Best Places to Watch Sunrise and Sunset in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has plenty of places to watch the sunrise or sunset, including major cities like Sofia, Ruse, Plovdiv, and Varna on the Black Sea coast. There are also places in these cities that are beautiful in the light of the golden hour. The sun at the beginning and end of the day creates great lighting, especially for photos, hence the name ‘golden hour’.
When the sun is low in the sky, it changes the look of Bulgaria’s cities and landscapes. The first and last hours of daylight are the best times to take photographs in any location, according to many photography guides.
Sunrise and Sunset Times in Bulgaria
The easiest way to check sunrise and sunset times in Bulgaria is to use Google or a weather app. Identifying a good day to see the low sun is trickier. Days with clear skies or those marked with partial cloud cover often deliver the best results. Wispy clouds towards the end of the day create quite the spectacle. However, I’ve found windy days with blue skies to create superb views, maybe because the clouds change a lot with the wind.
Best Places to Watch Sunrise and Sunset in Bulgaria
Some places in Bulgaria that I’ve seen at sunrise or sunset.
Plovdiv Sunset
The tower of the main mosque in Plovdiv dominates the skyline and makes an interesting backdrop for the late sun. The call to prayer certainly adds to the ambience.
The cobbled side streets of Old Town Plovdiv are good for photos at any time of day. However, in the late afternoon sun, there are visual treats.
One of the best places to watch the sunset in Plovdiv is at the amphitheatre. There is a balcony above the site if it’s closed, which is perfect for watching the sun going down.
The grounds of Sveta Bogoroditsa Church and the nearby stairs were my favourite spot for watching the sunsets while in Plovdiv. This area is uphill from much of the city, so the views are good.
The church walls and its spire made it a lovely place for a photograph. This is the road that leads down from the amphitheatre.
Sunrise and Sunset in Varna and the Black Sea Coast
The amusement park in the Port of Varna is a top place to watch the sunset. The fairground rides certainly add to the vibe of the late sun. You can also choose to take a ride on the Ferris wheel to get a sunset view of the Varna skyline.
Varna is a special place to watch sunrises, especially on the Black Sea beaches. This is a photo from an early morning walk along Varna Beach in the city.
Sunrise and Sunset in Veliko Tarnovo
The area around the fortresses in Veliko Tarnovo is especially beautiful at sunrise. The medieval architecture and red skies are a wonderful combination. Because of the hilly nature of the area, the sunrise is late, especially when waiting near the entrance of Tsarevets Fortress.
There are options for watching the sunset while in Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of Bulgaria. Near the Monument to the Assen Dynasty is a nice place; there is also a cafe-bar where you can watch the sun go down. Also, many of the restaurants overlook this part of the valley and have terraces with sunset views.
The road north of Sveta Gora Park is also a good place for views, including at sunset.
Sofia Sunrise and Sunset
Sadly, the weather was not on my side in Sofia. However, the early sun combined with clouds made for fantastic walks.
If the weather were better, the cathedral would make a special backdrop for the early sun. However, every morning of my winter visit was mostly cloudy.
During our Communist walking tour in Sofia, we visited Knyazheska Garden to see Soviet monuments and the sunset.
Ruse Sunsets and Sunrises
The banks of the River Danube in Ruse are ideal for a sunset walk. There are also restaurants on the riverside. I enjoyed Bulgarian beer, complemented by colourful skies.
We were lucky during our stay in Ruse. Our dog-friendly apartment had a balcony that was perfect for sitting and watching the red skies.
I really enjoyed the sunrises in Ruse. The central areas near the state opera house and the town’s main square were good places to see the early sun.
This area was pretty quiet except for the occasional dog walker, and most things closed early in the morning. None of the bars were open for a drink, unfortunately.