Europe

5 Oct '23

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What is Vidin, Bulgaria about? If you are looking for a destination that combines history, culture, nature, and gastronomy, you might want to consider Vidin, a port city on the southern bank of the Danube river in north-western Bulgaria. Vidin is close to the borders with Romania and Serbia, and has a rich and diverse heritage that dates back to over 2000 years ago. Here are some of the attractions and activities that you can enjoy in Vidin.

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Danube activities

The Danube river is the second longest in Europe, and offers many opportunities for recreation and exploration. You can take a cruise along the river and admire the scenic views of the city and its surroundings, or join a dragon boat experience and paddle your way through the water. You can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, or cycling along the river banks.

Culture

Vidin has a vibrant cultural scene, with a drama theatre, a symphony orchestra, a puppet theatre, and several museums and galleries. You can also visit some of the historical and religious monuments that showcase the different influences that shaped Vidin’s identity. Some of the most notable ones are

Baba Vida fortress

Baba Vida fortress, the oldest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. The tour includes accommodation, transportation, guide services, and two wine tastings. The tour lasts for 2 days and costs $350.09 per adult (price varies by group size).

St. Panteleimon church

A 17th century Orthodox church with beautiful frescoes and icons;

St. Nikolai church

A 19th century neo-Byzantine church with a distinctive red-brick facade;

St. Dimitar cathedral

A 19th century neo-Baroque church with an impressive dome;

Memorial of victims in Serbo-Bulgarian war

a poignant statue of a grieving soldier.

Eat and drink

Vidin is famous for its wines, especially the red ones made from local grape varieties such as Gamza and Cabernet Sauvignon. You can visit some of the wineries in the region and taste their products, or join a wine tour that will take you to different vineyards and cellars. You can also sample some of the traditional dishes of Vidin, such as:

Banitsa

Banitsa
Banitsa

(a pastry filled with cheese or spinach)

Sarmi

Sarmi
Sarmi

(stuffed grape leaves), kyufte (meatballs)

Tarator

Tarator
Tarator

(a cold soup made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill)

Baklava

Baklava
Baklava

(a sweet pastry with nuts and syrup).

Go out

Vidin, Bulgaria nightlife

Vidin has a lively nightlife, with many bars, pubs, clubs, and cafes where you can have fun and socialize with locals and visitors alike. You can listen to live music, dance to various genres, play games, watch sports, or just relax and enjoy a drink. Some of the popular spots are:

Club 69

Bar Rock’n’Rolla

Club Infinity

Bar Retro

Cafe Opera

Accommodation

Vidin offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, guesthouses, apartments, hostels, or campsites. Some of the recommended places are

Hotel Anna-Kristina,
Hotel Avramov,
Guest House Dunavski Luli,
Hostel Pri Pesho i Koteto,
Camping Veliko Tarnovo.

Tours

Wine tours

Vidin is home to some of the best wineries in Bulgaria, where you can taste unique local grape varieties such as Gamza and Cabernet Sauvignon. You can book a wine tour that will take you to different vineyards and cellars, where you can learn about the history and production of wine in Vidin, and sample some of the finest wines in the region.

Some of the recommended wine tours are:

Vidin & Belogradchik Exquisite Wine Tasting

This tour will take you to two boutique wineries in Vidin and Belogradchik, where you can taste 3-5 wines at each winery, accompanied by local cheese and bread. You will also visit the famous Belogradchik rocks, a natural wonder of rock formations that resemble human and animal figures. The tour lasts for 8 hours and costs $73.42 per adult.

From Sofia: 2 days in Northwest Bulgaria

This tour will take you from Sofia to Vidin and Belogradchik, where you will visit two wineries and taste their products, as well as explore the historical and cultural sights of the area. You will also have the option to visit Magura cave, one of the largest and most ancient caves in Bulgaria, where you can see prehistoric paintings. The tour includes accommodation, transportation, entrance fees, and guide services. The tour lasts for 2 days and costs $393.72 per adult (price varies by group size).

Sofia-Bulgaria Tour – Vidin Wine Tour

This tour will take you from Sofia to Vidin, where you will visit a boutique winery and taste their wines, as well as walk in the town’s garden along the Danube river. You will also visit Baba Vida fortress, the oldest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. The tour includes accommodation, transportation, guide services, and two wine tastings. The tour lasts for 2 days and costs $350.09 per adult (price varies by group size).

Vidin is a city that has something for everyone who loves wine. Whether you want to taste some of the best wines in Bulgaria, learn about the history and culture of winemaking, or just enjoy the scenic views of the Danube river, you will find something to satisfy your curiosity and appetite in Vidin. So don’t hesitate to visit this charming city on the Danube river and discover its secrets.

**The best time to visit Vidin is between June and August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the wine festivals are held. However, you can also visit Vidin in spring or autumn, when the temperatures are cooler but still pleasant, and the crowds are smaller.** So don’t hesitate to visit this charming city on the Danube river and discover its secrets.