Vidin

Vidin (Bulgarian: Видин) is a city in the northwest of Bulgaria, on the banks of Danube River, which is the borderline between Bulgaria and Romania. The northwest is infamously the poorest region in the country. Vidin is the 19th town by population in Bulgaria, but has declined much in the last two decades. Vidin is one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria, with a rich history. Its history begins in the 1st century when it was overcome by the Romans and became called Bononia. In 1396, the Ottomans defeated the last Bulgarian stronghold - the one in Vidin. They ruled there until 1878, when Vidin was liberated from the Turks. In 1942, Vidin experienced a flood due to the rising Danube. It was a great tragedy, but Vidin managed to overcome the problem with the flood, the diseases, and famine. Since then, Vidin has been an important military commercial and transport center for 200 years. There are many landmarks that exhibit the glorious past of Vidin: Baba Vida castle, the Vidin Synagogue (deserted after Jewish emigration to Israel), St. Petka church, the Osman Pazvantoglue mosque and library (built by the late Turkish ruler of northwestern Bulgaria in the 18th century), the Krastata Kazarma and St. Dimitar church.

Vidin is the poorest city in the European Union, but it is a beautiful town with many historic and cultural landmarks. Tourism has experienced a decline except for groups that come along the Danube on cruises, but a visit to Vidin is definitely worth a visit. The people tend to be more hospitable here than in larger cities like Sofia. In Vidin, there is a foreign language school and young people can usually speak English well. In other schools students learn English, too. For elderly people, there is a language academy, usually teaching English or German. There are a lot of Vlachs (Bulgaro-Romanians), so knowing Romanian is always a plus! Many residents work on farms in nearby villages, raise domestic animals, and sow plants, and so this region is famous for its production of food.

Because of its economic issues, Vidin has many problems. Lack of funds has caused the sidewalks and streets to fall into disrepair, and many buildings are vacant and crumbling. There is no university in the northwest region, so young people mostly move to other cities or countries. There are many stray dogs and cats, but they are usually docile. Air pollution and littering are major issues, despite students’ attempts to clean the town. Vidin is, however, one of the safest cities in Bulgaria.

As of Dec 2015, the only tourist information center is in the park near Danube shore, near Vidin Port, at the end of main pedestrian street, ul. Gradinska. They have some free bulgarian-english booklets with attractions and an useful black-white printed map with best tourist sites from city center, written in bulgarian, with few english notes. Warning: On the main street and other places in town you'll see Tourist Information signs with arrows, but they directs to a tourist site, not to a tourist information center.

There's an old, communist, but charming feel in many parts of the town and coming from Romania or other eastern block countries you'll feel nostalgic. Vidin boasts two well-preserved medieval fortresses, Baba Vida—Vidin's main landmark, built in the period from the 10th to the 14th century—and Kaleto, as well as many old Orthodox churches such as St Pantaleimon, St Petka (both 17th century), and St Great Martyr Demetrius (19th century), a Jewish synagogue (1894), a mosque and a library of Osman Pazvantoğlu (late 18th century), the cruciform barracks of 1798, and a number of old Renaissance buildings.

• Baba Vida Fortress (09:00-17:00; tickets 4 lev, under 14 free; combined daily ticket with Konaka museum: 5 lev): This tenth-century medieval castle is a wonderful attraction for children and adults. It is said to be the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country. There you can see brilliant architecture and a lot of tools used during Bulgaria’s history like swords, bows, arrows, and others. On the upper part, you can sit in tranquility and enjoy a great view of the Danube and to the New Europe Bridge . Across from the entrance there are souvenir shops from which you can buy numerous Bulgarian and Baba Vida souvenirs. There is also a beach nearby, so if you visit, you can even go swimming or sunbathing. During the summer, there are sometimes theatre performances.
• Danube River: The Danube is the longest river in Bulgaria and the third longest in the world. Moreover, there are many locals with boats and courageous tourists can ask for a trip onto the river. To play it safe, go to one of the boat restaurants situated at the main port in warm weather.

‘’’Metropolitan Christian Complex’’’ Residents of Vidin are very proud of the area containing the Synagogue, Osman Pazvantoglu Mosque, and St. Pantaleimon Church. The latter two are directly across the street from each other, and together, all three represent the religious tolerance of Vidin, especially during the Ottoman occupation.

• St. Dimitar Church (Simeon Veliki Street): This is the second biggest church in Bulgaria after St. Alexander Nevski in Sofia, and it is one of the oldest. The central dome is 33 meters high. Inside, there are beautiful murals depicting Biblical events, as well as the life of the town’s patron St. Dimitar. The priests are all friendly and the atmosphere is formal. On big holidays like Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s almost every inhabitant goes there to celebrate the big day. But it isn’t necessary to go there on holidays only. It is traditional to light a candle for the happiness of your family or friends, or to remember the dead.
• Osman Pazvantoglu Mosque (09:00 - 16:00): This is the only mosque in the world to have a heart on top instead of a half moon. Osman Pazvantoglu made it to show his love to a Bulgarian woman. It was built from 1801-1802, but no longer serves a religious function. Also in the yard is a library supposedly built for his mother.
• Synagogue: Smaller than the synagogue in Sofia, but supposedly more beautiful, this was built in 1894 with donations from citizens in the nearby neighborhood and Jews from all over the country. Since 1950, the building has been out of use. The yard is open, and you can explore the ruined building, especially if you want silence.

• Konaka Historical Museum Vidin (M-F 99:00-18:00, 2-5 lev, 2 Obshtinska St, combined daily ticket with Baba Vida Fortress: 5 lev): The Konaka Museum is in the center of Vidin. It is an 18th century building reconstructed after the liberation from the Ottomans, during which Bulgarian Renaissance architectural elements were introduced. It originally served as a police station. It is very well preserved and holds information about Vidin’s past. There are many exhibits from all ages, including Prehistoric, Antique, and the Middle Ages. The museum has an interesting architecture and views from upstairs windows, but is recommended to consult the web site before visiting because it's an old museum from 1960-1970 with information only in Bulgarian. Sometime you can find a lady at ticket booth that understand and barely speaks english, but mostly there's only a Bulgarian speaking, but friendly lady.
• Krastata Kazarma (Cross-Shaped Barracks) (M-Sa 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00, 2-4 lev, 34 Knyaz Boris I): It was built in 1801 for the Ottomans. After Bulgaria’s liberation, it served as a law court and barracks for the Bulgarian army. Today it is an ethnographic museum with national costumes and Bulgarian crafts.
• Nikola Petrov Gallery: Built in 1961, this gallery houses amazing works of art by famous Bulgarian painters and sculptors. It is situated in the Danube Park.

• Stadium Georgi Benkovski: The stadium was created in 1961 and holds 15,000 people. It is at the west end of the city and is the site for matches of the football club Bdin Vidin. There are matches almost every weekend, and many people attend.
• Cinema “Nikra”: The cinema is in the center of the city. Every Thursday, there is a film shown. Its capacity is about 400 people. Since films are not shown often, they tend to be the most popular films, and have high attendance. Tickets are 5 lev.
• Danube River Park: Vidin has a great Danube Park, a favorite spot for the locals to relax. During a hot summer day, you can take a walk along the park, which is lined with tall trees that provide shade. There are many cafes where you can have drinks and fried food, many ice cream stands where there are so many kinds of ice cream that you won’t know which to buy, and playgrounds where the children can swing or just run around.
• Drama Theatre “Vladimir Trandafilov”: Previous productions include “Don Juan,” “Fideriko,” and others. Vidin’s actors are very talented and provide fantastic performances, usually in Bulgarian.

Many festivals are celebrated in Vidin. Besides the special events, these festivals usually find locals setting up stands in the center of town with sweets and other things to buy.

• The Vidin Festival is during the end of August, held every year since 2008. It lasts nine days and holds many performances by Bulgarian pop folk stars, some from Vidin. There is beer and Serbian BBQ offered. Many people go to take part in the amusement attractions (roller coasters, ferris wheel, etc.) After the concerts, there are auto races at the abandoned nearby airport.
• Dimitrovden, celebrating the town’s patron saint, is celebrated on the 26th of October. There is a variety of sporting and other events.
• The Bridge Festival is an international youth arts festival. Over 200 talented people participate by choosing from activities like playing the guitar, beatboxing, freerunning, or drawing pictures.
• The Fashion Fair, during spring and summer, is about clothes, shoes, hats, and bags. It is held in front of the town library in the center, and houses stalls with candies and jellies, as well as clothes. Prices tend to be very low.
• The Milka Festival is usually on one day in April. There are activities like dancing, “Open Your Hands for a Hug,” and of course, plenty of Milka chocolate and merchandise to buy.
• Bulgarian Independence Day, September 22
• Dance Along the Danube: Folklore groups from Poland, Greece, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey take part in this festival, which is held every two years since 1997.
• Traditionally on the 6th of January, “Yordanov Den” is celebrated. The Vidin Bishop throws a cross into the river and a group of men swim to retrieve it. The man who retrieves it will be healthy and strong for the next year.

• Mall Vidin (Tsar Simeon Veliki St. 21, 09:00-22:00) There are around 20 stores. Some of them are for clothes and shoes. Others are for cosmetics. In Mall Vidin you can also find electrical appliances, mobile phones and books. On the top floor, there are two bars, a restaurant, bookstore, and playground to entertain children. The top floor ends in a beautifully shaped dome, and in the winter, there are Christmas decorations set up.
• Central Market: The Central Market is the place where many people gather in order to sell and buy all sorts of things. In the center, there are covered stalls with produce (fresh from locals’ gardens), honey, and spices. Surrounding this, there are many shops and booths with mechanical parts, clothes, and souvenirs. You can’t get a refund or buy back. The prices are firm, so you shouldn’t ask for a different price, but the sellers have different prices for their products, so you can walk around and see where the best price is.
• There are also many shops near the city center, where you can buy alcohol, souvenirs, clothes, and other things.

• Lidl (Academic Stefan Mladenov, 08:00-21:00): German chain, the cheapest grocery.
• Picadilly (in Mall Vidin, 09:00-22:00): More expensive, but higher quality products.
• Kaufland (Panonia Boulevard, 08:00-22:00): Widest selection, reasonable prices.

Vidin is known for many foods. Visitors should definitely buy “Elbi (Елби)” brand yogurt, which is produced at a factory in the south industrial complex of town and shipped all over Bulgaria. This yogurt can be found at Picadilly and most other grocery stores.

Fast food in Bulgaria is either bought from a grill (‘’skara’’) or pastry stands found around town. ‘’Banichka’’, ‘’kebapche’’, and ‘’kozunak’’ are especially popular.

• Serbian Grill (сръбска скара) 00:00-24:00: This stand, adjacent to the train station, has authentic Serbian meat. U.S. Ambassador James Warlick said that here is the best kebapche in all Bulgaria.
• Montenegro: Across from Tsar Simeon Veliki school, this shop makes fresh banitsa all day.

Serbian Grill (сръбска скара) 00:00-24:00: This stand, adjacent to the train station, has authentic Serbian meat. U.S. Ambassador James Warlick said that here is the best kebapche in all Bulgaria.

Montenegro: Across from Tsar Simeon Veliki school, this shop makes fresh banitsa all day.

• Classic, Tsar Alexander II 25. 08:00-22:00. This pizzeria is one of the most popular restaurants in Vidin. There are two locations: one indoor restaurant near the port, and another outdoor restaurant on the city wall a little further upstream (only in the summer). The pizzas are the best quality in the city, and there are many options. 20 lev.
• Bulgaria. M-F 09:30-24:00. Down an alley across the street from St. Dimitar church, this restaurant has a traditionally decorated basement and a garden for summer days. There is usually a DJ or live music to accompany the dance floor on weekend evenings. 15 lev.
• Riviera, Baba Vida St. (north of Telegraph Gate. 08:30-23:00. Next to the Danube, this beautiful restaurant has excellent Bulgarian and Serbian food for higher prices. 25 lev.
• Mystique, zhk. Geo Milev. 08:00-22:00. A large restaurant with a playground inside. Can be reserved for birthdays and other special occasions. 25 lev.
• Zodiac, Pazarska 2. M-F 08:00-24:00, Sa 09:00-22:00. An underground restaurant serving a variety of traditional Bulgarian food and other dishes. Usually playing “The Voice” on TV. 25 lev.
• Kan Yuen, Suedinenie bl. 12 (in the same square as Hotel Rovno. 11:00-23:00. The better of the two Chinese restaurants in Vidin. You will be fed with one dish only, and prices are fairly low. The restaurant is run by a Chinese family. 15 lev.
• Bononia Restaurant, Bdin 2. 11:00-23:00. At the Hotel Bononia in the park near the Danube. Typically used for special events like weddings and graduations. 30 lv.

Classic, Tsar Alexander II 25. 08:00-22:00. This pizzeria is one of the most popular restaurants in Vidin. There are two locations: one indoor restaurant near the port, and another outdoor restaurant on the city wall a little further upstream (only in the summer). The pizzas are the best quality in the city, and there are many options. 20 lev.

Bulgaria. M-F 09:30-24:00. Down an alley across the street from St. Dimitar church, this restaurant has a traditionally decorated basement and a garden for summer days. There is usually a DJ or live music to accompany the dance floor on weekend evenings. 15 lev.

Riviera, Baba Vida St. (north of Telegraph Gate. 08:30-23:00. Next to the Danube, this beautiful restaurant has excellent Bulgarian and Serbian food for higher prices. 25 lev.

Mystique, zhk. Geo Milev. 08:00-22:00. A large restaurant with a playground inside. Can be reserved for birthdays and other special occasions. 25 lev.

Zodiac, Pazarska 2. M-F 08:00-24:00, Sa 09:00-22:00. An underground restaurant serving a variety of traditional Bulgarian food and other dishes. Usually playing “The Voice” on TV. 25 lev.

Kan Yuen, Suedinenie bl. 12 (in the same square as Hotel Rovno. 11:00-23:00. The better of the two Chinese restaurants in Vidin. You will be fed with one dish only, and prices are fairly low. The restaurant is run by a Chinese family. 15 lev.

Bononia Restaurant, Bdin 2. 11:00-23:00. At the Hotel Bononia in the park near the Danube. Typically used for special events like weddings and graduations. 30 lv.

• Sky Cafe (Bononia, 09:00-22:30, 1-3 lev): The most popular cafe in Vidin, attached to the Bononia hotel in the Danube park. Serves all kinds of coffee, fruit drinks, sodas, cakes, and alcohol. Service is friendly, and there are billiards tables and wifi.
• Corner Club (Tsar Alexander II 21, M-F 07:00-24:00, 0.80-5 lev): Modern cafe, popular with teenagers. Very dark, with modern lighting effects.
• Vision Cafe (Tsar Alexander II 25, 09:30-24:00, 0.50-10 lev): This cafe is owned by the Classic pizzeria. It has a location adjacent to the pizzeria near the seaport, and another on the top floor of the mall. The mall location is especially nice because you sit on a balcony looking at the domes of the St. Dimitar Church.
• Forum (Shiroka 6, 08:00-22:00): 0.80-2 lev): Free wifi in this cafe. Coffee is good, but the service is not so good.
• Hawaii (Gradinska 5, 07:00-24:00, 0.70-3 lev): Across from the drama theatre, this cafe has all kinds of drinks and snacks to eat. On Fridays, there is music and dancing. Wifi available.
• Deluxe (07:30-22:00, 1-8 lev): cafe. Staff is friendly, and the coffee with cream is especially good.

• Master Club (Th-Sa 20:00, 2 lev cover): The main disco in Vidin is located in the main square. It is full of young Bulgarians, and tends to be smokey and loud. There are several bars inside, and dancing goes on until the early morning.
• Traffic Club (Shiroka St at Hristo Botev, 07:00-22:00): Not too big. Mainly play RnB and house music. Mostly students go there.
• Corner Club (Tsar Alexander II 21, M-F 07:00-24:00, Sa 07:00-05:00): Especially on Saturday evening, this cafe turns into a club and is open very late. The modern lights go well with dancing to house and popular music.

Most cafes and hotels offer free wifi for guests. This is probably your best bet for using the internet. Check the Drink section for more info.

• There are many villages in Northwest Bulgaria. Villagers are typically hospitable, and this could be an adventurous alternative to normal tourism. Check the main bus station for buses going to a number of nearby villages.
• Belogradchik Rocks: The city of Belogradchik is smaller than Vidin, but the rocks are amazing. All of them are naturally occurring. Some of them look like figures: a girl student, a bear, a dog, and others.
• The Magura cave is in Rabisha village. It is 2.5 km long and has many galleries.
• Albutin Monastery: an ancient rock monastery located in the nearby village of Gradets.