I am in Varna every other month. I have a villa some 20 minutes up the motorway. I feel safer in Varna than ever I could in the UK. I walk the streets at night and do so quite happily. I have never been hassled by a Bulgarian. After spending half my life in Egypt where hassle is the order of the day, I walked out of my hotel on my first morning in Bulgaria and couldn't believe it. I was totally ignored by everybody, including the local street dog. Bulgarians are polite, courteous and let you do your thing, but if you need any help they will go out of their way to help you.

Money changing is against the law in Bulgaria. When approached by a street money changer, just say, "No thank you". They won't hassle you, because they don't want to draw attention to themselves. I have not heard of changers snatching money and running off. What they would do is give you out-of-date Bulgarian or Russian money that is worthless or count out 10 notes into your hand in full view. It is only later that you find you only got six notes.

Change your money in the city centre, where you get a much better rate than at a seaside resort. And lastly, don't change your money in the UK, especially at the airport where the exchange rate is really bad, for you. I love Bulgaria, I love Varna, and I love its people. They are like the British used to be. Courteous, well-mannered, polite and a credit to their country.

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A traditional mehana on a side street in Varna, lovely Bulgarian food including amazing kebabs (try the lamb shaslik!) and of course cheap to boot. The trance background music you can ignore! Was on business in Varna and really wanted to try some local food. I wasn't impressed by the offerings in and around the main square, but was taken there by my local contact, would never have found it otherwise.

Difficult one this - it was dark... Go down Bratka Skorpil Street (Hotel Splendid is on the corner, Cathedral should be behind you) then take the first left after the large villa.

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Not just the Kempinski, but the whole area around the northern Golden Sands boasts no low-cost airline types, no discos, lots to do for families with young children, beautiful beaches, unrivalled mountain setting, proximity to national parks, cultural outings, etc.

Excellent, genuine service, beautiful beaches, none of the planning deficit seen around other resorts. Just 18km from Varna for excellent shopping and fashionable cafes, nightlife, etc.

www.kempinski-varna.com

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You are likely to be aproached within the main shopping area by groups of men offering very competitive rates of exchange. It's a pretty simple trick; they'll grab your money and run off with it.

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