3 Best Sights in Bulgaria

The former palace of Todor Zhivkov, the then-People's Republic of Bulgaria last communist head of state, is today a hotel. It's run down and we don't recommend staying here; come instead to soak up the history. The building, its exterior made up of white marble and stone, dates to just 1975, and though its interior is shabby, you can see traces of the regal building this once was; the original ceiling medallions and chandeliers are still intact and many of the ceilings are constructed of beautifully carved wood. The view of the surrounding forest and Veliko Tarnovo in the distance is stunning and best enjoyed on the terrace with a drink.

On the banks of the Danube is this well-preserved medieval fortress, which dates back to the 10th century and was a defensive stronghold though the Middle Ages. It was captured by the Ottomans and used as storage space for food and munitions and, after liberation in 1878, was used by the Bulgarian army. It opened as a museum in the mid 1950s and is today a popular spot for filming. From the tops of the towers and the walls, take in panoramic views of the Danube River and surrounding cityscape. This is a good place to pick up a few postcards.

A stupendous structure, Tsarvets was the Second Bulgarian Empire's fortress from 1185 to 1393. The royal palaces were housed here, along with hundreds of quarters for the members of the court, guards, and servants, churches, and workshops. Tsarevets as you see today is not the original–it's been sacked and destroyed many times–but a faithful restoration that was undertaken between 1930 and 1981. The views from the top of the fortress are magnificent. If you don't want to climb, there's an elevator (2 leva per person) to the top of the bell tower. Tours in English can be arranged at the Tourist Information Centre (5 ul. Hristo Botev, +359–62–622–148) for 10 leva per person.