This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Balchik is a beautiful town where the local people are very friendly. It is between Varna and Kavarna and close to Dobrich and Romania. The beach in Balchik is good, although it is definitely not the best on the Bulgarian Black Sea. Despite its small size, Balchik has interesting sights to offer. Balchik Palace, a beautiful place to visit, was once a residence of the Romanian Queen Marie and now is open for visitors. The Botanical Garden is not to miss, either, although the entrance is expensive, as you need to pay two tickets. It has two owners who have been arguing about the Garden for about twenty years. So if you are asked for a second ticket, it is ok, you were not cheated!
The best time to visit Balchik is, of course, in the summer. Be sure to book your dates in advance as there are many people who visit town and your hostel in Balchik might be booked. There are limited options for hostels in Balchik, open all year long and close to the beach with moderate prices and a nice location in the Old Town -- you are surrounded by old houses and can taste local food, which is delicious and not very expensive. There are good restaurants and a few clubs, but if you look for parties, definitely visit Varna. The nearest train station is in Dobrich and the nearest airport is in Varna. There are buses from both cities and from Romania, as well.
Written by local expertz for Balchik
George Traveller
