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17 Amazing Things to Do in Varna, Bulgaria

Last Updated on 25/08/2024 by kami

Varna, Bulgaria, is one of the most popular seaside destinations on the Black Sea coast. Even if at first it gives a rather industrial vibe, thanks to the largest port in the country, there are actually pretty many great and diverse things to do in Varna, making the city a perfect spot for everyone to visit.

I had a chance to visit Varna twice. I enjoyed my first, rather rushed trip to Varna so much that I decided to give the city a proper chance and returned for a few days. And then I liked the place even more, and I’m sure I will be back then again!

If you are wondering what to do in Varna, I have put together this guide, which covers the best things to see in the city and its surroundings. Read on and prepare yourself for visiting Varna!

Where is Varna, Bulgaria

With a population of around 350 thousand, Varna is the third-largest city in Bulgaria . It is located in the eastern part of the country, right on the Black Sea shore. Sofia , the capital of Bulgaria, is 440 km west of Varna.

Why visit Varna

Even if Varna is a large, busy city with a strong industrial vibe, it is also a great destination to relax as well as for sightseeing. For many, it is an entry point to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, but don’t rush immediately to your final destination. Give Varna a chance, and you will not be disappointed.

There is a vibrant center with pedestrian streets lined with beautiful buildings; the Black Sea shore is separated from the city with a wonderful big park perfect for strolls, and numerous beaches are ideal spots to take full advantage of the seaside location.

If you are interested in Varna sightseeing, you will find some interesting museums and even ancient remnants in the city (the area of Varna has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has always played an important role in the region).

How to get to Varna

Getting to Varna is easy. The local airport is a busy hub (especially in the summer) serving around 80 destinations, mostly in Europe. Many of those are low-cost flights, so if you are lucky with your planning, you will not spend a fortune on your trip. The airport is located only a few kilometers away from the center; you can reach it by the local bus, no. 409.

Traveling from within Bulgaria, you can reach Varna by train or bus. One of the major railway lines in the country connects Varna with Sofia and is linked to Bucharest in Romania (via Ruse). The travel time from Sofia to Varna depends on the train you take, but it is usually around 8 hours. The train station is located in the center of the city.

The bus station in Varna is a bit further away, some 2 km from the center, but it offers more connections to places in Bulgaria ( Burgas , Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia, etc.) and abroad—to Romania , Turkey, and Central Europe.

If you plan to visit Varna in the summer, it is recommended that you get your train or bus tickets in advance, as those might sell out quickly (I even had issues with getting the same-day tickets to Veliko Tarnovo in September).

How to get around Varna

Most of Varna attractions are located in the center of the city, and you can easily walk everywhere. If you need to get to places a bit further away, there is an extensive public transport network that covers the city and beyond.

The tickets are cheap: 2 BGN for 60 minutes or 4 BGN for 24 hours. You can buy them in the machines at the bus stops or inside the bus. I used the Easyway app to figure out the routes I needed.

Where to stay in Varna

Since Varna is a popular tourist destination, there are many accommodation options to choose from for each taste and budget. I suggest staying somewhere in the center so you can enjoy your time to the fullest.

Here are some of the recommended places to stay in Varna:

• Hotel Cherno More (8.5/10) – the view from here is exceptional
• Panorama Hotel (8.8/10)
• Graffit Gallery Design Hotel (8.9/10)
• and many more!

Things to do in Varna

And finally, here are the best things to do in Varna, in no particular order.

Find the ancient remnants

Even if Varna is a bustling modern city today, its history dates back to ancient times. You can still find the remnants from that time in the center of the city.

The Roman baths were founded here in the 2nd century AD and are the 4th largest Roman baths that remain to this day (and the largest one in the Balkans). Even if the baths are not in the best condition, it’s still easy to imagine how grand this place used to be in its times of glory.

The baths played an important social role in the ancient Odessos (the old name of Varna) as they were a meeting point for the most influential people in the city to discuss current affairs and plans. That’s why the baths were very modern for its times, with plenty of amenities such as heated floors.

In the 19th century, the baths’ underground served as the local prison. Today, parts of the baths feel neglected, but it’s still a nice place to visit and explore all the corners.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum

One of the best museums to visit in Varna is the Ethnographic Museum. It is located in a beautiful house from the 19th century, built in the lovely Bulgarian Revival style, typical for the region.

Inside, you can get to know the rich culture and traditions of Bulgaria. There are numerous items from everyday life in the past, as well as beautiful folk clothes and art. On the top floor, you can see what the interior of the upper-class houses used to look like.

Altogether, the Ethnographic Museum is an excellent insight into the Bulgarian culture and traditions and a place definitely worth visiting.

Enjoy the pedestrian center

The large part of central Varna is pedestrian and perfect for wandering around. This is where you will find numerous shops and restaurants as well as some beautiful buildings, so it’s always worth looking around curiously as you never know what kind of details you might spot. The most impressive structure is the Opera House, built in 1932.

This part of Varna is vibrant and alive until late at night, especially in the summertime, and it’s the best place to feel the unique atmosphere of the city.

While you are here, it’s worth venturing beyond the pedestrian parts as the rest of the center also hides some real architectural gems. It’s a pleasant area with trees lining the streets and some beautiful buildings around.

Visit the cathedral

Probably the most impressive building you can see in Varna is the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, dating back to the first half of the 19th century and shortly after being rebuilt to its current glory.

The legend says that after the Russian-Ottoman war (1877-1878), the locals invited the Russian Prince Dondukov-Korsakov to attend the mass in the cathedral. He was disappointed with the look and condition of the place and promised to help with the improvements. Eventually, the reconstruction was financed by private grants with the help of the state.

The design of the cathedral was inspired by one of the churches in Peterhof. Over the years, the structure developed further – the new bell tower was built, and new icons and stained-glass windows were added to the interior. Today, the Varna cathedral is a stunning place worth visiting not only for its religious value but also for the beautiful sacral art you can admire inside.

Visit the archeological museum

Not far from the cathedral, you will find the Archeological Museum – one of the greatest places of that kind in the region. It was founded at the end of the 19th century, and today, it is home to over a hundred thousand artifacts, ranging from the prehistoric period to the 19th century.

The most valuable item you can find there is the Gold of Varna – the oldest gold treasure in the world, with some three thousand items dating back to 4600-4299 BCE. Besides the exhibitions, there is also a library focusing on the ancient history of the region.

Relax in the Sea Garden

One of the best places to visit in Varna is the Sea Garden Park, stretching for over 3 km along the Black Sea coast. Founded in the mid-19th century, this is the oldest and the largest city park in Bulgaria. The green space is very well taken care of, with numerous paths, arranged flower compositions, benches to sit on, etc.

It is a favorite place for locals and visitors to wander around and simply relax in the green oasis in the heart of the busy city. In the Sea Garden you can find numerous cafes and restaurants, there are also a few museums and a planetarium here.

In the afternoon and evenings, the park turns into a scene of street performers; you can also attend various events taking place here. If you are looking for peace and quiet, you can find it a bit further from the entrance and still enjoy the green scenery without too much interruption.

Enjoy the beach

Even if Varna is a large city, it is also a popular seaside destination, and you can enjoy your perfect Black Sea holiday here. There are long, wide sandy beaches where you can relax sunbathing or enjoy the water activities. The most convenient beaches are in the center, next to Sea Gardens Park.

You can also go for a little trip to nearby Golden Sands – one of the most popular seaside towns in Bulgaria known for its fantastic beach, which is over three kilometers long and up to a hundred meters wide.

Admire brutalist architecture

If you follow me for a while, you should know that I’m a big fan of brutalist architecture and masterpieces created from concrete. There are some really good works in this style in Bulgaria (like in nearby Shumen), but Varna has its moments, too. If, like me, you enjoy brutalist architecture only in the center of the city, you will find the impressive city hall, the planetarium, Hotel Cherno More, the shopping center in the pedestrian center, or the Palace of Culture and Sports.

See the Monument of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship

This is the most spectacular example of brutalism in Varna that brings so much controversy. Everyone has an opinion about it, and while most people hate it, there is no doubt that this is a real architectural masterpiece.

The idea of the monument commemorating the Bulgarian-Soviet friendship first appeared in 1958, and twenty years later, the structure was uncovered. The structure is huge, 23 meters in height and 48 meters in width. On one side, you can see three people – welcoming Bulgarians, on the other, four Soviet soldiers. Inside the monument, a war shelter was located.

Since the monument was built on the top of the hill, with 301 stairs leading to it, you can expect a great panorama of Varna and the Black Sea. This is also a popular place among the locals for physical activity, so even if the place seems a bit secluded, there are usually people around.

Admire the best view of Varna

The best place to admire the panorama of Varna is Hotel Cherno More. That’s where I stayed during my recent visit, and since I got a room on one of the higher floors, I could admire a breathtaking view from my window.

But don’t worry—you don’t need to stay there to see this spectacular view. On the top floor of the Hotel, you will find the Panorama Restaurant, where you can visit for a meal or a drink to enjoy the spectacular view of Varna and its surroundings.

If you wish, you can book a room in Hotel Cherno More here.

Visit the Stone Forest

Located around 18 km west of the center, you can visit one of the most unique rock formations in the Balkans – the so-called Stone Forest. A few dozens of limestone pillars occupy the area, either still standing proudly or lying down. They are really impressive, with some of the pillars reaching a height of twelve meters and three meters in diameter.

The origin of the Stone Forest is not really known. Some theories even say that the rock formations are the remnants of the temple of Poseidon from the mythical Atlantis, but most likely, the pillars date back to prehistoric times and were created by nature. It is a beautiful place to visit and a great escape from the busy city.

Visit the memorial complex “Vladislav Varnenchik”

In 1444, an important battle took place in Varna; the Ottoman army crushed the Crusaders commanded by the young King of Poland and Hungary – Ladislaus III (also known as Ladislaus of Varna). As a result of the battle, the Crusaders’ leader lost his life at the age of twenty.

In the place where the clash happened, you can now visit the memorial complex dedicated to Ladislaus of Varna. There is a nice park and a small museum commemorating the king as well as the battle, with artifacts found on the battlefield and works of art showing this important historic event.

The memorial complex is located a bit away from the center, but it’s worth a little detour. It is especially important for Polish and Bulgarian visitors, but others should find it interesting, too.

Visit Aladzha Monastery

Aladzha Monastery is one of the most beautiful and spectacular sites you can find near Varna (it is only 15 km away from the center of the city). What makes it unique is the location, as the monastery was incorporated into the vertical high cliff; hence, it is one of the very few rock churches in the region.

The complex is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and dates back to the 12th century when it was home to hermit monks inhabiting the place, although even older remnants were found there. There are two levels inside the rocks, one with the monastery church, monks’ living quarters, and a crypt and the other with the monastery chapel.

Besides the monastery itself, the place is worth visiting for its surroundings – the Golden Sands Nature Park. Since the Aladzha Monastery is located between Varna and Golden Sands, you can stop there on the way to the seaside resort.

Visit Euxinograd Palace

Another interesting place that is located a bit away from the center (but is worth a small detour) is the Euxinograd Palace.

The former royal summer palace, located right at the shore of the Black Sea, dates back to the end of the 19th century and is a perfect example of the beautiful architecture of that period. Not only is the palace itself stunning, but so are the surrounding gardens and the park.

Currently, this is a government-owned place, but it is still possible to visit the premises; you just need to book it in advance.

Enjoy the harbor area

Since Varna is the most important seaside port in Bulgaria, the local harbor is really impressive not only in its size but also in its infrastructure. It was opened in 1906 and still today operates as both a passenger and cargo port.

However, the harbor area is also a nice place for a stroll, observation of the works on the port, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere in this part of the city. There are a few restaurants and bars and even an amusement park with the Ferries wheel offering some fantastic views of the area. You can walk all the way to the end of the pier to reach the lighthouse and admire the surrounding vista of the Black Sea and the industrial space along the way.

Try Bulgarian food

I personally think that Bulgarian food is a real gem that doesn’t get all the attention it deserves. It is so delicious, with fresh ingredients, and – what’s important to me – there are plenty of vegetarian options to choose from. In Varna, thanks to the Black Sea, you can also enjoy some good seafood. Some of my favorite local dishes to try in Bulgaria are tarator (the cold soup made of yogurt and cucumber), shopska salad, or fries topped with Bulgarian white cheese (sirene).

In Varna, you will find plenty of restaurants serving local food, some of them offering a modern twist on well-known dishes. I used Google Maps and checked the opinions, and I was lucky to always find good places.

Bulgaria also has a great cafe scene, and Varna is no different. There are so many great cafes around—if you like good coffee, you will not be disappointed. As always, I used the European Coffee Trip app to find the best places, and they were all spot on.

Go for day trips from Varna

I’ve already mentioned here some interesting places that technically are not located in Varna, but there are some more great destinations a bit further from the city that can be visited on day trips from Varna.

Some of my favorite choices are:

• Veliko Tarnovo – a beautiful city with a picturesque location and impressive medieval fortress
• Nesebar – probably the most beautiful seaside town in Bulgaria, a UNESCO site with numerous medieval churches
• Shumen – known for its magnificent brutalist Monument to the Founders of the Bulgarian State and the UNESCO site the Madara Rider

You can reach them by public transport but sometimes it can be time-consuming so you might want to consider renting a car ( click here for the best deals with Discover Cars ). If you decide for a car option, there are so many more amazing places available (mostly natural sites).

There are also some good tours from Varna to nearby places; here are the recommended ones:

• Nessebar: Guided City Tour
• Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna
• Private Cape Kaliakra & the Balchik Botanical Gardens from Varna
• Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna

Further reading

I published many articles about Bulgaria that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 23 Amazing Places to Visit in Bulgaria
• Bulgaria itinerary – what to see in Bulgaria in 2 weeks
• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Sofia, Bulgaria
• 11 Wonderful Day Trips from Sofia, Bulgaria
• Koprivshtitsa, Bulgaria – is this the prettiest town in the country?
• 7 Perfect Things to Do in Sozopol, Bulgaria
• 9 Great Things to Do in Burgas, Bulgaria
• Why you should visit Shumen, Bulgaria

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Balkans and ask your questions there.

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!
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• 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.
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Bulgaria check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• 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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Tour of Bulgaria

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Youth day classification

Team day classification, race information.

• Date: 24 August 2024
• Start time: 18:30 (17:30 CET)
• Avg. speed winner: 49.315 km/h
• Classification: 2.2
• Race category: ME - Men Elite
• Distance: 1 km
• Points scale: 2.2.Stage
• UCI scale: UCI.WR.2.Stage
• Parcours type:
• ProfileScore: 0
• Vertical meters: 2
• Departure: Sofia
• Arrival: Sofia
• Race ranking: 338
• Startlist quality score: 9
• Avg. temperature: 25 °C

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Bulgaria Tours & Vacations

Bulgaria is one of the Balkans' most exuberant nations in virtually every possible way.

From its mist-shrouded mountains and shimmering coastline, to its lively folk soundtrack and intriguing ancient mythology - there's an unexpected surprise at almost every turn. And, while it has experienced an at-times-too-quick growth spurt in the last decade, visitors will find Bulgaria to be a country of fascinating culture, impressive sights and extremely gracious hospitality.

Our Bulgaria trips

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Bulgaria tour reviews

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Eastern Europe Express

Bulgaria at a glance

Capital city.

Sofia (population 1.2 million)

6.8 million

(GMT+02:00) Helsinki, Kyiv, Riga, Sofia, Tallinn, Vilnius

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Bulgaria

Best time to visit bulgaria.

Bulgaria follows the classic seasonal pattern that belongs to this corner of Europe.

Expect chilly conditions in winter and a delightfully warm (and very busy) summer.

As with many of its neighbors, spring is a fantastic time to really explore Bulgaria, as the going is relatively easy throughout the whole country.

Geography and Environment

Sitting almost at the crossroads between   Europe   and   Asia , Bulgaria entertains visitors with a little bit of everything when it comes to landscape.

Dramatic rivers and gorges, dense wooded areas, the lofty peaks of the Balkan Mountains, and some of the most beautiful Black Sea coastline the region has to offer.

Top 5 famous Bulgarians

1. vasil levski.

A revolutionary who would be remembered as the Apostle of Liberty, Levski became a national hero after leading the battle for liberation from Ottoman rule in the early 1870s.

2. Georgi Ivanov

The first Bulgarian cosmonaut in 1979, Ivanov was awarded the title 'Hero of the Soviet Union'. However, he had to change his original surname, Kakalov, because it occasionally had negative connotations in Russian.

A famous Bulgarian pop/funk band from the late 70s and early 80s. As with most acts who were prominent during this era, FSB appear to have always worn their pants far too tight, but their songs did become the iconic sounds of a generation.

4. Peyo Yavorov

This romantic poet and revolutionary was viewed by many as the finest poet in Bulgarian history. The majority of his works were about his two great loves: the first of whom died from tuberculosis, the second, took her own life, which ultimately drove Yavorov to do the same.

5. Stanislav Ianevski

Ianevski was catapulted into the international spotlight after playing Viktor Krum in the 2005 instalment of the Harry Potter series, The Goblet of Fire. While he does little talking in the film, Ianevski does some impressive broom-flying and walking around looking gruff.

Festivals and events

Public holidays that may impact travel include:.

National Day

Day of Bulgarian Army

Day of Culture and Literacy

Unification Day

Day of the Bulgarian Revival Leaders

Please note that the dates of  Bulgaria's public holidays  may vary.

Further reading

Bulgaria travel faqs, is tipping customary in bulgaria.

While most larger hotels will include a gratuity, restaurants rarely add a service charge and a 10% tip is the custom.

What is the internet access like in Bulgaria?

Travellers should be able to access the internet at cyber cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots in Bulgaria's major cities and towns. Remote and rural areas will have less internet availability, so be prepared for this when traveling out of the city.

What are the toilets like in Bulgaria?

Western-style, flushable toilets are mostly the standard in Bulgaria, however squat toilets can be found in some public restrooms.

Can I drink the water in Bulgaria?

Tap water is chlorinated but generally considered safe to drink (unless otherwise marked), however some travelers may not enjoy the taste and should stick to using a water bottle.

Can I use my cell phone while in Bulgaria?

Cell phone coverage is generally good in Bulgaria, but patchy in some remote places. Travelers should activate global roaming before leaving home.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Bulgaria?

Major credit cards are accepted in large cities, mostly in shops and hotels. Smaller vendors may not accept credit cards, so carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in Bulgaria?

ATMs are commonly found in Bulgaria's cities and urban areas, however not all bank machines accept overseas cards. Access may be difficult in some remote areas.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Bulgaria Tours and Trips 2024/2025

Bulgaria is a diverse country, featuring a sweeping coastline along the Black Sea and a mountainous interior. The country is also home to a mix of Greek, Ottoman and Persian influences. Take a bicycle tour of Sofia to see landmarks like the impressive Vrana Palace, or head to seaside Varna to stroll its enchanting waterfront. If you love skiing and trekking, Bansko simply can’t be missed.

Showing  51 Trips in Bulgaria  with 59 Reviews

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Bulgaria: Realm of the Brown Bear

Balkan Discovery (4 Star Hotels)

Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains

Bansko Express: Standard Pack

Short Break Bansko: Standard Pack

Bulgaria on Foot

Highlights of Bulgaria by Bicycle

Go Local: Best Of Bulgaria, Self-drive

Eastern Europe Express

Bansko Explorer: Standard Pack

Ancient Macedonia

Balkans Uncovered Luxury Tour

Secrets Of Bulgaria, Private Tour

All About Balkans (4 Star Hotels)

Bulgaria tour reviews, bulgaria - tour highlights and travel tips.

A trip to this Balkan nation offers attractions as diverse as its geography. With mountains and rivers calling out to the hiker and sunny beaches along the Black Sea luring the sun-bathers to its shores, this country truly offers something for everyone who is looking for an amazing vacation. Bulgaria’s cultural history is as varied as its attractions, with a history that includes the Greek, Ottoman, Slavic, and Persian peoples it is no wonder that a colorful history has produced such a fun-loving culture where the nightlife is as vibrant as any you could ask for along these Black Sea shores.

Tour Highlights

• Sunny Beach is the place to be, with over 130 restaurants, and 800 hotels boasting of 300,000 rooms, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches, and beach goers, along the Black Sea coast.
• Visit during the first week of June and take part in the Rose Festival, watch the rose parade, and maybe even meet the Rose Queen herself.
• Want to see a cathedral that can accommodate 10,000 people at a time? Visit the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia!
• Smaller in size, but rich in history, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church features frescos that date to the 10th century for your consideration.
• Take a hike to see the Seven Rila Lakes in the Northwestern Rila Mountains. Visit in July or August for the most favorable weather conditions.
• For winter fun, try skiing or snowboarding in Bansko, just outside of Sofia. With ski season running from December to March there is plenty of time to schedule a vacation.

Travel Tips

• For a change of pace, try taking a bike tour of Sofia, it is an active way to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• Public transportation is substandard, private busses, or taxis are a safer bet to get you where you need to be, when you need to be there.
• Trains are available to get you from village to village along the Black Sea coast, but be prepared for delays.
• Though slow, the trains can be comfortable. For a longer trip, try a sleeper car and travel in true comfort along the coast.

Bulgaria has seasonal weather so please do check up on the best time to visit Bulgaria before planning your tour. And if you’re still hunting for more things to do and places to explore in Bulgaria, do check out our Bulgaria Travel Guide for more information.

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Soul-stirring mountains rival golden beaches, while cities hum with nightlife and art. Within Bulgaria’s beguiling blend of nature and history, unforgettable adventures are guaranteed.

Best Things to Do

Attractions, must-see attractions.

Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari

The highlight at this Unesco-protected Thracian settlement is a nearly perfectly preserved three-chamber burial tomb from about 300 BC. The high quality…

Archaeological Museum

Exhibits at this vast museum, the best of its kind in Bulgaria, include 6000-year-old bangles, necklaces and earrings said to be the oldest worked gold…

Tsarevets Fortress

Veliko Târnovo

The inescapable symbol of Veliko Târnovo, this reconstructed fortress dominates the skyline and is one of Bulgaria’s most beloved monuments. The former…

Aleksander Nevski Cathedral

One of the symbols not just of Sofia but of Bulgaria itself, this massive, awe-inspiring church was built between 1882 and 1912 in memory of the 200,000…

Etâr Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

If ambling down cobbled lanes with a stick of halva in hand sounds like an agreeable foray into Bulgaria's past, a day in Etâr will delight. Nearly 50…

Dryanovo Monastery

A history of destruction and revolution, as dramatic as its cliff-backed location, entices visitors to Dryanovo Monastery. Originally founded in the early…

Roman Amphitheatre

Plovdiv’s magnificent 2nd-century AD amphitheatre, built during the reign of Emperor Trajan, was uncovered during a freak landslide in 1972. It once held…

Summer Palace of Queen Marie & Botanical Gardens

Black Sea Coast

At the far western end of the seafront, this palace was completed in 1926 by King Ferdinand of Romania for his English wife, Queen Marie, when Balchik was…

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

Last Updated on February 14, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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

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

Table of Contents

When to Visit Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting To & Around Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 to 10-Day Bulgaria Itinerary

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

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

Days 1-3: Sofia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Sofia

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

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

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

Days 4-5: Plovdiv

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Plovdiv

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

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

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

Days 6-7: Black Sea Coast

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay on the Black Sea

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

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

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

Days 8-10: Veliko Tarnovo

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

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

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

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

Where To Stay in Veliko Tarnovo

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

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

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

Have More Time?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

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

My Perfect Plovdiv Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

How to Get From Sofia to Thessaloniki by Bus, Train or Car

About Maggie Turansky

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

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

Thanks, Marilyn! Hope you have a great trip.

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

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

Best regards, Oliveira

You can take a bus directly from Plovdiv to Varna 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the tip, Lil!

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

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

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Bulgaria Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in bulgaria.

1. Explore Sofia

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

2. Relax in Varna

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

3. Visit Plovdiv

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

4. Go to Veliko Tarnovo

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

5. Explore the Rila Mountains

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

Other Things to See and Do in Bulgaria

1. check out the museum of socialist art.

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

2. Hike the Balkan Mountains

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

3. Hit the beaches on the Black Sea

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

4. Unwind in Balchik

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

5 Go skiing

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

6. Stop and smell the roses in Kazanlak

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

7. Visit the Varna Archaeological Museum

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

8. Explore Stara Zagora

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

9. Tour the Bachkovo Monastery

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

10. Visit the Etâr Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

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

11. Hike at Emen Canyon

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

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

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

How to Stay Safe in Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

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

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

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

Where to Stay in Bulgaria

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

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

Bulgaria Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorms – 15-25 BGN per night
• Hostel private rooms – 30-60 BGN per night
• Budget hotels – 50-100 BGN per night
• Airbnb private rooms – 20-55 BGN per night
• Airbnb apartments – 60-110 BGN
• Campsite – 5-20 BGN per night
• Street food – 1.50-6 BGN
• Sit-down restaurants – 12-30 BGN
• Casual take-out places – 10 BGN
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 12 BGN
• Beer – 4 BGN
• Cappuccino/latte- 3.50 BGN
• Bottled water – 1.50 BGN
• Groceries for a week – 45-65 BGN

Bulgaria Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 55 bgn per day.

If you’re backpacking Bulgaria, this budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking and going to the beaches. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 BGN to your daily budget.

Midrange – 135 BGN Per Day

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

Upscale – 200 BGN Per Day

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

Bulgaria Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

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

Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Avoid Sunny Beach – I don’t understand the appeal of a beach that’s overpriced and crowded with tourists. Hit up one of the other coastal beaches instead.

Stay at Hostel Mostel – Staying at this hostel chain can lower your costs because they include free breakfast and free dinner. They have locations in Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo .

Eat at the bakeries – Bakeries in Bulgaria have an inexpensive range of sweet and savory pastries that can fill you up. Two of my favorite snacks there are banica and krenvirshka.

Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find Couchsurfing hosts all throughout the country. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you’ll connect with a local host that can share their insider tips and advice.

Take free walking tours – Walking tours are a great way to get familiar with a city and its culture. Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, and Plovdiv all have free walking tours. Just be sure to tip your tour guide at the end.

Enjoy free events – Many of Bulgaria’s festivals are free to attend, and during the summer many city parks have free scheduled events and concerts. Ask your hostel or host what’s going on during your visit.

How to Get Around in Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Bulgaria is common among travelers and locals alike. HitchWiki is the best website for additional hitchhiking tips and info.

When to Go to Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

Bulgaria Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

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

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

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Bulgaria Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

My Step-By-Step Guide to Backpacking Europe

6 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe

The Cost of Traveling Far Eastern Europe

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

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Visit Rila Monastery

Set in a valley in the mountains of Rila National Park, Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by Ivan of Rila, a hermit monk. Today, it’s the largest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria, and our Bulgaria trips will reveal the incredible architecture and painted frescoes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Get your foot tapping at a traditional folklore show

Traditional Bulgarian music and dance is fast-paced and thrilling, and we’ll take you to a special folklore show where you can see the famous horo dance. With a quick beat and a line of swirling skirts, you can’t help but tap along to the music.

Visit Veliko Târnovo, the 'City of the Tsars'

Set on the Yantra River surrounded by forested hills, Veliko Târnovo is one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns and the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. We’ll reveal the town’s medieval monuments and ancient architecture, including the Tsarevets Fortress, ul Gurko lane, and Samovodska Charshia market.

Walk into the Tsarevets Fortress

Set in the historic town of Veliko Târnovo, a tour of the Tsarevets Fortress is one of the most impressive things to do in Bulgaria. It’s the former seat of the medieval tsars and contains the remnants of hundreds of buildings including houses, churches, an execution rock and the royal palace.

Travel to UNESCO-listed town of Arbanasi

A hilltop village in the Veliko Târnovo Municipality, Arbanasi is steeped in history and ancient architecture. It was once the home of wealthy nobles during the Bulgarian Revival period, and it’s now a living museum with protected mansions, monasteries, churches and cultural monuments from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Our top 5 things to do in Bulgaria

We’ll reveal the best of Bulgaria, from the dazzling Rila Monastery and the country’s vibrant folklore music, to the ancient treasures of Veliko Târnovo and Arbanasi.

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Located in Sofia, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the largest Christian church buildings in the world. It houses a museum of Bulgarian icons inside the crypt, dating from the 13th to the 19th century. With over 200 icons, it’s thought to be Europe’s largest collection of Orthodox icons.

Museum of Socialist Art

The Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia is dedicated to showcasing works from the communist period in Bulgaria. You can explore a park with over 70 sculptures, an exhibition hall of paintings, and a video hall with films and newsreels from the communist era.

Earth and Man National Museum

Founded in central Sofia, the Earth and Man National Museum is one of the largest mineralogical museums in the world. Its collection encompasses 40% of all known minerals, including massive gems, volcanic rocks and sparkling geodes. You can also find man-made ceramics created by Bulgarian scientists.

Best museums in Bulgaria

Our Bulgaria tour packages take you to the country’s top museums, from socialist art and Bulgarian icons, to glittering gems and minerals.

Banitza is a classic breakfast food, made from a blend of milk, eggs and cheese layered into filo pastry and baked until golden. It can be found in bakeries all over Bulgaria and our Local Specialists will show you the best places to find this delicious treat.

A traditional food of Bulgaria, lukanka is a semi-dried salami usually made from pork, veal, cumin, salt and pepper. The ingredients are minced together, packed into a dried cow’s intestine and dried for nearly two months, resulting in a delicious snack best served cold.

Shkembe (Tripe Soup)

Shkembe is a spicy tripe soup seasoned with crushed garlic, paprika, vinegar and chilli pepper. The tantalising mix of flavors is said to have healing powers, and it’s best eaten with fresh bread and a cold beer.

Best food in Bulgaria

Our Bulgaria holidays show you the best of Bulgarian food, from cheesy pastries and dried meats, to fiery tripe soup.

What to pack for Bulgaria

Bulgarian phrasebook

Bulgarian is the official language and they use the Cyrillic alphabet, so it will be useful to learn a few phrases, particularly if you’re traveling outside of the major cities.

Comfortable shoes

From hiking the spectacular mountains to walking the cobbled laneways, you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes for your Bulgaria trip.

Layered clothing

The weather can be unpredictable with freezing winters, rainy springs and a scorching Bulgarian summer. It’s best to bring versatile clothing and layers to cover your knees and elbows when visiting monasteries.

Bulgarian lev

The official currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev, and you’ll need to bring some cash for smaller restaurants, markets and outside cities.

Adaptor plug

In Bulgaria, the power plugs and sockets are of type F, with standard European 2-pin plugs. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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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

The 8 Best Bulgaria Tours For Unforgettable Adventures That Are Achievable & Affordable!

Posted on Last updated: October 13, 2023

Categories Tours , Bulgaria , Europe

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Bulgaria is the jewel of the Balkan States, quite literally. After all, what is believed to be the oldest processed gold in the world was unearthed on the Black Sea coast of Varna, now Bulgaria’s thriving seaside resort.

Get an eyeful of the 3,000 bangles, necklaces and earrings and other golden objects, as well as copper and flint tools dating back to the Paleolithic age, on display at the Varna Archaeological Museum.

Bulgaria also boasts a cache of avian wonders hidden in the imposing rock faces of the Rodopi Mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for the distinctive red-and-white markings of the elusive wallcreeper that call the beautifully rugged Trigrad Gorge home. Join a guided tour for an invigorating hike through stunning mountain vistas and landscapes.

The equine-loving crowd would be pleased to know there’s something in store for them, too. In the Stara Planina mountain area in north central Bulgaria, the trails are not only ideal for bipedal but for four-legged trotters as well. 

Because this area is relatively isolated and sparsely populated, the locals have kept their traditions and way of life relatively intact for centuries, a boon for travelers looking for both an immersive cultural experience and active adventure.

Bulgaria has an impressive clutch of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and you can walk back in time on visits to centuries-old monasteries housing impressive murals and iconostases, and to Thracian tombs in a remarkable state of preservation.

The Thracians were a group of tribes who occupied the southeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula before the Roman invasion and are thought to influence Greek and Roman cultures. Follow in their footsteps on a guided tour of Thracian tombs and burial complexes scattered in central and southern Bulgaria.

The Romans left their mark most prominently in Plovdiv where the 6,000-seater amphitheater stills stand. A guided tour will take you there to a strategic spot from where you can take in panoramic city views.

If you want to push your adventures further back in time, a visit to Veliko Tarnovo in north central Bulgaria may be in order. The town itself was built on the foundations of a Neolithic settlement some 6,500 years ago. These days, its most prominent landmark is the Tsarevets Fortress, the former seat of the medieval tsars. 

Like other European destinations, Bulgaria boasts an impressive collection of impeccably preserved reminders of the past. Not like many European destinations, Bulgaria is lined with more than 200 miles of Black Sea coastline with enticing balmy waters, sandy beaches and charming seaside towns where you can wine, dine and recline. 

So if you want the past and present to collide like waves gently lapping on a sandy shore, a holiday in Bulgaria may just be what you need. Work with a tour operator with travel planning expertise, insider knowledge, and an industry network so you can enjoy more of the ancient wonders around you. 

Where to start? Choose from one of the tours below, and follow where the (Roman) road takes you.

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Bulgaria at a Glance: Sofia City Break

On the traces of the thracians, wallcreeper birdwatching tour, bansko winter escape 5 days, from sofia to bucharest, best of bulgaria, bulgaria: rodopi mountains, balkan village trek, destination services bulgaria.

Location: Sofia

Itinerary: Sofia

Group Size: 40

Age Range: 2 to 99

Physical Activity:  Low

Operator: Destination Services Bulgaria

Length: 4 days

What to Expect

Partially-guided big group taster tour of the Bulgarian capital and nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Sofia highlights
• Rila Monastery
• Optional day trip to Plovdiv

What the Experience is Like

Stroll around the capital at your own pace on early arrival. Marvel at the gold-plated cupola and rich interior of St. Alexander Nevski Orthodox Cathedral, the biggest in Bulgaria.

Admire the arcaded balconies and the richly illustrated frescoes of the millennium-old Rila Monastery framed by a pine-clad mountain of the same name. Drive back to Sofia to visit another UNESCO-listed site, the 10th-century Boyana Church and its 13th-century frescoes.

(Do you want to combine history, architecture and mountain views in one go? This 4-day tour starting and ending in Sofia will take you there.)

Explore Sofia’s headline attractions on Day 3 at your own pace. Visit the museums with a combined collection of more than half a million artifacts. Or book an optional tour to Plovdiv to walk on its cobbled-stone streets, see its fortifications and ornamented mosques, or sit in the Roman Amphitheatre to survey the city from a high perch.

Expect three nights’ accommodation with three breakfasts. Arrival and departure transfers and shared transportation on Day 2 tour are included. Entrance fees are at your own expense.

This taster tour is run by Destination Services Bulgaria, a Spain-based operator with 25 years of experience offering tours of various lengths, activity levels and group sizes. 

In a nutshell

If you’re short on time but want to see big attractions, this 4-Day Bulgaria at a glance: Sofia City Break would fit nicely into your budget and schedule.

Enjoy Plovdiv

Location: Southern Bulgaria

Itinerary: Plovdiv

Group Size: 10

Age Range: 5 to 70

Physical Activity: Low

Operator: Enjoy Plovdiv

Length: 5 days

Partially-guided, small group time travel tour back to ancient Thrace.

• Ancient Roman Theatre
• Kazanlak Thracian tomb
• Starosel Temple Complex
• Perperikon Complex
• Sanctuary of Tatul

Explore Plovdiv’s major landmarks and attractions headlined by the Ancient Roman Theatre of Philipoppol from where you can survey the lay of the land. 

Venture out to Kazanlak to see the UNESCO-listed Thracian tomb dating back to the 4th – 3rd century BC. On the drive back to Plovdiv, get a chance to visit the Rose ethnographic complex and a rose oil distillery.

Follow the Thracian trail to the Starosel Thracian Temple Complex for a look around its under-hill temple and royal burial sites. Continue on to Hisarya mineral water resort where remains of Roman structures stand to this day.

(Did you know that ancient Thracians were reputed to be mercenaries? Learn more about their ancient secrets on this 5-day tour into the heart of Thracian culture .)

Marvel at the megalithic Complex of Perperikon dating back to 8,000 BC and the Thracian Sanctuary of Tatul dating back to the end of the 5th century BC. Round out your tour with a visit to the rock plateau of Belintash thought to be a Thracian cult site.

Take in the views of the Rodopi (also Rhodope) Mountains before making a stop at the UNESCO-listed Bachkovo monastery, one of the oldest in the Balkan Peninsula, before driving back to Plovdiv.

Expect double-room accommodation in a 3-star hotel and overnight accommodation in a resort. All breakfasts, entrance fees to listed sites and mountain guides are included.

This Thracian-themed journey is organized by Enjoy Plovdiv, a Bulgarian tour operator specializing in offering outdoor activities and cultural trips to get you “into the spirit of Plovdiv.” They pride themselves on creating itineraries that are well-crafted yet flexible enough to allow spontaneity.

If you are a fan of ancient cultures and archaeology, this 5-Day tour On the Traces of the Thracians will leave you spellbound.

Traventuria

Location:  Rodopi Mountains

Itinerary: Trigrad 

Group Size: 8

Age Range: 10 to 70

Physical Activity: Medium

Operator: Traventuria

Length: 3 days

Fully guided, small-group birding excursion in the marble rock canyon of Rodopi Mountains.

• Nature walk

Arrive at Sofia Airport for transfer to the lodge by Trigrad Gorge about four hours away. Early arrival gets you the chance to enjoy some birding en route at Besaparski Hills in the Rodopi Mountains. Gear up for a full-day birding excursion on Day 2 in search of wallcreepers (Tichodroma muraria) clinging to the gorge’s steep cliff faces. They are elusive but easy to spot: Their distinctive red-and-white wing markings resemble a giant butterfly’s.

(Is that a bird? Or a butterfly? Find out on this short but sweet birding expedition in the Trigrad canyon. )

Continue on to Plovdiv for an overnight stay. If time permits, spend the rest of the day spotting other bird species abundant in the area. Head back to Sofia where the tour ends.

As the only adventure company in Bulgaria, Traventuria specializes in offering adventure, nature and culture tours. It partners with the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation to ensure its nature tours are minimum-impact and high-value. Expect hotel and guesthouse accommodation on this fully guided tour.

This 3-day Wallcreeper Birdwatching Tour is perfect for birders of all colors and stripes.

Oxygen Tours

Location: Pirin Mountains

Itinerary: Bansko

Group Size: 15

Age Range: 18 to 70

Physical Activity:  Adventurous

Operator: Oxygen Tours

What to Expect 

A guided ski holiday on well-groomed tree-lined pistes in southwest Bulgaria.

▪ Miles of wide, tree-lined slopes

▪ Optional soak in mineral springs

Arrive at the Sofia Airport for transfer to Bansko ski resort. Gear up for three days of ski holiday on almost 50 miles of pistes suitable for all levels. Take advantage of free shuttle buses to get you to and from the ski resort. In the evenings, join optional trips to Banya, a nearby village founded by the Thracians who loved its numerous mineral springs. Depart Sofia on Day 5 for your onward travel.

(If you like a snow-sure adventure in Bulgaria, try this 5-day ski holiday in the Pirin Mountains .)

Enjoy four nights of 4-star hotel accommodation in Bansko with included breakfasts and dinners. Member discount card is issued for ski and snowboard rentals, restaurants and coffee shops. Use of the hotel spa area (swimming pool, steam bath and sauna) is free.

Oxygen Tours is an Athens-based tour company specializing in adventure holidays while also offering authentic local experiences through food and culinary tours and agrotourism. They pride themselves in offering small group and private tours to ensure last-minute changes don’t get in the way of their guests’ travel experience.

Love the thrill of a downhill run? Treat yourself to a ski holiday on one of Bulgaria’s scenic slopes with a good snow-sure record.

Europamundo

Location: Bulgaria – Romania

Itinerary: Sofia, Bucharest

Group Size: 50

Age Range: 1 to 99

Operator: Europamundo

Large group, fully guided tour of Bulgaria’s ancient treasures and Romania’s capital on a long-enough itinerary to whet your appetite for more.

• Bachkovo Monastery
• Kazanlak Thracian Tomb
• Basarbovski Monastery
• Veliko Tarnovo
• Parliament Palace

Arrive in Sofia and go on a city tour visiting religious sites and contemplating Stalinist architecture. Visit the 11th-century Bachkovo Monastery on the second day before driving on to Plovdiv to see its Roman Amphitheatre.

Drive past Balkan mountain scenery on the way to Kazanlak famous for its roses and the replica of a Thracian Tomb. Explore its historic and ethnographic sites on the way to the medieval town center of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital.

(Do you want to see two European capitals with visits to a handful of ancient treasures along the way? Then this 5-day Sofia to Bucharest tour is for you.)

Visit Basarbovski Monastery, a place of pilgrimage dug out of rock, before crossing the border and the Danube River to Romania. Go on a city tour to see its ancient quarter and its best example of Stalinist architecture, the colossal Palace of the Parliament. Enjoy free time before dinner.

Enjoy four-night of accommodations in a 4-star hotel. Some meals are included. Basic insurance cover is included, taking effect on arriving at Sofia and expiring when company-arranged tours have ended.

This capital-to-capital tour is organized by Europamundo, a brand managed by one of the largest tour operators in the world with more than 100 years of experience in the travel industry. Europamundo prides itself as the only coach tour operator company in the world affiliated with the UN World Tourism Organization. The UNWTO promotes responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

From Sofia to Bucharest is a low-effort, high-value holiday as you coast from capital to capital with plenty of ancient attractions along the way.

Location: Central Bulgaria to Black Sea

Itinerary: Sofia-Plovdiv-Varna-Veliko Tarnovo

Group Size: 18

Age Range: 16 to 85

Physical Activity:  Medium

Operator: Explore!

Length:  9 days

Medium-sized, fully guided group tour to the ancient and UNESCO-listed treasures of Bulgaria with a dash of active adventure and a taste of the Black Sea.

• Rodopi Mountains
• Thracian Tomb

Arrive at Sofia Airport and meet with the tour leader at the hotel reception. Discover Sofia’s top attractions on early arrival. Enjoy a guided walking tour of historical buildings like the Neo-Byzantine Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery with its eye-catching frescoes. Drive on to Bansko at the foothills of the Pirin Mountains and stroll its winding cobbled streets.

Continue on to the mountain village of Dobarsko to visit its UNESCO-listed church adorned with icons and frescoes. There’s an opportunity to witness local customs and watch traditional folk performances and taste the local cuisine.

Head back to Bansko and hop on the Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway for a ride through striking mountain vistas and river gorges. Continue on to Plovdiv for a guided tour of its well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre and other highlights. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.

(Do you have the time and dime for an in-depth cultural and historical journey to the best sights Bulgaria has to offer? Then this 9-day capital-to-coast tour is perfect for you.)

Survey the fragrant fields of the Rose Valley, the source of rosa damascene. Visit a rose oil distillery to learn more about rose oil production.  Explore the highlight of the area, the UNESCO-listed Thracian Tomb of Kazanluk, and the historic Shipka Memorial Church dedicated to fallen Russian soldiers who fought the Ottoman Empire.

Explore the ancient city of Nessebar on the Black Sea coast at your own pace. Discover ruins dating from the Hellenistic period and the remains of a Byzantine fortress. See the park monument dedicated to Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship and enjoy city views from the top. Continue on to Varna to stay the night. 

On the way to the ancient town of Veliko Tarnovo, admire the massive Cubist-style outdoor installations of past Bulgarian kings and the church frescoes in Arbanasi Village dating from the 17 th century. Round out your tour with a guided walk around the medieval cobbled lanes, fortified walls, and the soaring fortress of Veliko Tarnovo before driving back to Sofia for your final night.

Enjoy 8 nights’ accommodation in a standard hotel with 8 breakfasts. Explore! prides itself in offering guests tours that are a “mix of famous sights and hidden gems” for those “unscripted moments of joy.” Part of the tour experience to immerse guests in local customs and traditions is providing a variety of local transport, which includes bus and train rides on this tour package. Explore! has over 40 years of experience and presence in 100 countries.

Ancient treasures and headline attractions from the capital to coast on this 9-Day Best of Bulgaria tour .

Exodus Travels

Location: Rodopi Mountains

Itinerary: Sofia – Trigrad Karst Plateau – Mt. Durdaga

Group Size: 16 

Age Range: 16 to 99

Physical Activity:  Active to Adventurous

Operator: Exodus Travels

Length: 8 days

Medium-sized group, fully guided nature and hiking adventure in the Rodopi Mountains.

• Devil’s Throat Cave
• Trigrad Gorge
• Mt. Durdaga

Arrive at Sofia Airport and transfer to Yagodina Village, your base for the next six nights. Trace an ancient Roman road through meadows, forests and fields from the village of Zmeitsa to a steep drop in Buinovo Gorge. Drive to Trigrad Gorge for a morning of spying on the crimson-winged wallcreeper and other avian residents found in the gorge’s steep marble rock faces. 

Thread your way through a maze of traditional trails and tracks, taking in the changing landscapes and vistas of the rugged Trigrad karst plateau. Follow where the Trigrad River falls into an underground chamber locally known as the Devil’s Throat Cave.

(Curious to see in action the underground mechanism that powers the roaring Devil’s Throat Cave? Then pack up your gear and join this trek into Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains .)

Hop on a bus for a ride up the Rodopi Mountains. Hike along the main ridge on the way to the summits of Mount Golyam Perelik and Mt. Golyam Snezhnik (both (2000+MASL). Descend into the forest on the way to a small village. Enjoy a nature walk to the site of an ancient Thracian sanctuary, keeping your eyes peeled for wolves and deer. 

Hike the Mt. Durdaga circuit through forests, meadows and wildflower trails that are foraging areas for wild boards and brown bears. Round out your weeklong hike with a nature walk on a section of a Roman road running through a forest trail and ending at a river where your transport back to Devin awaits.

On arrival, embark on another nature walk through the prime butterfly area. Cap off with a well-earned picnic lunch by the river before heading back to Sofia for a final night before departure.

Stay for six nights at a locally owned family hotel in twin-sharing and single rooms with WiFi. Village accommodation comes with meals made from home-produced or locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy 4-star hotel accommodation in Sofia on your final night. Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available on request.

This weeklong adventure into the heart of the Rodopi Mountains is run by Exodus Travels, a multi-awarded travel company with more than 40 years of experience specializing in adventure, wildlife and nature holidays.

Lace-up your boots for a weeklong trek into the heart of the ruggedly beautiful Rodopi Mountains , spotting wildlife, tasting local cuisine, and learning a bit of history along the way.

Penguin Travel

Location: Stara Planina

Itinerary: Teteven Balkan Area

Group Size: 6

Operator: Penguin Travel

Small-group, fully guided active tour with four-legged friends with the opportunity to sample local cuisine and delve into local culture.

• 5-6 hour ride a day
• Village guest house accommodation
• Local culture and cuisine
• Mountain vistas and wildlife

Arrive in Sofia and settle in. Drive to Golyam Izvor on Day 2 through meadows and mixed forest on the road to the 13th-century Glozhene Monastery perched on high cliffs amidst an ancient beech forest. After spending a night in this village, saddle up for a gallop in the village’s open planes, enjoying views over the valley.

Continue on horseback to Brusen through a small river, a Roma village and a pine forest, enjoying long gallops and a picnic lunch amidst the woodlands. Optional tour to a monastery and waterfall a half-hour drive away if physical condition allows. 

Ride uphill through mixed forests and an unwooded ridge before descending to the village of Cherni Vit (renowned for its green cheese) where you stay the night.  The optional trip by car to visit Saeva Dupka cave to admire its rocky corridors and halls.

(Do you know that the Karakachan comes from a primitive breed? Get on the saddle and see how well-suited it is on the slopes of Stara Planina on this 8-day Balkan Village Trek .)

Saddle up again for a 5-hour ride to Boatin Reserve, home to dwarf pine and beech forests in central Stara Planina, the mountain range that physically divides Bulgaria from Serbia. Explore Teteven in the afternoon with an optional trip by car to the hot mineral springs of Chiflik perfect for soothing aching muscles.

Drive back to Cherni Vit village for another 5-6 hour ride on one of the many ridges to survey the scenery.  Transfer to Sofia for a final night of accommodation before departure the next day.

Expect to stay in a standard hotel for three nights (two in Sofia and one in Teteven) and in a guest house for four nights. Enjoy 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners. Local guides, saddled horses, luggage transport and entrance fees to non-optional sites are included. Horses are typically cross-bred East-Bulgarian and Karakachan. Saddles used are Western and military. The average ride is 5-6 hours a day.

This equestrian adventure is organized by Penguin Travel operating out of Sofia and Plovdiv for the Balkan market. Over the last 30 years, it has endeavored to organize trips for individual travelers and small groups to ensure the most flexible itineraries possible and to encourage maximum interaction with the local communities and surrounding landscapes.

Calling all equestrians who love culture trips! This 8-Day Balkan Village Trek is the Bulgarian adventure holiday you need.

If none of these tours work for you in Bulgaria, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.

Take a look at all the group tours in Bulgaria now , which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.

Bulgaria Private Guide – Easy Bulgaria Travel

Your tailor made travel to Bulgaria

Bulgaria Tours

Bulgaria Tours is a section where you will find some of our tours including different parts of Bulgaria. If you plan your trip outside of the Rose festive period (end of May, beginning of June), I will propose a program based on your time and budget. You can still see the rose fields, but there will not be roses ;).

All our tours have been designed by ourselves. We always put some kind of insight in our services whether it is home hosted meal or accommodation in a family run hotel with charm and character.

Why choose Bulgaria Tours with us?

• All our tours are fully customizable
• Pick up your own date
• Set up the budget of the tour
• We propose the program and you put changes if necessary
• We build the tours based on what YOU like and your time-frame
• In our tours we include visits to local families and tasting home-made food
• We take care of the organization and I do it with a lot of responsibility
• 14 years of experience in organizing and running private tours

When booking one of our Bulgaria tours, you get a personal service from the beginning of the communication to the end of the tour. You have the freedom to make changes in the program while touring and can stop anytime for a break, coffee or to take photos. You decide when the tour will start in the morning, when you will have lunch and when you will finish. I will certainly explain the best timing, but still it will be up to you to decide.

Keep your freedom and book your private tour of Bulgaria with me! Make it happen and enjoy the ride!

All tours including the Rose Festival you can see here: Rose Festival Tours

For Bulgaria tours including the Rose Festival please see here: Multi-day Tours

Testimonials about my great service, please see here: Trip Advisor Testimonials Easy Bulgaria Travel Ltd

Discover Bulgaria and its Nature

Do you like to get out and explore nature? Do you enjoy spending your free time being active in the outdoors? Then you can discover something new and exciting and namely you can v isit Bulgaria`s most stunning natural attractions. In this tour we emphasize on the beauty of the Bulgarian nature and the majesty of the mountains. You will have a chance to go around valleys and lakes, rivers and waterfalls, each of them charming in its own way.

In Bulgaria there are Natural parks with unique Flora and Fauna.

It is a real heaven for hikers regardless their level. Here you will find everything that you need – from high mountain peaks to low valleys. Weather you love to do lighter paths or difficult ridges, here you have the choice.

We elaborated the Discover Bulgaria and its Nature tour with our two experienced mountain guides. Each of them will go beyond your expectations and imagination. They will take you to the deepest valleys and the highest mountains just to give you the quantity of adrenalin that you can take. Trust our experience and discover this unknown part of Europe.

Bulgaria Tour Hiking and Treasures

Belogradchick Rocks and the Magura Cave Tour

The Seven Rila Lakes Day Tour

Discover bulgarian history & traditions, discover bulgarian history & traditions.

The culture of Bulgaria is the product of its geography and its rich historical past. Biggest influence today we have from the period of the Ottoman Empire. Along with many Turkish words that we still use in our vocabulary, our cuisine is also very similar to the one of Turkey and the Middle East. We also have many similarities in the superstitious beliefs, in the music and in the architecture. Another aspect is the patriarchal customs in the Bulgarian families. Not less intriguing is that until few years ago, the women covered their heads and the arranged marriages were not rare.

Today Bulgaria is a modern country orientated towards the Western culture and most of these rites are gone. Nevertheless, in our folklore, customs and crafts many of them are still alive. We celebrate the religious feasts in our own way and it gives the charm and the uniqueness of the local traditions.

Discover Bulgarian History & Traditions is a journey through the Bulgarian development throughout the centuries. You will fully dive in the rural life and the way the locals live today. It is just a fantastic way to get back to the past and to feel the simple life that people lived in the past.

Trust our experience and enquire your tour today! We will gladly send you a customized program in order you fully enjoy your adventure!

Here you can check All Tours of Bulgraia

Testimonials about our service please check in Trip Advisor

Sofia Communist Tour

Rila Monastery Day Tour

Discover Bulgaria in 4 days

Bulgaria Tour History & Traditions

Authentic Bulgaria Tour

Rose Festival 4 Days Tour 2025

2025 Bulgaria Rose Festival – 5 days Tour

Bulgaria Rose Festival 2025 – 6 Day Tour

Bulgaria Tour – Nature, History and Villages

Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Day Tour from Sofia

Day Tour to Koprivshtitsa and the Buzludzha Monument

Guided sofia tours.

Guided Sofia Tours is a section of three tours of Sofia that seem to be the most interesting to our clientele. Here we provide detailed information about each of them.

Guided Sofia Tour for two and a half hours

This tour will take around two and a half hours. It will give you an overall idea about the rich history and the turbulent development of our capital. You will hear interesting historical facts and at the same time your guide will make you feel the city and fall in love with it. He/she will also give you information about the most popular bars and restaurants in Sofia.

If you have just a day or two in Sofia, this tour is the perfect possibility to get acquainted with the city.

Guided Sofia Tours including the Boyana Church and the National Historical Museum for six hours

If you have a full day to dedicate to visit Sofia, this is your best option. In this tour we combine a standard tour of Sofia with visit to the Boyana church (UNESCO) and the National Historical Museum.

The Boyana church is located at the foot of Mount Vitosha. It takes around 25 mins from the city center to get there. It is one of the Bulgarian sites acknowledged as a masterpiece of medieval art. The original church dates to the 10th – 11th century. In 1259 the Governor of Sofia added the second part of the church. An unknown painter painted the beautiful frescoes that we still admire today.

The National Historical Museum is located near the Boyana church. It offers a great collection of artifacts of various periods of the Bulgarian history. Here you will see unique Thracian artifacts related to the Thracian civilization.

Communist Tour of Sofia for two and a half hours

This tour is our pride and is what makes us different. Few years ago we filled our fleet with a Trabant car, the symbol of the Communism. Our aim was to run a tour that will reveal the communist past of Bulgaria. We did not know how big interest this tour would provoke. It turned out that the visitors were really very interested in this vague period of our development. Most of the customers are extremely surprised to hear the incredible stories that we tell. The tour includes the communist buildings located in the central part combined with the Socialist Art Museum. The ride is by the Trabant car that is itself the highlight of the tour.

Why Book One of Our Guided Sofia Tours?

• You will get a very informative tour by one of our great guides
• The guide will pick you up by a private car and will transport you to the foot of Mount Vitosha
• You can choose the starting time of the tour
• Have a break whenever you feel like. Get coffee or a bite before you continue
• Do the tour at your pace
• Enjoy the great service of your guide
• Feel safe in our impeccably clean car

Guided Sofia City Tour

Tour of Sofia Full Day

Plovdiv Day Tour from Sofia

Rose festival tours.

It is the most romantic part of our job. During the period of the Rose Festival in Kazanlak the roses bloom. All over the Rose Valley you will feel the scent of roses, spreading along kilometers. Although it is a hard work to provide a well-structured and designed tour for the Rose Festival, this is our favorite part. When we are perfect in the difficult stuff, then we show how good we are at this job. We fine-tune our tours for the Rose Festival to the last little detail. We discuss it again and again to make sure that everybody will perform in a most diligent way.

You can easily combine some of the other Tours of Bulgaria with the rose festival . This is how you will get in-depth with the culture and the traditions of Bulgaria.

Why book with us the Rose Festival Tour?

• We are guides from the new generation with innovative input in our job
• The program that we set up will include the most interesting events
• All tickets will be purchased in advance
• The guide will take care of all the organizational aspects
• You do not have to worry about anything, you just have to enjoy

The Rose Festival in Kazanlak takes place every year, in the first weekend of June. On Sunday is the grand rose parade on the main street of Kazanlak. This event closes up the festivities and is the most visited one. You can choose a program to include two or three days in Kazanlak. You can pick up one including only the day of the parade, Sunday. If you cannot decide yourself, please contact us and we will give you further explanations on the programs.

When is the best period for a Rose Festival Tour?

Let`s first make clear that we have two rose festivals: in Karlovo and in Kazanlak. The one in Karlovo takes places in the last Saturday of May. It has less visitors that makes it more enjoyable for our customers. The one in Kazanlak is more popular and it gathers thousands of tourists, which makes it a little bit overcrowded and hectic. That is why our planning of the tours is always impeccable and this is how we show our professionalism and high quality service.

If you decide to travel to Bulgaria in the end of May or beginning of June, I strongly suggest you start to plan your trip earlier. I will be happy to help you with the plan and will give you best proposals and ideas.

Since it is a big part of our job, I created a site specialized in the Rose Festival Tours and information about the Kazanlak Rose Festival. For detailed information, please see it here: www.bulgrariarosefestival.com

More about our services you can see here: Trip Advisor Testimonials Easy Bulgaria Travel Ltd

Other Trips

These are other trips.

Day Tour to Melnik

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Bulgaria Escorted Tours

Filter your search by your preferred month of departure. 

All of our arrangements have been specially designed to incorporate a reason to travel and, for ease of choice, these have been categorised under the titles shown below.

Filter your search by offer types, including No Single Supplement and Early Booking Offers.

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• Europe Tours

Tours to Bulgaria

The essence of bulgaria.

From the wild forest lairs of wolves and bears to the golden domes of ornate churches; from Black Sea shores and ski resorts to rural simplicity in riverside villages; and from medieval lanes to Roman remains, Bulgaria intrigues and entertains. 

Why choose a tour in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is a beautiful country, its haunting landscapes wrapped around historic landmarks from mountain monasteries to time-warp hamlets, ancient ruins, and frescoed churches; its culture on show in stylish cities mixing medieval with modernity.

In Sofia , parks, avenues, and romantic river bridges complement the multi-domed confection of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the capital’s oldest monument, St. George’s Rotunda, was built as Roman baths before becoming a Byzantine church.

One of the oldest cities on earth, Plovdiv dips its toes in the Maritsa River, and leans back against the Sredna Gora slopes. Neolithic relics, a Roman theatre, and the centuries-old Bachkovo Monastery are testament to its past, while its spirit is firmly in the present.

The country’s 13 th century capital, Veliko Tarnovo is crowned by a medieval citadel, sprinkled with orthodox churches, and brimming with character in its Old Town, dubbed ‘Bulgaria’s Most Beautiful’.

Basking amid the lakes and pine woods of Pirin National Park, Bansko presents a dual personality as a characterful Byzantine town and a vibrant hub of outdoor activities.                                                             

In ancient Thrace, Stara Zagora exhibits 9,000 years of history, from a two-storey Neolithic house to the fine mosaics of the Roman Villa.                                                                                                               

And the Black Sea shore hems the smart city of Burgas, with its pier, promenades, and fountain square; and laps against the scenic peninsula of UNESCO listed Nessebar, where cobbled streets lead to colourful murals in the 11 th -century St. Stephen’s church.  

On a tour of the Balkans , Jules Verne teams Bulgaria with Serbia to visit Belgrade, the Baroque town on Sremski Karlovci, and the Roman ruins of Viminacium; and with Romania’s highlights from Bucharest to Baile Herculane, the riverside carving of Decebal’s Face, and the sculptures of Târgu Jiu. Bulgaria also features on our fabulous Danube cruise from Bucharest to Budapest.

When to go on Bulgaria holidays

With variations between the regions and altitudes, in general Bulgaria has a continental climate of cold, snowy winters, and hot summers hovering between 30 and 40°, with milder, more temperate weather along the Black Sea coast. The spring and autumn shoulder months are perhaps the most comfortable for touring, averaging 26°.

Jules Verne journeys are timed for the seasons best suited to the destinations of each tour.

Who are Bulgaria tours suited to?

There are medieval monuments and archaeological sites to keep historians keen, frescoes, mosaics and murals to enthral art-lovers, traditions and culture on show in ‘living-museums’, and stunning scenery lining the route from one to another, so a tour in Bulgaria will meet the varied interests of travellers on our small-group tours.

Why book Bulgaria tours with Jules Verne?

With 45 years’ experience and a passion for creating extraordinary adventures, Jules Verne takes you to iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites, with expert tour guides who share their local knowledge, and show you hidden gems. Special experiences on our journeys in Bulgaria include lunch with a local family in Gorno Draglishte, a scenic trip via tunnels and viaducts on the narrow-gauge Rhodope Railway, and a visit to Arbanassi village, now an open-air ‘museum reserve’.  

Our guided tours to Bulgaria are ABTA and ATOL protected, and we offer a 100% price guarantee, so you can book with complete confidence.

Discover Bulgaria

Across Bulgaria’s beautiful landscapes, monasteries, monuments, and museums mark thousands of years of historic heritage. From the Rila Mountains to river valleys and Black Sea shores, this beguiling tour visits stately cities, intriguing towns, and tiny villages

The Balkans Revealed

Covering three countries’ capitals and a kaleidoscope of colours and cultures, this bountiful tour of the Balkans crosses borders and beautiful landscapes, to reveal the ancient sites, artistic treasures, and medieval monuments of Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania

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24 Best Bulgaria Tourist Attractions and Top Places to Visit

Posted on May 25, 2024 | Julie J. |

Planning a trip to Bulgaria? After traveling all over the country last summer, let me share with you my favorite Bulgarian destinations and the best places to visit.

What I loved most was hiking in the mountains, I’d never have thought the scenery would be so gorgeous, and strolling around all the medieval towns. People are also super friendly and incredibly helpful, even when they don’t speak English.

It’s now one of my favorite destinations in Eastern Europe and I highly recommend it to people looking for a blend of historic places, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.

So pack your bags and get ready to explore this beautiful country and discover all the best things to do in Bulgaria!

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Must-Visit Bulgarian Historical Sites

Rila monastery.

The Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s most famous landmarks. I visited as a day trip from Bansko but you can also plan a day trip from Sofia even by renting a car or booking a tour.

Founded in the 10th century by St. Ivan Rilski, it is located in the Rila Mountains and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The beautiful frescoes and architecture, combined with the peaceful atmosphere, make visiting it a fantastic experience. While it’s pretty crowded, people are not allowed to talk (whispering is ok), so it stays pretty quiet. There are even people whose job it is to shush you!

Tsarevets Fortress

The Tsarevets Fortress is located in Veliko Tarnovo and used to be the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Situated on a hill, it offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a must-visit while in Bulgaria.

You can stroll around the ancient fortress just be ready to climb up quite a bit. You can also book a tour with an English-speaking guide to learn more about the place and Bulgaria’s history.

The site is also organizes an impressive sound and light show, which tells the story of the fortress and the history of Bulgaria. Make sure to check the schedule beforehand.

I highly recommend planning to spend a few days in Veliko Tarnovo if you have a car, as there are plenty of amazing places to visit nearby. If you’re traveling by public transportation, one day is enough to stroll around the historic town, explore the fortress, and visit a museum or two.

Ancient City of Nessebar

The Ancient City of Nessebar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is located on the Black Sea coast. The city features well-preserved medieval architecture, and it is home to many churches and museums.

It is a great place to learn about the history of Bulgaria and to see some beautiful architecture while enjoying the seaside and the laid-back vibes.

Buzludzha Monument

The Buzludzha Monument is a unique landmark in Bulgaria. It was built in the 1970s to commemorate the Bulgarian Communist Party, and it is located on a mountain peak. The monument is abandoned now, but it is still an impressive sight to see.

I personally would only recommend checking it out if you have a car and want to visit other things nearby. It’s located in the Rose Valley near Kazanlak, known for the many Thracian tombs found in the area. Nearby you can also visit the open-air museum in Etar, showcasing traditional houses and buildings from the Balkan.

Best Bulgaria Tourist Attractions for Nature Lovers

Bulgaria is a country with a diverse landscape that is home to a variety of natural wonders. From mountains and lakes to waterfalls and rock formations, there is no shortage of breathtaking sights to see.

Seven Rila Lakes

Located in the Rila Mountains, the Seven Rila Lakes are a group of glacial lakes that are a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.

Each lake has its own unique beauty, and together they create a stunning landscape that is sure to take your breath away.

I’d say it’s only worth going if you like hiking, you can take the cable car to the top, but without a good hike, you won’t see anything worthwhile. The best time to go hiking is during the summer months – in the winter it turns into a ski resort.

I absolutely loved it, you can plan to spend the day there, taking as many breaks as you want, and you can choose to only see a few of the lakes and not the seven. Note that it is forbidden to swim in any mountain lakes in Bulgaria.

From where the cable car takes you, you can buy food and drinks if needed but I recommend packing a lunch and plenty of snacks.

It will be cold up there, even in summer, and the weather can turn extremely fast, so bring a coat even if it’s sunny.

There are even areas where you can camp if you want to spend more than a day up there.

In the town at the bottom, you’ll find plenty of hot spring resorts if you want to relax after a day of hiking.

Pirin National Park

Pirin National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Bulgaria. The park is home to over 70 glacial lakes, as well as a variety of plant and animal species that are unique to the region.

I actually liked hiking in Pirin better than in Rila, because it is quieter and sees fewer people. There are a lot of different paths you can take so you’ll probably be by yourself most of the time – and the scenery is just stunning.

The starting point to visit the park is from Bansko, which is also a must-visit. In the winter you can ski and in the summer go for hikes. From town, you can catch a van that will take you to the start of the hiking trails – there’s a restaurant and bathrooms there.

To get around the trails, I’ve used the Maps.Me app and it’s pretty accurate.

Belogradchik Rocks

The Belogradchik Rocks are a series of rock formations that are over 200 million years old. The rocks have unique shapes and colors that you won’t see anywhere else.

Start by visiting the fortress, from where you’ll get an amazing view over the rock formation. Then you can go for a hike.

While I highly recommend visiting Belogradchik, I didn’t really enjoy the hike because you don’t see much from the ground, plus there were A LOT of small flies flying right around my face. If you can afford it, take a hot air balloon ride, the views from above must be amazing.

I also recommend taking the train from Sofia – the landscape along the way is stunning – and the route is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the country.

Pobitite Kamuni

Pobitite Kamuni, sometimes spelled Pobiti Kamani, features unique rock formations in a desert-like setting. The rocks are known for their unusual shapes and sizes, and the area is perfect for hiking.

The best way to visit it is as a day trip from Varna.

Krushuna Waterfalls

The Krushuna Waterfalls are a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by a dense forest.

You can book a tour from Sofia, drive there, or take a bus from Lovech to the village of Krushùna (it’s a 20-minute walk from where it leaves you).

Try not to go on weekends during summer to avoid the crowds.

Ardino and the Rhodope Mountains

Ardino is a small town located in the Rhodope Mountains in Southern Bulgaria and is a great base to explore the region’s beautiful landscapes.

I recommend renting a car otherwise you’ll be pretty limited in what you can see and do. The area is perfect for a 2 to 3-day road trip visiting small mountain villages and natural wonders.

Near town, don’t miss the unique Thracian cult complex and the Devil’s Bridge.

Vitosha Moutain

Located just outside of Sofia, Vitosha Mountain offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. It’s a great day trip destination to escape city life – plus, you can easily reach the hiking trails via public transportation.

Balchik Botanic Garden

If you like botanical gardens, then you can’t miss the Balchik Botanic Garden, on the Black Sea coast. The garden is home to a variety of plant species from around the world and is one of the most popular gardens in the country. It’s particularly famous for its cacti collection.

The complex was built as the summer residence of the Romanian Queen Marie in the 19th century and you can visit some of the buildings as well.

Best Historic Towns And Cities to Visit in Bulgaria

Plovdiv old town.

Some of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria are found in Plovdiv’s Old Town where you’ll find a mix of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture, as well as charming cobblestone streets and colorful houses.

I loved the vibe there, it’s Bulgaria’s second-largest city yet it’s not overwhelming. Stay in the historic part of town, and just stroll around, getting lost in the small streets.

From Roman times, be sure to visit the Roman Amphitheater and the Ancient Stadium, both of which are well-preserved and offer a glimpse into the city’s past. The Regional Ethnographic Museum is also a must-visit to learn more about the country’s rich culture. It’s housed in a beautiful traditional house.

In the Kapana district, you’ll find many restaurants, cafés, and bars. It’s a great area to go for lunch and have a drink at night.

You’ll probably start your trip in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, don’t skip it and plan to spend at least one full day there.

If you’re short on time it’s also a good base to explore the surroundings with many day trip options to Bulgaria’s top tourist attractions.

You can explore ancient ruins at the Serdica Archaeological Complex, visit the stunning Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral, or stroll through the city’s many parks and gardens. Don’t miss the National Museum of History and the women’s market.

I recommend joining a free walking tour of the historic center. It’s a great way to learn more about the city’s past and its iconic sites – and you can decide which sites you want to visit further on your own later on.

Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo, located in central Bulgaria, was once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and is one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria. Today, you can visit the Tsarevets Fortress, which offers stunning views of the city and a glimpse into Bulgaria’s medieval past.

You’ll also find plenty of charming shops and restaurants in the Old Town. Do stroll around town, many houses have kept their traditional style and most streets are still paved. In summer, there are flowers everywhere, making the town even more lively.

I also enjoyed visiting the Prison Museum and taking a day trip to visit the surroundings. If you have a car, head to Hotnitsa waterfall, hike in Emen Canyon, and visit the Dryanova Monastery.

Ruse, located on the banks of the Danube River in Northern Bulgaria, offers beautiful and colorful architecture and a rich cultural heritage – it’s often referred to as little Vienna, for its resemblance with the capital of Austria. The architecture is a mix of classic styles, Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic, and Rococo.

You can explore the city’s many museums, historic houses, and galleries, or take a stroll along the riverfront promenade. Don’t miss the Pantheon of National Revivalists, which honors some of Bulgaria’s most important historical figures. Take a guided walking tour to not miss anything.

The Sexaginta Prista, the ruins of an ancient Roman fortress along the Danube, is also a must-see.

If you have a car, outside of town, you can visit the Orlova Chuka Cave, Cherven Fortress, the Churches of Ivanovo, and the Rock Monastery of Basarbovo.

Koprivshtitsa

Koprivshtitsa is a small town located in the Sredna Gora Mountains. It’s known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and important role in Bulgaria’s struggle for independence.

You can visit the many museums and historic houses in the town, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.

I went there by train from Sofia as a day trip – a couple hours is enough to visit the town but it can also be nice to spend a night at one of the guesthouses there and enjoy the small village vibes.

Melnik, located in southwestern Bulgaria, is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic architecture. You can explore the town’s many churches and museums, or take a hike in the surrounding mountains.

Don’t miss the Melnik Pyramids, unique rock formations that are a popular tourist attraction.

Best Bulgarian Beaches on the Black Sea Coast

If you’re visiting during the warmer months, make sure to add a beach destination to your itinerary. You can pick anything between laid-back fishing villages and lively party towns, all featuring beautiful beaches.

Sunny Beach

Sunny Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bulgaria, and for good reason. The beach is over 8 km long and offers plenty of space to relax and soak up the sun. There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, from water sports to beach volleyball. At night, the beach comes alive with bars and clubs, making it the perfect spot for partygoers.

Golden Sands

Golden Sands is another popular beach destination in Bulgaria. The beach is surrounded by a natural park and offers stunning views of the Black Sea. The sand is soft and golden, and the water is crystal clear. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, as well as a casino for those who want to try their luck.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back beach experience, Sozopol is the place to be. This charming town is located on a rocky peninsula and offers stunning views of the sea. The beaches are smaller and less crowded than some of the other popular destinations, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. Be sure to check out the old town, which is home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Bulgaria.

Best Ski Resorts in Bulgaria

If you’re planning a winter vacation, Bulgaria boasts some of the best ski resorts in Europe, with Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo being the most popular destinations.

Bansko is a charming town located in the Pirin Mountains and is known for its well-groomed slopes and modern facilities. It has something for everyone, from beginner to expert skiers. The town itself is also worth exploring, with its cobbled streets and traditional architecture.

Located in the Rila Mountains, Borovets is another popular place in Bulgaria for winter sports. It offers 58 km of slopes and 13 lifts, making it one of the largest ski resorts in Bulgaria. The resort is also known for its vibrant après-ski scene, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.

Pamporovo is a smaller ski resort located in the Rhodope Mountains. It’s a great destination for families and beginner skiers, with gentle slopes and a friendly atmosphere. The resort also offers plenty of non-skiing activities, such as snowmobiling and ice skating.

Festivals in Bulgaria

Rose festival in kazanlak.

Every year in early June, the town of Kazanlak hosts the Rose Festival , a celebration of the country’s rose-growing industry. The festival features a parade, music and dance performances, and a beauty pageant where the Rose Queen is crowned.

You can also visit the Rose Museum to learn more about the history of rose oil production in Bulgaria.

Kukeri Festival

Another unique cultural experience is the Kukeri Festival, which takes place in January and February in various locations throughout the country.

The festival is a pagan tradition that dates back to ancient times, and it involves men dressing up in elaborate costumes and performing dances to scare away evil spirits. The costumes are made from animal hides, and they often feature large bells that ring as the performers move.

Here you are with some of Bulgaria’s top tourist attractions. As you can see there are plenty of great destinations in Bulgaria, no matter what time of year you visit.

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Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip

Legends of emperors and crusaders , wines, traditional cuisine. museum towns and villages, balkan village trek (8 days progressive ride in teteven balkan area), go local: best of bulgaria, self-drive, bulgaria: rodopi mountains, highlights of bulgaria by train, essence of bulgaria, bulgaria at a glance: sofia city break, through the rugged pirin and rila mountains, from sofia to bucharest.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Explore Sofia's ancient sites and cathedrals
• Discover the Yagodina Cave's stunning formations
• Visit Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

“Vera was amazing—hard working, determined to please the guests, personable, expert, and truly dedicated to excellence.”

• Enjoy a farewell dinner with folklore music
• Visit UNESCO sites and taste rose liquor
• Discover the marine capital, Varna

“The accommodations were good to very good and the itinerary was very good to excellent. Food and beverages were very good.”

• Explore Glozhene Monastery's 800-year history
• Trek through ancient beech forests and rocky peaks
• Gallop across open plains with valley views

“Riding through the scenic beauty of Stara Planina made this trip an unforgettable one. Highly recommend for those seeking an authentic and enriching horseriding experience.”

• Discover the medieval capital, Veliko Tarnovo
• Explore Sofia's vibrant city center on your own
• Visit UNESCO sites: Boyana Church and Rila Monastery

“Bulgaria is a jewel of a country and it shouldn't be overlooked as a great destination to explore.”

• Hiking & Trekking
• Explore the Yagodina Cave
• Discover the streets of Sofia
• Stay in the village of Yagodina

“Knowing that the food we were eating was grown or produced locally, including the delicious cheese and potato based dishes, jams and honey.”

• Visit Tryavna, a hub for icon painting and woodcarving
• Travel by train through the Balkan mountains
• Discover the ancient and religious history of Stara Zagora

• Sightseeing
• Discover Sofia’s architectural marvels, bustling markets, and culinary delights
• Discover Gela: A Mythical Haven in the Rhodope Mountains
• Experience dining in an exclusive and historic venue atop a 2nd-century ancient Roman defensive wall

• Enjoy Bulgarian mekitsi with buffalo's yoghurt
• Explore Sofia's vibrant city center
• Visit St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

• Visit the iconic Rila Monastery and its frescoes
• Explore the Banderishki Lakes and forests
• Hike to the Seven Rila Lakes via cable car

• Discover Bucharest's Palace of Parliament
• Tour Bachkovo Monastery and Plovdiv
• Visit Kazanlak's Thracian Tomb replica

“Generally very good. Tour over Bulgarian countryside was interesting, as was Plovdiv.”

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10 Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on March 4, 2024

The small Balkan country of Bulgaria, is one of Eastern Europe’s diamonds in the rough. It is home to iconic mountain ranges: The Balkan, Rila, Pirin, and Rhodope mountains which make a perfect backdrop for Bulgaria’s traditional towns.

These towns are rich in cultural heritage, and the mountain ranges are a naturalist, and hiker’s paradise. While along the Black Sea Coast pristine sandy beaches flank the country, and cosmopolitan seaside resorts entertain foreign and domestic tourists.

However, history is woven into the fiber of Bulgaria. It has been occupied for millenniums, and the countless ruins, ancient churches, and imposing fortresses that remain throughout the country, are a constant reminder of Bulgaria’s unique narrative. From the ancient Romans, to the Ottoman Empire, to the democratic state it is today. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Bulgaria:

Burgas is a beautiful seaside town flanked by the sea and several lakes. Unlike its neighboring seaside towns, Burgas did not start to really actively develop until the 20th century. It was then that it was discovered that the bay was a great protector for trade industries and the navy. As such, there is a large industrial center in the heart of the city.

However, the main promenade along the coast is very well kept, and the beaches remain quiet. There are number of reasonably good restaurants, and accommodation in this same area, and days away from the sea can be spent exploring the lakes.

9. Koprivshtitsa

This peaceful town of colorful houses, traditional Bulgarian architecture, and folk festivals is steeped in rich history and was once the heart of the fierce April uprisings against the Ottoman Empire.

The origin of the town is ultimately unknown, however there are many legends surrounding it. It can be confirmed that it was destroyed by fire many times, before it became the romantic hideaway it is today. The town’s rich history has not been forgotten, as there are over 350 historic, architectural, ethnographic, and artistic monuments dotted throughout it.

The most memorable attractions in Koprivshtitsa are Oslekov House, the former home of a wealthy merchant built in 1856, and Topalova House, built and lived in by a prominent tax collector in 1854. Both showcase items unique to the time period of the homes, and demonstrate what life would have looked like in the 1900’s. Otherwise, the picturesque town is tucked between mountains ranges of lush green.

The charming seaside town of Sozopol is Bulgaria’s oldest town. It was established in 610 BC by the Greeks, where it became a center for the arts and a place of salvation. Today, there is still archeological evidence of their time spent in Sozopol.

However, over the years other empires and rulers came to occupy the land. As such there are remains of a medieval Christian complex, and ancient walls, and fortresses lining the peninsula.

These days most people visit the area for the gorgeous seaside resorts that dominate the coastline, fabulous beaches, and romantic cobblestoned streets. The town regularly hosts cultural events, and has great dining and nightlife options. For those that prefer something more exciting than sunbathing, a variety of sports are on-offer at the beaches during the day. These include surfing, jet-skiing, sailing, wakeboarding, and volleyball.

7. Veliko Tarnovo

This small city in central Bulgaria is most well-known as the home of Tsarevets Fortress. Since, it was once the home to the Tsars, the city is sometimes dubbed the “City of Tsars”. The Fort is enclosed by 1000 meters (3000 feet) of stone walls. Many areas of the wall offer 360-degree views of the surrounding picturesque hills, and the charming city below.

The old part of the city was built on hills so it offers rolling cobblestone streets, traditional homes, and ancient churches. Close-by is the famous Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of God, which features beautiful architecture, and breathtaking works of art from antiquity.

Centuries ago the city boasted over 30 monasteries but this one remains the best remaining example. Meanwhile, the new part of the city has become an integral economic, and administrative center for Northern Bulgaria. It has modern dining, and accommodation options.

The town of Bansko is renowned as Bulgaria’s number one skiing mecca. The town of Bankso, in Southern Bulgaria, is nestled at the foot of the Pirin Mountains whose peak reaches 2914 meters. It is conveniently located only 160kms from the capital of Sofia.

Bansko Ski Resort is also credited with having the longest ski season in Bulgaria. It regularly competes with resorts in France, and Switzerland for its high-quality skiing, at lower than Alps prices. The resort, and town itself has countless après-ski restaurants, and nightlife options, and there are world-class spas to indulge in when visitors are not hitting the slopes.

Each year the town holds the annual Bansko Jazz Festival, which draws international attendees and famous Bulgarian performers.

Varna is Bulgaria’s third largest city, and its most sophisticated seaside city. Like Bulgaria’s other coastal towns, Varna is also steeped in history. The Varna Archaeological Museum has impressive gold exhibits featuring the world’s oldest gold, which was sourced from the area. Otherwise, the Roman Baths are an impressive attraction, which are the largest in Bulgaria.

Other striking landmarks, dotted around the city give life to Varnas long history. These include the Baroque Opera House and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin. There are three main beaches which are frequented in the area. These offer all the joys of beach living, such as seaside restaurants and bars, adventure sports, and loungers.

Shopping, accommodation, and spa treatments are world class in the area, and English is widely spoken outside of the local language.

Nesebar is known for its beautiful ruins, and superb beaches. The ancient part of the town is situated on a island connected to the mainland by a narrow man-made causeway, and it bears evidence of occupation by a variety of different civilizations over the course of its existence.

The many churches that remain are mostly in ruins, but still a joy to explore. The most famous churches within the city include St.Stefan Church which dates back to the 11th century and The Church of Christ Pantocrator, which was created in the 13th century. The last being a great example of medieval architecture, as it is very well preserved.

History aside, visitors frequent the area for its beaches along the Black Sea Coast. It is often called, “The Pearl of the Black Sea”. As such, it is a popular seaside resort destination. It’s most impressive beach is Sunny Beach, but can get quite crowded in the high season.

3. Rila Monastery

Tucked in the Rila Mountains, Rila Monastery is simply stunning. It was initially founded in the 10th century by St. John of Rila, a hermit. Hundreds of pilgrims, and tourists come to the visit the site every year, and for centuries it has been a site of extreme spiritual significance.

The monastery even holds a few secrets of its own. It is said that revolutionary leaders took refuge here at times including the infamous Vassil Levski, and Peyo Yavorov. It has played an important role in preserving Bulgarian literary culture since the onsite library holds approximately 250 manuscripts from the 11th century onwards to the 19th century.

Aesthetically, the monastery is arresting. The architecture is dominated by black and white arches, wooden staircases, and huge iron gates. Multi-colored tiles color the floor, and irreplaceable paintings decorate the walls.

Here visitors can find the oldest continuously occupied city in Europe. Not surprisingly then, the city has countless historical landmarks to boast including a Roman Amphitheater which regularly runs programs, the Ruins of Eumolpias, and several churches.

However, Plovdiv has recently put itself on the map for its emerging food and wine scene. Traditional wineries are popping up all over the city and the surrounding area. Bulgarians are very proud of their wine making capabilities.

The city itself was built on seven hills, and the surrounding area is draped in the Balkan Mountains and the Rhodope mountain range, which have become a favorite place for visitors and locals alike to hike and explore.

Sofia is outstanding. It has a rich history, but remains young at heart. The capital pleasantly intermixes the new with the old. The city center is jam-packed with ruins, and historical landmarks that remind visitors and citizens of the countries long history. But also has emerged as a mecca for contemporary art, and innovative hospitality options.

You should ensure a visit to one of the city’s many galleries or museums during your stay, otherwise, there are countless well-maintained parks within the city, and pristine hiking areas just outside of it. This includes Mt.Vitosh, which at 2000 meters above sea level offers incredible views of the surrounding lakes, and greenery. If your visiting Bulgaria, you must-see Sofia.

Map of Places to Visit in Bulgaria

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