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12 Top Tourist Attractions in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a country of diverse landscapes and a depth of history which results in a nation filled with natural beauty and cultural richness that dates back to ancient times.

With high rocky peaks home to picturesque mountains, huge national parks where endangered animals roam wild, and swathes of sandy beaches that hug the Black Sea, along with relics of the Soviet rule, there is something for everyone to discover in the bold and this beautiful Balkan country . Here’s a look at the top tourist attractions in Bulgaria:

12. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral [SEE MAP]

Situated in the heart of the stunning city of Sofia is the iconic symbol of Bulgaria: the Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral. Paid for by the people of the city and built between the years 1882 and 1912, the cathedral was constructed to honor the lives of the 200,000 Russian soldiers who were killed fighting in the Russo-Turkish war for Bulgaria’s freedom from the rule of the Ottomans.

The cathedral itself is ornately detailed, with a decadent 45-meter high, gold-plated dome. Inside, you can walk among the many intricate mosaics, meaningful murals and depictions of saints and angels; huge chandeliers hang low, dripping in decadent gold, whilst the solid wood of the altar and pews is delicately carved.

11. Krushuna Waterfalls [SEE MAP]

Close to the village of Krushuna, nested in a lush forested landscape among the many karst rock formations, are the Krushuna Falls. The tallest of the falls is 20 meters high, where the turquoise water then splits into smaller falls and cascades over hunks of limestone, forming gentle pools and curious curves in the rock.

It is easy for visitors to reach the waterfalls and explore the surrounding area over bridges and steps. One pathway leads to a hidden cave where the source of the waterfall can be found – the spring is said have health benefits and is still a popular spot for locals from the nearby village.

10. Koprivshtitsa [SEE MAP]

Walk along the old winding road of Koprivshtitsa town, past the tricking streams and the colorful buildings, and be taken back to a Bulgaria of the past. Set in the heart of the Sredna Gora mountain range, historic Koprivshtitsa town was once a center for the fight against Ottoman rule and still today remains a place of Bulgarian pride.

The town is now popular with visitors and is an open air museum; its many mansions and houses are fantastic examples of the Bulgarian National Revival that occurred during the 19th century.

9. Buzludzha Monument [SEE MAP]

An icon of brutalist design and a masterpiece of Soviet proportions is the now abandoned Buzludzha Monument. Built in 1974 by the Bulgarian army, the monstrous monument was designed by various artists and creatives in charge of statues during the era.

The monument stands on the spot of a battle between the Turks and the Bulgarians which took place in 1868 and is where Dimitar Blagoev, along with other socialist leaders, outlined Bulgaria’s revolution into a communist state.

The stoic structure is now covered in political graffiti and has huge depictions of Lenin and Marx as well as lettering across the facade. The huge flying-saucer-shaped shrine to socialism was left to ruin after the fall of the Soviet Union but has become an unusual attraction for those interested in the history and striking design of the era.

8. Vitosha Mountain [SEE MAP]

The classic dome shape of Vitosha Mountain sits close to the urban sprawl of the city of Sophia and is where people go to take a break from the city and enjoy nature. With its own ski resort, pleasant hiking routes and fantastic panoramic views of the city below, the mountain is easily accessible from the city and can be reached by bus, on foot, and ropeways.

Vitosha Mountain’s highest point is 2,290 meters high and attracts visitors all year round who are drawn there to explore the Vitosha Nature Park, which is actually the oldest in the Balkans, and covers most of the mountain, as well as the mineral springs in the foothills.

7. Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari [SEE MAP]

The ancient Thracian tomb of Sveshtari was only discovered in 1982 when archaeologists uncovered the impressive site underneath a mound. The tomb is thought to have been built for a royal couple from the Thracian tribe of the Getae and dates back to the 3rd century BC.

The tomb is wonderfully well preserved; its ornate interior reveals impressive carvings and murals of half-female, half-plant figures which appear to be holding up the ceiling. The tomb is thought to be unique as there has been no other Thracian tomb discovered that has Sveshtari’s combination of astonishing architecture, sculpture and paintings.

6. Tsarevets Fortress [SEE MAP]

A symbol of Bulgaria’s past greatness, Tsarevets Fortress is built on the spot where the palace of the medieval tsars once stood 800 years before when Tarnovo was its capital. Explore the ancient rambling ruins and stumble across the remains of over 400 houses and innumerable churches.

The panoramic views of the surrounding landscape reveal how the location of the fortress was strategically placed, 206m above sea level, to protect the kingdom from invasion for hundreds of years. Visiting the stronghold involves a lot of walking up steep slopes, but because the only access to the fortress is on foot you can wander the grounds and climb the old walls in peace.

5. Sunny Beach [SEE MAP]

Sunny Beach is famous for long stretches of soft, sandy beaches that slope into the Black Sea and also for its numerous tourists who visit the resort town to enjoy its lively nightlife. The golden beaches stretch for eight kilometers along the coast and offer the perfect spot to spend time soaking up the sun and taking a swim.

The beaches in the area are clean and are sheltered from the elements, meaning the sea is perfect for swimming, whilst the plentiful hotels along the coast are also reasonably priced and family-friendly. This is the place to visit if you want to spend a few days relaxing in the sunshine and exploring the surrounding area, such as the ancient town of Nessebar.

4. Plovdiv Roman Theater [SEE MAP]

In the center of Plovdiv Old Town is one of the world’s best preserved ancient theaters. Discovered in the 1960s, the spectacularly striking structure dates back to the 1st century AD and is thought to have been built under the rule of the Roman Emperor Domitian.

The site would have played an important role in the ancient communities: this was where theatrical performances and famously ferocious gladiator fights would take place, as well as local government meetings and big gatherings.

The theater itself is still in use for opera and musical performances and holds an impressive 7,000 people. Amble along the old cobbled streets of the town and up the hill to the ancient theater, sit among the rows of sloping seats and soak in the silence and take in the uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.

3. Pirin National Park [SEE MAP]

Home to more than 70 glacial lakes, old forests and soaring 2,915-metre peaks and ridges, the Pirin National Park is a Bulgarian national treasure. The National Park is a safe haven for many different types of rare species that use the Balkan mountain range for shelter. Large animals still roam the slopes, from brown bears and wild boar to gray wolves and jackals; this is a remote and wild area that is under threat from development by ski resorts.

Spend your time visiting the unimaginably beautiful park by hiking the numerous paths, cycling among the alpine meadows or fishing alongside waterfalls. You can even stay overnight in Pirin’s huts, and find the famous Baykuchevata Macedonian pine tree that is said to be approximately 1,350 years old!

2. Old Nessebar [SEE MAP]

Nessebar has been charming visitors for the past 9,000 years and it keeps on enchanting people to this day. Set on a craggy peninsula that is connected to the mainland by a causeway, the charming old Nessebar town is an open-air museum packed full of pretty squares, churches and cobbled streets. The town’s history and monuments span the Roman and Byzantine eras, and remains of the old town walls can still be seen.

This fascinating town is packed full of character: take a look in the traditional timber houses built on sturdy rock foundations, sit and watch the windmill on the bridge between the old and new towns, and step silently in the stunning churches and chapels.

1. Rila Monastery [SEE MAP]

Take a trip to Rila Monastery and soak in the serene surroundings among the Rila mountains. Founded in the 10th century, and held in high esteem as being an important historic and cultural monument, the Eastern Orthodox Rila Monastery is an architectural icon.

Labelled as the Jerusalem of Bulgaria, it is the biggest monastery in the country and is home to compelling religious iconography, including wall paintings, carvings and historical artifacts.

The ancient monastery is still active and is home to around 60 monks who still live and work in the tranquil peace of the monastery inside its ornate buildings. The striking stripes of the exterior and gently curved arches, along with the crowning domes, set the monastery apart from the surrounding tree-covered mountainous landscape.

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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

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23 Amazing Places to Visit in Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

Planning a trip to Bulgaria?

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

Table of Contents

Places to visit in Bulgaria

Western bulgaria.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more about Sofia:

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

Find the accommodation in Sofia here.

See the best Sofia tours here.

Belogradchik

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Belgradchik here.

Rila Monastery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find the best tours to Rila Monastery here.

Rila Mountains

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

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

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

Recommended by Sarah from A Social Nomad

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

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Bansko here.

See the best Bansko tours here.

Pirin Mountains

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

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Melnik here.

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Central Bulgaria

Koprivshtitsa.

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

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

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

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

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

Find the best Koprivshtitsa tours here.

Veliko Tarnovo

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo here.

See the best Veliko Tarnovo tours here.

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Plovdiv here.

See the best Plovdiv tours here.

Devetashka Cave

Recommended by Raluca from Travel With A Spin

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

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

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

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

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

Buzludzha Monument

Recommended by Julia from The Cure for Curiosity

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended by Daniela from Ipanema travels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Ruse here.

Basarbovo Monastery

Recommended by Laura from Laure Wanders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Shumen here.

Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Varna here.

See the best Varna tours here.

Al Adzha Monastery

Recommended by Ucman from Brown Boy Travels

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended by Anda from Travel for a while

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Balchik here.

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

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

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

Recommended by Carolin from Happy when Abroad

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

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Burgas here.

See the best Burgas tours here.

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Sozopol here.

Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Ahtopol here.

Map of the best places to visit in Bulgaria

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

Final thoughts on visiting Bulgaria

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

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

Travel Resources

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

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

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

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

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Linda Gerbec

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

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

There are 60 cities in Bulgaria and you recommend 50.

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

Lori Trochim

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

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

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Top 50+ incredible places to visit in bulgaria.

I love my home country Bulgaria and I can’t emphasize enough how much it is worth visiting and exploring it. For its rather small size, Bulgaria can offer a lot – from high mountain peaks and a stunning coastline to some of the best spa and winter resorts and beautifully preserved historic towns. I truly believe that if I wasn’t Bulgarian and happened to visit the country as a tourist, it would have turned into a favorite destination to me.

And I suppose that the fact that you’re reading this means that you are interested in visiting Bulgaria and wondering where to go and what to do. To help you decide what to see, I complied this extensive list of 52 places to visit in Bulgaria for your inspiration. Hopefully, you’ll visit as many of these places as possible.

Cities to visit in Bulgaria

Table of Contents

Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria and Europe’s oldest inhabited city – it’s history can be traced to 8 000 years. Ancient monuments such as the Ancient Theater, the Roman Odeon, the Roman Forum, and the Roman Stadium have been very well preserved. 

The Ancient Roman Theater, which is the greatest achievement in the field of restoration of monuments of antiquity in Bulgaria and one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world might be even more than 8, 000 years old, but it’s still in use! Every year the Amphitheatre hosts the Plovdiv International Folklore Festival and other theatrical plays and music shows. It can host between 5 000 and 7 000 people.

Plovdiv is often called ”the city under the hills” because the town was been built in the foothills of seven hills. The city was the European Capital of Culture in 2019. 

There are many reasons to visit Plovdiv , and although there’s enough to see in the city in a few days, the city is a perfect day trip destination. A day trip to Plovdiv from Sofia is one of the most popular and best ways to explore the highlights of this wonderful city. 

Some of the main things to do in Plovdiv include wandering the ancient houses and cobblestone streets of the Old Town, hiking on of the city hills for a beautiful panoramic view, and losing yourself in ”The Trap” (Kapana) – Plovdiv’s artistic district. 

#2 Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo is the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, often referred to as the ”City of the Tsars”. It is located in North Central Bulgaria.

The city attracts many tourists with its unique architecture, cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and red rooftops cascading down the hills. The old part of the city is situated on three hills, the tallest of which is Tsarevets, rising amidst the meanders of the Yantra River. Veliko Turnovo is one of the largest urban areas in the country. It is a foremost cultural and educational center and home to the two major universities and extensive artistic activity.

Veliko Tarnovo is undoubtedly one of if not the most beautiful city to visit in Bulgaria and is a perfect weekend destination.

The most popular landmark is the historical hill Tsarevets along with the Tsarevets fortress. Some of the other tourist attractions include the Monument of Asenevci, the Monument of Independence, Trapezitsa Hill, Arbanasi, numerous medieval churches, and more.

Varna is the third-largest city in Bulgaria and the largest one on the Black Sea Coast. The city is a perfect summer destination because of its nice beaches and a great place to visit all year round as it’s also home to numerous attractions and sites.

The city has deep historical roots going thousands of years back in time – the ruins of Europe’s fourth-largest preserved Roman baths lie in the city’s heart and the world’s oldest processed gold was found during excavations just outside Varna.

Spending a weekend in Varna is a great way to explore the city’s highlights and then continue exploring the coast. You can also base yourself in Varna and explore nearby amazing places as a day trips from the city – I’ll cover some of these places in the following categories, so keep on reading. 

When listing down all the best places to visit in Bulgaria, I can not miss mentioning the capital city Sofia. 

I love Sofia, it is the city where I was born and lived all of my life so far (okay, technically, I live in the outskirts of the city), but it really saddens me when people come to Bulgaria and visit only Sofia. Yes, Sofia is a great destination, but knowing how much the country has to offer, I feel like people are missing out and don’t get a real idea of what Bulgaria is really like. 

But don’t get me wrong, there are many reasons to visit Sofia and you shouldn’t exclude it from your places to visit in Bulgaria list. Sofia is one of the cheapest European destinations and has it all: cultural and historical heritage, plenty of green areas, a flavorful food scene, exciting nightlife, and even its own mountain!

In fact, the free things to do in Sofia are actually the best things to do to experience the city. And on top of Sofia’s having its own mountain in the backyard, the city is also a great base and starting point for many day hikes in the area. 

#5 Koprivshtitsa

The town of Koprivshtitsa is one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria for history and culture.

Koprivshtitsa is a historic town situated in Sredna Gora Mountain. The town is best known for its authentic Bulgarian architecture and as one of the center’s of the April Uprising in 1876. Koprivshtitsa is home to many architectural monuments from Bulgarian National Revival times, collections of ethnographical treasures, old weapons, fretworks, national costumes, and typical Bulgarian jewelry.

If you include a visit to Koprivshtitsa in your Bulgaria itinerary don’t miss The First Rifle Shot Bridge, which is one of the most important historic sites in Bulgaria. This was the place where the first rifle went off and marked the start of the April Uprising on 20th April 1876.

What else is really interesting to be seen is witnessing the making of ”plasti” – handmade colorful covers made from wool.

Hiking lovers often visit Koprivshtitsa as the town is the starting point for the hike leading to Bogdan peak (1, 604), the highest one of Sredna Gora Mountain.

#6 Stara Zagora 

Stara Zagora is the fifth-largest city in Bulgaria and the administrative capital of the homonymous Stara Zagora Province. The city was founded in 342 BC on the site of a Thracian settlement and has a rich history illustrated by the many ancient Roman buildings and ruins, which are preserved in the city’s center.

It’s usually not a typical tourist destination, but I decided to included it in the list because, in my opinion, Staza Zagora is a great place to visit .

The city is home to the one and only pre-Bulgarian survival school, the Antique Forum Augusta Traiana, the Regional History Museum who was built on the remains of the ancient Roman city, and some of the best-preserved expositions of people of Antiquity in Europe just to name a few. It is also the city where the greatest Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Ivanov Kunchev known as Vasil Levski started his education and has the biggest brewery in Bulgaria – Zagorka.

Stara Zagora is called the city of Linden – the best time to witness Linden is from May to Mid-July.

The city is also called ”the center of the Universe” and it’s located in south-central Bulgaria, at the crossroads between North and South, West and East.

#7 Kazanlak

Not far away from Stara Zagora, or 33 km to be exact, at the foot of the Balkan Mountain range is the town of Kazanlak. There are a few reasons why you should visit Kazanlak:

Valley of the Roses – The Rose Valley of Bulgaria has been a rose-growing area of great importance for centuries. Bulgaria is the number 1 producer of rose oil in the world! Kazanlak is the center of the rose oil industry and there’s even a Rose Museum in the city which you can visit to learn more about the history of roses and the rose oil production in the country.

The rose oil is used for beauty products and perfumes – perhaps one of the best souvenirs that you can bring to your loved ones back home. Bulgarians are very proud of the Rose Valley and the rose oil production and it is now one of the most widely recognizable national symbols.

The best time to visit Kazanlak and the Rose Valley is during the Rose Festival.

The Rose Festival is a unique event that has been celebrated for over 100 years now and it lasts from May 19th till June 24th. There are many activities and smaller events that are included in the festival, but the most interesting and important ones are the parade along the streets of the town, the election of Queen Rose, and the early morning ritual in the rose fields.

Thracian tombs – The country’s largest and best-preserved Thracian tombs are found here. They are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with the Museum of Roses.

There are two nature reserves and five protected areas in the vicinity of Kazanlak, preserving natural wonders and age-old forests. Kazanlak is also the closest town to Buzludzha and Shipka Monument & church, but I’ll share more about those places separately. 

Melnik is located in the skirts of Pirin mountain, among sand pyramids with bizarre forms. It’s the smallest city in Bulgaria. It was found during the ancient artifacts bear witness to centuries of history.

Melnik attracts with its history, ancient houses, and aromatic wines. The town was declared a cultural-historical reserve. It’s part of the Hundred Tourist sites.

As Melnik is known as the wine capital of Bulgaria when you visit it, don’t miss to check out its wineries and try as many local wines as possible.

The town is the perfect weekend getaway and has romantic charm, so it’s also the perfect place to escape to with your other half.

Charming villages to visit in Bulgaria

I love the Bulgarian villages – they are so charming and remind me of my childhood. Sadly, most of the villages in Bulgaria are deserted or only the elderly are left. However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth the visit. In fact, those villages are actually some of the most beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria. 

There are over 5, 000 villages in Bulgaria, so it isn’t easy to choose the best among so many. For the purpose of this article, I have gathered some of the Bulgarian villages that are of best tourist interest + one of my favorites! There is not much to see and do in them, however, those villages are attractions on their own. 

Located in the Rhodopes Mountain, at an altitude of 1, 500 meters above sea level, Ortsevo is the highest permanently inhabited village in Bulgaria and in the Balkans. The village is quite remote and although you can reach it by car, the best way to get there is on foot from Avramovo – the highest train station on the Balkan Peninsula.

Ever since I visited this village, I believe that it is one of the absolutely best places to visit in Bulgaria not just because of its beauty, but also because of the local’s hospitality. Between 120 and 200 people live in the village scattered in a total of 13 mahali (neighborhoods).

According to the locals, the village’s name comes from the word horo (orce) – traditional Bulgarian folklore dance. Ortsevo offers stunning views of the Pirin Mountain range.

#10 Leshten

Leshten is a mountainous village in Rhodopes Mountain. In the early 20th century, Leshten was home to over 500 inhabitants. Nowadays, very few permanent inhabitants live in the village, but many of the old houses have been renovated as guest houses to welcome tourists. The village is a protected area, so no new houses are allowed to be built. Almost every house features a spacious terrace, inner courtyard, and its own tavern.

Wandering along the narrow cobblestone streets of the village is one of the nicest things to do in Leshten. The most popular attraction of the village is the ”The Clay House”. The house is made entirely of clay, wood, and straw, and it is built in resemblance to the house of the popular cartoon character Fred Flinstone. You can spend the night in it .

Other popular activities include mountain hiking, herb and mushroom gathering, fishing, and day trips to nearby places such as the village of Kovachevitsa which is next on our list.

#11 Kovachevitsa 

The village of Kovachevitsa was founded by refugees from different villages, who tried to escape the Ottoman assimilation in the 17th century. An interesting fact is that the village never had Ottoman administration, therefore it preserved traditional and unique Bulgarian traditions.

The village keeps the same architectural style from the period of the Bulgarian National Revival and has been designated as an “Architectural and Historical Reserve of National Importance”.

#12 Bozhentsi

A village and architectural reserve in Gabrovo Province, in central northern Bulgaria, Bozhentsi is noted for its well-preserved Bulgarian National Revival architecture and history.

There are around 100 houses in the village, all of which are well-preserved and most of which have been turned into museums, shops, and guest houses. Similar to Leshten, Bozhentsi is also protected from constriction as it is part of UNESCO’s cultural monuments.

Some of the most interesting places to visit in Bozhentsi are the old church The Holy Prophet Elijah, the Cell school, the New school, the museum houses Grandma Rayna and Doncho the Priest.

The village is surrounded by forests and is incredibly peaceful.

Another village situated in the Rhodopes Mountain. The village of Gela is surrounded by three of the highest peaks of the mountain – Golyam Perelik (2, 191), Orpheus (2, 188), and Turlata (1, 825). The registered population of Gela is about 50 people.

There are two legends related to the history of the area and the village: The first is that this is the birthplace of Orpheus and the second states that after his exile in the Bachkovo Monastery, Patriarch Evtimii was buried in a secret place in the local monastery, which was demolished in the 17th century by the Ottomans.

Every year the meadows in the village of Gela host the Gela Bagpipe Contest. The festival aims to promote authentic Rhodope folklore and preserve the local traditions and visiting it is one of the best free things to do in Bulgaria .

#14 Shiroka Luka 

Located at the heart of Rhodopes Mountain, the village of Shiroka Laka is a proclaimed architectural and folklore reserve. The village is home to one of Bulgaria’s best schools for folk music and is just under the village of Gela.

You can visit them both in a single trip, but unfortunately, public transportation options to these places are very limited, so traveling by car is the best and most convenient way to get there.

Read this post for more information about driving and traveling around Bulgaria by car .

#15 Bulgari

17 km southwest of Tsarevo on the territory of Strandzha Nature Park, you’ll find the village of Bulgari. The village is the only one in Strandzha with the status of a folklore reserve. It is most famous for the traditional Nestinarstvo fire dancing ritual – one of the oldest traditions in Bulgaria.

Every year a festival dedicated to this tradition is held in the village of Bulgari. The culmination of the festival happens after sunset when people would build up a massive fire and dance traditional Bulgarian folklore dance – horo. At this stage of the festival, nestinari in a state of trance enter the ring of fire and start dancing on it.

The festival is part of UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

SPA resorts to visit in Bulgaria

#16 velingrad.

Velingrad is one of the most popular and biggest Bulgaria balneological resorts and is also known as the Spa capital of the Balkans. The city is home to over 80 mineral water springs, which all vary considerably in temperature, mineralization, radon, silicic acid, and fluorine content, and are suitable for the treatment of a wide range of diseases.

Moreover, Velingrad is home to a real natural phenomenon -Kleptuza, the biggest karts spring in Bulgaria. The water is ice-cold, but also drinkable and part of it is captured and used for the water supply of the city.

In my personal opinion, the best way to reach the city of Velingrad is by The Rhodope Narrow Gauge .

#17 Hisarya

World-class spa centers and Roman ruins make Hisarya a great destination for those of you who are looking to combine both leisure and history on your holiday.

Situated only 40 km away from Bulgaria’s second-biggest city Plovdiv, Hisarya has 22 mineral springs with temperatures between 41 °C and 51 °C, and with proven healing abilities.

Even during Roman times, Hisarya was a spa hub and you can also visit the remains of the largest Roman bath dating back to the 4th century.

#18 Sapareva banya

Home to one of Europe’s very few hot water geysers, Sapareva Banya is a small town located at the north foot of Rila Mountain.

The geyser water temperature is 103°C and you can observe the geothermal spring that pushes out an 18-meter jet of mineral water every 20 seconds. The geyser is in the center of the town and it is surrounded by a public garden.

From all mentioned here, Sapareva Banya is the closest spa destination to the Bulgarian capital, just about 75 km away from Sofia.

With its abundance of hot springs and spa resorts in the area, Devin is known since antiquity for the healing properties of its mineral springs. The waters have been claimed to treat and heal a variety of maladies.

The town of Devin is located in the Rhodopes Mountain in close proximity to the winter resort of Pamporovo.

Winter resorts to visit in Bulgaria (for skiing and snowboarding)

#20 borovets.

The first Bulgarian ski resort Borovets offers 19 ski slopes with different difficulty and a total length of 58 km. It is one of the most preferred winter resorts by locals because of its proximity to the Bulgarian capital. Borovets is 70 km away from Sofia. A day ski pass for the season 2020/2021 costs 62 BGN. 

Borovets is located on the northern slopes of Rila Mountain, at the foot of Musala peak (2, 925). It is nestled among centuries-old coniferous forests, at an altitude of between 1, 230 – 1, 390 meters above sea level.

#21 Pamporovo

Pamporovo is a ski resort in Rhodopes Mountain. It offers 18 slopes with different difficulty each of which begins at the highest peak in Pamporovo – Snezhanka, 1 926 meters above sea level. One of the best things about Pamporovo is that your ski pass covers 2 ski zone – Pamporovo and Mechi Chal. The price for a day ski pass for the season of 2020/2021 costs 62 BGN. 

Apart from skiing or snowboarding, there’s not much else to do in Pamporovo. I recommend checking out the city of Smolyan, about 15 km away from the ski resort. Smolyan is said to be the longest city in Bulgaria and has numerous attractions including a theater, a cinema, and a few bars. 

P.S. Head to the village of Smilyan to try the traditional bean soup made of Smilyan’s beans. There is even a museum dedicated to the Smilyan bean in which you can find the bean board – a candidate for the Guinness World Records. Each visitor glues a bean on the board to complete the canvas. Over 18, 000 people have participated in the bean board so far. 

Bansko is known as the best and most famous ski resort in Bulgaria. Situated in Pirin Mountains, Bansko ski resort offers 18 slopes for both beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The slopes are around 80 km in total. The ski area in Bansko is situated at an altitude of 2, 000 – 2, 600 meters above sea level. 

The town of Bansko has everything that a ski destination should have – a great variety of hotels and guest houses, traditional restaurants offering mouth-watering food, spas, and nice bars.  There is also a 24h a day emergency ski patrol service, first aid, and an ambulance available. 

Bansko is also one of the priciest and most touristic winter destinations in Bulgaria A day ski pass for the season of 2020/2021 costs 70 BGN – this is expensive for Bulgarians, but a budget alternative for tourists coming from Western Europe, and especially the UK . 

The town of Bansko is also a great destination to visit in any other season as the town has a rich cultural history. 

# 23 Dobrinishte

Neighboring the ski resort of Bansko, the ski resort of Dobrinishte (or Bezbog) is one of the local’s favorite. It is a cheaper and not touristy alternative to Bansko with 5 km of slopes and it’s also a freeriding destination. A day ski pass for the season of 2020/2021 costs 35 BGN. 

You can stay at the huts at the beginning or the end of the lift, or down in the town in one of the many guest houses. There are several restaurants, a lot less than in Bansko and no bars. I recommend heading to the thermal spring of Dobrinishte after a day of skiing or snowboarding. 

With this being said, if you’re looking for a budget and non-mainstream winter resort to visit in Bulgaria, Dobrinishte is your place. 

National Parks to visit in Bulgaria

#24 pirin national park.

Encompassing the larger part of the Pirin Mountains,  Pirin National Park  has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Its highest peak is Vihren peak (2, 914), second-highest in Bulgaria, and third highest in the Balkans.

In the area of the Pirin Mountains, there are more than 1, 300 plants – rare, endemic, glacial relicts, and endangered. The oldest tree in Bulgaria Baikushev’s pine, (1, 300 years old) is also located in Pirin! While visiting, you can come across wild goats, falcons, and eagles. Pirin is famous for its 118 glacier lakes.

The hiking opportunities in Pirin are endless. Hiking lovers can enjoy the many stunning trails across the mountain with the hike to Vihren peak being the most famous one. Other interesting and panoramic peaks are Sinanitsa, Todorka, Muratov, Polezhan, Kamenitsa, and Dzhano, to name a few.

Pirin National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria for me and of the top European national parks . I love going there hiking all-year-round.

#25 Rila National Park

Rila National Park is the biggest one in Bulgaria. It is home to Musala peak, the highest one in Bulgaria and on the Balkans standing at 2, 925 meters above sea level. On the territory of the park, you can also visit the famous Seven Rila Lakes – one of the most beautiful places in all of Bulgaria.

The national park is one of the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. The four nature reserves on the territory of the park are included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves under UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme.

In the area of the park, you can find rare and endangered wildlife species, self-regulating ecosystems of biological diversity, and historic sites of global cultural and scientific significance.

The name Rila is derived from the Thracian word roula, meaning ”lots of water”.

Two of the most popular hikes in Rila are the peaks of Musala and Malyovitsa . I don’t like doing these hikes in summer as many people do them too and get too crowded for my taste. However, I love doing both of these hikes in winter.

#26 Central Balkan National Park

Central Balkan National Park is in the heart of Bulgaria. The highest peak here is Botev, rising at 2 376 meters above the sea level. Situated in the park, Raiskoto praskalo waterfall /literally translated to ”heavenly spray”/ is the highest waterfall in Bulgaria and in all of the Balkans – 125 meters.

Forests occupy 56% of Central Balkan National Park and it’s home to 59 species of mammals, 224 species of birds, 14 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, and 6 species of fish, as well as 2387 species of invertebrates.

Mountains to visit in Bulgaria

Because I’ve already mentioned the biggest mountains in the previous section of the National Parks, I’m not going to repeat and mention them again here. However, I just wanted to note that those same mountains are equally amazing outside their national park boundaries. More than 30% of the territory of the country is covered in mountains. Here are the other incredible mountains that you should visit in Bulgaria: 

#27 Rhodopes Mountain

This is one of my favorites! Rhodopes Mountain is the largest mountain in Bulgaria with over 83% of its area in southern Bulgaria and the rest in Greece. The highest peak of Rhodopes Mountain is Golyam Perelik standing at 2, 191 meters above sea level.

The mountain range is about 240 km long and about 100 to 120 km wide, with an average altitude of 785 meters. Rhodopes can be divided into two parts: Eastern and Western Rhodopes. The region is notable for its karst areas, deep river gorges, and large caves. There are many dams in the area and that makes the Rhodopes a significant part of Bulgaria’s hydropower resources.

Rhodopes Mountain also has a rich cultural heritage. Thracian tribes inhabited the Rhodopes for centuries. On the territory of the mountain, there are lots of remains of their culture and you can check out some ancient Thracian sites such as Belintash, Perperikon, and Tatul.

The Rhodopes are the most important breeding area for griffon vultures in Bulgaria and home to wolves and jackals among other animals.

In geomorphological aspect, the Rhodopes are the oldest mountain range in Bulgaria. Fifteen reserves have been established in the region, some of which are under UNESCO protection.

#28 Vitosha

Sofia’s own mountain is the favorite place for sofiyantsi to spend their free time at. The highest peak of Vitosha Mountain is Cherni Vrah (Cherni peak), rising at 2, 290 meters above sea level.

This mountain massif emerged as a result of volcanic activity and has been shaped by the slow folding of the granite rock layers and a series of gradual uplifts of the area. Vitosha is the oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsula. 61 types of habitats were identified on the park’s territory – natural spruce forests, the peat areas, the moraines, and the caves are of greatest interest.

The mountain is home to a diversity of bigger and smaller mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. In the different seasons, 200 bird species can be observed, 120 species of which nesting within the park’s territory.

Vitosha is the closest mountain to the capital city where locals and tourists can go for hiking, alpinism, skiing and snowboarding, as well as paragliding . The hiking trails in Vitosha are endless, there are many huts where you can spend the night at or just grab some food, and is easily accessible from Sofia with convenient bus lines.

The longest cave in Bulgaria – Duhlata (18, 200 meters long), is situated in Vitosha near the village of Bosnek.

#29 Strandzha

One of the best mountains to visit in Bulgaria is Strandzha. This mountain massif is quite different and lower than the rest of the mountains in this list, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth visiting. Situated in Bulgaria’s southeast corner, neighboring the Black Sea and extending beyond the border to Turkey, Strandzha is the mystical mountain of the Thracians. 

Several Thracian civilizations (one of the oldest in the world!) flourished on the territory of Strandzha Mountain. Nowadays, a large concentration of Thracian sanctuaries, dolmens, archeological objects, and sacrificial altars could be seen while exploring the mountain. 

Strandzha Nature Park is the largest protected area in Bulgaria encompassing about 1% of the country’s territory. 50% of Bulgaria’s flora can be observed in Strandzha Nature Park. There are also over 400 species of vertebrates, 41 species of freshwater fish, 10 species of amphibians, over 20 species of reptile, more than 130 species of breeding birds, and over 60 species of mammals. 

P.S. One of the best things to do in Strandzha is a bicycling tour. Tour Strandzha is a multi-day route through the entire Bulgarian part of Strandzha Mountain. The tour starts from the pier of Tundzha River in the town of Elhovo and ends in the port of Ahtopol on the Back Sea Coast. Tour Strahndzha is 180 km long and one of the best ways to explore the region. 

Places to visit in Bulgaria on the Black Sea Coast

Bulgaria coastline is 378 km long and covers the entire eastern bound, stretching from the Romanian Black Sea in the north to European Turkey in the south. Here are the best places to see on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast: 

#30 Sozopol

This ancient seaside town is nowadays one of the main Black Sea resorts in the country. The first settlements on the site dates back to the Bronze Age, making Sozopol one of the oldest towns on the Bulgarian Thrace’s Black Sea coast.

Sozopol’s Old Town has both a historic and romantic atmosphere. The wooden houses with upper stories that are over 100-years-old are a must-see. Actually, a lot of them are turned into guest houses, so you can even book your stay in one.

The nearby beaches of Gradina, Smokinya, and Kavatzi are some of the best on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast.

Don’t miss to try the local seafood delicates and the fig wine!

#31 Nessebar

Nessebar is among the oldest towns in Europe and one of the biggest historical depositories and the most abundant town with medieval architectural monuments in Bulgaria.

Located on the Black Sea coast, Nessebar is one of the declared museum towns and architectural, and archeological reserves of national significance and a cultural monument included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The biggest wealth of Nessebar is the 60 preserved houses from the Revival period.

#32 Sinemorets

Sinemorets is one of my favorite places to visit in Bulgaria on the Black Sea Coast. With its beautiful Veleka beach where the Veleka River flows into the sea, the village of Sinemorets is attracting more and more people each year now.

And although it’s getting more and more popular, Sinemorets is still calmer than most resorts on the coast and it’s a perfect place for a relaxing vacation.

#33 Cape Emine 

Separating the northern from the southern Black Sea Coast, Cape Emine forms the tip of Stara Planina. This is the endpoint of the Kom – Emine trail (part of the European walking route E3), the longest one in the country. Approximately 650 kilometers long, the trail goes through the ridge of Stara Planina, crossing Bulgaria from West to the East.

There are remnants of the Emona fortress, monastery, and a lighthouse.

#34 Cape Kaliakra 

Cape Kaliakra is a long rocky peninsula that juts out about 2 km into the sea. The slopes of the cape are about 60-70 meters high and descent straight into the water.

The cape is a natural and archaeological reserve and one of the first protected areas in Bulgaria. The only one in Bulgaria that includes a protected sea water area.

Cape Kaliakra has a very long and rich history too. The rich history and the stunning landscape make Cape Kaliakra one of the most attractive spots on the Bulgaria Northern Black Sea Coast.

The earliest settlements here date back to the 4th century BC. At that time the area was populated by the Thracian tribe of Tirisi, which also gave the cape its first name – Tirisis.

The cape is also the place where the Russian-Turkish war came to an end. The largest battle the Black Sea has ever seen.

#35 Balchik

Balchik is a small town and a seaside resort on Bulgaria’s northern Black Sea Coast.

The town is known for its beautiful Balchik Palace and Botanical Garden. The Balchik Palace was constructed between 1926 and 1937, during the Romanian control of the region. The palace was built to serve the needs of Queen Marie of Romania. In the palace complex, you can find a wine cellar, monastery, a holy spring, chapel, residential villas, smoking hall, and a power station.

Balchik’s Botanical Garden was established at the place of the palace’s park. There are over 2, 000 plant species and its collection of large-sized cactus species are of the garden’s top attractions.

The beaches in Balchik are nice but not the best.

#36 Tyulenovo

One of the most fascinating spots along Bulgaria’s Northern Black Sea Coast is the rocky arch in Tyulenovo.

Tyulenovo is a village that’s famous for this arch in particular. Sadly, like many other villages in Bulgaria, Tyulenovo is almost deserted.

In the village of Tyulenovo, there is a fishing harbor and a small beach. It’s also a popular spot for camping. The name Tyulenovo means ”village of seals” and although I haven’t seen any, people say that you can spot them sometimes.

#37 Silistar

Silistar is among the Bulgarians most favorite beaches. Located on the South Black Sea coast, Silistar is a protected area falling on the territory of Strandzha Nature Park. Rare and protected birds such as bald eagle, black stork, holly dove, and others nest on the dunes and rocks around.

Due to the deep bay, the water is almost always calm. The beach is about 1 km long and about 50 m wide and is covered with golden sand.

Silistar is 5 km away from Sinemorets.

#38 Tsarevo

Tsarevo holds a very special place in my heart. It is not the biggest, nor the best or prettiest resort on the Black Sea Coast, but is the place where I have spent many summers as a child. 

Long story short, my parent meet in Tsarevo when they were in their late 20’s. After my brother and I were born, our family used to visit Tsarevo for our summer vacation each year. 

Tsarevo is a small resort that hasn’t changed much over the years. It is more relaxed and peaceful, so it’s perfect for families. 

If you choose to visit Tsarevo, check out the nearby beach of Arapya and to take a walk in the sea garden. 

Natural sights & monuments to visit in Bulgaria

#39 shipka monument.

One of the most important monuments in Bulgaria is Shipka aka the Monument of Freedom. The monument is dedicated to the heroic Shipka battles during the Russian-Turkish War and is situated on Shipka peak at 1, 326 meters above sea level and you can reach it after climbing 894 steps.

It’s one of the most popular places where Bulgarians spend the 3rd of March – The National Liberation Day. 

#40 Buzludzha

Perhaps the most famous Bulgarian monument of all. The Buzludzha Monument is an abandoned building on top of the Buzludzha peak in the Central Stara Planina. It is the biggest ideological monument of the totalitarian regime in Bulgaria.

The monument was erected in 1981 as a home for the Bulgarian Communist Party. Even if you’re not planning to visit this part of Bulgaria, a  day trip to Buzludzha  from Sofia or another city in Bulgaria is a must for the fans of abandoned buildings and thrill-seekers. The monument is closed to the public, but there’s still a way to get in at your own risk and responsibility. 

P.S. You can visit Buzludzha and Shipka in a single trip. They are part of the Shipka-Buzludja National Park Museum and the distance between them both is only 12 km. 

#41 Belogradchik rocks and fortress

The rocks are a group of shaped sandstone and conglomerate rock formations. They are located near the town of Belogradchik. Some of the rocks reach up to 200 meters high. Their colors vary from red to yellow. Many of them have interesting shapes and are associated with different legends.

The Belogradchik Fortress is among the renowned Belogradchik rocks. It exists since Roman times and it was built for protection.

The Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress are a major tourist destination and are among the best places to visit in Bulgaria. The Magura cave is also situated near Belogradchik. Baba Vida Fortress is another attraction in the area, it’s near the town of Vidin on the Danube river. (If you’re interested in the Danube, you can check this travel guide to the Danube Delta , which greater part lies in Romania.)

The rocks are listed in the Bulgarian National Register of Natural Landmarks and they are also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Check this Belogradchik Rocks & Magurata Cave day trip from Sofia post by a fellow travel blogger. 

#42 Rila Monastery

One of the most important cultural, historical, and architectural monuments in Bulgaria is the Rila Monastery. Founded in the 10th century, the monastery is the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria that attracts thousands of tourists each year. In 2017, Rila Monastery attracted a record-high number of visitors – more than 1 million!

The Rila Monastery is nestled on the slopes of Rila Mountain in the deep valley of the Rilska River at an elevation of 1, 147 meters above sea level. With its 1000 years history, Rila Monastery is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Rila Monastery

#43 Pobiti Kamani (Stone Forest)

Pobiti Kamani (stones beat into the ground) aka the Stone Forest is one of the two naturally formed deserts in Europe (along with the Tabernas desert in  Spain ) and the only one known in Eastern Europe. It consists of sand dunes and several groups of natural rock formations as high as 10 meters.

There are several theories about the origin of the desert. One of them suggests that the place has been a sea bottom 50 million years ago.

The Stone Forest is located 18 km away from Varna.

#44 The Seven Rila Lakes

Without any doubt, the Seven Rila Lakes are one of the most beautiful natural attractions not only in Bulgaria but in the Balkans. 

The lakes are a group of lakes of glacial origin. They are situated at an elevation of between 2 100 and 2 500 meters above sea level. The 7 lakes are named The Tear, The Eye, The Kidney, The Twin (the largest), The Trefoil, Fish Lake, and The Lower Lake.

The hike to get to the top and have a view of all lakes is pretty easy and takes about 2 – 2 and a half hours. Most people visit this incredible natural attraction as a day trip from Sofia. In fact, the hike to the Seven Rila Lakes is one of the best and easiest hikes near Sofia . 

#45 Asen’s fortress

Situated on a high rocky ridge at 279 meters above sea level, Asen’s fortress is a medieval fortress in the Rhodopes Mountain. The fortress dates back to Thracian times and has been inhabited by the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, Crusaders, and of course, Bulgarians. Each era has left its archeological record, all preserved in the historical museum in Asenovgrad, 3 km away from the fortress. 

The best preserved and most notable feature of Asen’s Fortress is the Church of the Holy Mother of God from the 12th-13th century.

#46 Ovech fortress

Located about 50 km away from Varna, the Ovech fortress is a stone stronghold the remains of which stand on a plateau next to the town of Provadiya, in the northeast part of the country. Archeological research established that the fortress has been in use between the 3rd and 7th centuries and then from the 10th – 11th centuries until the end of the 17th century. During these periods, the fortress was inhabited by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Bulgarians, and Turks.

#47 Madara Rider

The list of places to visit in Bulgaria won’t be complete without the Madara Rider , an early medieval large rock relief carved on the Madara Plateau east of the city of Shumen. This UNESCO-listed site dates back to the late 7th century and it’s attributed to the ancient Bulgars, a nomadic tribe of warriors which settled in northeastern Bulgaria around this period, and after merging with the local Slavs gave origin to the modern Bulgarians.

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#48 Aladzha Monastery

Aladzha is a medieval cave monastery complex dating back to the 12th century. The monastery was inhabited by hermit monks during the XII-XIV centuries.

It is one of the few cave monasteries in Bulgaria where the different premises and their functions are clearly distinguishable. Aladzha caves are hewn on two levels to a height of almost 40 meters. The complex includes two small nearby catacombs.

Aladzha Monastery is only 14 km away from Varna.

#49 Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches

Different from any other monastery complex in Bulgaria, the Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches are a group of monolithic churches, chapels, and monasteries hewn out of solid rock in the valley of the Roussenski Lom River. The complex is situated 32 meters above the river and is a UNESCO-listed site. 

The caves in the region had been inhabited by monks from the 1320s to the 17th century. Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches owes much of its fame to 13th- and 14th-century frescoes, preserved in 5 of the churches, which are great examples of Bulgarian medieval art. 

#50 Wonderful Bridges

The Wonderful Bridges are natural arches in Western Rhodopes Mountain situated in the karst valley of the river Erkyupriya on 1, 450 meters above sea level. The rock phenomenon used to be a cave, but with time parts of it started collapsing and the bridges were formed.

#51 Prohodna Cave (the Eyes of God)

The cave is a natural 262 meters long rock bridge. It has two entrances that lie opposite to each other and are known as the Small and the Big Entrance. Prohodna is most notable for the two equal-sized holes in the ceiling of its middle chamber. The holes let in light into the cave. The cave is located near the village of Karlukovo, Lovech.

The cave is also a popular destination for climbers. There are climbing routes with different levels of difficulty. From the big entrance, you can also do a bungee jump. 

#52 The Meanders of Arda River 

Arda is the longest river in the Rhodopes Mountain. The river is almost 280 km long, 250 km of which are on Bulgarian territory. It supplies three of the largest dams in Bulgaria – Kurdzhali, Studen Kladenets, and Ivailovgrad. 

The river stream flows through the Rhodope Mountains, forming impressive curves along the river valley. The meanders of the Arda River are one of the most beautiful natural sites in my opinion and an incredible place well worth the visit.

There are a few places where you can witness the meanders, the one that I have been to is located between Madzharovo and the village of Borislavtsi. 

WOW! So many beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria, I know! Hopefully, by reading till the end, you found a place or two to include on your Bulgarian itinerary.

I know that the information gathered in this post is far from enough to cover everything that each place has to offer, so if you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact me – I would love to help with any additional tips and recommendations, and why not even join you on the trip, or at least take you out for a beer! 

Thanks for reading, 

If you like this post, please share it with your friends and follow Owl Over The World on  Facebook  &  Instagram  for more travel tips & inspiration. 

Images credits: Plovdiv , Veliko Tarnovo , Sofia , Koprivshtitsa , Melnik , Leshten , Kovachevitsa , Bozhentsi , Shiroka Luka , Velingrad , Hisarya , Sapareva Banya , Devin , Pamporovo , Bansko , Rhodopes , Sozopol , Nessebar , Balchik , Tsarevo , Buzludzha , Belogradchik rocks , Asen’s fortress , Ovech fortress , Madara Rider , Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches , Wonderful Bridges

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Bilyana is the founder of Owl Over The World and the girl behind the screen. Besides being a travel blogger, she's also a mountain freak and a full-time dream chaser. She writes about her adventures around the world wanting to inspire you to travel more & worry less.

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What are the Best Attractions in Bulgaria? What are The Best Things to do in Bulgaria with Kids or as a Couple?

Discover the 13 Coolest and Most Unusual Things to Do in Bulgaria ,  the Best Things to Do in Bulgaria & Best Places to See in Bulgaria , Amazing Scenic Places to Visit in Bulgaria, the Most Iconic Things to do in Bulgaria . 

From the Castle in Love with the Winds to the Rila Monastery this is the Ultimage Guide of Top Tourist Attractions in Bulgaria .

Hike in the Rila National Park, marvel at the Ravadinovo castle, discover the treasures and secrets of the Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia, treat yourself to a lazy day on Bolata Beach or Sinemorets beach,… Find inspiration among a selection of the best things to do in Bulgaria .

Book your flights , your accommodation in Bulgaria as well as your activities and tours in Bulgaria and discover one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.

Need more inspiraiton? Discover the Most Famous Castles in Bulgaria , The Most Beautiful Sandy Beaches in  Bulgaria , The Most Magical Secret Spots in Bulgaria as well as the Best Ski Resorts in Bulgaria . 

1. Castle In Love with the Wind

Ravadinovo - Sozopol

Ravadinovo Castle, also called Castle in Love with the wind is the work of the last knight of Europe, a Bulgarian celebrity, famous sportsman but also investor who built his dream.

This castle is the pride of the inhabitants of Sozopol and is the Most Visited Tourist Attraction in Bulgaria .

Far from being just a tourist attraction, it hosts events, weddings, Bulgarian and foreign families who discover a castle worthy of fairy tales.

Castle in Love with the wind is ranked among the most beautiful castles in Bulgaria as well as among the most beautiful castles in Europe .

Book your flights to Burgas Airport, your accommodation in Sozopol as well as your tours and activities in Bulgaria such as a " Sozopol: Guided Romantic Tour ", the #1 Top Thing to Do in Bulgaria For Every Kind of Traveler.  

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Burgas Airport (40 min by car).

  Where to stay:   " Sea Sense Boutique Hotel ". This property is 1 minute walk from the beach.

2. Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral

This neo-Byzantine style Orthodox cathedral is one of the Most Iconic Places to Visit in Bulgaria . Considered the most beautiful cathedral in Bulgaria, it has been completely restored.

Do not miss to visit the museum of icons located in the crypt.

Book your flights to Sofia, your accommodation in Sofia as well as your activities and tours in Sofia such  as a " Sofia Afternoon Walking Tour with Wine and Food Tasting ".

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Sofia.

  Where to stay:  " Sense Hotel Sofia " is a 5-star hotel with a prime location, a few steps from the Parliament.

3. Visit Plovdiv

A visit to Plovdiv is one of The 10 Best Things to Do in Bulgaria.

The oldest inhabited city in Europe (more than 6000 years old), it was recently European Capital of Culture and elected among the best destinations to visit in Europe. Its ancient theatre, its shopping streets, its cultural events, its many museums and the unique architecture of its traditional houses make a visit to Plovdiv one of the  Best Things to Do in Bulgaria for Couples .

The city, which pulsates with the spirit of the Bulgarian Revival with its magical Old Town, where beautiful and richly decorated houses from that period can be visited.

The best way to get to know Plovdiv is by walking through its streets. Here you can stroll through the renovated streets of Kapana Creative District, and later immerse yourself in the light and music show of the Singing Fountains in the Tsar Simeon's Garden.

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Plovdiv.

  Where to stay:  " Plovdiv City Center Hotel ". Stay in the heart of Plovdiv.

4. Rila National Park

Want to leave the city and  stress? Treat yourself to a breath of fresh air and pure nature and visit the Rila National Park, one of the 13 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Bulgaria . Fall under the spell of one of its 7 lakes, Bliznika Lake.

Rila Mountains owe their name to the hermit monk « St. John of Rila » who also gave his name to the famous Rila Monastery, considered one of the Most Important Cultural and Tourist Attractions in Bulgaria .

Bliznika means "Twin Lake" in Bulgarian, it is one of the 7 lakes of the Rila Mountains, located at more than 2,200 metres above sea level. The inhabitants of Sofia often leave the capital to recharge their batteries in this park on weekends.

Book your flights to Sofia, your accommodation in Sofia as well as your tours and activities in Bulgaria such  as a " The Seven Rila Lakes: Full-Day Tour from Sofia ".

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Sofia (1h30 by car).

  Where to stay:  " Sense Hotel Sofia ". This 5-star hotel with an exclusive spa area.

5. Rose Festival 

Discover a place in Bulgaria where the scent of roses meets ancient history. Kazanlak, also called "Valley of Roses" organizes every year, during three weeks (with the apogee the first week of June), a festival celebrating the rose grown in this valley. This is one of the Most Unusual and Funniest Things to Do in Bulgaria .

Traditional costumes, parades, handicrafts made from roses, concerts, coronation of the queen of roses,… this unique festival in Europe has been organized for more than 100 years by the inhabitants of Kazanlak to celebrate the "Rosa Damascena", the Bulgarian oil-bearing rose.

During your stay do not miss to visit the Shipka Monastery but also the Shipka Monument and Buzludza Monument ranked among the best hidden gems in Bulgaria .

Book your flights to Plovdiv (1H30) or Sofia (2h30), your accommodation in Bulgaria as well as your tours and activities in Bulgaria such as a " Rose Valley Tour & UNESCO Site Kazanlak ".

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Plovdiv (1h30 by car) or Sofia (2h30).

  Where to stay:  “ Zornica Hotel " offers an outdoor swimming pool, a sun bed, a sauna and massages.

6. Etar Ethnographical Village

Etar - Gabrovo

Immerse yourself in the incredible history of Bulgaria, its customs, its traditions, its crafts, its culinary specialties by visiting the ethnographic village of Etar, one of the Best Things to Do in Bulgaria & Places to See .

This open-air museum, also considered one of the best destinations to visit in Bulgaria , is located in northern Bulgaria, 2 hours drive from Sofia or Plovdiv .

Discover  20 regional crafts such as pottery, crafts, cutlery making, wood-carving,... There are many restaurants on site to taste Bulgarian culinary specialties.

Book your flights to Plovdiv or Sofia (2h by car), book your accommodation in Bulgaria as well as your tours and activities in Bulgaria such  as a " Bansko: Thermal Pool Escape ".

  How to get there:  Book your  flights  to Plovdiv or Sofia (2h by car).

  Where to stay:  " Grand Hotel Plovdiv ". Situated at the heart of Plovdiv.

7. Belogradchik Rocks

Belogradchik

Discover the incredible rock formations of Belogradchik and its fortress, which is ranked among the most beautiful castles and fortresses in Bulgaria . Belogradchik is also one of the best hidden gems in Bulgaria .

The fortress of Belogradchik bears the name of this city rewarded by the European Commission for its commitment to sustainable tourism. During your stay in the region do not miss to visit "Venetsa Cave" and "Lepenitsa Cave".

Book your flights to Sofia, your accommodation in Sofia as well as your tours and activities in Bulgaria such as a " Sofia: Lovech, Devetaki Cave and Krushuna Waterfalls Tour ".

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Sofia (2h30 by car).

  Where to stay:   " InterContinental Sofia " offers two restaurants and a 24/7 fitness centre.

8. Buzludzha Monument

It is one of the symbols of futuristic architecture also called monumental or brutalist architecture. It is at the top of this hill, (dynamited to install this monument), that the Bulgarian Communist Party was born.

This incredible construction, which took 7 years to build, was only open to the public for 8 years, from 1981 to 1989. It is for sure one of the Most Amazing Places to Visit in Bulgaria .

After the fall of communism, the building fell into disrepair and became a paradise for Urbex who love abandoned places.

Many projects are on the table to revive and protect this exceptional place which bears witness to Bulgaria's past and a very important part of its history and the history of Europe.

During your stay in the region, be sure to visit Etar village, an ethnographic village ranked among your best places to visit in Bulgaria .

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Plovdiv (2h by car).

  Where to stay:  “ Plovdiv City Center Hotel ". Featuring a bar, terraced and views of city.

9. Bolata Beach

This cove beach is one of the  most beautiful beaches in Bulgaria . Protected from the wind, this small beach is perfect for a lazy day. Take your parasol with you and your picnic basket. The water is crystal clear and shallow, perfect for families.

In high season there are foodtrucks on site (drinks, ice cream and food). Possibility to park near the beach.

During your stay do not miss to visit Kaliakra fortress located a few minutes walk or drive from Bolata Beach it is ranked among your  best castles in Bulgaria .

Book your flights  to Varna (1H by car) your  accommodation in Varna  as well as your  tours and activities in Bulgaria  such as a " Varna Guided Tour ".

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Varna (1h by car).

  Where to stay:  " Royal Grand Hotel and Spa - All Inclusive ". Stay near Bolata.

10. Monument to Bulgarian Soviet Friendship

Varna is reputed to be one of the best seaside resorts in Bulgaria with its many fine sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts.

Varna is also known worldwide for the "Monument of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship", one of the  Top Tourist Attractions in Bulgaria , a monument of pure communist style also called "Bombastic Style" or "Monumentalism".

From the top of the monument you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Varna and the sea.

Even if the monument seems close to the city centre we advise you to take a bus or a taxi to get there because once there you will have to climb many steps to reach the top of the monument top-rated among the Best Things to Do in Bulgaria .

Book your flights to Varna, your accommodation in Varna as well as your tours and activities in Varna such as a " Varna: Black Sea Cruise With Lunch and Drinks ".

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Varna.

  Where to stay:  " The Palace Hotel, Sunny Day ". Set on the beachfront.

11. Dyavolski Most - Devil's Bridge

The Dyavolski Most, one of the Top Tourist Attractions in Bulgaria , is an arch bridge that crosses the Arda River in southern Bulgaria, 2h by car from Plovdiv . 

Like all arched bridges, its reflection in the water makes a perfect circle appear, seen by some as a doorway to Hell. The hell bridge is actually located in a welcoming natural site,  ( parking 200 m from the bridge).

Built in the 16th century, this bridge is one of Bulgaria's best hidden gems for its beauty and the legends surrounding it. It is also top-rated among the Best Things to do in Bulgaria .

Book your flights to Plovdiv, your accommodation in Plovdiv as well as your tours and activities in Bulgaria .

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Plovdiv (2h30 by car).

  Where to stay:  " Plovdiv City Center Hotel " located 200 m from Roman Theater Plovdiv.

12. Sinemorets beach

Do you want to laze around, enjoy the sun, let yourself be lulled by the sound of the waves and forget all your problems? Drive towards Sinemorets and treat yourself to a day of pure relaxation on "Veleka Beach", this is one of the Best Things to Do in Bulgaria .

This wild beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Bulgaria . The perfect combination of river beach and classic beach, facing the sea. A surfer spot, Veleka beach (the other name for Sinemorets Beach) also appeals to nature and water sports lovers.

Climb the hill facing the beach for an exceptional view of this natural and wild beach. Sinemorets beach, is truly one of the most beautiful wild beaches on the Black Sea Coast and one of the Best Tourist Attractions in Bulgaria.

Book your flights  to Burgas (1h30 by car) or Varna (2h30), your  accommodation in Burgas  as well as your activities and tours in Bulgaria .

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Burgas (1h30 by car) or Varna (3h by car).

  Where to stay:  " Primoretz Grand Hotel & Spa " is a beachfront hotel.

13. Rila Monastery

Rila National Park

Few people know it but Rila is not only the name of the place where this monastery is located but also that of a hermit, John of Rila, who became St. John of Rila after his canonization by the Orthodox Church.

This place is to put at the top of your  Bulgarian Travel Wishlist  if you like history, if you are a believer or interested in religions but also for lovers of architecture and art.

The Bulgarian Renaissance marked the awakening of this country and the awareness, after years of domination and repression, of its identity and its culture.

Take walking shoes with you and, during a 2-hour hike, discover the Rila Cave, a founding place of this now world-famous monastery. This exceptional site, one of the Best Tourist Attractions in Bulgaria , is located in the heart of nature, the perfect opportunity to combine a culture & nature walk.

Book your flights  to Sofia, your  accommodation in Sofia  as well as your  tours and activities  such  as a " From Sofia: Rila Monastery Small Group Tour ".

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Sofia (1h50 from Rila Monastery).

  Where to stay:  " InterContinental Sofia " offers two restaurants, a 24/7 fitness center and city and mountain views

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30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Bulgaria

When people think about Bulgaria, they often mainly associate it with Sofia. While the capital city is undoubtedly a worthy destination, it’s important to emphasize that there are many other wonderful spots to explore in this country.

It’s not to say Sofia isn’t worth seeing; it definitely is. However, by only visiting the capital, one would miss out on experiencing the true essence of Bulgaria. This country offers much more – beautiful sandy beaches, towering mountains, and endless valleys. Moreover, Bulgaria stands as one of Europe’s oldest countries, with a deep history and culture that have played significant roles in its development. The people of Bulgaria take pride in their culture and enjoy discussing their history.

If you’re still not getting the picture of what’s expecting you here, then keep reading. I have compiled a list of 30 gorgeous places to visit in Bulgaria. May the inspiration for your next trip start flowing… now!

Table of Contents

Best cities and villages to visit in Bulgaria

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and the biggest city in the country. It’s very likely that this is the first place you’ll visit, as this is where the main airport is and most airlines fly here.

Some exceptions are Varna and Burgas, which are perfect to fly into if you’re going to the seaside, but more on this later in the article.

Sofia is not a city for everybody – some like it, others don’t, but it’s definitely worth spending 1 or 2 days here to see the main sights. You can take a free walking tour where a local guide will take you around the centre and tell you more about the history of Sofia and Bulgaria as a whole.

Once you’ve seen the main attractions in Sofia, you better pack your stuff and go explore some other beautiful places around Bulgaria.

Plovdiv has been claimed as one of the oldest cities in the world and the oldest city in Europe , even older than Athens. This can mean only one thing – incredibly rich history, roman ruins, beautiful old architecture and unreplicable ‘old-town’ vibes. 

This is the number one must-see place in Bulgaria (at least according to me and many others), and I’d even recommend spending more days in Plovdiv than in Sofia. The reason is simple – it has more to offer. 

Reaching Plovdiv is easy, even if you don’t have a car. No matter whether you land in Sofia or Varna, you can take a bus from the central bus station of the city, which will take you directly here. Communing by train is also an option, though bus is usually faster. 

Check out my detailed guide about the best things to do in Plovdiv! 

3. Veliko Tarnovo

Along with Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo is one of my most favourite cities in all of Bulgaria. Being a former capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom between 12th and 14th century, this place has quite a bit to offer as well. 

The city is located on the beautiful Yantra river, and it also lies on three hilld, the tallest one being Tsarevets. Tsarevets is also the main attraction of Veliko Tarnovo – you can visit the remains of a massive medieval fortress with a beautiful view over the city.

Check out my detailed guide about the best things to do in Veliko Tarnovo!

Welcome to the sea capital of Bulgaria ! This is the third largest city of the country and the biggest seaside resort, attracting many tourists during the summer season thanks to its beautiful coastline and city vibes.

Fun fact – the oldest gold treasure in the world , dating back to 4200 – 4600 BC, was found in Varna . The artifacts can be seen at the Varna Archeological Museum, as well as at the National History Museum in Sofia. 

Varna offers something for anyone’s taste – sandy beaches, lively bars and clubs, beautiful gardens, lots of restaurants and shops and fun activities to do. Nowadays low-cost flights with Wizz Air and Ryanair make reaching Varna easier than ever, but you could also catch a bus/train from Sofia, or any other city in the country for that matter. 

Here is a detailed list of the best things to do in Varna in a weekend .

You HAVE to know these 8 crucial things before visiting Bulgaria!

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Burgas, situated on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, captivates visitors with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This vibrant city offers a picturesque coastline, featuring pristine beaches and a lively seaside promenade.

Stroll through the charming Old Town, where cobblestone streets lead to historic landmarks, including the Sea Garden and the Archaeological Museum.

Burgas is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, rich maritime heritage, and a diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the sandy shores or exploring the city’s cultural treasures, Burgas has something for everyone.

6 . Koprivshtitsa  

Photo credit: Andrey Andreev

Koprivshtitsa is known for its old authentic Bulgarian architecture , folk festivals and important historical sights. It’s certainly a favourite among locals, but quite underrated when it comes to foreign tourists.

Along with the Old Town of Plovdiv, Koprivshtitsa is one of the best preserved and most characteristic Bulgarian towns, still holding the atmosphere from the Bulgarian National Revival period. The history of this place has a lot to do with the uprising against the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, hence why it holds a special place in the hearts of many Bulgarians. 

Ever since 1965 the National Festival of Bulgarian Folklore is being held every 5 years in Koprivshtitsa and gathers musicians, dancers and artists from all around the country.

Otherwise called “the Little Vienna”, Ruse lies on the Danube river, bordering the Romanian city of Giurgiu. Its architecture is strongly influenced by the Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo style, which gives it a unique Middle-European touch, which can’t be seen anywhere else in the country.

There are many things to see around the city as well – the Natural Park Rusenski Lom, the Rock Churches of Ivanovo, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the medieval town of Cherven and more.

8. Shiroka Laka

Shiroka Laka, nestled in the Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria, is a picturesque village famous for its authentic charm and preserved cultural heritage. Characterized by traditional Rhodopean architecture with unique stone houses and cobblestone streets, Shiroka Laka just brings you back in time.

The village is a hub for folklore and music, hosting the famous Shiroka Laka Kukeri Festival, where masked performers partake in age-old rituals. Visitors can explore the Ethnographic Museum and enjoy the warm hospitality of locals.

9. Kovachevitsa

Kovachevitsa, another hidden gem nestled in the Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria, transports visitors to a bygone era with its well-preserved 18th-century architecture and idyllic setting. This enchanting village is characterized by its cobblestone streets and stone-built houses adorned with wooden details.

Kovachevitsa’s authenticity is complemented by the surrounding natural beauty, offering panoramic views of lush hills. Visitors can explore the architectural masterpieces, such as the Church of the Holy Trinity, and immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere. Kovachevitsa is very small, so it’s enough even to spend 1 hour here, but so worth it!

10. Bozhentsi

We’ll keep the ball rolling with Bulgaria’s authentic villages.

Bozhentsi, a captivating village nestled in the Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria, invites travelers to step into a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Known for its exceptionally well-preserved 19th-century architecture, Bozhentsi boasts charming cobblestone streets lined with quaint houses featuring wooden facades and intricately carved details.

This historical village offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by pristine nature, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests. Visitors can explore the village’s cultural heritage by visiting landmarks like the Church of St. Prophet Iliya and the Hadzhi Nikoli Inn. Bozhentsi is a haven for those seeking a serene escape, offering a perfect blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Best seaside places to visit in Bulgaria

Are you visiting in the midst of a cold winter or beautiful sunny summer and you’re looking for a place to enjoy your holiday? Here are a few suggestions for each of these seasons!

11. Sozopol

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Sozopol is one of my most favourite seaside resorts in Bulgaria . If you’re looking for a chill holiday in a beautiful place with a historical touch – this is for you. Sozopol has a lot to offer to its visitors – there is a wide choice of sandy beaches, numerous restaurants with delicious traditional food, as well as a historical Old Town, which gives you a good feeling of what Bulgaria used to look like in the past. Be sure to also  check out my blog post about the best beach resorts in Bulgaria (as well as which to avoid).

12. Nesebar

Another great choice on the Black Sea coast is Nesebar. I know you’ve all heard of Sunny Beach… Well, Nessebar is located extremely close to it (less than 10km) and, unless you’re looking for crazy party nights, it’s a much better alternative. Just like Sozopol, Nesebar has a beautiful Old Town. Are you looking for a place where you can do some sightseeing in the morning and enjoy the sun rays at the beach in the afternoon? Consider Nesebar for your next vacation!

13. Balchik

Famous for its beautiful botanical gardens, Balchik is another beautiful coastal town that is worth visiting. Surprisingly, Balchik is not amongst the most popular seaside resorts, which makes it a perfect getaway from other busy places. Don’t miss the palace with its gorgeous gardens, located a couple of kilometers west along the promenade.

Best mountain towns to visit in Bulgaria

Moving on to the perfect vacation spots for winter and ski lovers, Bansko surely takes the top place. In fact, Bansko has the longest ski runs in the country. The place offers excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding, and if you’re not really into that, there are also a few other things you can do. Walk around the Old Town, pamper yourself at a spa, or just indulge in all the delicious food at the local traditional restaurants. 

15. Pamporovo

Pamporovo is another very popular ski resort, which is told to be very suitable for families with children, as well as complete beginners at skiing. The winters in Pamporovo tend to be mild and sunny, while the snowfall lasts for a long time, which makes it a perfect winter getaway.  

Beautiful natural wonders and historical sights to visit in Bulgaria

16. the seven rila lakes.

The Seven Rila Lakes is one of the most iconic places in Bulgaria and a definite must-see for all nature lovers. Even if you’re not much of a hiker, you should still go see it! This beautiful area consists of seven glacier lakes high in the mountains – between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level. 

Locals are obsessed with these lakes and most of them have hiked to the very top at least a few times in their lives. No wonder – the view is absolutely stunning. The main walking route takes approximately 2.5 – 3 hours to get the last and highest lake, and the level of difficulty is not considered high. You can either sign up for an organised tour from Sofia or get your own vehicle and drive to the Rila Mountains yourself. Whichever way you choose – you won’t regret it. 

17. The Rila Monastery

Another gem located in the Rila mountains is the Rila Monastery – one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural, archeological and historical monuments. It is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. The monastery dates back to the 10th century and, as impressive as it is on the outside, it is even more impressive inside. Beautiful frescos, rich collection of icons and wood carvings, many preserved cultural items are some of the things that can be seen. 

Shared shuttles run every day from Sofia and the drive there takes about 2 hours. You can also reach the Rila Monastery with your own vehicle – the roads are well maintained and there is parking in close proximity. 

18. Belogradchik Rocks

The Belogradchik Rocks is a group of impressive rock formations, located in the Western part of the Balkan Mountains, near the town of Belogradchik. Many foreigners I’ve talked to, who have visited this site, admitted that it is one of their absolute favourite places in the whole country. Getting to the top and observing the view from above can be a very humbling, yet extraordinary experience – endless mountain peaks, lush forests and almost no people around. 

The formation of the rocks started about 230 million years ago, during the Permian period, and has been developing ever since. Belogradchik was named as one of twenty finalists by the European Commission as a “European Destination of Excellence” in 2008. The Belogradchik Rocks were even named as Bulgaria’s nomination in the campaign for the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2009. They are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

19. Arbanasi

Arbanasi is small village, known for its many historical monuments and rich history. It is located in very close proximity to Veliko Tarnovo (only about 4km), which makes it a perfect day trip location if you’re in the surroundings. The town is representative of old Bulgarian National Revival architecture, which makes it a popular tourist destination, especially among locals. 

20. Pobiti Kamani

Another rock phenomenon on the Bulgarian territory is so-called Stone Desert. Located close to Varna , Pobiti Kamani is one of the few deserts found in Europe. Not only that, but it is also one of the few places where desert type plants, such as cactus, are growing, and desert animals are found. The place consists of dunes and natural rock formations, mostly in the shape of columns.  

21. Cape Kaliakra

Cape Kaliakra is a historical place at the Black Sea Coast, a narrow piece of land going into the water, offering a mesmerizing view of the seemingly endless sea, remnants of fortified walls and dolphins swimming around. The place is associated with an old famous legend about 40 Bulgarian girls, who decided to tie their long hair together and jump into the Black Sea, instead of being captured by the Ottomans during the Ottoman rule back in the days. 

22. Kazanlak

Nowadays Kazanlak is a small industrial centre, but what sets it apart from other places in the country are a few interesting facts. For one, it is located on lands, which were previously ruled by the Thracians! You get what that means? You can find Thracian remnants here, and more specifically – the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak. Secondly, the city is the centre of rose oil extraction in Bulgaria, as it is located very closely to the Rose Valley. In Kazanlak you can find the only museum in the world, dedicated to roses. There is also a Rose Festival being thrown during the last week of May – beginning of June. People parade and dance around with roses, a Rose queen is being crowned, and you can actually observe the process of rose picking. Needless to say, Kazanlak has been attracting quite a few tourists, especially at the time of the festival. 

23. Open-air museum Etara

The Architectural-Ethnographic Complex Etar, or the so-called “Etara”, is essentially neighborhood which serves as an open-air museum. It is located in Northern Bulgaria in the city of Gabrovo. The complex aims at illustrating the architecture, economy and way of living in the region during the Bulgarian National Revival period in the 18th and 19th century. You can see typical Bulgarian revival houses and learn about old Bulgarian culture, customs and craftsmanship. 

Best caves visit in Bulgaria

Yes, Bulgaria is a very ‘cave-y’ place. So let’s look at some of the most beautiful and visit-worthy places that fit into this category.  

24. Magura cave

The Magura cave is home to over 700 drawings from different ages, dating back to the Stone age. You can see drawings of humans, animals, cult rituals and even one of the first calendars from the Neolithic age with 366 days in a year.

If you’re visiting the Belogradchik Rocks mentioned above, put this cave on your itinerary as well, as both places are located in close proximity to each other. 

25. Devetashka Cave

In my opinion, this is one of the most impressive and beautiful caves in all of Bulgaria. It is not a typical cave, and it’s probably something you’ve never seen before. The place is massive and it makes you feel kind of insignificant.. But in a good way. The Devetashka cave is actually so awesome that it was shown in the action movie The Expendables 2. 

26. Prohodna cave

Kind of similar to the Devetashka cave, but yet also very different, Prohodna cave is famous for the Eyes of God formation. The name of the cave literally means “the Passage cave”, and that’s what it actually is – a passage underneath the mountains. There is no fee to enter. It can also be considered a rock climbers’ paradise, as rock climbing is allowed and it’s perfect both on a nice day and for when it’s raining outside. 

Other remarkable places to visit in Bulgaria

27. dyavolski most (devil’s bridge).

Dating back to the 16th century, the bridge was built by a local man during the time of the Ottoman occupation. Getting there requires some walking, but the views on the way and once you get there are unbeatable. Pack some food and drinks and have a picnic in the surroundings while enjoying this historical place. 

28. Perperikon

Perperikon is an ancient Thracian city, where human activity dates back to 5000 BC. Even though only discovered a couple of decades ago, Perperikon embodies history that covers several eras. It can easily be said that this is one of the most valuable archeological discoveries on Bulgarian territory – Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and Bulgarians have left their marks here.

With its 12 square km, Perperikon is also the largest megalithic complex in the Balkans. 

29. Krushuna Falls

The Krushuna Falls is a series of waterfalls located in Northern Bulgaria. The hike there is known as the shortest eco-trail in the country, so wandering around is not physically demanding and quite pleasurable. The colour of the water in the lakes varies and it can get so crystal blue, that at some point you might think you’re on an exotic island somewhere in Asia. 

If you’re visiting the Devetashka cave, make sure to stop by the Krushuna Falls, as they’re only 15 km away. 

30. Eagle’s Eye Viewpoint (Yagodina)

If you’re not afraid of heights and you love mountainous views, the Eagle’s Eye viewpoint is for you. It’s a platform, built at the edge of a cliff, with an altitude of 1563 metres. The views of the surrounding area are incredible, to say the least.

Final thoughts

I hope this list of places to visit in Bulgaria helped you decide where you want to go during your trip here. Keep in mind that there are even more unique destinations you can visit, so check out some of our other articles to get an even better idea.

Let us know if you’ve been to any of these places in the comments below!

Lyubomira is the creator and author behind WondersOfBulgaria. With a degree in Journalism and experience in the field of tourism and marketing, her mission with this website is to show travellers the beauty of her home country - Bulgaria.

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13 Best Things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria’s Capital (+ Map!)

Sofia is probably one of the most underrated European capitals but also such a nice jewel to add to your collection of visited cities.  Nestled at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, Sofia is a city brimming with stories waiting to be discovered. Bulgaria is situated on a crossroad between Europe and Asia which contributed greatly…

9 Wonderful Things to Do in Pomorie

In the beginning of November our journey took us to the small Black Sea town of Pomorie where we had the pleasure to spend a full weekend. You might wonder why I would visit Pomorie during the autumn, almost winter? Isn’t it a summer destination? You will be surprised how much there’s to do here…

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A Broad Wanders Abroad

Virtually backpacking through europe.

• Mar 18, 2021

37 Must-Visit Attractions and Sites in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a gorgeous country with a long history, there is a rich mix of ancient treasures and modern wonders to explore. These are challenging times, economically, for the people of Bulgaria, but they are clever, proud and resourceful. There is so much to discover in Bulgaria during our virtual visit. Thanks for tagging along - Hope you enjoy!

Mapwork by @Slalice_Draws

TRAVEL & ACCOMODATIONS

This week, we will be virtually staying in three regions within this country: Sofia; Stara Zagora; and Burgas, as most of the attractions we are visiting can be reached from these three locations. At the end, I will share a handful of attractions that are further afield, in case we are interested in adding another stop to our itinerary of accommodations.

From Berlin, Germany, travel is not too difficult. Many airlines can get us there, and I found at least one with direct flights of just over 2 hours, obtainable currently for less than 100 Euros.

When we arrive in the capital city of Sofia, we will stay in the luxurious Sense Hotel and Spa , which currently has rooms available from 100 Euros per night.

When we travel to Stara Zagora, we will stay at the most highest rated hotel in that area, called (appropriately!) Best Boutique Hotel , which has rooms available currently starting at around 40 Euros / night.

Finally, when we are staying along the coast in Burgas, we will stay at the beautiul Grand Hotel & Spa - Primoretz , which has rooms currently averaging at 75 Euros per night.

St. Sofia Church

This historic church is the oldest operating church in Europe and is built on top of an ancient Roman theater and the ruins can be seen through panes of glass in the floor.

The Largo, Sofia

The Largo is an architectural ensemble of three buildings designed as a prime example of Socialist Classicism architecture in Southeastern Europe. The Largo houses the Bulgarian National assembly (previously used as quarters for the Bulgarian communist party), the TZUM department store, the Council of Ministers, the Presidency, the Sofia Hotel Balkan and the Ministry of Education. In the 1990s, the former communist party house was reconfigured by exposing the ruins of ancient Serdica, which lay directly beneath it. This was proposed because the people did not want communist memorabilia to be the accent in the city’s center.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

In Sofia, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the largest Orthodox cathedral. Let's take a virtual tour here .

National Palace of Culture

Next up in Sofia, we will check out the National Palace of Culture :

Statue of Sveta Sofia

Of course, while we are touring around the city, we don't want to miss the statue of Sveta, Sofia:

Rila Monastery

The next stop on our visit to Sofia is the Rila Monastery , and - lucky for us - the master himself, Rick Steves, has visited this attraction and made a great little tour that we can take here:

Monument to the Soviet Army

Next we will head over to the Monument to the Soviet Army to check out how it looks today. It is often painted over in protest to look like different cultural touchstones, and some of them are funny and well-done, and as a result has become a tourist attraction in spite of itself:

Museum of Socialist Art

Next, we will be sure to stop by the Museum of Socialist Art. In the meantime, here is a virtual walkthrough we can enjoy:

The Snail House

We can't leave Sofia before we check out the most obscure and unique building around. The Snail House is a fun landmark worth a visit (and great for our Instagram feed!):

Raketa Rakia Bar

By now, I am sure we are getting hungry, so we will head to Raketa Rakia Bar - a very highly recommended and cool retro-Soviet/Communist themed restaurant, for a delicious meal:

Underground Mining Museum

Just outside Sofia, we will find the Underground Mining Museum . Here's a great tour (this particular tour is not in English, but we can get a good idea of what we are watching - and get exposure to the local language as well!)

Surva Carnival

If we are lucky, the Surva Carnival Festival will be happening while we are visiting Bulgaria. Here is a great overview of the festival we can check out in the meanwhile:

The "Eyes of God" Cave

Not too far from Sofia there is a natural cave that has captured the spiritual imagination. In this cave, there are two large eye shaped holes that look down from the heavens. There are stunning views when it is a clear night or a beautiful day, and on rainy days, the eyes appear to weep. Here is a short excerpt from a moving acoustic concert within the caves that we can enjoy:

STARA ZAGORA

Regional History Museum of Stara Zagora and Neolithic Dwellings Museum

Our first stop when we arrive in Stara Zagora will be the Regional History Museum . It has been a fixture and an authority in the area over the past 100+ years and will be the perfect place to get our bearings as we begin exploring this part of the country. As a part of this visit, we will also get a chance to see the impressive Neolithic Dwellings Museum :

Koprivshtitsa - One of the Best Preserved Revival-Era Towns

Our stay in Stara Zagora (toward the middle of the country) will serve as a regional hub as we explore this part of Bulgaria, and we will likely need access to a car to get to some of these locations that may be 1-2 hours away from Stara Zagora. Good thing we are in the mood to explore! Next up is a visit to Koprivshtitsa , which is a beautiful and well preserved example of a revival-era town - relaxing and full of wonderful and hospitable residents.

Tsaravets Fortress

Next we will head nearby to the town of Veliko Tarnovo for a visit to this fairytale-like historic palatial fortress :

Maryan Winery

Bulgaria is well-known for its wine production. We won't want to get through this week without a visit to a winery. The Maryan Winery is beautiful and produces 5 wine varieties. Here is a short visit:

Nikopolis ad Istrum

Right down the road, we don't want to miss the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Nikopolis ad Istrum :

Ascension Cathedral

Also nearby, we can visit the beautiful and historically important Ascension Cathedral which is a popular spot for tourists.

Also not too far from Stara Zagora is the world's 6th oldest town - Plovdiv ! There will be a few things we will want to check out here. Let's start with an overview:

Ancient Roman Stadium - Plovdiv

Our first stop in Plovdiv will be a tour of the ancient Roman stadium . It once held 30,000 spectators, and today has 14 preserved rows of seating. Here's a tour:

Alyosha Monument - Plovdiv

While in Plovdiv, we can look up, and see this statue that watches over the city:

Buzludza Monument

We will want to check out the nearby flying-saucer-looking Buzludza Monument - once a beacon of the Communist Party in the region, and now abandoned and a tourist attraction:

Stone Mushrooms

Another popular attraction is the cool natural phenomenon in the nearby area of Beli Plast, referred to as the ' Stone Mushrooms .'

Old Enio Bonchev Distillery and Family Museum

Rose Oil is one of the proud exports of Bulgaria, and it will be fun to visit an old distillery to learn about how this happens and how it has happened historically. Here's a virtual tour :

Rose Museum and Festival - Kazanlak

Speaking of roses and rose oil, they are so culturally important to Bulgaria that they celebrate each year with a rose festival. Let's enjoy this video where we can join in the fun!:

Beehive Tomb

Next, we head to the coast of the Black Sea, to the town of Burgas and attractions nearby. Our first stop there will be the Beehive Tomb which dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century, AD. It is believed to have served as a mausoleum of a wealthy family in which religious pagan rituals were carried out.

Abandoned Arkutino School for Gifted Children

While in the area, it will be interesting to explore the Arkutino School for Gifted Children - a massive complex that was never completed and abandoned. It was designed to be a draw for gifted children from around the world to come and study.

And, speaking of unfinished architecture, nearby we will find Perla 2 - a never finished, grand residence for dictator Todor Zhivkov, abandoned in 1989 when Communism fell.

Rock Monastery of Shashkunite

This looks to be a very cool place to visit - accessible only by a small metal footbridge - these caves have served as a series of religious halls.

Retro Car Museum

Nearby, we will enjoy a visit to a retro car museum. Here is a virtual tour we can take:

Pomorie / Seaside Resort

While in the Burgas area, we will be ready to relax after such a busy week. Pomorie is a seaside resort that will be a perfect fit... Dreamy!

Apollonia Art & Film Fest

If we are lucky, the annual Apollonia Art & Film Fest will be happening while we are in town.

Should we find ourselves with an extra day available in our itinerary and willingness to leave the three areas where we are staying to further explore, we can check out one of the following really cool attractions:

Bulgarian State Monument

Devil's Throat Cave

Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari

Abritus Outdoor Museum

Finally, we can visit the ancient Roman military base of Abritus - built in the 1st Century AD, on top of an ancient Thracian settlement.

Phew! Such a full and busy virtual trip! What did you enjoy the most?

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The Best Attractions in Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers an immersive Balkan experience for visitors – you can explore Roman ruins in Plovdiv, hike in mountain ranges with jaw-dropping scenery or pick roses with locals. From ancient tombs to colorful old towns and fortresses, discover our pick of the best attraction s in Bulgaria .

The ancient theater in plovdiv.

The imposing structure of the Ancient Theater in Plovdiv Old Town has been well preserved, dating back to the first century. Theatrical performances and gladiator fights took place here, as well as important gatherings of the local government. Come during the summer months to enjoy opera or live music, seated on the ancient stones.

Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo

Tsarevets Fortress was built where the palace of the Bulgaria n king (referred to as tsar ) once stood, over 800 years ago. Climb the Tsarevets Hill and check out the Tsarevets Museum Reserve. If you’re planning ahead, coordinate your visit with the Sound and Light show – for upcoming dates, check the local Tourist Office.

Prohodna Cave

Prohodna Cave is a favorite spot for both tourists and rock climbers , due to its unique structure. Look up to see the two openings in its ceiling, which look so much like a set of eyes that the locals began calling the cave the Eyes of God. It’s even more impressive on a bright night, with the moon shining through the so-called eyes.

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Belogradchik Rocks

There are some spectacular rock shapes around the small town of Belogradchik and like clouds in the sky, they can resemble animals, people or unusual objects – if you look hard enough. What makes the Belogradchik Rocks even more alluring is its very own fortress, built within the rocks with walls, floors and stairs. The view from the top is phenomenal.

Pirin National Park

Pirin is one of the most popular Bulgaria n mountains for hiking. It’s no surprise many visitors claim it stole their heart, as the landscape is mainly alpine rock, with deep blue lakes dotted all around. There are many hiking trails within the national park – Koncheto Ridge is a particularly challenging one. It’s a good idea to bring a map and compass.

Krushuna Waterfalls

These waterfalls almost look artificial, they are so postcard perfect. The turquoise water makes a beautiful contrast against the snow-white rock brinks of the cascades. More than 800 years ago, hermits carved caves out of the rocks and lived in them. Krushuna Waterfalls are located in Northern Bulgaria , near Letnitsa village.

The Balchik Palace and Botanical Garden

One of the best destinations for cultural attraction s on the Bulgaria n Black Sea coast is the palace in Balchik and its impressive botanical gardens. The palace belonged to the Romanian queen Maria, who ruled these parts of Bulgaria at the time. She loved Balchik so much she made her own spiritual haven.

The town of Koprivshtitsa

Koprivshtitsa will twist your tongue with its hard-to-pronounce name, but it’s worth the effort because it’s one of the best preserved Revival-period towns. Stroll past the colorful houses and visit one which has been transformed into a museum, to soak up the historical atmosphere and learn more about how the Bulgaria ns gained their liberty.

The Sveshtari Tomb

Sveshtari Tomb is a Unesco-protected ancient Thracian site, discovered in 1982. It was built for the purpose of a royal funeral, although archaeologists are unsure of the name of the deceased. The most impressive feature inside are the 10 female figures with their arms up, appearing as if they are supporting the ceiling.

The Rose Valley

Bulgaria is known as the Country of Roses, and there’s a specific area where most of the rose fields are located: the Rose Valley, near the town of Kazanlak. Every year, for a whole month – mid-May to mid-June – the Rose Festival fills the air with the sweet scent of rose blooms. Tourists are welcome to join the rose-picking process , as long as they’re prepared for the early start, as the best time to do it is sunrise.

Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery is the biggest Bulgaria n monastery , established in 10th century by the Bulgaria n saint and hermit Ivan of Rila. A Unesco World Heritage Site, it is one of the most significant cultural, religious and architectural sites in Bulgaria . Besides the monastery buildings, there’s a fortification tower in the monastery court.

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15 best places to visit in bulgaria [2024 travel guide].

Discover the very best destinations in Bulgaria with this comprehensive guide...

With a diverse landscape including Black Sea beaches, ski resorts, snow-capped mountains, and thermal spas, this Slavic slice of Eastern Europe is a must visit for any serious traveler.

Other outdoor activities include hiking, camping and biking in some of the wildest parts of Europe.

The country's charming towns and cities also offer plenty in the way of entertainment, dining, history and architecture.

Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe so is perfect for those traveling on budget too.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and discover the very best places to visit in Bulgaria!

Travellerspoint

How to Get to Bulgaria

Getting to Bulgaria from the rest of Europe is a piece of cake as it's served by three of Europe’s biggest budget airlines; Ryanair , Easyjet and Wizz Air .

There are daily flights from most major European cities to airports across Bulgaria from Plovdiv and Sofia to Varna on the Black Sea and more.

If you're visiting from outside Europe then it’s best to fly to a large hub such as Frankfurt or Amsterdam and take a connecting flight for the final leg. 

There are daily buses to Bulgaria’s capital from neighboring countries. Below are a few of the most popular routes!

In addition to the regional bus companies servicing these routes, Flixbus is one of the most popular bus companies in Europe with routes covering Bulgaria both domestically and internationally. 

• Skopje (North Macedonia) to Sofia - 4h45m
• Bucharest (Romania) to Sofia - 6h30m
• Thessaloniki (Greece) to Sofia - 10h30m

There are international train services between many southeastern European countries and Bulgaria. There are daily direct trains from Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Turkey.

Some of the most popular routes include:

• Dimitrovgrad (Serbia) to Sofia - 2h10m
• Bucharest (Romania) to Sofia - 9h50m
• Istanbul (Turkey) to Sofia - 10h04m

Getting Around Bulgaria

Hiring a Car

Hiring a car is a great way to get around Bulgaria as it gives you more freedom to go where you please.  For the best deals check out Rental Cars !

Bulgaria is covered by a comprehensive, if a little slow, train network. However, it’s one of the cheapest (and most pleasant) ways to explore the country if you're not in a rush.

Getting from Sofia to Plovdiv takes around two hours and costs as little as $5.00. There are also trains to the resorts on the Black Sea!

Bulgaria has a pretty solid bus network covering all the major cities and resorts.

Fares are cheap (usually from about $2.00 per journey), and traveling by bus can often be quicker (though less scenic) than taking the train.

Motorhome/RV

One of the best ways to get around Bulgaria and the Balkans is to hire a motorhome/RV.

This is what we did during our drive around the world (which we're currently on) and we had the most amazing time! 

It's a great way to get around the national parks, mountains and Black Sea coast, and can save you a lot of money on accommodation too! Visit Motorhome Republic for the best deals! 

15 Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s Second largest City and is often touted as the oldest inhabited place in Europe. It's located in the south of the country 90 miles southwest of the capital, Sofia.

The city sits on the banks of the Maritsa River and is surrounded by seven mountains, just like Rome with which it shares much in common.

The history of the city dates back thousands of years and much of its Roman history is still evident , such as the incredible Theater of Philippopolis , which is still used for events today. 

Plovdiv is considered Bulgaria’s cultural capital, and it was even voted the European Capital of Culture in 2019. It's undeniably one of the best cities in Bulgaria and you'll soon see why! 

The city is packed with interesting things to do from walking its charming cobbled streets to stopping at street side cafes or restaurants for a bite of hearty local fayre. 

Bulgaria’s food is to die for, with the freshest, locally grown produce used by many of the city’s eateries.

One of the best things to do in Bulgaria is to climb one of Plovidiv’s hills for enchanting views of the city. Nebet Tepe and Bunardzhik Tepe are two of the most accessible.

This full day tour from Sofia is a great way to experience Plovdiv and takes in some of the city’s most famous attractions!

If you're looking for things to do in Plovdiv then here's an article that you might find useful...

Top Things to do in Plovdiv

• Explore Plovdiv Old Town
• Visit Plovdiv Roman theater
• Explore Kapana Suburb

Where to Stay in Plovdiv

HillHouse Plovdiv - This gorgeous property offers a variety of rooms and suites that feature an array of amenities including free WiFi, air conditioning, and a TV. You'll also be close to many of Plovdiv's popular attractions.

One of the best things to do in Bulgaria is to spend some time in the capital city of Sofia . This city’s history is no less impressive and you can witness evidence of its Roman, Medieval, Ottoman and Soviet past.

Sofia has a real east-meets-west feel to it and here you’ll find medieval churches, onion domed cathedrals and Ottoman mosques side by side.

One of Sofia’s most famous landmarks is the Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral .

This beautiful church with its blue and gold onion domes is considered one of Bulgaria’s most sacred symbols.

The city sits in the shadow of 2,292 meter (7,520 foot) Mount Vitosha, which makes an excellent day trip from the city. The panoramic views across Sofia’s rooftops are incredible too! 

The National Museum of Military History takes you on a journey from Bulgaria’s ancient history through to its days as part of the Soviet Union.

Sofia has a thriving foodie scene with some excellent restaurants offering a taste of traditional Bulgarian food , which is known for its simple, yet filling ingredients.

And let’s not forget about Bulgarian wine (more on that later). There are lots of great bars from local places full of character to trendy, modern establishments where you can sample some of the country’s drinks.

This three-hour guided city tour includes local food tasting and is a great way to get to grips with Bulgaria’s charming capital. 

Whatever, you choose to do you won't run out of things to do in Sofia ! 

Top Things to do in Sofia

• Visit St. Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral
• Climb Vitosha Mountain
• Visit the Boyana Church

Where to Stay in Sofia

Budapest Hotel (don’t worry, it’s not actually in Budapest) - This hotel is located in the center of Sofia and it's just a 5-minute walk from Central Train Station. All the rooms here are spacious and there's an on-site restaurant that guests can take advantage of.

3. Devils Bridge (Arda River)

The Devils Bridge (Dyavolski Most in Bulgarian) is a beautiful three-arched stone bridge across the Arda River gorge.

It’s located in the Rhodope Mountains near the town of Ardino, and not far from the Greek border.

The bridge was built between 1515 and 1518 by a Bulgarian builder named Dimitar, and it was used to connect Thrace with the Aegean Sea.

The Devils Bridge is certainly one of the hidden gems in Bulgaria, and makes a great day trip from Plovdiv, which is about a two-hour drive.

The picturesque valley and Arda River gorge are well worth exploring, and is one of the best natural places in Bulgaria.

The Devil’s Bridge isn’t easily reachable with public transport so you’ll need your own vehicle to get there. The other option is to take a bus to Ardino and then hire a taxi or Uber to take you the final distance.

Here's some more information about visiting Devils Bridge if you're looking to add this place to your itinerary (which I definitely recommend).

Top Things to do at the Arda River

• Visit Devils Bridge
• Go hiking in the Rhodope Mountains
• Explore nearby Ardino 

Where to Stay in Ardino

Stylish Loft Apartment - You won't find many accommodation options in Ardino but this gorgeous one-bedroom apartment is a real gem. It sleeps up to four people and features a kitchen, spacious living area, and free WiFi.

If you’re looking for a bit of pampering, then head to the spa town of Devin in the Vacha River valley in the far south of the country.

Devin is one of the most popular Bulgaria tourist attractions thanks to the hot springs, thermal spas and resorts located here.

The waters of Devin have been known for their healing properties since times of antiquity, and people flock here to treat all sorts of ailments (usually related to the skin).  

One of Bulgaria’s most popular bottled mineral water brands, Devin, is bottled here.

Devin’s location nestled in the mountain means it's one of the most scenic parts of Bulgaria. There is plenty for lovers of the outdoors, from gorges, interesting rock formations, caves, forest, rivers and more.

What better thing to do after hiking in this beautiful region than resting your weary feet in the healing waters of a spa or hot spring?!

Three popular tourist spots include Trigrad gorge, Devil’s Throat Cave and Yagodinska Cave.

There are buses to Devin from Plovdiv (2h40m) and there is one daily service from Sofia (4h0m).

Top Things to do in Devin

• Relax at one of the hot springs
• Explore Devin town

Where to Stay in Devin

Spa Hotel Ismena - Now, this is one of the most beautiful hotels that you'll come across in Bulgaria! Spa Hotel Ismena is not only set in a gorgeous location but you'll have free use of an indoor thermal pool, hot tub, salt sauna, and steam bath! 

Bansko in the Pirin Mountains in southwest Bulgaria is famous for its ski resorts.

Todorka Peak is home to a variety of different ski and snowboard runs and is the perfect place to visit in Bulgaria for winter sports.

But it’s not just about skiing and snowboarding, as Bankso forms part of the beautiful Pirin National Park with many great hiking trails, dramatic ridgelines and glacial lakes.

This is one of the wildest parts of Europe as the Pirin Mountains and valleys are home to wolves and bears among other flora and fauna.

There are buses from both Sofia and Plovdiv to Bansko and the journey time is around three hours from each! 

If you're looking for things to do in Bansko then you might find this article helpful...

Things to do in Bansko

• Hit the slopes at Bansko Ski Resort
• Visit Muratovo Lake
• Hike Vihren Peak

Where to Stay in Bansko

The Hot Springs Medical and Spa Hotel  - As the name suggests this hotel features an on-site spa so you'll benefit from an array of fantastic facilities including two swimming pools, a sauna, steam bath, and a Turkish hammam. There's also a tour desk at the hotel where the staff can organize tours for you! 

6. Rila National Park (Seven Rila Lakes Hike)

The Rila National Park in northwestern Bulgaria is home to a series of seven glacial lakes. 

These lakes are staggered at intervals between 2,000 and 2,500 meters up in the mountains and are one the most picturesque places to visit in Bulgaria.

The Seven Rila Lakes are all interconnected by streams and waterfalls and are one of Bulgaria’s most famous tourist attractions.

Each lake has its own name based on its unique characteristics, from “the Tear” due its clear waters, to “the Lower Lake”.

The lakes are reachable from the resort town of Panichishte. It’s a 90 minute walk to the lower lakes, and the hike around all of the lakes takes another four to five hours, so a good level of fitness is required.

There's also a chairlift from the resort up to the lakes which is a better way to arrive so you have enough energy for the hike. If you wish to take the chairlift back, ensure you return by 16:30. 

With the above in mind, one of the best ways to experience what is one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria is to take a day tour with transport direct from Sofia.

Things to do in Rila National Park

• Hike around Seven Rila Lakes
• Climb Musala Peak (the highest point in the Balkans)

Where to Stay in Rila National Park

Lion Hotel Borovets - This gorgeous hotel is the perfect base for exploring Rila National Park as it offers a free shuttle service to the chairlifts. You'll also have access to plenty of facilities including a lobby bar, fitness center, sauna, and a swimming pool.

7. Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery (Sveti Ivan Rilski) is located inside Rila Monastery Nature Park, one of the largest national parks in Bulgaria. 

The monastery was founded in 927AD by the hermit Ivan of Rila who lived in a cave close to where the monastery is now.

Rila Monastery is one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria thanks to its tranquil location in the mountainous national park.

The building as you see it today dates back to the 15th Century, with some parts older still. The complex includes a church, a residential area for the 60 or so monks that live here, and a museum. 

As it's one of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites this isn't a place that you want to miss, especially if you want to see the best of Bulgaria! 

This small group tour from Sofia takes in Rila Monastery as well as Sofia’s Boyana Church and is a great way to visit these famous Bulgaria attractions. 

Where to Stay near Rila Monastery

Family Hotel Gorski Kut - This hotel puts you in the perfect location to explore Rila Monastery and many of the rooms offer scenic views of Rila Valley! There's an on-site restaurant, bar, and a terrace area where you can relax and admire the scenery!

8. Velingrad

Another town in the Rhodope Mountains famous for its healing waters is Velingrad . The town was founded as late as 1948 after the unification of several villages in the region.

There are over 90 mineral water springs located around Velingrad and the most well known are Ladzhene, Kamenitsa, Chepino, Rakitovo and Kostandovo.

The mineral waters are used to treat and prevent many diseases and as such the town is popular with people from across the country.

There are 22 different mineral baths and pools here, and they vary in terms of temperature and mineral content levels. 

Due to the town's popularity there are three sanitariums, over 60 hotels and 140 restaurants, so you’ll find everything you could possibly need here.

Although there are many great hotels and spas, camping is a wonderful way to experience Velingrad, and Thermal Camping Velingrad is a camping ground with hot springs and swimming pools. 

Velingrad is honestly one of the best destinations in Bulgaria - especially if you're looking to relax!

Things to do in Velingrad

• Take a thermal bath
• Explore the town
• Visit Lake Kleptuza

Where to Stay in Velingrad

Park Hotel and Spa Vella Hills - Like many of the hotels in Velingrad, this property has an on-site spa where you'll have access to a variety of excellent facilities. The hotel and its outdoor pool also offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

9. Batak Reservoir

Batak Reservoir in the Rhodope Mountains is the third largest in Bulgaria and is hugely popular with tourists and people looking to get into the great outdoors.

This picturesque body of water is one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria thanks to the pristine nature and stunning views.

The Batak Reservoir is surrounded by forested hills and mountains with small settlements on the shore. 

There is plenty to do around the reservoir with hiking, biking, horse riding and fishing all being popular activities . It’s also possible to get out on the water with kayaks or take a boat trip.

This reservoir may not be one of the most 'iconic' things to see in Bulgaria, but it's certainly got a lot to offer! 

The nearest town is Batak, which is just five miles from the shore. 

Things to do at Batak Reservoir

Where to stay in batak.

Guest House Batak - This guest house is the perfect place to stay if you're looking to visit Batak Reservoir. Boasting spacious rooms with plenty of amenities and a great location, it's one of the best options in the area!

10. Shipka Pass

The Shipka Pass is a 1,150-meter (3,820-foot) pass through the Balkan Mountain Range in central Bulgaria.

The area is famous for the Battle of Shipka Pass between the Russians (with help from Bulgaria) and the Ottoman Empire during the Russo-Turkic War of 1877 to 1878.

The Shipka Monument is a 31.5-metre (98-foot) stone tower erected in 1934 to commemorate the battle.

In addition to the historic nature of the Shipka Pass, it also commands stunning views over the countryside below and is perfect for hiking.

There are daily buses from Sofia to Shipka which take around 3 hours. From Plovdiv the bus takes around two hours!

If you're planning to to drive the Shipka Pass then you'll find this information helpful...

Things to do at the Shipka Pass

• Hike the Shipka Pass
• Visit the Monument to the Battle of Shipka
• See the Shipka canons

Where to Stay in Shipka

Shipka Hotel - Shipka Hotel is one of the more authentic properties in the area yet it's still got plenty of awesome facilities including a fitness center, a restaurant, and garden area. There's also continental breakfast available! 

11. Veliko Tarnovo and Tsarevets Fortress

The beautiful old town of Veliko Tarnovo was once the center of the Second Bulgarian Empire and is bursting with history, unique architecture and interesting museums.

The town sits on the Yantra River and is spread across three hills rising above the river. One of these is Tsarevets which houses a large medieval fortress overlooking the town. 

Tsarevets Fortress dates back to 1185 and was once the most important stronghold in Bulgaria.

The complex has been restored to its former glory which took over 50 years and was completed in 1981 to mark the 1300th anniversary of the Bulgarian state.

There is a lot more to Veliko Tarnovo than just the fortress though. Here, you'll find a charming old town with cobbled streets, roman ruins, a monastery and lots of wonderful street side cafes and restaurants. 

Things to do in Veliko Tarnovo

• Visit Tsarevets Fortress
• Explore the old town
• Visit the Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration

Where to Stay in Veliko Tarnovo

Tsarevets Design and Spa - This gorgeous hotel is one of the closest accommodation options to Tsarevets Fortress so you'll have easy access to this popular attraction. Not only that but Tsarevets Design and Spa is set in a reconstructed old town house so the architecture is pretty incredible.

12. Saeva Dupka Cave

Saeva Dupka Cave complex , with over 400 meters of natural corridors and halls is one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria , and is even used as a venue for concerts.

The cave is named after the two brothers Seyu and Sae who hid inside during the Ottoman invasion of Bulgaria. 

Inside you can witness an impressive array of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millennia. Saeva Dupka really has to be seen to be believed, and is utterly gorgeous inside. 

The caves have been inhabited since at least Roman times, and now serve as one of Bulgaria’s most popular attractions.

There are five main galleries to explore within the caves, each with its own unique geological formations.

Saeva Dupka is just an hour and a half’s drive from Sofia, but the easiest way to get there is to take a guided tour .

Here's some more information about visiting Saeva Dupka Cave ...

13. Belogradchik Fortress

The impressive Belogradchik Fortress is a large rock-walled fortress in the Balkan Mountains in the far northeast of Bulgaria.

Belogradchik Fortress dates back to Roman times and the large, rocky outcrop served as natural defensive walls.

The fortress is one of the best preserved in the whole of Bulgaria and is an important part of the country’s history. If you're looking to learn more about the fortress' history then here's an article that you may want to read...

This fortified stronghold is located 1.5 miles from the town of Belogradchik, itself a popular tourist destination. In addition to the fortress, you can also visit the nearby Belogradchick rock formation.

This tour from Sofia is a great option and includes the fortress and rocks,transport, plus all entrance fees and an English-speaking tour guide.

Things to do in Belogradchik

• Visit the Fortress
• See the Belogradchik Rocks
• Explore the beautiful town

Where to Stay in Belogradchik

Skalite Hotel - Skalite Hotel is one of the best options in Belogradchik because of its spacious rooms, great location, and fantastic facilities. Here, you can play billiards, relax in the indoor pool, and eat in the on-site restaurant.

Varna is Bulgaria’s premiere Black Sea resort which is home to six beautiful sandy beaches as well as some excellent bars, restaurants and cafes.

The port city is also home to some incredible museums, not least of which houses a 6,000 year old jewelry collection called the “ Gold of Varna ”.

Not only that but the city is home to beautiful parks, gardens, orthodox churches and architecture dating back centuries.

The main city beaches offer a host of waterborne activities from swimming and sunbathing to kayaking, boat trips , fishing and more, while the town beaches are lined by bars and restaurants catering to tourists.

If you want to avoid the crowds and go where the locals do, then head to Asparukavo beach, a short bus ride from the center of town.

You'll find tons of things to do in Varna which definitely makes it one of the best cities to visit in Bulgaria! This is especially the case if you're looking for a little bit of relaxation and some excellent food.

Things to do in Varna

• Enjoy the city beaches
• See the Varna Gold
• Sample some of the city’s restaurants

Where to Stay in Varna

Aqua Hotel - Aqua Hotel is a great option if you're staying in Varna as it's just a short walk from the beach and it's right next to a shopping area. You'll also have access to the on-site fitness center, restaurant, and bar.

15. Melnik (Bulgarian Wine Region)

Bulgaria has its very own wine region covering over 150,000 acres , and it was once the fourth-largest wine producer in the world.

Melnik is at the heart of the country’s wine region and the city makes a great base for exploring the nearby vineyards and wineries.

There are lots of great wine-tasting tours which include transport from Sofia.

The city is also home to some interesting churches, a monastery, and some interesting architecture and geological features.

The nearby Melnik Earth Pyramids are well worth checking out too! These sandstone pyramids and obelisks rise out of the foothills and tower 100 meters above the forest. 

As you can see there are plenty of things to do in Melnik ...

Things to do in Melnik

• Go on a wine tasting tour
• Visit the Melnik Earth Pyramids

Where to Stay in Melnik

Hotel Melnik - Hotel Melnik is located in a scenic area of town and offers guests a variety of facilities including a wellness center, a bar, a restaurant, and a BBQ. There are also plenty of awesome rooms to choose from!

Bulgaria Travel Tips & FAQ

When is a good time to visit bulgaria.

Bulgaria is a great destination year-round, but the two best seasons for visiting are summer (for the beaches and hiking) and winter (for skiing and winter sports).

The climate is temperate-continental with hot summers, and long, cold winters. Snowfall usually happens between January and March.

Bear in mind that the temperatures will always be lower in the mountains too! 

How Long Should You Spend in Bulgaria?

If you're looking for a beach holiday then one week is perfect, however if you want to explore the cities, towns and mountains then two weeks is better . 

What is a Good Budget for Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is cheap by European standards. A recommended budget is $70 per person, per day.

This can increase to $100 if you stay at expensive Black Sea or mountain ski resorts. If you stay at hostels then $50 per day is a more realistic budget!

Is Bulgaria Safe to Visit?

Bulgaria is a very safe country with low instances of violent crime. Opportunistic theft and pickpocketing can occur at tourist spots, and if visiting the beach, always keep an eye on your belongings. 

Where To Go After Bulgaria?

There's no denying that Bulgaria is one of the best places to visit in Europe but where do you go from here?

As Bulgaria has great transport links to the rest of the Balkans, exploring this often neglected little corner of Europe is a great idea. 

For the ultimate Balkan road trip, there are plenty of options for onward travel. For starters, there are five countries that border Bulgaria; Serbia, North Macedonia , Greece , Turkey, and Romania .

Any of these countries would make for the ultimate Balkans road trip, but you don't have to end your road trip there.

If you're looking to continue on through Europe then why not head to Albania , Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro , or Croatia ?

The road trip options are endless so where will you visit?

Here's some more inspiration for your road trip:

• Dubrovnik on a Budget: The Complete Guide
• The Famous Mostar Bridge Jump
• The Best Things to do in Split, Croatia

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

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20 Gorgeous Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers very varied trips, the Mountain slopes of Bansko and Pomporovo attract skiers in the winter, and the Black Sea beaches draw crowds in the summer months and it has a unique charm all of its own. Here are my favorite beauty spots in this extraordinary country…

1. The Black Sea Beaches

In my opinion, an excellent place to start is the country’s famous coastline. Bulgaria is known for its Black Sea coastline, with long sandy beaches dotted with hotels, traditional fishing villages, and historical sites.

Tourists flock to the glitzier resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, but I personally believe the city beaches in Varna and Burgas are just as beautiful.

• You may also like our post on incredible places to visit in Turkey

2. Nessebar

Often referred to as the Pearl of the Black Sea, the historic town of Nessebar dates back to antiquity when it was founded as a Thracian settlement known as Menebria. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Bulgarians, Crusaders, and Ottomans all took turns fortifying the ancient town and the narrow peninsula on which it is located.

Today, a stroll on its cobblestone streets will bring you to remnants of 40 brick churches dating back to the 5th century. The beautiful town is such an important site, and UNESCO recognizes it  as a World Heritage Site .

One of the oldest towns on the Black Sea coastline, Sozopol is a famous fishermen’s village and seaside resort.

Located 35 kilometers south of Burgas, Sozopol was known in the 6th century BC as Apollonia, complete with a temple dedicated to Apollo. The town is small enough for a casual stroll.

You can walk along the quays as the day’s catch is unloaded or through the old town, with its wooden houses desperately calling out for repair. If the sea is too deep or rough for swimming, you can always sunbathe on the rocks along the shore! 

4. Rila Monastery

Known as the Jerusalem of Bulgaria, this picturesque Eastern Orthodox monastery in the forested mountains less than two hours south of Sofia is worth a pilgrimage visit.

Named for St. Ivan of Rilski, a tenth-century hermit who lived in a nearby cave, the monastery has been built, burnt, and rebuilt over the centuries, with the latest construction dating to the 1800s.

Enter the courtyard, and you will be stunned by the perfect harmony of the church, with its graceful arches in bold stripes of black and white set under a row of sculpted gargoyles, tiled roofs, and five domes reaching towards the sky.

In the distance are the peaks of the Rila Mountains, complimenting an oasis of serenity perfect for religious hermits and modern visitors alike.

Varna is one of the major tourist destinations in the country. It is easy to see why, in my opinion, it’s a beautiful city with fantastic beaches, excellent restaurants, and lovely green spaces. Varna is often referred to as the sea capital of Bulgaria , as many locals flock to the city in the warmer months.

Varna has many picturesque beaches with fine golden sand and crystal-clear water. A few good surf breaks are also available if you prefer to surf or bodyboard.

Rapongi Beach is perhaps the best beach in Varna, as it is well-maintained and doesn’t get too crowded. You can also travel north to the resort of Sunny Day or Sirius Beach, both stunning locations popular with tourists.

There are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the city, including many excellent clubs, restaurants, and bars along Kraybrezhna Aleya. This part of the city is charming and beautiful at night.

6. Plovdiv Old Town

Plovdiv, the second-largest city in the country, has something that Sofia does not – an old town on a hill. The city was founded some 6,000 years ago and developed on seven hills, but one was destroyed at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Old Town towers over the city centre with structures from different eras, including a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.

The Old Town is best known for its Bulgarian Renaissance architectural style, with colourful houses displaying the National Revival’s unique exterior characteristics on every corner. Walking up the hill is a delight, with the many galleries and house museums all worth a visit.

7. Belogradchik

Belogradchik Fortress is an artificial construction set against a stunning outcrop of rocks. The combination is so unique and picturesque that it seems lifted from a Disney fairytale. What’s even more unique than the fortress is the surrounding countryside.

The Belogradchik Rocks, named in 2009 as Bulgaria’s candidate to be selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, is a stunning arrangement of strange-shaped sandstone and conglomerate rock formations.

8. Lake Atanasovsko

Lake Burgas is a beautiful bright pink lake just west of Burgas. Unlike most other pink lakes worldwide, the lake’s colour is not solely caused by high salt levels.

Although there is a lot of salt in the lake, it is also influenced by the farming of brine shrimp in the water. The lake’s colour tends to vary depending on where the fishermen and salt miners are currently active. Multiple basins in the middle of the south side of the lake are used for salt mining.

These basins often have the most vivid colours, ranging from dark red to soft pink. Unlike other pink lakes, it is possible to swim in Lake Burgas.

It is encouraged because the mud the lake contains is said to have medicinal properties. Some locals believe it has anti-ageing properties and can heal specific ailments; because of this, it’s a well-known wellness attraction. 

9. Koprivshtitsa

Walking the narrow alleyways of the village of Koprivshtitsa, some two hours east of Sofia, you’ll feel transported back to the momentous months of 1876, when the locals bravely fought against their oppressive Ottoman rulers.

Inside the colorful houses, representatives of Bulgarian National Revival architecture of the 19th century, local patriots plotted their rebellion leading up to the first shot in the unsuccessful April Uprising.

The village contains memorials and museum houses displaying ethnographical treasures, old weapons and farm implements, national costumes, artwork, and jewelry.

10. Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo was the historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire between the 12th and 14th centuries. It is located in the centre of the country and is a popular tourist attraction.

The reconstructed Tsarevets fortress bears no resemblance to the medieval palaces of the tsars who ruled from the hilltop until their defeat by the Ottomans in 1393. Still, you can almost sense the country’s former greatness when walking through the gates of this picturesque stronghold! 

Melnik is known for two things. It is the smallest city in Bulgaria and is home to some of the country’s best wineries.

It will take you minutes to walk up the town’s one main street, but you’ll sit for hours at a local tavern, your head spinning under the intoxicating spell of the rich red wines.

If you get up from your seat, the nearby pyramidal Melnik Rocks and the Rozhen Monastery are worth a visit.  

12. Pomorie

Pomorie is a picturesque coastal resort town in Burgas Bay on the eastern seaboard of Bulgaria. Easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria, the city sits on a narrow rocky peninsula with spectacular views of the coastline to the north and south.

While it attracts many Bulgarian tourists yearly, it is a secret that most foreign tourists don’t know about. The town has two distinct sections — the old town center to the east and the newer, more touristy section to the west/southwest.

The senior town center is charming, with many small hotels, authentic shops, and restaurants. The eastern tip of the peninsula has several small beaches that are usually less crowded than those to the north or southwest.

Sunset Resort is located to the southwest of the town. It is a modern resort adjacent to South Beach, the largest beach in the city. This is a more touristy part of the town, but it is a fantastic location if you want a resort with modern amenities. Pomorie Lake is one of the “must-see” locations in Pomorie.

Located to the north of town, it is a stunning saline coastal lagoon home to dozens of bird species. Medicinal mud is produced at the lake, and visitors can enjoy a refreshing mud bath.

Other attractions in the area include the Museum of Salt, the Pomorie Museum of History, and the street markets in Kableshkovo (held every Thursday). Two local wineries worth visiting are Winery Messembria and Stratsin Winery.

13. The Evksinograd Residence

The Evksinograd Residence is one of the most romantic buildings in Bulgaria. Located 8 kilometres north of Varna, this 19th-century palace was often used as a holiday home for royalty.

The mansion’s exterior is very similar to French mansions of the 18th century. It is ornate, romantic, and quite beautiful. The interiors are luxurious, with marble fireplaces, French chandeliers, large dining halls, antique furniture, and rare paintings. Expect to see a lot of gold and silk!

The grounds surrounding the park are no less decadent. French park architects were designed to lay out the 800-acre park. They planted many rare species of plants, some of which are alive today.

At one stage, there were more than 500 species of flowers in the grounds and greenhouses. A winery was added to the palace in 1891, and excellent wines are still produced today. It produces Chardonnay, Riesling, Traminer, Muscat Ottone and Vratsa Muscat wines.

Tourists can visit the palace, explore the parks, and even sample the wines. They can also stay in the palace complex, which has a restaurant on the grounds. It is a beautiful building that is sure to delight.

14. Seven Lakes

This group of gorgeous glacial lakes is located high in the Rila Mountains. The appropriate time to visit the lakes is in the summer, as even in June, the lakes can be frozen, with the terrain alternating between deep snowdrifts and patches of brilliant wildflowers.

The lakes are located one above the other in a mountain valley, interconnected by streams and waterfalls. Access to the lakes is difficult, although riding a ski lift shortens the distance up the steep mountainside.

Legends say the lakes were formed by the tears of a female giant, crying for her beloved! Aw! 

15. Belogradchik Fortress

Belogradchik Fortress is an old fortress in northwest Bulgaria on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. It’s close to the Bulgarian town of Belogradchik, home to about 5,000 people.

The fortress was established as a surveillance post when the Roman Empire controlled the region. In the 14th century, the Bulgarian tsar Ivan Stratsimir extended it to include fortified garrisons.

The Ottomans captured the fortress in 1396, making it even more important for repelling the Hajduk insurrectionists in the area.

The way the fortress runs between the vast sections of natural rock is awe-inspiring, with some incredibly scenic views from the top of the defence.

16. Tevno Vasilashko Lake

Tevno Vasilashko Lake is one of the most spectacular locations in Europe. It is a magnificent glacial lake surrounded by rugged mountain peaks in Pirin, Bulgaria.

The lake’s unique, saturated blue color reflects the vast mountains nearby. Tevno Lake is the largest of a series of glacial lakes in the Vasilashko Lakes area.

The other lakes are Fish Vasilashko Lake, Upper Vasilashko Lake, Rainbow-shaped Vasilashko Lake, and Upper Todorino Lake. They are all beautiful lakes, but Tevno Vasilashko Lake is the most impressive.

There are tour operators who offer one-day trips up the Vasilashki glacial valley, visiting three or four of the lakes. It is a magical journey that showcases an incredible part of this unique country!

17. Best For Alpine Village

Dolen Village is an alpine village in the western Rhode Mountains (about 26 km from Gotse Delchev). It is one of the most romantic villages in Bulgaria, with narrow cobblestone roads, stone walls, and authentic buildings designed in the Bulgarian Revival style.

The village was founded in the 16th century by Bulgarians escaping the Ottomans who had invaded the country. It flourished in the 18th century as multiple industries in the area became prosperous.

Many houses have stone foundations, timber walls, and overhanging top stories. Inside, there are usually ornate ceilings and elaborate carpentry on display.

The locals have added wonderful gardens to most homes, so walking the streets is like being a part of a beautiful fairy tale. It is an experience you won’t forget.

18. Pirin National Park

Most travellers don’t realize how picturesque Bulgaria’s natural environment is until they see the Pirin National Park . It is a 403.56 km2 park in southwestern Bulgaria. It encompasses most of the Pirin Mountains, a vast mountain range covering the southwest part of the country.

Pirin National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The park is home to over 100 glacial lakes, the largest being Popovo Lake. Many stunning glaciers are also located throughout the mountains.

The park has hundreds of animal species, including the beautiful boreal owl, white-backed woodpecker, fire salamander, agile frog, red deer, and Eurasian three-toed woodpecker.

If you are lucky, you might glimpse one of the park’s rarer animals, such as the lesser spotted eagle, golden eagle, or peregrine falcon! 

19. Kamchia Biosphere Reserve

The Kamchia Biosphere Reserve stands out as a National Park because of its massive size and pristine natural environment. This reserve is a 1,200-hectare (2,965-acre) UNESCO-listed biosphere located on Bulgaria’s northern coastline.

It has a varied landscape ranging from vast floodplains at the mouth of the Kamchia River to long beaches adjacent to the Black Sea coastline.

Established in 1977, it contains many ancient forests and spectacular natural waterways. The reserve is located 20 km south of Varna and is surrounded by the villages of Bliznatsi, Staro Oriahovo, and Shkorpilovtsi.

Kamchia is the perfect location for hiking, camping, boating, or relaxing on one of the many vast beaches.

20. Zheravna

Located in the rolling hills of the Balkan Mountain Range is the magical village of Zheravna. The town is an architectural reserve consisting of more than 200 houses built during the Bulgarian National Revival period in the 18th and 19th centuries.

I love that walking through the village feels like travelling back in time! You will marvel at the beautiful buildings’ detailed red ceramic roof tiles and elaborate timber decorations. Many of the buildings have been converted into guest houses, so it is possible to stay in the town.

The interiors of the guest houses are just as lovely as the exteriors, featuring wooden carvings and ornate carpentry performed by artisans hundreds of years ago. Plenty of nature walks surround the village, plus several museums and an art gallery, all of which I’d recommend visiting!

32 thoughts on “20 Gorgeous Places to Visit in Bulgaria”

soooooooooooooooooooooooooooonnn 🙂

Great list. Bulgaria is the best choice for the traveler on a budget.

Your post recall my old memories. when I was 17 years old. My father got a Bulgaria family trip from his office. I visit so many places in Bulgaria. Like parks, restaurant and many other. But Back sea beach is very beautiful all over the Bulgaria. Thanks for recall my old memories.

I will travel to Bulgaria for first time where do you recommend I visit? Traveling in Feb/Mar…

Thank you for a wonderful article on Bulgaria my birthplace My home now is NYC for a little over 20 years and unfortunately for me I have lost touch with some of Bulgaria unique places to visit that I have never been even close to except the Black Sea;( I’m planning a very short 3 day trip to surprise my mom for her birthday in July and after seeing the wonderful pics I have made a decision to spend a day in Melnik with my family;) Thank you for sharing with us your experience in BG and I’m glad it’s been a great one ☝️

Im starting to feel that Bulgaria is way misunderstood pertaining to the Engineering and political influence it has had on the world. I think that Ancient Bulgaria could be the birth place of all modern humans and relegious thought. Every ancient discovers in Bulgaria predates all other civilizations! I,m even starting to think that the Dorians , that migrated to the southern Helens in 1200 BC, may have been the Ancient Tracians of Bulgaria. If, my new book is ever puplished, I will definitly spend a lot of ti

When you are on the north of the Black Sea Coast you may made some trips around: the mussel farm Daboka, Balchik with his gorgeous Botanical Garden and Queen Maria’s Castle, Varna with the amazing night life.

Nice article, Bulgaria is very beautiful country! 🙂

Thanks, Bulgaria its a beautiful country

The Bulgarian town Nessebar is one of the oldest settlements in Europe. It has a long and rich history and offers excellent conditions for an unforgettable romantic seaside vacation.

I’m Bulgarian born and bread and I love my country so much and I never tire of its wonders. These photos are beautiful.

Great post! I am bulgarian and Sozopol is a favourite of mine. Thanks for bringing me back 🙂

I’d disagree about the Sofia not being the most attractive city, I liked it’s variety of architecture, as well as its proximity to Mount Vitosha and theamount of greenery in the city itself.

Our friend Ellis has really done a great job highlighting some of the “must-see” spots around the country.

Seven Lakes’s picture stolen my heart. Bulgaria this summer for mr for sure!

Wow I didn’t know there were so many places to explore in Bulgaria. I quite liked Sofia when I was there in 2011, some funny and quirky things about the city, and I would definitely go back to Bulgaria again.

Some fabulous photos of yet another Eastern European destination that remains under the radar..but that only makes it more appealing! Great post.

Great article! I know where I can go for my next beach holiday now 😉

Great article I’ve never really thought of visiting but these places definitely look very beautiful.

Great photos! We were so close to going to Bulgaria when we were in Turkey last year…and now I wish we had! Maybe next year we’ll make our way there.

Cheers for the great post!

I’m planning to visit Bulgaria this summer between my Brussels and Holland voyages and you guys made me wanna go there even more! The Black Sea beaches simply rock!

Agness my friend! I wish I was still in Bulgaria to show you around.

Yes! I haven’t been to all the places mentioned, but I agree…Bulgaria is gorgeous. Melnik is one of my favorite memories of the whole trip. The best thing about Bulgaria other than the beauty and the people….the food! Delicious!

Melnik is a wonderful destination. And yes, the food in Bulgaria is very, very good. I am glad you enjoyed visiting Bulgaria and stopped by to read this article and remember. You’ll just have to go back again to visit the places you missed.

Thank you, Ellis, for doing so much for Bulgaria. Your persistence as a foreigner to portray the best we have here is amazing. Great job!

Thanks Ivan. Coming from you, this is a real compliment!

Wow, I never knew Bulgaria was this pretty! We’re in the very early stages of planning a europe trip and I just added Bulgaria to the list 🙂

Angela, I hope you do get to visit Bulgaria very soon! (Go there now before too many tourists discover this amazing destination).

Bulgaria is pretty low on the travel radar for me, but these places look so beautiful. I think it may be worth a visit.

I would never have considered visiting Bulgaria, until the day my job was relocated to Sofia. Now I am really thankful that I had a chance to live, and work, and travel in Bulgaria!

Wow, waht a gorgeous pictures and such an interesting post! I sure want to go back to Bulgaria to visit some of the above places. I have only visited Sofia once, for a week, and we loved it! Indeed, even Sofia is totally under the radar of travelers. It deserves better! The only difficult thing for us was the Cyrillic handwriting on streetnamesigns and so on….;-)

Hey Curly Traveller,

I’m glad you had a chance to visit Sofia. That was our home for two years. After awhile, you begin to understand the Cyrillic texts on street signs and stores. Even dealing with menus is a talent that you can pick up, but it’s a challenge!

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Home > 22 Top Things To Do In Bulgaria For Every Kind Of Traveler

22 Top Things To Do In Bulgaria For Every Kind Of Traveler

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Bulgaria, as a holiday destination, is a real hidden gem. Here is a list of the best things to do in Bulgaria suitable for everyone!

The Republic of Bulgaria lies in South Eastern Europe and shares borders with Romania , Serbia, Greece , Turkey , and North Macedonia.

It is the 16th largest European country and covers an area of 110,994 square km. The country has seen several rulers and regimes over the centuries and was also part of the Roman Empire and under Ottoman rule at different times in history.

Bulgaria boasts ample natural geography and wildlife diversity and is also home to over 150 endangered plants. Unspoiled beaches and lush nature, ancient monasteries and beautiful churches, magnificent palaces, and stoic historical monuments add the charm of visiting Bulgaria – and right now, Bulgaria tourism is still somewhat unknown, so now is the time to explore it.

The capital city, Sofia , attracts theatre enthusiasts to the Ivan Vazov National Theatre as much as it attracts tourists in Bulgaria to see the Aleksander Nevski Crypt, Daralevtsi Monastery, and other sites.

Whether you visit ancient cobblestoned cities like Plovdiv or modern cities like Sofia, Bulgaria will send you away with a bucketful of memories like it did for us.

It’s impossible to escape beauty when you visit Bulgaria . You’re either going to be enjoying the coastline of the Black Sea or the majestic mountainous interior.

In either case, the crisp, fresh air will likely revitalize your entire being. While these are obvious positives, what you can experience in Bulgaria goes much deeper.

Influences include Greek, Slavic, Persian, and from the Ottoman Empire. When you mix these different cultures, the result is some of the most fascinating dance, music, arts, and artifacts found anywhere in the world. For instance, Bulgaria is known as a cultural melting pot.

Interestingly, you don’t hear many people saying that Bulgaria is at the top of their vacation list —or on their vacation list at all—but almost everyone who visits Bulgaria comes back saying it was one of their top travel experiences. Consider this nation of roughly 7 million people a hidden gem – and it’s a budget-friendly destination to boot!

By this point, it should already be evident that visiting Bulgaria would be wise. Deciding what to do in Bulgaria can be tricky – there is just so much on offer. There is something for everyone. It’s well suited for families, solo, adventurers, and couples .

So, let’s kick off the list of the best places to go in beautiful Bulgaria!

You’re going to find many intriguing options. This could lead to a complicated decision-making process, but don’t fret; you can’t go wrong no matter which option you choose.

• Best Cities To Visit In Bulgaria
• Top Hotels In Bulgaria

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

1. Explore The Ancient City Of Nessebar

Nessebar is an ancient and quaint city with cobblestone streets, restaurants overlooking the sea, local bars, small parks, historic architecture, archaeological remains, warm people, and churches from the 4th century to the 18th century.

The best way to see Nessebar is to take a day trip; I recommend you allocate half a day for exploration. In addition to the Bulgaria attractions above, you can grab a coffee, beer, or ice cream and go for a scenic stroll along the harbor or on the pier.

If you choose to dine in one of the restaurants, it should be noted that seafood is the specialty here. However, very few complain about Bulgarian cuisine here (try a shopska salad), whether it’s seafood or not.

• Top Hotels In Nessebar

2. Visit The Rila Monastery

The Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a mountain backdrop. Many visitors say this is the cleanest air you will ever breathe in your life. That fact alone should make this an alluring option.

When visiting the Rila Monastery, you can take a guided tour and learn about the region’s history. The best things to see are the galleries, the old kitchen, the collection of weapons, and art from different eras. You can also see it alone and lose yourself in its magnificence.

3. Admire The St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

This is a unique location because you’re not allowed to take pictures. This church sits at the heart of Bulgaria and is renowned for its breathtaking interior. Unfortunately, you aren’t allowed to take pictures there. 

Seeing the place in a picture is not even close to seeing it with your own eyes. Should you visit, the odds are that you might hear the choir singing.

• Discover Bulgaria’s Capital – Sofia

4. Go Scuba Diving

Bulgaria is one of the best countries for outdoor enthusiasts with its diversity of mountains, forests, and magnificent Black Sea beaches . Those outdoor adventures aren’t limited to land, though. There’s plenty to see and do in Bulgaria on the water, too.

The country will surprise divers with its diversity of dive sites. Bulgaria’s Black Sea dive sites are amazing, whether  it is underwater caves, sunken World War II battleships, underwater forests, or a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and more.

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5. see the shumen monument.

Not the most obvious addition to this what to see in Bulgaria list, that is for sure. The Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument, often referred to as the Shumen Monument , the Monument to 1,300 Years of Bulgaria, is a huge monument located on a plateau above Shumen’s town. It was constructed in 1981 to celebrate and commemorate the First Bulgarian Empire’s 1,300th anniversary.

Also called the Founders of Bulgarian State Monument, it towers above the surrounding landscape, dominating it with its typical cubist and bombastic Communist design. Unlike other former Communist monuments in Bulgaria, such as the Buzludzha Monument (see below), this one has been maintained after the fall of Communism.

Now, it’s one of the top things to see in Bulgaria, a popular place for photoshoots.

6. Stroll Through The Old Town Of Plovdiv

Chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2019 , Plovdiv Old Town has plenty to offer. You might find yourself walking over cobblestone streets and ducking into antique shops and museums. You will also find an Ottoman mosque and Roman ruins, such as an amphitheater. There are many top Bulgaria landmarks at home in Plovdiv.

Allow 2-3 days to enjoy this breathtaking town ; consider staying at one of these incredible accommodations in Plovdiv to give yourself more time to explore. 

• Things To Do In Plovdiv

7. Admire Tsarevets Fortress

During the two centuries when Veliko Tarnovo was the Second Bulgarian Empire’s capital, Tsarevets Fortress was the most important of Bulgaria’s castles . Perched atop Tsarevets Hill, this glorious stronghold is incredibly preserved. It’s without question one of the absolute top things to see in Veliko Tarnovo and a major tourist attraction in Bulgaria. This is your must-see attraction if you only have a day in Veliko Tarnovo.

Tsarevets Fortress is home to fortified walls, the medieval palace of the Bulgarian kings, and the patriarchal complex with its library, monks” cells, scriptorium, and Patriarchal Cathedral St. Ascension, the “mother of all Bulgarian churches.”

Additionally, this vast fortress also comprised more than 400 residential houses, about 20 churches, and four monasteries.

We decided to head to the Tsarevets Fortress at 9 a.m. one Sunday morning and were the only people on site for at least 45 minutes. Real magic. 

The walk up to the church is not easy for anyone with very small kids or the elderly. You really need to be in your best  travel shoes  and take a bottle of water with you. 

• Things To Do In Veliko Tarnovo

8. Go For An Outdoor Adventure At Vitosha Mountain

Vitosha Mountain is the third-highest peak in Bulgaria at 7,513 feet, a national park offering skiing and hiking. If you opt for the former and are not experienced, don’t worry; you can take advantage of the ski school for lessons.

For those hiking during the warmer weather, don’t forget to stop at the waterfall .

9. Attend A Bulgarian Festival

A country with a centuries-old history and ancient traditions and customs, Bulgaria can undoubtedly be called a “festival destination .” Bulgarians are very proud of their heritage and never pass up a chance to celebrate and showcase that.

From dancing barefoot on smoldering embers to chasing evil spirits away to traditional dancing, folklore parades, food-focused events, and even a bagpipe festival, attending a typical Bulgarian festival is one of the best things to do in Bulgaria. Bulgarian tourism for celebrations is often centered around the “Rose Festival” like this. 

10. Spend Some Time In Burgas

Burgas (or Bourgas) is the second-largest Bulgarian city along the Black Sea and fourth in the entire country. As it is primarily used as a transit point for non-diving tourists for smaller resort towns north and south of it along the coast, Burgas has become a sort of sanctuary for the diving scene in Bulgaria. Here, you find more than enough items to add to your “what to do in Bulgaria” list.  

In it, you will find long stretches of primarily empty beaches, beautiful and well-maintained seafront parks, and very affordable accommodation options for the budget-conscious traveler. It is a perfect place for an extended diving holiday.

There are also four lakes outside the city, which bird enthusiasts flock to. Additionally, Burgas is also a great base from which to visit other Bulgaria tourist attractions like Sozopol and Nessebar.

11. Visit A Cave Or Two

Although there are currently more than 4,500 known caves in the country, only a few caves in Bulgaria are open and accessible to tourists. About a fifth of Bulgaria’s surface area consists of karst, rock formations that are easily dissolved and shaped by water.

This is why this Balkan country has such huge subterranean halls, passageways, and tunnels.

The vast majority of Bulgarian caves are the exclusive playground of experienced speleologists and rock climbers. However, those that are managed and can be visited include some of the top natural attractions in Bulgaria .

Some of Bulgaria’s most beautiful caves , which you can actually visit, are the following:

• Magura Cave
• Bacho Kiro Cave
• Ledenika Cave
• Prohodna Cave
• Devetashka Cave

12. Discover Sozopol Old Town

Once again, you will be walking on cobblestone streets, which gives you a feeling of being transported back to a much simpler time. In this case, you will find quality Bulgarian food at harbor-side restaurants, wooden houses, cafes, and warm and friendly people.

This information might sound simplistic, but the beauty of Sozopol Old Town lies in simplicity. Don’t miss it!

• Things To Do In Veliko Sozopol

13. Damascena Ethnographic Complex, Rose Valley

If you find yourself in Bulgaria in June, head to the Rose Valley . Located in Central Bulgaria, the township of Kazanlak is blossoming with roses and holds a festival in celebration at harvest time. 

Even though the rose festival and harvest are worth attending, Rose Valley is undoubtedly a place to visit at other times of the year, where you can wander through the Damascena Ethnographic Complex – the first private rose oil distillery. Here, you can experience the rose distillation process and the sweet scent of delicate Damascena roses. Enjoy learning more about the production of pure organic rose essential oil (also known as the “liquid gold” of Bulgaria), wander through the museum, admire the frescoes, and stop by the gift shop to buy yourself a gift to take home.

Driving from Sofia to Kazanlak is approx. 2 ½ hours, and the Damascena Ethnographic complex of Kazanlak is just a short drive from the outer regions of the town center. 

14. Visit The Buzludzha Monument

Situated atop Buzludzha Peak in the Bulgarian Central Balkan Mountains, the Buzludzha Monument sits at a historically significant site. This was where massively outnumbered Bulgarian rebels lost against a force of Ottoman soldiers in 1868, which triggered the Liberation of Bulgaria about a decade later.

Later, this was the location of the Bulgarian Social Democratic Workers Party’s first gathering (the party later became the Bulgarian Communist Party). Additionally, it’s also where Bulgarian fascists and Communist partisans met in battle during the Second World War.

The Buzludzha Monument opened in 1981, a citizen-funded structure commemorating the Bulgarian socialist movement. Since the democratizing of Bulgaria, however, it’s now been abandoned for decades. So, it’s easy to see why a place loaded with such heavy Bulgarian history was chosen as the site for a national monument afterward.

Nonetheless, it’s one of the most fascinating places to visit in Bulgaria, often regarded as one of the world’s most incredible abandoned buildings.

15. Palace And Botanical Gardens Of Balchik

Balchik is a town on the Black Sea Sea Coast. Within that town is what many visitors describe as one of the most beautiful places to see in Europe: the Palace and Botanical Gardens of Balchik.

In addition to beautifully manicured gardens, you will find a palace, a waterfall , and an outstanding sea view. This is the perfect way to end a day in Balchik after seeing the marina and beach . You should also consider browsing the little shops selling local items right outside of the botanical gardens. You want to have more than some pictures as a reminder of the beauty of this town.

16. Go For A Casual Walk In The Varna Sea Garden

It’s often said that simplicity is bliss. Nothing can be a better example than Sea Garden. This big, beautiful, clean park has flower gardens, waterfalls , seaside views, hiking trails, statues, and benches for relaxation.

Varna Sea Garden is the ideal location for a stroll. That said, if you prefer a little more action and you’re visiting during the warmer seasons, you can try water sports like windsurfing and diving .

17. Enjoy Winter Sports At Bansko Ski Resort

Located about 160 kilometers from Sofia, the Bansko Ski Resort is one of Bulgaria’s most popular winter sports destinations in the country’s southwestern corner.

The town of Bansko is at the foot of Pirin Mountain; its ski runs start basically behind the city center. There are numerous facilities here, including luxurious hotels and more affordable accommodations. As far as things to do, skiing and snowshoeing are in the lead.

There are, however, also more casual activities in Bansko in winter. You can relax in spas, go shopping , enjoy traditional Bulgarian food , go for a landscape photography outing, or join the vibrant après-ski festivities.

18. Hit The Beach

Along the 378 kilometers of coastline of the Black Sea in Bulgaria lie magical towns and golden sun-kissed beaches like Sozopol, Golden Sands, and Sunny Beach . If you’re looking for a place for an affordable beach vacation, this is where you should go! It might not often pop up on Europe’s best beach destinations, but Bulgaria does have some fantastic beach resorts .

19. Have Some Family Fun

In this post, you should consider all the things to do in Bulgaria, even if you’re taking your kids along . The only place that you should take caution would be Vitosha Mountain. You might consider taking your kids to a ski school so you can enjoy yourselves as a couple without worrying about their safety .

If you’re visiting Bulgaria during the warmer months with children, then Action Aquapark is your top pick. This water park is smaller than most, but there is no shortage of fun rides. Lockers are available for your convenience, and the staff is friendly and alert. There is also a zoo at the back of the park. Another fun option for families visiting Bulgaria is Sunny Beach, Luna Park. This is a fair that offers rides, games, and good food, all at reasonable prices. It’s best suited for younger children but changes after 9 p.m.

From my experience of taking kids to Bulgaria, there are many famous landmarks in Bulgaria that are of interest to kids, especially hunting down the Thracian Tombs ! My boys love the thracian tomb of Kazanlak.

20. Hike To The 7 Rila Lakes

The Seven Rila Lakes Hike is one of the absolute best things to do in Bulgaria for outdoor lovers.

Located in the northwestern Rila region, close to Sofia and Plovdiv, the lakes are all stunning in their own right and cover some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery around the Balkans .

The trails are very well marked; the glacier lakes are usually reached by driving or taxiing from the closest village, Sapareva Banya. The road from there takes you to the chairlift area, Pionerska Hut; then you travel upwards into the mountains. Most hikes in this part of the country cover around 7-8 hours, so it’s worth being prepared in terms of clothing, especially considering the high elevations.

The highest lake is named The Teardrop, and the lowest is Lower Lake. On top of this, you have The Twins, The Eye, The Kidney, The Fish Lake, and the Trefoil. Kidney Lake is the biggest of the lakes, but they are all special and visually spectacular – so pack a camera.

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21. Visit Impressive Bulgarian Castles

Located east of the Balkan peninsula, on the Black Sea shore, Bulgaria was often where traders, travelers, armies, and adventurers entered or left Europe.

It’s the definition of a crossroads country, a meeting place of East and West, North and South. Bulgaria is also one of the oldest inhabited countries in Europe. This is where the Persians conquered the Thracians and, later, the Romans, whom the Byzantines subsequently defeated.

Wars were fought between the Byzantines and the Bulgars. Slavs moved in from northwest Bulgaria, while Bulgars invaded from the northeast. Even Mongols seized Bulgaria for a while. Later, this was where the Ottomans battled crusaders from Western Europe.

To make an incredibly long story short, Bulgaria was the meeting place of many armies. It used to be a region where battles were won and lost, heroic deeds were done, and massive fortresses were erected.

Nowadays, you can still explore this fascinating and eventful past at the many spectacular Bulgaria castles dotted around the country. Whether or not you’re interested in Bulgarian history, visiting one of those castles and fortresses is always a highlight! Famous examples are Tsarevets Castle, Belogradchik Fortress , Shumen Fortress, and the Fortifications of Nessebar (see the top of this blog post).

22. Go For A Small Town Weekend Trip

With its healthy blend of small, misty mountain towns and long stretches of golden sand Black Sea beaches, Bulgaria is the perfect country for a short weekend (or extended weekend) road trip.

There’s much more to this large nation (by European standards) than its major cities. In fact, the small towns in Bulgaria often offer the biggest surprises!

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

Some of the best small towns for weekend trips in Bulgaria are the following:

• Veliko Tarnovo

Now you know that Bulgaria as a holiday destination is truly a hidden gem of Eastern European vacation destinations. Any vacation destination can be rewarding, but not many vacation destinations offer seaside and mountainous terrain in such close proximity as you will find in Bulgaria. We guarantee you will not be disappointed if you choose to visit Bulgaria.

• Your Guide To Renting A Car In Bulgaria

We’ve now shown you what to see in Bulgaria, so tell us, which of these Bulgaria tourist attractions will you visit first? Will it be the Rila Mountains, old churches, Belogradchik Rocks, or maybe the Rhodope Mountains?

If you think that we have missed something on this list of best places to see, comment below!

• Things To Do In Sofia
• Things To Do In Varna
• Best Day Trips From Sofia
• Bansko Ski Resort
• Bulgarian Festivals
• Where To Stay In Sofia
• Best Time To Visit Bulgaria
• Best All-Inclusive Hotels In Bulgaria
• Best Campsites In Bulgaria
• Where To Stay In Veliko Tarnovo
• 5-Day Travel Itinerary Through Bulgaria
• Where To Eat In Sofia

Comments (7)

Alexander Nevsky cathedral is very dark inside but it is possible to pay for a photo pass now. I haven’t tried this so I don’t know what the restrictions are. As a matter of interest, the cathedral in Varna has a photo pass and is well lit with fine murals. I have also taken photos in the recently renovated mosque in centralSofia

There’s also a fabulous food tour that you can go on in Sofia to gte a great experience of Bulgarian cuisine – well recommended.

I so wish I would have seen this post before I was there!

Thank you for the imformation it was really nice place, I would like to visit bulgaria maybe one day!!

Bulgaria is a beautiful destination to visit, despite it is very underestimated. You can reach every city and resort with an airport transfer easy.

Just what we wanted to know, this info was very helpful. Can you also do a guide on where to go further afield?

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12 Unique and Fun Things to do in Bulgaria (That You Probably Didn’t Know About)

Last Updated: February 16, 2022

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I’ll be honest with you: this list of fun things to do in Bulgaria was written begrudgingly.

Not because I don’t adore Bulgaria, or because there’s a shortage of things to lovingly dote on. Rather, it’s the opposite. Bulgaria is so great, I want to selfishly keep it as a my own travel secret.

Save this list of fun things to do in Bulgaria for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

Let’s rewind a bit. 

My love affair with this underrated Balkan powerhouse began over a year ago, when I first flounced from Sofia to Varna, discovering that Bulgaria was a country with not just limitless beauty by the bucketload, but incessant calories to keep energy (and weight gain) sky high.

And as I would soon discover, Bulgaria is unique.

Not only is it packed with peculiar, mindblowing, almost alien-like sights, it’s packed to the brim with photogenic gems that (in any other part of the world) would command literal mobs of Instagramming zombies.

Honestly, when it comes to the cool and offbeat, Bulgaria is the reigning king.

If there’s one thing you should take away from this post, it’s this: GO TO BULGARIA. JUST DO IT.

You’ll gain fifty pounds and contract “insufferable Bulgari-osis” which is a disease I just made up.

Symptoms include an incessant yapping about your Bulgaria trip and being terrible at parties, but it’s okay. *whispers* it’s all for Bulgaria.

Yikes. I’m starting to sound too much like a propaganda poster, so let’s jump right into the good stuff.

Tell me in the comments: what are some other amazing places to see in Bulgaria? I’ve tried my best to sum up the best of Bulgaria in this post, but after only two visits, I’m sure I’ve missed more gems! Feel free to share below 🙂

Unique Things to do in Bulgaria that will Make You Go “Whaaat?!”

If I sound a tad fanatical, it’s for good reason.

Take a shot of rakia and indulge me for a few minutes as you scroll through this list. I promise you’ll become a believer quicker than I can inhale a block of Bulgarian white cheese (which is fast, by the way).

PS: There are SO many interesting places to see in Bulgaria, I would probably be publishing a full-on encyclopaedia if I included them all. Instead, I’ve had to choose my favourites, and here they are.

Without further ado, if you’re wondering where to go in Bulgaria and what to do, here are some things that you can’t miss:

1. Explore the ruins of an abandoned UFO

Built as a communist meeting place in the 1970s, Bulgaria’s  Buzludzha monument is an abandoned relic that sits ominously on a peak in the Stara Zagora province.

Nicknamed Bulgaria’s “UFO”, its imposing concrete structure and sporadic bouts of dense, white fog will make you feel like you’ve teleported to an eerie sci-fi movie.

As you navigate the hairpin turns that beam you up to this real-life flying saucer, you quickly start to feel like you’re travelling to the ends of the Earth.

Once upon a time, actually breaking into Buzludzha was one of the favourite things to do in Bulgaria for eager backpackers and modern Indiana Joneses.

These days, doing so is virtually impossible thanks to a security guard (who clearly hates his job a lot, but that’s another story). I’ve visited during both my Bulgaria trips and it has always been a highlight.

While the most exciting way is to rent a car and explore for yourself, you can easily book tours that take you there (especially through local hostels). If you prefer to book online in advance, click here for a tour!

RANDOM TIP: Don’t miss the stone monument that sits just below Buzludzha – it’s two massive fists holding up torches and looks really cool.

2. Frolic through incredible lavender & sunflower fields

We all know that lavender and sunflower fields are Instagram’s summertime crack.

That is, if you haven’t completely OD’d from cherry blossoms, tulips and wisteria.

But hey, if you are still alive and don’t have enough pics for #ThrowbackThursday, Bulgaria’s got you, boo.

Unlike flower field hotspots like Provence and Tuscany, the masses are still blissfully unaware of Bulgaria’s absolutely stunning flower fields which over large portions of the country, meaning (seemingly) endless stretches of sunflowers and fragrant purple lavender.

This is why if you’re coming in the summer, one of the best things to do in Bulgaria is rent a car and go field hunting.

Yes, you’ll even find fields where lavender and sunflowers are planted side by side… no Photoshop. (The photos below were taken near Kazanlak, though we saw tons of gorgeous fields while driving from there to Varna too!)

I mean, out of all the beautiful places in Bulgaria, these fields top the list in terms of sheer photogenic wonder 😉

3. Check out Roman ruins at an H&M

I know, weird to think right? H&M – the usual safe haven of dirt cheap basics and bird shirts, home to Roman ruins? I feel like that’s one of those “only in Bulgaria” moments.

You can observe this super cool sight in Plovdiv, one of the top cities in Bulgaria for culture lovers and tourists. Plovdiv is the second biggest city in the country, and one of the oldest in all of Europe (some say it’s the oldest continually inhabited city in the entire continent).

Over the years, Plovdiv has therefore picked up a wide array of visually fascinating features, including Roman ruins, Bulgarian revival buildings and a modern hipster touch with cool cafes and bars.

Because of its status as one of the most historical places in Bulgaria, Plovdiv is one of the European capitals of culture for 2019, which I think clearly means one thing: that H&M is about to get REAL busy.

4. Soak in a pink lake

While compiling your list of what to visit in Bulgaria, I bet a pink lake wasn’t on that list… well, surprise! Bulgaria has its very own Pepto Bismol bath, AKA Lake Atanasovsko in Burgas.

Of course, like many things in Bulgaria, it beats the competition thanks to its sheer off-the-radar-ness, which means it’s one of the few pink lakes you can actually still swim in.

Slather yourself in rejuvenating mud like a local, or simply lurk like a walrus in the murky pink waters… like a local.

Downside: it’s not too easy to find.  Click here for a detailed guide on how to find the pinkness for yourself.  Serious Bulgaria travel goals.

5. Take a dip in a free seaside infinity pool

Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast is one of THE preferred “wellness” getaway destinations in the Balkans, thanks to all its mineral water springs (and rock bottom prices compared to other wellness hotspots in Europe).

But guess what’s better than “affordable”? FREE!! And in Varna, the free public pool at “ Toplata voda ” offers up a warm, sulphur-rich bath all for the tidy price of zero dollars.

I was tipped off about this place by a backpacking friend who heard about it from her Couchsurfing host who heard about it from who-knows-who.

It’s very much a local spot, and you will get a lot of weird looks for coming here, but hey, it’s a free sulphur hot spring set right along the Black Sea, so I think you can deal with the odd looks. To find it, just type “Toplata voda” into Google Maps.

Will you be sharing with a bunch of mostly-nude Balkan men? Probably, but consider it a cultural experience.

Besides that, Varna is just one of the best cities in Bulgaria for a tourist. It’s definitely one of the top Bulgaria vacation spots for locals too. Click here to browse some of the awesome tours/activities you can do there.

6. Visit Barbie’s dream Church

Of all the Bulgaria tourist places I stumbled across on my recent trip, the Shipka Memorial Church might just be my favourite.

Between the 53m church tower, the glittering gold domes and of course, the pretty pink colours, I might even say it’s one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria. 

Built in memory of the soldiers who died to liberate Bulgaria in the Russo-Turkish War, this dreamy church boasts a must-see exterior (with a surprisingly humble interior) and is a definite must-see when you visit Bulgaria.

7. Drink in a candle lit barn, drink in an apartment-themed bar, drink in a speakeasy hidden behind a secret door, drink in a…

Okay, so Bulgaria nightlife – let’s talk about it.

You just can’t go to Bulgaria without enjoying a drink or fifty, you know what I’m saying?

It therefore makes sense that one of THE things to do in Bulgaria is enjoy the cool nightlife.

So, when you visit Bulgaria, specifically Sofia, make time for some bar hopping. On my recent trip, I was lucky enough to have Allison from Eternal Arrival show me around her favourite places for a quick booze, and boy did she deliver. From The Apartment (ul. Neofit Rilski 68), a hipster bar that’s pretty much a walk-in house party to Hambara Bar (ul. 6-ti septemvri 2), a fully candle-lit barn tucked in the sketchiest alley, I was blown away by all the cool spots Sofia had to offer.

And if you don’t have a boozed up friend to show you around, you can also book lots of great bar crawls that take you to more offbeat spots. Here’s one you can book online for less than 15 euros, including some drinks & a guide.

8. Stuff yourself on one of the world’s only FREE food tours

Okay, so while this one isn’t specifically about a destination, we’re already chatting about Sofia so I need a quick moment to gush about ALL THE FREE TOURS you can take in the city.

While most major cities will have a regular free tour that shows you the highlights, Sofia has free tours for sights, Communist history, street art, and yes, even food! 

This abundance of free tours is naturally what makes Sofia (for me) one of the best cities in Bulgaria.

But let’s talk about the food tour, because naturally, one of the best things to do in Bulgaria is eat.

Free walking tours may be commonplace across Europe, but food tours? Not so much!

I highly recommend doing a Balkan Bites food tour while you’re in Sofia because you get the chance to sample lots of great local food, all for free (though obviously, tipping your guide is expected).

9. Ponder innuendos in a forest of phallic symbolism

I almost omitted Varna’s Stone Forest from this list, but quickly realized that would have been a dick move.

….. Ayyyyyy! 

If my immature jokes haven’t made it clear already, Varna’s stone forest has a lot of um… phallic-y structures. Known as “ Pobiti kamani ” in Bulgarian, this forest is a short drive from Varna’s city center and consists predominantly of large limestone columns that take on a variety of ‘fun’ shapes.

While it’s not the most exciting attraction in the world (unless you’re a hardcore geology nerd), it’s just kind of a weird marvel of nature that’s cool because of its randomness and mysterious vibe… like Stonehenge but more penis-y, you know?

A worthwhile excursion from Varna for sure.

10. Stare at some emo Church frescos

When you visit Veliko Tarnovo, one of the top must-dos is a visit to Tsarevets Fortress, which dominates the city, and even hosts a cool projected light show on special holidays.

Besides the impressive fortress views though, one of the most underrated (and unspoken about) highlights is the fortress’ Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of God (Ascension Cathedral), which has some of the most interesting frescos you’ll ever see.

The modernist paintings inside the Ascension Cathedral are painted with dark, moody colours and bold, striking lines, earning it my personal title of “most emo Church frescos ever”. 

Apparently, due to these frescos, the church hasn’t been consecrated and therefore remains inactive.

I’ve also heard that you can access the Church tower for an additional fee for amazing views, but I didn’t get a chance to do this on my visit!

RANDOM TIP: Veliko Tarnovo and the area around it is one of the best places to go hiking in Bulgaria. I did a hike at a nearby peak and the views were stunning.

11. Spend a night sleeping under truly spectacular frescos at a mountain-top monastery

And speaking of frescoes…

While a trip to Rila Monastery is one of the most common Bulgaria excursions, it’s a little known secret that you can actually spend the night there too.

Yes, think of it as a fun slumber party at one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Bulgaria.

While I sadly didn’t learn about this secret until I completed my lame non-overnight day trip, I’ve put it on my list for future trips. After all, how often do you get to snore away at one of the most historical places in Bulgaria?

You can read about one blogger’s experience sleeping at Rila Monastery here .

RANDOM TIP: People love this spot for hiking in Bulgaria too, so if you can find a way to combine your overnight stay with some hiking, I highly recommend you do it!

12. Take a walk across Devil’s Bridge

Last but not least, I present you Devil’s Bridge (Dyavolski most) , a sight that I unfortunately haven’t been able to see for myself, but is nonetheless so cool I had to include it.

This 16th century bridge looms ominously over the Arda River, casting perfect reflections over the water. Of course, the bridge is more than just a pretty sight – it’s an attraction steeped in dark folklore and mysterious tales (my personal favourite).

From rumours that the head builders’ wife died on site, trapping her shadow in the bridge, to theories that a footprint from the devil itself taints the bridge, this is an eerie yet beautiful spot to put on your Bulgaria bucket list.

Practical Bulgaria Travel Info

So, if my wordiness and fangirl enthusiasm have sold you, here are some practical tips to know before you visit Bulgaria for yourself.

Cheap Flights to Bulgaria

Based on my flight deal stalking, I’ve noticed there are always cheap deals to Bulgaria, especially with budget airlines like Wizz Air.

This is what brought me to Bulgaria in the first place! While Wizz Air is an okay airline if you’re prepared for it (click here to read my full, honest Wizz Air review ), there are also other airlines that fly to Bulgaria’s major airports (Sofia, Burgas, Varna, etc.)

Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Bulgaria. 

Where to stay in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is an amazing travel destination for budget travellers. Accommodation options are seriously affordable, whether you’re looking to get hostels, hotels or apartment rentals.

If you’re looking for a more social atmosphere and easy access to packaged tours, I recommend staying in a hostel. I always use Hostelworld to book my hostels. During my first trip, I stayed at Hostel Mostel in both Sofia & Veliko Tarnovo. They’re great backpacker places because they provide free dinner as well, though the facilities aren’t super modern or clean.

Otherwise, if you’re looking for more privacy, I love using Booking.com to book places on the go, especially because they have very lax cancellation policies. AirBNB is another great choice if you’re on a budget ( click here for a coupon code on your first rental!)

Last but not least, if you really want a lot of options, use HotelsCombined to search a bunch of comparison sites at once.

Visit Bulgaria Like a Smartie: Extra Bulgaria Travel Tips

Know that bulgaria is a pretty huge country.

A lot of people don’t realize how big Bulgaria is.

There are loads of beautiful places in Bulgaria so definitely don’t expect to do them all in a single trip. Even after two visits, my Bulgaria wish list just gets longer and longer.

Bulgaria is safe, but…

One of the biggest questions I got after my first Bulgaria trip was “is Bulgaria safe?”

As a solo female traveler on my first trip, I definitely felt safe, although in larger cities like Sofia, I experienced some “solo female woes” that are common in major cities, like unwelcome advances from men or airport taxi scams (seriously don’t just go with any random guy at the airport terminal – he’ll probably charge you 3x the price!)

These things are common everywhere though, so don’t let them put you off from visiting. So long as you take typical precautions (like not walking alone in dark areas at night), you’ll be fine.

Plus, once I was with friends (on my 2nd trip), I never once felt unsafe.

Learn the Cyrillic alphabet

My #1 regret during my first Bulgaria trip was not familiarizing myself with the Cyrillic alphabet, which is used in signage all around the country.

Navigating Bulgaria solo was really daunting at first because I wasn’t able to read any signs, which meant buying bus tickets was scary, finding the right bus was scary, and everything in general was mildly scary.

Don’t be dumb like me and take a few hours to learn it! It’s not too tough actually and only takes a few hours if you follow this guide.

Don’t expect to be catered to in English

One of the things you should know when you visit Bulgaria is that even areas considered to be “Bulgaria tourist places” are much less touristic than some of the major sights elsewhere in Europe.

Yes and no are confusing

Okay, I’m not joking when I tell you that Bulgarians shake their head when they want to say yes.

It’s like opposite land.

Similarly, “no” is indicated with a nod upwards. I mean, I can tell you this a million times but you still won’t get used to it. Just thought you’d like to know 😉

Last but not least, bring stretchy pants

This tip is only a half-joke. Bulgarian food is hearty, delicious AND affordable, which of course may lead to disastrous consequences on your waistline. Eat as much as you can.

One does not simply go to Bulgaria and not gain a terrifying amount of weight, you feel me?

Avoid feeling terrible about yourself by bringing some loose-fitting clothing 😉 You’ll thank me later.

Additional Bulgaria Travel Resources

Feeling hyped up after reading this list of things to do and places to see in Bulgaria? Here are some additional resources for you to peruse.

Sofia Adventures: My expat friends Allison and Stephanie run this ridiculously thorough resource on travel in the Balkans, with detailed guides on Sofia, Bulgaria and beyond.

Travelling Buzz: My friend Maria is a native Bulgarian who lives in Sofia and is a WEALTH of knowledge about Bulgaria and travelling around the country. If you’re looking for a true locals’ POV, be sure to check out her blog.

So, what other Bulgaria travel destinations should I add to the list? Let me know in the comments!

BONUS: Best Places in Bulgaria Map

Eager to get going? Here are all the places mentioned in this article plotted for you on a map!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

21 thoughts on “12 Unique and Fun Things to do in Bulgaria (That You Probably Didn’t Know About)”

Umm like wow. How was Bulgaria never on my radar? Like this country is STUNNING!! At least now it’s been added to my bucket list :).

Great post! I always love reading about destinations which are slightly off the radar. Hope we will have chance to explore it soon on our own!

The torches are my favorite! They look so neat! I love the juxtaposition of the lavender field with the sunflowers, too. So pretty!! <3

Christina, Bulgaria looks amazing! It’s one of those coountries I’ve meant to take to some time to research to decide whether to head there and whether Sofia might be a good city break. You’ve convinced me on both points!

I’m with you all the way Bulgaria is beautiful. We had a month tgere and parked up in our camper beneath the Buzludzha monument. Check our blog out as we have a host of other places for you to visit next time like Melnik, the Rhodope Mountains with the Devil’s throat and the Eagle’s Eye unforgetable 4×4 trip. Also Etar village up by Shipka is amazing. A few new places for our next visit too. Ty.

Obviously this is going to be my next trip after South America! Thanks for all the awesome info!!

You’re right! I never knew about any of this! Bulgaria looks like such a beautiful and interesting country. I shall add it to my bucket list immediately!

Wow, this mouthful of a post surely makes me want to go to Bulgaria! Sounds ideal for nature lovers like myself! Guess who’s pinning this! Not sure my head has room foe a 5th language, but hmm, maybe with some extra motivation i could squeeze one more! Lol!

All of these places look so awesome. Bulgaria was never really high on my list, more just on my radar. But seriously looks so cool!

Omg I totally want to go to Bulgaria now! I had heard about it from my friends who are from there but I never really knew what there was to see. I didn’t realize there were so many cool things to do! Free food tour?! Yes please! Abandoned UFO? So cool. Barbie’s dream church? Love! Thanks for begrudgingly sharing all these awesome places 😉

So happy to see someone who shares our love for Bulgaria! The first time we visited the country it was with very little information available in English. We honestly chose it as destination due to cheap flights, but we’ve been dreaming of going back since!

It really has everything that makes us fall in love with a country: friendly people, amazing nature, quirky landmarks and divine food! By the way, did you try parlenka? I’m obsessed!

We loved every second of our time in the Bulgaria, but our favorite part was hiking to see the Seven Rila Lakes – it was just incredible! We hope you get the chance to do it on your third visit =)

I have visited Bulgaria about a dozen times now and I would add the following tips: if you’re in the Western Rhodopes hike either from Borino to Yagodina through the Devil’s Bridge gorge or the other way round. If you are in the Eastern Rhodopes visit Madzharovo and its Vulture Centre and inform yourself about the best places to see these awesome creatures. You want more wildlife check the area south of Lake Studen Kladenets where animals like wolves, deers and bizons have found their home. Enjoy Bulgaria!

While I love your post and though I agree with almost everything you’ve written, I may be a bit biased, but you missed the best parts: Plovdiv, the nearby wine country (especially reds!) and the Rhodope mountains that run across the Greek border are simply magical. We’d be happy to show you around if you swing back through 😉

I just returned from Bulgaria. My boyfriend of 8 years finally took me and our 1 year old to his country and I was skeptical about visiting until my two hour drive from Sofiya to his village. I spent 16 glorious days experiencing Bulgaria not as a tourist but with family which will give you even more of a love for this county. When you go again there is a resort high up in the mountains that was INCREDIBLE. Somewhere near Baldevo, Goste Delchev. Because of this post we are going to Plovdiv on our next visit !

Wow, thanks for sharing all the awesome information! The country looks stunning! I love the photos you have taken for the flower field. It’s kind of like the one we saw in Hokkaido but it’s a lot more mature than there! Gonna put it in my bucket list!

Wooo!!! Hope you get to see the beauty of Bulgaria for yourself one day <3

Looking forward to travelling to Bulgaria in 2020. Thanks for the info. Would love more information on Varna and Burgas. Including a friendly local guide and hotel recommendations. Will be travelling by public transport.

After a week long holiday a few years ago we completly fell in love with this amazing country.We now live in the Targovishte region and our lives have changed for the better.I loved your post.thank you.xx

I first visited Bulgaria back in 2012 but was only there for a skiing holiday. Frankly at the time I wasn’t too impressed – surly waiters and lacklustre food were omnipresent. Also one of my biggest regrets is never having paid to do the day trip to Sofia that the tour company offered as an extra! I’ve since gone back to this region of the world many times and now feel like I “get it” but not yet to Bulgaria. As soon as I have the chance to spend some extended I cannot wait to do so and articles like this are just one of my inspirations….! Especially for that free food tour 😉

Thanks for sharing Christina, beautiful pictures you have there! We share your enthusiasm for the country as well, it’s just a pity that many have misconceptions about the safety situation there (e.g. crime, scams – really low and not major!), though it makes it less touristy for us to properly enjoy the place! 🙂

Great post Christina! Actually, one of the most detailed info for travellers in Bulgaria! Next time explore the Black Sea coast ( in summer 🙂 ) or why not join some of our trips?! Find excursions and trips on the Black Sea coast on our website 🙂 https://tours4you.online/

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From Japan’s e-visa to Dubai’s 5-year tourist visa, here are the latest visa updates for Indian travellers

Latest visa news for indians: check out the latest visa updates for indian travellers to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience this summer vacations..

Latest Visa Updates for Indian Tourists:  As the summer holiday season is just around the corner, it’s crucial to start planning one’s travel itinerary to ensure a memorable and stress-free vacation. As per the Henley Passport Index 2024 , India is ranked 80th. Indians get visa-free access to 62 countries.

From eVisas introduced by Japan to Dubai’s multiple entry five-year visa, in recent months, there have been new visa regulations in various countries across the globe for India, and being well-versed in the latest visa requirements will ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience and making informed decisions.

Here is a complete list of the latest visa updates every Indian traveller should know.

1. japan’s e-visa:.

Japan has introduced an eVisa system for Indian travellers, making it easier and more convenient to visit the country. Starting in April, eligible Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in India can apply for an eVisa for short-term tourism purposes through the application process operated by VFS Global. Now, instead of physical stickers in passports, visas will be issued electronically and would offer a single-entry option, allowing stays up to 90 days.

2. Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia’s Schengen visa:

Becoming the recent EU nations to join Europe’s Schengen travel area, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen area, expanding the scope of the Schengen visa  to include 29 countries across continental Europe. This means that Indian travellers can now obtain Schengen visas from Romania and Bulgaria, allowing stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.

3. Dubai’s five-year, multiple-entry tourist visa:

Dubai introduced a new visa program tailored to Indian travellers in February, which offers a five-year, multiple-entry option, allowing stays of up to 90 days in the country, with the possibility of a single extension not exceeding 180 days annually, for both business and leisure trips, with unlimited entries and exits within five years.

4. Thailand’s visa-free entry:

The Thai Government has introduced a temporary visa exemption for Indian passport holders, enabling them to enter Thailand without a tourist visa from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024, with an exemption granting a 30-day stay for tourism purposes.

5. Kenya to eliminate visa requirements:

Starting from January 1, 2024, Kenya has abolished visa requirements for Indian citizens and all international tourists, to boost its tourism industry. This decision aims to provide easier access to Kenya’s rich wildlife and beautiful beaches, encouraging more visitors to explore the country’s unique attractions.

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RBI will announce decision on repo rate today at 10 AM. Later today, Governor Shaktikanta Das will hold press conference at 11 AM. Analysts expect India's central bank to keep rate unchanged at 6.5%, in line with stance taken by other central banks. RBI has maintained this rate since February 2023.

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