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15 Things to Know Before Visiting Bulgaria

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If you don’t know what to expect when visiting Bulgaria, you’re not alone. I had no preconceived ideas about the country when I first went and my planning was honestly very limited. At that time, Bulgaria felt like it wasn’t on people’s radar. Visiting more recently, it still feels that way.

Yes, Bulgaria is fairly popular as a seaside destination in summer, but even that’s not on the same scale as its Mediterranean and Adriatic cousins. All this is to say that visiting Bulgaria was eye-opening, as I began to learn more about the history, culture, and people of this extraordinary country.

My return to Bulgaria may not have always gone as planned, but even then it was a joy to further explore this little corner of Europe. For those thinking of travelling to Bulgaria, here is my Bulgaria travel advice with what I think you need to know for your visit.

Table of Contents

1. Look Past Bulgaria’s Coast

Since Bulgaria’s coast is where the country is most popular with tourists, let’s start there. If you’re seeking an affordable beach vacation, places like Sunny Beach and Sozopol are worth the trip. And the historic port towns on the Black Sea are also worth visiting on their own.

But it pains me that people don’t realise how many other fascinating places there are to visit on a vacation to Bulgaria. The capital Sofia is a good starting point , with its complex history and socialist relics. Look even just a little deeper and you quickly find other cities in Bulgaria to go to, from the immensely cool city of Plovdiv to the former royal capital of Veliko Tarnovo .

Bulgaria’s mountains cover much of the country’s interior and not only are they really fun to explore, they hide lots of great smaller destinations as well. Visiting the Monastery of Dryanovo and the unique Sand Pyramids of Melnik were two highlights of my first visit . Seeing the Rila Monastery and Belogradchik Fortress , two of the most famous Bulgarian attractions, on my return trip was just as memorable.

2. Bulgaria Visa Requirements for Entry

While Bulgaria is part of the European Union, it is not yet part of the Schengen Area that allows free movement between countries, something many EU countries currently benefit from.

This means that when entering Bulgaria you will go through passport control and visa requirements vary. For information on Bulgaria travel requirements , here is one place to start . At the time of writing, travellers from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and most of Europe did not require visas for stays under 90 days.

Crossing the border from Turkey to Bulgaria, our train was stopped and border police came aboard. They collected passports, took them away and then returned them. Don’t be alarmed that people would take off with your passport without saying anything – it is fairly common practice in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

3. Public Transport in Bulgaria

One of the biggest challenges of travelling in Bulgaria is getting around. The country’s mountains tend to get in the way a lot, especially since so many popular things to do in Bulgaria are found in or near them.

There are also drawbacks to public transport in Bulgaria. I’ve yet to travel by train in Bulgaria, aside from the overnight train from Istanbul, but do not hear good things about its reliability. The travellers I’ve talked to who used it encountered significant delays and were told by locals that they often don’t use it.

Travel by bus has always been my go-to in Bulgaria. An extensive bus network of various companies crisscrosses the country, but Sofia is certainly a major hub. I think the buses are good value, especially for how cheap tickets are, and mostly punctual.

One thing to keep in mind is that most major cities have multiple bus stations, so do check which stations you are departing from and arriving at. Information can be found online at Bgrazpisanie or Balkan Viator , but it always pays to check at the station in case of a rare error.

Once you’ve arrived, most cities and towns have local bus networks that are pretty straightforward to use. When I first went in 2016, buses in most cities still had ticket ladies who sold tickets onboard, often for only 1 lev. That’s certainly not the case now in Sofia. Their metro/bus system lets you just use your bank card, it’s that easy.

4. Best Time to Visit Bulgaria

Timing is everything when you visit pretty much any place in Europe and Bulgaria is no different. Go to Bulgaria in summer and you’re met with hot and humid weather, except for the Black Sea coast. Travel to Bulgaria in winter and the chances of snow are pretty high. Did I mention all of the mountains?

So when is the best time to visit Bulgaria? Well, it depends on why you’re going. If you want beach weather, June through August should give you that. Those just looking to visit Bulgaria’s cities benefit from more flexibility as the shoulder season should work just fine.

You’d think the hiking season would line up with beach weather, but actually most of June isn’t great for hiking as there still may be lots of snow in the mountains. Instead, try visiting between July and September when the mountain trails are clear. As for skiing in Bulgaria, January to March should offer the best conditions to hit the slopes in the mountains.

5. Local Customs to Know

Part of the fun of travel is learning local customs and quirks, but they can definitely lead to confusion at first. The big one for me in Bulgaria is that they nod for No and shake their head for Yes.

Non-verbal communication in a country where you don’t speak the language is super important. English is spoken a little in Bulgaria, mainly with younger people and it is growing. But there are still going to be times where you need to rely a lot on gestures and body language.

That means, simple gestures like nods and head shakes become even more critical. If you ask a bus driver “Bansko?” and they shake their head, I guarantee your first instinct will be to keep looking. I know I did. This will take some time to adjust to during your visit, but I found it always helps to rethink what answer you were given to ensure you understood it properly.

6. Language and Reading Bulgarian

The language of Bulgaria is – you guessed it – Bulgarian . The language is heavily Slavic, but with enough twists to distance it from most other Slavic languages, eg. Czech, Russian, Croatian. It’s not the easiest of languages for English speakers to swiftly pick up.

English is generally spoken in the tourist-heavy parts of the coast, particularly in Sunny Beach, but it’s far from guaranteed. Away from the coast, younger people are the ones more likely to know some English. As for second languages, Russian is definitely the most common across the country, with German probably next.

The other major hurdle for tourists in Bulgaria is that they use the Cyrillic Alphabet . While probably best known for its use in Russia, Cyrillic was actually developed in Bulgaria in the 9th century. That knowledge won’t help you read it any better, but Bulgarians are very proud of that fact.

When trying to read Cyrillic, I tend to sound it out one letter at a time like a little kid. It takes some getting used to, but it helps that the following letters are the same as they are in Latin: ‘ A’, ‘E’, ‘K’, ‘M’, ‘O’, ‘T’ . It’s also useful that the following translates easily: a Cyrillic ‘P’ is Latin ‘R’, ‘C’ is ‘S’, ‘H’ is ‘N’, ‘X’ is ‘H’ . With that little language lesson, you now know the first 4 letters of ‘HOTEL’ in Cyrillic are “XOTE”. Good luck with the rest!

A few basic Bulgarian phrases to help you get by include Dobŭr den which means ‘Good Day’; Blagodarya for ‘Thank you’; Molya te for ‘Please’; and Da and Ne for ‘Yes’ and ‘No’.

7. Managing Your Money

Bulgaria is another Eastern European country where your Euro is not of much use. The national currency of Bulgaria is the Lev (BGN) . Thankfully, the Lev seems to have a fixed rate against the Euro at 2 lev to 1 euro, making the mental currency conversion pretty easy.

For those out on the coast, you may not even need to do your own arithmetic as many signs and restaurants are also shown in Euros or Pounds.

But currency conversion shops are widely found around Bulgaria, especially in places like Sofia and the coast. They mainly exist to convert back and forward between Euros and Lev. While you always want to be wary of the rates you’re getting, my experience in Sofia was surprisingly good.

Now if you’re getting cash out of ATMs, a word of warning. Across the country, you’ll find Euronet ATMS – and I highly recommend not using them . While using my Wise card, I used this guide on ATM fees to avoid extra fees.

While having some cash in Bulgaria is useful, you can use your credit card in Bulgaria for a lot of things. Just make sure it’s a card that doesn’t slam you with currency conversion fees or bad exchange rates.

8. Is Bulgaria Safe to Visit?

Yes, in my experience, Bulgaria is a safe place to visit. I’ve travelled across the country in public transport and even hitched rides with people and never encountered problems.

The closest I’ve come to feeling unsafe is when a crowd of loud football fans moved through the centre of Sofia after a game, and that can happen anywhere that loves the sport. That said, I don’t tend to go out drinking/partying or be out in the middle of the night, so my exposure to certain risks is lower.

Safety is always going to be a concern for travellers but it’s also deeply specific to individuals. I’m a white male travelling in a European country, so my experience and feeling of safety in Bulgaria doesn’t necessarily mean that all travellers will feel safe. This is true anywhere.

9. Fading Socialist Reminders

One aspect of tourism in Bulgaria that seems to appeal to many international tourists are the remnants of Bulgaria’s era under socialist rule. During the latter half of the 20th century, the country saw a lot of monuments and buildings created in the very Brutalist style that was in vogue under the socialist republic.

The fall of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria in 1990 still wasn’t that long ago so there are plenty of examples around Bulgaria you can still see today. Buzludzha Monument may be the most iconic of these landmarks, but the capital Sofia has more than a few monolithic, Soviet-looking sights of its own.

Visit the Socialist Art Museum in Sofia and you’ll see all sorts of sculptures and statues from this time period. There’s also the popular Communist walking tour , which lets you learn more about the history and how it affected the people of Bulgaria.

Veliko Tarnovo is another city with its fair share of relics from this period. Look no further than the brutalist Interhotel by the river or the incredibly unusual secular church atop Tsarevets Fortress. Further afield, I’ve heard of abandoned bunkers and the like for those who are into urban exploration.

10. So Much History to Explore

If you said you don’t know the history of Bulgaria, I don’t think anyone would hold it against you. And I’m not just talking about the country’s period of socialism. The good news is that there are plenty of places to visit in Bulgaria that show you the country’s history.

Did you know that you can find Roman ruins in Bulgaria? Plovdiv is home to several ancient Roman landmarks, including a large amphitheatre. Skip ahead and you have landmarks from the middle ages and Bulgaria’s imperial days, such as the Tsarevets fortress in Veliko Tarnovo. There are also plenty of Ottoman landmarks too, many of which are mosques.

Bulgaria’s historical side doesn’t just have to be informative though; it can also be extremely picturesque. From Plovdiv to Veliko Tarnovo and Nesebar, you’ll find gorgeous buildings in the style known as Bulgarian Revival . This architectural style comes from the Bulgarian National Revival movement of the 18th and 19th centuries which also led to Bulgaria regaining autonomy from the Ottoman Empire in 1878.

11. Hiking in Bulgaria

One of my favourite things to do in Bulgaria has been hiking in the mountains there. Now, Bulgaria isn’t one of Europe’s classic hiking destinations, but you’re not going to be disappointed with it if you go.

Most of my hiking in Bulgaria has been around the Rila and Pirin Mountains. But these mountains in the country’s southwest are just two of the main mountain ranges in Bulgaria. You also have the reasonably remote Rhodope Mountains to their east, and the more accessible and extensive Balkan Mountains through the heart of Bulgaria.

Even though it was mostly cold, wet, and foggy for my hiking trip to Bulgaria, I still had a great time. Both when I was meandering around the Pirin Mountains and heading up to the Boyana Waterfall outside Sofia, I loved having the country’s pristine nature practically to myself. I am glad that the weather held up for my Seven Rila Lakes hike though, as the views on that hike are next level.

You have plenty of options for hiking here, both in terms of location, but also whether you want to do a longer hiking trip or just day hikes. For me, I’m still waiting to tackle Musala, the highest mountain peak in Bulgaria.

12. Bulgarian Foods and Drinks

Looking back, I don’t think I’ve been all that adventurous with my food habits when visiting Bulgaria. That’s probably because it’s never hard to find typical Bulgarian restaurants and common Balkan dishes such as kebapche and kufte.

But there are some Bulgarian staples I’ve tried during my visits. Despite their overwhelming volumes of sirene cheese, I’ve had my share of shopska salad and banitsa (pastry filled with cheese). And one of my go-to orders is kavarma , a kind of meat and vegetables served in a clay vessel.

I will admit though I’ve avoided Bulgaria’s famous yoghurt, ayran , simply because I’m lactose intolerant. But if you’re not, don’t skip this popular drink that you can find *everywhere*. Drinks I haven’t shied away from have been Bulgaria’s various beers, Shumensko, Kamenitza, and Pirinsko to name a few.

One thing I only learned about Bulgaria by visiting is that the country is quite a major wine producer. Mavrud, a red wine grape, is probably the best known variety from Bulgaria and is worth trying if you see it on a menu when in Bulgaria. Visit Melnik and you can also explore the town’s fruit wines, which I quite enjoyed.

13. Is Bulgaria Cheap to Visit?

Yes, Bulgaria is an affordable destination to visit and I’d say it’s one of the cheapest countries to travel in across Europe. The Balkans is a generally affordable region for international travellers to visit and I think Bulgaria is somewhere in the middle relative to the rest of the region.

The most expensive places to visit in Bulgaria are going to be the Black Sea Coast and then Sofia. Prices in these places weren’t that high during my first visit to Bulgaria, but accommodation in Sofia was definitely more expensive in 2023. Looking at prices for the coast as well, they also seem to have risen considerably.

Expenses in Bulgaria for things like food, attractions, and public transport are quite reasonable in my opinion. Filling dinners at basic restaurants for one person can comfortably cost 10-15€, while coffee typically only costs 1-2€. Entry to museums and attractions in Sofia typically cost around 5€. Public transport around Sofia for a day cost me less than 3€. A 3-hour bus ride from Sofia to Bansko costs 10€.

14. Is Bulgaria Friendly to Tourists?

As is so often the case with questions like this, it’s hard to say that everyone in Bulgaria is going to be completely friendly to you as a tourist. So many things affect this, from language barriers to perceptions of race/gender/orientation.

Across my Bulgaria travel experiences, I’ve met plenty of welcoming people in the tourism sector (guides, hotel staff, etc.). Then there have been friendly locals like the man that offered to provide suggestions of where to go when I hiked up to Boyana waterfall.

Of course, I’ve also experienced people that have been standoff-ish. And that’s true of most countries I’ve been to in Europe, especially places that are less accustomed to foreign tourists. But in Bulgaria at least, I can’t recall anyone being rude or offensive.

I think if your expectation of “friendliness” is big broad smiles, people greeting you on the street, and endless enthusiasm to help you, you’re going to be disappointed. Basically, don’t expect “American hospitality”.

15. Bulgarian Martenitsa

The bracelet’s colours represent vitality and purity, representing a wish for the wearer’s health in the coming year. Locals wear the bracelets until the first sighting of spring blossom, swallows or storks.

At this point, people take the bracelets off and tie them to trees, passing the wishes of vitality onto the tree. During my visit in July, you were still able to find many trees decorated with Martenitsa.

Resources for Visiting Bulgaria

• Getting There: To find the cheapest and most convenient flights to Bulgaria make sure to check Kayak .
• Accommodation: Here you can find hotels, apartments and guesthouses for across Bulgaria, plus don’t forget Airbnb.
• Tours: There are countless day trips, cruises, and sightseeing tours available in Bulgaria.
• Car Hire: If you want to travel more independently, consider renting a car to drive yourself about.
• Guide Books: Lastly, take a Lonely Planet Guide book if want a physical guide.

What other things would you like to know before visiting Bulgaria? Have you visited Bulgaria and have other insights to share? Please share them in the comments below.

David is the author behind the Travelsewhere travel blog and is always on the search for the quieter, less-visited corners of the world.

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This was definitely helpful! We had our big honeymoon planned for Italy at the moment but at 80% sure that we are going to cancel it and do a huge 2 week road trip through the Balkans hitting up Montenegro, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Romania mostly. Keep an eye out because I might be contacting you for recommendations, if you don’t mind! 🙂 I’ve already used your blog for a lot of info!

Glad to hear it Lorelei! I’m such a big fan of the Balkans so more than happy to help if you have questions or need recommendations. Have a great time!

Thank you! I’m just getting started on research so I’ll hit you up if/when I have questions. 🙂

Don’t miss out on Albania if you are doing a Balkan road trip. IMO the most interesting country to visit in the Balkans.

Don’t worry, we WILL visit one day, most likely as it’s own trip! I’m dying to visit!

great tips! I might use them one day:) #wanderfulwednesday

That nodding/shaking your head means the opposite from what we understand of it is definitely new to me! I’ll have to keep that in mind if I ever get to visit Bulgaria. I certainly don’t understand or speak Russian, let alone Bulgarian… 😉

Martenitsa sounds like a lovely custom. Enjoyed reading about it.

Unfortunately in Norway Bulgaria is synonym with party people, so I’ve never wanted to go. Know I should see beyond 🙂

These are great tips. The only thing I really know about Bulgaria is where to locate it on a map. I eventually would like to visit but it’s not high on my list. #wkendtravelinspiration

Haha that’s ok Allison, that’s probably more than many people can. I totally understand the perils of having a long list of places you want to visit. I hope you reach that far down the list one day 🙂

Great tidbits of information! I’ll definitely remember that nodding means no and that shaking your head is yes…wowzers! Bulgaria is on my radar since I’m living in Moscow now. 😀

The former eastern block countries fascinate me. I hope to visit Bulgaria and Romania someday.

We did a great road trip in Bulgaria, and although the roads are not the best, we had a fabulous time. We did see the bracelets on many trees in the church yards. Good article.

I know a few people from Bulgaria and friends who visited really enjoyed it for the culture and low prices compared with other parts of europe. nice reminder of what it’s worth visiting the less touristy parts of the world. #wkendtravelinspiration

Like you, I have no preconceived ideas about Bulgaria. It was good to learn more from you about this country. I am nodding my head, or am I shaking it 🙂

One of the things that intrigues me most in Bulgaria and other former Soviet Bloc countries is the Communist remnants. Particularly architecture and public works. Amazing in their own way, and still historically important. Also, that Bulgarian Revival architecture is great! Looks like another country we’d enjoy just wandering through and admiring! As always, great post!

Stay away from the coast. Party time is not educational.

I think you can still enjoy the coast if you don’t like partying. I know I did.

Bulgaria has become really popular for skiing, if you are a fan of winter sports, Pomporovo or Bansko in the winter will rock your expectations!

This was a very interesting and informative article but let me tell you this . I am Bulgarian myself . I was born and raised in Varna and then later in my life moved to Canada. There is a lot of misinformation floating out there such as the ” shake your head for NO and nod for YES” Simply not true unless they do that in some small high mountain village somewhere there it is absolutely NOT TRUE the rest of the country. Anyhow useful article never the less. Enjoy and happy travels everyone.

Thanks for commenting Ivo. That’s interesting to hear, perhaps it’s a regional thing. I definitely experienced it first hand in the west and know other people who experienced it as well

Visiting Bulgaria in the Winter can be really a great journey. I can say Borovets is one of the most popular destinations for this.

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Home » Travel Guides » Bulgaria » 15 Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

15 Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Rolling down from the pine-clad massifs of the Balkan Mountains and the Rhodope ranges to meet the sparkling blues of the Black Sea, Bulgaria offers everything from sun-kissed beaches to enthralling historical narratives, buzzing party towns to snow-shrouded ski resorts between its borders.

In this guide to the 15 best places to visit in the country, we take a look at all the major hotspots that should be on anyone’s Bulgarian bucket list this year.

The sun-splashed favourite of local Bulgarians heading out of Sofia and Plovdiv for the summer, Varna is much more than just your run-of-the-mill resort town on the edge of the Black Sea. Yes sir, with a long and enthralling history, oodles of crumbling Roman bathhouses and elaborate Orthodox architecture (like the almost unpronounceable Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral), the city appeals to history buffs and culture vultures as well as sun seekers.

Of course, the beaches are still a big factor, and one bustling sand-side promenade beckons travelers with oodles of seafood restaurants and cocktail bars, while lively clubs erupt right on the edge of the shore after dark.

2. Veliko Tarnovo

The legendary City of the Tsars stands aloft on the edge of the rising foothills of Bulgaria’s northern mountains. Bisected by the S-shaped meanders of the Yantra River, the town’s setting is nothing short of breathtaking, with terraces of terracotta-coloured roofs looming over the waterways below.

The pretty cobblestone lanes and half-timbered homes of this one’s old town are prime examples of what’s now known as the Tarnovo school, which developed as the Second Bulgarian Empire boomed in the Middle Ages.

That means travelers here experience a mixture of natural beauty – courtesy of the wild coniferous woods that blanket the landscapes all around – and unbridled culture and history, oozing from the Tsarevets capitol and the clutch of gorgeous Byzantine churches.

The sprawling capital of Bulgaria is something of a patchwork of its own past. Around its edges rise the great brutalist monuments to Soviet rule; endless streams of cookie cutting high-rises.

Closer to the centre and the ancient remains of the Serdica Fort and the Roman-Byzantine Church of St George sit in the shadow of Stalinist municipal buildings.

And then there are the iconic Orthodox domes and gilded edifices of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which glisten under the snow-packed tops of Vitosha Mountain in the distance.

It’s all very eclectic, and rarely fails to impress travelers that opt to linger here a little while.

4. Zheravna

A showcase in all things Bulgarian National Revival, Zheravna is a rustic and raw picture of one of the country’s most iconic architectural styles of old.

The town itself sits nestled at the base of the mighty Balkan Mountains, between dense thickets of Bosnian pines and white elms, where it seems almost organically formed in its timber-clad, stony appearance.

The cottages that pepper the cobbled streets all come beautifully restored, with more than 150 examples of the typical hardwood facades on display.

Amidst the buildings, sites like the Yordan Yovkov House and the icon-packed St Nicholas Church draw the biggest crowds, while others will head for the August Dobromiritsa Rural Park nearby, where festivals celebrating Bulgarian folk costumes and music erupt throughout the year.

Burgas is one of the favoured gateways to the southern stretches of the Black Sea Coast. A far cry from the ancient and historic centres that pepper the country elsewhere, it’s a largely modern affair of Art Deco rises and manicured parks on the edge of the sea.

It’s also home to some of the most lively music festivals in Bulgaria, like the rollicking Spirit of Burgas that erupts each year in the summer.

North Beach is the most popular stretch of sand in the town, while Burgas also has another trick up its sleeve: the majestically beautiful trio of lakes that range from the bird-spotting paradise of Vaya to the west to the saline waters of Atanasovsko to the north.

6. Rila Monastery

Perhaps the most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in the world, Rila has risen and risen to become a veritable symbol of the Bulgarian nation.

It entered the UNESCO World Heritage List way back in 1983, hailed for its curious intermingling of Mamluk, arabesque, Byzantine and Romanesque styles, and resplendent iconostases walls, carved meticulously and inlaid with shimmering gold leaf.

An on-site museums helps travelers unravel the more than 1,000 years of history that coalesce at the site, while endless courtyards and peristyles decorated in murals and medieval scenes mean there’s plenty of art and architecture to draw the eye.

Prep the salopettes and wax the skis, because Bansko is Bulgaria’s most prized winter sports resort. With countless expansions and new lift projects at its back, the dual ski fields of the Chalin Valog and Shiligarnika that make their home between the fir forests here have become some of the most lauded in all of Eastern Europe.

And even if you won’t be hitting the 70 kilometers of groomed runs on offer, Bansko’s rugged setting in the Pirin ranges and wealth of luxury hotels, hedonistic bars, jazz joints, cross-country trails and Bulgarian tavernas is sure to hit the spot!

8. Pamporovo

Encompassed by endless seas of pine trees that oscillate between verdant green and ice-caked white with the turning of summer and winter, the popular mountain resort town of Pamporovo makes its home amidst the undulating ridges of the southern Rhodope Mountains, just a short jaunt away from the borderlands with Greece.

And while the warmer months here do mean fantastic hiking opportunities along the trails of Smolyan, it’s the snows that really draw the crowds, when the slopes (all 36 kilometers of them) open and chairlifts creak and rattle to the tips of Rhodope with skiers in tow.

Pamporovo is expanding rapidly too, which means it’s certainly one to watch on Eastern Europe’s line-up of budding mountain resorts!

9. Pirin National Park

UNESCO-tagged and rising like a great Balkan bulwark against the borders of Macedonia and Greece , the Pirin National Park is a hinterland like no other in Europe.

Up on high, its snow-spotted summits gather caps of mist, while alpine valleys below are dashed with avalanches of forest-green pine and fir trees, and speckled with the occasional bed of edelweiss.

Meanwhile, deer and bears stalk the woodlands to this day, and wild goats clamber atop the craggy precipices to find shelter in the rocky crevices and caves.

It’s hardly a wonder that this one is hailed as a paradise for hikers and outdoorsy types, with trails soaring to the top of Vihren (the highest peak) and weaving around the whopping 186 mountain lakes!

10. Belogradchik

The otherworldly geological wonders that lurk on the edge of Belogradchik town rarely fail to impress travelers who make their way to this far-flung corner of Bulgaria on the northward slopes of the Balkan Mountains.

Known simply as the Belogradchik Rocks, they offer a sprawling display of hoodoos and anthropomorphic monoliths that’s inspired folk legends and local myths aplenty.

But Belogradchik’s draws don’t end there. No sir, not with that colossal Belogradchik Fortress complex dating back to Roman times on the menu, the citadel of nearby Baba Vida and the mysterious pre-historic wall art of the Magura Cave to boot!

11. Plovdiv

Draped over seven hills along the courses of the beautiful Maritsa River, Plovdiv runs the gamut of historical sights, encompassing Roman amphitheatres, Thracian fortresses, honorific monuments to Bulgaria’s own Krum the Fearsome, National Revival churches and even the occasional Soviet tenement between city limits.

The piece de resistance has to be the old world historic centre though; a Game of Thrones-esque pallet of stone-clad keeps and winding alleyways, Byzantine arches and hidden squares.

Oh, and Plovdiv’s nightlife beckons partiers after hours, as the coffee culture haunts turn hedonist, fuelling nights with indie, jazz and oodles of Balkan beers!

12. Sunny Beach

Throw off the inhibitions and delve into the sun-splashed party town that is Sunny Beach . Bulgaria’s answer to Malia, Ayia Napa and Ibiza, it’s packed with thumping clubs and pubs, chatty promoters offering buckets (literally) of booze for next to nothing, flashing neon, funky ravers, booze cruises and tanned, bikini-clad, Hawaiian-shirt-wearing partiers.

As well as its sleepless edge, Sunny Beach is also home to one gorgeous stretch of sand, which sits lapped over by the Black Sea and backed by the lively Boulevard, where English all-day breakfasts meet Italian pizzas in the international eateries and hotels rise in bursts of brilliant white.

13. Koprivshtitsa

Perfectly-preserved Koprivshtitsa pops up from between the spruces and pines that cover the valleys of the Sredna Gora Mountains like a beautifully adorned gingerbread carving of a town.

In fact, the whole settlement is a protected national monument, supposed to reflect and define the achievements of the Bulgarian National Revival movement in its wealth of painted facades, realist stone sculptures and shuttered homes.

Visitors who head to the spot today can spy out honorific memorial exhibitions dedicated to heroes of the April Uprising of 1876, while other institutions chronicle the life and works of iconic revivalist writers and artists alike.

14. Perperikon

With traces of human settlement dating back more than seven millennia and what’s been hailed as the most awesome monolithic structure in the entire Balkan Peninsula crowning its hilltops, Perperikon is a real must for any history buffs and culture vultures making their way through Bulgaria.

Before it was built up and fortified by the Thracian tribespeople, it’s thought that Copper Age priests used the hill for rituals and soothsaying, which legend has it foretold the rise of both Alexander the Great and Imperial Rome under Augustus.

Today, visitors can come and wander the off-the-beaten-track dig site, while relics and findings are best viewed at the local archaeology museum in Kardzhali.

15. Nessebar

Jutting out and sparkling like a Medieval Byzantine pearl between the rollers of the Black Sea, Nessebar is certainly one of the most enchanting and unforgettable cities on Bulgaria’s coast.

It’s famed for an enthralling UNESCO centre where layers of Thracian ruins mix with eye-watering churches built between the 5th and 10th centuries.

There are formidable fortifications too, famed for fighting off both Ottoman Turk and Crusading counts alike, not to mention rows of pretty seaside villas that cascade down neatly to meet the shore, shimmering in whitewash and red-tile as they go. Put simply – this one’s not to be missed!

15 Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria:

• Veliko Tarnovo
• Rila Monastery
• Pirin National Park
• Belogradchik
• Sunny Beach
• Koprivshtitsa

• Destinations

Is Sofia Bulgaria Worth Visiting? What To See and Do (Plus: How Long You Need!)

• April 13, 2022

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, but is it worth adding to your bucket list?

Here I will share the best things to see and do in Sofia, as well as where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around.

Plus : How long to spend in Sofia, and whether you should even bother!

Grab a coffee and take a deep dive with me, into Sofia Bulgaria.

Is Sofia Worth Visiting?

If you are just here for the short answer:

Yes. Sofia is worth the trip. Sofia is a slow burn however, and is better when you have time to get to know her.

Why Visit Sofia Bulgaria?

There are a lot of great reasons to visit Sofia, but here are the best of the best! :

• Sofia is affordable
• Sofia has great food
• Experience Sofia’s unique culture and atmosphere
• Sofia has an amazing history

Sofia is Affordable

For a major city in Europe, Sofia is ridiculously inexpensive across the board. Here are all of the things that you can save money on, when you travel to Bulgaria .

Sofia (and Bulgaria in general) is one of the rare places that you may not save a ton of money by cooking for yourself.

You can’t haphazardly grocery shop and make pretty much anything at your apartment and still save money over eating at a restaurant.

If you do some good meal planning you could definitely save a few bucks, but eating out for every meal won’t break the bank.

$25 – $30 USD per person per day would be plenty for food – even if you’re eating out.

Cheap Transportation

Getting around in Sofia is very affordable. A taxi ride will not cost you more than $5 – $10 no matter where you are going in the city.

(Unless you have luggage! Then you may get gouged like anywhere else.)

Sofia has a limited and outdated metro system, but tickets will only cost you about $1 USD.

Plus, walking is free, and the city is pretty pedestrian friendly.

Free and Cheap Things to do

There are a number of quality free things to do in Sofia, which I will cover in a moment, under “Things to do.”

Another great reason to visit Sofia!

Affordable Accommodation

Sofia is more expensive than the rest of the country, but it still doesn’t push anywhere near the prices of other European capitals.

You can get a nice place in central Sofia for less than $300 USD per week . That’s just $42 per night!

(I will list some popular accommodation in just a minute.)

Depending on when you go and how much space you need, you can also find accommodation for under $30 per night.

Sofia has Good Food

Sofia isn’t just home to cheap food, it’s good food. This city has a budding art and foodie scene, and we’re here for it.

Sure there is a lot of pizza, but Bulgaria has a lot of other great comfort foods. A lot of the offerings are simple but delicious.

Sofia has a Unique Culture

I know some would scoff at the idea of Soviet “culture,” but Sofia has a very unique blend of Bulgarian folk culture mixed with their modern history of communism.

It’s present in the architecture and in people’s attitudes.

(Take that as you will.)

Sofia has a Long and Interesting History

Sofia has been around in one form or another since the neolithic era. Artifacts have provided evidence of settlement since 4000 BC or even earlier! That’s insane.

The best preserved history is from the time of ancient Serdica all the way through to medieval times.

Sofia isn’t just a cheap place to visit with a big church! Baby got back…story.

Why Visit Bulgaria?

Bulgaria has all of the same price perks that Sofia does.

Across the country you will find affordable:

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Things to do (many free)

What else does Bulgaria have going for it?

Varied Landscapes

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it a million times, Bulgaria has everything when it comes to natural wonders.

This country has mountains and caves, beaches and hot springs, forests and lakes.

It even boasts a single (albeit small) desert.

Whatever natural things you like to see on vacation, you can see them in Bulgaria.

Not Touristy

Sofia is about as touristy as Bulgaria gets, and it’s not that touristy.

If you like hidden gems and underrated destinations, you will like Bulgaria.

Ancient History

Bulgaria is on of the oldest countries in Europe (many say the oldest) and as such the country is full of amazing ruins and artifacts.

Relatively unknown archaeological sites are scattered everywhere, and you are sure to discover something you have never heard of.

History of Sofia

(Click here to skip History)

I will try to summarize as concisely as possible! As I mentioned earlier, Sofia was inhabited in the neolithic time , so there is a lot of ground to cover.

[The following is my best attempt at piecing together information from Wikipedia , Britannica , and a number of other credible sources that sometimes conflicted with one another. You may find details elsewhere that differ from what is compiled here.]

Thracian Rule

The first known organized settlement, was that of a tribe of Thracians. They lived in Sofia prior to the 5th century BC, at which time they became part of the Thracians’ Odrysian Kingdom.

Macedonian Rule

Philip II of Macedon, the same kind who would give Plovdiv it’s former name “Philipoppolis,” defeated the Thracians and took much of modern day Bulgaria.

He conquered Sofia in 339 BC.

Serdi Occupation

Details are scant about the tribe that gave Sofia it’s earliest recorded name of Serdica. The first mention of the city is from the 1st century BC.

While they are often referred to as Thracians or Romans, they were actually a Celtic tribe.

The Romans took Serdica around 29 BC and ruled for centuries. Most of the amazing antiquities found in Sofia are from this time period.

I cover Serdica and its ruins thoroughly here:

Byzantine Empire

Under the Emperor Constantine, Sofia (Serdica) became part of the Eastern Roman Empire, known by most of us as the Byzantine Empire, sometime after 330 AD.

Huns destroyed the city in 447 AD, but it was rebuilt in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian.

(I was very curious what happened between 447 AD and whenever it was rebuilt in the 500’s, but I couldn’t find any info. The facts may not be recorded, or may only be available to those who can read Bulgarian language history books.)

Contested Rule

In 809 AD Khan Krum of the Bulgars took the city and incorporated it into the Bulgarian Empire. At this time Serdica was renamed “Sredets” (In Greek: Triaditsa) .

After this time control of the city went back and forth a few times:

• 809 AD – 1018 AD Bulgarian Empire
• 1018 AD – 1185 AD Byzantine Empire
• 1185 AD – 1385 AD Second Bugarian Empire

Ottoman Empire

In 1385 , Sredets (formerly Serdica) became part of the Ottoman Empire , and remained under their control for nearly 500 years .

During this time, the city came to be known as “Sofia.” Interestingly, the name was unofficial at this time.

The earliest known reference to this new name was in 1376, but people living in the city were still referred to as “of Sredets” and the region was known as “Sredetska.”

This lasted the entire Ottoman period.

Vasil Levski is Bulgaria’s most famous hero, and he was put to death for fighting Ottoman rule. In a long and sordid tale , his body is thought to have been laid to rest secretly under the Sofia church: St. Petka and the Saddlers.

Russian Liberation

In 1878 Sofia (and all of it’s still Sredetsian people) was taken over during the Russo-Turkish war.

The Ottoman Empire signed a treaty with Russia, but other European superpowers intervened in the agreement, and a new treaty – the Treaty of Berlin – was signed.

This treaty allowed for a pseudo-independent Bulgarian state.

During this tempestuous time period, the debate over the name of the new Bulgarian capital raged on.

In 1879 a committee of celebrities formed to lobby for the historical name of Sredets.

From the Wikipedia article : “Gradually, a compromise arose, officialisation of  Sofia  for the nationwide institutions, while legitimating the title  Sredets  for the administrative and church institutions, before the latter was abandoned through the years.”

That doesn’t sound like a compromise so much as a formalization of what people were already doing, but the name Sofia ended up sticking , which is the takeaway.

In 1908 Bulgaria became truly independent , and was renamed the Kingdom of Bulgaria.

Bulgaria at War

Throughout the Balkan Wars (1912 & 1913) and both World Wars, Bulgaria remained independent and control of Sofia never changed.

Soviet Union

Post World War II, Bulgaria was a member of the USSR and remained one until it’s fall in 1989.

Bulgaria was the only southern Slavic country to not join Yugoslavia.

Where is Sofia?

Sofia is in west-central Bulgaria, and is the closest major city to the Serbian border.

Getting to Sofia

Whether you are traveling from outside the country, or you are already in Bulgaria, there are a couple of ways to navigate to Sofia.

Flying to Sofia

From outside of Bulgaria, your most convenient and affordable option for visiting Sofia, is very likely by air.

Bulgaria Air offers a variety of affordable short-haul flights from other major European cities, as does Ryan Air and a few other low cost carriers.

If you are travelling from North America, schedule the cheapest flight to any large city in Europe, and find your own connecting flight to Sofia.

It will always be more affordable to arrange your own low-cost flight than to book all the way through to Sofia.

Getting to Sofia by Rail or Bus

Sadly the rail system in Bulgaria is poor compared to other countries, and is not a very efficient way to get to Sofia.

I know for sure that you can take a sleeper train from Istanbul, but beyond that I am not too sure.

There are some efficient bus options from bigger cities.

For bus and train routes, check out Rome2Rio. It’s an amazing resource for getting basically anywhere!

Driving to Sofia

If you fly to another Bulgarian city, either Burgas or Varna, you can drive to Sofia in about 4 – 5.5 hours respectively.

Download a maps.me to have offline GPS for your whole trip, or pay the extra few Lev to get a wifi device with your rental car.

Where to Stay in Sofia

The best neighbourhood in Sofia to stay in, is Vitosha Boulevard.

• Vitosha Boulevard

Vitosha is the main pedestrian area in the heart of Sofia’s city centre. From here you can reach a lot of great places on foot.

Boasting views of Mount Vitosha on one end, and the National Palace of Culture on the other, Vitosha is the best Sofia has to offer in terms of food, shopping, and culture!

Sofia City Centre

While Vitosha is in the city centre, staying inside the larger area of Sofia’s city centre is also a good choice.

Again this will be very pedestrian friendly, and nothing takes long to get to in Sofia.

Sofia Airport

Staying near the Sofia airport isn’t ideal for a few days stay, but for a stopover or for late departing or arriving flights, this might be your best option.

There are a number of hotels with free shuttles close to the airport, and you will also be close to the rental car agencies.

The metro into Sofia leaves right from the airport, so you can go back and forth with relative ease.

The airport is quite far from the city centre, so keep that in mind!

Best Places to Stay in Sofia

We happen to have not only a lot of personal experience staying in Sofia, but we also have connections to hundreds of travellers who have visited Sofia over the years.

Thanks to the Bulgarian adoption community, we have been able to gather a lot of information about people’s favorite hotels and apartments in Sofia.

These opinions are mostly from US families travelling with children.

Here is a list of highly recommended accommodation in Sofia!:

Top Accommodation in Sofia – Our Choice

Marrinella Apartments

Out of all the places we have stayed in Sofia, we liked Marrinella Apartments the best.

We have stayed in three different apartments with Marrinella, and each of them was great!

They have a number of apartments, all surprisingly spacious and close to Vitosha.

Our very favorite was a walk-up on the street ul. Knyaz Boris I – but that is probably because of nostalgia, it’s the first place we brought our daughter to!

Marrinella Apartments range in price from 22 – 84 Euros per night, and can sleep up to 5 people. If you don’t see something that will work for you, contact them!

We have found them to be very accommodating and I don’t think their full inventory is on the website.

Price: $25 – $97 USD per night Ask about weekly rates!

Marrinella Apartments haven’t been reservable on booking.com recently, but you can still book through their website here.

You can see their previous reviews and a number of photos on their booking.com page still.

Best Budget Accommodation in Sofia

Sofia Place

The Sofia Place Hotel is popular with families, as it has the amenities of a hotel, but still offers the space and convenience of apartments.

They get a thumbs up for having modern clean bathrooms, a delicious breakfast, and a great coffee shop next door.

Price: $35+ USD per night

Modest accommodations still close to the Vitosha pedestrian area. Great breakfast, and multiple people commented that they had very helpful staff.

There is also a good restaurant on site.

Price: $47+ USD per night

The Budapest hotel also has a great breakfast, and it is located in a quieter area of Sofia. The rooms are spacious and there is parking available, a rarity in the city center.

Price: $60+ USD per night

Arena Di Serdica

You can’t really beat staying at the site of ancient Roman ruins. Arena Di Serdica Hotel was built right over the remains of an ancient theatre that was discovered as they excavated for the foundations.

A more luxurious hotel in the most convenient area in Sofia.

Price: $141+ USD per night

Where to Stay Near the Airport

Best Western

You really can’t go wrong with Best Western . As far as chain hotels go, they are incomparable when it comes to a predictable experience.

The Best Western near Sofia airport has a free shuttle, beautiful clean rooms, and an amazing breakfast.

Price: $65+ USD per night

Getting Around the City of Sofia

The Sofia metro is very limited in its reach and route options.

It is very affordable however! Last time we were there it was still only 1 Lev for a ticket. (About $0.60 USD)

The metro is the best way to get into the city from the airport, without over paying for a cab.

The airport metro station is to the left as you exit the terminal. It’s so close that it’s basically connected!

After this, the metro is likely of little use to you. If you are staying in the city centre you can get most places on foot. When you can’t walk, a taxi is a better option.

In Bulgaria, taxis are pretty strictly regulated and they need to run the meter or you can report them.

(The number to report is plastered on every single taxi)

Cabs are affordable, and the best way to get around the city when you can’t walk.

(I know, as a slow travel blog, I would like to be more eco-conscious, but when public transport isn’t good, that’s just facts!)

If you are worried about getting ripped off, just ask how much it will be for your ride.

Most of the time the driver will look at you like you’re a maniac and gesture to the meter, which means he will use it!

Taxis are allowed to a charge a more expensive base rate if you have luggage, so bear that in mind if they spike the meter at the beginning of the ride.

If you have a stroller : Fold it before you try to catch a taxi, because they won’t want to pick you up if it looks big. (We discovered this.)

I wouldn’t recommend driving around Sofia.

It isn’t necessary to have a car, and it will be very difficult to get around the narrow streets of the city centre.

Most of Sofia’s streets are also paid parking, and they expect you to have a Bulgarian phone to be able to call in and pay.

If you do want to rent a car for the rest of your trip, there are a number of rental companies in the airport. We prefer Top Rent-a-Car .

If you need to drive your rental car to your accommodation for whatever reason, search for a paid parking lot.

These are not usually expensive and you will be able to pay cash, unlike street parking.

Where to Eat in Sofia

Sofia offers a huge variety of dining experiences for every budget. Here is a selection of the best restaurants in Sofia.

Best Atmosphere

Whether you want a view, or to see nothing at all, these are restaurants in Sofia with unique atmospheres:

Restaurant Serdika

This restaurant has an amazing atmosphere full of plants with floor to ceiling glass looking out on the ruins of Serdica.

Honestly, where else can you look out over Roman ruins as you enjoy your meal? Or maybe a better question: Where else can you comfortably afford to do that?

Restaurant Serdika serves traditional Bulgarian cuisine and features an extensive drink menu. Customer service was rated top notch here, which is somewhat of a rarity in Bulgaria.

Serdika is a little more expensive than the average casual dining experience in Sofia, and a main will cost you about 15 Lev (~ $9 USD).

Also in central Sofia, Tenebris is a once in a lifetime dining experience in total darkness.

Guests purchase a surprise 5 course tasting menu and enjoy their meal using every sense other than sight.

It may sound unusual, but Tenebris is actually the top-rated restaurant in Sofia on Trip Advisor, and receives rave reviews for both the quality of the food and the overall experience.

This atmosphere comes with a steep price tag for Sofia, and will cost you about 85 Lev (~ $50 USD.)

Reservations recommended. Vegetarian options available – Just make sure they know who at your table is vegetarian!

Best Budget

Despite the name implying perhaps an Italian restaurant, Carnivale is actually Greek food, but they do offer burgers and other items too.

Carnivale offers breakfast, lunch, AND dinner, so if you like it you are bound to return!

Customers of Carnivale love both the food and the service. Try their gyros with a local craft beer. Carnivale also offers hookah, so don’t be surprised by that.

Vegetarian options available.

Best Burger

Skaptobara iskra.

Another top-rated restaurant in Sofia on a budget is SKAPTOBARA Iskra . This casual spot offers top-notch burgers, piled high with amazing toppings.

They also offer craft beer to pair with your delicious burger.

SKAPTOBARA makes a bold promise about their offering, saying “nothing lame.” They offer free wifi, and accept cards, so that definitely helps!

A main at SKAPTOBARA will set you back $3 – $10 USD.

Best Dessert

Cake Lab is located very near Vitosha Boulevard and is the #1 rated “restaurant” in all of Sofia . They offer a wide variety of cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats. They also serve coffee of course!

Cake Lab also won’t break your budget! A treat here will cost only $1 – $4 USD.

Try Cake Lab for a breakfast pastry to start your day off right.

Restaurants on Vitosha

No surprise that the biggest tourist area in Sofia has a huge assortment of restaurants to choose from!

Most have patios that even operate in the winter with blankets and heaters.

Take a walk down Vitosha and try something new. We never had a bad dining experience in Sofia!

Sofia Landmarks

Here are a few of the more popular Sofia landmarks that you can see on your visit:

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

I promise if you do a Google image search for Sofia, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (or just “the Nevsky”) will fill the results pages. It is Sofia’s largest and most recognizable landmark.

A little investigation reveals that the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Southeast Europe.

It is also said to be one of the 50 largest Christian churches in the world, and in the top 10 for largest Eastern Orthodox churches.

Basically, the Nevsky is huge , but not world-record huge.

You may notice that only some of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral’s domes are shiny. This is not because they were cleaned recently, but because only 5 domes are actually gold and the rest are copper , which oxidized to the characteristic green colour.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built between 1882 and 1912.

This is also where you can find Sofia’s famous yellow brick road.

Yellow Brick Road

The yellow brick road in front of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, is exactly that: A road of yellow bricks.

I don’t think anyone can say for sure. The story has long been that they were a wedding gift for Tsar Ferdinand from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Since then an architect has claimed that the real story is that they were purchased from that Empire at great expense , with the hope that Sofia’s paved road would make the capital city more fashionable.

This last story is very interesting, because the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, very recently painted a street pink to revitalize a seedy area. It worked.

Does coloring a street fix everything? How does the rest of the world not know this?

The yellow brick road is said to be disappearing, as the bricks are no longer produced and the broken ones are being replaced with regular ones.

I don’t see why they couldn’t paint the bricks like Lisbon painted the pink street, since the bricks are already deathly slippery when wet! I guess we will see what the future holds.

In the meantime, the yellow brick road and the Alexander Nevsky are great instagram photo stops in Sofia!

Sofia’s Oldest Landmarks

Some of Sofia’s oldest landmarks have been around since 200 – 300 AD!

These three are definitely worth visiting:

• St. George Rotunda
• St. Sophia Church
• Roman Ruins

I have already covered Sofia’s ancient sites in my post about Serdica (I will link it at the bottom of this article). Check that one out for how much everything costs to visit and where you can find each of them.

Statue of Sveta Sophia

You will probably see the statue of Sveta Sophia (St. Sophia) if you spend any time in Sofia’s city center traveling by car. She stands tall in copper and bronze in the middle of one of the city’s main thoroughfares.

In the year 2000, this statue took the place of one dedicated to Vladimir Lenin, the founding head of Soviet Russia.

Soviet Monuments

National palace of culture.

The National Palace of Culture in Sofia is hard to miss, and a must-see for anyone who is into Brutalist architecture.

The brain child of Lyudmila Zhivkova – both the daughter of one of Bulgaria’s Prime Ministers and a senior member of the Communist Party in her own right – stands tall in a city center park. It is now a convention center.

I have actually never been inside, but the grounds around it are beautiful, and the building is a sight to behold.

Things to do in Sofia

Here are some things to do on your trip to Sofia:

• Free Walking Tour
• Street Art/Graffiti Walk

Paradise Mall

Botanical garden.

You can read all about the free Sofia walking tour , and what to see and do near Vitosha Boulevard here .

Street Art/Graffiti Walking Tour

In addition to the free Sofia walking tour, you can also try the graffiti walking tour .

Like the volunteers that operate the other walking tour, this one is run by English speaking locals who appreciate your donations. Proceeds go back to the local art scene, and the artists who host your tour!

You can do a self guided street art tour, by wandering the avenues between Vitosha and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, but the tour promises to sneak you into the places where the artists like to work.

Paradise Mall is very much a large mall like most other large malls in big European cities, but it’s still a fun place to pass some time.

At Christmas the mall is decorated extravagantly for the holiday season, and is sure to delight the kids in your group!

There is a large food court at the top level, where you can enjoy an affordable meal.

The Sofia Botanical Garden is a top-rated and affordable thing to do while in the city!

Stroll through a massive outdoor garden and even an indoor cactus garden. This is a beautiful spot to take photos.

Entrance: Adults – 4 Lev (~$ USD) Students – 2 Lev (~$ USD) Children – 1 Lev (~$ USD) Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm. (Closed at 4 pm from November to February)

How Long to Spend in Sofia

Sofia is a really affordable and unique place to visit in Eastern Europe. Having said that, a trip through the rest of Bulgaria is well worth your time too!

Is 2 Days Enough for Sofia?

You can see most of what Sofia has to offer in just 3 days. 2 days is not enough to do all of the sightseeing that you may want to do in Sofia.

You can still enjoy 2 days in the city center walking around and seeing what you find, just don’t try to do it all.

If you have 4 days or more, you could also travel out to Rila Monastery.

Is 7 Days Too Long in Sofia?

If you have nothing but time, you could easily spend a week or more in Sofia, just experiencing life as a local. Stay near Vitosha and try out a new daily routine.

Is Sofia Worth Visiting for an Extended Period?

It depends on what you are looking for. Sofia is a rising choice for Digital Nomads because it has great wifi, is affordable, and walkable.

If I was to spend a lot of time in Bulgaria, I would personally be more likely to settle near the Black Sea , in Burgas or Varna.

If the mountains are more your thing, Bansko is very popular in the summer with long-term travelers.

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23 Amazing Places to Visit in Bulgaria

I believe Bulgaria is one of the most underrated countries in Europe. Most tourists who choose Bulgaria as a holiday destination focus only on the Black Sea coast, not knowing how beautiful Bulgaria actually is. Yet the country offers so many diverse attractions and the list of best places to visit in Bulgaria is really long.

I was lucky to visit Bulgaria a few times and this country never stops surprising me with its beauty, architecture, culture, and long and interesting history. Over the years it also has become one of my favorite destinations and I’m always happy to return there and discover even more Bulgaria tourist attractions.

And so if you are wondering what to do in Bulgaria I’ve prepared for you the list of the best places in Bulgaria to put in your Bulgaria itinerary . To make this list even more complete and show you more than only places I’ve been to, I’ve asked a few fellow travel bloggers about their favorite Bulgaria must-see.

Keep on reading to find out about all the beautiful places in Bulgaria.

Planning a trip to Bulgaria?

Here are the services I always use and personally recommend:

• Accommodation : I always book a place to stay on Booking.com
• Tours: when I decide to go on a tour I use either Viator or Get Your Guide .
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Bulgaria check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Get insured for your trip to Bulgaria with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Places to visit in Bulgaria

Western bulgaria.

For some reason, Sofia, the capital and the largest city in the country, doesn’t have the best reputation among travelers who prefer other (mostly coastal) places to visit in Bulgaria. Well, that’s a big mistake since this is a wonderful place to visit as there are so many great things to do in Sofia and the city offers plenty of different attractions.

Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded some 2500 years ago, and even if it doesn’t seem at first you can find some ancient remnants right in the city center (next to the entrance to the Serdika metro station). However, most of the city’s highlights are much newer, from the 19th century onwards.

Be sure to see the beautiful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and other places of worship (there are holy places of different religions standing near each other), visit some interesting museums (including my favorite Museum of Socialist Art), walk down Vitosha Boulevard – the main pedestrian area in the center or enjoy the culinary scene, especially in the old Central Market Hall.

Sofia is also full of little quirks that make the city so much cooler, when you look around you will spot unique street art, weird sculptures, interesting shops, and more.

What I personally like the most about Sofia is its vibrant atmosphere – on the warm days the city is alive until late night hours and crowds enjoy the outdoor dining options and spend the time outside.

The city can be also a good base for some great day trips from Sofia – a few of the must-visit places in Bulgaria are located a short distance from the capital.

Read more about Sofia:

• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Sofia, Bulgaria
• 50 Sofia pictures that will inspire you to travel to Sofia, Bulgaria
• Sofia, Bulgaria – the city that can be a new Berlin!

Find the accommodation in Sofia here.

See the best Sofia tours here.

Belogradchik

Belogradchik, a small town in the north-west part of Bulgaria, near the border with Serbia , is known for the unique rock formations and a fortress neatly incorporated into them. The picturesque rocks – the most impressive rock formation in Bulgaria – reach up to 200 meters high and look and the landscape is a bit similar to the famous Meteora in Greece (minus the monasteries).

The fortress, known also as Kaleto, was initially built in the Roman Empire times in the 3rd century and over the years it was expanded under different rules. Due to the unique combination of nature and the work of human, this is one of the most unique fortresses you can find in Europe.

Near Belogradchik you can also visit Magura Cave with the valuable prehistoric wall paintings.

Find the accommodation in Belgradchik here.

Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the biggest attractions in Bulgaria and is popular for a reason. Located some 120 km away from the capital, visiting Rila Monastery is a perfect day trip from Sofia.

The first monastery was established here in the 14th century but already in the 10th century, the nearby caves were inhabited by hermit Ivan of Rila. Eventually, the monastery was named after him. The beautiful buildings you can admire today date back to the mid-19th century since the monastery had to be rebuilt after the fire.

What makes Rila Monastery famous are amazing external frescoes – they are bright, colorful, and rich in decorations. If you look closer you might find some interesting and disturbing images like the devil walking with a man on a chain.

Inside the monastery complex, you can visit the Nativity of the Virgin church, the tower of Hrelja from the 14th century (the oldest of all the buildings), and the History Museum.

And if you get hungry or would like to get some souvenirs you can find a few shops and restaurants just outside the monastery gate.

Remember to visit the place with the respect – not only this is a holy place but this is still a working monastery with some 60 monks living there.

The best way to get to Rila Monastery is by car or one of the organized tours that depart from Sofia daily.

Read more about visiting Rila Monastery in this article I wrote: “Day trip from Sofia to Rila Monastery, Bulgaria” .

Find the best tours to Rila Monastery here.

Rila Mountains

While the Black Sea coast is one of the most popular destinations in Bulgaria, fans of mountains and hiking shouldn’t dismiss the country.

There are some really spectacular peaks and hiking trails in Bulgaria, with Rila Mountains being the highest mountain range in the country (or even in the Balkans). In fact this is the 6th highest mountain range in Europe! The highest peak of Bulgaria – Musala (2925 meters above sea level) is located in Rila Mountains too.

A big part of the area was declared a national park and is a popular tourist destination. If you are short on time you can visit Rila Mountains as a day trips from Sofia (the range is located south of the capital) and hike the most popular and spectacular trail near Seven Rila Lakes – you can be sure to see some incredible views there!

Recommended by Sarah from A Social Nomad

Bansko is just 2 hours from Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, and 2.5 hours from Plovdiv, yet it’s a world away. This glorious mountain town is Bulgaria’s largest ski and snowboard resort and perches on the edge of Pirin National Park.

In winter there are super facilities – alpine and cross country skiing, ice skating and dips in the natural hot springs, amazing cozy restaurants to visit. When the snow goes, Bansko is quieter, and the more lovely for it.

There’s incredible hiking here, both inside and on the edges of the National Park, where there are a string of huts offering accommodation and food on your hikes. An active mountain biking community, white water rafting, and horse riding mean that this is an outdoor lover’s dream.

Another reason to visit Bansko is its festivals, from Bohemian to Opera and the world-renowned Jazz festival – all are free and held in the old town square.

Enjoy Bulgarian wine, great fresh local food – the trout from the local lakes is divine, and close by you’ll find a narrow-gauge railway runs here over the highest pass in the Balkans.

Find the accommodation in Bansko here.

See the best Bansko tours here.

Pirin Mountains

A bit further south, towards the border with Greece, you can visit Pirin Mountains with the highest peak Vihren (2 915 meters above sea level). This is yet another amazing area with stunning views and great hiking opportunities.

It is even more picturesque thanks to the numerous lakes you can find all over the place. Pirin Mountains are among the most beautiful places to see in Bulgaria so if you are a fan of mountains and raw landscape you can’t miss them.

With the population of under 400, Melnik – located in the very south-west of the country – is the smallest town in Bulgaria. The place is known for the wine-making traditions, the wine has been produced here since the 14th century and the local drink used to be a favorite wine of Winston Churchill.

Melnik is picturesquely located in the shadow of Pirin Mountains, just under the so-called Melnik Earth Pyramids – a unique rock formations. You will find many beautiful traditional houses in Melnik as well as the 12-the century Byzantine House – one of the oldest remaining civilian buildings in the Balkans .

Near the town you can also visit Rozhen Monastery with 16th-century frescoes.

Find the accommodation in Melnik here.

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Central Bulgaria

Koprivshtitsa.

Koprivshtitsa is one of the prettiest towns in Bulgaria yet it’s not widely popular among international tourists. It is located in the central part of the country, some 110 km away from Sofia, in a valley surrounded by green mountains.

Koprivshtitsa is known for its beautiful architecture, you can find there numerous 19-century historical houses built in the so-called Bulgarian Revival style. Today many of them host museums of well-known Bulgarians – be sure to visit some of them to see interesting interiors from the period the houses date back to. But it’s fine even if you will only admire the architecture from the outside as the buildings have distinctive shapes, vivid colors, and rich decorations.

Koprivshtitsa feels a bit like the time has stopped there. Be sure to wander around the town, discover it without a map, get lost in the maze of the narrow streets, and fall for the charming corners you will surely find.

Getting to Koprivshtitsa is rather easy, there are a few daily train connections from Sofia but the train station is located a few kilometers outside the town so you need to take the bus to get to the center (the schedule is connected with the trains arrivals/departures). You can also go there with the tour from Sofia.

Read more about Koprivshtitsa in my article “Koprivshtitsa, Bulgaria – is this the prettiest town in the country?” .

Find the best Koprivshtitsa tours here.

Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo is one of the highlights of Bulgaria that you can’t miss. The place is known as the “City of the Tsars” since it was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the Middle Ages and still today it is packed with old monuments and attractions.

The most important one is the Tsarevets Fortress located at the edge of the town. In the past this was the center of the Bulgarian rule, today you can see only the remnants of the former glory but it still is an impressive place to visit. Not to mention amazing views of Veliko Tarnovo and the surrounding that you can admire from there.

Another highlight of the city is the market area with beautiful 19th-century houses (built in the Bulgarian Revival period) and even more great views of the area around.

Veliko Tarnovo is such a pleasant place to visit and it’s worth staying there overnight. Once the crowds of daytrippers are gone you can wander around the city again and enjoy its laid-back atmosphere, walk along the river, enjoy picturesque views, or feast in one of the many restaurants serving delicious Bulgarian food.

There are also a few nearby places (like Arabanasi village) that are worth visiting when you are in Veliko Tarnovo.

Read more about Veliko Tarnovo in my article “Day in Veliko Tarnovo – my highlight of Bulgaria”.

Find the accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo here.

See the best Veliko Tarnovo tours here.

Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria, is probably the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe, with traces dating back to the 6th century BC. While the majority of the attractions are newer, you can still find some old remnants in the center (like the impressive Roman Amphitheater from the 1st century AD or the Roman Stadium from the 2nd century AD, discovered in 1923).

Plovdiv is picturesquely located on the seven hills, some of them offer a beautiful panorama of the city. The UNESCO listed old part of Plovdiv is really charming with cobbled streets and beautiful houses in the Bulgarian Revival style (some of them host museums), you can also find there remnants of the fortress walls from medieval times.

Plovdiv is also known as the cultural capital of Bulgaria, it had the title of the European Capital of Culture in 2019. The main cultural and creative hub is the colorful and vibrant Kapana Art District, this is also the trendiest part of the city, full of cafes and people.

Plovdiv is surely one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria so be sure to put it in your itinerary too.

Find the accommodation in Plovdiv here.

See the best Plovdiv tours here.

Devetashka Cave

Recommended by Raluca from Travel With A Spin

Devetashka cave is one of the deepest karst caves in Bulgaria, but just a small part is accessible to tourists. It’s located in the Lovech region , 85 km from Veliko Tarnovo and 170 km from Sofia. You can access it directly via Road 301, as there’s a small parking place in front of it.

Archaeological findings proved that humans have lived here since the late Paleolithic era, as early as 70,000 BC. Other fauna species traces were also found. Nowadays, it’s still inhabited by amphibians, reptiles, birds, and bats. The cave was declared a natural landmark and is closed to the public in June and July, the bats’ breeding season.

Devetashka cave is known for the sinkholes, an underground river, miniature waterfalls, and eleven lakes. Several large holes in the rocky ceiling allow sunlight to illuminate the spacious main hall, reaching 60m height.

Due to this microclimate, its floor is covered by lush vegetation. When visiting the cave it’s hard to believe sometimes that you are actually underground.

Devetashka cave was featured in 2011 in The Expendables 2, which was the cause of several fines and clashes between the production team and the authorities. Some of the activities are considered to have endangered or damaged the cave.

Buzludzha Monument

Recommended by Julia from The Cure for Curiosity

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path spot in Bulgaria, make your way to Buzludzha Monument.

Located on a remote peak in the Balkan Mountains just a couple of hours outside of Veliko Tarnovo, this monument will amaze you from the moment you set eyes on it. This is due to its incredibly odd architecture that is saucer-shaped, like a UFO. Unsurprisingly, the inside follows a similar motif.

Originally built in the 1970s, Buzludzha was used as a gathering place for the Communist Party between 1981 and 1990. Since then, it has been abandoned and fallen into disrepair. Today, you can make the trek through the beautiful Bulgarian countryside to visit the Buzludzha Monument.

While you’re there, stare in awe at the fascinating building and its stunning natural surroundings and learn more about the communist past of the region. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider exploring the interior. Just use caution as there are parts of the structure that are crumbling.

It’s also worth noting that although Buzludzha has been gaining traction as a tourist site, it is an abandoned building and has a tumultuous past. This makes entering it both a bit controversial and potentially dangerous.

Recommended by Daniela from Ipanema travels

Kazanluk (or Kazanlak) is a small, quiet town, located just in the middle of the country. It can be easily visited on a day trip from Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, and Sofia, or included on any Bulgaria itinerary that goes from North to South or from West to East.

The most famous attraction in Kazanluk is the Thracian Tomb , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tomb is a part of a 4th-century BC necropolis located near the ancient capital of the Odrysian Kingdom – Seuthopolis.

The frescoes of the tomb are simply amazing – vivid colors, almost Renaissance-like and lifelike figures. They depict a Thracian funeral feast with a chariot racing.

If you are fascinated by ancient history, you can visit other Thracian tombs just a short drive from Kazanluk – the Tomb of Seuthes III, and the Thracian Tombs of Shushmanets and Ostrusha.

The area where Kazanluk is located is known as the Rose Valley. Roses are grown there for the extraction of rose oil.

At the end of May, the town celebrates the rose harvest with an amazing Rose Festival, and it chooses its own Queen of Roses. If you miss the festival, you can still visit the Rose Museum, where you can learn about rose growing and rose oil production.

Located right at the border with Romania , Ruse can be a perfect stop if you travel from Bucharest to Bulgaria or a great day trip from Bucharest , but it is also worth a small detour during your Bulgaria tour.

Even if this is yet another place with a history dating back to ancient times, the main reason to visit Ruse is beautiful 19th and early 20th-century architecture (usually Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo), more in the Central European style than any other place in the country – that’s why the city is often called “Little Vienna “. You will find many impressive buildings in the center and wandering around this part of the city is a real pleasure.

Fans of brutalist architecture will surely appreciate the building of the Municipality Hall – one of the greatest examples of brutalism in Bulgaria.

Near the city, you can visit the Orlova Chuka cave – the second-longest cave in Bulgaria.

Find the accommodation in Ruse here.

Basarbovo Monastery

Recommended by Laura from Laure Wanders

The Bararbovo Monastery , also known as the rock-hew churches of Ivanovo, is located near Ruse, close to the Romanian border. What makes this place special is that it is the only active rock monastery in Bulgaria.

It was founded during the second Bulgarian Empire (1185-1396) and named after Saint Dimitrii Basarbovski, a shepherd that led an ascetic life here. The monastery was later abandoned for a long period of time but it was renovated and brought back to life during the 20th century.

When you visit the monastery, you will find beautiful, century-old murals in between its walls. The complex consists of a church, hermitages, a bell tower, and a crypt. It is quite an interesting place with a very serene atmosphere.

Note that there is a well in the inner yard. This well was dug by Saint Dimitrii himself and some people still believe that its water has healing powers!

Shumen might not be the most obvious stop during your trip to Bulgaria but it surely is an interesting place. While there might be not too many things to do there, the city is home to one of the most spectacular monuments in the country – the Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria – and that’s already a good reason to visit Shumen.

The memorial complex is located on the top of the hill above the city, to get there you need to walk up 1300 stairs (this number isn’t a coincidence). The monument was unveiled in 1981 to commemorate the 1300th anniversary of the creation of the Bulgarian state and is a unique mixture of brutalist and cubist styles.

This is one of the weirdest and quirkiest yet fascinating concrete masterpieces you will ever see. It shows some of the important people and events from Bulgarian history between the 6th and 10th centuries and the mosaic you can find there is the largest one in Europe.

Shumen itself is a pleasant city, with some nice yet decayed old houses (in the Bulgarian revival style), art-nouveau buildings, or the largest mosque in Bulgaria.

Near the city, you can also visit the famous Madara Rider – a UNESCO-listed rock relief from the 7th or 8th century.

You can read more about Shumen in my article “Why you should visit Shumen, Bulgaria”.

Find the accommodation in Shumen here.

Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria

Varna, the third-largest city in Bulgaria and the seaside capital of the country is a surprisingly pleasant place to visit. While the main reason to visit Varna is the Black Sea, the city has some other interesting sights too.

You can visit the Archeological Museum with the oldest gold treasure in the world (it’s over six thousand years old!), see the beautiful cathedral or explore the center of the city. Varna is also home to a beautiful park called the Sea Garden that stretches on a large area along the sea.

If you are interested in history don’t miss the museum dedicated to the 1444 battle of Varna. Near the city, you can also find some unique rock formations, such as the Stone Forest.

But the main thing to do in Varna is the enjoy the seaside with all its attractions.

Find the accommodation in Varna here.

See the best Varna tours here.

Al Adzha Monastery

Recommended by Ucman from Brown Boy Travels

Al Adzha Monastery is a monastery complex carved on the side of a 25m high cliff, located close to Varna. It is 17 km north of the beautiful beach city and 3 km from the popular Golden Sand Beach Resort famous for its beaches and casinos on the Black Sea.

The monastery is surrounded by a forest which makes the way to the monastery and visiting the site a very calming experience.

The cave monastery has been around since the 4th century A.D and has survived multiple empires and religious changes all the way to Ottoman rule. Some locals still consider this area and the hills around, sacred.

The monastery, its multiple residential cave dwellings, and three churches are painstakingly carved into a high limestone rock. All these individual units are then joined by external stairs. It really is a fascinating spot to marvel at human ingenuity in the name of religion.

The name Al Adzha comes from Turkish which means brightly painted due to the colorful murals on the walls of the caves. They didn’t survive with time but some of them can be seen in the adjacent museum.

Al Adzha monastery is easy to reach by car or taxi and you can easily explore this beautiful wonder in a few hours. If you prefer to explore and enjoy the serenity that brought so many monks here go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. It is highly advisable to wear sturdy shoes with a good grip for this trip.

Recommended by Anda from Travel for a while

Balchik is a port town on the northern Bulgarian coast, close to the Romanian border. However, it doesn’t have an industrial feeling like the larger cities of Varna or Burgas, but more of an artistic vibe.

About 100 years ago, Balchik became the summer residence for Queen Mary of Romania. She loved the little town as much as Peles Castle and had a villa built right by the sea. Her residence is now the main attraction in Balchik, along with the spectacular multi-level Botanical Gardens around the villa. The best time to visit the gardens is at the beginning of the summer when the roses at the lower level are in full bloom.

When you finish exploring the gardens, you can enjoy the sea, walk the seaside promenade to Albena resort close by, or take a boat and admire the sunset from the sea.

There are also plenty of terraces where you can have dinner or a cocktail by the sea.

Find the accommodation in Balchik here.

Nesebar often called a “Pearl of the Black Sea”, is packed with attractions and monuments and therefore was included in UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. The town was founded in the 6th century BC and over the years it’s been on the edge of the empires which resulted in a turbulent history.

The highlight of the town is the old part of Nesebar, located on the peninsula (it used to be an island). You can find there a few old churches, ruins of the fortifications and of course beautiful revival houses.

Nesebar is a perfect day trip from Burgas, Varna, or other places along the Black Sea coast.

Recommended by Carolin from Happy when Abroad

Burgas, the fourth largest city in Bulgaria, is located in the southeast of the country, directly on the coast of the Black Sea. The city is relatively small and full of history, culture, beaches, and shopping places.

One of the best things to do in Burgas is strolling around the beautiful Sea Garden, which amazes with colorful flowers as well as numerous cafes, restaurants, and different exhibitions. Alongside the Sea Garden, you will find a long beach, attracting many tourists and locals alike.

If you come here between June and September, you will witness the famous annual sand festival, where huge sculptures made of sand are displayed for visitors.

Regarding historic and cultural activities, it is recommended to visit the Archaeological Museum of Burgas to learn about the Greek and Roman eras, or to come upon the museum of aviation, one of the newest attractions in the city.

Taking a sunset walk along the Pier, which stretches almost 300 meters into the sea and offers great views of the Black Sea and Burga’s iconic lighthouse, is the ideal way to round up your trip to the city.

Find the accommodation in Burgas here.

See the best Burgas tours here.

Located just south of Burgas and easily accessible by bus, Sozopol is one of those picturesque seaside towns that you have to visit in Bulgaria. In the summertime, this is a popular and busy spot but if you visit off-season you can enjoy a sleepy little town, perfect for wandering around.

This is one of the oldest settlements on the Bulgarian coast, dating to the Bronze Age. Today in the old town you can see plenty of beautiful old houses, the main attraction of Sozopol. They were built in the so-called Black Sea school of architecture and look a bit like the traditional houses in the central part of the country but are made of stone and wood.

Next to the old town, you can find a long and sandy Central Beach where you can relax and sunbathe.

If you visit Sozopol in September you can enjoy the popular Apollonia Festival of Arts with numerous cultural events.

Find the accommodation in Sozopol here.

Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Ahtopol is a small town located in south-eastern Bulgaria. Despite its small size, Ahtopol is steadily gaining popularity among tourists who appreciate how quiet it is and its affordability.

Life in Ahtopol takes place by the beach with plenty of opportunities for water sports, swimming, and simply relaxing. Recently a growing number of restaurants and even resorts have opened in the area giving tourists a great selection of activities and places to stay.

Restaurants range from affordable options to mid-price ones. Definitely stop by La Vita Club which boasts incredible views and a delicious menu. The restaurant Agata beach is also well worth a visit and even has a hot tub for its guests who can enjoy the beautiful terrace and the view of the beach.

Ahtopol is also a great spot to learn how to surf or go for a kayak or canoeing trip. You’ll love the beautiful waters of the black sea and the secluded feel of Ahtopol.

Find the accommodation in Ahtopol here.

Map of the best places to visit in Bulgaria

To give you an idea of where all the places mentioned above are, here is the map of Bulgaria with all those great destinations

Final thoughts on visiting Bulgaria

As you can see yourself, Bulgaria really has a lot to offer and everyone will find something interesting there, whether you are looking for city life, nature, culture, history or simply relax. Add to that delicious food and affordable prices and you can be sure that you are in for excellent holidays in Bulgaria.

I can’t wait when I go there again to see more of the country and I hope you will decide to visit Bulgaria soon too!

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Bulgaria
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Bulgaria here.
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Bulgaria too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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Linda Gerbec

Thank you for another interesting and informative post. My husband and I have visited Sofia, Plovdiv, Byala (with side trips to Varna and Nessebar), and Bansko. I have yet to visit any place in Bulgaria I didn’t enjoy.

I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Bulgaria has so much to offer and has so many underrated places. I also keep discovering it and each place is a gem really.

There are 60 cities in Bulgaria and you recommend 50.

I focused on the highlights for tourists, it’s impossible to mention every single place.

Lori Trochim

So much helpful information! Thank you. What’s the best way to get from place to place? Car? Bus? Train?

While public transport works fairly well in Bulgaria, car is the best option so you can easily get to some more remote locations too

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Home > Bulgaria Weekend Breaks – Best Small Towns To Visit In Bulgaria

Bulgaria Weekend Breaks – Best Small Towns To Visit In Bulgaria

Written by our local expert Adam

Adam is an adventure traveler and travel writer who loves to document obscure pockets of the world via overland expeditions.

Bulgaria is a blend of small, misty mountain towns and long stretches of golden sand Black Sea beaches. Bulgaria makes the perfect country for a weekend road trip. Here are a few Bulgaria weekend breaks.

With its healthy blend of small, misty mountain towns and long stretches of golden sand Black Sea beaches , Bulgaria is the perfect country for a short weekend (or extended weekend) road trip. Below, we feature the top Bulgaria destinations for fun-filled Bulgaria weekend breaks.

You will be enthralled by the country’s ability to captivate visitors with its jaw-dropping nature, wicked history, out-of-control nightlife, and subtle yet booming art scene.

There are enough Bulgaria attractions to create amazing itineraries for Bulgaria weekend breaks! Check out limestone cave bars, spend your time soaking in the sun at a beautiful Black Sea resort, or dipping below the sea’s surface on a dive excursion . Ride along streams high up along far-out mountain passes and tour centuries-old monasteries. You can do it all in this country.

Bulgaria is a country in Eastern Europe bordering five other Balkan countries . Turkey to the southeast, Greece to the south, Macedonia and Serbia to the west, and Romania is it’s great northern neighbor. It is one of the most mountainous countries in the Balkans  and has one of the best coastlines along the Black Sea.

Below, you will learn all you need for your weekend road trip in Bulgaria, including a few different itinerary suggestions for trips of varying lengths to the best places to visit in Bulgaria . Bulgaria’s small towns are a part of what makes this country so special, and it would be a shame to miss out on them.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Bulgaria Tourism: Know Before You Go

Check out this helpful information before you arrive in Bulgaria so you are not left in the dark on your weekend getaway to Bulgaria’s best small town highlights.

Transportation In Bulgaria

Taxes and intercity buses are relatively inexpensive if you are not driving your own vehicle or renting a car . However, these methods are generally slower. In the instance of buses, sometimes they don’t leave until the bus is full, depending on where you are. City transportation costs less than $1 everywhere in Bulgaria.

It is also reasonably inexpensive in Bulgaria to rent a car for the weekend if you are flying in. You can find a compact vehicle to rent at the Sofia International Airport for around $15-20 per day.

Other Expenses

Depending on what kind of traveler you are, you can quickly get by anywhere from $25-$50 a day in Bulgaria, even when visiting the top Bulgaria travel highlights .

It also depends on where you are staying. A budget hotel would run you anywhere from $15-30, while a hostel can be as cheap as $5 for a bed with breakfast included. Obviously, if you have to spend the night in Sofia, it will be a little bit more expensive than the smaller towns surrounding it.

Traditional Bulgarian food , which is very representative of food in Eastern Europe with stews and hearty spiced meats, is very affordable. Expect to pay $10 for an upscale meal, usually served with a Bulgarian beer—having a traditional dinner is one of the greatest things to do when you visit Bulgaria .

Otherwise, you can eat a lesser meal for $2-5, which can still satisfy you.

Bulgaria Weekend Break Itineraries

There are a few different itineraries to have, depending on how much time you have to spend in Bulgaria .

Two or 3-days: Fly into Sofia and drive to Veliko Tarnovo. While there, visit Tryavna and Apriltsi.

4-5 days: Start in Sofia, make your way to Veliko Tarnovo (or Tryavna, Apriltsi), spend 1-2 days there, Go to Rila (or Melnik), and spend 1-2 days visiting those towns.

Seven days: Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo for 1-2 days. Drive to the Black Sea, the town of Balchik, and spend a few days there before driving back inland. Go to Rila (Melnik) or back to Sofia .

Brands We Use And Trust

Best time to visit bulgaria.

There’s never a wrong time to visit Bulgaria. Even in the dead of winter, between November and March, the Balkan mountains have some of the best skiing in Europe, and many come specifically for that.

We prefer the cooler spring weather while hiking, so March through April is an excellent time. There aren’t as many tourists around at this time, and you still get that fresh mountain air.

The peak season for tourism in Bulgaria is between May and September, with July and August being the hottest and best for beachside shenanigans along the Black Sea .

There are things to do in Bulgaria in July, September, December, and April.

Many people get excited about Rose Harvest, which lasts 20 days from late May to the middle of June. However, as stated, there is never a bad time to visit  Bulgaria .

Best Places To Go In Bulgaria

Below are six small towns in Bulgaria that give you a great taste of the country while enjoying a laid-back, worry-free vacation. Although they aren’t huge Bulgaria cities, they are definitely among Bulgaria’s top places to see .

Sitting two hours south of Sofia in the Kyustendil Province of southwest Bulgaria , Rila is a small town of fewer than 3,000 inhabitants. It lies in the valley of the mountains at 2,000 feet above sea level.

The Rila Mountains are known as a sort of spiritual quest to local Bulgarians. The range is also called the ‘Mountains of Water’ with its 200-some alpine lakes hidden in the hills and steep cliffs of the Rila Mountains.

Rila National Park is a nature junkie’s dream, one of the absolute best parts of Bulgaria for outdoor activities. A heavily wooded park with plenty of trails surrounding the renowned Rila Seven Lakes .

The tallest peak, Mt. Musala, sits around 9,000 feet tall, while there are about 100 other peaks around the park hovering around 6,000 feet in the air.

However, the most popular tourist attraction in the area is the Rila Monastery which is known as the heart of spirit in Bulgaria and a big reason why these mountains are thought of as so sacred. The presence of this fantastic historical monastery is one of the main reasons Rila is one of the best towns in Bulgaria to visit.

Rila town center is seriously charming with its hand-cut stone roads and well-preserved architecture. However, there is not much here. Definitely come if you are into hiking, but expect to find your own entertainment if you are not a nature enthusiast.

There are a few very unique hotels about ten miles outside of Rila:

• Yastrebets Hotel Wellness & Spa
• Alpin Hotel
• Club Hotel Yanakiev

Veliko Tarnovo

At just over 150 miles east of Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, meaning “Great” Tarnovo in Bulgarian, sits in the north-central part of the country and acts as the region’s capital, which goes by the same name.

Often called the “City of Tsars,” the city is situated on the Yantra River and is renowned for being the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom.

Its quirky yet beautifully placed city sits on top of three hills (Tsarevets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora) and sees an unproportionate amount of tourism for its unique architecture.

There are less than 70,000 residents in town, but there are always tourists and traveling Bulgarians coming through as the city sits on the main road connecting western Bulgaria to the Black Sea and East Europe with the Middle East. It is at a very strategic spot.

Surrounded by cobbled roads and an ambiance that many find romantic, the picturesque Tsarevets Fortress stands well as the city’s (one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities) main attraction and point of reference. If you’re looking for simply lovely places in Bulgaria for a short break, this is definitely one of them.

Here are three hotels within Veliko Tarnovo (not far from Tsarevets Fortress) that you might be interested in:

• Yantra Grand Hotel
• Agusta Spa Hotel
• Park Hotel Asenevtsi

Not but a half an hour from Veliko Tarnovo in central Bulgaria is another great town to visit, Tryavna. This small town in the Tryavna River valley has only just over 10,000 inhabitants and is a quiet place with a lot to educate yourself on the culture.

With nearly 150 cultural monuments, museums, and expositions, it is hard to imagine a better place for your overall understanding of the country and its history.

Being right in the middle of Sofia and Varna (about 150 miles from each on opposite sides), this hidden Bulgaria destination is a natural stopping-off point for those travelers making the trip in-between and a perfect place to spend an afternoon/ night.

Its Clock Tower, which was built in 1814, still stands as a symbol of the times in the center of town today. In the 19th Century, the city made a name for itself as Bulgaria’s cultural and arts center.

A few great boutique hotels are scattered among other accommodation options in Tryanva. Here are some good options:

• Art-M Gallery and Hotel
• Hotel Tryanva Lake
• Family Hotel “Compliment”

Located in the northeastern corner of Bulgaria is our only small town along the Black Sea on this itinerary. If you only visit the coast, you will be better off flying into Varna rather than Sofia.

Balchick, unlike bigger seaside towns such as the city mentioned above of Varna, doesn’t see as much tourism. And, the tourism it does see is local, mainly tourists from the west side of Bulgaria.

From the Dobruja Plateau are hillside cliffs and ridges, making this city quite a sight for the eyes. This creates the hilly terraces that the city is known for and the beautiful coastal resorts in Balchik.

This town is a breath of fresh air after the more glitzy seaside towns to the south. As a matter of fact, the town itself only has around 20,000 inhabitants and stays pretty quiet at most times. Thanks to this peacefulness, Balchik is one of the best places in Bulgaria for families looking for a quiet getaway, an ideal destination for Bulgaria weekend breaks .

Check out the city’s main attraction, the eclectic Balchik Palace, up the promenade a few kilometers. Queen Marie of Romania built the palace after falling in love with the town when she needed a summer home.

There are several places to stay in Balchik, which probably don’t cost as much as the Queen’s palace (as if you were allowed to stay in the palace overnight, anyway).

• White Rock Castle Suite Hotel
• Mistral Hotel
• Antik Resort and Hotel

About 120 miles (or 2.5 hours) straight south of Sofia, Melnik is a green town in the Blagoevgrad Province of southwest Bulgaria. Sitting in the Pirin Mountains, the town was announced as an architectural reserve, and nearly 100 buildings within it are cultural monuments.

It also has the honor of being Bulgaria’s smallest town . With only 400 inhabitants, there are nearly more buildings than people. Yet, it’s among the most historical places in Bulgaria, just thanks to those numerous monuments.

Its extraordinary location hidden in the mountains comes second only to the city’s illustrious history. Found in the 9th Century, many empires have had control of Melnik over the centuries, and it reflects in the culture to this day.

Being so far tucked away in the mountains, tourists don’t usually make the trip, and this quaint little spot could be your oasis. Let it transport you back in time.

Here are a few places to stay in the tiny town of Melnik:

• Elli Greco Hotel
• Guest House Biser
• Melnik Hotel

Our final town, but certainly not the least intriguing, is just over 100 miles east of Sofia in the Lovech Province of north-central Bulgaria .

The town of Apriltsi has less than 3,000 residents, many of whom can’t speak English. However, you will love the views of the surrounding vistas and nature, and locals can tell you where the best ones are even without a handle on English.

Apriltsi has only recently been put on the tourist map with major renovations within the town. Now, it is an attractive destination for fishing, mountaineering, horse-riding, cycling, tennis, and skiing enthusiasts. You can also find several hiking routes, a luxurious hunting center, a bunch of wild picnic sites, and excellent opportunities for bathing at the river banks in privacy. So, if you’re wondering where to visit in Bulgaria for outdoor adventures, this is a fantastic option.

It is truly a haven for those looking for up-and-coming hot spots to travel in the Balkans. Here are several places to stay for those visiting Apriltsi for a night’s stay:

• Hotel and Tavern Svatovete
• Hotel Balkana
• Vila Verbena

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Bulgaria’s culture and history are at the heart of all of its small towns. Sure, you may not find as many people capable of communicating in English, and menus might be more challenging to read, but the environment is well worth those minor sacrifices.

You will be in awe of the secrets to be found in these tiny Bulgaria towns, whether in the mountains or on the coast. They prove that you don’t need to visit large cities to find some of the Bulgaria sights to see and activities to do. Even more so, some of the most famous places in Bulgaria are within the towns listed above.

If you have any questions regarding a small town road trip in Bulgaria, traveling to Bulgaria (or the Balkans) in general, or Bulgaria weekend breaks, do not hesitate to reach out, and we will see if we can help. If you’re looking for more suggestions for what to see in Bulgaria , we have many more suggestions!

• Things To Do In Sofia
• Things To Do In Varna
• Best Day Trips From Sofia
• Bansko Ski Resort
• Bulgarian Festivals
• Rent A Car Bulgaria
• Where To Stay In Sofia
• Best All-Inclusive Hotels In Bulgaria
• Best Campsites In Bulgaria
• Where To Stay In Veliko Tarnovo
• Incredible Black Sea Resorts
• 5-Day Travel Itinerary Through Bulgaria

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Wander-Lush

Easy Bulgaria Road Trip Itinerary for 10 Days of Travel

With stunning national parks, historic cities and sweet villages, and an incredibly diverse landscape of mountains, lakes and rock formations, Bulgaria is a crowd-pleaser when it comes to Balkans travel .

This country has something for everyone – and because it’s so compact and easy to get around, it’s also one of the best places in the region for a road trip .

Whether you’re travelling in peak summer season for hiking or you’re planning to visit Bulgaria in winter to take advantage of the country’s skiing opportunities, there are an infinite number of ways you can design a Bulgaria road trip.

The following itinerary, suitable for summer or winter travel, is tailored to 10 days in Bulgaria but can easily be edited to be shorter or longer. It covers all the highlights, including several national parks, the Black Sea coast and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Renting a car in Bulgaria

Sofia is the logical place to pick up your car in Bulgaria. But don’t book it until you’re done with sightseeing – you don’t need a car for the city centre as metro and bus services are more than adequate.

I recommend using Local Rent to source a budget-friendly hire car from a local agent. Prices average 21 Euros per day, and there are plenty of perks you don’t get with the bigger brands including no deposit, comprehensive insurance included, and delivery to your address in Sofia.

If you’re driving in winter, tyre chains and ski/snowboard racks are optional extras and cost an additional 4-10 Euros (for the duration of the trip, not per day) depending on the vehicle.

→ Check prices and availability here on the Local Rent website .

Where to start your Bulgaria road trip

I recommend starting your itinerary in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital city. Flights from Western and Eastern Europe service the city’s international airport, and rail and bus connections from neighbouring countries are plentiful.

You should budget at least 1-2 full days for Sofia in order to see the highlights. If you’re short on time, I highly recommend joining a walking tour of the city centre – this small group tour covers the main tourist spots while this alternative itinerary focuses on Sofia’s communist past.

Check out this list of 101 things to do in Sofia for more inspiration.

Bulgaria road trip map

Click here to open the map via Google Drive .

Bulgaria road trip itinerary for 10 days of travel

Day 1: depart sofia to start your bulgaria road trip itinerary in the mountains of rila & pirin.

The highest mountain range in Bulgaria, the Rila Mountains are an experience you don’t want to miss. If you visit in winter, you can play winter sports and ski the slopes. In warmer weather, you’ll want to take advantage of the many hiking trails. 

Having your own car will allow you to access more remote mountain huts which are truly some of the country’s loveliest accommodations. Samovilla in Govedartsi is one of many darling chalets on the fringe of Rila National Park.

Rila Monastery

Leaving Sofia, Rila Monastery should be your first stop. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was founded in the 10th century and is by far Bulgaria’s most iconic Eastern Orthodox monastery.

Rila sits at a high elevation and takes several hours to reach by car. The way the roads wind up the mountain, you’ll feel like you’re entering another world – especially in winter when the hills are snow capped and sparkling.

Spend a good hour or so wandering the grounds of the monastery and the interior, admiring the stunning frescoes, architectural flourishes and well-kept grounds. There’s a dress code, so make sure you have your knees and shoulders covered to show respect before you enter.

If you can adjust your timeline, consider spending a night inside the monastery. Monks still live there and the gates close early, but it’s definitely a unique experience.

Rila National Park & the Seven Rila Lakes

The most popular hiking trail in these mountains is the Seven Rila Lakes. You’ll see, of course, seven lakes: The Tear, The Eye, The Kidney, The Gemini, The Triplets, The Fish Lake, and The Lower Lake.

Each lake is different, with the Tear being the highest, the Lower Lake being the lowest, the Eye being the deepest, and the Fish Lake being the shallowest. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the Kidney for beautiful views.

The cable car up to the lakes still runs in winter , but you might find that the whole landscape is white-washed with snow, making it difficult to discern the different lakes. Consider spending a day at Bansko or Borovets for skiing and snowboarding instead.

Day 2: Continue to historic Melnik

A few hours’ drive further south towards the border with Greece , Melnik enjoys a prime location in the heart of Bulgaria’s wine region . There’s a wine museum where you can learn about the practice of winemaking and try the local drop. You can also stop by wine stores and vineyards for walk-in tastings.

In addition to sipping local wines, take time to visit the Melnik Earth Pyramids, huge sandstone rocks that have been shaped over the centuries by rain and erosion.

If the weather is suitable, a short day hike up to Rozhen Monastery is a must-do. Built in the 15th century, it was ravaged by fire in the 1600s but has since been restored to its original glory.

Historic Chavkova House , with its sprawling gardens, is the ideal place to stay in Melnik if you want to explore the centre by foot and get some R&R ahead of a busy day 3.

Day 3: Follow the Rhodope Mountains to Trigrad Gorge & Smolyan

The Rhodope Mountains stretch across southern Bulgaria and into Greece. For more amazing day hikes, follow the popular trails since they’re well-marked. If you’re a more experienced hiker, you’ll love the freedom of getting out on the mountains away from the beaten path.

For an unforgettable experience, treat yourself to a night at Petko Takov’s House in Smolyan, a traditional country house with decadent rooms and a taverna.

Trigrad Gorge

East of Melnik, Trigrad Gorge is the third largest gorge in Bulgaria, with walls ranging from 100 to 300 metres high. The ravine was formed by the Trigrad River, which courses through the rocks.

While exploring Trigrad Gorge, make sure you venture to the bottom of the highest cliffs to experience Devil’s Throat Cave – it contains an underground waterfall that merges with the Trigrad River.

After spending time in the rugged Rhodope Mountains, you’ll be glad to see Smolyan, a resort town close to the Greek border. It sits in the valley of the Cherna and Byala Rivers.

The perfect winter escape, it has plenty of indoor activities on offer including museums, art galleries and restaurants that serve national food and regional specialties.

Days 4 & 5: Relax in Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s most charming city

Heading north back into central Bulgaria, Plovdiv is the second-largest city in the country and one of the oldest in the world. There are Roman ruins to explore, including the Roman Forum of Philippopolis and the Ancient Stadium.

While you’re in the Old Town area, visit Dzhumaya Mosque, one of the oldest and largest mosques around. Most modern mosques have one dome, but Dzhumaya Mosque has nine.

Plovdiv is a delightful mix of old and new. As well as gorgeous examples of Bulgarian Revival Architecture you’ll find many hidden treasures, including the Kapana district, with its enticing assortment of street art, craft beer bars and restaurants. Spend an afternoon walking the pedestrian streets and browsing the many independent shops and cafes.

Time your visit just right so you can be atop one of Plovdiv’s seven hills at sunset. You won’t believe the astonishing views. Plovdiv City Center Hotel is a great base for your stay and just a short walk from some of the best sunset spots. Spending two days in Plovdiv gives you a chance to really explore the history – I spent a full week here and never ran out of things to do.

Days 6 & 7: Soak up Black Sea coast vibes in Varna & Nesebar

Bulgaria’s Black Sea offers a different experience depending on the time of year  you go. Outside of summer peak season you can experience the historic cities without the crowds. Nesebar and Varna are both must-sees.

Often called the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’, Nesebar is a historical fishing town that was once part of the Ottoman Empire. You can easily spend a couple of days here seeing the ancient fortress and ruins.

History is well-balanced with modern conveniences, so you can enjoy the touristy side of town as well. Nestled within the old town but still walking distance from the sea, Kirios Hotel offers guests the best of both worlds.

Further north along the coast, Varna is Bulgaria’s third-largest city. Make time for sights of historical interest including the Archaeological Museum, which has ancient gold artefacts that date back 6,500 years. The Battle of Varna Park Museum has tombs from 4,000 BC with a unique Stone Forest just beyond the battlefield.

If you’d rather stay close to nature, you can enjoy the University Botanical Garden. It spans 360 hectares and is a great place to have a picnic. When you’re ready to relax by the Black Sea, the Sea Garden is a landscaped park that runs along the waterfront.

Guest Rooms Boutique Varna offers simple but comfortable rooms within walking distance of the Roman baths, the port, and other major attractions.

Day 8: Head inland to Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi & Nicopolis ad Istrum

After a few days by the sea it’s back to the mountains of Bulgaria’s interior. Veliko Tarnovo is a walkable city with a charming old town and the most impressive fortress in the country, Tsarevets, at its highest point. This city used to be Bulgaria’s capital but is now known for its amazing views and history.

It’s also home to one of the largest universities outside of Sofia. Because the population skews young, you’ll find a lively bar scene and lots of events in Veliko Tarnovo. Hostel Mostel , one of Bulgaria’s best hostels, is a great place to meet people. If you prefer your privacy, Guest House Diabora is set inside a stunning heritage home.

After exploring the fortress grounds, walk or take a taxi up the hill to the nearby village of Arbanasi for magical views looking down onto Tsarevets. The Roman-Byzantine ruins at Nicopolis ad Istrum, 20 kilometres north of Veliko Tarnovo, are also worth a look-in if you’re a fan of archaeology.

Day 9: Drive to Koprivshtitsa via Kazanlak, Shipka & the Buzludzha

By now you should be ready to start winding up your Bulgaria road trip and heading back towards Sofia. But first, there’s still ample time for a mini road trip within a road trip to Koprivshtitsa, making several incredible stops along the way. 

The Kazanlak area has a wealth of natural and historical sights, all worthy of a stopover. Consider visiting:

• The Tomb of Seuthes III
• The Megalith Rock Sanctuary
• The Museum of Roses
• The Museum of Photography

In Shipka, don’t miss the Buzludzha , the famous UFO-shaped Memorial House built by the Bulgarian Communist Party. The drive up Buzludzha Peak is rough and winding, but it’s worth it for the views. The monument is currently closed off for some much-needed restorations, but you can still admire its otherworldly form from afar.

Finally, the last leg of your road trip will take you to delightful Koprivshtitsa, a historical village where you can see landmarks from the Bulgarian uprising against the Turks.

Many of the houses have been preserved with their unique architecture on full display. Some have been transformed into cultural museums while others have been reborn as guest lodgings.

For a chance to sleep inside one of these stunning heritage monuments, stay at Family Hotel Panorama .

Day 10: Return to Sofia

Spend the morning in Koprivshtitsa before returning to Sofia.

Quick tips for driving in Bulgaria

• In Bulgaria you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Seat belts are mandatory for both front and back-seat passengers.
• Bulgaria has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drink driving – keep this in mind if you plan on visiting the country’s wineries.
• Bring a hands-free mount with you as it’s illegal to use your mobile phone when driving.
• During the winter months (November-March) you must have your headlights on at all times.
• Winter tyres with 4mm of tread are required in winter (enforceable by law). Snow chains are compulsory in some areas when conditions are harsh – be sure to research your route well in advance and add on chains if you need them.

→ Find more great tips for driving in Bulgaria here .

Bulgaria essentials

Here are my favourite resources to help you organise your trip to Bulgaria.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Bulgaria on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Bulgaria and apply for an expedited visa online.

SIM CARD: Buy an eSIM and data package for Bulgaria online before you go. My top choice is the Eurolink eSIM from Airalo (10 GB for 30 days).

AIRPORT TRANSFER: Pre-book a private transfer to your hotel in Sofia (prices start from $25 per car ).

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel deals in Bulgaria on Booking.com .

CAR HIRE: Use Local Rent to hire a budget-friendly car from a local agent or Discover Cars to hire through an international rentals company.

DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Find the best city tours and day excursions in Bulgaria using Get Your Guide or Viator .

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Is Bulgaria Safe for Tourists?

Do you want to travel to Bulgaria but are unsure how safe it is for tourists? Look no further because this post will tell you everything you need to know.

Located along the coastline of the Balkans and one of its best places to live , Bulgaria’s multiculturalism stems from its history of diverse rulers. From the 11th century onwards, Bulgaria struggled for independence from various powers.

In 1991, Bulgaria became a parliamentary republic and implemented a Western-based, democratic constitution. This, alongside other reforms, resulted in its 2007 acceptance into the European Union (EU).

Recent decades have shown increased condemnation of Bulgarian corruption and organized crime. However, despite this, there is a steady flow of tourism to Bulgaria, and international authorities state that the country is a safe travel destination.

Why Visit Bulgaria?

Bulgaria might not be your first thought when it comes to travel destinations, but it certainly has lots to offer. The diverse landscape gives tourists the chance to participate in a variety of fun activities. From hiking mountains to swimming at the beach, there is something for everyone.

When it comes to entertainment, be sure to check out Bulgaria’s annual festivals. These exciting events are held year-round and usually revolve around musical, agricultural, traditional, or artistic exploits.

Bulgaria also boasts 10 UNESCO world heritage sites, meaning there are plenty of places to explore. Each site has a rich history and showcases a unique architectural or natural beauty. Visiting any of these sites will surely make for a truly unforgettable experience.

Is Bulgaria Dangerous?

Bulgaria is not a dangerous place. The Crime Index Statistical Research for Europe shows that it has a low crime and high safety index. The data reveals that it actually has less crime than other, more common European tourist destinations such as France, Italy, and Greece.

This information doesn’t mean that visitors don’t still have to be cautious. As in any country, crime does exist in Bulgaria. However, violent crimes are rare, meaning you don’t have to worry about your physical safety. If anything, tourists are most likely to be targets of petty crimes like theft (usually through pickpocketing) and scamming.

Luckily, you can easily decrease your chances of being a target of such criminal activity. This process involves taking certain precautions, including avoiding more dangerous areas.

Dangerous Areas in Bulgaria

Sunny beach.

Sunny Beach is a popular resort located on the Bulgarian coastline. It’s well-known as a tourist and party hub. This reputation makes it a prime target for criminals wanting to prey on unsuspecting, drunk, and vulnerable individuals.

Within Sunny Beach, there are several safety and security issues , including pickpocketing, mugging and hotel room break-ins. Overcharging scams are also common. When tourists refuse to or cannot pay inflated prices, those charging them can become aggressive and threatening.

Overall, tourists should avoid Sunny Beach. Doing this will allow you to stay safe and reduce the risk of being targeted by criminals.

Red light districts

There are high numbers of sex workers in Bulgaria. While there isn’t a defined ‘red light district,’ you will likely find sex workers in high-density areas at night. These include large cities and tourist resorts . A well-known ‘red light’ area is the Pliska Hotel in Sofia.

The presence of sex workers can make so-called family friendly areas unsafe and unsuitable for children. There have also been reports of aggressive behavior from both pimps and sex workers trying to make deals with tourists.

These interactions can quickly escalate and become violent. For such reasons, tourists should stay safe by avoiding red light districts.

Is it Safe to Live in Bulgaria?

The short answer is yes; it is safe to live in Bulgaria. While corruption and organized crime are prevalent, they usually don’t directly affect citizens’ safety.

In recent years, internal protests and EU condemnation have encouraged socio-political change. Bulgarian authorities have introduced legislation to combat these issues and increase the country’s EU integration.

Bulgaria has numerous cities and towns, each offering a unique living experience. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all destination. However, useful information on places to live in Bulgaria can help you make your decision.

Safe Cities in Bulgaria

Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria. Located in the country’s Western region, it lies in the shadows of the Vitosha Mountains, a popular hiking and skiing destination.Sofia is also home to various galleries, restaurants, and parks.

As a busy city and popular tourist destination, Sofia is a natural target for small-time criminals. Tourists should rely upon the usual safety precautions of any large city. This includes being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye out for pickpockets. Overall, Sofia is safe to explore and gives visitors a glimpse of real Bulgarian life.

Found in South-central Bulgaria, Plovdiv is built amongst six hills. Although it’s the country’s second-largest city, Plovdiv only has around 350 000 residents. With its locally-produced wine and breathtaking socio-historical sites, this city is the perfect place to relax.

Plovdiv’s slow-paced lifestyle doesn’t attract swarms of tourists like resorts do. The lack of easy targets makes the area less attractive to criminals. The city has very low crime rates, meaning visitors can feel extra secure. It’s also very safe to walk around Plovdiv (even at night), so tourists can easily discover the hidden gems of this idyllic city.

Burgas is a small port city located on Bulgaria’s coastline. It plays a vital role in the country’s production and trade systems. However, it’s not simply a place of industry. It’s also home to some of Bulgaria’s most exquisite landscapes and beaches.

With its low crime rate, Burgas is a safe place for tourists. It offers a variety of fun outdoor activities like swimming, sailing, and admiring the beauty of Bulgaria’s beaches. Visitors can enjoy these experiences without being overly concerned about their safety. This makes Burgas a great alternative to other, less safe coastal areas like Sunny Beach.

Tips for Staying Safe in Bulgaria

When visiting Bulgaria, you can stay safe by following these simple tips:

• Don’t ever leave your valuables unattended. When out and about, keep important items on you at all times. At your accommodation, always lock your room and, if possible, keep valuables in a safe.
• Lots of places in Bulgaria only accept cash. People on the street may offer to exchange money with you. These are often scammers, so it’s better to stick to official exchange bureaus or banks .
• When eating out or buying souvenirs, you’re at risk of being overcharged. Always confirm prices before making a purchase and double-check your receipts and any change you receive.
• Protect yourself from pickpockets by remaining vigilant of what’s happening around you and avoiding secluded streets at night.
• It’s common for taxi drivers to overcharge tourists. Only use licensed taxis with upfront, fixed travel rates and meters to calculate fares.

Is Bulgaria Safe | Frequently Asked Questions

Is bulgaria safe for families with kids.

When traveling with children, it’s normal to be concerned about their safety. However, with Bulgaria’s low crime rates, you can put your mind at ease.

It’s still advisable to follow usual parental precautions like avoiding crowded areas where children could get lost. Bulgaria also has lots of stray dogs that wander the streets. Warn your children not to approach these dogs as they may be dangerous, and bites could result in rabies.

Is Bulgaria Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

While Bulgaria is a safe country, it’s always wise for solo female travelers to take extra safety precautions.

As a woman, you should never walk by yourself on secluded streets after dark. Many people also recommend that women avoid going out alone at night altogether. However, there’s safety in numbers. So, if you do want to explore local nightlife, go with a tour group or some trusted friends.

Is Bulgaria Safe From Russia?

This is a valid concern given Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war between the two Eastern European countries.

Bulgaria’s location puts it in close proximity to the conflict. However, it doesn’t share a border with either Russia or Ukraine. This means an invasion or other direct war-related threats are unlikely. Also, political and travel authorities (like the EU) haven’t published any official warnings against trips to Bulgaria.

Is Bulgaria Safe to Drive Around?

There’s no doubt it’s convenient for tourists to drive themselves around. However, Bulgaria has some safety issues in this regard.

The country’s roadway infrastructure is underdeveloped, meaning roads are often low-quality and in need of repair. Locals also notoriously speed, thereby increasing the chance of accidents.

Car break-ins and thefts are other risks. If you use a private vehicle, always park it in a secure location and ensure you don’t leave any belongings inside.

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Home » Europe » Travel Safety

Is Bulgaria SAFE to Visit? (2024 • Insider Tips)

Bulgaria is a strong choice for any traveller.

Sandwiched between the Balkans, and operating a direct train line to Turkey, Bulgaria is bursting with character and unexpected flavours. While often overlooked as a tourist destination, this eastern European country brings a collection of satisfying destinations for a great price.

Unfortunately, alongside a stunning variety of architectural influences and great food, Bulgaria has several common pitfalls that can make your trip far more stressful and complicated than it needs to be.

Alongside Bulgaria’s reputation for organised crime, this could have you asking “ is Bulgaria safe to visit” ?

With that in mind, I’ve created this epic insider’s guide to staying safe in Bulgaria. You’re going to find just about all the information you need to help you achieve top marks in savvy travel, and make sure your Bulgaria visit runs super smoothly.

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Bulgaria Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Bulgaria.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated December 2023

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Is Bulgaria Safe to Visit Right Now?

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The simple answer to the question is yes , travelling to Bulgaria is safe . In 2022, a total of 10,887,952 international travellers visited Bulgaria based on the country’s National Statistical Institute report. The majority of them had virtually no reported problems.

Despite the country having a few issues, the international community sees Bulgaria as a very safe place to visit. Tourism is, in fact, critical to the country’s economy.

Bulgaria is ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in Europe, and you do hear very rare stories about organized crime, but there are a ton of reasons why you should visit Bulgaria , and these definitely outweigh the setbacks.

Sadly, there have been instances of targeted robberies within tourist areas, so you should be aware of your surroundings, and take extra care of your belongings within crowds. Muggings and pickpocketing do happen here, but violent crime (especially against tourists) is rare.

Local authorities are generally helpful to tourists, but if something has gone very wrong, contacting emergency consular services will most likely make more of a splash.

Bulgaria is generally a very safe country to visit, and while it does have an edgy/ hardcore side, you shouldn’t experience any trouble, even if you go out frequently.

Check out our detailed  where to stay guide for Bulgaria  so you can start your trip right!

Bulgaria is a fantastic cheap European destination . However, in order to get your stay right, it’s important that you don’t find yourself in a sketchy town, playing with a language that you don’t understand. I’ve listed some places I think are top-notch for travelling, and you should find yourselves right at home!

• Sofia : Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria, and one of the biggest and most popular ones. There’s an incredible amount of history and culture to soak up here. It’s a very modern and youthful city, with plenty of things to do and explore. There is an array of fantastic Bulgarian food to get stuck in with, and wonderful (powerful?) ex-soviet architecture.
• Varna : Varna is Bulgaria’s third-largest city, located on the Black Sea Coast. You get beaches, culture, stunning parks and an overall very laid-back vibe. During the warm summer months, Varna becomes a tourist hotspot, thanks to great restaurants, a pleasant temperature, and lively nightlife.
• Bansko : For the more adventurous and active backpackers, Bansko is the ideal place. Located in the southwest of Bulgaria, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, it’s a gateway for some of the best hikes and ski slopes in the country. With a collection of brilliant hotels , fantastic hostels, and unbelievable views, it’s a place that is hard to beat!

Places to avoid in Bulgaria

Whilst safety is less of a major concern here than having fun, it will still pay to keep an eye out in certain sketchy areas. Use your common sense, and make smart decisions. Easy.

Unfortunately, there are parts of Bulgaria where it is worth taking extra caution. Like other countries, Bulgaria has its bad spots!

• Small side streets after dark : This is a no-brainer. If it looks empty and sketchy, simply avoid and stick to the main streets. Especially in larger cities, certain dimly lit roads have reputations.
• Sveta Nedelya Square : This area in Sofia is known for crimes, especially at night. While it’s fine during the day, avoid after dark.
• Red light district near Pliska Hotel : The name itself says it. It’s better to stay away, but there’s nothing to see for tourists anyway (well…). Either way, red-light areas and nightclubs tend to be high-concentration areas for violent crime.
• Resort areas and mountain ski resorts : Since (more) expensive holidays attract people with money, there is an incentive for pickpockets and scammers in these areas. Watch your belongings, and take care that no one can see your PIN! Sunny Beach especially has a slightly dodgy reputation.

You should take extra care when using ATMs Since it is predominantly a cash economy, you will have to do this at several times during your trip. Check the exchange rate before converting, and make sure that you aren’t being watched or followed. Best solution; change money inside a bank’s premises and remember your ID!

Keeping Your Money Safe in Bulgaria

One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.

The best solution? Get a money belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Bulgaria ranks highly as one of the world’s more “peaceful” countries and has a relatively low level of crime. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t issues tourists will face here – especially when it comes to visiting, and staying in, popular destinations.

Knowing how to travel safely anywhere is important, but here are some country-specific tips that should help you stay out of trouble! (and remember travel insurance)

• Be aware of pickpockets  – these operate in crowded areas, large city centres, and transport hubs.
• Keep belongings close to you  – having a bag that’s easily snatchable isn’t a good idea, make sure straps go across your body
• Consider a money belt   – the best way to stop thieves in their tracks!
• Don’t take valuables to the beach  – with thieves targeting tourists at beach resorts, having any valuables on the beach is not a good idea
• Make sure your hotel room is secure  – there has been a rise in robbery from hotel rooms (especially in Sunny Beach). Make sure doors lock securely, windows close and can be locked, you have a safe, and that it’s in a good area of town
• Be wary of strip clubs  – people overcharge wildly and use aggressive techniques in Sunny Beach, Sofia, Bansko and Borovets
• Don’t leave valuables in your car – break-ins to rental cars and cars with foreign number plates are common. Don’t leave important items in your car!
• Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
• Be careful where you park  – tires can be deliberately punctured, the driver distracted, etc… it all ends with your stuff being stolen. Not a good move.
• Avoid stray dogs – feral dogs, especially in packs, are common and can be aggressive; they often have rabies
• Keep away from drugs  – the penalties are severe
• Don’t get too drunk in public – “hooliganism” like this is treated severely, maybe more so than in your home country
• Be aware of public displays of affection for LGBTQ+ travellers – there isn’t much tolerance here, especially in more rural areas; even Sofia Pride needs heightened security and police presence
• Don’t take pictures of military installations or government buildings  – even if they look cool (and some of them do). Ask permission before you do so; snapping a structure without asking is a sensitive issue
• Don’t cover your face in public  – garments that cover your face are prohibited in public; there’s a fine if you’re caught doing so
• Cover yourself up in rural areas  – arms and legs; tick-borne encephalitis is a risk, and mosquitoes can be rife, too
• Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
• Try not to look like a tourist  – pickpockets don’t target locals, only tourists, so avoid looking obvious. See how other people are dressed and follow suit; casual is best, not designer sports gear, SLRs and gold jewellery
• Look confident  – like you know where you’re going; looking lost will single you out as a tourist and, therefore, a target
• Speak a bit of Bulgarian – it’ll be good to know a few phrases to get around, ask directions
• Learn to read Cryllic script – even if you don’t know what the meaning is, being able to read place names and menus will be handy
• Understand head gestures  – nodding is “no,” and shaking your head is “yes.” Why? We don’t know, but you should remember this!
• Get a sim card   – not getting lost in cities, being able to call restaurants and accommodation. Sim cards change your life for the better.

As long as you make sure you try to blend in, don’t look obvious, and stay aware of your surroundings, you’ll be fine in Bulgaria.

Travelling solo can be amazing anywhere in the world. It’s the ultimate in freedom, allowing you to travel at your own pace, see what you want, stay where you want and do what you want.

Bulgaria is a great place to head off on your next solo travel trip. There are loads of places to see, a ton of accommodation, and so many things to do. Like anywhere, travelling solo can come with some risks, however, so here are a few tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

• You should choose your accommodation wisely . Depending on what kind of thing you want, you could opt for a hostel (there are many in Sofia for example), where you can meet other solo travellers, get involved with group activities and have a lot of fun.
• Make full use of tours . In Plovdiv and Sofia, for example, you can get free tours which will help you get to grips with the city, learn about the place you’re travelling to, and talk to some locals.
• Speaking of which, don’t be afraid to talk to locals . Younger Bulgarians, especially in larger cities, generally can speak pretty good English and will be happy to chat to you, talk to you about your trip, and give you a few local tips, too.
• Plan your activities and what you want to do according to the season . Whilst Black Sea beaches are great in summer, they can be perhaps too crowded for you; then again, low season may be too cold or feel not buzzing enough for you.
• Don’t get too drunk . This just is not a good plan, especially if you are by yourself. You could put yourself at risk of being a victim of crime, not find your way home, or even find yourself in trouble with the authorities.
• If you want to meet other travellers, think about getting in touch with them before you visit. Hit up Facebook groups and other places online and ask questions about what people have done before, get ideas on itineraries, that sort of thing.
• Ask the staff at your hostel, hotel or guesthouse for their recommendations. Where is safe to go, where isn’t safe to go, what are good areas to explore, what local, hidden gems they might know about that your guidebook may not have any information on at all. Locals know the score.
• Don’t travel around with too much stuff . Not only is this not fun (trust us), but lugging many bags around with you at one time could put you at risk of being targeted by petty criminals.
• Keep people in the loop . Make sure your relatives and friends back home know what your travel plans are. Consider sharing your itinerary with them and tell them if it changes. Having somebody know where you are and what you’re doing there (and when) is much safer than going off grid.
• Have different ways to access your money . Savings are all well and good, but you should consider opening another bank account so that if you lose one card, you have a back-up pool of money to dip into. At the same time, an emergency credit card may be a good idea for, well, emergencies.
• Don’t take anything valuable to the beach and definitely don’t leave anything unattended on the beach. If you’re by yourself and you go swimming, even something like leaving your phone in your shoes is not a good idea.
• Be careful getting into taxi’s . Bulgaria has a history of fake taxi drivers taking you for a ride you didn’t ask for, so check carefully for a meter, and that someone knows where you’re going.

Bulgaria is actually a really fun country to travel to by yourself. If you want to get to know other people doing what you’re doing, then you will really benefit from the relatively large number of solo (and groups of) travellers making their way through Bulgaria. Don’t forget travel insurance though!

Like pretty much anywhere in the world, the very basic things all female travellers should know apply. Additionally, there are a couple of tricks you might not have thought of when it comes to staying safe in Bulgaria.

Here are our top tips for solo female travellers.

• Bulgarian women don’t tend to go out to bars and nightclubs by themselves. With this in mind, if you want to go out as a solo foreign lady, you should be aware that you will probably attract some attention and may get a few unwanted advances. If you want to avoid that, find some travel buddies to go out with.
• Speaking of which, a good way to meet like-minded travellers – male or female – is to stay at the right accommodation . The key here is research, mainly reading reviews of hostels and hotels that have been written by other female travellers.
• Dress to fit in wherever you are . If you’re staying at a beach resort or in a big city, then things are more modern and free. In the countryside, however, women in Bulgaria tend to cover up in more modest clothing. Take a look around, see what other ladies your age are wearing, and try to follow suit – a good way to not get unwanted attention.
• Be culturally sensitive . In some churches and religious sites for example, women have to cover their head (or hair) and have their shoulders and knees covered. These sorts of coverings are usually on offer at places of worship for women to borrow, but having your own scarf to quickly throw on could come in handy.
• Do not walk around by yourself at night time . No matter how short the journey, walking by yourself at night in an unfamiliar place, in a country you’ve never visited before, is not a clever thing to do. Don’t take the risk and make sure you either have someone to walk home (or around) with or simply get a cab.
• Get yourself on a tour . There’s nothing wrong with hiring your own guide or going on a tour and can in fact be a good way to get to grips with a country, get some insider knowledge, see things you may not have seen otherwise, and to generally make you feel more comfortable. You may get to meet other likeminded travellers, too.
• Be firm with people who may approach you with unwanted attention . Men in Bulgaria can be quite “macho” and might whistle at you, be loud about it and make comments/compliments at you as you pass you by. These are best ignored, but for people who approach you directly, especially when you’re out at bar or on the beach, a firm no should be enough.
• Don’t tell people every detail about your trip – or your life. No stranger needs to know anything about you, really, so if you don’t feel comfortable telling you or the questions are a bit searching, then know that it’s perfectly fine to lie.
• Make sure you have good apps downloaded on your phone to help you in a sticky situation. Things like sharing your location with somebody on Google Maps, having Google Translate, having emergency numbers saved in your contacts (with a symbol at the front so they appear at the top of your contacts), and even an offline maps app like Maps.me – it’s all very useful.

In general, Bulgaria is a pretty safe country for solo female travellers. There are a ton of super interesting sights, excellent experiences and amazing adventures for you to get stuck into without you having to worry all that much about your safety. It’s a well trodden destination.

Having said that, however, it’s all too common for women to be looking over their shoulders – wherever you are in the world, and especially if you are travelling solo. One of the top tips would be to simply not put yourself into risky situations, so trust your gut.

Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, shouldn’t be overlooked by travellers. This city is filled with important buildings and stunning attractions and has a youthful energy that’s impossible to deny!

Families are a huge part of Bulgarian culture, and you will be welcomed warmly travelling with your family. Bulgaria has been a firm favourite for many European families looking for a budget beach holiday – so it’s already geared towards families.

The main problems you will probably face when you’re travelling around Bulgaria with your children are natural. Protecting them from the sun (slather on that sunscreen!) and covering their arms and legs to stop ticks and mosquitoes in their tracks, are two of the most common problems you will face.

It’s important to tell your children that they shouldn’t go anywhere near stray dogs wandering around, as rabies has not been eradicated.

Public transport in Bulgaria is generally pretty safe, but it obviously varies throughout the country. For example, in Sofia, there’s the metro, trams and buses; other towns barely have a bus service.

Trains can be quite slow (especially compared to inter city buses). Learning, or reading, some Cyrillic can definitely help you discern where you’re going and which train services are faster.

A good tip for using the Bulgaria State Railways is to look online to find out about routes and fares.

Another form of transport are the matrushkas that shuttle people between city centres and suburbs. More like shared taxis, these run along set routes and can be squashy and sketchy but very cheap.

Buses can be found between major cities, and uber is active in the country. There are generally good transport links between places, but it can be hard if you don’t speak Bulgarian.

The crime rate in Bulgaria is actually super low, which is good! However, you should stay aware of potential muggings, pickpocket hotspots, and getting caught in scams. There have been reports of aggressive confrontations in strip clubs after clients refuse to pay an inflated bill, and problems with ATMS.

The U.S travel authorities rate Bulgaria as level 1, meaning you should take normal precautions to ensure your own safety. Use your common sense, make good decisions and be okay with noping out of a situation. Visits to Bulgaria are vastly trouble free.

Laws in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has pretty standard local laws- don’t do anything traditionally illegal and you won’t have cause for concern. When buying property, consider hiring expert legal advice, since there have been cases of buyers being defrauded.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Bulgaria without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Planning a safe trip to Bulgaria can get quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve listed and answered the most frequently asked questions on safety in Bulgaria. 

Is Bulgaria safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Bulgaria is overall safe for female solo travellers. You will get male attention and catcalling, especially in the main cities, but as long as you ignore it, you won’t get into any trouble. You will be safer when travelling with a group. Avoid going out by yourself, unless you are confident you can handle unwanted attention.

Is Bulgaria dangerous for tourists?

No, Bulgaria is not dangerous for tourists if you stick to the rules and respect the culture. Crime is very low in Bulgaria, however, pickpocketing and petty theft have been recorded in the more touristy areas and main cities. Fake taxies can crop up, so be certain before hopping in a cab.

Do I need travel insurance in Bulgaria?

Yes, you should purchase travel insurance before you travel to Bulgaria. Healthcare can be expensive, especially if you need it done privately, and it’s far better to prepare than have to face the music if something goes wrong.

Is Bulgaria safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

Yes, Bulgaria is overall safe for LGBTQ+ travellers, if you don’t openly show your sexual preferences. While homosexuality is not illegal in Bulgaria, same-sex marriages don’t yet enjoy legal recognition. While the overall attitude is slightly changing, especially in the main cities, you still come across very closed-minded communities.

Is Bulgaria a good place to live?

Is Bulgaria safe to live? Bulgaria is not only a safe place to live, but it’s a great place to live. There are many reasons to visit Bulgaria : there’s a great climate, the cost of living is low, there’s rich history, some lovely natural landscapes and a fairly laid back lifestyle. This has actually led to a fair number of “expats” moving to settle in the country permanently. Bulgaria is quite a peaceful place; there’s not too much disruption to daily life, the weather isn’t too crazy (typhoons? not here) and the locals are welcoming and friendly – generally speaking. A daily life thing to consider is the fact that many European tourists come here for a cheap getaway, often involving drinking, especially in the form of stag and hen-dos. This can be somewhat daunting with loud, drunken behaviour being an issue; conflicts can kick off in bars and nightclubs because of this. Bulgaria, with its history, strong national identity and traditions, is a pretty nice place to live. Choosing where to live is important: whilst Sofia offers up an almost multicultural feeling, the Black Sea coast offers up a place to live by the water. You should definitely travel to Bulgaria first and shop around, to figure out the best place for your lifestyle.

Bulgaria is a very safe country.  It scores high marks on the Global Peace Index of 2020, has a generally low level of serious crime, no real political upsets, and a complete lack of terrorist threat.

There are problems in Bulgaria, however. The resorts along the Black Sea can be all kinds of crazy and not in a good way (case in point: Sunny Beach). There is an issue with thieves targeting tourists. The roads here can be bad, and taxi drivers can be sketchy.

These are the things you have to deal with when you’re Bulgaria. The best way to avoid most of them is to not take yourself to the tackiest, craziest beach resorts; try your best to not look like a tourist when you’re here (smartphones away, no SLRs, casual clothes, please); and generally use your smarts.

Looking for more info on traveling to Bulgaria?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in Sofia
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Bulgaria travel guide!
• Get inspired by these EPIC bucket list adventures !

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

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!

Agness and Cez

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The first inhabited areas in what is now Bulgaria were the caves along the lower reaches of the rivers Iskar, Yantra and Rusenski Lom. By the 6th century BC, the most developed settlement network was Thracian. Later, under the impetus of mining, stock-breeding, and agriculture, settlements grew up in the Rhodopes, the Balkan Mountains, the Sofia area, the Vratsa area, and elsewhere.

At the beginning of the 4th century BC, there were about 3,000 settlements on the land that is now Bulgaria. In the 3rd century BC the first stone fortresses were built.

Until the end of the 2nd century BC, settlement development continued to reflect Thracian cultural influence. Sofia (Serdika), Plovdiv (Pulpudeva), Yambol (Kabile), Stara Zagora (Vereya), Kyustendil (Pautaliya), Blagoevgrad, among other places, were all established as Thracian settlements.

In the 8th century BC, the first Greek cities were founded as colonies (apoiki) in Aegean Thrace, and by the 7th century BC most of our Black Sea settlements were already established – Varna (Odesos), Sozopol (Apolonia), Pomorie (Anhialo), Tsarevo (Vasiliko), Nesebar (Mesembria), and others.

In the 2nd century BC, on present-day Bulgarian territory, the first Roman settlements and fortresses were erected along the river valley of the Danube and along the Balkan Mountain passes, as well as at way stations in the Danube Lowlands. Dating from Roman times are the present-day cities Vidin (Bononia), Svishtov (Nove), Ruse (Saksiginta Prista), Silistra (Durostorum), Montana (Montanesium), Lovech (Melta), Pleven (Storgozia), Razgrad (Abritus), Stara Zagora (Augusta Trayana), among others. After the establishment of the Bulgarian state, the number of settlements grew rapidly. During the First Bulgarian Kingdom (681-1018), their number grew to some 20,000, and new settlements appeared in northeastern Bulgaria, such as Pliska, Preslav, and Shumen. During the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (1185-1396), settlements such as Tarnovo, Cherven, Boruy, Krakra, Karvuna, and Kran were established.

At the end of the 17th century, Bulgarian settlements were established near inns and farms, and by the beginning of the 18th century mountain settlements developed as crafts centers, such as those at Kotel, Koprivshtitsa, Elena, Tryavna, Gabrovo, Sliven, and Samokov.

In the vicinity of the settlements established during the times of the Thracians, Greeks, and Romans, and later expanded during the First and the Second Bulgarian Kingdoms, there are still remains of fortresses and settlements.

Nowadays, there are 256 towns and cities in Bulgaria. The largest of these are Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Ruse, Stara Zagora and Pleven. In the eastern part of the country, there are the Black Sea towns-resorts of Shabla, Kavarna, Balchik, Varna, Byala, Obzor, Nesebar, Pomorie, Burgas, Sozopol, Primorsko, Sveti Vlas, Chernomorets, Tsarevo, Kiten, Aheloy and Ahtopol. The towns and cities with developed mountain tourism are Samokov, Bansko, Dobrinishte, Chepelare, Smolyan, Elena, Troyan, Teteven, among others. There are also many cities and towns that offer vacation possibilities and balneological treatments, such as Bankya, Varshets, Velingrad, Hisarya, Sapareva Banya, Strelcha, Kyustendil, and Devin. Also of interest to tourists are the Danube towns of Vidin, Lom, Kozloduy, Oryahovo, Nikopol, Belene, Svishtov, Ruse, Tutrakan and Silistra.

Many Bulgarian towns have preserved their Revival architecture. These include Kotel, Koprivshtitsa, Kalofer, Sopot, Elena, Tryavna, Bansko, Melnik (the smallest town in Bulgaria), among others. In some of the towns and cities there are also architectural and ethnographic complexes that have been preserved or restored: Plovdiv’s Old Town, Nesebar’s Old Town (a UNESCO cultural heritage site), Gabrovo’s (Etara), the Old Town in Sozopol, the Old Town in Dobrich, Zlatograd’s Areal Complex, Varosha in Lovech, Smolyan’s residential sections Raykovo and Ustovo, Blagoevgrad’s Varosha, Sevlievo’s Ethnographic Complex, Malko Tarnovo, the Samodovska Charshiya in Veliko Tarnova, Pleven’s Revival Complex, Razgrad’s (Varosh), and others. The ancient Bulgarian capitals of Pliska, Veliki Preslav and Veliko Tarnovo are also of great interest for tourists.

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The Role of Sustainable Tourism Initiatives in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development

Bulgaria has long recognized the potential of tourism as an economic driver. The National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development, established in 2014, has been a cornerstone of the country’s sustainable tourism efforts . This strategy is designed to promote responsible tourism practices and ensure the preservation of Bulgaria’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

One of the key aspects of this strategy is the creation of resources and conditions for the social well-being of local communities. By engaging local communities and encouraging their participation in the tourism industry, Bulgaria ensures that the economic benefits are distributed more equitably, ultimately helping to alleviate poverty in remote and underserved regions.

Promoting Responsible Tourism in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is gaining recognition as a champion of responsible tourism, drawing attention for its commitment to ethical and sustainable travel practices. One of the central pillars of sustainable tourism initiatives in Bulgaria is the preservation of unspoiled natural landscapes. This approach prioritizes eco-friendly practices and encourages travelers to experience Bulgaria’s breathtaking natural beauty while minimizing adverse impacts on the environment. This holistic approach not only safeguards Bulgaria’s natural wonders but also fuels sustainable economic growth, showcasing how responsible tourism can be a win-win for both the environment and local communities.

Bulgaria’s Sustainable Tourism Conference: A Global Showcase of Commitment

The significance of Bulgaria’s pursuit of sustainable tourism was on full display during the Bulgaria Sustainable Tourism Conference. This international platform served as a testament to Bulgaria’s unwavering dedication to nurturing sustainable tourism practices and promoting responsible travel on a global scale.

Bulgaria seized the opportunity to spotlight its innovative approaches to sustainable tourism. These approaches, including fruitful partnerships with international organizations and the adoption of cutting-edge green technologies within the tourism sector, not only bolstered Bulgaria’s own economy but also shone as a beacon of inspiration for other nations aspiring to combat poverty through the transformative power of sustainable tourism.

Global Support for Sustainable Tourism in Bulgaria

USAID has also recognized Bulgaria’s efforts in sustainable tourism. USAID’s support has facilitated the development of tourism-related infrastructure , improved the quality of services and enhanced the competitiveness of local businesses. These efforts are not only driving economic growth but also creating job opportunities and improving living standards in Bulgaria. 

Sustainable tourism initiatives in Bulgaria have also received support from other international partners, including the European Union. The Support and Promotion of Sustainable Tourism project, funded by the EU, has played a crucial role in bolstering Bulgaria’s sustainable tourism sector . This project aims to create sustainable tourism products promoting cultural and heritage services and increasing cross-border tourism. By investing in these projects, Bulgaria not only strengthens its own economy but also contributes to the broader European goal of reducing poverty and inequality through sustainable economic development. 

Looking Ahead

Sustainable tourism initiatives in Bulgaria offer a blueprint for other nations to follow, demonstrating that economic prosperity can go hand in hand with environmental stewardship and social equity. By working together and emulating Bulgaria’s success, a future can be envisioned where sustainable tourism becomes a potent force in lifting communities out of poverty, protecting our planet and creating a more equitable world for all.

– Valentin Lyazov Photo: Flickr

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Romania or Bulgaria: Which Balkan Gem is Right for You?

Bulgaria , Romania

We live in Bulgaria, but from time-to-time, we love to hop up to our neighbor to the north for some amazing vacations. But what should you do if you have limited time and you have to decide whether to visit Romania or Bulgaria? Here’s how to pick your winner in a travel game of Romania vs Bulgaria.

Looking more specifically at whether to visit Bucharest or Sofia? Check out  Sofia or Bucharest: Which East Balkan Capital Should You Visit?

Don’t have time to read now? Pin for later!

Choose Romania if…

Here are four reasons to pick Romania over Bulgaria.

…you love castles

While we adore Bulgaria’s castles , they’re definitely less famous (and less castle-y) than the castles in Romania’s.  Between Bran Castle, Corvin Castle, and Raznov Fortress, you really won’t run out of fairy tale-esque places. You can even visit Clay Castle, the future eco-hotel that looks like it’s been ripped from a Disney cartoon storybook. 

…you’re a salt tourist

If you’re a salt tourist like me (yes, it’s a thing) you’ll want to make sure you spend some time in Cluj. Nearby is the Salina Turda salt mines, a spectacular underground world where you can explore the mine while taking advantage of the health benefits you’ll get from spending so much time underground breathing in the salty air. 

…you will travel for Dracula

Everyone knows that Bram Stoker, the inventor of Dracula, actually lived in Ireland and never set foot in Romania. There is no historic Dracula vampire, outside of the legacy of Vlad the Impaler. That doesn’t mean that you can make it through a trip to Romania without embracing the Dracula legacy though.

Whether you want to see Bran Castle , visit Bucharest, or walk through Sighisoara, you’re never too far from someone touting about how Dracula (or Vlad) is related to some local spot.

If you want to kick the Dracula tourism up to high gear, spend your Halloween in Transylvania. Allison and I were able to spend the spooktacular holiday in the region a few years ago, and we had a blast at the kitschy shows and themed parties happening in the region. 

…you want to shop til you drop

While you won’t leave Romania or Bulgaria empty handed, we do have to admit that we love the craft scene in Romania more. In fact, so many of our favorite Romanian souvenirs are textiles and handicrafts. There’s also amazing local Horezu pottery and of course, amazing Dracula-themed gifts to bring home with you.

Yes, we love Bulgarian souvenirs (especially rose and lavender products), but we prefer shopping in Romania.

…you’re prepared to visit more than three cities

Romania is a large country, and you really can’t get to know it if you don’t get out of Bucharest, Sibiu, or Brasov. In fact, you don’t really know anything about Romania at all until you’ve seen its undiscovered corners like Moldavia and Bucovina, not to mention the Danube Delta. 

Just seeing the capital and Transylvania hotspots will not cut it here, so if you only have time to check out two or three cities, stick to Bulgaria, where you can experience a lot by spending time in Sofia, Plovdiv, and the coast.

Romania is perfect for those who want to road trip. It has epic scenic drives, like the Transfagarasan Pass. Of course, like any Balkan road trip , you’ll want to give yourself extra time in case a political protest or flock of sheep cause a traffic jam.

Choose Bulgaria if…

Here are five reasons you should choose Bulgaria over Romania.

…you think a trip isn’t complete without good food and good wine

While both Romanian food and Bulgarian food offer some great dishes, I far prefer Bulgarian cuisine, which has more variety and incorporates cultural influences from Turkish and Greek food.

Also, Bulgarians love to eat vegetables, while it was hard to come by a vegetable in certain parts of rural Romania (other than raw red onions cradling slivers of pig fat, of course). 

Beyond the local cuisine, the restaurants in Sofia are leaps and bounds ahead of the restaurant scene in Bucharest. 

For wine lovers, I prefer Bulgarian wines to Romanian ones, and wine tourism here is booming.

…you love visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Both countries have UNESCO sites, but if you want to be based in Sofia or Bucharest and see a few, then you have to pick Bulgaria. There are three easily accessible from Sofia, while the UNESCO sites in Romania are not that easy to visit from Bucharest.

Overall, Bulgaria has ten world heritage sites on the list, including the stunning Rila Monastery and Sofia’s medieval Boyana Church. 

My favorite UNESCO sites in Romania include Horezu Monastery and the painted Monasteries up in Bucovina.

Overall, Bulgaria is the winner with ten UNESCO sites to Romania’s eight. 

…you want to relax on the Black Sea

Yes, you can visit the Black Sea in Romania or Bulgaria, but…it’s better in Bulgaria. We have almost four hundred kilometers of Black Sea coast on the Bulgarian Riviera, and over a third of it is made up of sandy beaches. 

In fact, there are so many great beaches in Bulgaria that when we wrote up our favorites we included fifteen of them! And yes, there are great all-inclusive beach resorts to hang out at if you want to relax even more.

…you want to learn about Communist architecture

While both Romania and Bulgaria are great places to learn about the legacy of Communism in the twentieth century, Bulgaria is the superior place to hone in on the arts and architecture of these regimes.

In Sofia, you can visit the Museum of Socialist Art to see the city’s collection of Social Realist propaganda statues, including the giant one of Vladimir Lenin that stood where the Saint Sofia statue stands today.

If you have a day to explore, you should take a trip out to Buzludzha, the Communist UFO in the middle of the Central Balkan Mountains. An easy day trip from Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, or Plovdiv, this is one of my favorite places to visit in Bulgaria. 

…you find pink lakes enchanting

Who doesn’t love a pink lake? Bulgaria’s Lake Atanasovsko is more than just a great Sunny Beach Instagram opportunity . It’s a natural health spa! 

Bathing in the salty waters of the pink lake followed by covering yourself in its black healing mud and dipping yourself in the Black Sea is one of the best (free) ways to relax in the Balkans.

Choose either Romania or Bulgaria for…

Here are four great experiences awaiting you no matter which country you choose to visit!

…stunning Orthodox monasteries

While I personally prefer Bulgarian monasteries to Romanian ones, if I’m being completely honest the truth is that you can’t go wrong either way. 

My favorite Bulgarian monasteries are Rila Monastery outside of Sofia, Transfiguration monastery outside of Veliko Tarnovo, and Shipka Church (okay, not technically a monastery but simply stunning nonetheless).

In Romania, you have to check out the painted monasteries in Bucovina and Horezu monastery in the southern Carpathian mountains. 

…winter fun

It’s kind of a well-kept secret abroad, but the Balkans are an awesome place to be in winter! There are amazing Balkan ski resorts in almost every country, but Bulgaria and Romania are both truly blessed. 

In Bulgaria, I love visiting Borovets. It’s easy to get to Borovets from Sofia , there are great Borovets restaurants to enjoy, and the slopes are famous for being a great budget-friendly way to enjoy a ski vacation without sacrificing quality.

If you find yourself leaning towards a trip to Romania, check out the ski resort town of Poiana Brasov. While I personally preferred enjoying the outdoor hot tub to being cold, you’ll find the slopes are just as great as the apres ski.

…an escape from the Schengen Zone

You may be researching whether to visit Romania or Bulgaria because you’ve run out of days you can spend in the Schengen Zone. The great thing about both countries is that they are part of the EU but NOT yet full members of the Schengen Zone.

Thus you get a different set of days here (depending on your passport). These days DO NOT count towards your day in the Schengen Zone. 

For specific visa requirement for both countries, check out our guides to planning a trip to Romania and planning a trip to Bulgaria.

…budget-friendly travel

While neither Romania or Bulgaria is likely to break the bank, we love that both offer affordable luxury options. If your goal is to come here for a week or two, you can enjoy one or two levels nicer on your accommodations, meals, and tours compared to a similarly priced trip in Western Europe.

If you come to either Balkan country with the ability to spend $75 USD per day or more, you’ll find your money stretches very far.

For those traveling on tight budgets ($35 USD or less), you’ll find ample hostel options, cheap eats, and free activities that will help you have an amazing trip without blowing a hole in your budget. 

Romania Travel Resources

If you’re going to Romania, we have a goldmine of resources for you to take advantage of! First, check out this guide to  planning a trip to Romania . It’s a good starting point for planning your trip.

Next, check out all the  things to do in Transylvania  and  things to do in Bucharest . You can also check out our Instagram guides to  Sibiu ,  Brasov , and  Bucharest  – more are on the way.

You can also read about the best  Romanian castles , the  Romanian food  you should try on your trip, or how to plan some epic  day trips from Bucharest .

Where to Stay in Romania

We’re in the process of creating comprehensive guides on where to stay in different Romanian cities, but for now, we recommend checking out  Booking.com  as early as possible. While Romania is underrated by international travelers, many of the best places can book early during the high season because Romanians know where to go.

Bulgaria Travel Resources

If this will be your first time in Bulgaria, we have some resources to help make your first trip here a breeze. Check out our guide on  how to plan your trip to Bulgaria , which goes over everything from visas to ground transportation to budgeting your trip.

You should start with our guides on what to do in  Sofia ,  Plovdiv , and  Veliko Tarnovo , which are the most popular destinations in Bulgaria you are likely to visit. We also have overviews on our favorite Bulgarian beaches and the best places to visit in Bulgaria.

You may also want to check out our overview of  Balkan currency , which describes Bulgarian leva (easy – it’s pegged at 2:1 to the euro!) and what to tip in Bulgaria.

We publish new information nearly every day! Bookmark our pages on Bulgaria , Romania , and the Balkans so that you don’t miss any new information we put out before your trip!

Where to Stay in Bulgaria

We have a complete guide on where to stay in Sofia (Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo coming soon!) and our favorite Bulgarian beach resorts , but here are our quick picks for where to stay:

Budget:   Hostel Mostel  /  Mid-Range:  R34 Boutique Hotel  /  Luxury:   Sense Hotel

Budget:   Best Rest Guest House  /  Mid-Range:  Villa Antica  or  8 1/2 Art Guesthouse  /  Luxury: Hotel Residence Hebros

Veliko Tarnovo

Budget:   Hostel Mostel  /  Mid-Range:   Base Camp Guesthouse  /  Luxury:   General Gurko House

Whether You Choose Bulgaria or Romania, Don’t Forget about Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that  travel insurance is a good idea for traveling in either Bulgaria or Romania (or anywhere in the world)! Allison and I have both been paying customers of World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.

While the Balkans are perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel, so it’s better to play it safe. The saying goes “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel” — and we think it’s true!

>> Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here. <<

Pin this Guide to Romania vs Bulgaria for Your Trip!

Stephanie has been living in and traveling around the Balkans for the past three years. She’s written for National Geographic Online , appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times , and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person.

Related posts

Hi. I think you have a nice blog. Overall excellent articles but I find this one strange. Why compare Bulgaria and Romania? I really do not understand this obsession with comparing the two countries. Why not compare Bulgaria and Greece or Romania and Serbia? or Romania and Macedonia.

Also, I find your comparison on Romanian and Bulgarian souvenirs are bit odd too. I know it is a matter of personal preference, which I fully respect. I have many wonderful Romanian souvenirs. However Bulgaria also offers woodwork, traditional blouses, ceramics, and what not. I did notice however that no where in your blogs you post such information on places where artisans live. I only see airports and shops as places to buy souvenirs, while in Romania you visited actual artisans. Bulgaria boasts many places where artisans live and work and where you can, namely Oreshak near Troyan for pottery, Etara near Gabrovo for all sorts of artisan work, Zlatograd, Samovodska charsiya in Veliko Tarnovo. Bulgaria’s carpet making has century-old traditions in town such as Chiprovtsi and Kotel. In addition to this, you can find many original handicrafts in Bulgaria’s villages– practically everywhere. You can witness the whole process of making Rhopode blankets….for example. But for this you have to venture into the countryside and talk to people too, like you did in Romania. Handicrafts are popular pastimes for many and a lot of wonderful products are produced- I know from experience. But you will not find them in your regular souvenir shop.

Hi Rosi, we wrote this article because several of our readers have asked this exact question. If you look through our posts, you’ll see we’ve written similar posts for Albania or Macedonia on the country level, as well as Athens vs. Istanbul, Sofia vs. Bucharest, and a lot more I can’t think of off the top of my head. We plan to write many more of these such posts as many people have limited vacation time, especially Americans (our primary audience) and often need to pick one place to visit thoroughly. We do our best to provide this information!

You clearly know quite a bit about Bulgarian handicrafts, which is wonderful! We’d love to welcome a post from you on handicrafts in Bulgaria if you would like to contribute your vast knowledge on the subject to our site and help out readers curious about Bulgarian artists and handicrafts!

So nice article!!! I think that trying to find the positive and beautiful things of each country is just wonderful! I am proud to be Romanian when I see that people actually enjoy traveling to my country!

You should be proud, you have a beautiful country!

Which country has fewer dogs and cats living in the street? Better animal welfare? More animal shelters? I really liked your blog. Thanks!

Bulgaria seems to have a better handle on stray dogs, but you will see them all over the Balkans.

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Is Bulgaria Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• Bulgaria : Safety by City

Bulgaria is a country located in the Balkans on the western side of the Black Sea.

It shares borders with Romania to the north, Serbia to the northwest, the Republic of Macedonia to the southwest, Greece to the south, and Turkey to the southeast.

Even though it’s one of the most interesting destinations in Eastern Europe, it’s still not swamped with stampedes of tourists, which makes it even more appealing.

Bulgaria is one of the few exotic countries in Europe since it’s still unexplored, yet it boasts gorgeous beaches, antique churches, numerous opportunities for tourists that are fans of winter sports and great hiking alike, and larger cities that are open for everyone, yet not crawling with hordes of visitors.

And although it has not been commonly visited by Westerners in comparison to other European countries, or even other countries in this region, this is slowly beginning to change.

• Warnings & Dangers in Bulgaria

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Bulgaria is very safe, generally. Crime rates are low and the most common form of crime is car theft and break-ins. Areas to avoid are the red light district near Pliska Hotel and park areas near Lion's Bridge, or Lvov Most.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Transportation is relatively safe and reliable in Bulgaria, but it is still somewhat known for reckless drivers and the driving is very hectic.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There is some risk of encountering a pickpocket, especially in larger cities such as Sofia. Apply the basic laws of precaution to avoid such a situation, and follow your common sense.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Bulgaria has experienced some earthquakes, fortunately with mild consequences. In the mountainous regions, avalanches are possible.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Bulgaria is mostly safe when it comes to mugging and kidnapping, but it is recommended that you avoid poorly lit and deserted streets and dangerous areas known for street crime like the park areas near Lion's Bridge, or Lvov Most.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Bulgaria's recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

As in any tourist destination, there is risk of getting scammed. Check your change twice, negotiate everything in advance, never pay upfront, and be wary of people trying to distract your offering you unsolicited help with your luggage or anything else, as it might be a trick to steal from you. The most common scam is taxi drivers overcharging for rides.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Single women shouldn't have any problems, although special vigilance is advised around Sofia. Be extremely cautious around poorly lit or deserted streets and areas filled with clubs and bars as drunken people may cause havoc.

• So... How Safe Is Bulgaria Really?

Bulgaria is generally a safe country to travel to, and its people, much like in other Balkan countries, are quite friendly even though Balkan people have a falsely bad reputation.

However, even though it is safe, and Bulgaria’s crime rates are not high, you should always use common sense when you are outside of the main tourist areas.

If in Sofia, try to avoid dark streets at night.

Always take care of your belongings and keep them close by your side or safely in your accommodation, and never leave them in a visible place of your car.

When it comes to organized crime, even though it is a serious issue throughout Bulgaria, it usually does not affect tourists.

Also, the presence of organized crime groups are in decline, and Bulgaria is either way much safer than most European countries in terms of violent crimes.

Pickpocketing and scams are common, especially in crowded places (such as bus and train stations, airports and areas near major tourist landmarks), so watch over your valuables, and if you find yourself surrounded by a loud group of people throwing tantrums and making scenes, you should immediately move away from them, as it may be a trick to divert your attention, while they pickpocket you.

However, the most serious problem that travelers can come across is car theft.

If you drive an expensive car, never leave it in unguarded parking lots or in secluded streets at night – your car in these locations is likely to attract criminals.

• How Does Bulgaria Compare?
• Useful Information

Most countries do not need a visa for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might have to acquire a visa. Make sure your passport is valid at least six months past your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

The Bulgarian lev is the official currency in Bulgaria. It is still largely a cash economy, and due to the potential for fraud, it is advised to use credit cards sparingly and with caution - for example, in establishments such as large supermarket chains or reputable hotels.

Considering it's a relatively small country, Bulgaria has a variable and complex climate. Heavy snowfalls are common throughout the country from December to mid-March, and expected in the mountainous areas of Bulgaria. July is the hottest month in Bulgaria with an average temperature of about 23°C,

Sofia Airport is the busiest international airport of Bulgaria located 10 km from the centre of the capital city Sofia.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Bulgaria, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.

Bulgaria Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Bulgaria - Safety by City

Explore bulgaria.

• 14 Most Beautiful Castles in Bulgaria
• Where to Next?

9 Reviews on Bulgaria

Worst place in europe.

The dirtiest people on earth, they scam you on everything, the maffia runs everything in tourist places, taxis kidnapp you, hotel workers steal, in the market they threathen you to buy things they claim you ”broke”. I was at sunny beach and it was the worst week of my life

@David: “In every herd there is a dirt”. It’s a pity you had your vacation ruined, but it’s also not fair and right to generalize the opinion for a hole country based only on a week spent in the drunkards’ paradise Sunny Beach!!! Maffia also runs the world, taxi drivers may charge you high everywhere in the world as well… Believe me, Bulgarians who want a vacation on the seaside do not go to Sunny Beach. And guess why, not because the hotel workers steal their belongings nor they have to pay for something that some else broke. They do not go there because of the scum coming from all over of Europe just to drink cheap (for their pocket) alcohol beyond unconsciousness in the noisy night clubs, and then do balconing on… the pavement. If you want to see what is Bulgaria like, go to other places like Veliko Tarnovo, Rodopa and Rila mountains, and many others where you will be surprised to meet people from western EU countries who decided to make it their home. Because of the nature, because of the people.

Also avoid Sunny Beach

Just like people go to Amsterdam to get a crack, people (younger tourists) from all around Europe (and Russia) go to Sunny Beach to get wasted. As previous reviewer said, it is not fair stamping the whole country “bad” just because you landed consciously in the worst place. It is like going to Las Vegas and complaining there are slot machines everywhere. Sunny Beach is for alcohol, drinking and vomiting – in that regards, if that is what you wish, is a wonderful place.

As to the Bulgaria and safety, it is, indeed, relatively safe with pickpocketing and mugging being observed. Taxis, especially in Sofia, shall be carefully chosen around major transportation hubs (stations and airports) due to some lookalikes that charge way higher or go on longer routes to the destination.

And, of course, do not expect “safety” on places where drunkards are gathering (some “clubs” and, of course, Sunny Beach).

Sure thing!

If you are British and you went to Sunny Beach, I can understand why you broke things in shops and taxis kidnap you…Brits who visit Sunny Beach are normally such scum, they turn delusional the moment they see real beer!

Totally Agree with All the reviews, every country has its good & bad places, but anybody with any sense will do there homework , stay away from such areas, its not difficult!! However the same ethos applies to the last reviewer highlighting `British` ..Be balanced in your understanding, travelling will give you the best Experiences in life you will ever have.

A small jewel of Eastern Europe

Like it says in the article, Bulgaria is an interesting place to visit that is pretty safe and is not very crowded like other countries. The country has a lot of good things about it, from the low price, generally hospitable staff and people, fantastic beaches, great looking churches, etc. Yes, there are some pickpockets here and there, especially in Sofia and other bigger cities and in more crowded areas. Just be on the lookout for them and you will usually spot them and be able to avoid them with relative ease.

I’ve also heard of muggings so this is a possibility. Doesn’t happen too often and if you avoid badly lit areas and not travel alone at night, then you will be fine. Be careful about taxi drivers as they like to overcharge. Make sure to set the price in advance otherwise you will pay more. Also car theft is a thing here so be careful where you park it.

When I was here I particularly liked:

Krushuna Waterfalls. They are beautiful and easily accessible. You can even follow a pathway and find a cave which is the actual source of the waterfall.

Buzludzha Monument. A huge monument that reminds us of the Soviet era, this place is abandoned but still beautiful in its own way.

The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari. Well preserved and only discovered in 1982, this tomb is unique in it’s combination of paintings and architecture.

Tsarevets Fortress. A beautiful place, a reminder of past times and wars, this fortress will take you on a ride into the past of Bulgaria.

Pirin National Park. Rare species live here and this park is one of the most beautiful I have personally seen. There’s fishing, hiking or cycling available.

Considering everything I’ve mentioned I don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t give this place a try. It’s usually cheaper than any alternative while offering comparable services and the staff in most hotels and restaurants is helpful and friendly.

Great place if you know where to go

If you are a young traveler looking to get drunk for cheap and go clubbing 24/7 Sunny Beach is your place, it’s filled with degenerates from all around the world. It is nothing but shady hotels, super loud music, fast food, and drug abuse. There is no culture to be seen, and it’s definitely not family-friendly. If you are looking for a real vacation, great hotels, and an overall much better experience I would recommend places like Burgas, Varna, Pomorie, Kiten, Balchik, Nesebar, Golden Sands for beaches, and Pamporovo, Bansko for skiing and extreme sports. If you want to experience life as it is, Sofia/Plovdiv will be your best bet. Your safest way of transportation in the capital will be the Metro, it’s clean, well lit with a ton of security. There are a lot of places to visit within a walking distance, museums, art galleries, historical monuments, cozy bars, and restaurants, hotels are also affordable (4+ *). As with any other country, my best advice will be to use your common sense. Almost everyone from the young generation in Bulgaria speaks English.

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Article Contents

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• Pickpockets Risk
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• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Romania and Bulgaria partially join Europe’s Schengen travel zone, but checks at land borders remain

Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. (AP Video shot by Nic Dumitrache and Valentina Petrova)

Flight attendants arriving at the Henri Coanda International Airport pass under a Schengen Information sign, in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

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A passenger that arrived with a flight from Vienna shows his passport after being one of the first people to take advantage of Romania’s entry in the Schengen Area without border checks by air and sea at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Passengers pass a sign that reads “Welcome to Schengen!” at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Passengers arriving at the Henri Coanda International Airport pass under a Schengen Information sign, in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Passengers coloured by green light attend a welcoming ceremony announcing Bulgarias’ accession in Schengen by air and water, at Sofia airport, Bulgaria, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

Passengers make a selfie as they at Sofia airport, Bulgaria, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

Ebasa, a border police service dog, climbs on her handler during a media tour at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

From left: Yordanka Chobanova, the head of the Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria, Maria Gabriel, deputy Prime Minister, Nikolay Denkov, Prime Minister, Jesus Caballero, Sofia Airport’s CEO, press the red button during an official opening of Schengen borders by air, at Sofia airport, Bulgaria, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

Passenger passes posters announcing Bulgarias’ accession in Schengen by air and water, at Sofia airpot, Bulgaria, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

Passengers pass posters announcing Bulgarias’ accession in Schengen by air and water, at Sofia airport, Bulgaria, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

A journalist passes Non-Schengen automatic border control gates during a media tour at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

Passengers ride an escalator at Sofia airport, Bulgaria, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

A passenger that arrived with a flight from Vienna talks to media members after being one of the first people to take advantage of Romania’s entry in the Schengen Area without border checks by air and sea at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

A woman passes a sign that reads “Welcome to Schengen!” as she arrives at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

A man touches a sign that reads “Welcome to Schengen!” as he arrives at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

A flight attendant passes a sign that reads “Welcome to Schengen!” as she arrives at the Henri Coanda International Airport in Otopeni, near Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, March 31, 2024. Romania and Bulgaria joined Europe’s passport- and visa-free Schengen Area, applying only to travelers arriving by air and sea. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone on Sunday, marking a new step in the two countries’ integration with the European Union.

After years of negotiations to join the Schengen area, there is now free access for travelers arriving by air or sea from both countries. However, land border checks will remain in place due to opposition primarily from Austria which has long blocked their bid over illegal migration concerns.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the change as a “huge success for both countries” and a “historic moment” for what is the world’s largest free travel zone.

The Schengen Area was established in 1985. Before Bulgaria and Romania’s admission, it was comprised of 23 of the 27 EU member countries, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Around 3.5 million people cross an internal border each day.

Austria vetoed Romania and Bulgaria’s admission into the Schengen zone at the end of 2022 but allowed Croatia full accession. Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU in 2007 and Croatia in 2013.

Siegfried Muresan, a Romanian Member of the European Parliament, told The Associated Press that it is “an important first step” that will benefit millions of travelers annually.

“Bulgaria and Romania have been fulfilling all criteria for joining the Schengen area for years — we are entitled to join with the terrestrial border as well,” he said, adding that it “will offer additional arguments to the last EU member state that has been vetoing the full accession.”

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu called it a “well-deserved achievement” for Romania that he said will benefit citizens who can travel more easily and will bolster the economy.

“We have a clear and firmly assumed government plan for full accession to the Schengen Area by the end of the year,” he said.

The EU’s executive branch, the European Commission, has said for more than a decade that Romania and Bulgaria both meet the technical criteria for full accession, which requires unanimous support from their partners. Both countries have agreed to implement random security screening at airports and maritime borders to combat illegal migration and cross-border crime.

“Bulgaria’s full accession to Schengen will happen by the end of 2024,” Kalin Stoyanov, Bulgaria’s interior minister, told reporters on Sunday. “We showed and continue to show to illegal migrants that they should not take the road to Europe through Bulgaria.”

The lifting of border control is expected to facilitate operations at Bulgaria’s four international airports, which in 2023 saw nearly 11 million passengers, according to official data.

The airport in the capital, Sofia, serves as the biggest hub for Schengen flights which constitute 70% of all flights, airport representatives said.

While the eased regulations are expected to positively impact the tourism sector, members of the European Parliament have voiced concerns about long queues at the EU’s land borders and the impact it can have on trade in the bloc’s single market, as well as the health and safety of drivers.

Truck drivers are frequently stuck in kilometers-long queues at the borders of both Romania and Bulgaria. The Union of International Carriers in Bulgaria estimates delays cost the sector tens of millions of euros each year.

McGrath reported from Sighisoara, Romania.