Trakiya, Varna: Lyatno Kino and Zimno Kino
Trakiya is Varna's in-between district: between the city centre and the big northern estates, between ageing apartment blocks and new builds. In listings you'll see it as Lyatno Kino Trakiya and Zimno Kino Trakiya ("Summer Cinema" and "Winter Cinema") — two neighbouring parts of the same district. For many renters it's the most sensible compromise in Varna: close to everything without paying city-centre prices.
Where it is and what it's like
Trakiya lies north of the centre, towards the Okrazhna Bolnitsa (District Hospital) area and Levski. Lyatno Kino and Zimno Kino sit side by side and feel like one neighbourhood; where one ends and the other begins in a listing often depends on the agent. The centre is a 15–25 minute walk away depending on the address.
The area was built mainly in the second half of the 20th century — brick and prefab panel blocks and low-rise apartment buildings — with many new buildings added over the past twenty years. It's densely built, but there are inner courtyards, small parks and playgrounds.
The beach
Trakiya isn't by the sea, but it isn't far either. The Sea Garden and the beach are about half an hour on foot or a short bus ride. Sea views are rare and limited to upper floors in a few buildings.
Getting around
Transport links are good. Many bus lines run along the surrounding boulevards — to the centre, to Chayka and Briz, to Levski and the western districts, and to the northern resorts. Stops are a few minutes' walk away. By car it's easy to reach the main boulevards, but at rush hour the junctions around the District Hospital and Grand Mall back up.
Shops, hospitals and schools
- Shopping — Grand Mall Varna is close by; within the district there are supermarkets such as Lidl, plenty of small shops, pharmacies and cafés.
- Hospitals — St. Anna hospital is in the area, and St. Marina University Hospital is a few minutes away.
- Education — state schools and kindergartens in the district; the Faculty of Dental Medicine, the Medical University and the University of Economics are within walking distance or a short ride. School and kindergarten places depend on your registered address.
- Green space — courtyard gardens and playgrounds; for a proper park, head to the Sea Garden.
Housing stock
There's a broad mix:
- Older blocks — brick and prefab panel buildings from the 1960s to the 1980s. The most affordable rentals, often renovated, but check the lift, insulation and windows.
- Low-rise apartment buildings — small brick buildings of a few floors, usually without a lift.
- New builds — modern buildings with lifts and sometimes an underground garage. Pricier, but usually cheaper than comparable flats in Briz or the centre.
Heating is almost always by air-conditioning units, so ask the landlord for last winter's electricity bills.
Parking and noise
Parking is hard, especially in the evening: dense housing, lots of cars and tight courtyards. If you drive every day, a flat with a parking space or garage in a new building is worth paying extra for.
Noise is moderate. The main boulevards carry heavy traffic, and the area around the mall and hospitals is busy during the day. Inner streets and courtyards are much quieter. The summer tourist noise you get in the centre and the Greek Quarter is largely absent here.
Who rents here
Medical and economics students, doctors and hospital staff, young families, and people who work in the centre but don't want to pay central rents. Rents are usually lower than in the centre and Briz and close to Levski, with new builds at the upper end. The live price block below shows current figures.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- close to the centre on foot or by a short ride;
- shops, a mall, hospitals and universities nearby;
- a wide choice of flats across price ranges.
Cons:
- difficult evening parking;
- dense housing and little large green space;
- the beach needs a bus ride or a longer walk;
- dated wiring and plumbing in some older blocks.
Who it suits and who it doesn't
Good for students, medical staff, couples and families who want to be near the centre and hospitals at a reasonable rent, and people without a car who rely on buses.
Not ideal for anyone dreaming of a sea view and a walk to the beach, drivers without a parking space, or those who want space and greenery around their home.