Bulgaria Travel Guide
Bulgaria is one of those places that surprises you in the best way. It’s bold, beautiful, and full of personality. Think rose fields that perfume the air, cobbled old towns glowing in the sunset, and beaches that roll into turquoise waves on the Black Sea. One minute you’re sipping rakia in a lively square, the next you’re hiking through pine forests or exploring ancient ruins that feel straight out of a film set. 🌿
Tucked in the heart of the Balkans, Bulgaria is where East meets West, and old meets new. The capital, Sofia, buzzes with energy — all grand cathedrals, Roman ruins, and cool cafés with a mountain backdrop. But the real magic often lies beyond the city limits: think the fairytale domes of Rila Monastery, the pastel houses of Plovdiv, and tiny villages where life moves at a slower, sleepier pace.
There’s something for everyone here. You can ski down Bansko’s winter slopes, sunbathe in Sozopol, wander through Veliko Tarnovo’s medieval fortress, or road-trip through wine country. The food’s hearty, the people are warm, and the prices are still refreshingly kind to your wallet. If you love a mix of history, adventure, and authenticity, Bulgaria might just steal your heart. ❤️
Best Time To Visit
Bulgaria does big seasons, bold scenery, and plenty of mood shifts. You can catch a cool mountain breeze at breakfast and a Black Sea sunset by dinner. That mix keeps forests lush, pistes snowy, and sunflower fields glowing. ☀️🌻
Summer (June to August): Long sunny days, warm sea, and late dinners outdoors. Resorts buzz in July and August and it can get hot inland. For beach time without the bustle, June and early September are lovely.
Spring (April to May): Fresh, green, and full of colour. Wildflowers brighten the trails and the rose harvest kicks off late May into early June. Ideal for Sofia and Plovdiv city breaks, gentle hikes, and road trips with lighter traffic.
Autumn (September to October): Golden vineyards, cooler hiking temps in Rila and Pirin, and calmer sights. The sea often stays swimmable into early September. By October, forests shift to copper and the pace slows nicely.
Winter (December to March): Proper snow in the mountains and lively ski scenes in Bansko and Borovets. January and February usually bring the steadiest conditions. Cities add fairy lights and cosy taverns in December.
What To Expect
Capital: Sofia
Language: Bulgarian is the official language and uses the Cyrillic alphabet. English is widely understood in cities, ski resorts, and along the coast; less so in small towns. Learn a couple of easy wins: “Zdravey” (hello), “Blagodarya” (thank you), “Da” (yes), “Ne” (no). You’ll spot bilingual menus in the main tourist spots.
Currency: The Bulgarian Lev (BGN). It’s pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate of €1 = 1.95583 BGN. Handy maths: €10 ≈ 19.56 BGN; 20 BGN ≈ just over €10. For GBP and USD, rates move around, so use a currency app before you go.
Cash Machines & ATMs: ATMs are easy to find in cities, resorts, and most towns. Major cards are widely accepted; contactless is common in shops, supermarkets, and metro stations. Some rural spots prefer cash, and a few ATMs charge fees, so check before withdrawing.
Plugs: Types C and F (two round pins). Standard voltage 230 V, frequency 50 Hz. A simple European adapter will do the job.
Safety: Bulgaria is generally a safe, welcoming place to travel. Standard city smarts apply: watch your bag on busy trams and in markets, use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps, and keep valuables out of sight in cars. In the mountains, weather turns quickly, so pack proper layers and check trail conditions.
Never ever: Don’t panic about the nodding. Traditional head gestures can feel flipped: sometimes a shake can mean yes and a nod can mean no. Listen for “da” (yes) and “ne” (no) if you’re unsure. Also, dress modestly in monasteries, and don’t touch or lean on frescoes.
Travel Guides
City Guides
Itineraries + Map
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit (City Specific)
Bulgaria Travel Tips and Advice
Everything Else
Search for your Accommodation
Find the Cheapest Flights
Book tours and purchase tickets
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bulgaria
1. Hiking to the Summit of Musala
As the highest peak in Bulgaria, Musala is a proper bucket list climb. Set in Rila National Park, the route serves up big alpine views, glassy lakes, and a satisfying final push to 2,925 metres. Many start from Borovets and ride the gondola to Yastrebets, then follow the well-marked trail to the top. On a clear day you can see the ridges of Rila, Pirin, and the Rhodopes rolling to the horizon. If hiking isn’t your thing, shorter walks around the lakes still feel epic. Pack layers and water, the weather loves a mood swing at altitude. 🏔️
2. Discovering the Fortresses of Tsarevets and Belogradchik
Bulgaria is fortress country, and these two steal the show. Tsarevets in Veliko Tarnovo crowns a rocky hill above a river bend, with medieval walls, gates, and a photogenic patriarchal church at the top. Come at dusk for golden light on the stone. Belogradchik is a different kind of drama, stitched into towering red rock formations that look like a natural movie set. Climb the steps, explore the terraces, and soak up the views across the fields and cliffs. Together they tell centuries of stories in stone.
3. Wandering the Colourful Streets of Plovdiv Old Town
Plovdiv’s Old Town is all cobbles, painted mansions, and breezy courtyards shaded by vines. You can stroll from the hilltop Nebet Tepe to the beautifully preserved Roman Theatre, then dip into tiny museums and artisan workshops. Down the hill, the Kapana district buzzes with cafés, galleries, and street art that begs for a photo. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for a coffee and somehow it turns into a lazy afternoon. Add sunset on one of the Seven Hills and you’ll see why people linger. 🎨
4. Walking the Black Sea Cliffs at Cape Kaliakra
If you love sea air and big horizons, the northern coast around Cape Kaliakra delivers. Trails run along rust-red cliffs with the water far below, and you might spot cormorants or passing dolphins if you get lucky. Bolata Beach hides in a perfect little cove nearby, ideal for a swim after your walk. For a wilder feel, head south to Sinemorets and the Veleka River mouth, where sand meets forest and the nights are quiet. Pick a stretch, lace up, and let the breeze do the rest.
5. Visiting Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in the Heart of Sofia
Right in central Sofia you’ll find Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a landmark of glittering domes and echoing arches. Step inside for frescoes, chandeliers, and a calm hush that feels miles from the traffic outside. The crypt below holds a remarkable icon collection if you’re into art and history. Make a mini loop to see the Roman ruins at Serdica, the tiny red-brick Rotunda of St George, and the city gardens where locals gather with ice creams. It’s culture, colour, and people-watching all in one easy stroll. 🍨
Bulgaria Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – £8–£18 / $10–$23 / €9–€21
- Hostel Private Rooms – £20–£40 / $25–$50 / €23–€46
- Budget Hotels – £25–£60 / $31–$75 / €29–€69
- Airbnb Private Rooms – £18–£35 / $23–$44 / €21–€40
- Airbnb Apartments – £30–£70 / $37–$88 / €35–€81
- Campsites – £5–£12 / $6–$15 / €6–€14
Transportation
- Local Bus or Tram (per ride) – £0.70–£1.20 / $0.90–$1.50 / €0.80–€1.40
- Intercity Bus – £4–£15 / $5–$19 / €5–€17
- Train (advance fares) – £5–£20 / $6–$25 / €6–€23
- Taxi (per km) – £0.40–£0.70 / $0.50–$0.90 / €0.45–€0.80
- Car Rental (per day) – £15–£35 / $19–$44 / €17–€40
Food
- Budget Meal – £4–£8 / $5–$10 / €5–€9
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – £10–£20 / $12–$25 / €12–€23
- Coffee – £1–£2 / $1.25–$2.50 / €1.15–€2.30
- Beer – £1.20–£2.50 / $1.50–$3.10 / €1.40–€2.90
Activities
- Museum Entry – Free–£7 / $0–$9 / €0–€8 (many are free or low-cost)
- Guided Tours – £12–£40 / $15–$50 / €14–€46
- Theatre Tickets – £10–£30 / $12–$38 / €12–€35
- Day Trips – £25–£60 / $31–$75 / €29–€69
Bulgaria Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 70–110 BGN per day (≈ €36–€56 / £31–£48 / $39–$61)
Sleep in hostel dorms in Sofia, Plovdiv, or Veliko Tarnovo, ride cheap buses and trams, and fuel up on banitsa, shopska salad, and street bites. Most fortress sites and museums are low-cost, and hiking in Rila or Pirin is free. Add a couple of leva for a beer or a cheeky rakia and you’re set.
Midrange – 160–250 BGN per day (≈ €82–€128 / £70–£109 / $88–$138)
Upgrade to cosy guesthouses or boutique stays, mix in sit-down meals and local wine, and budget for entries to big hitters like Rila Monastery’s museum or Tsarevets. A day or two of car hire opens up lakes, wineries, and mountain roads. Craft coffee stops and a guided tour fit comfortably here.
Upscale – 360+ BGN per day (≈ €184+ / £157+ / $199+)
Think chic hotels in Sofia or Plovdiv, spa breaks in Velingrad, vineyard tastings in the Thracian Valley, and private guides for hiking or heritage days. On the coast, go sea-view suites and long seafood lunches. In winter, level up with ski-in stays in Bansko and premium passes.
Bulgaria Money-Saving Tips
Bring a reusable water bottle – Tap water is safe to drink in most Bulgarian cities, and you’ll find refill spots in parks, stations, and cafés. Saves leva and plastic.
Use public transport smartly – Sofia’s metro, trams, and buses are cheap; grab a day or multi-day travel card. For intercity hops, buses are frequent and often faster than trains.
Travel off-peak – Midweek and outside school holidays mean cheaper rooms and quieter sights. On the coast, June and September beat peak-summer prices and crowds.
Stay in budget digs – Hostels, family guesthouses, and simple apartments – great value across Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo. Book slightly outside the centre for lower rates near easy transport.
Cook a few meals – Lidl, Kaufland, Billa, and Fantastico – are your friends. Hostels and many Airbnbs have kitchens. Picnic in city gardens or by the river for a proper budget win.
Join free walking tours – Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna – often run tip-based tours. You’ll get history, local tips, and orientation without paying a set fee.
Hunt combo tickets and discounts – Student/ISIC and family deals – are common at museums and fortresses. In Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo, look for combined entries to save a few leva.
Prioritise free nature – Rila, Pirin, and Central Balkan National Parks – have world-class hiking with no entry fee. Rila Monastery’s church is free; the museum is a small extra.
Skip overpriced “experiences” – If a coastal boat trip or theme bar feels steep, there’s usually a cheaper local equivalent or a DIY option (public beaches, cliff walks, sunset viewpoints).
Book intercity travel early – Buses and trains – are inexpensive, but popular routes fill on weekends and holidays. Early bookings snag the best times and seats.
Use cash (a little) and cards (a lot) – Cards and contactless are widely accepted, but keep small BGN notes for kiosks, markets, rural buses, and monastery donations.
Aim for shoulder season – April–May and September–October – bring mild weather, vineyard action, and kinder prices across cities, mountains, and the Black Sea.
How to Get Around in Bulgaria
Getting Around Bulgaria: The Basics
Bulgaria is varied and well-connected. Big cities are easy to navigate, mountain roads are scenic, and the Black Sea coast links up by bus and train. Public transport is affordable, and road trips open up the fun little places between.
Walking
City centres like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo are very walkable. Old towns are cobbled, compact, and full of cafés and street art. Pack comfy shoes and expect a few hills.
Public Transportation
Cities run buses, trams, and trolleybuses. It’s cheap and frequent in urban areas, patchier in small towns.
- Tickets: Buy from kiosks, machines, or apps, then validate on board.
- Sofia Metro: Clean, quick, and easy for airport–centre hops.
Airport Transfers
Main gateways are Sofia (SOF), Varna (VAR), Burgas (BOJ), and Plovdiv (PDV).
- Sofia: Metro Line 4 connects the airport to the centre in about 25–30 minutes.
- Coast: Seasonal shuttles and frequent buses run to resort towns.
- Private transfers: Handy if you arrive late or with ski gear.
Trains
National rail is BDŽ. Slower than buses on many routes, but scenic.
- Good for Sofia–Plovdiv, Sofia–Varna, and classic rides like the Septemvri–Dobrinishte narrow-gauge.
- Reserve InterCity seats where possible and bring snacks for longer trips.
Buses and Coaches
Often the fastest intercity option. Frequent services link cities and smaller towns.
- Look for routes to Rila Monastery, Veliko Tarnovo, Bansko, Varna, and Burgas.
- Buy tickets at stations, online, or on board for some regional lines.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are common and inexpensive.
- Check the rate sticker on the door, ask for the meter, and avoid unmarked cars.
- Bolt and local apps like TaxiMe are widely used in bigger cities.
Car Rental
Best for mountains, monasteries, and wineries.
- Drive on the right.
- Most highways and national roads require an e-vignette.
- Winter brings snow in the mountains, so check conditions and carry proper tyres.
- Parking in old towns can be tight. Look for marked zones or hotel lots.
Cycling
Lovely in cities, valleys, and along the Danube.
- Rentals available in larger cities and coastal towns.
- Mountain biking is big in Vitosha, the Rhodopes, and Pirin.
- Wear a helmet and bring lights for tunnels and mountain roads.
Apps to Use
Google Maps, Moovit, or local transit apps for timetables. Bolt for rides. BDŽ and major coach operators for tickets and schedules.
Money & Tickets
Keep a few small BGN notes/coins for kiosks and rural buses. Cards are widely accepted in cities and metro stations.
Tips for Smooth Travel
- Validate your ticket on trams, buses, and trolleys.
- Shoulder season travel (April–May, September–October) means fewer crowds and easier connections.
- Sunday schedules can run lighter in smaller towns.
- For popular routes, book ahead on buses and InterCity trains.
- In monasteries and churches, dress modestly and carry a small cash donation.
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