The star attraction at the Varna Museum of Archaeology is the gold — specifically, more than 3,000 pieces of worked gold unearthed from the Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis, dating to around 4,600–4,200 BC and considered the oldest processed gold ever found. The necropolis was discovered by chance during construction works in 1972, and the finds rewrote what archaeologists understood about prehistoric societies. Beyond the gold, you can explore artefacts spanning from the Palaeolithic through to the Middle Ages, including Roman surgical instruments, Hellenistic tombstones, and a marble plaque listing, in Greek, the names of Varna's school graduates from AD 221. A collection of around 150 icons from the 14th to 19th centuries occupies the second floor. Everything is clearly labelled in both Bulgarian and English. The museum itself is housed in a handsome late Baroque former girls' school dating from the 1890s.

The Memory, Peace & Reconciliation Center stands as a rare cultural institution conceived during ongoing conflict rather than after. Its stark concrete facade, punctuated by asymmetrical windows representing fallen tears, dominates a quiet corner of Bogotá — a physical reckoning with Colombia’s six million victims of violence. Inside, rotating exhibitions blend contemporary art with archival documents, avoiding sensationalism while honouring personal narratives. Sculptures crafted from reclaimed weapons share space with grassroots reconciliation projects, their modest scale underscoring the centre’s focus on human stories over grand gestures. Large multipurpose halls host community dialogues, acknowledging that healing remains a work in progress.

Tyulenovo is a picturesque small village located near the Romanian border in northern Bulgaria. While it’s not accessible by public transport from Varna, its breathtaking cliffs and mesmerising sunsets make it well worth the effort to visit. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Shabla Lighthouse, a historic landmark situated about 6 kilometres north of Tyulenovo.