO sites list since 1983, putting it in the same league as cities like Rome, Florence, and Edinburgh when it comes to world-class cultural value.
What makes Nessebar so special is the mix of civilizations that left their mark here over more than 3,000 years – from Thracians and Greeks to Romans, Byzantines, and Bulgarians.
UNESCO highlights Nessebar’s:
- Rich collection of monuments
- Well-preserved medieval churches
- Traditional Black Sea houses
- Urban layout that shows traces of life stretching back to the 2nd millennium BC.
You can see the official UNESCO diploma displayed at the entrance of the Archaeological Museum.
Old Nessebar churches
Nessebar is often called the “Bulgarian Ravenna” for its abundance of medieval churches. Over the centuries, nearly 50 temples were built here, with remains of at least 44 still visible. Some are in ruins, others have been turned into galleries or museums, and one still serves as a functioning church.
Basilica of St. Sophia (Old Metropolitan Church)
Here is a list of what you should see during your stay:
- Basilica of St. Sophia (Old Metropolitan Church): A 5th-6th century basilica at the heart of Nessebar, once the spiritual center of the town. Its dramatic arches now host concerts, performances, and even weddings.
- Church of Christ Pantocrator: A 13th-14th century masterpiece, famous for its decorative brickwork and “picturesque style” that is often photographed.
- Basilica of Our Lady of Eleusa: Built in the 5th century on the northern shore. Part of a monastery complex, but coastal erosion has claimed sections of it.
- Church of St. Stephen (New Metropolitan Church): Known for its stunning frescoes from 1599 (over 1,000 figures across 258 scenes). One of Bulgaria’s finest medieval monuments.
- Church of St. John Aliturgetos: A 14th-century church never consecrated, hence its name. Renowned for richly decorated facades; partially destroyed by an earthquake but now restored.
- Church of St. John the Baptist: A 10th-11th century cross-domed church with preserved frescoes, including a depiction of St. Marina. Open in summer or by museum appointment.
- Church of the Ascension (St. Spas): Built in the 17th century during Ottoman rule, partly sunken into the ground. Its 1609 murals are the highlight.
- Church of the Assumption (Bogoroditsa Megarska): The only active church in Nessebar, built in the 19th century. It houses the miraculous “Black Holy Virgin” icon, celebrated each August.
- Churches of St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel & St. Paraskeva: Both from the 13th century, with rich exterior decoration. Paraskeva is restored; the other awaits conservation.
- St. Demetrius Church: An 11th-century family church, now in ruins. Its preserved pillar foundations hint at its original dome structure.
- St. Todor Church: A modest 13th-century church with a preserved iconostasis from the 17th century and partial facade remains.
For those who want to explore several churches in a loop, the “Spiritual Path” walking route highlights key temples, marked with red stone signs throughout the old town.
Things to do in Nessebar old town
There’s no shortage of things to do in Nessebar Old Town because it really is like an outdoor museum where you can see or do something at every corner.
Start with the cobblestone streets and the iconic Black Sea houses with stone bases and wooden upper floors.
From there, explore the must-sees like:
- The remains of the ancient fortification walls (the Western Wall and the Gate of Mesembria)
- The famous windmill
- The Basilica of St. Sophia
- The Church of Christ Pantocrator
- The amphitheatre
- The fishing harbor
- The Archaeological and Ethnographic museums.
If you are looking for something more interactive, you can join a group tour or go wine tasting as the region is known for its fantastic tastes.
→ Go on a walking tour with wine tasting
→ Try top-quality wines with local cheese, meat and bread
→ Get a private guide with lots of local knowledge
Make sure to look up the sunset catamaran cruises, day trips to Sozopol or St. Anastasia Island, and small boats running between Sunny Beach and Nessebar. For something more extreme, check out the diving centers nearby.
Here are some activity suggestions for you:
→ Enjoy a half-day catamaran cruise with lunch and drinks
→ Go fishing on a half-day boat cruise with unlimited drinks
→ Take the kids to half-day pirate-themed cruise with a slide into the sea
Where to eat in Old Nessebar?
Food-wise, Old Nessebar is all about the sea. You’ll find plenty of fish restaurants tucked into the cobblestone lanes, many with outdoor terraces overlooking the coast. I personally love restaurants with sea views, but I’ve come to notice that sometimes the best local cuisine is hidden away from the seashore.
Local specialties to try include:
- The town’s signature “kefal plakia” (mullet stew with seasonal vegetables)
- The Captain’s appetizer (a traditional Nessebar salad with freshly marinated fish)
- Marinated Nessebar-style mussels
- Fried sprats
- Fish soup
- Fresh grilled bream
- Local honey
If you’re an early riser, check the fishing port around 10 am as you might be able to buy the catch of the day straight from local fishermen. That’s only, of course, if you are staying somewhere where you can actually cook the fish.
→ Book your guided tour and wine tasting experience
Except for checking out the Nessebar Old Town restaurants, make sure to also try the local wines – there are plenty of cute wineries, wine shops and wine tours in the region that will give you the opportunity to taste some of the finest selections of Bulgarian wines.
Where to stay in the old town?
Although this part of the city is not that big, you’ll still find a decent range of guest houses and hotels in Nessebar Old Town.
If you’re after views, look for hotels near the Ancient Theater or along the promenade, where terraces overlook the Black Sea. These places are perfect if you want to wake up to a sea view from your bed.
In case you are looking for something with more character, some of the restored 18th and 19th-century Black Sea style houses operate as boutique hotels or guesthouses. These traditional buildings, with their stone bases and wooden upper floors, give you the full Old Town vibe.
→ Book your boutique Black Sea style house stay
Either way, the best plan is to choose a place close enough to explore the Old Town on foot because it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to wander around both day and night.
💡 Local tip: If you are planning your holidays to Nessebar Old Town and are traveling by car or renting one, make sure to choose accommodation with a parking spot as it will save you some hassle.
When to visit Nessebar Old Town?
Nessebar is a year-round destination, but the vibe changes a lot depending on the season.
Summer (June-August) is the most popular time for tourists:
- Hot weather
- Warm sea
- Packed calendar of concerts, festivals, and cultural events
- Lively streets
- Open-air dining
It’s also the busiest and priciest season as all the rest of the Black Sea resorts. Parking is difficult.
If you prefer things calmer, the off-season (spring, autumn, or even winter) has its own charm, and I certainly prefer it.
In autumn, you’ll find unique food festivals and fresh fish at the port, while spring brings mild weather and fewer tourists. Winter is very quiet, with many shops closed, but parking is free and you’ll practically have the cobblestone streets to yourself. Museums and most churches stay open year-round, so history lovers won’t miss out.
Where to park in the Old Town?
Parking in Old Nessebar can be tricky in summer, but there are several options:
- Parking lot “Yacht port”: Just before the isthmus, with a view towards the windmill. They accept cash and card payments.
- Old Town Nessebar Parking (North Parking Lot): Just after the isthmus, turn left. You can use the machines and pay by cash or card.
- Parking lot “Morska Gara” (Port): Smaller lots close to the port. You can pay by cash only.
Low season here comes with some perks, one being free and easy parking. However, in peak season there are hourly rates.
If you are staying the night, check if your accommodation offers reserved parking spots on the street.
Have you been to Nessebar Old Town? Share your thoughts below.
FAQs
What can you do in Old Nessebar?
Wander through cobblestone alleys, admire centuries-old churches and fortress walls, and soak up the atmosphere of this “open-air museum.” You’ll also find local craft shops, seafood restaurants with sea views, and museums that bring Nessebar’s long history to life.
Is Nessebar the oldest city?
Nessebar is often called one of the oldest towns in Europe. With roots going back over 3,000 years, it was even among the first places in the world to mint its own coins.
Is Nessebar, Bulgaria worth visiting?
Absolutely. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends history, culture, and coastal charm. It’s a must-visit for a variety of travellers, including those who are after ancient ruins and museums or just want to stroll by the sea with good food and wine.
Is there an old town in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria?
No, Sunny Beach is a modern resort built for nightlife and summer holidays. If you want ancient streets and historic sites, you’ll need to head to Nessebar’s Old Town, which is very close to Sunny Beach.
Is Nessebar the oldest city in Europe?
It’s not the absolute oldest, but it’s definitely among the most ancient. Archaeological evidence shows people have lived here for more than three millennia.
How do you get from Sunny Beach to Nessebar Old Town?
The two are right next to each other, so getting between them is easy. If you are not traveling by car, options include a fun tourist train, local buses, taxis, or even a water taxi. Small boats run regularly during summer. The distance is small and you can always see some hitchhikers.
How old is Nessebar?
Nessebar is over 3,000 years old. Archaeologists date the first settlements to around 3,200 years ago, making it one of Europe’s longest-lived towns.
How do you get from Nessebar to Sunny Beach?
By car, bus, taxi, tourist train, or boat. In summer, there are plenty of hitchhikers getting picked up along the Black Sea coast.
Stefani Gospodinova
Founder and Content Creator
Stefani is a travel blogger born and raised in Bulgaria, and the founder of Kiss My Backpack. Having explored the country since childhood, she shares practical tips, local insights, and her own photography to help visitors plan their trip.
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