Bulgaria’s third-largest city, Shumen, is an often overlooked gem. Located in the northeast of the country, the city is home to a beautiful old town centre, with narrow streets, traditional Bulgarian houses and a lively market. The Archaelogical Museum is a must-see, housing artefacts from the Thracian, Roman and Byzantine periods, while the city’s fortress, Shumen Plateau, offers excellent views over the surrounding countryside. Away from the city centre, there are plenty of green spaces to enjoy, including the Botanical Gardens and the Regional Park of Shumen, which is home to a number of rare species of animals and plants. With its relaxed atmosphere, Shumen is the perfect place to relax and take in some of Bulgaria’s unique history and culture.
