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Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia and Plovdiv, with a population of 351,552(10.01.2006) . It is the capital of Varna Province and an important port in the eastern part of the country, located on the Black Sea coast close to Lake Varna. . It was an inhabited place even before the Greeks established the colony of Odessos there about 580 B.C. Later, under the Romans and their successors, the Slavs, Varna became a major port trading with Constantinople, Venice and Dubrovnik. In 1393 it was captured by the Turks, who made it an important military centre.

Varna is an important economic centre for Bulgaria and the Black Sea region in general. Major industries include trade and transportation (Port of Varna, Varna Airport), shipbuilding and manufacturing. Tourism is of great importance to the city, with the nearby resorts of Albena, Golden Sands, Saint Constantine and Elena, Riviera and many others, each year attracting millions of visitors from all over the world.

In September 2004, FDI Magazine proclaimed Varna "South-eastern Europe City of the Future", citing its strategic location, fast-growing economy, rich cultural heritage and high quality education.

Some of the famous landmarks of Varna include the Varna Dolphinarium (opened 11th August 1984), the Sea Garden (designed by Czech Anton Novak), the Roman Baths, the Palace of Culture and Sports, the varna Necropolis, the Varna Observatory and Planetarium. The nearby cave monastery Aladzha is also a popular tourist sight. Additionally, the 2 km long bridge Asparuhov most (bridge) is a popular place for bugee jumping.

Varna has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Sailors on shore-leave in unfamiliar ceremonial uniforms, mingle with foreign tourists and locals as they promenade along shady boulevards, lined by dignified 19th and early 20th century buildings.