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Bulgaria Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Often overlooked by travelers, Bulgaria is actually one of my favorite countries in Europe .

Because it’s under the radar, here you’ll find few crowds and plenty of affordable activities. I arrived with few expectations and was blown away by the country’s affordability, incredible history, mountainous landscapes, Black Sea beaches, and wild nightlife.

Bulgaria’s long history is evident everywhere, from ancient Neolithic settlements to mysterious Thracian tombs to fortresses left behind by powerful tsars. Even some of the smallest, most nondescript churches have elaborate religious artwork inside, including paintings of saints and vivid murals.

And, if you’re a nature lover, there are several mountain ranges throughout the country offering all kinds of stunning hikes.

In short, Bulgaria is amazing and I can’t speak its praises enough. Don’t speed through the place. There’s a lot to see and do here.

This travel guide to Bulgaria can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bulgaria

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in bulgaria.

1. Explore Sofia

Sofia is Bulgaria’s dynamic capital city full of museums, Eastern Orthodox churches, communist architecture, and trendy galleries, restaurants, and clubs. The city has thousands of years’ worth of history and dates to the 8th century BCE when it was inhabited by the Serdi tribe. One of the oldest buildings is a brick rotunda that was built in the 4th century by the Romans. It was originally used as a bath but later became a church – and it’s survived almost completely intact. Don’t miss the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, built in the 1880s in the Neo-Byzantine style. It’s massive and has enough room for 10,000 people inside (you can even explore the crypt which is full of unique religious icons). Museums like the National Art Gallery, the National Historical Museum, and the National Institute of Archeology are all worth a visit and feature unique cultural and historical exhibits.

2. Relax in Varna

Varna is a major tourist destination during the summer when its beaches fill up with visitors. Like most of Bulgaria, the area has a rich history. Archeological remains of early settlements have been uncovered at over 30 sites, the oldest of which dates back to the Stone Age. Modern Varna was established in the 6th and 7th centuries when the Slavic people gained power in the Balkans, and the city emerged as an important hub for trade due to its prominent location on the Black Sea. Now it’s known as one of Bulgaria’s most popular seaside resort towns thanks to its beautiful beaches. I had a lot of fun wandering the streets, visiting the Roman Baths, walking through the big central park, and relaxing by the beach. Make sure to check out Aladzha Monastery, which is one of the oldest in Bulgaria (it dates back to the 4th century) and offers stunning views of the city.

3. Visit Plovdiv

Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria and is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe (archeologists have discovered evidence of settlements dating back to the Neolithic period in 6,000 BCE). Over the years, Plovdiv has been ruled by Greeks, Romans, Celts, Huns, Slavs, Bulgars, Thracians, and Ottomans. You can explore ruins spanning the centuries on a walk-through Old Town with cobblestone streets and architecture from the Middle Ages and the Bulgarian Revival. The city is the cultural hub of Bulgaria and was named the European Capital of Culture and is part of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. Be sure to visit the Roman Amphitheater, see the Archaeological Museum, and relax under the leafy trees in the Tsar Simeon Central Garden.

4. Go to Veliko Tarnovo

Once the capital of the Bulgarian Empire, Veliko Tarnovo is now a charming university town. Much of the city is perched on the cliffs with white houses and iconic red roofs spanning the hillsides. For excellent photo opportunities visit the Sky Walk which overlooks the city and the river winding through the cliffs. Not much happens here, but I loved the cobblestone streets, the historic castle ruins, the little cafes, and the nearby mountain hikes. Like any university town, there are some eclectic spots to grab a drink like the Hipster Art Bar which has a fun atmosphere and is a great place to meet people.

5. Explore the Rila Mountains

The Rila Mountains are the highest mountain range in the Balkans, with Mount Musala towering over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Most of the mountain is protected within Rila National Park and the rest falls within the Rila Monastery Nature preserve, so it’s a hotspot for biodiversity and nature enthusiasts. You can trek to the top on a day hike or take on some of the less challenging hikes in the mountains. During the colder months, the Rila Mountains become packed with skiers, and if you want to treat yourself there are some luxurious spas around the area. Other highlights include the Seven Lakes route, Skakavitsa Waterfall, and the Rila Monastery. The monastery is the largest in Bulgaria and was established in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other Things to See and Do in Bulgaria

1. check out the museum of socialist art.

This museum in Sofia showcases art from when the country was under Communist rule (1944-1989). A large outdoor sculpture park contains everything from a giant statue of Lenin that once stood in the center of the city to the red star that topped the socialist party headquarters. Inside you’ll find all kinds of propaganda, documentary videos, photos, and more. Admission is 6 BGN.

2. Hike the Balkan Mountains

This mountain chain is at the center of Bulgaria. It’s part of the epic European Long Distance Route (E3) following the chain’s main ridge to the Portuguese seaside, spanning a distance of 6,950 kilometers (4,320 miles). For shorter day hikes, find a base town like Apriltsi and trek from there. The Mount Botev summit and the hike to Vodnite Dupki are two popular hikes.

3. Hit the beaches on the Black Sea

This 402-kilometer (250-mile) stretch of Bulgarian coast lies along the Black Sea. About one-third of this coastline is covered in pristine, sandy beaches. Avoid Sunny Beach (it’s tacky and crowded) and check out some of the quieter beaches instead, like Pomorie Beach or Sinemorets Veleka Beach.

4. Unwind in Balchik

Balchik is a small coastal town on the Black Sea. The area used to serve as the summer residence for Queen Marie of Romania (1875-1938). You can tour her Balchik Palace on the seaside promenade and admire the interesting blend of Gothic and Islamic architecture. There are not very many rooms, but they all contain original furnishings and paintings by Queen Marie herself. There’s also a botanical garden with over 600 species of plants. Admission is 15 BGN.

5 Go skiing

Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo are the three biggest resort towns in Bulgaria. Most people prefer Bansko because its resort has the longest ski runs and it’s doable as a day trip from Sofia. There are several hotels and budget accommodations within Bansko (although Bansko isn’t the prettiest of towns). A one-day ski pass is 90 BGN in Bansko and 85 BGN in Borovets and Pamporovo.

6. Stop and smell the roses in Kazanlak

Bulgaria is one of the biggest producers of rose oil in the world and the town of Kazanlak has hosted the Festival of Roses since 1903. During the first weekend of June, the local community organizes this international event that attracts thousands of tourists. There are rose-picking rituals, events to learn about the rose distillation process, a street procession, acapella choirs, folklore concerts, art shows, exhibitions, and even wine-tasting. Best of all, most of the events are free!

7. Visit the Varna Archaeological Museum

The Varna Archaeological Museum is home to the Varna Necropolis, a prehistoric archaeological site that contains the oldest processed gold in the world (it’s 7,000 years old). The gold was extracted from 62 graves (it was custom to bury people with gifts at that time). On display, you’ll also find intricate jewelry and other artifacts, as well as oddities like Roman surgical tools and ancient Hellenistic headstones. Admission is 10 BGN.

8. Explore Stara Zagora

Stara Zagora is a smaller city located in the south of Bulgaria, famous for its annual linden-tree bloom (the whole city smells incredibly floral — like a combination of honeysuckle and jasmine). For me, the main attraction is Stara Zagora’s historical significance. Other than once being an important crossroad for the Romans, Ottomans, and Thracians, Stara Zagora also contains some amazing prehistoric relics, including ancient burial mounds dating back 8,000 years. The Neolithic Dwellings Museum sits on one of these prehistoric mounds, along with the remains of a home. It’s 5 BGN to visit and super informative!

9. Tour the Bachkovo Monastery

Just outside of Plovdiv is the Bachkovo Monastery, dating to 1083 (although most of it was built from the 17th century). The main attraction in the monastery is the Church of Sveta Bogoroditsa, which has an interior completely covered in colorful frescoes painted by Zahari Zograf in 1850. The refectory (dining hall) is also full of murals displaying the building’s history. Pilgrims often come to the church to pray in front of the Madonna, which is encased in gold and silver. It’s free to visit the monastery, but the onsite museum costs 2 BGN and the refectory is 6 BGN.

10. Visit the Etâr Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

The Etâr 19th-century ethno-village in Northern Bulgaria is a recreated Bulgarian town lined with cobblestone streets and dozens of traditional shops and workshops devoted to cobblers, furriers (someone who works with furs), glass workers, jewelers, leatherworkers, potters, bakers, and more. Costumed performers move between buildings, making it feel like you stepped back in time (or at least onto a movie set). You can poke around recreated traditional homes, and some of the workshops are still powered by running water. It’s a bit cheesy, but you can pick up neat handmade souvenirs here. Admission is 5 BGN.

11. Hike at Emen Canyon

If you’re visiting Veliko Târnovo, head west to Emen Canyon. Carved out by the Negovanka River between tall limestone cliffs, the canyon is home to deep creeks (perfect for swimming) and picturesque waterfalls. A two-hour hike on the Negovanka Ecotrail takes you along 90-meter-high (295-foot) bluffs, leading to viewpoints over the canyon and a 10-meter-tall (32-foot) waterfall. It’s a beautiful region to explore on foot!

For more information on specific cities in Bulgaria, check out these guides:

• Plovdiv Travel Guide
• Sofia Travel Guide
• Varna Travel Guide
• Veliko Tarnovo Travel Guide

Bulgaria Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms with 5-8 beds cost between 15-25 BGN per night. Private hostel rooms cost 30-60 BGN per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also include self-catering facilities.

Budget two-star hotels range from 50-100 BGN per night. If you want to stay at one of the resort areas on the Black Sea, expect to pay double that amount during the summer.

Airbnb is available across Bulgaria, with private rooms ranging from 20-55 BGN per night. An entire home/apartment costs around 60-110 BGN.

For those traveling with a tent, there are also well-maintained campgrounds around the country, especially along the coast. Most tent sites start at 5-20 BGN per night for a basic pitch without electricity.

Food – Bulgarian cuisine is hearty and similar to that of its Balkan neighbors. Meaty stews with lamb, goat, or chicken are common, as are sausages and all kinds of yogurts (dairy products are big here). Popular dishes include kebapche (grilled mincemeat), shopska salad (a salad with tomato, cucumber, and cheese; similar to Greek salad), and moussaka.

Overall, food is very affordable throughout Bulgaria. Local street food eats like banica (cheese pastry) are as little as 1.50 BGN. You can pick up a hearty shopska or kebab for about 6 BGN.

For fast food (think McDonald’s), you can get a combo meal for about 12 BGN. A casual meal at a restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 14 BGN. A large pizza also costs around 10 BGN.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal with a drink costs around 30 BGN.

Beer is 4 BGN while a latte/cappuccino is 3.50 BGN. Bottled water is around 1.50 BGN.

Grocery shopping is very cheap here, costing about 45-65 BGN per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Bulgaria Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Bulgaria, expect to spend about 55 BGN per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking and going to the beaches. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 BGN to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 135 BGN per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for most meals at cheap fast food joints, have a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more activities and tours like visiting museums or going skiing.

On a “luxury” budget of 200 BGN per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in BGN.

Bulgaria Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Bulgaria is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. You can do a lot on a tight budget here as most of the country’s attractions (such as museums and historical sites) are cheap. You’ll find it hard to break the bank here unless you’re spending your time on the Black Sea coast during peak season and intentionally trying to splurge. Here are some ways to save money in Bulgaria:

• Avoid Sunny Beach – I don’t understand the appeal of a beach that’s overpriced and crowded with tourists. Hit up one of the other coastal beaches instead.
• Stay at Hostel Mostel – Staying at this hostel chain can lower your costs because they include free breakfast and free dinner. They have locations in Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo .
• Eat at the bakeries – Bakeries in Bulgaria have an inexpensive range of sweet and savory pastries that can fill you up. Two of my favorite snacks there are banica and krenvirshka.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find Couchsurfing hosts all throughout the country. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you’ll connect with a local host that can share their insider tips and advice.
• Take free walking tours – Walking tours are a great way to get familiar with a city and its culture. Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, and Plovdiv all have free walking tours. Just be sure to tip your tour guide at the end.
• Enjoy free events – Many of Bulgaria’s festivals are free to attend, and during the summer many city parks have free scheduled events and concerts. Ask your hostel or host what’s going on during your visit.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has lots of fun, affordable hostels around the country. Here are my favorite and suggested places to stay:

• Hostel Mostel (Sofia)
• Hostel 123 (Sofia)
• Hostel Mostel (Veliko Tarnovo)
• Hostel Old Plovdiv (Plovdiv)
• Yo-Ho-Hostel (Varna)
• Nomado Hostel (Varna)

How to Get Around Bulgaria

Public transportation – Public transportation in Bulgaria is very affordable. Sofia has a subway with two lines connecting the city center and the airport, as well as the central bus and train stations. Tickets are 1.60 BGN each.

In other cities, public buses are the most common mode of public transportation. Fares are usually between 1-2 BGN. Trolleybuses and trams are also common and generally cost the same.

Some cities, like Sofia, have a daily transportation pass for 4 BGN per day. A three-day pass is 10 BGN.

Taxi – Taxis are readily available everywhere, with rates starting at 2 BGN, costing an additional 1-2 BGN per kilometer. Always make sure your driver uses the meter so you avoid getting ripped off. Ridesharing like Uber is not available here.

Bus – Bulgaria has lots of private and public minibusses and coaches to get you between the smaller towns and cities. A bus from Sofia to Varna costs around 33 BGN and takes seven hours, while Varna to Plovdiv is 27 BGN and also takes seven hours. A three-hour journey from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo shouldn’t cost more than 30 BGN.

Train – Train travel in Bulgaria is often cheaper than taking the bus, but it’s a lot slower. For example, the same Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo journey costs just 20 BGN but takes a little over four and a half hours by train (instead of three by bus). You can use the Bulgarian State Railways website (bdz.bg) to plan your trip.

Flying – There are limited domestic routes around Bulgaria, making this an inconvenient option for most travelers. That said, flying is affordable here. A one-way trip between Sofia and Varna costs about 160 BGN, while a one-way trip between Sofia and Burgas is about 106 BGN. Unless you’re pressed for time, though, I’d stick to the bus.

Car rental – Car rentals are super affordable here, costing as little as 25 BGN per day. If you have someone to share the ride with, this could be an affordable and flexible way to get around the country. Drivers need to be 21 years old and have an IDP (International Driving Permit).

To find the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Bulgaria

If you want hot weather and lots of time on the Black Sea coast, summer (June-August) is the best time to visit. Temperatures average 29-32°C (84-90°F) and the water is ideal for swimming. These temperatures are fairly consistent across the country, although the mountain regions can be cooler.

Spring and fall weather can change from day to day. Temperatures range between 5-21°C (41-70°F) in the spring and the weather can be quite foggy and cloudy, with not a lot of sunshine. But if you want fewer crowds and lower prices, this is the best time to come.

The fall months (September-October) are best for hiking as the autumn foliage is starting to show. Fall temperatures range from 2-21°C (36-71°F).

Winter can be frigid, with temperatures dropping as low as -5°C (23°F). The snow-capped mountains are beautiful during this time, and many people come here to hit the slopes. If you’re not coming here to ski or do winter sports, however, I’d skip a winter visit.

How to Stay Safe in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a very safe country to visit. Violent crime against visitors is very rare. Scams and petty crime like pick-pocketing are the most common danger you’ll face when you’re traveling the country, but even those are rare.

That said, it’s always a good idea to keep your valuables secure and out of sight when out and about.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

When taking taxis, always make sure the meter is on. A common scam is for taxi drivers to tell you that their meter is broken. Insist that you want a taxi with a working meter or negotiate the cost upfront.

You can read about common travel scams to avoid right here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Bulgaria Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Bulgaria Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Explore Bulgaria on a Budget: Smart Travel Guide

Exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Bulgaria doesn’t have to drain your bank account. So, in this comprehensive guide, we’ll unveil the secrets of traversing this Eastern European gem without compromising on experiences. From budget-friendly accommodation to savoring the local cuisine without breaking the bank, we’ve got you covered. Bulgaria’s unique attractions and affordability make it a gem for travelers seeking memorable experiences without breaking the bank.

Destinations / Bulgaria Jan 2024

Table of Contents

Why Choose Bulgaria for Budget Travel?

Choosing Bulgaria for budget-friendly travel unfolds a tapestry of affordability and unique attractions. Moreover, its cultural richness stands out, offering a backdrop beyond just landscapes. Additionally, the country’s affordability sets it apart from European counterparts, allowing you to immerse in historical sites without budget constraints.

Furthermore, Bulgaria’s appeal lies in diverse attractions – from the majestic Rila Monastery to dynamic city life in Sofia. For budget-conscious travelers, it’s an ideal blend of cultural immersion and affordability. Furthermore, the Bulgarian experience extends beyond tourist destinations, making it an enticing choice for those seeking a unique, affordable, and enriching travel adventure.

Bulgaria’s Travel Charm

Bulgaria, nestled in Eastern Europe, beckons with its rich cultural tapestry and diverse landscapes. Moreover, the affordability of this destination sets the stage for a budget-friendly adventure. Whether you’re a solo traveler or exploring with companions, Bulgaria welcomes all with open arms.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Opting for budget-friendly accommodation in Bulgaria unlocks a realm of possibilities for the savvy traveler. Hostels, often misconstrued as solely for backpackers, transcend that stereotype, serving as gateways to not only affordable stays but vibrant communities. Beyond just a place to rest, hostels foster shared experiences and connections.

Furthermore, delving into budget-friendly hotels reveals strategic locations and pocket-friendly prices. These accommodations strategically position you to enhance your Bulgarian adventure. With affordability at the forefront, so reserving a spot in these hotels ensures comfort without draining your travel budget.

In addition to traditional accommodation, Bulgaria offers unique alternatives, ensuring that your stay is not only economical but also culturally enriching. Whether you opt for the community spirit of hostels or the strategic comfort of budget-friendly hotels, each choice contributes to a memorable Bulgarian experience.

Navigating Bulgaria on a Budget: Transportation Tips

Budget airlines.

Firstly, consider the allure of budget airlines. Connecting the dots economically, these carriers open gateways to Bulgaria’s key destinations. Furthermore, your journey takes off with intelligent flight choices, ensuring a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Wizz Air: A prominent budget airline operating in Bulgaria, connecting major European cities to Sofia and also other Bulgarian destinations economically.

Ryanair: Known for its low-cost flights, Ryanair offers affordable travel options to and from Bulgaria, providing smart flight choices for budget-conscious travelers.

easyJet: Another popular budget airline, easyJet serves as a cost-effective option for connecting various European destinations with Bulgarian cities.

Bulgaria Air: While not a traditional budget airline, Bulgaria Air offers competitive prices and occasionally runs promotions, providing another option for affordable flights to and from Bulgaria.

Blue Air: This Romanian low-cost airline serves several destinations in Europe, as well as connecting flights to and from Bulgaria, catering to budget-conscious travelers.

Air Serbia: Operating flights to Sofia, Air Serbia often provides reasonable fares, making it a potential choice for those seeking budget-friendly travel options.

Cost-Effective Bus Travel

Additionally, explore the realm of cost-effective bus travel. This mode of transportation allows you to traverse Bulgaria affordably while uncovering the convenience and savings of exploring the country by road. Whether you prefer the skies or the open road, Bulgaria offers budget-friendly transportation options to suit your travel preferences.

Union Ivkoni: A well-known bus company in Bulgaria, Union Ivkoni provides extensive bus services, connecting major cities and towns within the country at affordable rates.

Etap-Grup: Operating both domestically and internationally, Etap-Grup offers cost-effective bus travel options, providing a convenient way to explore different corners of Bulgaria.

Biomet: Specializing in international bus services, Biomet connects Bulgaria with neighboring countries, hence, offering budget-friendly travel solutions for those exploring beyond national borders.

Metro Turizm: Offering international and domestic bus services, Metro Turizm provides an extensive network, moreover making it a practical choice for travelers exploring Bulgaria and neighboring countries.

Hemus Express: Known for its national and international routes, Hemus Express provides budget-friendly bus travel, connecting major cities within Bulgaria and also beyond.

Karin Dom: Specializing in routes between Bulgaria and Turkey, Karin Dom offers cost-effective bus services, particularly convenient for those interested in exploring cross-border destinations.

Free and Low-Cost Attractions

Exploring Bulgaria’s cultural and historical wonders doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Uncover the hidden gems and budget-friendly attractions that showcase the rich heritage of this Eastern European destination.

Free Museums

Get yourself in Bulgaria’s rich history without spending a dime. Discover free museums that house a treasure trove of artifacts, also showcasing the country’s cultural heritage. From ancient civilizations to modern history, these museums offer an enriching experience without impacting your budget.

Some Places to Explore

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Sofia’s iconic cathedral, Alexander Nevsky, is a cultural gem, featuring golden domes and also intricate mosaics. With free admission, it stands as a symbol of national pride and artistic brilliance.

Plovdiv Old Town Opening Hours: Always open Plovdiv’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is a treasure trove of Roman ruins and colorful houses. So, stroll through its timeless charm without any entrance fees, exploring Bulgaria’s rich history.

Rila Monastery Courtyard Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM While the museum may have a fee, Rila Monastery’s courtyard is free to wander. Marvel at the architecture and frescoes in this spiritual haven surrounded by the Rila Mountains.

National Palace of Culture (NDK) Gardens Opening Hours: Always open Adjacent to NDK, these gardens offer a tranquil space with sculptures and fountains, open to everyone at any time. It’s a serene extension of the cultural hub.

Banya Bashi Mosque Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Sofia’s Banya Bashi Mosque, with no entrance fee, showcases stunning Ottoman architecture. Visitors can appreciate its beauty and peaceful ambiance during opening hours.

Ivan Vazov National Theater Square Opening Hours: Always open The square in front of Ivan Vazov National Theater is a free, open-air space for cultural events as well as gatherings. Enjoy the architecture and vibrant atmosphere without any cost.

Tsarevets Fortress Opening Hours: Always open Veliko Tarnovo’s Tsarevets Fortress invites exploration within its ancient walls, offering a captivating journey through Bulgaria’s medieval history at no cost.

Rousse Central Square Opening Hours: Always open Rousse’s central square is a free attraction, capturing the city’s cultural essence with elegant architecture and a charming ambiance.

Budget-Friendly Parks and Landmarks

Explore Bulgaria’s natural beauty through budget-friendly parks and landmarks. Whether it’s the lush greenery of parks or the historical significance of landmarks, each site provides a visual feast without breaking the bank. Revel in the charm of Bulgaria’s landscapes without compromising your budget.

Sofia City Garden Opening Hours: Always open Sofia City Garden offers a serene escape in the heart of the city. This open green space, available at all hours, is adorned with pathways and sculptures, providing a peaceful retreat.

Rila Monastery Forest Walk Opening Hours: Always open Beyond the courtyard, Rila Monastery offers a free forest walk. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the serene surroundings, extending the monastery experience into the lush outdoors.

Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Gardens Opening Hours: Always open The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Gardens is a free haven in central Sofia, featuring diverse flora and sculptures. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

Borisova Gradina Park Opening Hours: Always open Sofia’s largest park, Borisova Gradina, is a free urban retreat with walking paths and lakes. Hence, it provides a refreshing green space for residents and visitors alike.

Vitosha Mountain National Park Opening Hours: Always open Embrace nature in Vitosha Mountain National Park, offering free access to hiking trails and panoramic views of Sofia. It’s a rejuvenating escape just a short distance from the city.

Pobiti Kamani (The Stone Forest) Opening Hours: Always open Pobiti Kamani, or the Stone Forest, is a natural wonder near Varna. Explore these unique stone columns in a surreal landscape without any entrance fees.

Slaveykov Square, Sofia Opening Hours: Always open Named after a renowned literary family, Slaveykov Square hosts an open-air book market amidst historical buildings, offering a literary atmosphere without any charge.

Outdoor Adventures on a Budget

Budget-friendly hiking trails.

Firstly, venture into nature’s playground with budget-friendly hiking trails. Bulgaria boasts a plethora of scenic routes that cater to various fitness levels. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a casual stroller, these trails offer breathtaking landscapes without the hefty price tag. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Bulgaria’s outdoors while staying within your budget.

Vitosha Mountain Hike On budget-friendly hiking adventures on Vitosha Mountain. Furthermore, with trails catering to all fitness levels, it’s a scenic playground for nature lovers. Get yourself in Bulgaria’s natural beauty without straining your wallet.

Seven Rila Lakes Trek Explore the stunning Seven Rila Lakes on a budget-friendly trek. Marvel at the pristine alpine lakes surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, offering a memorable outdoor experience without excessive costs.

Pirin National Park Exploration Delve into Pirin National Park’s diverse trails, providing budget-friendly options for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover the park’s rich biodiversity and also captivating scenery without compromising your financial plans.

Golden Sands Nature Park Walk Take a budget-friendly stroll through Golden Sands Nature Park. Enjoy the coastal charm and diverse flora of this park, providing a serene outdoor experience without the need for significant expenditures.

Rhodope Mountains Day Hike Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Opt for an affordable day hike in the Rhodope Mountains. Enjoy the lush landscapes and charming villages as you traverse scenic paths, making outdoor exploration accessible to budget-conscious travelers.

Bulgarian Black Sea Coast Escape Experience sun, sand, and savings on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. Choose budget-friendly coastal towns for a seaside escape, where you can revel in the beauty of the sea without exceeding your travel budget.

Some Other Activities in the Nature

Pamporovo Mountain Biking Engage in budget-friendly mountain biking adventures in Pamporovo. Explore the Rhodope Mountains on two wheels, discovering scenic routes that cater to different skill levels without straining your pocket.

Ropotamo Nature Reserve Canoeing Delight in budget-friendly canoeing at Ropotamo Nature Reserve. Navigate the scenic Ropotamo River, surrounded by lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, offering an affordable water adventure in Bulgaria.

Central Balkan National Park Backpacking Opt for budget-friendly backpacking in Central Balkan National Park. Traverse its varied landscapes, from dense forests to mountain peaks, on trails that provide an immersive outdoor experience without extravagant costs.

Iskar Gorge Rock Climbing Experience budget-friendly rock climbing in the Iskar Gorge. With its rugged cliffs and diverse climbing routes, it offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure for climbing enthusiasts without a hefty price tag.

Madzharovo Birdwatching Engage in budget-friendly birdwatching in Madzharovo. Explore the Eastern Rhodopes, known for diverse bird species, making it an affordable and enriching outdoor activity for nature and bird enthusiasts.

Affordable Beach Destinations: Sun, Sand, and Savings

Additionally, bask in the sun on Bulgaria’s affordable beaches. The country’s coastline is adorned with sandy stretches that offer a perfect seaside escape without burning a hole in your pocket. Revel in the sun, sea, and savings as you explore Bulgaria’s coastal beauty on a budget.

Bulgarian Cuisine Without Breaking the Bank

Adventure through Bulgaria’s diverse gastronomy proves that indulging in local flavors doesn’t have to dent your wallet. Discovering the rich tapestry of Bulgarian cuisine on a budget is not only possible but immensely rewarding.

Street Food: A Culinary Adventure on a Budget

Firstly, immerse yourself in the vibrant street food culture. Wander through bustling markets and vibrant streets, where local vendors offer an array of delicious and budget-friendly treats. From banitsa to kavarma, each bite tells a tale of Bulgarian tradition without straining your finances.

Budget-Friendly Local Eateries: Where Authenticity Meets Affordability

Furthermore, venture into local eateries that seamlessly blend authenticity with affordability. These hidden gems serve up traditional Bulgarian dishes without the touristy price tag. Engage in a culinary journey where the warmth of local hospitality meets your budget constraints.

Tips for Planning a Budget-Friendly Trip

A budget-friendly journey through Bulgaria requires strategic planning. Equip yourself with these tips to ensure a fulfilling experience without breaking the bank.

Firstly, build the foundation of your smart travel adventure by creating a realistic budget. Consider all aspects, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities. By setting clear financial boundaries, you ensure that your Bulgarian exploration remains within budget while still allowing room for memorable experiences.

Additionally, unlock the secrets of maximizing savings through careful planning. Research and plan your itinerary to include budget-friendly attractions and activities. Utilize online resources to discover discounts and promotions, ensuring that every leva is spent wisely. A strategic approach to planning allows you to enjoy Bulgaria’s offerings without unnecessary expenses.

Personal Experiences: Traveling Bulgaria on a Budget

Dive into the real-life stories of budget travelers who have explored Bulgaria, sharing invaluable lessons and tips for a wallet-friendly journey.

Real-Life Stories of Budget Travelers

Firstly, immerse yourself in the personal experiences of budget travelers who’ve navigated Bulgaria’s wonders. From unexpected discoveries to unique challenges, these stories provide insights into crafting an enriching yet budget-conscious journey. Learn from the firsthand encounters of fellow explorers who have embraced Bulgaria’s charm without compromising on experiences. Check some personal blogs or YouTube videos for personal experiences.

Navigating Language Barriers on a Budget

Enhancing your Bulgaria travel experience involves overcoming language barriers. Explore basic Bulgarian phrases and communication tips for a seamless and immersive journey.

Basic Bulgarian Phrases for Travelers

Firstly, break the language barrier with essential Bulgarian phrases tailored for travelers. Learn greetings, expressions of gratitude, and common inquiries to connect with locals. Speaking a bit of the local language not only facilitates communication but also fosters a deeper cultural connection, enriching your overall experience in Bulgaria.

Communication Tips for a Seamless Experience

Additionally, navigate beyond language with communication tips for a seamless travel experience. Understand local customs, gestures, and non-verbal cues to enhance your interactions. Embrace the cultural nuances of Bulgaria, ensuring that your journey goes beyond words and becomes a truly immersive adventure.

Staying Safe While Traveling on a Budget

Prioritize your well-being while exploring Bulgaria on a budget with safety considerations and practical tips to avoid common pitfalls.

Safety Considerations for Budget Travelers

Firstly, prioritize your safety with considerations tailored for budget travelers. Understand the local emergency services, familiarize yourself with safe neighborhoods, and stay informed about potential risks. Ensuring your well-being is paramount, allowing you to explore Bulgaria with peace of mind.

Tips for Avoiding Common Pitfalls: A Guide to Smart Travel

Additionally, guide yourself to smart travel by avoiding common pitfalls. Learn from the experiences of others who have navigated Bulgaria on a budget, gaining insights into potential challenges and how to overcome them. Whether it’s about safeguarding your belongings or choosing safe transportation options, these tips contribute to a smooth and secure journey.

Emergency Services:

• Medical Emergency: Dial 112 for immediate medical assistance.
• Police: Dial 112 for emergency police services.
• Fire Department: Dial 112 for fire-related emergencies.
• Tourist Police: For non-emergency assistance, you can contact the Tourist Police at +359 2 982 2222.

Bulgaria on a budget ?

Bulgaria on a budget is not just a possibility; it’s a rewarding adventure waiting to unfold. Embrace affordability without compromising on the richness of experiences. From exploring cultural wonders to savoring local delicacies, navigating the landscapes to engaging with the community, Bulgaria offers a tapestry of memorable moments within budget constraints. The allure of this Eastern European gem lies not only in its affordability but also in the diversity of attractions that cater to every budget-conscious traveler.

Therefore, on your budget-friendly journey through Bulgaria, remember that smart travel involves a balance of cost-effective choices and enriching experiences. By following the tips, stories, and insights shared in this guide, you’re equipped to explore Bulgaria on a budget while creating lasting memories.

FAQs about Bulgaria on a budget

Q: Is Bulgaria a safe destination for budget travelers? A: Absolutely! Bulgaria is known for its safety, and budget travelers can explore with peace of mind.

Q: Are hostels suitable for all types of travelers? A: Yes, hostels cater to a diverse range of travelers, offering budget-friendly stays and vibrant communities.

Q: What are the must-try dishes in Bulgarian street food? A: Don’t miss out on Banitsa, Kebapche, and Shopska Salad for an authentic Bulgarian street food experience.

Q: How can I find the best deals on transportation within Bulgaria? A: Look out for budget airlines and explore bus options for cost-effective and convenient travel within the country.

Q: Are English speakers common in Bulgaria? A: While not as prevalent as in some other countries, many Bulgarians, especially in tourist areas, understand and speak English.

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A Slow Travel Guide to Bulgaria: 8 Charming Experiences

With low European prices, quirky hostels, charming towns and ample nature, turn down the tempo with these 8 ideas to experience slow travel in Bulgaria.

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Gliding over the golden rooftops of central Sofia, I stared out of the plane window and pondered on this next step of my travels. As I’d quit my job in London a few months earlier, I landed in Bulgaria without plans or a return ticket. The main purpose of my trip was to visit a friend and I arrived in a quiet Sofia at the cusp of the spring season.

Landing in Bulgaria (and Eastern Europe) for the first time, I was both excited and sceptical. With the occasional report of racism in Bulgarian football and the wider media, I’d imagined some funny looks and snowy scenes in a potentially more hostile country.

Also read: Darkness, Discovery & Divine Timing

But over the course of my travels this year, partly solo, partly with friends, partly volunteering abroad on projects with Workaway and Worldpackers . Those preconceived notions of Eastern Europe changed (drastically). So much so that I ended up extending my trip to slow travel in Bulgaria for 2.5 months this year. I fell in love not just with Bulgaria’s ancient monasteries and stadiums, but with the luscious hiking trails, unique local dishes, traditional dress, quaint book shops, and most importantly, the warm hospitality of the Bulgarian locals. From the Black Sea to the majestic mountains, Bulgaria became the cornerstone of my European travels this year.  

A few people have asked about my visit to Bulgaria and my recommendations for places to visit. So here we are, my travel highlights from this beautiful country and my recommendations to inspire you to slow travel in Bulgaria.

Slow Travel Bulgaria: A Brief on Culture and History

Nudged between Romania, Greece and the Black sea, Bulgaria is a charming and geographically small country, known as the “big brother” of the Balkan region. Perhaps, due to its reign as the oldest nation in Europe, Bulgaria has kept its name since 681 when the country was first established. From there, this small country’s history blends a concoction of Roman and Greek empires. Plus, an emergence in 1908, after nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule.

Bulgaria boasts a mix of Western and Eastern cultures. Evident in the country’s cuisine, architecture and locals who carry tradition in their language and fashion. No doubt, you may feel challenged at points with menus in the Cyrillic alphabet. Be prepared to use Google Translate and soak up Bulgarian culture in country that protects its language against Western infiltration.

Slow travel in Bulgaria means immersing yourself in the local culture and enjoying the simple things in life. It is about taking time to engage local people, getting outdoors and exploring without a fixed plan. It’s about having fun while volunteering on a local project or snorkelling on the black sea. There are many ways to slow down your pace of life and let yourself enjoy Bulgaria at its best.

Slow Travel Bulgaria: How to get there and how long to stay?

For those without an EU passport (UK citizens now included) Bulgaria is a perfect crossroads country as it is outside of the Schengen zone. Long-term travellers can enjoy 90 days of visa-free stay and it’s easy to reach Bulgaria by bus & train routes from Croatia, Turkey, Romania and Germany.

Train connections between Bulgaria and Europe are shown on this map by Seat61.

Additionally, I used FlixBus multiple times during my 6 months of backpacking in Europe this year. A reliable coach company offering comfortable coach journeys across Europe. Below you can see how well-connected Sofia is to Western Europe and to the East towards Turkey and Asia!

Bulgaria is a great place to travel slow. By taking your time you’ll discover lush hiking trails, lively local cuisine and more than 700 mineral hot springs. For all this, I would suggest at least 3 weeks in Bulgaria to really get a feel for this country. From cultural Plovdiv to historic Veliko Tarnovo and bustling Sofia, discover this generous slow travel destination, comparatively untouched by tourism.

To this day, when asked, “is Bulgaria worth visiting? “

I’d answer “100% yes” every time.

1. Slowly wander the streets of Bulgaria’s Capital- Sofia

It wasn’t long before I realised what my best friend meant when she’d described Sofia as a “slow, sleepy city”. Immediately, my senses widened as I strolled along the calm and pretty Vitosha Boulevard. A wide 2.7km pedestrian street that runs through Sofia’s historic centre.

A scenic stroll will lead you through this capital’s rich cultural history, beautiful architecture and abundance of food options. I think the best way to discover Sofia is on foot or by electronic scooter or via the efficient (and very low-cost) metro service for further distances.

Beyond the Ladies’ street market and blue & yellow tulip gardens. You might find the great St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral in the Serdika neighbourhood- reigning as Sofia’s most iconic landmark. In addition to golden and green rooftops, the towers are adorned with mosaic ceilings. Further, discover Saint Nikolas Russian Church and the Rotunda Church of St George- The oldest building in Sofia.

Nearby, there are plenty of open green spaces and street performers along the boulevard. Plus, a number of enticing restaurants, and great shopping opportunities. Floating around this city is a delight for food, art and book lovers like me. Float around the streets and enjoy quaint reading cafes or join a local food tour to sample Bulgarian cuisine.

Also read: A photojournal of Venice & Burano

2. Retreat to one of Bulgaria’s 700 Mineral Hotsprings

Unlike Budapest, Bulgaria does not boast about its impressive 700+ mineral springs across the country (no shade Hungary). As such, most tourists do not know such places exist and they remain affordable, and mainly catered to locals. It is known that the mineral springs have been around since Roman times and were used for therapeutic and healing purposes.

Enjoy steaming hot bathtubs and ice-cold plunge pools for an affordable price. Try to visit Bulgaria’s hot springs on a weekday to avoid crowds. I recommend the Kotvata Mineral Spa Centre costing only 20levs (£8ish). It’s accessible with a one-hour drive or 2-hour bus for the more budget/adventurous traveller. Conveniently, this bus runs from the Central bus station in Sofia to Dupnitsa every 60 minutes. And from the city of Dupnitsa, you can take a direct public bus to Sapareva Banya every 30 minutes.

Enjoy jacuzzis, and whirlpools, plus food, drinks and herbal teas in the remote and beautiful scenery of the geothermal springs. Plus a great number of RnB and reggae tracks played while we enjoyed a drink on the sunbeds.

Tip: I made the mistake of wearing silver to the hot springs. The waters are filled with sulphur and other minerals, so remove all jewellery to avoid bronzing !

3. Visit the Old Medieval Capital of Europe’s Oldest Country

Top of my slow travel Bulgaria list has to be exploring the Medieval capital of Veliko Tarnovo. A green and mountainous town where an array of restaurants line cobbled streets and medieval architecture. I jumped for joy as the sun shone brightly over the surrounding hills of this Northern Bulgarian town.

Also known as the ‘City of the Tsars’ (or kings), derived from the grand Tsaravets Fortress in the centre of Veliko Tarnovo. The tower is shouldered by the Yantra river (the largest in Northern Bulgaria) and sits among acres of green hills and traditional townhouses.

The fortress costs 10 levs to enter. Purchase tickets from the office outside of the main fortress gate or online !

Top suggestions for Veliko Tarnovo- My Favourite Place in Bulgaria

Firstly, soak up the beauty with a coffee (particularly the cappuccino) and breakfast/lunch at Rich’s restaurant. An affordable and local family restaurant with stunning views. Also, spend some time wandering up to the Tsaravets fortress and enjoy a tasteful lunch at one of the local restaurants in the traditional homes located on Gurko Street. Be sure to venture along one of the hiking routes towards ‘the swing of love’ located in the Garga Bair area- there’s a very good blog on reaching the swing here. Otherwise enjoy a drink and a meal at a local restaurant in the centre of Veliko Tarnovo. Finally, the ‘Hippie bar’ in the centre of town runs exciting events. I enjoyed a random jazz festival on the streets!

4. Experience Food and Street Art in the Culture Capital of Plovdiv

Oh wonderful Plovdiv, I miss you.

I mean, Plovdiv and I did not get off to a great start. When we missed our turn and pulled onto a highway, my friend and I were stopped by the police as we arrived… Hmmm.

Why? I don’t know…

Luckily, we left unscathed and headed to the historical centre where we discovered Plovdiv’s cobbled quiet streets occupied with quaint restaurants and vibrant artwork. Immediately, I could see why Plovdiv had been named the European Capital of Culture in 2019. Leisurely locals cross paths in small squares and parks. There are street food stands, ancient stadiums and artsy old towns, plus 7 stunning hilltops surrounding the city that make for a great walk.

An easy day trip from Sofia, but I recommend staying at least 3 days in a city whose history dates back to Roman times. Additionally, Plovdiv claims to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, with evidence of settlements dating back to 6000 BC!

You can enter picturesque old wooden merchant houses and see the roman theatre that is still in use almost 2000 years after its construction! The hidden charm of Bulgaria is clear when you consider this theatre was not discovered until 1970 following a landslide!

Plovdiv also exhibits some wonderful street art.

The photos do the talking, on every corner of this pretty city you will find magnificent murals to admire.

See also: The Crazy Tourist has a great article on the 15 Best Things to Do in Plovdiv

5. Experience Rural Bulgarian life Volunteering on Local Projects

If you’re really travelling slowly, Workaway and Worldpackers are helpful volunteering platforms with a number of volunteering opportunities in Bulgaria. I landed, by pure serendipity, in the arms of Veliko Tarnovo’s environmental projects. By chance, 2 volunteering positions messaged me about helping them with their permaculture initiatives within days of each other.

It was not in my plans to visit, but I could not ignore these 2 coincidental signs!

Some early mornings, I started tending to the soil. Still exhausted and wanting to go back to bed, I watched older local women (commonly named ‘babas’) spend hours of their day taking care of their vegetable patches and watering plants.

For hours this went on, and the babas left a fascinating impression of patience and dedication on me. I loved how they showed an appreciation for the ground and a lifestyle of living harmoniously with nature. Their local attitude to fruit and vegetables adds to the quality of the food, which is definitely enhanced by the climate. I had no idea a tomato could taste so good.

How to find volunteering projects: Check out Workaway and Worldpackers to travel without paying for accommodation! Volunteer and take part in exciting projects. My Worldpackers link currently gives a $10 discount and an extra 3 months if you purchase an annual membership before 31st December . That’s 15 months of accommodation-free travel!

6. Indulge at a Local Taverna and Taste some Rakia

The food in Bulgaria is truly ‘East-Meets-West’ and the locals add a lot of cheese and yoghurt to their cooking. During my trip, I couldn’t help but draw similarities between India and Bulgaria. Perhaps related to the longstanding relationship between the two countries, with traces of evidence going back as early as the 8th Century AD!

Not only did I come across Indian-style toilets and old ladies wobbling their heads in that soft gentle manner. Bulgaria has a number of dishes I found similar in seasoning to Indian flavours. I particularly enjoyed the popular local dish named Kavarma. A marinated and slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew that can be mild or spicy. Often served with white rice or hot pepper and a shopska salad.

There are also some wacky dishes like ‘Shkember chorba’ also known as ‘Tripe soup’. According to my Bulgarian friends, it is the best hangover cure (not for me!). A kind of soup made of cow stomach cooked with butter, garlic and boiled with milk. Other well-known dishes include Tarator, Shopska salad and Banista- a baked phyllo pastry commonly served with cheese and other sweet or savoury fillings.

Ensure to try Bulgaria’s national drink, the intensely strong rakia. I coughed tasting a drink that is somewhere between vodka and tequila. Bulgarians will commonly use the proverb: “A psychotherapist can help you but rakia is cheaper”.

Also read: I’ve Been Locked Down in India for 9 Months of the Pandemic

7. Go to a festival and enjoy the hospitality of friendly locals.

The culture of any country’s tradition and heritage is best reflected through its locals and festivals. Bulgaria is a country of festivals, and its culture and traditions rejoice with colourful art and folklore festivals throughout the year.

Check out this list of 14 Bulgarian Festivals to check out by Chasing the Donkey.

The Rose Valley of Kazanlak in Bulgaria’s central region stretches for 87 miles and is a year-round destination. But, on the first Sunday of June each year, you can enjoy Bulgarian folklore dancing, traditional crafts and photography in the rose fields.

It seems there are always friendly locals to meet around and about, or at a traditional taverna. One day, I was simply walking through a small village in the middle of nowhere when a number of elder women came out of a church. A smile and a hug later, one woman handed me a brown bag. Inside was a packed lunch!

Also read: Slow Travel Greece: 8 Reasons I fell in love with Crete

8. Explore Diverse Nature with Hiking and Outdoor Sports.

Bulgaria is a hotspot for diversity in Europe and the nation’s hiking trails are plentiful. It’s no surprise, given that 1/3 of the country’s territory is covered by forests. Bulgaria has a majorly mountainous landscape with almost 1400 protected natural areas. There are plenty of adventures to be had in Bulgaria, from skiing to horseriding, of course, hiking and even scuba diving in the Black Sea.

Hiking, in my opinion, is the best way to explore a country and save money. Besides the major attractions in Bulgaria like the Rila monastery and Vitosha mountain, there is an abundance of short and sweet walking routes exist across the country. While volunteering in Veliko Tarnovo, I spent delightful mornings strolling through small green villages and reading under oak trees.

A jump on the metro from central Sofia will take you to Vitosha where you can take a bus to hike or ski (depending on the season) up, down and around the trails of Vitosha mountain.

Beyond, you can hike to the Rila Monastery, a grand and magical UNESCO World Heritage where nature meets religion. Entry is free, and if you get there early, you spend the rest of the day exploring the stunning and calm 7 Rila Lakes.

Also read: Triund Trek: A two-day hike to Triund and the Snowline

Slow Travel Bulgaria- In summary:

In many ways, Bulgaria is a crossroads country, a meeting place where East, West, North and South meet. As one of the oldest countries in Europe, Bulgaria is also one of the oldest inhabited countries in the world.

As always, I will recommend volunteering in the countries you visit to get the most out of your travels. My journey to Bulgaria was truly enhanced by the connections I made and the projects I took part in. That’s why I recommend Workaway and Worldpackers to experience travel without paying for accommodation. More than anything, the skills you learn and the connections you make are what make our slow travel experiences so memorable.

Travellers who stroll off the beaten path of Europe will discover just how much Bulgaria has to offer its visitors. Despite being the cheapest destination in Europe, it remains relatively unknown to most holidaymakers and tourists on the backpacking trail.

3 thoughts on “A Slow Travel Guide to Bulgaria: 8 Charming Experiences”

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A wonderful summary that does Bulgaria justice – thank you for reminding me of the beauty of this country 🙂

Anytime :)!

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• Bulgaria Travel Tips

Why Bulgaria? Bulgaria is a country in southeastern Europe. While it may not be as well-known as a tourist destination, there is plenty to do and see.

With its beaches, mountain huts, hearty food, historical monasteries, beautiful cathedrals, and Roman ruins, Bulgaria has a lot to offer.

This Bulgaria travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

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• Places to Visit in Bulgaria

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Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Bulgaria

• Power voltage is 230V at 50 Hz.
• The official currency is the Bulgarian lev and 1 lev is equal to 0.57 USD.
• The best way to get around is by car.
• To enter, you will need a U.S. passport valid for three months after entry.
• You do not need a visa if your stay is under 90 days.
• Vivacom, M-Tel, and Telenor are the most popular mobile providers. A prepaid SIM card can be purchased through either of them.
• The sales tax rate is 20%, with a reduced rate of 9% for hotel services.

Things to See and Do in Bulgaria

• Come explore the largest public park in Bulgaria .  Located in Varna, the park includes beautiful gardens, a zoo with tigers, kangaroos and bears, and an aquarium.
• National Historical Museum:  Come see the largest museum in Bulgaria. Featuring a vast collection of 650,000 historical items, there is plenty to see and learn here about Bulgarian history.
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral:  One of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, come explore this majestic cathedral in Sofia.Dating back to 1912 and reaching heights of 148 feet, this cathedral holds numerous mosaics, murals, and royal thrones, as well as an Orthodox museum.
• Come see these Roman ruins. Built in the 2nd century AD, these ancient thermal baths were how the Romans once bathed.The third largest Roman ruins complex in Europe, the roman baths are a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Bulgaria Travel Guides

• 10 Places to Visit in Bulgaria This Year

Accommodation

Budget  – You can find prices for a hostel for about 18-22 leva. Enjoy dorm-styled or private rooms, free breakfast, storage lockers, and great locations in the city.

Mid Rang e – For mid-range hotels, expect to pay between 60-80 leva per night. Stay in private rooms, workout at the fitness center, dine at the hotel restaurant and bar, and swim in the pool (indoor or outdoor).

High End  – Upscale hotels will range from 150-300 leva per night. Take in the best with top-of-the-line service, polished guest rooms with minibars and refrigerators, room service, multiple restaurants and a nightclub, babysitting services, outdoor pools with a pool bar, and more.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com ,  Tripadvisor  and VRBO   for the best deals on accommodation in Australia

Food : The cuisine of Bulgaria favors vegetables, dairy, meat like pork or chicken, seafood, and spices as staples. Shopska salad (tomato and cucumber salad with Bulgarian feta cheese) and tarator (cold yogurt soup) are popular dishes.

If you’re out for breakfast or want a treat, try a banitsa, a pastry with cheese and yogurt. Expect to pay around 10-20 leva per meal for an average restaurant or 30-50 leva for high-quality restaurants.

The Best Ways to Get Around Bulgaria

Getting to bulgaria:.

Getting to Bulgario:  The Sofia International Airport is the main airport and is just 6 miles from the center of Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. Other major cities like Varna and Plovdiv also have their own airport, though only Varna takes flights from the US.

Flights:   You can check for the best flights on   Skyscanner

Transportation:

Train:  Trains, especially overnight trains, are a good way to get a more scenic view of Bulgaria.There are three types of trains express (ekspresen), fast (barz) and slow (patnicheski). Go from the capital Sofia to Varna in 7.5 hours for 25-30 leva.

Buses : Buses are a cheap way to get around and can be found throughout major cities and towns. Fares start at about 1 lev.

Metro:  Sofia has its own metro that travels throughout the city, with speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Prices start at 1.60 leva. The metro operates from 5 AM to midnight, with new trains arriving every 7-14 minutes.

Taxis / Uber  : Taxis are an alternative way to get around. Most taxis have meters, though rates will vary. You can find taxis with a starting fee of 0.70-0.80 lev and a meter of 0.70 lev per kilometer traveled. Take a taxi from the airport to the city center of Sofia, for example, for about 15 leva.

Car Rental:  To rent a car, you need to be at least 21 years old and have a U.S. license as well as an International Driver’s Permit. Prices average around 60 leva per day. 

You can also compare  prices here

When to go To Bulgaria

The best time to visit is right before or after the summer (April-May or September-October).

In these months, you can find lower prices while still having pleasant weather (about 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit for spring, 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit for autumn) for outdoor activities.

If you are going to Bulgaria to ski, then December-February is the best time, though note that some of the smaller towns will be shut down during this time.

Where to Stay in Bulgaria

Les Fleurs Boutique Hotel :  Stay in this trendy four-star hotel in the capital of Sofia. Attractions like the National Palace of Culture and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are both just a short trip away. Once you’re done exploring, come back to relaxed rooms with minibars and flat screen TVs, complimentary breakfast, and the hotel’s restaurant.

Ramada Plovdiv Trimontium :  Stay in the heart of Plovdiv at this great four-star hotel. Great attractions like the Plovdiv Roman Theater and the ruins of Nebet Tepe are just a 15-minute walk away. The hotel comes with free breakfast and Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a casino.

Grand Hotel Varna :  Be right by the Bulgarian Black Sea at this all-inclusive 5-star hotel in Varna. Stay in great rooms with balconies and sea views, head to the gym, swim in the outdoor pool, relax on the private beach, and dine at one of the 3 restaurants. Nearby attractions include the Sea Garden, the Aladzha Monastery, and Evxinograd, the 19 th -century palace.

What to Pack for Bulgaria

• Power Adapter:  As the voltage is higher than the US, a power adapter will ensure all of your electronics can be charged properly.
• Walking Shoes:  Keep your feet comfortable with a sturdy pair of walking shoes.
• Modest Clothing:  If your trip itinerary includes going to monasteries, make sure to bring clothes that cover your knees and elbows

See our packing tips:  packing tips

Bulgaria Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Bulgaria Travel Guide: Related Articles

Inspiring you to travel and live adventurously

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Sofia, Bulgaria on a Budget 2023: Free Itinerary & Travel Guide

Is Sofia an ideal destination for solo female travel?

I felt very safe, even in the evenings, travelling around Sofia alone.

As I was visiting in shoulder season, the weather was perfect, and it was peaceful and quite as there were no crowds.

Unfortunately, due to weather conditions, I was unable to knock off an item off my bucketlist – the 7 Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery Day Trip from Sofia  in Rila National Park.

What's Covered in This Article

Understanding Sofia

The capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria, Sofia lies in the west of the country, at the foot of Vitosha Mountain.

Dating as far back as to the 10th century, the city’s landmarks reflect centuries of history, a mix of Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Soviet occupations.

Sofia is still one of those hidden gems in Europe.

Here are additional facts about Sofia:

• Language : The official language in Sofia is  Bulgarian . English isn’t widely spoken, but most hotel and hostel owners speak basic English to get by.
• Currency : Bulgarian lev  (lv). 1.96 lv is equivalent to roughly USD 1.18, EUR 1, (as of July 2018). Generally, exchange bureaus do not charge a commission to change money. Exchange rates at the airports, railway stations and hotels, however, are bad. Banks typically charge a commission of around 10%. Your best bet therefore is to just withdraw enough cash to get your to your hotel from one of the many ATM machines inside the terminal. Bank offices and ATM’s are everywhere and
• Modes of payment : Cash. Although credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Sofia and Bulgaria in general, smaller establishments restaurants, hostels and hotels prefer cash.
• Safety : Sofia is generally safe and tourist-friendly. But just like in any other major city, remain vigilant at all times.
• Electricity Info : In Sofia Bulgaria the  power sockets  are of type F. The standard  voltage  is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Best Time to Visit Sofia

April, June to November . These are the driest months. November to March is the coolest period, perfect for winter sports.

Temperatures begin to rise in mid-May, lasting until October.

July is the sunniest and hottest month in Sofia, Bulgaria. May-August is the wettest period, coupled with rising temperatures.

Expect snow falls from November to March.

May is the best time to visit Sofia. But expect crowds.

The best time to avoid the crowds in  Sofia, Bulgaria  is August. June is the most crowded period.

For those on a budget, the cheapest time to visit  Sofia, Bulgaria  is September.

How to Get to Sofia

Sofia Airport is the main international airport of Bulgaria located 10 km east of Sofia city center.

Most flights operating here come from or go to Europe. However, during high season, some airlines mount flights from the Middle East.

What is the best way to get to Sofia from Bucharest?

Before settling on the the best way to travel from Bucharest, Romania to Sofia, Bulgaria .

I turned to my best travel companion Google for advise.

I searched  Bucharest to Sofia overnight bus/train  and Bucharest to Sofia/Burgas (Bus or train)  and was quite disappointed to find barely any quality information.

There are three ways to reach Sofia from Bucharest: by air, by bus, or by train.

• By Air . Low-cost airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air offer the cheapest Bucharest-Sofia flights. Fares  range from as little as for only around RON 269 (€58), excluding meals, baggage fees, and other fees. On the regular carriers, the flight from Bucharest to Sofia cost about €100 inclusive of meals, baggage fees, and other fees. Travel time by air: 1.5 hours (direct flights) to 6 h (for flights with stopovers).
• By Train . There are no overnight trains from Bucharest to Sofia. There is however one train which departs from Bucharest at 12:45 pm, and arrives in Sofia at 22:30 pm. Evidently, the journey by train from Bucharest to Sofia is rather long – about 10 hours. The train moves incredibly slowly for a huge portion of the journey as the train lines this train uses aren’t fully updated. Furthermore, the main railway between Bucharest and the border is closed so it takes a longer alternative route. It also takes quite some time to change locomotives. On arrival on the Romanian side of the border, the train stop for about 30 mins for passport control before crossing into Ruse border town, in Bulgaria. Here, the train stops in the railway station for a further one hour.
• By Bus . The best way to get to Sofia from Bucharest is by bus. They have the best schedules and are cheaper. There are 4 bus departures from Bucharest to Sofia:- at 06:30 and 16:00 with ETAP (  http://www.etapgroup.com/?lang=_en  )- at 13:00 and 22:30 with Trans 6 (  https://www.busexpress.bg/en/  )And the trip takes about 7.5 hours.

When I visited Sofia, Bulgaria in April, I opted to take a bus there from Bucharest, Romania rather than flying or the train.

The choice was easy for me, because I ended up saving close to €70.

As well as saving myself airport pre-departure shenanigans. And nearly 3 extra hours had I gone to Sofia from Bucharest by train.

As I wanted to use part of my travel day from Bucharest to Sofia to tour Sofia, I took the 6:30 am bus with ETAP from Filaret bus station.

How to buy bus ticket for Bucharest to Sofia Bus

You can buy a ticket online for your Bucharest to Sofia bus from  http://www.etapgroup.com/?lang=_en   or (  https://www.busexpress.bg/en/  ).

A heads up, the websites are in Bulgarian, so use Google translate to translate it to English or your preferred language.

Use the ticket number you receive to claim a physical ticket in Bucharest from the Filaret bus station.

Getting to Filaret bus station from Piata Unirii

I was unsuccessful in buying a bus ticket online using my visa card. I am not sure if this is a problem across the board but you can give it a try.

I resorted to buying one physically from the Filaret bus station.

The ticket via the Etap bus company cost me 121 Romanian Leu (around €26).

Something to note, neither the ticket vendors at the counters nor the bus driver spoke any English at all.

To get from Piata Unirii to Filaret bus station, I caught tram #7 from the tramway terminal in  Unirii square  and got off after four stops.

Filaret was just round the corner.

Drivers do not take cash on the tram, so make sure to buy your tickets from inside the stations at a RATB kiosk. There are similar ticket booths typically near any bus, tram, or metro station throughout the city; and within walking range of your hotel . There is a RATB kiost at the bus stop above Tineretului metro station.

Ubers are also available if that’s your preference.

Next day, as my bus was leaving pretty early, I took an Uber from my hotel  to the station.

As soon as the driver had confirmed my ticket, he ushered me in and gestured that I could sit anywhere on the bus.

I picked a seat by the window, and buried my eyes into a book I was determined to finish by the end of the journey.

There was just about 4 of us in the entire bus.

As soon as all passengers were on board,  the driver addressed us, his passengers, in Romanian. I didn’t understand a thing. But I guess he was admonishing us to watch our belonging and to have a safe trip.

At exactly 6:30 am, the bus left as per schedule.

After about an hour or so, we arrived at Ruse, the border point.

While we remained in the bus, the driver took our passports to the immigration offices for stamping. He was back in about 25 minutes.

Thereafter, the bus went into Ruse town and picked up some more passengers.

The rest of the 5+ hour journey went pretty smooth with nothing uneventful. After a couple hours, I got tired of reading and spent the remaining time looking out blankly at the lush green shifting Romanian countryside scenery zooming past.

The bus made two scheduled stops along the way to pick up passengers and one other one for bathroom break.

We arrived Sofia Central Bus station at about 13:25 pm. While in Sofia I chose to stay at Alegra Hostel.  Though Alegra Hostel one of those hotels close to the Sofia bus terminus (just 5 minutes), my host was kind enough to come and meet me.

Bucharest to Soifa by Bus FAQs

• What are the buses or trains from Bucharest to Sofia or Burgas like?

I have only been on the bus. It was clean, spacious, and very comfortable considering the 7+ hour journey. However, at some points, the driver would be smoking. I sat way in the back as this was an issue for me. I am not sure if this is habitual or because there was like only 4 of us on the bus from Bucharest up to a few cities after Ruse.

• Which is better? Buses or Trains?

I prefer the buses as there are 4 different options to pick from (at 06:30 and 16:00 with ETAP; and at 13:00 and 22:30 with Trans 6) unlike the one train that only departs Bucharest at 12:45, and arrives in  Sofia  at 22:30)

• Are there buses running from Bucharest Airport to Filaret Bus Station?

Yes. The express bus #783 runs 24/7 to/from the airport. To get to Filaret Bus Station from Bucharest airport, take bus #783 to Piata Unirii (last stop) via the main square of the city. Then go to the tramway terminal in the south-western corner of the square, and take tram #7 and get off after 4 stops (at Filaret bus station).

• How do I get from Bucharest airport to Sofia city?
• Take the express bus #783 from the airport to the last stop (at Piata  Unirii square ). Go to the tramway terminal in the south-western corner of the square, and take tram #7 and get off after 4 stops (at Filaret bus station). Then take any of the 4 bus options to Sofia.
• Or take express bus #780 from the airport to Bucharest North (Gara de Nord) station. Then take the only from Bucharest train to Sofia. It departs Bucharest at 12.50 noon and arrives Sofia at 22:20 pm. A second class train ticket costs €29.
• How far is the airport in Bucharest from the town center? Bucharest airport is 16 KM from Bucharest city center .
• What is the name of the train from Bucharest to Sofia?  The name of the daily Bucharest – Sofia train is called “Romania” and its number is: #460.
• What is the price cost of a ticket by bus from Bucharest to Sofia?

A ticket costs around €26 ( 121.09   Romanian Leu )

• Is there any direct train from Bucharest to Sofia?

Until the end of May, the train from Bucharest only runs to the border town of Ruse. You then need to take another train to Sofia.

• Where can I buy train tickets for Bucharest to Sofia by train?

You can buy train tickets at the train station in Bucharest North station international tickets desk at a cost of €27 for a second class coach. There are no first class cars. You can also buy a ticket at other major train stations and booking agencies throughout Romania.

You are automatically assigned a seat when you buy a ticket.

• Where can I check the Bucharest to Sofia train schedule online?

You can check the train schedule from Bucharest to Sofia on the Bulgarian railway company’s site  bdz.bg/en/…sofia-istanbul-bucharest.html

• Where can I buy bus ticket to Sofia from Bucharest?

You can buy tickets from Filaret bus station. R omanian Leu is the only currency accepted when buying your ticket at the bus terminal.

You can also buy a ticket online for your Bucharest to Sofia bus from  http://www.etapgroup.com/?lang=_en   or (  https://www.busexpress.bg/en/  ).

• When does the bus from Sofia to Bucharest leave? 

The buses depart at 6:30, 13:00, 16:00 and 22:30 from Filaret bus station.

In the other direction (Sofia to Bucharest) there are buses/minibuses at 0:30, 6:30, 15:30 and 23:00 They all depart from the Central bus station.

• How long is the bus journey from Bucharest to Sofia?

The trip takes 7.5 hours.

• How far out can I get a ticket?

During the shoulder season, you can buy a ticket even on the day of travel. But 2 days out is a better bet if you can.

• Where can I buy train tickets online for Bucharest to Sofia by train?

You can only buy Bucharest-Sofia train tickets online on sites of online re-sellers or travel agencies. The railway companies that operate trains on this route (Romania’s CFR and Bulgaria’s BDZ) do not sell tickets online for international routes.

• Is it possible to book the Bucharest-Sofia train in advance online? 

No. You can not book the Bucharest-Sofia train in advance online because the railway companies that operate this route (CFR Romanian, BDZ Bulgarian) do not sell tickets online for international routes. You can however purchase a ticket at a premium from re-sellers or travel agency websites.

• Does the overnight train from Sofia to Bucharest or vice versa still run? 

No. The overnight train from Sofia to Bucharest no longer runs. It is currently suspended.

• What time does the bus leaving Bucharest at 16:00 arrive in Sofia? 

The bus leaving Bucharest at 16:00 arrives in Sofia at around midnight.

Anyway, you can find tickets 2-3 days before departure without any worries.

One day is enough for  Bucharest  and Sofia each.Note that neither city is its country’s main attraction.

If you only have time for one city, in  Romania  you should visit  Sibiu  or  Brasov .

In  Bulgaria  you should see Plovdviv or Veliko Tarnovo.

we are planning to travel to  Bucharest  and  Sofia  in February.

• How do I get by bus from Bucharest Airport to Burgas, Bulgaria?

There is a bus that departs from Bucharest Airport at 5.00 AM in the morning and travels on to Burgas, Bulgaria).

• What is the difference between the paper tickets and the cards?

The simple paper tickets are what you use to pay for bus fare on regular buses. For the the express buses though, you can only pay bus fare by card, either a basic Multiplu card or a more complex Activ card.

The Multiplu card costs 1.6 lei in addition to the transport price and can store up to 10 rides on express buses or regular lines.

The Activ card costs 3.7 lei but you can get it for free if you register; it can store a certain amount of money to pay as you go for each ride or various passes (for a day, week, month, for the subway etc.).

How do I validate the bus card in Romania?

Once you get onto any bus, tram or trolleybus, look out of the orange-colored boxes with a small black circle in the middle, a display and two buttons. Hold your card next to the black circle until the device makes a short beep sound. If validating for more than one person, validate the card once, then push the second button and validate it again (this is not guaranteed to work on Multiplu cards).

See video below:

…ratb.ro/web/…despre_sat_card_activ.html

Top Things to Do and See in Sofia

I started my trip with a free walking tour of Sofia to get an overview of the city.

Here are some things you can do and see in and around Sofia:

1) Explore Sofia’s  beautiful religious sites

Alexander nevski cathedral.

1, Sveti Aleksandar Nevski Square, Sofia, Bulgaria

If there is one place you just cannot miss in Bucharest, it’s theThere are many reasons to visit Sofia, but number one should be its magnificent churches and monumental buildings! Alexander Nevski cathedral,   the city’s landmark is the most famous and perfectly picturesque of the churches in Sofia. This piece of  Byzantine Revival architecture is the most important Orthodox church in Bulgaria and conveniently located right in the center of Sofia on Sveti Aleksandar Nevski.

Standing at 148M, Alexander Nevski Cathedral is  the seat of the country’s patriarch. After the end of the Russian-Turkish War of 1878-1879, the cathedral was built in dedication to all the brave Bulgarian and Russian men , who fought and died to liberate the country from the Ottoman rule.

Every part of the Cathedral feels like a hidden gem – its gold covered domes, sound of its 12 heavy bells (the lightest is 10kg) which can be heard as far as 15 km away are a few of these.

Have your wishes fulfilled at Saint Nicholas Church, Sofia 

3, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, Sofia, Bulgaria

This is another impressive church located in the city center you must visit while in Sofia. Not only for its beautiful intricate decoration and typical Russian religious architecture. Legend has it that if you visit the Russian Church’s crypt and write your innermost desire on a piece of paper, your wish will be fulfilled. I gave it a try and so should you!

The Sofia Synagogue

Exarch Joseph Street 18, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria

Opened in 1909, The Sofia Synagogue is of the Moorish Revival architecture. It is the largest synagogue in Southeastern Europe, one of two functioning in Bulgaria and the third-largest in Europe.

The Sephardic synagogue has an octagonal dome, very large chandeliers and colorful charming interiors.

This is a functional synagogue and therefore you can only get inside between the prayer sessions. If you find the front door closed, just ring the bell or knock and they will let you in.

Church St. George Rotunda, Sofia

bul. Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov 2, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria

In the background is the Sheraton Hotel, Sofia.

Light a candle for good health at St. Sofia Church

St Sofia Church is the second oldest church in Sofia, dating back to the 4th-6th century. This is the church after which the city of  Sofia was named. The church includes an  archaeological museum at the basement which can be visited for only 6 lev.

During my visit, there was a wedding taking place.

St. Nedelya Church

Of the Byzantine Revival architecture, St. Nedelya Church is a stunning Eastern Orthodox church in the center of Sofia.

2. Indulge in Sofia’s burgeoning street art scene

…definitely one of the top things to do in Sofia.

Sofia city center isn’t widely famous for its street art, but if you stray into the outskirts just a tad you’ll find a ton of interesting graffiti, murals and paste-ups.

The colorful transformer boxes that grace the city are not to be missed either.

Poduyane and Hadzhi Dimitar neighborhoods are probably the most decked-out neighborhoods of all, with several interesting walls of murals and grafitti. You’ll see plenty of interesting street art by a variety of graffiti artists and muralists alike.

“Memorial” by Bulgarian artist Nasimo – ul. “Macgahan”, 1510 Hadzhi Dimitar

This mural of a family titled “Memorial”, combines an area that is partly painted with a band of popping color while another part is mostly plain colored.

ul. “Filip Totyu” 57, 1510 Hadzhi Dimitar

The right half of the mural is done in such a way that it feels like you’re staring at a building that is falling apart, or that the painting itself is peeling off.

ul. “Ostrovo” 10-12, 1510 Hadzhi Dimitar

Another one of Nasimo’s work depicting an angelic being, holding on to a lit candle while two doves hovering on either side of the building.

“Surprise” by Bezt and Sainer, aka  Etam Cru – ul. “Spas Ginev”, 1510 Hadzhi Dimitar

This was my favorite of all street art that I saw in Sofia. Not only because of the great workmanship but largely due to the back story of this work of art.

It depicts an old lady carrying a box with a kind of mushroom plant outgrowing from it. She represents 100+ year-old Dobri Dobrev, commonly known as ‘Grandpa’, a popular beggar who walks a 15 mile route daily with his donation box in hand to beg for money at the Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral, which he then gifts 100% to churches and orphanages.

ul. “Filip Totyu” 118

In this work of art by Bozko, a strange character with a long sharp nose and a shield over his shoulder, sits on top of a raging bull, with a paint brush and paint cans suspended over the back of the bull.

MORE PICTURES FROM MY STREET ART  TOUR IN SOFIA

This paste out is also worth checking out.

But, if you are looking for a great collection of street art, the Hazdhi Dimitar neighborhood, is a must visit while in Sofia. A  neighborhood of mostly tall concrete buildings with huge concrete buildings with outer walls decorated in street art. Thanks to the urban art festival – ‘ Urban Creature Festival , which begun in 2011.

3. Tour Sofia’s monumental buildings

The beautiful n ational theatre “ivan vazov”.

The Ivan Vazov National Theater is Bulgaria’s national theater. It is also the oldest and most authoritative theater in the country and one of the monumental landmarks of Sofia.

The Monumental  Largo Complex

Hang out at the City’s Garden

Sofia is a green city lots of nice parks.

Borisova gradina or Knyaz-Borisova gradina 

Translated as Boris’ Garden or Knyaz Boris’ Garden is the oldest and probably the largest park in Sofia. You will find a little lake, lots of statues of famous Bulgarians and even 2 big stadiums of Sofia.

City garden

This is the garden right in front of the National Theater. With its bounty of cafes and places to eat, swings and a fountain, City garden is a perfect spot to hang out and relax when in Sofia.

You can also while the time away as you watch elderly men playing a game of chess.

South Park Sofia

One of the most beautiful and popular parks in Sofia, South Park boasts asphalt walking and cycling paths, lovely flowerbeds, and plenty of cafes.

4. Find healing at one of Sofia’s mineral water springs

It is believed that the city of Sofia was established close to several tracian mineral water springs. These mineral springs are found near the Central bath (Tsentralna banya), Banya Bashi Mosque and TZUM Shopping mall. Ducts constructed on these springs enable people to drink and even fetch some of the water at no cost.

It is believed that these mineral spring waters have healing properties.

5.  Stroll along the Vitosha Boulevard

Vitosha Boulevard is one of the must visit must see places in Sofia.

Lined up with mostly high-end boutiques, caftes, restaurants, bars, and ice cream palours, the Boulevard is perfect for people watching and also for getting your dose of vitamin D. It is also a great spot for views of Vitosha mountain.

6. Go on day trips from Sofia

Where to stay in sofia, bulgaria.

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10-Day Bulgaria Itinerary

Bulgaria is a relatively off-the-beaten-path and inexpensive European destination. The country boasts incredible landscapes, stunning monasteries, a beautiful coastline along the Black Sea, and ancient Roman ruins.

Bulgaria is one of my Top Budget Destinations Around The World !

Here is the ultimate 10-day bulgaria itinerary.

I can plan your trip!

Let me take care of the research and bookings so you can be stress-free.

My travel advisor service is FREE

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3 Nights in Sofia

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, and its food, architecture, and culture are a fascinating blend of Western European, Soviet, and Middle Eastern influences.

Spend your first two days exploring the city. I recommend starting with the Free Sofia Walking Tour to get oriented. Other must-do activities are touring the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral (pictured above), stroll through the Borisova Gradina, a mineral bath in a hot spring spa, a pub crawl , and a Communist Tour .

Then spend your third day in Sofia on one of these day trips:

The 7 Rila Lakes : To get here, you’ll drive about an hour and a half from Sofia and take the Panichishte Resort cable car up to the start of the hiking routes. The hike to the viewpoint to see all 7 of the lakes will take about 5 hours round trip, but you can walk along and between the individual lakes at lower altitudes on shorter and less strenuous hikes.

Vitosha Mountain : This is the majestic mountain you’ll see at every turn in Sofia. It’s home to some of the best panoramic views of the area. It’s also where you’ll find the Golden Bridges, which are actually stone rivers with a unique golden hue.

Prohodna Cave : Also known as “The Eyes of God,” this is one of the most famous and accessible caves in the country. You can hike or rappel into the cave, depending on your adventure level.

1 Night in Belogradchik

When you depart Sofia on your fourth day, I recommend renting a car for the rest of this itinerary. A car will save you a lot of time. Trains only serve the larger cities, and buses can take up to three times longer than a car. Plus, the road and driving conditions in Bulgaria are good, and with a car, you can stop anytime you see something amazing!

Belogradchik is home to the Belogradchik Rocks and the Belogradchik Fortress. If I could only recommend one thing to do in Bulgaria, it would be to visit the Belogradchik Fortress – one of the most beautiful and unique places I’ve ever visited.

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These rocks created a natural fortification, so the ancient Romans built the Belogradchik Fortress in the 1st – 3rd century AD. The fortress extends from the base of the Belogradchik Rocks up to The Citadel (pictured in the top image on this page) on top of the rocks.

The Belogradchik Fortress is open from sunrise to sunset, so you should leave Sofia by mid-morning at the latest for the roughly three-hour drive. I would plan to spend 3-4 hours at the fortress climbing up the stairs and trails to the peaks of the rock formations for some of the most stellar views you’ll ever see.

You should eat lunch before you arrive at the fortress and bring snacks and full water bottles. After you’ve explored the fortress and rocks to your liking, head to the quaint mountain town of Belogradchik for the night.

You could do the Belogradchik Fortress as a day trip from Sofia, but it will be a long day trip, and the town of Belogradchik is lovely.

2 Nights in Melnik + a Sidetrip to the Rila Monastery

Depart Belogradchik this morning and head south to the Rila Monastery, which is on your way to Melnik. The Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.

Melnik is a premier wine destination in Eastern Europe. The town is also at the base of the famous Melnik Earth Pyramids – sandstone rock formations in the shapes of pyramids, giant mushrooms, ancient towers, and obelisks.

When you arrive in Melnik, I recommend walking the length of the picturesque town and having a sit-down dinner. Here’s my guide to the Best Local Foods to Try in Bulgaria .

On day 6, you should hike to the Rozhen Monastery, which will take you past some of the most popular and interesting rock formations of the Melnik Earth Pyramids. Later in the day, you should do a tour and tasting at a vineyard.

This area is good for growing international grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah. But there are two local grape varieties you need to try. The first is Shiroka Melnishka (also called Broad-leaved Melnik), and the second is Ranna Melnishka (or Early Melnik).

I recommend Villa Melnik because its tasting room has extraordinary views of the countryside and mountains. Villa Melnik is one of the Best Wineries in Bulgaria .

1 Night in Plovdiv

On your seventh day, make the four-hour drive to Plovdiv. Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in the country, and it’s built on and around seven hills. This, combined with its size, abundance of ancient Roman ruins, and cosmopolitan “feel,” is why the city is often considered a less-expensive and less-touristy Rome.

Highlights for your time here are: visiting the Theater of Philippopolis (pictured above), exploring the Old Town, trying the local Mavrud wine and Rakia with dinner, and watching the sunset from Nebet Tepe, also known as “The Guard Hill.”

2 Nights in Varna

You don’t need to rush to leave Plovdiv on your eighth day if there’s something you didn’t get to do the day before. On your way out of the city, take a 30-minute drive to Asen’s Fortress. Then head to Varna on the coast.

Varna is a resort city on the Black Sea. The oldest gold treasure in the world was discovered at a necropolis in Varna. And the collection is now on display at the Archaeological Museum.

Must-do activities when you’re here are: have a beach day, stroll through the Sea Garden, visit the Aladzha Monastery cave complex, tour the Varna Cathedral (pictured above), and see the Stone Forest.

The Stone Forest, also known as Pobiti Kamani, looks like ancient columns, but they’re actually naturally-formed stone pillars.

Varna has a large airport and train station. So from here, you should be able to make your way home or to your next destination.

Alternative Coastal Town: Varna is one of the larger and more popular coastal towns. So, if you want a more intimate resort town, I’d recommend Sozopol. It’s more off-the-beaten-path, but it’s also more expensive. But if you’re visiting in the low season from November to March, then you should stick with Varna. Because nothing in this town will be open.

Shop My Bulgaria Essentials

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Plan the rest of your trip.

The Best Wineries in Bulgaria

The Best Foods in Bulgaria

Recommended tours in bulgaria, your travel checklist, book your flight, get travel insurance, book your accommodation, make sure you're traveling with the best credit card to earn travel points and avoid international fees, find out if you need a visa and get one here, pin this itinerary.

This Bulgaria itinerary is not a sponsored post. And, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Bulgaria itinerary are affiliate links. And, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

I would definitely include the medieval capital of Bulgaria – Veliko Turnovo. Also, while at Asen’s fortress, one should make it to the amazing Bachkovo monastery next door. And then, not far from Varna is the palace of Balchik and Cape Kaliakra with the Kaliakra fortress on top of the cliffs. From the coastal towns, I wouldn’t miss Nesebar with its ancient churches and medieval fortifications.

Lucy On Locale

These are great additions! Thanks for sharing!

Hello! Great post – some really useful tips in here 🙂 I was just wondering how you found driving over there, please? I’m going to Sofia, Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo and have booked buses, but I’m now considering hiring a car. I’ve heard the roads can be quite old and the drivers quite aggressive, but I’d be interested to hear your first hand experience, please.

Thank you 🙂

The rules of the road are the same as in the U.S., but the driving is very aggressive, and blinkers aren’t generally used as much as I was used to, but it didn’t make me too nervous, and I was able to adapt quickly. The hardest part of driving was that all road names are in Cyrillic, so I couldn’t read or pronounce any directions. I had to strictly use my GPS as a visual aid (the audio directions were no help to me). Overall, I’m glad I opted for a rental car but always plan more time into your drives than you think you’ll need.

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The Perfect Bulgaria Itinerary: 5 to 10 Days (or More!)

Last Updated on February 14, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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The Balkan country of Bulgaria has long been overlooked on standard European travel routes, where traditional tourists rarely travel farther east than Hungary or Croatia. However, for those more intrepid visitors keen to see the delights that southeastern Europe has to offer, planning a 5 to 10 days in Bulgaria itinerary is a fantastic idea.

Though relatively small in size, Bulgaria has a lot to offer visitors and really can appeal to almost every personality. Bulgaria boasts cosmopolitan cities and ancient metropolises, rugged mountains and pristine beaches, world-class skiing and incredible wine country — it can seem that wherever your interests may lie, Bulgaria will have it.

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When to Visit Bulgaria

You are likely going to want to know when is the best time of year to visit this European nation. Well, luckily for travellers, Bulgaria has its merits no matter what time of year you choose to visit so it all depends on what you’re after on your trip.

While it is located in southeastern Europe, don’t expect Bulgaria to have the same kind of climate as other southern European countries like Croatia , Portugal, Italy or Spain. Contrary to these countries, Bulgaria experiences a much more continental climate with very cold and snowy winters and hot, muggy summers. With this kind of climate, you can best bet to enjoy all of the seasonal activities that come throughout the year.

Winter in Bulgaria sees high temperatures averaging around freezing throughout most of the country, though it can certainly be colder high in the mountains or warmer in the coastal areas along the Black Sea.

With the winter freezes come a lot of skiing opportunities at some of the most affordable prices in all of Europe. Destinations like Bansko are incredibly popular in the wintertime, however, you can also easily combine a skiing holiday with a cosmopolitan city break without leaving Sofia by visiting Vitosha Mountain.

Summers, on the other hand, can get incredibly hot, with average temperatures soaring to well over 30°C (86°F) and humidity can be quite high, as well. The inland cities in the summer can be sweltering, however, the coast becomes a bustling mecca for sun worshippers and party seekers alike.

The mountains can also be a pleasant escape with ample hiking opportunities and mild temperatures in the high altitude. Summer is also, not surprisingly, when tourist crowds are at their peak, as are accommodation prices.

If you’re sensitive to either the cold or heat and want to avoid tourists as much as possible, then probably the best time to visit Bulgaria would be in the shoulder seasons.

The months ranging from March-May and September-October see some of the mildest temperatures, though you should be prepared for the occasional cold snap or frequent rains (especially in Spring). However, in the shoulder seasons, you are just as likely to have beautiful warm temperatures and sunny skies that steadfastly cling to summer.

No matter which time of year you choose to embark on your trip to Bulgaria, you are sure to be met with a beautiful country eager to welcome your exploration!

Getting To & Around Bulgaria

Now that you’ve figured out which season to travel to Bulgaria, we need to discuss how you plan to get around once you’re there.

First things first, it is likely that you will begin your Bulgaria itinerary by flying into Sofia airport, which has frequent connections from budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizzair to a number of cities throughout Europe. The affordability of reaching Bulgaria has made it an attractive option for travellers looking to explore a lesser-visited corner of Europe.

There are other international airports in the country besides Sofia, however, and you can just as easily begin your trip from any of these. The highest-trafficked airports after the capital include Burgas and Varna on the Black Sea and Plovdiv airport, which serves a couple of flights per week from destinations like Tel Aviv, Belfast, Manchester and Dublin.

If you’re visiting Bulgaria as part of a longer Balkans itinerary you will be happy to know that a few of the country’s major cities are fairly well connected with neighbouring countries. Travellers can easily reach Sofia from Thessaloniki in Greece, Belgrade or Nis, Serbia and also from Skopje , North Macedonia and Istanbul , Turkey, the latter of which will transit through Plovdiv.

You can also reach Sofia by overnight bus or train from Bucharest , Romania. It is also possible to find a direct connection to the northern city of Veliko Tarnovo to Bucharest as well.

Once you’ve arrived in Bulgaria, you need to know how you plan to get from point A to point B. Like elsewhere in the Balkans, if you’re relying on public transport for your Bulgaria trip, then your best option is going to be the bus.

While there is a train network in Bulgaria, it largely hasn’t been updated since the 1960s and can be incredibly slow, uncomfortable, and inefficient. The only time I would generally recommend using the train network in Bulgaria is if you have an affinity for communist-era railways.

In contrast, the bus system is quite comfortable and well-developed and they also tend to be much faster than the trains.

If you are only travelling between major cities, you will find that connections between transport hubs tend to be frequent and the system is easy enough to navigate, even if you have a language barrier. It can be helpful to know what the city you’re travelling to looks like spelt in the Cyrillic alphabet so you know which booth to buy your tickets from.

Most smaller city centres are easily navigable by foot, including cities like Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo, however, in Sofia, it might be necessary to use the public transportation system. The metro in Sofia is efficient and user-friendly, with everything written in both Bulgarian and English.

If you need to take a taxi in Bulgaria, make sure to practice the general precautions you would with taxis throughout the world as, unfortunately, Bulgaria is not immune to taxi scams. However, there are a number of taxi apps in various cities where you can call a reliable cab.

If you do hail one off the street, make sure to do some research on reliable taxi companies beforehand and ensure that the meter is running. Taxi rides are incredibly affordable in Bulgaria, especially when compared to some Western European countries.

5 to 10-Day Bulgaria Itinerary

Bulgaria has a lot to offer visitors and, therefore, travellers can easily spend a number of weeks or even months within the country and always find something new to explore. However, if you only can spend 5 days in Bulgaria, then the first five days of this itinerary is outlined to be a complete trip.

If you have a week, the same concept applies if you have 7 days in Bulgaria. And if you’re fortunate enough to have 10 full days to spend in this Balkan nation, then you can enjoy the entirety of the outlined route.

Days 1-3: Sofia

It is likely that you will begin your Bulgaria itinerary in the capital city of Sofia. Though Sofia may not have to best reputation among Balkan cities (when we first planned to visit, we were told to skip it by numerous people), we’ve found that it has a lot to offer visitors with great energy and many interesting things to do.

Though you could easily spend a week or more exploring Sofia , we recommend spending 3 of those days in the capital. Start off with a free walking tour of the city to get your bearings, a great way to get some context to the incredible history you’re going to see in the Bulgarian capital.

There are a number of things to occupy yourself during these three days in Sofia including visiting the top monuments like the ancient city of Serdika and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

You can also take the time to visit some of Sofia’s many museums, enjoy its thriving culinary scene, and learn more about its communist history.

Though it may not be the most beautiful of cities, there is a very cool edge that Sofia holds and it can be worth also learning about its burgeoning street art scene.

If you only have three days, we do recommend that you spend all of them in Sofia as it will allow you to really get to know the city. However, if you want to see more of the countryside, it is possible to go on a day trip.

Rila Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is one of the most popular day trips from Sofia, as is the nearby Vitosha Mountain, which you can reach by Sofia’s own public transport.

Where to Stay in Sofia

Art ‘Otel – This hotel is a great option if you’re after some luxury. They are well located within easy reach of all the major city sights and have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available. They also have a great breakfast included in the room rate.

Hostel Mostel – This hostel is your best bet if you’re travelling solo or on a tight budget. As one of the most popular and well-rated hostels in Sofia, they have a range of dorm and private rooms available, a friendly staff, and great common areas for you to meet other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Sofia hotels!

Days 4-5: Plovdiv

After exploring Sofia, the final step on a 5-day Bulgaria itinerary should be the second-largest city of Plovdiv. As one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2019, Plovdiv is probably the most tourist-friendly city in Bulgaria and it has a lot to offer visitors.

Plovdiv is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, with a history dating back over 6,000 years. Though Plovdiv is most famous for its incredible ancient amphitheatre. there is a lot more that the city has to offer, which is why we recommend spending two days in Plovdiv to really get to know the city.

Spend your first day in the city exploring its ancient monuments and Roman ruins like the aforementioned amphitheatre and the ancient stadium. Wander through the picturesque old town and enjoy the view of the city from the ruined fortress on Nebet Tepe.

You can also head into the trendy neighbourhood known as Kapana, which means “The Trap” in Bulgarian.

These windy, pedestrian streets have recently been refurbished by a lot of government investment and are now full of great restaurants, cafes, bars, and independent shops and have become a haven for local artists. If you’re interested in hipster culture or street art, this is the neighbourhood to visit.

You can also use Plovdiv as a base to go wine tasting in the Thracian Valley. The nearby town of Brestovitsa is home to several wineries and is only 20 kilometres from the centre of Plovdiv.

Though Bulgaria may not be the first country that comes to mind when it comes to wine tourism, it has one of the oldest viticultures in the world and produces some truly fine vintages.

Where to Stay in Plovdiv

Hotel Evmolpia – Situated in the Old Town, this charming boutique hotel is within easy walking distance of everything to see and do in Plovdiv, including the amphitheatre, Kapana district, and main pedestrian street. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available and a good breakfast.

Hostel Old Plovdiv – Located in the heart of the Old Town, this hostel is located in a traditional revival house and is one of the best places to stay in Plovdiv. They have a very welcoming a helpful staff, a range of comfortable dorm and private rooms available, and a great breakfast included in the room rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Plovdiv hotels!

Days 6-7: Black Sea Coast

After spending the first five days in Sofia and Plovdiv, it’s time to head to the coast and enjoy the gorgeous Black Sea.

There are a number of great places to visit on the long coastline of Bulgaria and it really depends on what kind of experience you’re after. If you want a smaller, more sleepy seaside town, then head to lovely Sozopol. This town boasts a couple of fine sand beaches, beautiful cobbled streets, and a laid-back atmosphere.

If you want some more western amenities, a party scene, or a high-end beach resort, the head to Sunny Beach or Nessebar which are significantly more touristy and developed than Sozopol.

If you want a big city vibe but still some great beach time, then head to Varna or Burgas, the biggest cities on Bulgaria’s coast. No matter where you choose, you are sure to enjoy a couple of days enjoying the charms of the Black Sea.

Where to Stay on the Black Sea

Hotel Diamanti – If you’re looking for a more subdued seaside holiday on the Black Sea, then the perfect place to stay in Sozopol would be this hotel. They have a number of affordable rooms available, some with sea views, a restaurant on site, and a great breakfast included in the nightly rate. They are also located within walking distance of everything in Sozopol.

Nomado Hostel – As one of Varna’s highest-rated hostels, this is a great place to visit if you’re looking to see the Black Sea on a backpacker’s budget or as a solo traveller. They are centrally located, have a friendly and helpful staff, an included breakfast, and both dorm and private rooms available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Black Sea hotels!

Days 8-10: Veliko Tarnovo

If you’re fortunate enough to have 10 days to spend exploring Bulgaria, then heading to Veliko Tarnovo for the last two days is an excellent ending point.

Veliko Tarnovo, located to the north of Bulgaria, is a lively university town that once acted as the capital of Bulgaria. Today, it is famous for its mountain scenery and impressive fortress that commands spectacular views over the city and mountains surrounding.

Veliko Tarnovo is incredibly picturesque and well worth taking a day or two to explore on foot. It is also located very close to a number of great mountains, so it is possible to use the city as a base to go for a great day hike. As the former capital of Bulgaria and another ancient city, there is also a long and fascinating history here that is worth learning about.

As the home of one of Bulgaria’s best universities, there is also a lively, youthful energy which makes for a lot of good eateries, bars, and cafes along with some trendy shops and things to do.

Where To Stay in Veliko Tarnovo

Augusta Spa Hotel – This boutique hotel is centrally located and is a great option if you have a bit of a higher budget when visiting Veliko Tarnovo. They have a range of clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned rooms available, some commanding great views of the medieval fortress, and a great breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Hostel Mostel – This hostel, owned by the same people who run the branch in Sofia, is an excellent option for budget and solo travellers. They have both dorm and private rooms available, breakfast and dinner included, and great common areas to meet other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Veliko Tarnovo hotels

Have More Time?

If you have more than ten days to spend in Bulgaria, or fancy getting a bit further off the beaten path, there are a few options you could take.

First, if you like nature, small towns, and wine, then heading to the lovely town of Melnik is a fantastic option. This tiny town is relatively easy to reach by public transport from Sofia and is an excellent stopping off point if you’re heading south to Greece after travelling in Bulgaria.

If you want to experience some of the best and most affordable skiing in Europe in the winter or visit a pristine hiking mecca in the summer, then the town of Bansko is also a great option to add to you Bulgaria itinerary.

Finally, the northwestern town of Belogradchik close to the Serbian border is a great offbeat destination in Bulgaria. Famous for its unique rock formations and imposing fortress, spending a day or two here will show you a different side to the country.

No matter how many days you have to devote to a Bulgaria travel itinerary, there is no denying that there are countless things to see and do in this underrated European nation.

Are you planning to visit Bulgaria? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 1, 2, or 3 Days in Sofia Itinerary

Is Bulgaria Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Bulgaria

What To Do in Plovdiv: A 1 or 2 Day Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

great itinerary, lots of useful tips too. many thanks. marilyn

Thanks, Marilyn! Hope you have a great trip.

Hi. This looks like a very useful itinerary. Plan to visit next early June after an extended Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia trip. Was planning 5 days but I think 10+ will afford a much better flavor of Bulgaria. Thanks!

Hello, What is the best way to travel from Plovdiv to Varna? Bus? Return to Sofia and take a flight to Varna?

Best regards, Oliveira

You can take a bus directly from Plovdiv to Varna 🙂

How affordable and practical would it be to rent a car for places outside Sofia? Or is bus a better option than driving?

Renting a car can be a great option if you want a lot of flexibility and not to be beholden to bus timetables. Prices can vary depending on a number of factors.

How would you recommend getting to Plovdiv from Sofia? Could we take the local bus?

Yes, the bus is the best way if you’re using public transport 🙂

If I want to do a Bulgaria Greece trip. Start in Sofia then to Plovdiv. Can I fly into Greece next from Plovdiv? Or do I need to go back to Sofia to catch a flight?

Hi Dee Dee, Plovdiv airport is quite limited in its routes so I think your best bet would be to go to Sofia if you want to fly to Greece. Alternatively, I would recommend looking at taking the bus and going overland!

Another interesting old town is Koprivshtiza, on the road from Sofia to Black Sea, in high mountains and very picturesque. Also, there are many caves, waterfalls, natural wonders, and spa options to choose from.

Thanks for the tip, Lil!

Thanks a lot for this wonderful guide. I find it quite helpful.

Thanks, Gali! Hope you’re able to plan a great trip 🙂

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Cost of a Trip to Bulgaria & the Cheapest Time to Visit Bulgaria

The average price of a 7-day trip to Bulgaria is $879 for a solo traveler, $1,412 for a couple, and $1,161 for a family of 4 . Bulgaria hotels range from $33 to $153 per night with an average of $58, while most vacation rentals will cost $80 to $360 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Bulgaria (from all airports) are between $449 and $1,088 per person for economy flights and $1,410 to $3,416 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $27 to $54 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Bulgaria

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to Bulgaria and stay in a Bulgaria hotel:

• January 1st to April 1st
• September 10th to December 16th (except the weeks of September 17th and October 15th)

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Bulgaria is usually mid January .

Average Bulgaria Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Bulgaria for a week is $690-$1,332 ($99-$190 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $27 to $54 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $261 to $612 for economy

Lodging : $40 to $55 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $46 to $57 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Bulgaria for a week is $1,133-$2,315 ($162-$331 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $53 to $107 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $522 to $1,224 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Bulgaria for a week is $2,212-$4,608 ($316-$658 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $107 to $215 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,043 to $2,449 for economy

Lodging : $79 to $109 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $70 to $85 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Bulgaria

How cheap can you make a vacation to Bulgaria? The cheapest trip to Bulgaria is about $74 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 10% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $20 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $28.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Bulgaria for a week is $520-$1,160 ($74-$166 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $13 to $26 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $28 to $33 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $32 to $61 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Bulgaria for a week is $872-$1,961 ($125-$280 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $26 to $53 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Bulgaria for a week is $1,702-$3,737 ($243-$534 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $53 to $106 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $56 to $65 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $48 to $91 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is easy to travel to Bulgaria cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Bulgaria Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Bulgaria.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Bulgaria for a week is $1,532-$6,602 ($219-$943 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $54 to $109 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $668 to $1,507 for first class

Lodging : $81 to $153 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $362 to $722 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Bulgaria for a week is $2,571-$8,864 ($367-$1,266 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $107 to $217 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,336 to $3,013 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Bulgaria for a week is $5,148-$15,509 ($735-$2,216 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $214 to $435 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,672 to $6,026 for first class

Lodging : $163 to $307 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $545 to $1,073 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Bulgaria Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Bulgaria is lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Bulgaria due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Bulgaria Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Bulgaria hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Bulgaria.

Flight Costs to Bulgaria

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,088 average in late June to a low of $449 in mid January. Median flight price is $533. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Bulgaria our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has average variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Wednesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Wednesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Bulgaria, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $639, so you can easily save about 142% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Bulgaria can easily cost $198 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $13 per person. Private tours can cost $397 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Bulgaria Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
• Shumen, Bulgaria
• Edirne, Turkey
• Gorna Orechovitsa, Bulgaria
• Northeast Bulgaria, Bulgaria
• Northwest Bulgaria, Bulgaria
• Burgas, Bulgaria
• Bourgas, Bulgaria
• Sarafovo, Bulgaria
• Pomorie, Bulgaria

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Kefalonia, Greece
• Fes, Morocco
• Seoul, South Korea

Bulgaria Road Trip Itinerary

Everyone who goes to Bulgaria falls in love with its breathtaking mountains, its lush forests, its beautiful sandy beaches, and its rich and vibrant history. There is great food and wine, hospitality, and folklore to make for an unforgettable experience without being overwhelmed with big, teeming masses of tourists.

It is no easy thing to discover Bulgaria, however! There is so much to see and do that it can be hard to get a true taste of all that Bulgaria has to offer. The best way is to have a bit of everything and enjoy this beautiful country’s multiple facets in one exciting vacation: a road trip through Bulgaria.

Table of Contents

The perfect Bulgaria road trip

A road trip in Bulgaria can offer you a bit of everything if you know where to go, and with the itinerary that follows you will get to do just that! This itinerary needs at least three days but the more days you afford in each place on it the better. Consider that rushing from place to place can be tiring and even stressful, so make sure you have allocated enough time to relax and rest as you enjoy Bulgaria’s good food and lovely hospitality.

The itinerary is designed to be suitable for winter or summer, so depending on what type of vacation you prefer, you can drive through verdant forests and enjoy the coolness of summer or you can drive through a winter wonderland that should probably exist in a storybook rather than reality.

You’ll start from Sofia, one of Europe’s oldest cities and Bulgaria’s vibrant capital and end up in Plovdiv Bulgaria’s cultural capital with the iconic atmosphere of Roman, Greek, Ottoman, and Persian influences.

In your travel, you will go through gorgeous landscapes with breathtaking views of rolling hills and tall, green mountains. You will see monasteries and historical places that will make Bulgaria’s long history of nearly 1,300 years. Combining lush, virgin nature with beautifully historical cities of iconic architecture, your road trip will be full of adventure, history, cosmopolitan flair, and the essence of all that makes Bulgaria unique.

Where is Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is in southeastern Europe. It is in the heart of the Balkans, with its eastern side being part of the Black Sea coastline.

Bulgaria shares its borders with five other countries: Romania at its north, Serbia and North Macedonia at its west, and Greece and Turkey at its south.

There are many ways to get to Bulgaria and its capital, Sofia. You can go by plane, car, bus, train, and ferry.

If you opt to go by plane, you will land at Sofia’s international airport. There are many direct flights to Sofia Airport from all over the world by many airlines, including Bulgaria’s own, Bulgaria Airlines. The flight to Bulgaria varies depending on where you take off. For example, a flight from Athens to Sofia takes just over an hour, while from New York it takes around 11 hours.

If you opt to go by bus, you can find several itineraries from all of Bulgaria’s bordering countries that will get you to Sofia. You can even find coaches from London to Bulgaria which will take you through all of Europe before you get to Sofia. Just keep in mind that you will be changing coaches from city to city in your travel so make sure to have everything preplanned and prepaid. This trip takes roughly two days.

Getting to Bulgaria by car is also possible through one of the many highways of Europe leading there. Just make sure to be prepared to pay a vignette (which is a road tax) once you enter Bulgaria’s borders. The trip time varies depending on where you start from. If you are in one of Bulgaria’s bordering countries it could take anything from 10 hours to just 3 or 4 hours.

There are also international train lines into Bulgaria and Sofia. There are several going from all the Balkan countries but you can also find other ones from further away in Europe, including traveling to Bulgaria from the UK. The trip from London to Sofia takes 48 hours.

Finally, if you are in any of the countries with a Black Sea coast, namely Georgia, Ukraine, Romania, Russia, and Turkey, you can take the ferry to Bulgaria. Travel times vary from a few hours to three days, depending on whether you get to cross the Black Sea or not!

Road Trip in Bulgaria a Perfect Itinerary

Sofia (1 -2 nights).

Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a staggering 6,000-year-old history of continuous habitation. It has always been a strategic and geopolitical hub, from Roman times to Byzantine times. Since it was captured by the Bulgarians in the 9 th century AD, it has remained part of the Bulgarian influence even through the harsh Ottoman times.

Sofia’s architecture is an iconic amalgam of Austrian, French, and German architecture from its parliamentary monarchy era, austere soviet styles from its time behind the Iron Curtain until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and modern and post-modern styles as Sofia became part of the EU family.

To best savor this unique blend of history that is etched into Sofia’s neighborhoods, you can take one of its many walking tours which will take you to all its famous landmarks and places to visit, from churches and synagogues of stunning beauty to iconic parks and museums. But even if you don’t opt for that, the must-see places are:

St. George Rotunda and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral : Travel through time from the earliest of Sofia to its modern times by visiting these two churches. St. George Rotunda is the oldest building in Sofia, built in the 300s AD, with gorgeous frescoes from early medieval times, while St. Alexander Nevsky is one of its most resplendent and modern places of worship built in the late 19 th century after Bulgaria gained its independence from Ottoman Turkey.

While St. George Rotunda is a small Late Antique church, St. Alexander Nevsky is a gigantic Neo-Byzantine cathedral with a 10,000 people capacity and stunning interiors, including its crypt.

Vitosha Boulevard and Borisova Gradina : This is Sofia’s fanciest, most cosmopolitan street. It is lined with high-end shops and houses, as well as great places to have your coffee, great views of Vitosha mountain, and elegant Art Nouveau tones. Borisova Gradina is Sofia’s oldest and most beautiful park. It is an excellent specimen of the Bulgarian Revival architectural and artistic movement.

Sofia’s Museums : There are several important museums to visit in Sofia, including the National Institute of Archaeology and the National Historical Museum.

There are several great neighborhoods to choose accommodation in Sofia, from its downtown area (Centrum) to Vitosha and NDK (National Palace of Culture) to Studentski Grad. Depending on your budget and style of vacation, you may opt for a low-budget, versatile hostel at Studentski Grad or a high-end hotel in Vitosha or Lozenets.

Since you will be staying only a night or two, you might want to pamper yourself with great service and an even greater view by staying at the Hyatt Regency Sofia hote l . It is located in the heart of the city at Vasil Levsky square, within walking distance of all the important sights. The view of the city from its various lounges is astounding, and it’s very well priced considering its 5-star ranking.

Bulgaria is also famous for its excellent cuisine, and Sofia is the best place to sample it. Visit Shtastliveca Vitosha Sofia for timeless classic dishes from Bulgaria and Europe and a time-capsule, turn-of-the-century feel once you step into the restaurant.

To sample Bulgarian cuisine with more local color, Moma Restaurant is where you want to go. Authentic dishes and folklore merge seamlessly with modernity, with an interior that is faithful to traditional Bulgarian imagery and ornaments.

Sofia to Bansko (1-2 nights)

Leaving Sofia, you will drive to Bansko with a stop at Rila Monastery. In this part of your road trip, you will experience Bulgarian history and cosmopolitan flair in one beautiful mix.

Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important specimens of the Bulgarian Revival. Its full name is Monastery of St. Ivan of Rila, and it was founded in the 10 th century AD but additions were made as recently as the 19 th century. Bulgarians consider it one of Bulgaria’s most sacred jewels and it truly is stunningly beautiful.

Rila Monastery is a cultural, historical, and architectural monument. Its complex consists of the church, the residential wards, and the monastery’s museum. Rila boasts gorgeous frescoes from various centuries and stunning decorated domes. You can climb the tower and take in the sweeping views of the mountains all around.

Rila is a place of pilgrimage for many, so you can stay there if you intend to have a spiritual experience and stay for longer than a day. Facilities in Rila Monastery are sufficient but basic and are not intended to be hotel-level since they are there to serve pilgrims only.

After Rila Monastery you will drive on to Bansko town with the beautiful Pirin mountains looming over it, offering shade and a challenge to visitors. Whether you choose to come in winter or summer, Bansko has adventure packed for you- or if you are not the adventurous type, beauty and folklore for you to bask in.

Bansko is one of Bulgaria’s top ski resorts with 16 ski runs of various difficulty levels. There is an affordable ski school if you are a beginner or have children that want to start, and a great network of ski lifts that will take you to the slopes. The ski station is fully equipped with gear and has several restaurants to choose from. 

During the summer, Bansko is great for mountain biking and summer hikes, with breathtaking views and gorgeous nature surrounding you. There is also a great variety of rock climbing walls if you are into that.

If you are not as adventurous, Bansko has you covered: visit Velyanova House and its murals as well as the Neofit Rilski Museum for a time travel back to the Bulgarian Revival era. After you explore the town and its beautiful church, hit Pirin street for great food and coffee as you admire the mountains or a Bansko traditional Mehana for traditional Bulgarian food with dancing and live music.

A great Mehana to visit would be Mehana Vodenicata at the center of Bansko, with its beautiful garden, live music, and traditional Bansko cuisine. Its interior is plush with wood and stone, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere you won’t forget!

A great place to stay in Bansko is Kempinski Grand Arena Hote l at Pirin Street . As in Sofia, for its 5-star ranking , it is remarkably affordable! You will be treated to gorgeous views of the mountains while having quick access to the ski gondola that will take you to the ski station. Its Alpen style architecture and thematic food buffets, its extensive spa resort facilities, and great international corners will make you reluctant to continue on!

Bansko to Melnik (1-2 nights)

From Bansko, you will drive on to Melnik with a stop at Rozhen Monastery.

Rozhen Monastery is the biggest monastery in the Pirin Mountains. Its full name is St. Nativity of Mother of God and it was founded in the 13 th century AD at the latest. Rozhen monastery has been destroyed a few times but always restored, so what you will be visiting is restoration work dating from the 16 th century AD.

Rozhen is very near Melnik, and originally had no roads leading to it, so one had to climb up slopes to get there. Rozhen is said to house an icon of the Virgin Mary that is said to miraculously cure the sick, so annually there are waves of pilgrims going to the monastery to pray before it.

Rozhen itself is beautiful, with stunning frescoes, buildings representing different centuries’ of the monastery’s life scattered across the complex, and a yard of lush vegetation with iconic medieval stone and woodwork.

Melnik is called the smallest town in Bulgaria, with only 25 people registered as residents there. However, it is renowned for its gorgeous natural landscapes and unique geological formations: the Melnik Pyramids.

The Melnik Pyramids are sand pyramids that were created by erosion, and which are still changing. They can be up to 100 meters high and something you can’t see anywhere else as they jut out harshly through the green of Melnik’s lush vegetation.

If you can handle the trek, it’s an experience you must have if only for the sweeping view and the gorgeous sunset.

While you are in Melnik, make sure to visit its wine museum as Melnik is famed to have Bulgaria’s best wine. You can taste and buy wine there while seeing displays of how the process is done. Visit the 18th-century Kordopulov house, which is preserved as it was in its heyday in the 1700s.

This house museum originally belonged to an affluent Greek merchant named Kordopoulos. Its architectural style is a mix of Bulgarian Revival and Ottoman and it features a big underground wine cellar.

Stay at Zornitsa Family Estate Relais and Chateaux for a great experience of Bulgarian traditions and modern facilities. You will be treating yourself to gorgeous views of the mountain and Melnik’s general area as well as to a heated pool and other top-of-the-line amenities.

Melnik to Leshten, to Kovatchevitsa, to Plovdiv (2 nights)

Leaving Melnik, you will then drive on to two of the most culturally important villages in Bulgaria, Leshten and Kovatchevitsa. Bulgarians consider them important heritage sites of historical importance for the Bulgarian national identity.

Both villages are very popular with tourists as they are living museums. Many of their houses are fully restored and turned into museum houses. There are also natural activities you can do, from mushroom and herb picking to hiking and fishing. There is also a balneological resort near Leshten to complete the total relaxation these villages can offer, with pastoral sounds and views of gorgeous nature.

Leaving the villages you will drive to Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s remarkable cultural and artistic hub often considered the cultural capital. Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world, with nearly 8,000 years of history, from Ancient Thracians to Romans to Byzantines, Ottomans, and Bulgarians.

There are many things to see and do in Plovdiv. You can start by visiting the 2,000-year-old Ancient Theater which is still intact and in use today. Then walk the cobbled streets of Plovdiv’s Old Town with the Roman Stadium ruins, the iconic half-timbered, brightly colored houses, and the Stepan Hindliyan house museum with the sgraffito designs at its windows and extravagant murals.

In the Old Town, you will also see the impressive Ethnographical Museum, housed in yet another perfectly preserved, opulent house. Lastly, visit the ancient ruins of Ancient Philippopolis and its stunning complex of forum and odeon.

Plovdiv to Sofia

Return to Sofia from Plovdiv with a stop at Koprivshtitsa village . This is yet another village that has been preserved to its authentic look and feel of the 19 th century. The village is surrounded by the Sredna Gora mountains, adding to its beauty.

Walkthrough Koprivshtitsa’s cobbled streets and narrow byways to yet again enter the time capsule back to Bulgaria’s important historical moments, such as the houses of important figures of the Bulgarian intelligentsia and revolution against Ottoman rule. Of these, the must-see ones would be the Oslekov House, the Georgi Benkovski Memorial House, the Todor Kableshkov Memorial House, and the Lyutov House. Get the best view of the village from the Georgi Benkovski monument at its top.

If you have a few more hours to spare, make sure you visit Koprivshtitsa’s St. Virgin Mary church and the Cyril and Methodius school house for even more specimens of that crucial period of Bulgarian history.

You might like: The best villages to visit in Bulgaria.

The drive back to Sofia is a little over two hours, through very scenic routes so time your travel accordingly if you want to enjoy them before night falls!

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Home » Europe » Why Visit Bulgaria: 10 EPIC Reasons to Visit in 2024

Why Visit Bulgaria: 10 EPIC Reasons to Visit in 2024

Sitting flush with Turkey, Bulgaria is the often-forgotten big brother of the Balkan countries. Budget travellers don’t quite reach it – tourists head straight to its beaches.

If you haven’t heard the news yet, let me tell you: Bulgaria is IN, everything else is OUT.

This Eastern European country was never much on my radar until a friend told me I would like it, and I was like, OK! And I booked a flight to Sofia.

I’m glad I took the chance: I adored backpacking Bulgaria.

The best adventures always seem to happen when you’re least expecting them. Watching the sun rise on the top of the highest mountain in the Balkans and pub-crawling in Plovdiv’s hipster district are all top bucket-list experiences. Who’d have guessed?

Maybe I’m biased. After all, I’ve always been a huge fan of Eastern Europe.

Still questioning why visit Bulgaria ? I’m here to tell you just WHY this country, on the outskirts of the Balkans, is so fantastic.

Is it the food? The landscapes? The office chairs at my local co-working space? Spoiler alert, maybe it’s all that and more.

Let’s find out!

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Bulgaria

First stop, bulgaria; next stop, everywhere else.

Travel in Bulgaria might not have been on the top of your wishlist before. You might be asking me but Elina, what is Bulgaria like? Is Bulgaria worth visiting as a backpacker? Why won’t you stop talking about it?

Give me 10 minutes of your time and I bet I can change your mind. Pop open a beer, sit back, and let me tell you just why you should visit Bulgaria for your holidays.

1. Bulgaria is WAY Prettier Than You’d Expect

When you think of backpacking Eastern Europe , you’ll probably conjure up images of grey Soviet blocks. Backpacking Bulgaria is nothing like you’d expect it to be: its bigger cities are full of grandiose historical architecture that rivals that of St. Petersburg and Prague. Its small towns are unbearably cute with their traditional houses and stone-walled restaurants.

But wait – there’s more! There are tastefully dilapidated side alleys selling antiques and vintage clothes. Colourful towns are built on hillsides (definitely DON’T skip Veliko Tarnovo ). Bulgaria has Roman ruins, sunsets that fall into the Black Sea, and so much more!

And Bulgarian nature? IMPECCABLE.

Its mountains are awesome, and you’ll hear a little more hype on them next. But the beauty of Bulgaria really lies in all its colours.

It’s not a rare sight to spot seemingly endless sunflower fields side to side, with intensely purple rows of lavender, with the backdrop of deep green forests and clear blue skies. You can find hidden waterfalls deep in forests and breathtaking, white knife-edge ridges to climb.

In a word, Bulgaria is gorgeous .

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2. The MOUNTAINS

It’s no secret that I’m slightly obsessed with hiking. I build all my itineraries around trekking, and it was one of my biggest reasons to visit Bulgaria in the first place.

Bulgaria for hikers is dope as hell! It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner hiker or an expert, there are peaks for everybody.

4 mountain ranges offer different hiking experiences from super-popular day hikes to more remote, less-trod trails. Most visitors will check out the Seven Rila Lakes (arguably the most popular hike in the country) but don’t leave it at that.

Trace down the origins of Orpheus, the mythic Greek poet, in the Rhodope mountains.

Climb the highest peak in the entire Balkans; even at 2925 m, Musala Peak doesn’t require special mountaineering skills.

Conquer the three highest peaks of the Pirin mountains on a one-day hike exploring the breathtakingly steep Koncheto Ridge – one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria.

Trails are usually well-marked and easy to follow. In addition, there are plenty of huts to accommodate tired travellers. And if you crave your own peace and quiet, pack up your camping stuff : wild camping is not only allowed but encouraged. If you’re visiting Bulgaria for the first time, don’t skip the mountains.

3. Food. SO MUCH FOOD!

Bulgarian food is incredible! True to its Eastern European status, the best Bulgarian food is heavy and hearty – and super cheap.

My favourite memories from Bulgaria are from the evenings sat at my favourite restaurant with my friends, stuffing my face with pork and potatoes, grilled cheese, stuffed peppers, and flaming kebabs. I’m not much of a soup gal (I know – gasp) but tarator , a refreshing, cold cucumber soup that resembles liquid tzatziki, made me change my mind.

And banitsa … These cheese-filled puff pastries are usually huge enough to fill you for brekkie or lunch. They cost about $1, and satisfy my craving for some Balkan burek.

Just a word of condolences to my vegan friends: living da veggie life in the Balkans is not easy, and Bulgaria is no exception. In bigger cities, you’ll surely find some options but in general, a vegan or vegetarian diet is a little trickier than omnivorousness.

And no Bulgaria trip would be complete without some wine tasting. Because GOD DAMN, Bulgarian wine!!! It’s cheap, it’s delicious, it’s absolutely everywhere. If you don’t care for wine, you can flush all the delicious dishes down with some ayran , which is a yoghurt-based cold drink. (A lot like Indian lassi!)

4. It Has Some Real Cool People

Bulgaria sits in the seam between Slavic stoicism and Ottoman hospitality; maybe that’s why its culture is such a funny hodgepodge of outwardly rude and actually lovely.

Walking in the street, you’d think this is a country of tough motherfuckers. Seriously, is smiling in public forbidden or something? Once you actually start chatting with people though, you’ll realise they’re super helpful, friendly, and hospitable.

To avoid confusion, learn some Bulgarian body language. Bulgarians shake their head when they mean yes, and nod when they mean no. Except in big cities, where some people use the universal gestures – except if they’re mixing the two gestures. Actually, maybe just try to get a verbal confirmation to your questions: learning a language is part of the fun!

Many young people speak great English and I made a lot of local friends during my couple-month stay. If the servers at your regular restaurant start to recognise you, they might upgrade your free dessert from watermelon to baklava. (Nothing makes you feel more VIP!)

Customer service in Bulgaria is hilarious: it’s a fifty-fifty chance of being the best or the worst experience. 

Sometimes you’ll get served like the waiter is doing you a favour. You might get the wrong dish, and if you dare complain, they’ll switch it, but you’ll feel like they’re probably casting some ancient Balkan curse on you. 

And sometimes people go out of their way to be nice to you. When a waiter at a taco place realised half of our group spoke Spanish, he started telling us about his favourite places in El Salvador, and bookmarked a town there on my Google Maps that he was convinced I would like to see.

At a whiskey bar, the owner made me take free shots of Fireball with him and the waitress. Shoutout to that man!

5. The Socialist Monuments Are Weird and Plentiful

From 1946-1990, Bulgaria was a socialist state. (What a noble Balkan tradition.) It was a part of the Soviet Block and had a very close friendship with Soviet Russia. Bulgaria’s emo, eh, I mean Soviet phase might be over, but there are tons of fascinating monuments leftover from that period.

Just Sofia, the capital, has a plethora of socialist mementoes scattered all over. Visit the Museum of Socialist Art with a statue garden. (You might spot a freakishly large Lenin-head.) The National Palace of Culture is a cool architectural gem, and the Monument to Soviet Army keeps getting painted over in different themes like superheroes as protest.

But the coolest communist monument in Bulgaria must be the UFO. Yeah, you heard me. The Buzludzha Monument is one of the most unique things to visit in Bulgaria. Located near the town of Shipka, the strangely shaped monument to honour communism was left abandoned when the Soviet regimen fell. It’s been in disrepair ever since. 

The good news is that there are plans to restore it. The bad news is that a guard is now stopping people from actually urban exploring the monument so you can only admire it from the outside.

6. The Beaches Are Pretty Awesome Too

The Black Sea rivals the Adriatic Sea. If you’re travelling to the Balkans looking for a beach holiday and you don’t feel like getting trampled by tourists on the Croatian coast, head to the Bulgarian east. Blue water and white sand beaches are guaranteed.

Don’t get me wrong: the Bulgarian coastline gets a LOT of tourism. Actually, it’s the reason many people see Bulgaria as a holiday destination. The beachside is popular for foreign package-holiday tourists and locals alike, so you won’t really have the place just for yourself.

Still, the beachside is nice for a break from hardcore backpacking (gotta avoid that traveller’s burnout , ya know). And with 400 kilometres of coastline, you’re sure to find some totally wild bits too, if you’re into it.

Varna is the third biggest city in Bulgaria and the biggest hub on the coastline. So that’s where you’ll find the best parties. I’d head to the smaller towns, though (because small Bulgarian towns are cute as fuck), and spend some time relaxing in old, historical streets.

Nessebar and Burgas are pretty cool, and Sozopol comes highly recommended by my Bulgarian buddies.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

7. Not Into Beaches? How about Snow?

Bulgaria is one of those great countries that doesn’t really have an off-season. If you couldn’t make it in the summer, Bulgaria is an awesome option for those interested in winter sports! 

Skiing holidays are expensive as all hell if you head down to the Alps. That’s why many alpinists are turning their backs to icy Aperol Spritzes and looking for better value in Eastern European mountains. Bulgaria is not exactly cheap either, but the prices seem to be about 2/3 of those in the Alps.

Bulgaria is great for first-time skiers but there are also options for more advanced slopers. The downside is that the amount of pistas is not huge.

Do you get bored easily? You could look into off-piste skiing.

Go ski near Sofia at Borovets, the country’s oldest ski resort, or in Bansko – my fav town in Bulgaria! It is one of the best-catered places for snow tourists. Pamporovo near Plovdid is also a good option.

8. Bulgaria is Probably the Cheapest Country in the EU

What a joy! Bulgaria is incredibly cheap – which shouldn’t be surprising, considering it’s located deep in Eastern Europe. However, it is also a country in the European Union. Considering how steep it is usually to travel around its union brothers, Bulgaria for holidays is an absolute steal.

Sure, you can manage to spend money if you’re not careful. In general though, the cost of travel in Bulgaria is very low, and it’s among the cheapest countries in Europe .

Avoid super touristy restaurants and opt for crummy-looking local ones instead. They usually have absolutely delish grandma-style cooking for half of the price.

Similarly, transportation is cheap AF. A train ticket is just a few leva s, a bus ticket is slightly more.

For the brokest backpackers, hitchhiking is still a good free travel option. (On difficulty levels, I’d say hitching in Bulgaria is about as hard as in Central Europe; it’s not super easy, but not too tough either.)

You can easily find a bed in a hostel in Sofia for 10 bucks a night – or rent a whole apartment for a month for $200. In the winter, prices shoot up in popular ski destinations, but summer and shoulder seasons are pretty affordable times to be traipsing around Bulgaria.

9. Is Plovdiv the Coolest City in Europe? Perhaps Yes.

Is Sofia, Bulgaria worth visiting? I mean, sure. Sofia has cool areas and all, but it’s just another pretty, metropolitan capital city. Bulgaria’s second city, Plovid, however…

Ploviv is located about 3 hours east of Sofia. The coolest thing about it is that it’s built on top of ancient Roman ruins; you can literally walk into an H&M and gaze down at some super old stones under the floor. 

But if history’s not your jam, maybe I could entice you with some culture? Some art? The best food in Bulgaria? Plovdiv was named the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2019, and not for nothing.

Plovdiv is filled with gorgeous street art and graffiti, galleries, and statues. My favourite is the statue of Milyo, who was literally just some guy that people knew and liked, so he got a statue in his honour. Apparently, if you whisper your wish in his ear, it comes true. (Results still pending.) There’s a free street art walking tour that also goes deeper into the city’s Soviet past and a regular free walking tour that I definitely recommend.

This is also where you’ll find the BEST food and drink in Bulgaria! From craft beer bars to artisanal gelato, there’s so much goodness here. (Also, the best coffee shops in the country!)

Spend a lot of time in Kavala, Plovdiv’s hipstery nightlife and food district, and grab a sweet lunch donut at Bluestone Donut. Taco Reyes has the best tacos I’ve EVER had, anywhere.

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10. Bulgaria Is Damn Excellent for Digital Nomads

The first reason I came to Bulgaria was the hiking; the second was the digital nomad community.

Bulgaria is safe , cheap, and extremely livable. It’s no wonder that European nomads are now starting to find it and even settle there. If you’re looking for somewhere to base yourself, Bulgaria is a great option – their tax percentage is pretty damn low…

As every nomad knows, the most important part of every place is the community; and Bulgaria has an awesome one. I found nomads in Bulgaria to be a bit more down to earth than the ones I’ve met in Asia. If that’s your thing, awesome-o.

Sofia and Plovdiv both have pretty big communities but I would definitely recommend checking out Bansko if you’re nomading.

The tiny mountain town only has a few thousand inhabitants but a whopping three coworking spaces. They’ve been hosting a digital nomad festival every summer for a couple of years now. Plus, there are some affordable apart hotels in Bansko for those looking to stay a while.

So, is Bulgaria one of the best countries for digital nomads ? It’s definitely up there.

So there you have it – just the prelude of the ode I want to sing to Bulgaria: my new favourite place in Europe. 

Bulgaria might seem a little off-route, but if you’re travelling the Balkans, planning to backpack Turkey, or even check out Romania, it’s right on your way. 

This also makes it easy to visit for travellers from outside the EU: whenever your time in the Schengen ends, it’s super duper easy to hop over the border to almost any of the surrounding countries to chill there for a few months until you can enter the EU again.

But don’t let convenience be your guide. Why visit Bulgaria? Because Bulgaria is awesome. Come because some girl on the internet told you to, and she probably knows things.

Come, because Bulgaria is more stable, cleaner, and less chaotic than other Balkan countries, yet it’s just as cool and unexpected as any of them.

I loved all of Bulgaria’s little quirks. 

I loved the friendly street cats I stopped to pet on my way to work every morning.

I loved that even though Bansko is the tiniest town ever, they had a music festival almost every weekend in the summer.

I loved that I lived next to mountains and that I could fill up my water bottle from taps of water running from those mountains that tasted better than tap water. (Well, I did fill up at the tap by the church, so technically that was holy water.)

Attractions are plentiful, but you can’t describe the country through top 10 lists of best places to visit in Bulgaria. You just have to come and experience it.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Elina Mattila

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How Much Does It Cost to Travel in Bulgaria on a Budget? [Infographic]

Looking for cheap travel destinations in Europe for a winter break? Let me tell you how much it costs to travel in Bulgaria.

We booked our flights and set off on our winter adventure to Bulgaria after learning that there’s good skiing for bargain prices and that the cost to travel in Bulgaria is low. We weren’t disappointed by Bulgaria and travelling on a budget — even while skiing — was very doable. I have to be honest though and say that although the cost to travel in Bulgaria was good, it was even cheaper to travel in Macedonia.

Our travel budget for Bulgaria includes budget accommodation for two, 3 meals per day, local transport and activities including a 2-day ski trip. This travel budget does not include flights.

Where we Travelled

We travelled in Bulgaria for a total of 16 days. We travelled to: Sofia , Bansko and Plovdiv .

We flew from the UK to Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, where we stayed for 5 days and mostly walked around and ate a bunch of vegan food. We then headed south to go skiing in Bansko. We stayed in Bansko for 5 days and went skiing on 2 of those days. Our final destination was the historic city of Plovdiv, where we enjoyed another 5 days before spending a day travelling back to Sofia and straight through to Macedonia .

Our travel budget is spread across the total 16 days, including the day we spent travelling by bus to Macedonia. We paid a reasonable amount of attention to our budget though our 2-day ski trip did push our average costs up.

Budget Accommodation in Bulgaria

The biggest cost to travel in Bulgaria definitely came from accommodation, but we still think that we found some pretty good deals. Like all Eastern European countries, you can get dorm beds for pretty cheap in Bulgaria and we met one guy who was staying in a dorm at Hostel Mostel in Sofia for £12 a night including basic meals — if you’re budgeting hard, then check that out for sure.

In Sofia and Bansko, we stayed in cool Airbnb apartments. In Sofia, our shared apartment cost us £23 per night, while Bansko our private apartment came in at the slightly higher price of £24.50 per night. We actually struggled to find cheap accommodation in Bansko because there were so many pricey tourist hotels and package holidays going on and we were skiing DIY style. The apartment we stayed in was the cheapest we could find at the time, though we did admittedly leave it a bit late to book.

When we got to Plovdiv, we opted to stay in a double room in Hostel Old Plovdiv. We’d read so many glowing reviews saying that this hostel was the best place people had ever stayed — and the price as comparable to other accommodation in Plovdiv — so we felt that couldn’t not stay there. The reviews were right, the hostel was amazing. We paid £25 per night, with a breakfast spread included.

Eating in Bulgaria on a Budget

I’m going to be honest and say that we were so taken aback by how little we paid to eat compared to other countries on our first night in Sofia, that we didn’t scrutinise our food spending all that much.  We had set ourselves a 31-day vegan travel challenge when we were travelling in Bulgaria, so all of the meals that we ate were vegan. 

That first night, we ate at the very lovely vegetarian Sun & Moon Bakery on Gladstone in Sofia. Our meal was all Bulgarian food and two sides, two mains, homemade bread and a glass of red wine cost us just 19lev (£7.32). Incredible, right? Now you can probably see why we didn’t feel the need to budget any harder when it came to eating out.

Local food in Bulgaria tends to be much cheaper than Western food and the same goes for local wine and beer. Avoid eating on the main high streets and instead look for places that are a bit away from the centre. We used Happy Cow to find vegetarian and vegan places — we kept food costs down by looking for restaurants marked as inexpensive.

Don’t forget to grab a local pastry called a banitsa for breakfast, around 3.5lev (£1.40).

Budget Activities in Bulgaria

Thinking about the total cost to travel in Bulgaria, it’s easy to see that we managed to keep our costs down by opting for lots of free activities. Aside from the skiing that is. We joined a free walking tours in both Sofia and Plovdiv , which meant we were able to check out all of the main city sights from the outside and learn a little bit of local knowledge.

Other budget travel activities in Bulgaria included checking out foodie markets in the local areas, as well as museums, churches and ruins. Many of the museums and churches only cost a token amount of lev to enter. If you’re in Plovdiv, definitely don’t forget to go walking up the city’s six hills to catch the sunset.

Skiing was of course the most expensive activity which we did, but skiing in Bulgaria is much cheaper than skiing in the rest of Europe. We discovered later on that skiing in Macedonia is even cheaper! Our 2 days skiing in Bansko worked out reasonably well priced with ski passes costing just 58lev (£18) per day and ski hire 35lev (£14) per day. If you’re a novice skier like me, you can pay just to use the gondola and keep costs down further.

Getting Around Bulgaria on a Budget

When we were in the city, we mostly got around by foot. The cities in Bulgaria are reasonably small so most places are within walking distance. In Sofia, the MRT is really useful and cheap. We stayed in a really central area though, so only used it a couple of times.

When travelling between cities in Bulgaria and out of the country, we always travelled by bus as this tended to be cheapest option. The bus from Sofia to Bansko cost us 16lev (£6.50) each and from Bansko to Plovdiv cost 14lev (£5.70).

The Total Cost to Travel in Bulgaria

After totting up our expenses, the total cost to travel in Bulgaria worked out at £23 per person per day, not including flights. This makes Bulgaria an excellent European travel destination for travellers on a budget. Though, if you think this is cheap, check out how much it costs to travel in neighbouring Macedonia!

Are you travelling to Bulgaria soon? I’d love to hear how much it cost to travel in Bulgaria for you!

Charlie Marchant

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Katie Featherstone

Sounds amazing Charlie, I can’t believe Europe could be this cheap too. Hopefully we’ll get there this summer.

Karianne @ The Good Globe

I really want to return to Bulgaria. I visited Albena, with a day trip to Sofia, with my Mum when I was 16 – but have never made it back! Plovdiv sounds beautiful and we really do need to book ourselves a skiing trip in the next couple of years – maybe Bankso will be a good place to choose. Thanks for the tips!

Charlie on Travel

Hey Karianne – Sofia was amazing, I’d definitely recommend getting back there is you can! Plovidv was also lovely. I was less fond of Bansko (because I’m terrible at skiing) and preferred the much more beautiful Mavrovo in Macedonia (also a ski town, but incredibly beautiful too).

Christine Toda

Good article. We will be in Bulgaria in June…surfing for interesting stories. I like your writing style…feel as though I am right there with you. Thanks.

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SOFIA, BURGAS, SOZOPOL, AKHELOY, NESSEBAR, SUNNY BEACH

One of the most favorite European destinations became a top spot in recent years. Thanks to its good location, warm sea and affordable prices we also decided to give it a try as many others and went to relax on the Black Sea coast…

We arrived in the capital city of Bulgaria – Sofia and in front of the entrance hall we got on a bit outdated bus which took us directly to the city center. We were heading to the dominant of the city and probably the most famous monument – Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. A beautifully designed cathedral was built to honor 200,000 Soviet soldiers who had fallen under the liberation of Bulgaria from the Turks in the 19th century. The gold-covered dome can be seen from a distance but it’s also worth going inside and seeing one of the largest collections of Orthodox icons in the world.

Not far from there is another important monument that is worth a visit. It is a church of Saint George which consists of a brick rotunda and is considered the oldest building in Sofia. It was built by the Romans in the 4th century and inside are precious frescoes of the Ottoman Empire.

From here we carry on along the National Theater to the Presidential palace where we experienced the change of guards. Afterward, we just carried on to stroll around the historic center of Sofia with many cozy restaurants, little shops, and historic buildings. Along the way, we’ve seen lovely parks with many statues and fountains.

From Sofia, we continue to the first sea resort – Burgas. Just walk through the main boulevard Alexandrovska Street which leads directly to the center and this city will immediately get you with its relaxed atmosphere. When you turn right from Alexandrovska Street you will reach a large park where a number of concerts take place in summer and is a favorite place for locals and tourists. Walk down the stairs and you will get to a promenade along the seashore with sandy beaches. With many shops, restaurants, and playgrounds, this is the cultural heart of the city and it’s definitely worth a visit.

From Burgas, we move further south to the historical town of Sozopol. The picturesque town which is in the beauty contest the biggest rival of Nessebar. This place is ideal for those who want an active vacation and want to experience something. The city is famous for its wooden houses from the 19th Century and is the main fishing and seaport of Bulgaria. The place is located on a narrow peninsula and there is nothing better than to walk through its narrow streets and soak up the atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit the church of St. Bogorodice, the central park and of course the local beach.

From Sozopol, we are heading north of Bourgas to the little town of Akheloy where we stay in a holiday complex – Midia Grand Resort . This privately owned apartment complex provides everything you need for a summer vacation by the sea. The location of the resort is in the first line so the sea is just around the corner (or literally just down the stairs). The town is about 15 minutes by walk but you will find everything in the complex. Restaurants, shops, bars, exchange office, gym, children’s clubs, massages, pools for kids and adults, children’s playgrounds, car & bike rentals, and all kinds of playgrounds. WIFI in the complex is good and at reception, you can order All-inclusive for a fee. There is an interesting cultural program (like competitions, karaoke, disco, etc.) throughout the day and in the evening.

From Akheloy it’s just a few minutes’ drive to one of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria – Nessebar. The historical town of Nessebar which is also one of the oldest European cities is due to its authenticity written in UNESCO’s cultural heritage. It lies on a small peninsula and is connected with the mainland only by a narrow embankment. Stone streets, wooden houses, and ancient brick churches are the unmistakable feature of this historic city. Despite a large number of tourists, there is still room for peace. Try to avoid the city’s commercial center with lots of shops, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and take the outer circle with scenic views. Do not miss the visit to St. Stephen’s Church and the Archaeological Museum with antique ceramics and medieval icons.

The last stop during our stay in Bulgaria was the visit to the secluded resort and the most prominent place for all holidaymakers – Sunny Beach. The most beautiful holiday complex in Bulgaria is an ideal place for a pleasant and affordable holiday. Wide sandy beaches, lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants, and all kinds of water sports, discotheques, fun parks, and water parks can be found here. The resort has many accommodation facilities ranging from expensive hotels, cheaper guesthouses to the most affordable private accommodations like Airbnb, etc. Thanks to its sandy beaches and gradual entry to the sea Sunny Beach is an ideal place also for families with children.

Bulgaria became a huge travel magnet in recent years and it has to be said that it is legitimate. Only a few European countries can beat Bulgaria in quality/price ratio. Good location, cheap accommodation, and flights, tasty food, plenty of attractions, rich history, plenty of cultural events, sandy beaches, and warm Black Sea make the country an ideal travel spot. With every year’s increasing quality of service, it has a huge potential of being one of the top holiday destinations in Europe and competing with leaders in this business like Italy, Spain , Greece , and other countries.

Tip 1: In Sofia don’t forget to visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Presidential Palace. 

Tip 2: You can get very good and cheap food in Burgas right in the city center on Alexandrovska Street.

Tip 3: In Sozopol and Nessebar is better to stay away from commercial city centers and see wooden houses and historic churches on the outskirt of the cities.

Tip 4: Right next to the entrance to Nessebar is the biggest aqua park in Bulgaria with loads of water attractions ideal for families with children.

Total costs:  5 nights All Inclusive (Flights + Accommodation + Meals):  £300

(Prices as of June 2015)

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Find cheap flights to Bulgaria from $310

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to bulgaria departing on 5/18. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to bulgaria.

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Good to know

Faqs - booking bulgaria flights, what are the passport and visa requirements for united states citizens traveling to bulgaria.

Citizens of the United States must make sure they have a valid passport with them and ensure that this passport remains valid for at least 90 days beyond their departure date from Bulgaria. If you're traveling to the country as a tourist, there is no need to get a visa so long as you don't plan on staying for more than 90 days.

What is the best Bulgaria airport to use if I plan to visit the Bulgarian Black Sea coast?

The best airport to use will depend on the part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast you wish to visit. For the southern part of the coast, Burgas Airport (BOJ) is the closest airport. It is approximately 6.2 miles north of Burgas city center, a major city in the southern part of the coast. Varna Airport (VAR) is the closest airport to the northern part of the coast. It is approximately 5 miles west of the city center of Varna,  a major city in the northern part of the coast.

If I plan on renting a car when I arrive in Bulgaria, what child car seat laws must I know about before I start driving?

When driving with children in this country, children 24 months of age and younger need to travel in a rear-facing child seat, and then after four years old, they must travel in a forward-facing car seat. After four years old, children up to 12 years old need to travel in a booster seat or on a booster cushion.

What are my best options for flights to Bulgaria from the Western U.S.?

If you’re traveling to Bulgaria from the Western states, you'll find one-stop flights departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to SOF. Major airline providers on this route include Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.

What are some of the best ways I can fly from New York to Sofia?

Most travelers on this route will depart John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for their trip to Sofia Airport (SOF). On this particular route of flight, one of the quickest options is the one-stop flight offered by Austrian Airways, which has a layover at Vienna International Airport (VIE).

What public transportation options are available from Sofia Airport to Sofia city center?

The Line 1 Sofia Airport Metro Station train offers a quick and affordable connection to the city center. You’ll find a free shuttle from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 and the Airport Metro Station between 7 am and 7 pm. Lines 84 and 184 buses also offer an affordable option to Sofia city center from SOF. OK Supertrans taxis and car rentals are available at the airport.

If I would like to travel to Bourgas, what is the quickest way I can get there from Boston?

When traveling from the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), passengers will find one-stop flights aboard a combination of United Airlines and Wizz Air that arrive at the Burgas Airport (BOJ) with a layover in London, where passengers will need to make their way from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to London Luton Airport (LTN).

What lounges are available at Sofia Airport?

If you’re looking for a place to relax after a long flight to Sofia, you can check into one of the lounges at SOF. Regardless of your travel class, you can check into Sofia Lounge, Preslav Lounge, or Pliska Lounge, where you’ll access comfortable spaces, free Wi-Fi, and a broad menu.

If I am planning to travel to Bulgaria for the International Festival of the Masquerade Games, what will be my best route from Los Angeles?

If you are traveling to Bulgaria and the city of Pernik for this event that occurs at the beginning of the year, your best choice for travel will be to fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sofia Airport aboard one-stop flights offered by Lufthansa and then take buses provided by Kyustendil Municipality Transport to Pernik in around 36 minutes.

Which airport is closest to Kulinoto Ski Resort?

Travelers who wish to engage in some winter activities at Kulinoto Ski Resort in the Rhodope Mountains can fly into Plovdiv International Airport (PDV), approximately 50 miles from the resort. The drive from PDV to Kulinoto Ski Resort is approximately 1h 30min through the scenic Rhodope Mountains.  Different airlines offer seasonal flights and yearly connections to this destination from London Stansted Airport (STN).

If I would like to visit the town of Koprivshtitsa in Bulgaria, what is the best way for me to travel there from San Francisco?

Most travelers that would like to make this trip will fly from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Sofia Airport aboard one-stop flights offered by Turkish Airlines that have a layover at Istanbul Airport (IST). Once at the airport in Sofia, there is a bus service provided by Chelopech Municipal Buses that can make the trip to Koprivshtitsa in about 3 h.

What documents do I need to rent a car at Sofia Airport?

To rent a car at Sofia Airport, you must provide a valid driver’s license, a passport or ID, an international driving permit, and a major credit card in your name or that of your driver.

How long is the flight to Bulgaria?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Bulgaria takes 17h 11m, covering a distance of 5600 miles. The most popular route is Chicago - Sofia with an average flight time of 11h 20m.

What is the cheapest flight to Bulgaria?

The cheapest ticket to Bulgaria from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $504. The most popular route is Chicago O'Hare Intl to Sofia and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $553.

What are the most popular destinations in Bulgaria?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Sofia (90% of total searches to Bulgaria). The next most popular destinations are Varna (7%) and Burgas (3%).Searches for flights to Plovdiv (0.1%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Bulgaria

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Bulgaria flight deals.
• If you are planning to travel to the Carnival of Humour and Satire in Gabrovo in May, you will want to fly to Sofia Airport (SOF) and then take buses from Union Ivkoni to Gabrovo in about 3 hours. If you will be leaving the United States from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), you can find one-stop flights aboard Lufthansa that have a layover at Frankfurt Am Main International Airport (FRA).
• If you wish to fly to Bulgaria from the Southeast, you’ll find different flights departing from Miami International Airport (MIA) in Florida, Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Georgia to Sofia Airport (SOF). Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Wizz Air, Norse Atlantic, and Ryanair offer one-stop connections from MIA and MCO to SOF.
• A beautiful coastal city that is a popular destination for travelers from the United States heading to Bulgaria is the city of Varna. When departing from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), you can find two-stop flights to Varna Airport (VAR) aboard a combination of JetBlue and Turkish Airlines.
• SOF is the busiest airport in Bulgaria, served by other major airlines, and a major hub for the Bulgaria Air. The airport is the primary gateway to Bulgaria and is ideal for travelers visiting different places in the western half of Bulgaria.
• An airport in Bulgaria that offers easy access for passengers from the United States is the Plovdiv Airport (PDV). Passengers traveling from an airport in the western United States, such as Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), can find two-stop flights to this airport aboard a combination of JetBlue and Ryanair.
• Since there are no direct flights to Bulgaria from the U.S., several major airlines offer Business Class travel through connecting flights. United Airlines, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, and Turkish Airlines are major airlines with Business Flights to Bulgaria from the U.S. through their connections. Enjoy amenities and services like comfortable seats, priority check-in and boarding, extra legroom, meals and drinks, and access to specific airport lounges.
• If you are traveling to the northern part of Bulgaria, another airport option can be the Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Romania. From Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA), passengers can travel on two-stop flights operated by Delta Airlines to this airport.
• If you are making your way to western Bulgaria, a good airport option might be Skopje International Airport (SKP) in the Republic of Macedonia. When flying from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), you can find one-stop flights to this airport aboard Turkish Airlines.
• We're looking for the best way to get to the beautiful seaside city of Sozopol in Bulgaria, one of the best ways when traveling from the United States is to fly to the Varna Airport and then take a readily available shuttle service they can have you in Sozopol in around 2 hours. Passengers departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) can find two-stop flights aboard Austrian Airlines to this airport.
• For those travelers looking to visit the beautiful town of Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria, a great way to travel from the United States is to fly to the Sofia Airport and then take a shuttle service that can have you in this town in about 3 h 30 min. When departing from Denver International Airport (DEN), you will find one-stop flights aboard Lufthansa.

Top 5 airlines flying to Bulgaria

Nothing really was great as such. Seen other no name airlines perform better.

Quality of service on board was very inconsistent. FA service primarily seemed robotic and they barely engaged with passengers

I’m unclear why I had to pay extra for assigned seats as Turkish airlines did not honor the seating. We were placed across the aisle from each other on TK 34, and were seated behind one another on TK 694. Because my name was misspelled on e-ticket (Klawiter, instead of Klawitter) I could not log onto website to get the connection gate number in Istanbul. The monitors in the airport were a jumbled mess 1/2 Arabic and 1/2 English.

On line check in needs a lot of improvement. I tried and gave up.

Food not good, flight attendants not the best, not accommodating very ruff

the female flight attendant was racist towards me. I could tell she treated the two other passengers next to me with more softness.

Oh my god! For an13 hour flight they serve you food just one time. Also don’t be thirsty they give you a little small cup of soda to drink. They seem like their goal is to feed you one so they don’t have to be bothered with you. It quite surprise for such a long flight there are several times to eat at least three and the food was well lackluster. The food and lack of offering drinks which were always hot no ice provided.

We were traveling first class. Checkin counter lady and her manager, both were in bad mood and did not treat us well about checking in the handbag. The gate agent took care of it right away. I travel Turkish twice a year in first class. No one has ever refused to check in the hand bag. Not sure, why this agent and her manager refused. Everything else was excellent.

The 787 economy was a disaster for long haul. The space was too little compared to 777 or 747. Also the extremely low tray table behind the seat made any dining effort a nightmare. However, the movies were up to date, and the food taste was good, despite of terrible serving process caused by small space.

A little bit more comfort. It’s tight space around the seats. But all else is great and a smooth flight!

Due to one crew member not showing up to work, our flight was significantly delayed causing us to miss our connecting flight in Houston to Mississippi causing us to be delayed by more than 6 hours and missing our event all together. Very disappointing. All because ONE crew member called in sick. United did grant us a $15 meal voucher, which was a small but appreciated concession that I wasn’t able to use because I ordered my lunch and paid for it before applying the concession, and the staff said it was too late to use it. Ugh! We also had a TWO delay coming back from Mississippi, but that was on American Airlines and it was due to weather, so not their fault. Anyway, not at all impressed with United’s handling of our flight and the HUGE disappointment of missing our important family event for our 90 year old mother. All that money and all that stress and emotions for nothing. Having to wait the hour to bring an employee from LAX seemed like something that should not have happened. Why don’t you have a local back-up? Santa Ana is not a little airport in a rural area.

Flight delayed from Cape Town to Washington then got diverted to miami and in miami we had to fend for ourselves , im still trying to get to Shreveport now

delay several times and wait extra long to board. no entertainment service because there are problem for some rows. always encounter some delays for the last flight of the day.

I just wrote a text which was supposed to be for the flight from Denver to spokane not Frankfurt to Denver.

On time every leg of the journey and exceptional staff at counter, gate, and on board. I haven’t travelled in US for a long time and was genuinely surprised how pleasant this was.

Hated every minute of it. This flight should have only taken 1.5hrs but was delayed over 10hours. Now I am being told I cannot be compensated or refunded my ticket price or extra leg room, which I purchased but did not receive, because the airline is throwing the blame on the 3rd party I purchased tickets through and 3rd party putting the blame on airline. No one wants to help. They received their money and that's all they care about. Im going on 3 days of still trying to get to my final destination, had to cancel car rental, car insurance and hotel. Currently staying in airport until hotels open up. Thank you Lufthansa, Kayak, Underpricer and United for making this trip the worst ever.

The delays (5 hrs) were a comedy of errors, and the multiple safety issues encountered were very concerning.

flight delays, staff only communicating when pushed, food service lasting a grand total of 7 minutes, stuck in seat from 45mins into flight until landing

Crew was great and did their best to make us comfortable and captain came out at the beginning to announce why the flight was delayed, weather situation up ahead, and kept us updated throughout the flight.

the flight from Tampa departed with a delay. The food on board was poor, usually on international airlines alcoholic beverages are offered free of charge , but here it was for a fee, the cutlery was wooden, there were no hot drinks (tea, coffee). Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the portions of food, but it wouldn't have been enough for a child either.And in the future, I will try not to use the services of this airline

All good! But sandwiches for breakfast need to be warm!!!!! Not cold!!! You do not want anything cold in your stomach in the morning!… think about it!

The flight was very bad, the food and the staff was very rude. My last time with them

LOT airlines wasn't the best. They had trouble with boarding and they didn't have my information on file the right way. They change last minute details without us knowing and everything was a HOT MESS. Lot airlines also lost my baggae which was the carseat and haven't responded to any of my emails.

Would have liked to have Wi-Fi on the longer flight (nyc-Warsaw)

My flight was cancelled and I went through hell to get it fixed, with no help from the website I booked it on. My reservation was cancelled AGAIN by the site I booked on without my knowledge a week later. The flight itself that I finally got on was awful. Drunk man belligerent the entire flight, I don't understand how he was allowed on the flight.

Lot still has not refunded me after they cancelled my flight to India!! Kayak had been awful at getting me this refund too. Will NEVER be using kayak or LOT again.

Tv screen not working. Food in business class was cold & not available

The customer service and the flight experience were very good!

My bag was lost despite an almost 8 hour layover in Warsaw. Nearly 12 hours after my arrival, I have not heard anything about it.

The boarding was delayed several times. The take off was two hours late.

Horrible experience. Nothing to give to kids to keep them entertained.

I think I have bruises on my kneecaps. Do the seats have to be so close together these days? And if they are so close they really shouldn’t recline. I think when the gentleman in front of me reclined, the back of his head was on my chin. That being said the crew were always caring and polite, and the flight was on time and very safe. So I’m grateful for that.

I always try to book flights that don’t charge for baggage. Yet I was charged $75 for this flight.

Trouble keeps changing the time and I was booked different flight without knowing it was bad experience

I dropped my wallet under my seat on this flight with all of my money and credit card. I requested to be able to go back and retrieve it but Lufthansa denied my request. I went to the Customer Services and they called Lost and Found but I was told nothing found would be turned in until around 12:00pm. My next flight was leaving so I was unable to check to see if my wallet was turned in. I will never fly with Lufthansa again.

My concern is with Flight: 441 IAH-FRA I was very cramped in my seat and the person in front of me was reclined. I pulled my wallet out of my purse and when finished I did my best to cram it back into my purse. Our flight was very delayed and we were rebooked twice and lots of airport time. As I got off the flight I noticed that I had dropped my wallet( containing all my credit & debit bank cards + 240 US dollars & 240 Euros. I spoke to customer service & Lost &Found. I was denied access to look on the plane. Therefore I have been without money and given no help. Paula Bjork 503.545.6698

Dinner was good by air travel standards but breakfast was too light and heavy on carbs/sugar.

Used to love Lufthansa, but Rowe are too close together in Economy and passengers are allowed to recline their seats so far back it is impossible for those behind them to even reach for carry-on essentials during flight - except for meal service when flight attendants ask for seat backs to be raised, we can’t sleep on planes so this flight was most uncomfortable ever! Rod Rose

So far so good. I missed my flight because of the Lufthansa diversion. United helped me to figure out how to get accommodations from Lufthansa for my long layover. They help me book appropriate onward flight.

Horrible crowding on the seats, headphones provided did not fit or work in the entertainment center, seriously the most uncomfortable flight I have taken in a LONG time. The people in front of me were literally 5 inches from my face the entire flight. Did they change their seats recently? I remember it being tight but wow this was a whole new level. Also I am a 5'3" small woman so I can't even imagine a larger person dealing with that for 11 hrs.

In economy and food was ok, but with limited leg space (and I was in a 2 seat configuration) it was difficult to eat with a tiny seat tray. I spilt wine on my trousers. First time on British Air (I usually fly Turkish Air) and in a 777. Heathrow was pleasant but changing terminals awkward.

Starting with the flight Cairo to London the plain was so poor no entertainment at all uncomfortable seats although it’s 5 hours long,then an American airline plain took me from London to Miami it was a bad experience the crew most of flight time not available and they asked us to help our selves for any snacks if we need. From Miami to London actually was perfect flight with a huge plain and perfect crew but from London to Cairo was horrible plain with stiff fixed seats not movable no entertainment or wi fi very poor Menu which is unacceptable for a business class

I've done hundreds of flights in my life, and this flight was one of the best I've ever taken, From beginning to end, everything went smoothly, professionally, and with a smile and friendly attitude from all employees I interacted with. The food was delicious (and free), as were the drinks. There was just a genial and effective way in the way that British Airways organized the flight -that reminded of days in the 70's, 80's, and 90's, when flying was a fun, and exciting adventure. I enjoyed and had confidence in the abilities of the flight crew, I'll be flying British Airways several more times this summer. Thank you so much for the great experience! Cheryl Olso

My baggage did not arrived with me. Took 3 days to get it after so may calls and follow up

Terrible! I missed my flight to my final destination and British airlines and American Airlines keep pointing fingers on each other’s. Nobody wants to take responsibility

Terrible. Flight was 3 hours delayed and I missed my other flight to my final destination

Overall, terrific service, accommodations, and experience. Only reason comfort was rated lower was because it was difficult to keep a comfortable sleeping position for the overnight flight, but I also had an economy seat.

Not sure if the crew were experiencing something unknown to me,but the service of passing water was non-existent.In addition,please take consideration when providing yogurt as alternative for breakfast as some of us, could be lactose intolerant.. thanks

Very cramped seats in economy, difficult to get comfortable with your legs and feet and back. The seat width is ok but I’m average size. Food is HORRIBLE. Crew is friendly. Delays and very tight connections made it tough for navigating. We would have missed our connecting flight if it wasn’t delayed too. The terminal transit was slow and normally every 10 minutes before 8pm, after 8 pm is every 30 minutes!!!!! No free wine or drinks!! Below average attitude.

Leg room was better than expected. Lavatory’s were easy to access.crew was grea!

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THE 10 BEST Family Resorts in Bulgaria

Family Resorts in Bulgaria

Property types, distance from, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance to city centre See properties located closest to the centre first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko

2. Meliá Sunny Beach

3. HI Hotels Imperial Resort

4. Sol Luna Bay All Inclusive

5. Premier Fort Beach Hotel

6. Helena Park Hotel

7. Helena Sands Hotel

8. Laguna Park & Aqua Club

9. DIT Evrika Beach Club Hotel

10. Barceló Royal Beach

11. tui blue nevis resort, 12. cascadas family resort, 13. sol nessebar mare all inclusive, 14. lighthouse golf & spa resort, 15. les magnolias hotel, 16. hotel neptun beach, 17. hotel forest beach, 18. ruskovets thermal spa & ski resort, 19. thracian cliffs golf & beach resort, 20. rome palace deluxe, 21. sol nessebar bay, 22. holiday and orchid fort garden complexes, 23. laguna beach resort & spa, 24. emerald beach resort & spa, 25. garden of eden, 26. hotel terra, 27. duni marina royal palace, 28. balneo complex & spa aquatonik, 29. paradise beach hotel, 30. complex makaza, family resorts nearby destinations.

Popular destinations for Family Resorts

Sardinia has been an overlooked Mediterranean island, as it lies between Italian Sicily and French Corsica. But it is an amazing holiday destination, great for kids, which is packed full of amazing sights and activities, with a great climate. Whether you've chosen to visit Sardinia to check out Phoenician or Roman ruins, or just to soak up some sun and enjoy some excellent Sardinian wines, you're sure to have a great time.

As a relatively large autonomous island, Sardinia presents a huge range of activities for a family holiday. From the sunbathing perfection of its Mediterranean beaches to the exploration of sites such as Su Nuraxi di Barumini - a building structure dating from the Megalithic period - there is something to interest everybody. About a quarter of the island is designated as either a National Park or other protected reserve territory, so much of the environment is unspoiled and the naturalists in your family can have a great time spotting incredibly rare creatures such as the Sardinian Fox or the Mediterranean Monk Seal. It's definitely a destination for fans of the great outdoors, but with such a diverse amount of wildlife on display, no one can fail to be captivated by the Sardinian landscape.

Popular Bulgaria Categories

Family Resorts information

• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Affordable Budget Tours to Bulgaria

Looking for incredible experiences on a shoestring budget? Look no further than these exciting budget tours to Bulgaria. We've conducted in-depth analysis of tours from highly reviewed companies, ensuring that you get the most bang for your buck in Bulgaria. With affordable prices, rave guest ratings, excellent service, captivating destinations, and engaging activities, these handpicked tours prove that you don't have to break the bank to have an amazing adventure. So get ready to explore and roam without financial worries as you embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery.

• Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures 8 Days, $617.49
• Peaks & Lakes of the Pirin and Rila Mountains 8 Days, $999.21
• Summits and lakes of the Rila and Pirin Mountains (self-guided walking tour; all ground transfers included) 8 Days, $886.94

What are budget and low-cost tours like in Bulgaria?

Here are the important factors:

• 12 trip options analyzed
• $110 average price per day (USD)
• 4 to 11 days in length
• 4.55 of 5 average rating
• 30 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of budget tours in Bulgaria, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 30 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 8 days, with tours ranging from 4 to 11 days long. For physical activity , the tours are marked as easy, moderate, and serious, with a prevalent number on easy tours. When it comes to transportation , tour options are organized as coach / bus and self drive, with a majority being coach / bus tours. With our thorough analysis of 12 budget tours, we've found the best. So rest assured that Bulgaria has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Budget Tours in Bulgaria

Rila-pirin mountain trek (bulgaria), guaranteed departures.

• On Sale: 10% Off See Prices
• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

This 8-day trip is ideal for guests from 10 to 79 years old. And priced at only $84 per day, it's a great value, too. Get ready to fully embrace hiking and mountain hikes. Experience a trip that takes you to 8 remarkable destinations, including Malyovitsa, Seven Lakes National Reserve, Rila, and Bansko. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Sofia. It's offered by Penguin Travel , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Peaks & Lakes of the Pirin and Rila Mountains

Priced at just $125 per day, this terrific 8-day voyage is ideal for guests from 13 to 70 years old. Explore 9 incredible locations on this trip, including Pirin National Park, Mount Vihren, Rila, and Seven Lakes National Reserve. Sofia kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. Organized by the reputable Traventuria , this is one of the best tours on this list.

• In-depth Cultural
• Winter Walks

Summits and lakes of the Rila and Pirin Mountains (self-guided walking tour; all ground transfers included)

Check out this incredible journey that has received a 5 out of 5 rating from previous guests. With a duration of 8 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 12 people, and is good for guests from 12 to 70 years old. Discover a journey that spans 9 destinations, with notable stops in Seven Lakes National Reserve, Rila, Bansko, and Gotse Delchev. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Sofia. This fantastic option, organized by Traventuria , presents an unbeatable value at just $111 per day.

• Walking Tour

In the Footsteps of Orpheus (self-guided walking tour)

Spanning over 8 days, this voyage has a maximum size of 8 individuals. Welcoming guests from 12 to 70 years old, it is organized by Traventuria , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. This trip takes you on an adventure to 8 destinations, including Bachkovo, Devin, Trigrad, and Beden. Sofia will be both the start and end of your journey. Available at an unbeatable price of only $111 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

Rodopi Road Cycling (Bulgaria)

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional trip that has garnered a 4 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 8 days, this jouney will have 7 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests from 2 to 7 years old. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around cycling and family-friendly activities. Expertly organized by Penguin Travel , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $100 per day.

• Road Cycling

Balkan Village Trek (8 days progressive ride in Teteven Balkan area)

This memorable journey is offered by Penguin Travel which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $115 per day. Along the way, this journey encompasses 5 destinations, including Goliam Izvor, Glozhene, and Cherni Vit. Sofia will be the beginning and end of your trip. The maximum group size is 6 people, welcoming guests from 10 to 70 years old.

Go Local: Best of Bulgaria, Self-Drive

Set off on an extraordinary journey that has been awarded a 5 out of 5 stars by previous guests. With a duration of 11 days, this trip offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 40 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to guests from 2 and up. This itinerary covers 10 captivating destinations, with stops in Burgas, Kazanlak, Plovdiv, and Bansko, among others. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Sofia. Brought to you by Destination Services Bulgaria , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $114 per day.

Discover Bulgaria

With this option you can experience an unparalleled trip for 8 unforgettable days. It ensures an intimate group setting with 16 participants at most. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 9 destinations, featuring Rila, Melnik, Devin, and Plovdiv. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Sofia. Penguin Travel , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests guests from 12 to 90 years old. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $126 per day.

IRON GATES CRUISE, 4 days, MS Fidelio

• On Sale: 50% Off See Prices

This fantastic voyage has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, visiting Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Your journey will begin in Belgrade and end in Bucharest. Lasting 4 days, the maximum group size is 154 people, and it's good for guests from 1 to 105 years old. Organized by Crucemundo , this is a great deal because it's only $73 per day.

• River Cruise

Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip

With a stellar 4.3 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary voyage is the perfect choice. And since the priority is on local culture and family-friendly activities, this tour is a great choice. Traverse through 7 enchanting destinations, with Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Rila, and Melnik among the must-see stops along the route. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Sofia. Spanning across 8 days, the voyage accommodates 10 individuals, and is suitable for guests from 6 to 85 years old. Offered by Penguin Travel , this remarkable voyage is priced at just $97 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

• Coach / Bus

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Bulgaria , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Bulgaria , The Best Historical Tours in Bulgaria , The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Bulgaria , The Best Adventure Tours to Bulgaria , The Best Eco Tours in Bulgaria , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Bulgaria , The Best Cultural Tours in Bulgaria , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bulgaria , The Best Walking Tours in Bulgaria , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Bulgaria , or The Best Tours for Seniors to Bulgaria for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sofia or The Best 10-Day Tours from Sofia for more package tour options.

How much do budget tours cost in Bulgaria?

Travelers to Bulgaria will have a large number of terrific options for budget tours at a variety of great prices. The price of budget tours here can vary by type, destinations, length, and travel style. Based on thorough data from 12 budget tours, their average daily price is a very reasonable $110 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Bulgaria .

And for more information on Bulgaria, see Bulgaria Travel Costs and Bulgaria Hotel Costs .

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The Busy Retiree

2024’s Top 15 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations

Posted: March 7, 2024 | Last updated: March 7, 2024

Deciding on a budget-friendly travel adventure doesn’t mean compromising on the excitement of exploration. In 2024, several enchanting destinations offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or beach lover, these affordable destinations promise a memorable journey. Let’s look into the cheapest places to travel in 2024, where your wallet can breathe a sigh of relief while you create lasting memories.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, Ho Chi Minh City is a budget traveler’s dream. Explore the bustling streets filled with delicious street food, visit historic landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, and take a boat trip through the iconic Mekong Delta.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Wander through the historic center, marvel at ancient Aztec ruins in Teotihuacan, and savor authentic tacos at local markets. With affordable accommodations and many free cultural attractions, Mexico City is a top pick for budget-conscious travelers.

Sofia, Bulgaria

For a taste of Eastern European charm without the hefty price tag, Sofia is an excellent choice. Visit the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, stroll through Vitosha Mountain, and indulge in budget-friendly local cuisine. The affordable public transportation and low-cost attractions make Sofia an ideal destination for those seeking an affordable European getaway.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Another gem in Vietnam, Hanoi boasts a unique blend of French colonial architecture and traditional Vietnamese culture. Explore the Old Quarter’s narrow streets, sample delicious pho at street stalls, and take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Hanoi’s affordability extends to accommodations and local experiences, making it a top destination for budget travelers.

Quito, Ecuador

Nestled in the Andes, Quito offers a mix of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, take a cable car ride up Pichincha Volcano, and discover the vibrant markets. Quito’s affordability makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to experience the charm of South America.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, charms visitors with its colorful neighborhoods, historic architecture, and scenic views. Enjoy affordable local cuisine, explore the iconic Belem Tower, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal gem. Don’t miss the famous custard tarts, Pastéis de Nata, at a fraction of the cost compared to other European capitals.

Krakow, Poland

Steeped in history, Krakow offers a budget-friendly European escape. Wander through the picturesque Old Town, visit the Wawel Castle, and experience the lively atmosphere of the Kazimierz district—all at an affordable cost. Enjoy a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage through the charming streets of the Old Town.

Bucharest, Romania

Romania’s capital, Bucharest, is a blend of grand architecture and modern delights. Explore the Palace of the Parliament, stroll through Herastrau Park, and indulge in the city’s thriving nightlife without breaking your budget. Discover hidden gems in the city’s lively neighborhood of Lipscani, filled with trendy cafes and vintage shops.

Kathmandu, Nepal

For an adventurous yet budget-friendly trip, head to Kathmandu. Discover ancient temples in Durbar Square, trek the nearby Himalayas, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Nepal without straining your wallet. Dive into the local culture with a visit to the bustling Thamel district, known for its vibrant street markets.

Bogotá, Colombia

Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene. Explore the historic La Candelaria neighborhood, visit the Gold Museum, and take a cable car ride to Monserrate for panoramic views—all within a budget-friendly travel plan. Immerse yourself in the city’s artistic spirit by exploring the vibrant street art scene in La Candelaria.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Home to the iconic Angkor Wat, Siem Reap offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Explore ancient temples, discover the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, and enjoy affordable street food in this enchanting Cambodian destination. Catch a breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat, a moment that won’t cost you a dime.

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse cultural scene. Visit the historic Belgrade Fortress, stroll along the Danube River, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife—all without breaking the bank. Join locals in a traditional kafana for live music and a taste of Serbia’s hospitality.

La Paz, Bolivia

Nestled in the Andes, La Paz captivates with its stunning landscapes and indigenous culture. Explore the Witches’ Market, take a cable car ride for panoramic views, and embrace the unique atmosphere of one of the world’s highest capitals. Challenge yourself with a stroll along the famous El Camino de la Muerte, the Death Road, for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Manila, Philippines

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, offers a mix of history and modernity. Explore the historic Intramuros district, visit Rizal Park, and indulge in the diverse street food scene—all at an affordable cost. Attend a traditional Filipino cultural show to witness the country’s rich heritage come to life.

Accra, Ghana

Experience the vibrant culture of West Africa in Accra. Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, explore Jamestown’s colonial architecture, and relax on the beautiful Labadi Beach, all while enjoying the affordability of this welcoming city. Join locals in a dance at Independence Arch during one of Accra’s lively festivals.

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of discovery. The cheapest places to travel in 2024 provide unique experiences, rich cultural encounters, and breathtaking landscapes—all without breaking the bank. From the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the historic charm of Mexico City, these destinations offer budget-friendly adventures that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and explore the world affordably in 2024!

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