unique places to visit in bulgaria

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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23 Amazing Places to Visit in Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

Planning a trip to Bulgaria?

Here are the services I always use and personally recommend:

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

Table of Contents

Places to visit in Bulgaria

Western bulgaria.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more about Sofia:

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

Find the accommodation in Sofia here.

See the best Sofia tours here.

Belogradchik

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Belgradchik here.

Rila Monastery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find the best tours to Rila Monastery here.

Rila Mountains

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

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

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

Recommended by Sarah from A Social Nomad

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

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Bansko here.

See the best Bansko tours here.

Pirin Mountains

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

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Melnik here.

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Central Bulgaria

Koprivshtitsa.

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

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

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

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

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

Find the best Koprivshtitsa tours here.

Veliko Tarnovo

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo here.

See the best Veliko Tarnovo tours here.

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Plovdiv here.

See the best Plovdiv tours here.

Devetashka Cave

Recommended by Raluca from Travel With A Spin

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

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

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

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

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

Buzludzha Monument

Recommended by Julia from The Cure for Curiosity

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended by Daniela from Ipanema travels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Ruse here.

Basarbovo Monastery

Recommended by Laura from Laure Wanders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Shumen here.

Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Varna here.

See the best Varna tours here.

Al Adzha Monastery

Recommended by Ucman from Brown Boy Travels

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended by Anda from Travel for a while

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Balchik here.

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

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

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

Recommended by Carolin from Happy when Abroad

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

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Burgas here.

See the best Burgas tours here.

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Sozopol here.

Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

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

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

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

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

Find the accommodation in Ahtopol here.

Map of the best places to visit in Bulgaria

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

Final thoughts on visiting Bulgaria

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

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

Travel Resources

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

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

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

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

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Linda Gerbec

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

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

There are 60 cities in Bulgaria and you recommend 50.

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

Lori Trochim

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

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

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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. It has a unique charm all of its own. Here are my favorite beauty spots in this extraordinary country…

1. The Black Sea Beaches

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.

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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 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 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 black-and-white stripes 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; 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, which represent 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 country’s centre 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 point, more than 500 species of flowers were 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, they can be frozen. The terrain alternates 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 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!

Beth Pinches - writer and photographer Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road-tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. Other places she loves include Croatia, Finland, Japan and India. In between adventures, travel writing and performing she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele. Find Beth on Linkedin or  Facebook . Hotel Reviewing Experience - Asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Visit Jersey , Visit Sweden , and Israel Tourist Board. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos . Listed as a top UK travel journalist . Portland Reviewing Experience - Lived in Portland for 6 months and spent many months scouting out all the coolest spots.

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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• 15 Of The Most Unusual...

15 of the Most Unusual Things to Do in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is still not a mainstream tourist destination, which means most of the amazing things to do in the Balkan country are not yet well-known. There’s a sense of excitement and exploration when you come across dancing monsters, listen to bagpipes on a mountain top or wake up before dawn to join the traditional rose picking. Here’s a list of some unusual activities to indulge in Bulgaria .

Dance with monsters.

Every year, between January and mid-March, in different towns and villages across Bulgaria the unusual tradition of Kukeri takes place. Men and boys dress up like monsters and make as much noise as they can with the heavy bells hung on their belts, believing they chase the evil spirits away.

Listen to bagpipes in the mountains

The first weekend of August is the time to travel to the small mountain village Gela and join the biggest bagpipe contest in the country. If you can’t play the bagpipes, you can just enjoy the beautiful music that echoes across the ridges of the Rhodope Mountains .

Stand in the middle of four places of worship of different religions

There’s a place, right in the center of Sofia, where four places of worship of four different religions coexist peacefully together. This area is known as the Square of Religious Tolerance and comprises an Orthodox church, a mosque, a Roman Catholic cathedral, and a synagogue.

Watch people dance on embers

Nestinari, or the people who dance on embers, is a century-old tradition that has been preserved in one small village in Strandzha Mountain – Balgari. Every year, on June 3, nestinari (as the dancers are called) fall into trance and dance on the smouldering embers with the icon of St Constantine and St Helen in their arms.

Wake up before dawn to pick roses

There’s a place in Bulgaria called the Valley of Roses where the local Rosa Damascena rose variety is grown. This rose is used for rose oil that is used in some of the best French perfumes and cosmetics. The picking season is in June and as a tourist you can join the process. It’s important to know, however, that the roses should be picked at dawn to keep their essential oils, so you’ll have to get up really early.

1. Join a music festival on a mountain top

Ambaritsa Chalet is situated at 5000 feet (1500 m) altitude but this fact doesn’t stop hundreds of people sweating all the way up the mountain every summer to join the party at the Blueberry Festival . Join them and spend a weekend listening to live music performances and learning crafts and cooking.

Ambaritsa Chalet, Bulgaria

Celebrate February 14 not as Valentines day but as the Day of the Wine

In Bulgaria February 14 is a double holiday. St Valentines day is getting more and more popularity due to the Western cultural influence but the traditional Bulgarian celebration on this day is the Day of the Winemakers. Celebrate with a glass of Bulgarian wine or visit a vineyard and take part in the celebrations there.

Celebrate July Morning

There’s a peculiar Bulgarian tradition of celebrating the first day of July, usually at the seaside. Its roots are unclear but most probably it started as an activity of the hippie movement during the communist era in Bulgaria. The most famous place to celebrate July Morning is the rocky Black Sea coast near the village of Kamen Bryag.

2. Bungee jump from a cave arch

Prohodna is one of the most beautiful caves in Bulgaria. It has two large openings in its ceilings, known as the Eyes of God and its entrance arch is perfect for bungee jumping.

5782, Bulgaria

Prohodna Cave | © Izvora/WikiCommons

Eat green cheese

Green cheese can be found in only one Bulgarian village – Cherni Vit. This traditional cheese is covered in green mould and has a rich aroma worth the trip to try it.

Rafting adventure

Struma River gets busy in spring and summer as soon as the rafting season has been officially opened. From the end of March till the end of June you can quench the extreme part of your soul with a rafting adventure . Apart from Struma, rafting is practiced in other rivers (the Iskar, Mesta, and Arda are all good places to try).

See seven lakes at once

The Seven Rila Lakes are the most visited natural tourist attractions in Bulgaria and there’s a reason for it. The lakes unveil their deep blue waters as you climb Rila Mountain and at the Lake Peak (Ezeren Vrah) you are granted a magnificent view – all Seven Rila Lakes are at your feet.

Climb cliffs at the seaside

Bulgaria has a variety of climbing routes and spots but one of the most challenging is the deep-water solo climbing at the Black Sea coast. Head for Kamen Bryag (July Morning also takes place there, remember?) for a gorgeous cliff landscape.

Visit a Thracian sacred place

The ancient Thracian tribes have left much of their culture – tombs, sacred places, stone sanctuaries, cave sanctuaries, and numerous megaliths – scattered across Bulgaria. Some of their heritage is protected by UNESCO (Kazanlak Tomb, Sveshtari Tomb), and another part is used by new-age communities aiming to revive the ancient rituals. Head to Kazanlak and visit the local History Museum to hear the stories and then hike to the Buzovgrad Megalith 10 km away.

Stay on an island that appears in different places every year

There are several small islands along the Bulgarian part of the Danube river that appear in a different place every summer. When the weather gets hot and the water level decreases, the sand dunes emerge. These islands are wild and you can reach them by boat or kayak. The best are Lyulyak, Mishka, Aleko, and Batin.

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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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18 Amazing THings to do in Bulgaria

Pristine alpine lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, striking architecture, fascinating ruins, tranquil parks, quaint cobbled streets and so much more all fuse beautifully to create an incredible amount of things to do in bulgaria. read on for our complete guide.

Bulgaria is packed to the brim with mountains, lakes, waterfalls, intricate monasteries and an incredibly rich history and culture that’s evident everywhere! It’s a hidden treasure waiting to be explored and often overlooked by most travellers meaning fewer crowds and unspoiled scenery.

Bulgaria is unique. It’s a country full of incredible natural beauty, ancient ruins and elaborate architecture that anywhere else in the world would have queues of tourists outside waiting to take photos. But not here. You may even be lucky enough to have some places to yourself!

Bulgaria is also extremely affordable! Flights can be as low as £30, a delicious meal for £5 and a 2.5-litre bottle of beer for £1.25!!

So, what are you waiting for?! Add Bulgaria to your bucketlist before everyone else finds out what an incredible country it is!!

We spent 8 days here loving every second of it. We drove in a loop to and from Sofia and from what we’ve seen of Western Bulgaria, we can’t wait to get back and explore the east and the coast!

Here is our list of top things to do in Bulgaria.

Read: The 5 Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Things to do in bulgaria, no time to read this guide on things to do in bulgaria now no worries, save it for later.

Hike Botev Peak

We’ll kick our guide off with one of our favourite things to do in Bulgaria; hike Botev Peak.

At 2376 metres above sea level, Botev Peak is the highest peak in the Central Balkan National Park and home to the highest waterfall in Bulgaria; Raiskoto Praskalo (Paradise Waterfall) at 124 metres tall.

The landscapes as you hike Botev Peak are diverse and magnificent! Endless mountains meet shaded scented forests with streams so fresh you can drink from. Imposing cliff faces meet pretty meadows, wildlife and panoramic viewpoints where you can appreciate the beauty of the Balkans.

Unfortunately, the peak isn’t overly exciting; a meteorological station with a radio tower stand to greet you as you conquer your challenge.  The hike, however, more than makes up for it. 

It took us around 9 hours including snack and photo stops to hike the 30 kilometres. It’s not common to hike to the peak in a day but we were limited on time and wanted to see as much of Bulgaria as possible.

To break up the journey, stay at Rai Hut for 15 leva per person per night. Rai Hut is approximately halfway between Panicite, where the trailhead is and the peak.

To give you an idea of how quiet Bulgaria can be, we only saw 2 people on this hike and they both worked at Ray Hut!!

Our Top Tip: this is a challenging hike and at points, there are ropes and chains to help yourself up. It’s not for inexperienced hikers and make sure you wear proper hiking shoes. The weather can also be extremely unpredictable due to the altitude, so take layers, sunscreen, plenty of food and water and always tell someone your plans!

Get Lost in Plovdiv's Kapana

One of our favourite places to visit in Bulgaria was Plovdiv . Full of so much charm and character, it’s little wonder it was the European Capital of Culture in 2019!

Kapana, or “The Trap”, is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets it’s easy to get lost or ‘trapped’ in. In the past, it was the centre of Plovdiv’s artisans and today has been restored to a very trendy area filled with hipster cafes, art galleries, boutiques and the city’s best dining and nightlife.

One of the best things to do in Bulgaria is to walk these vibrant, flag-strewn lanes in the evenings, soaking up the atmosphere. The streets are full of rickety tables and chairs with people laughing, eating and drinking.

There’s always something going on here. It’s a favourite for musicians and artists so keep your ears peeled for live music and your eyes for funky street art.

Book a walking tour of Plovdiv

Admire the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

No trip to Sofia is complete without seeing this architectural masterpiece!

The St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral is the second-largest cathedral in the Balkan region and it was once one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world. You can hear the bells ringing from over 15 kilometres away!!

Located in the heart of the city, the cathedral is constructed in a beautiful and intricate Neo-Byzantine style. Decorated with impeccable mosaics and imposing golden domes, this is one of Sofia’s most visited landmarks.

The cathedral is steeped in history and an important symbol of Bulgaria’s past.

Our Top Tip:  the interior is even more beautiful than the exterior, however, you’re not able to take photos inside. You’ll have to go and see it yourself!

Hike the Seven Rila Lakes

Hiking the Seven Rila Lakes is hands down one of the top things to do in Bulgaria!

Set in splendid mountain scenery, the Seven Rila Lakes are a series of seven glacial lakes situated between 2100 and 2500 metres above sea level in the northwestern Rila Mountains.

The Seven Rila Lakes are easily one of the most remarkable natural attractions in the Balkan Peninsula. They attract both Bulgarian tourists and visitors from all over the world eager to be enchanted by their sheer beauty.

Each of the seven lakes has a name associated with its characteristics; The Tear, The Eye, The Kidney, The Twins, The Trefoil, Fish Lake and Lower Lake (from highest to lowest).

Small streams and waterfalls flow between each of the lakes connecting them all. The Tear, The Eye and The Kidney each drain separately into The Twins. From here, the water flows on to the lower three becoming more powerful as it passes the bottom two and flowing on from Lower Lake, it f orms the start of the Dzherman River.

Book a Seven Rila Lakes Day Tour

Our Top Tip: this is one of the busiest things to do in Bulgaria so arrive early!! We’d also recommend staying in the nearby town Panichishte as it’s a very popular day trip from Sofia and this way you’ll be here before the day-trippers.

For our full guide to hiking the Seven Rila Lakes, read our guide below.

Read: How to Hike Bulgaria’s Alluring Seven Rila Lakes

Stay in panichishte, explore bansko.

Bansko has grown in popularity in recent years as a ski resort and as a result, has undergone a lot of development. It has managed, luckily, to retain a lot of charm and is definitely worth spending a couple of days as a base to explore the nearby mountains.

Bansko lies at the foot of the Pirin Mountains and in the summer is an alluring, quiet town with gorgeous mountain scenery.

The main street of Bansko is pedestrianised and it’s where you’ll find shops, restaurants, bars and most of the accommodation.

Lining this pedestrianised street are charismatic, traditionally decorated Mehanas. They serve huge portions of Bulgarian cuisine and dinner is usually accompanied by traditional music and dancing.

Some of them are set in beautiful tranquil gardens.

We’d recommend putting aside a bit of time to meander the Old Town for an insight into what Bansko used to be like.

The narrow cobbled streets are lined with charming traditional stone buildings that feel like they’ve been frozen in time. You’ll feel a world away from anywhere ambling about in the absolute peace and tranquillity that envelopes this area.

Hike Vihren Peak

One of the best things to do in Bansko and our reason for visiting is to hike Vihren Peak; the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains at 2914 metres.

Most of the trail is pretty steep and rocky and the final stretch inclines even more. It’s a fairly challenging hike and the day we were there, it was incredibly foggy and couldn’t see further than about 10 metres in front of us so it wasn’t too enjoyable.

Luckily, as we were eating our sandwiches at the top, wrapped up in several layers to protect us from the wind, the sun came out and the views were amazing!  You can see the whole of Pirin National Park and out to mountains scattered across Northern Greece looming in the background!

On our way back down, fortunately, the clouds had lifted slightly and we could take in our surroundings. The route is actually very beautiful and it was a shame we couldn’t see it.

Alpine lakes, shaded pine forest, Chamois and imposing rock faces.

The hike is 8.7 kilometres and took us 5 hours to complete.

Our Top Tip: this is a challenging hike that shouldn’t be attempted by beginners. The last 30 minutes before the peak is a tough scramble. There are several chains, however, if you’re hiking on a foggy day as we were, you may lose the trail and not have the help of these.

Visit the Rila Monastery

Visiting the Rila Monastery is one of the most fascinating things to do in Bulgaria.

Rising out of a forested valley in the Rila Mountains, Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox Monastery in Bulgaria. This iconic landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses an extraordinary collection of religious art.

Amble through striped black, red and white archways, explore its elegant colonnades and admire the grandeur of its murals and icons.

If you want a small glimpse into the monk life, you’re able to stay in the living quarters where monks still live.

Stroll Plovdiv's Old Town

One of the top things to do in Bulgaria is to saunter through Plovdiv’s romantic Old Town. This is an Old Town like no other we’ve ever seen!  Most are crowded, noisy and full of street vendors. This couldn’t be more opposite!

This one takes you back to the old times. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with colourful museums, antique shops, guesthouses, elegant revival-era townhouses and galleries in perfect silence. Most of the buildings are from the 19th century and are absolutely beautiful!

For an overview of Plovdiv’s diverse history, head to the ethnographic museum set in the magnificent Kuyumdjiev House. This is the most emblematic of the revival-era townhouses and is now an enchanting museum.

Here, you can learn of life in Plovdiv and the surrounding area during the Bulgarian National Revival Times.

Visit Sofia

Bulgaria’s quirky capital city is a great base for an introduction to Bulgarian culture and history. 

The city has spent most of the last 2,000 years under occupation by numerous empires and each has left its marks. Eastern Orthodox churches brush shoulders with ancient ruins, Ottoman mosques and communist architecture. 

These, nestled amongst trendy art galleries, museums, boutiques, streets markets, hipster cafes and quirky bars and restaurants, make Sofia a very vibrant and dynamic city.

Our Top Tip:  the best way of getting around Sofia is on foot. The main sights are all within walking distance and making your way between them, one minute you’ll be lost in narrow cobbled lanes, the next you’ll be strolling through a market on a wide boulevard.

Visit the Ancient Theatre of Philipoppol

Located in Plovdiv’s Old Town is the Ancient Theatre of Philipoppol. A startling reminder of the city’s past, this ancient theatre is one of the best-preserved in the world!

The theatre was constructed in the 1st century AD, and, until the 4th, hosted gladiatorial and hunting games. It was reconstructed in the 20th century and as well as being an incredibly important Plovdiv landmark, in the summer, it hosts various concerts and performances.

Meander Borisova Gradina

This is Sofia’s oldest and most famous park and is perfect for an afternoon stroll.

The park is divided into three sections and each was designed by a different gardener. If you’re in need of an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, or you just fancy some fresh air and tranquillity, this park is the ideal escape.

There are miles of tree-lined pathways intertwined around the park and its features including; interesting sculptures, the Soviet Monument, the Summer Swimming Bath, the University Observatory, the Ariana Lake and many more.

Eat Local Cuisine

One of the best things to do in Bulgaria and also one of the best ways to get to know somewhere new is to dine like a local.

We had absolutely no idea what Bulgarian food was before we visited so we couldn’t wait to get to a restaurant and see what was on the menu!

Turns out, it’s delicious, fresh and hearty! Bulgarian cuisine shares the same characteristics with other Balkan cuisines – namely Turkish, Greek and Serbian. 

Meat tends to be the main staple, with pork and chicken being the most popular, accompanied with fresh, good quality vegetables and contains a variety of mild spices.

Although meat tends to be the main staple, you can get by pretty easily if you’re a vegetarian, especially in the larger cities. Cheese is put on  everything , however, so vegan may be a bit trickier if you’re in more remote areas.

Our favourite dish was melted cheese and cornflakes with jam! It may sound a bit funky and we were sceptical but somehow it works and it’s delicious!

Shopska salads are popular before meals. This is a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion and sirene cheese. For the ultimate Bulgarian experience, enjoy your salad with a shot of rakia! Interestingly, the salad’s most prominent colours match the colours of the flag…coincidence??

For another refreshing start to a meal, especially on a hot day, try tarator; a cold yoghurt soup made up of cucumbers, dill, garlic, olive oil and sometimes walnuts.

Main meals tend to consist of Kebapche, or kebabs, which are grilled meat with spices. Meshana Skara is also common; mixed grill typically including kebapche, kufte (a bit like meatballs) and a pork skewer similar to souvlaki).

Walk Down Vitosha Boulevard

Lined with upmarket boutiques, charming shops, cute open-air cafes, quaint restaurants and lively bars,  Vitosha Boulevard is the fanciest street in Sofia .  

It’s quite touristy, especially in the evenings with chairs and tables lining the streets but there’s a vibrant buzz in their air that’s worth experiencing.

The boulevard also has a dramatic backdrop of Vitosha Mountain so if nothing else here inspires you, come for a look at that!

Visit Bachkovo Monastery

Just outside of Plovdiv , is the country’s second-largest monastery and one of the most interesting things to do in Bulgaria.

Founded in 1083, it’s one of the oldest monasteries in the Balkan Peninsula and famed for combining three cultures – Byzantine, Bulgarian and Georgian.

Immersed in nature,  t he monastery has a spectacular setting in the Rhodope Mountains! 

There are various murals and icons on display that have been beautifully preserved. Its most treasured item is the miraculous Virgin Mary icon given to them by two Georgian travellers.

The courtyard is a favourite gathering place for pilgrims with its impressive trees and serene setting. 

It’s still a functioning monastery and the monks offer overnight accommodation.

It’s free to visit but you have to pay to enter the museum (less than £1!).

Book a tour to Bachkovo Monastery

Stroll around tsar simeon central garden.

If you’re tired from walking around Plovdiv’s ancient ruins and enchanting Old Town, relax under the leafy trees in the Tsar Simeon Central Garden. These gardens are perfect for an hour or so to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Inside the park are various monuments dedicated to Bulgarian spiritual leaders and a fountain dedicated to Goddess Demeter; Goddess of the Harvest.

The main attraction of the park, however, is the Lake with the Singing Fountains! Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, during the summer, the lake puts on a spectacle of fountains and lights at 9pm. 

There’s also a restaurant and a bar overlooking the lake, perfect for pre-dinner drinks.

Visit the Regional History Museum

Displayed in the magnificent, former Turkish Mineral Baths building is the history of Sofia.

Artefacts are presented on two floors and include discoveries from archaeological digs, memorabilia from Bulgarian royal families and a horse carriage gifted to Bulgaria by Marie Antoinette.

Sofia has a lot of spring activity which has attracted visitors since medieval times. Initially, the Ottomans constructed their own hammam here which was destroyed following the Bulgarian Revival. The Central Baths date to 1913 and were in use until the mid-1980s. 

It’s one of Sofia’s most photographed buildings, constructed in the neo-Byzantine style.

Explore Plovdiv's Roman Stadium

Something you’ll quickly notice about Plovdiv is the historical and archaeological remains are layered throughout the city.

As the city has undergone a lot of construction and rebuilding over its time, new buildings were built over the old ones. This has resulted in parts of ancient sites nestled amongst modern buildings. This just adds to Plovdiv’s character and uniqueness.

One place this is most prominent is along the main shopping street where below it lies the Roman Stadium.

The ancient Roman Stadium was built in the 2nd Century A.D and was one of the most imposing buildings in the city during its time.

Pronounced a National Cultural Value in 1995, the only area that’s exposed is in Dzhumaya Square. Today you can access part of the track, the semi-circular part of the spectator seats and a wall depicting the hypothetical reconstruction of the area’s that are missing.

Visit St. George Rotunda

Finally, on our list of top things to do in Bulgaria is to visit the Church of St George; thought to be the oldest building in Sofia.

It was initially built during the 4th century by the Romans and stands among some ancient Roman ruins. Somehow, the church has been excellently preserved over the centuries which makes you wonder how looking at all of the ruins scattered around it!

The church is particularly well known for the magnificent frescoes inside. There are five layers in total dating back as early as the 6th century. The frescoes were painted over by the Ottomans when the church was converted to a mosque in the 1600s.

To Know Before You Go

When’s the best time to visit bulgaria.

In terms of weather, April through to October will be the best time to visit. We visited in September which was  perfect as it was  a pleasant temperature for sightseeing and hiking and it was outside of the school holidays so fewer crowds. 

July to August, unsurprisingly, are the busiest time of year. Prices will  spike (although nothing compared to other European countries!) and it’ll also be very hot (in June as well it can get to above 40 degrees!).

In the winter a lot of things shut down. Unless you’re a snow baby and fancy some skiing or snowboarding? Bansko is becoming an increasingly popular budget ski destination.

How do I get Around?

The best way to get around is to rent a car to give you total flexibility and freedom. Driving is easy as the roads are very quiet outside of the cities. Public transport is fine in the cities but if you’re wanting to travel further afield you might find it tricky.

How long would you recommend for the top things to do in Bulgaria?

To see everything in this guide we’d recommend no less than 8 days which is what we had and we sometimes felt a bit rushed. You could easily spend longer to go at a more relaxed pace.

We can’t wait to get back and explore the east side of Bulgaria.

How Expensive is Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is a great budget-friendly option if you’re looking for a cheap holiday.

Meals in the smaller, less touristy towns expect to pay about £5 and £1 for a beer. In the cities, about £8 for a meal and £2 for a beer.  If you dine in one of the restaurants on Sofia’s Vitosha Boulevard, expect to pay closer to £10-£12 for a meal and £4 for a beer.

We stayed in little guesthouses for between £15-£20 a night. Activities and tours are also a fraction of the cost of what you pay in other areas of Europe such as Krakow and Lisbon .

What currency is used?

Bulgaria uses the Lev. At the time of writing 1USD is 1.72 BGN.

What plug do I need?

Bulgaria uses plug type F with two round pins. You can also use E and C. The voltage is 230V.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to 18 amazing things to do in Bulgaria. If you have any other recommendations or questions, feel free to leave us a comment 🙂

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Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: August 19, 2022

Home >> Europe >> Eastern Europe >> Bulgaria >> Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

From the pine-clad ski resorts of Pamporovo and Bansko to the glistening sun-kissed beach resorts on the Black Sea. A country so many still consider “off the beaten track”, Bulgaria is more accessible than you might think, very affordable and incredibly beautiful. 

Bulgaria has a unique charm, from the stunning natural attractions, quaint towns and fascinating cities to the rich culture and enthralling historical narrative.  

These are the best places to visit in Bulgaria, including the main Bulgarian cities, starting with  the nation’s capital, Sofia . Each has something different to offer, but all have one thing in common- they are great destinations in any season.

Table of Contents

• Sofia – The Capital of Bulgaria
• Belogradchik Rocks – Famous Bulgarian Landmark & Fortress
• Sozopol Beach – Beach Resort on the Black Sea
• Nessebar – The Pearl of the Black Sea
• Ruse – Second largest city and gateway to Romania
• The Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo
• Veliko Tarnovo – Historic Town & Fortress
• Plovdiv – The Bulgarian Capital of Culture
• Bansko – Hiking & Skiing
• Smolyan – Main Town of Rhodope Mountains
• Pamporovo – Hiking & Skiing
• The Rhodope Mountains – Hiking & Skiing
• Devin – Hiking and Thermal Spa’s
• Lovech – Old Town, Waterfalls & Caves
• The Troyan Monastery
• The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery

Books to Read Before Visiting Bulgaria

Read More: Discover the Best Time to Visit Europe for Every Interest

Whether you only have a short visit or are planning an extended holiday in Bulgaria, you will, without a doubt, find this Balkan country fascinating.

These cities and towns offer a diverse and wonderful insight into this beautiful and intriguing country, and some might be just a little off the tourist trail.

Sofia The Capital of Bulgaria

Often overlooked in favour of heading to the beach or hitting the slopes, it is worth a day or two in the capital Sofia. If fo nothing else than to understand the colourful history of this charming Balkan nation. A history rooted in Ottoman tradition and Socialist struggle , Sofia sheds light on the friction, grit and perseverance that has shaped Bulgaria.

The second oldest settlement in Europe, Sofia may be no grand city but certainly shines in cultural richness with many galleries, museums, parks and nightlife.

Read More: Find the Best Places to Visit in Europe in Autumn

Sprinkled with onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques, Red Army monuments and a treasure trove of 2000-year-old Roman ruins, the modern and youthful city feels somewhat eclectic with a dash of the exotic.

Wide boulevards lined with alfresco cafes, spacious parks and manicured gardens make Sofia a pleasant city experience.

Enjoy Skiing and Hiking Near Sofia

Want a reprieve from the city? Only a short bus ride from the centre, you can hike the trails of Mt Vitosha , taking in the panoramic views of Sofia. Or, you can be on the slopes in Borovets in just over an hour. Bulgaria’s most famous ski resort is renowned for its world-class skiing.

Related: Find out more about Bulgaria’s very budget-friendly skiing .

Take a Sofia Walking Tour

We can highly recommend a walking tou r of Sofia when you first arrive. On our first trip to Sofia, of which there have been many, we did a city walking tour at minus 20°C.

While we all nearly froze to death, it was a fantastic introduction to Sofia and the history of Bulgaria. It also helped us get our bearings for visits to come thanks to some local insight on the best places to eat and drink.

Sample Traditional Bulgarian Food

Bulgarians are very hospitable especially when it comes to dining. Bulgarian food is homely, fresh and plentiful so do take time to sample some traditional Bulgarian fare while in Sofia.

Being quite a modern city, Sofia has an exciting new cafe, restaurant and bar scene emerging which is reshaping the city centre and putting a new spin on Balkan cuisine. As a result, there are now some fabulous food and wine tours available from Sofia which is a great way to experience both the traditional and modern aspects of Bulgarian culture.

Experience a full day history tour with wine tasting and lunch or for the night owl, a pub crawl of Sofia’s hidden bars .

Where to Stay in Sofia

There are plenty of great hotels in Sofia ranging from high end to excellent value.

Sofia Place Hotel

When we stay in Sofia, we often choose to stay at the  Sofia Place Hotel in the middle of the city. It’s a lovely boutique hotel, with large, comfortable rooms and an excellent breakfast. In addition to an excellent on-site casual restaurant, there are many good restaurants nestled in the back streets nearby. A perfect opportunity to explore some of Sofia’s new dining scene.

Hotel Jasmine

If you are planning on renting a car for your holiday in Bulgaria, as we often do, we find the Hotel Jasmine is perfect for a no-hassle stay where parking is required. Situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountain in one of Sofia’s most prestigious suburbs is the Hotel Jasmine.

The hotel has large comfortable rooms and a very nice restaurant on the premises. It is also excellent value for money. We recommend booking in advance as it can often be booked out.

Search Latest Hotel Deals in Sofia Bulgaria

Belogradchik rocks.

On the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains, a stunning landscape of rocks sculptured through millennia hides a medieval fortress with a history dating back to Roman times through to the Bulgarian tsars and Ottomans.

Declared a Natural Landmark by the Bulgarian government, the scene is vaguely reminiscent of the whimsical landscape of Cappadocia in Turkey. The spectacular rock formations of the Belogradchik Fortress are nearly as impressive as the view from the top.

The rocks, primarily sandstone form a mystical landscape that has given rise to many local legends. Many of the stones have earnt the titles of things they are thought to resemble, such as The School Girl, The Bear, The Madonna, The Pine Stone  etc. legends local guides will be eager to share with you.

You can read more about the legends of the Belogradchik Rocks here .  It is easy to see why the Belogradchik Rocks are quickly becoming one of Bulgaria’s top natural tourist attractions.

Getting to the Belogradchik Fortress

Belogradchik is in northwestern Bulgaria in the Vidin Province. A 2.5 – 3-hour drive from the capital,  day tours to Belogradchik from Sofia are entirely possible.

If you prefer to stay in Vidin on the banks of the Danube , 50km’s to the north; regular buses run all day between Belogradchik and Vidin.

Trip time is approx. 1 hour from Vidin to Belogradchik.

Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress Opening Hours:

• 1 April – 30 September: Daily from 9.00 am – 6.00 pm
• 1 October – 30 March: Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Black Sea Sozopol Beach

Sozopol Beach is a beautiful ancient fishing village on a narrow peninsula 35 km south of Burgas on the Black Sea coast. Bulgaria has some popular, highly commercial coastal resort towns such as Sunny Beach or Varna.

Sozopol, on the other hand, appeals to the more discerning beachgoer with its laid back atmosphere and picturesque setting.

Discover Antique Sozopol

Sozopol is brimming with natural and historic beauty. In addition to clean stretches of white sand and crystal clear water, the town has been declared an architectural and archaeological sanctuary – a museum-reserve.

“Antique Sozopol” is a meandering maze of picturesque cobbled streets lined with the 18th century Bulgarian Revival houses declared monuments of culture.

The remains of the 5th-century fortification on the southeastern end of the peninsula have been restored to serve as a lovely clifftop boardwalk along the seafront. Historical monuments, restaurants and boutique accommodation houses are tastefully incorporated into the length of the historic wall.

Sozopol’s Greek Heritage

In the 7th century, Sozopol was a Greek fishing village by the name of Antheia, then shortly after, renamed Apollo. The town is now famous for the Apollonia  arts and film festival named after its Greek heritage.

Throughout the summer months, May to September, Sozopol is alive with tourists from around the world who come to enjoy the sandy beaches, history and culture, the Mediterranean, Balkan fusion cuisine, and most of all – the atmosphere.

You can read our complete article on Sozopol here .

Like Sozopol, Nessebar dates back to antiquity when the  Thracians  founded the charming peninsular that juts out into the sea. Considered the Pearl of the Black Sea, Nessebar is one of the most beautiful towns on the Black Sea coast. 

The town has a long history of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottomans, Crusaders, and Bulgarian occupation. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the old town has a stunning array of historical sites around its quaint cobbled streets. From Thracian fortifications, churches dating back to the 5th century, typical 19th century wooden houses and one of the last remaining windmills in Bulgaria. 

In summer, Nessebar attracts holidaymakers to its beautiful beaches and resort lifestyle. You will find great hotels, resorts, restaurants, and a much more relaxed vibe than some of the larger coastal resort towns such as Varna and Sunny Beach. 

Ruse is Bulgaria’s fifth-largest city. Roughly 300km northeast of Sofia on the banks of the Danube River, just 75 km south of Bucharest, Romania. Often referred to as Little Vienna, this is one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities.

Imposing 19th and 20th-century Neo-Baroque or belle époque   architecture gives Ruse a sense of grandeur unlike any other city in Bulgaria. Leafy streets, promenades and squares play second fiddle to the city’s grand centre, Plaza Svoboda.

The striking central feature, an enormous Monument to Freedom is set against the backdrop of the glorious Viennese designed building known as The Profit Yeilding Building.

Around 18 streets radiate from the central square which is where you will find all of Ruse’s points of interest making this city very easy to explore.

Day Trips to Bucharest from Ruse

• The Danube bridge crosses in Ruse making this an easy transit point for those wishing to visit Romania, even for a day trip.
• If you wish to cross by car via the bridge expect ~ 4 Bulgarian Lev (~€2) from Ruse and 13 Romanian Lei (~€3) from Giurgiu on the Romanian side.
• The bridge can get very busy with trucks, especially from the Romanian side so anticipate delays.
• Travel time from Ruse to Bucharest is approx. 1 h 20 min.
• If coming from Romania, there are day trips from Bucharest to Bulgaria perfect for those short on time or without a car. You can find out more about these tours here .

Visit the Rock hewn Churches of Ivanovo

Ruse’s other big drawcard is less than a half-hour drive from the city centre. The UNESCO listed rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo and the Basarbova Rock Monastery.

These incredible 13th-century churches are carved into rock faces and cliffs with some of the most impressive frescoes we have seen anywhere in the world.

Opening Hours for the Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo

Daily from 09.00 – 18.00

Entrance Fee:

• Adults: 5 Lev
• Students: 2 Lev
• Groups over five persons: 4 Lev pp

Where to Stay in Ruse

Being so cosmopolitan, you will find an abundance of good quality hotels and restaurants in Ruse.  Some have been awarded the best in the country and like the rest of Bulgaria, are very reasonably priced like the  Grand Hotel Riga .

We found it to be exceptional value for money, especially the hotel’s Panorama Restaurant. Awarded one of the best restaurants in the country, it offers outstanding fine dining at incredibly low prices.  The hotel also offers free parking and some of the most spectacular views of the Danube, especially at sunset.

You can check rates and the availability of more hotels in Ruse here .

Veliko Tarnovo

200 km to the east of Sofia, the historical capital of the second Bulgarian Empire; Veliko Tarnovo is Bulgaria’s oldest city.

The approach to this medieval town is a sight you will not soon forget when you first glimpse the medieval fortress, Tsarevets.

Visit Tsarevets Fortress

Tsarevets is surrounded on three sides by the winding Yantra River, with the Patriarchal Cathedral perched high on the hill. Your first impression is of a lone castle on an island. Within the walled city was where nobility and the Patriarchate resided.

It will take a good few hours to work your way around all the sites within the walls of Tsarevets fortress so make sure you allocate enough time.

Tsarevets Fortress Opening Hours:

• November – March: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
• April – October: Daily from 8 to 19 pm

Tsarevets Fortress Entry Fee:

• Adults – 6 lv.
• Students – 2 lv.
• Family (up to 3 children) – 6 lv.

See the Tsarevets Light Show

At night, the Tsaravets fortress is lit up in a Light and Sound Spectacular usually starting from around 6.00 pm depending on the season.

Explore the Varosha Quarter

Wind your way into town to the Varosha quarter and more importantly, Gurko Street. Traditional Bulgarian homes cascade down the hillside towards the river with winding, cobblestone streets and narrow stairways leading up, and down the hill. The old town of Veliko Tarnovo is a perfectly quaint display of terracotta roofs, potted geraniums and little hotels and tavernas tucked away in quiet corners.

Retaining the original facade; Gurko street is the oldest and most picturesque street in town. It is the street you want to stay in to soak up the gorgeous atmosphere of Veliko Tarnovo.

Enjoy the Lively Atmosphere of Veliko Tarnovo

Don’t think for a minute Veliko Tarnovo is just ancient walled cities and history. Home to one of Bulgaria’s most prestigious universities and a major stop on the Bucharest – Istanbul train route, Veliko Tarnovo has a youthful vibrancy and is a favourite stop in the backpacking scene.

It is also a favourite romantic getaway for Bulgarians. So expect a mix of lively nightlife to rival the bigger cities and a good offering of chic boutiques, classy hotels, cafes and restaurants.

Veliko Tarnovo is an all-around crowd pleaser and a “must do” on any Bulgarian itinerary.

Where to Stay in Veliko Tarnovo

As you would expect from a historic university town that attracts both backpackers and the more sophisticated traveller, Veliko Tarnovo has a good offering of accommodation options to suit all budgets.

While there is plenty of hostel-style accommodation starting at around €10 per night, such as the popular Hostel Mostel , you will also find some very reasonably priced boutique style accommodation.

Our picks for accommodation in Veliko Tarnovo are  The Hill Hotel ,  Hotel Studio  and finally, our favourite,  Gurko Hotel .

All of these hotels are great value for money, very well located and offer wonderful views. Hotel Studio, in particular, offers views of Tsarevets from some rooms and the roof terrace. Perfect for viewing the nightly light spectacular.

You can search for more accommodation options for Veliko Tarnovo here .

Less than 150kms south of Sofia, Bulgaria’s European Capital For Culture is an easy day trip or weekend away from the capital.

Plovdiv Old Town is where the city’s main appeal lies. Vibrant cafes, bars and restaurants buzz alongside Byzantine, Roman and Bulgarian antiquities including; the most impressive Roman amphitheatre in the Balkans; still in use today.

Winding cobbled streets reveal museums and galleries where eminent artists are still in residence. We fell in love with Plovdiv and its lively and infectious atmosphere of creativity mixed with laid-back, youthful confidence.

You can read our complete article on the best things to do in Plovdiv ; Bulgaria’s second-biggest city.

Things to do in Plovdiv Bulgaria

Bansko is primarily known as one of Bulgaria’s premier ski resort at the foot of the Pirin Mountains in the Pirin National Park, southwest Bulgaria.

Bansko’s budget-friendly skiing at altitudes ranging from 900m to 2600m attracts an increasing number of Bulgarians, Brits and Europeans, mostly Russians each year. It is one of Bulgaria’s hottest destinations in winter.

You can read our complete article about skiing in Bulgaria here .

Hiking in Bansko

It is not just skiing that makes Bansko one the best places to visit in Bulgaria. Bansko doesn’t shut down after the winter crowds have left which makes it the perfect base to explore the pristine Pirin National Park.

A stunning alpine landscape with forested ridges and stunning glacial lakes, home to bears and wolves.

Explore Bansko Old Town

Away from the main ski resort, the cobblestoned old town delights with 19th-century National Revival mansions and museums. The stone-and-timber houses were once supported by fortress-style walls with hidden escape routes to protect the inhabitants from the Turks.

The old town of Bansko rivals those of Sozopol or Veliko Tarnovo.

Getting to Bansko 

• Bansko is 160km’s south of Sofia.
• Buses leave daily from the capital.
• There is also a  Bansko Shuttle Service  that runs from Sofia Airport to your accommodation in Bansko.
• The expected travel time is 2.5 – 3 hours. 

Close to the border of Greece, 240kms south of Sofia is the town of Smolyan. Nestled in the Rhodope Mountains, it is the highest in Bulgaria. Smolyan is where Bulgarians come to escape, summer or winter.

An amalgamation of four villages, there is nothing overly endearing about the town of Smolyan itself, but what surrounds the town is well worth coming for.

Skiing and Hiking Near Smolyan

15 km from the centre of Smolyan is the village of Pamporovo, Bulgaria’s premium ski resort.  One of the best known in Southeastern Europe.

Rhodope Mountains

The Rhodope Mountains surrounding the town offer pristine hiking trails, small villages, lakes, caves and an endless vista of unspoilt woodlands.

When you say to Bulgarians you are going to Smolyan, more often than not they will whisper “ ahh, paradise “.  The perfect all season getaway for nature lovers, hikers and skiers.

Smolyan is also the perfect gateway for exploring surrounding villages such as the very pretty Shiroka Laka en route to our next town, Devin.

You can search for accommodation in the Smolyan & Pamporovo area here .

Still within the Smolyan Province,  just over an hour from the centre of Smolyan or, 200kms from Sofia, is Bulgaria’s best spa town – Devin.

Set against the beautiful Rhodope Mountains, Devin has several mineral water springs with temperatures around 44 °c and higher. Devin is where the upper echelon of Sofia comes to take the waters in luxury spa resorts .

You can also enjoy these mineral thermal springs inexpensively at outdoor establishments.

Hiking & Trekking in Devin

Devin is not just known for its spa qualities; it is also a base for some of Bulgaria’s best hiking and exploring. On the outskirts of town, next to the thermal pools, is the Devin Eco Walk, a beautiful 7 km trail running along the river past waterfalls and through gorges.

The Trigrad Gorge, Devils Throat Cave, the Haramiyska Cave and the rock formation called The Elephant are just some of the natural attractions that bring outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world to this region.

There are a number of tour operators in Devin offering guided hikes, fishing tours and even bear watching from designated hides.

Only 150kms northeast of Sofia is the town of Lovech.

The Lovech region has a lot to offer but none more than the town itself. The most prominent feature of Lovech is its famous covered wooden bridge across the Osam river.

Originally built in 1874 and rebuilt three times, the Lovech bridge is one of only a handful of bridges in the world to have shops across its full span on both sides.

This charmingly restored town has so much to offer for a full day. Explore the Varosha quarter, visit the Hisarya fortress overlooking the town, the historical museum or the interestingly restored old Turkish bathhouse.

Once you have walked the town, settle down for lunch in one of the lovely restaurants that occupy the gorgeous candy-coloured buildings with views over the river and central square of the old town.

Visit the Troyan Monastery

Another reason to head to the Lovech region, other than some notable waterfalls and caves, is the Troyan Monastery. Only a half hour south of Lovech the Troyan Monastery is a truly tranquil place.

Said to be founded in 1600, this beautiful monastery also offers accommodation to tourists, but book in advance as this beautiful place of pilgrimage is very popular.

Day Tours to Lovech

You will find day to tours to Lovech available from both Sofia and Bucharest, Romania.

In addition to exploring Lovech Old Town and Hisarya Fortress, most tours will include Krushuna, an area famed for its beautiful waterfalls and caves and The  Devetashka cave , Bulgaria’s deepest cave.

Expect upwards of €150 pp for a  Day Trip to Lovech with Waterfalls and Caves from Bucharest

and prices starting from €50 pp for a Lovech Full Day Tour from Sofia

The Seven Rila Lakes and Rila Monastery

The undisputed natural wonder and most iconic attraction in Bulgaria is the Seven Rila Lakes.

Located in the northwest of the highest mountain range on the Balkan Peninsula – the Rila Mountains, the area, has fascinated mountaineers for over a hundred years. It has even inspired The Universal White Brotherhood religious cult whose followers gather there every year in mid-August.

Only 1.5 hours drive from Sofia the area is popular with hikers and day tourists. Previously, The Seven Rila Lakes was only accessible by a steep 2-hour hike from Pionerska Hut near Panichishte. Now, a chairlift leading from the asphalt road near Pionerska Hut directly to the lakes provides easy access for the less enthusiastic hiker.

Seven Rila Lakes Chairlift

Expect around 10 Lev one way / 18 Lev return (~€6 / ~€9).

Getting to Seven Rila Lakes

• The best way to get to Seven Rila Lakes is either to drive or take an organised tour.
• While there is no direct bus to Rila, there is a shared shuttle service from Sofia.
• If you are planning on visiting or booking an organised tour, check seasonal availability as some tours or services may not operate throughout winter.

Accommodation at Seven Rila Lakes

If you are planning to spend more than a day at Seven Rila Lakes make sure you book in advance. While the area is a hiking mecca, camping is forbidden.

The Rilski Ezera Hut and Malka Yurta Hut are most conveniently located next to the chairlift. But you can find a wider array of accommodation options here that are still very convenient.

Make sure you book in advance, especially in August when the White Brotherhood New Year’s celebrations can see crowds of several thousand descend on the area.

 Rila Monastery

The Rila Monastery or  Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila is considered one of the most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments in Bulgaria.

So much so it is depicted on the 1 Lev note. It is also one of Bulgaria’s most popular tourist attractions receiving nearly one million visitors each year. Situated in the southwestern Rila Mountains, 117 km south of the capital Sofia the monastery houses around 60 monks.

Staying at Rila Monastery

There is also the possibility of overnight accommodation at the Monastery but make sure you enquire in advance.

Getting to Rila Monastery

Even though the Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s most famous tourist attractions, it’s not that easy to get to.

Bus to Rila Monastery

There is only one direct bus daily from Sofia leaving mid-morning which may or may not be reliable as is the way with public transport in Bulgaria. There is, however, a Rila Monastery shuttle service which costs around €19 per adult.

Hike to Rila Monastery

You can also hike to the Rila Monastery from the Seven Rila Lakes but expect anywhere upwards of six hours hiking.

Drive or Day Tour to Rila Monastery

Probably the most efficient and possibly cost-effective method, if you want to incorporate both Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes, is either by car or with an organised tour.

• You can find full day tours to the Rila Mountains starting €40
• One-day car rental from Sofia for around €30/day. You can check the best car rental rates here with no added fees. 

25 Gorgeous Places to Visit in Bulgaria (Apart From Sofia)

When thinking about Bulgaria, I am sure that most of you are only familiar with one place, and that is Sofia. And even though the capital is worth visiting, I can’t emphasize enough how many other gorgeous places there are to see in this country.

Don’t get me wrong, Sofia is definitely one of the must-sees here. However, if you only decide to visit the capital, you won’t get a true idea of what Bulgaria is really like. This place has so much more to offer – from pristine sandy beaches, to high mountainous peaks and endless valleys. Not only that, but Bulgaria is also among the oldest countries in Europe. History and culture has played a huge role in the development of the country. And Bulgarians love preserving their culture and talking about 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 25 gorgeous places to visit in Bulgaria, apart from Sofia. May the inspiration for your next trip start flowing… now!

Make sure to join the Discover Bulgaria Facebook group for even more ideas and helpful information about travelling in Bulgaria!

Table of Contents

Best cities and towns to visit in 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! 

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2. 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 .

4. 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.

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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.

Best seaside r esorts 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!

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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).

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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!

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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 resorts 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. 

10. Pamporovo

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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

11. 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. 

12. The Rila Monastery

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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. 

13. 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. 

14. Arbanasi

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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. 

15. 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.  

16. Cape Kaliakra

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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. 

17. Kazanlak

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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. 

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. 

Caves, caves and more caves to 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.  

19. Magura cave

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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. 

20. 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. 

21. 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. 

22. Dyavolski Most

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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. 

23. Perperikon

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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. 

24. 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. 

25. Eagle’s Eye Viewpoint (Yagodina)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQQEx9RjeMr/

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.

This article is also available in Bulgarian .

You may also enjoy:

The ABC of why you should visit Bulgaria

25 Best Things to do in Veliko Tarnovo – Tips from a Local

The 5 Best Ski Resorts in Bulgaria for Your Winter Vacation

7 Top Things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria

Hand-picked city guide: 27 Awesome Things to do in Plovdiv

22 Unmissable Things to do in Tryavna, Bulgaria

How weird are Bulgarians? – 21 Unusual Things Bulgarians Do

The Best Things to do in Tsarevo, Bulgaria – A Weekend at the Seaside

12 Things to do in Borovets for non-skiers

28 Delightful Things to do in Bansko for all seasons

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Lyubomira is the creator and author behind Bulgarian On The Go. With a background in journalism and experience in the field of tourism and marketing, her mission is to show travellers many beautiful places they might have never thought of visiting or even knew existed.

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This was super helpful and informative! There are so many beautiful lookouts, can’t wait to explore!

Gracias Lyubomira.

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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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Bulgaria hidden gems – unique places to see in beautiful Bulgaria

• Post date December 19, 2020
• Post categories In Destinations , Bulgaria
• Tags Hidden Gems

Bulgaria is a truly beautiful country with some interesting off the beaten path places to discover.

I asked other travel bloggers to share their top hidden gems in Bulgaria : Those special places and attractions that most visitors don’t know about, but are well worth a visit.

This is the list you want to save for when you plan a trip around Bulgaria and want to see some lesser-know and less touristy places.

Unique places to see in Bulgaria

Koprivshtitsa.

Even if this is a very easy day trip from Sofia, Kopri v shtitsa isn’t a very popular place among tourists, especially foreign ones.

Koprivshtitsa, gently nestled in the valley surrounded by Sredna Gora mountains, was founded in the 14th century but gained importance a few centuries later as one of the centers of the April 1876 uprising against the Ottoman Empire.

The town, located some 110 km east of the capital, is actually one of the prettiest places in Bulgaria, known for its beautiful 19th century Bulgarian Revival Architecture.

There are almost 400 buildings in that style in Koprivshtitsa and many of them were restored to their former glory.

Some of the houses are open for tourists as they host museums today, mainly memorial houses to great Bulgarians who were living here or who had some connections with the town.

The best thing to do in Koprivshtitsa is to wander around cobbled streets, admire the beauty of the place, and feel its vibe.

Getting to the town isn’t too difficult. There are direct trains from Sofia, the journey takes around 2 hours.

The train station is located some 10 km away from the town but there are buses connected with the train schedule so the journey is actually very smooth, even if it requires a change.

Find transportation to Koprivshtitsa

Places to stay in Koprivshtitsa

By Kamila Napora from Kami and the Rest of the World 

Balchik is a hidden gem in Bulgaria, a small beach town on the Black Sea coast and a popular resort located in the north-eastern part of the country.

It is a safe place for solo travellers. Needless to say, Bulgaria is one of the best countries to travel alone in Europe .

Getting to Balchik is not a hard task. Bus and taxi services are available or you can rent a car to get to Balchik which is just 40 km away from Varna.

Balchik is a very small Bulgarian town, but it has plenty of things to do and tourist attractions for its visitors.

You can see the difference once you reach this town. You must admire the unique shape of the buildings, unusual houses painted in red, white, yellow, and the lovely botanical gardens.

One of the most visited tourist attractions is Balchik Palace. The castle was built in 1926 to accommodate the Queen Marie of Romania.

It is small in size, but the gorgeous architecture and interior of the palace are very impressive.

There is a magnificent Botanical Garden right next to the palace. It is a great place to see flora and home to hundreds of roses, shrubs, cactus, and other flora species. Balchik has three beaches on the Black Sea coast.

You can just relax on the beaches or enjoy a shimmering sunset. If you want to enjoy beautiful flora, bright sun in charming weather, spring and summer are the best time to visit this off-beat Bulgarian town.

Find transportation to Balchik

Places to stay in Balchik

By Trijit Mallick from BudgetTravelBuff

Smolyan 

Smolyan is one of those places that have the potential to be an all-year-round tourist destination, but still remains off the beaten path. It is one of the best kept secrets of Bulgaria.

If you are road-tripping in Bulgaria , make sure you include Smolyan on your itinerary.

Located in South Bulgaria, in the heart of the Rhodope Mountain, Smolyan spans a few kilometres along the bends and turns of Cherna River.

It’s made up of two parts – the so-called Old Downtown and New Downtown. The New Downtown is a good example of communist architecture and city planning from the 1970s – 80s.

When in Smolyan, do not miss the local historical museum which tells the story of the region and has an amazing collection of costumes from the 19 th – beginning of the 20 th century.

Another attraction in the city is the Planetarium, where you can enjoy various star and space shows.

In Dolno Raykovo, one of the oldest neighbourhoods of the city, you can find lovely historical houses in the architectural style typical for the mountains.

Smolyan is a paradise for the nature lover. Numerous hiking trails start in the city or nearby. Some of the most famous ones lead to the Waterfalls Canyon, the Nevyastata cliff, and the Smolyan lakes.

Just a few kilometres to the north of Smolyan is the famous ski-resort Pamporovo.

Find transportation to Smolyan

Places to stay in Smolyan

By Daniela Koleva from Ipanema travels to…

Melnik is officially Bulgaria’s smallest town with its 385 inhabitants.

The city is known for an array of beautifully preserved historical houses, Bulgaria’s no. 1 wine, and unique rock formations.

Those are so called Melnik pyramids. Created by erosion doing its work on sensitive sandstone and clay, unique cone-shaped formations have sprung up near the town.

You can see a few lining Melnik’s northern side, but it’s even better to take an hour long walk towards the North to an area full of these pyramids.

Red wine is the main thing that makes contemporary Melnik residents proud.

There are several wine cellars, where you can go for a tasting session. You can enjoy the local wine at any of the many restaurants in Melnik.

Melnik’s architecture shines through houses lining the main road. A few of the most exquisite ones are even open to the public as ethnographic museums.

Visit e.g. the Kordopulov House of a rich merchant, which was built 260 years ago. The house features an underground cellar too, and you can taste a few wine samples there as well.

You can reach Melnik from Sofia by car in 2,5 hours. There’s one daily bus between the cities too – it leaves at 2pm and takes 4 hours.

For avid hikers, Melnik is a highly recommended stop in between hiking the mountains of Rila and Pirin National Parks.

Find transportation to Melnik

Places to stay in Melnik

By Veronika Primm from Travel Geekery

One of the most notable hidden gems in Bulgaria that certainly deserves more attention is the city of Ruse, located right by the Romanian border in the north of the country.

Ruse is the fifth-biggest city in the country and home to beautiful neo-baroque buildings, thanks to which the city is often referred to as Malkata Viena (“Little Vienna”).

Moreover, the city is only 90 km away from the Romanian capital of Bucharest, making it possible to go on a day trip to Ruse from Bucharest .

Besides neo-baroque architecture, Ruse is nothing short of noteworthy sights. The perhaps most stunning example is the Sveta Troitsa Cathedral, an impressive 17th-century cathedral that houses numerous holy relics and intricately painted wooden iconostasis, attracting plenty of pilgrims.

The cathedral is not far from the Regional Historical Museum of Ruse, where you can learn all about the history and traditions of the region.

And if you have more time left, a visit to the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo just outside of the city is a must!

Ruse is easily reached from other Bulgarian cities by public transportation and from Romania via the Ruse-Giurgiu Friendship Bridge that connects the two countries over the Danube River.

Find transportation to Ruse

Places to stay in Ruse

By Arabela from The Spicy Travel Girl

Veliko tarnovo

When people hear about Bulgaria, they often think about the large sea or mountain resorts, and maybe about the capital, Sofia. However, Bulgaria is a diverse country that has a lot of hidden gems well worth visiting.

One of those gems is Veliko Tarnovo, a charming town in northern Bulgaria. It was the capital of the country in medieval times and Tsaravets fortress is there to prove it. Veliko Tarnovo is located on the Yantra River, on three hills.

Walking through the historic center is the best way to discover this charming town. The streets in this area are filled with traditional houses and craftsmen opening up their workshops and selling unique items. Samovodska Charshia and Gurko Street are the best places to explore for this authentic feel.

The best time to visit Veliko Tarnovo is at the beginning of the summer when the flowers are in bloom, the weather is fine and it isn’t very crowded yet. You can visit Veliko Tarnovo on a day trip from Sofia or Plovdiv, but it’s also a good idea to spend a couple of days there, exploring the surrounding area. There are hiking trails, places to go rock climbing, and the traditional village, Arbanassi, all close by.

Find transportation to Veliko Tarnovo

Places to stay in Veliko Tarnovo

By Anda Bartos from Travel for a while

Al adzha monastery

The monastery of Al Adzha is located close to Varna and unlike the impression the name gives it is not a single building but rather a series of churches and living quarters built within a cave system. The entire place is carved from solid rock which makes it really impressive.

The monastery is located 17 km north of the beautiful beach city of Varna and 3 km from the very touristy Golden Sand Beach Resort.

It is located right next to Golden Sands nature park, which is the best way to experience this beautiful place and makes the entire visit very intriguing.

This cave monastery system has been around since the 4th century A.D and the more conservative locals still consider this area and its surroundings sacred.

The monastery, its multiple residential rooms and three churches are painstakingly carved into an almost 40 metres high limestone rock which was then fixed with an external system of stairs. 

The monks showed their devotion beyond the simple act of building which is reflected  perfectly in the name of the monastery. The name flavones from a Turkish word which means bright due to the bright colours used in the wall paintings and frescoes on its wall. Most of these paintings and frescoes have been lost to time, you can see some remnants though.

Getting to the monastery is quite easy both from Varna or Golden Sands and it is a must do spot whenever you’re in Bulgaria. You can explore it in a couple of hours but it is recommended to enjoy its serenity with ease of time to appreciate the Marcel this place is. Don’t forget shoes with good grip and be ready to climb some stairs, it will be greatly rewarded. It is after all built for peace, quiet and contemplation.

Find transportation to Al Adzha Monastery

By Ucman Scher from BrownBoyTravels  

Therma kostenets

Located about 50 miles outside the capital of Bulgaria, lies the quaint town of Kostenets.

This beautiful town is mountain paradise with rolling hills and a hot spring, located right at the bottom of the mountain. For avid hikers and wellness retreat seekers, Kostenets offers both. 

In fact, the hot springs, Therma Kostenets, is the closest natural hot springs to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital.

When planning a trip to Therma Kostenets , there are a couple different ways to arrive at the hot springs. If you’re planning a day trip, the easiest and fastest route is renting a car, then driving to the hot springs. Another option is taking the train to the city and then taking a taxi to the spa.

Thermea Kostenets offers a couple different pools to relax in. Inside the facility is a beautiful mineral pool, including a small waterfall and hydro massages.

While the outside deck hosts another swimming pool that overlooks a green forest. Pack your favorite swimsuit, towel and flip flops as you embark on this mountain escape.

The spa is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm. I highly recommend visiting in the morning for a more intimate experience and beating the local crowds.

Find transportation to Therma Kostenets

By Ciara Turner-Ewert from Wellness Travel Diaries

Troyan 

Troyan is an old town located on the Beli Osam river, 160 km from Sofia.

Surrounded by the Balkan mountains, it expanded slowly and retained the charm of a tiny village.

Right in the town centre there’s a nice pedestrian area and a Museum of Crafts. The collection includes some strange items used for rituals on special occasions.

Troyan is also home to the third largest and important monastery in Bulgaria, built in the 17thcentury, while the country was under Ottoman occupation.

Locals come here to pray to a miraculous icon of Mary with three silver hands. Next to the monastery, there’s an outdoor market with handmade products, like pottery and wooden objects.

The ceramics are painted with motives specific to the area. One can visit the craftsmen in Oreshak district, learn more about the craft and model a plate or cup. On the outskirts of Troyan, there’s a beautiful waterfall, Skoka Lapushnika.

Only 15 km away lies Chiflika , a small mountain resort with thermal springs little known out of Bulgaria.

It can be visited all year long. Depending on the season, one can go hiking in the surrounding areas trying to spot edelweiss, soak into thermal waters or take part in the Festival of the Plum.

Find transportation to Troyan

Places to stay in Troyan

By Raluca from Travel With A Spin

The most popular tours in Bulgaria

More about bulgaria.

• Discover Plovdiv’s old town
• Things to do in Bansko in spring
• Bulgaria 5 day tour from Sofia

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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

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The 17 Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

I can’t believe our website is just over one year old and we’ve yet to write a comprehensive post about all of the best places to visit in Bulgaria! After all, Stephanie and I both know this country extremely well, having called it home since 2017 and 2018 respectively.

We’ve taken dozens (literally) of road trips within Bulgaria and we’ve explored many nooks and crannies of this beautiful country. Here are our favorite places to visit in Bulgaria – from our adopted home city of Sofia to some lesser-known hidden gem towns in Bulgaria.

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Here are the best places to visit in Bulgaria that we’ve gathered from our years of living here!

Obviously, on a blog called Sofia Adventures, we’ve got to give space for our eponymous city! We both call Sofia home because it’s quite simply our favorite city in Bulgaria. From the multi-story murals spanning across city walls to the Roman ruins in the subways, Sofia is always finding new ways to surprise and delight.

A few of the most crucial sights to see in Sofia are as follows. Obviously, you can’t miss seeing the beautiful golden domes and teal accents of the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the symbol of our city. Head inside for a truly mesmerizing experience and observe the beautiful traditions of the Orthodox faith, and don’t miss the crypt icon museum which most tourists overlook. Don’t miss the stunning Russian Church either, just a block away from Alexander Nevsky and much smaller in scale but equally lovely in an entirely different architectural style.

Some other crucial sights to see are the beautiful burgundy Neoclassical Ivan Vazov National Theater in the heart of one of Sofia’s most loved parks, the City Garden. Find the oldest church in Sofia, the Rotunda of St. George, hidden from invaders and occupiers throughout the centuries and preserved in beautiful condition despite dating back to the 4th century.

See the ruins of the ancient city of Serdica hidden in the subway and in the Arena di Serdica lobby, visit the beautiful Sveta Nedelya Church and the Banya Bashi Mosque on the so-called “Square of Religious Tolerance,” and peep the beautiful Sofia Synagogue and the Central Market Hall nearby. You won’t want to miss the unique Vienna Secession architecture of the Sofia Central Mineral Baths (now, unfortunately, a museum and not a bathhouse, but you can fill up on some free water on Ekzahr Yosif street on the side of the building).

I think of Sofia as the Goldilocks of cities: not too big, not too small. It’s big enough that it has all the things you need, like an international food scene and great public transportation. But you can also walk a loop through all the most important city center sights in less than a day and still have the better part of an afternoon to chill out in one of Sofia’s coolest bars or its best restaurants and understand why even Rick Steves admits that Sofia is Bulgaria’s most livable city.

Mount Vitosha

It’s basically part of Sofia, really, but Mount Vitosha is so unique and beautiful that it deserves an entry of its own. What is so incredible about Sofia and one of the main reasons I ended up moving there is that there is a gorgeous 2,290 meter mountain quite literally in our backyard, in the backdrop of our beautiful cityscape.

There are countless ways to enjoy Mount Vitosha: a sunset hike, a quiet sunrise meditation, the viewpoint at Kopitoto , a hike to the summit of Cherni Vrah, a tasty but simple meal in one of the mountain’s many small restaurants, or skiing or snowboarding down the slopes in winter.

It’s so easy to get to Vitosha. A number of cable cars run on weekends, bringing you up to the summit with beautiful views such as the Simeonovo-Aleko lift. Just check to make sure it’s running first (you can check her e but the site is in Bulgarian) – I’ve gotten all the way to Simeonovo, saw it wasn’t running due to “strong winds,” and had to scrap my plans. But I ended up eating meatballs at IKEA instead, so it wasn’t a total loss.

There is also the 66 bus that will bring you to Aleko, the most developed mountain hut and start of many hikes in the area, or the free weekend bus that runs in the summer.

Bulgaria’s second city, Plovdiv is starting to compete with Sofia for popularity, especially now that it has been designated the European Capital of Culture for 2019. While I love living in Sofia, I will begrudgingly admit that Plovdiv is a little more tourist-friendly as the things to do there are quite easily defined.

The Old Town in Plovdiv is a photographer’s dream, and architecture and design enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to step inside these Bulgarian National Revival architecture homes and see back into the life of wealthy 19th and 20th-century Bulgarian families.

The Hindilyan House is particularly exquisite, as is the Balabanov House. One of my favorite buildings is the Ethnographic Museum, which is housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in the Old Town. It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Plovdiv , but it’s also an extremely interesting peek into Bulgarian culture and tradition.

But the real gem of the UNESCO site that makes up Plovdiv’s Old Town is the stunning Roman Amphitheater of Philippopolis, one of the best-preserved amphitheaters in the world.

It is two millennia old and still in incredible condition, even used for shows and events to date. It’s incredible and every single time I see it I am even more in awe.

Besides that, you need to check out the area around the Dzhumaya Mosque and the Roman Stadium (different than the amphitheater), where several art installations including a funky painted car and several other pieces of interactive art have cropped up to celebrate Plovdiv’s 2019 Capital of Culture title.

Lastly, finish up your splendid walks around Plovdiv with a coffee or craft beer at one of the bars and cafés that line the magical streets of Kapana, Plovdiv’s artsy district that is beloved by hipsters, digital nomads, and local Plovdivians alike. I love the Monkey House (coffee and craft beer) and Cat & Mouse (craft beer) the best. There’s also lots of street art here to discover so don’t forget your camera!

Veliko Tarnovo

Sometimes bestowed titles as grand as the prettiest town in Europe or the best kept secret of Europe, Veliko Tarnovo is a tiny town that seemingly everyone falls in love with it.

Built atop the steep banks of the Yantra River which snakes like a horseshoe through much of the town, the beautiful architecture of the traditional houses of the city is simply jaw-dropping. The people who live in Veliko Tarnovo truly love their tiny, historical town and its visible in all of the little details that make this town look so well-loved and cared for.

Veliko Tarnovo is nicknamed the “City of the Tsars” as it was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Veliko Tarnovo was built on three hills, the tallest and most important of which is Tsaravets.

On Tsaravets, you can still see the beautiful remains of the historic fortress (and the weirdest church I’ve ever seen). The fortress has definitely seen finer days and is in a bit of disrepair, but it is still absolutely gorgeous and offers some stunning views over the whole of Veliko Tarnovo city.

But there are other reasons to visit Veliko Tarnovo – the lively and surprising street art scene, where a seemingly mundane staircase to nowhere gets turned into a work of heart. It is the origin of one of my favorite Bulgarian restaurants, Shtastliveca, which has become a small chain of a few restaurants spread throughout Bulgaria now. There’s a big handmade movement in Veliko Tarnovo where artisans are preserving local crafts and producing beautiful, authentic Bulgarian souvenirs and saying no to generic crap bought en masse from China.

And there are some surprisingly fun nightlife options in this sleepy little town. Trust me, you want to end your night at Tequila Bar!

An easy day trip from Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi is a cute village that it feels like time forgot.

Best known for its monasteries and churches, Arbanasi may seem like a quiet place to visit in Bulgaria but you’d be surprised that there is actually a wealth of things to do in Arbanasi that are worth your time!

Koprivshtitsa

One of the cutest towns in Bulgaria, Koprivshtitsa is often referred to as a “museum city” for its picturesque architecture that has kept much of its 19th-century style in tact. It’s one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria for architecture and just all-around charm, and you won’t find many foreign tourists here.

You’ll find a handful of museum houses that preserve a slice of life from days past that are well worth paying a few leva to enter. Its stunning mountain surroundings are really breathtaking, bonus points if you see some majestic as hell Bulgarian horses eating grass casually on the way out of town.

Often nicknamed Bulgaria’s UFO, Buzludzha is a mountain in Bulgaria that also houses the Monument House of the Bulgarian Communist Party. Unfortunately, in the wake of the fall of communism, Buzludzha has been abandoned and not well taken care of over the years. Intrepid explorers would trespass into Buzludzha, snapping beautiful photos of the decaying interior. Since May 2018, a security guard has been stationed there 24/7 to prevent break-ins, so while it was never legal to enter Buzludzha it’s now virtually impossible.

Luckily, the inaccessible interior of Buzludzha may eventually become open to all again, with the promising Buzludzha Monument project aiming to preserve the space and use it to educate future generations.

We’ve been to Buzludzha four times between the two of us, so we’ve written the most comprehensive guide to visiting Buzludzha out there!

Seven Rila Lakes

One of my favorite hikes in all of Bulgaria, there’s no place more beautiful than this series of seven glacial lakes. The Rila Lakes are less than 100 kilometers away from Sofia so it’s a popular day trip for locals and tourists alike.

Hiking around the Seven Rila Lakes will take about 3-5 hours depending on your speed and the route you choose, although that does not include the wait times for the ultra-slow chair lift. Alternately, you can walk from the lift station to where it drops you off, but you’ll need to add a few more hours to your hike, and it’s not a particularly beautiful hike to be honest, mostly just trees obscuring your view.

The Rila Lakes are simply absolutely incredible (check out our full guide on how to visit the 7 Rila Lakes here). It’s a must-do on any trip to Bulgaria in the summer season, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just interested in a short walk (you can skip the hard uphill portion up to the last two lakes if you want an easier walk).

Rila Monastery

One of the most popular tourist sights in Bulgaria, you won’t want to miss a visit to Rila Monastery during your time in Bulgaria. I don’t know what’s more beautiful: the vibrantly painted church itself, or the open terraced monastery where the monks live that forms a walled community encasing the church itself.

The Rila Monastery is a symbol of Bulgaria and one of its most popular sights, so you’ll often have to contend with some crowds, but it’s truly the most spectacular Orthodox monastery I’ve ever seen so it’s well worth it.

Best known for Shipka Memorial Church, this is just a small detour from Buzludzha and we think it’s an essential place to visit in Bulgaria if you’re road tripping around the interior.

Shipka Memorial Church is an Instagrammers dream, yet it’s blissfully maxi-dress-free, for now!

You’ll also find a beautiful lavender and sunflower field just by the turn-off for Buzludzha on the outskirts of Shipka if you’re traveling in the right season (we were there at the very end of June and it was gorgeous)

Belogradchik Fortress

Belogradchik Rocks are a distinctive rock formation that can be found in the upper northwest corner of Bulgaria, a patch of odd rock formations that span 30 kilometers long, with stones as much as 200 meters high. The rocks look somewhat similar to what you’d find in Meteora, Greece.

But the coolest thing about Belogradchik is the fortress you’ll find nestled in the rocks, which looks like it could be a set piece out of Game of Thrones (but luckily it isn’t, because it means you can enjoy it basically all to yourself!). We’ve written a guide to visiting Belogradchik Fortress if you are keen to check out this little-known gem in Northern Bulgaria.

Burgas Salterns

Burgas is an important city on the Black Sea coast, but its coolest draw is its pink salt lakes !

The pink color of the Salterns is entirely natural, derived from the microscopic brine shrimp who live in the super saline water. A small portion of the lake is essentially a free mud spa, a much larger part is a functioning salt factory. It produces 40,000 tons of salt annually, making it the largest salt producer in Bulgaria.

Get in your bathing suit, dunk yourself in the pink waters, cover yourself in mud, dry off in the sun, then walk 100 meters to the Black Sea to wash yourself off – this is a spa day the Bulgarian way, and it won’t cost you a dime!

The largest city on the Bulgarian Riviera , Varna is home to some beautiful beaches of its own but it also has a vibrant city culture! The streets remind me of Odessa: a classically beautiful beachside city with a ton of culture and heritage.

While we love wasting away the day at a Varna beach bar, there are plenty of more active things to do in Varna. You can explore the Varna Necropolis and Roman baths, admire the Dormition of Mother of God Cathedral, or check out the interesting Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship Memorial that is a reminder of a bygone era.

Alternately, staying in Varna is a great base for exploring the unique landscapes around the city, including the desolate north coast of Bulgaria where some of the prettiest beaches can be found or the impressive Pobiti Kamani, one of the only ‘deserts’ in Europe and full of strange stone formations.

Saeva Dupka

There are a number of caves in Bulgaria and this one is especially beautiful. It has many large atria that make it quite spacious and not at all claustrophobic, although those who are afraid of heights may want to avoid the ladder to climb up to see some of the stalagmites and stalactite formations up close.

The Saeva Dupka cave is really beautiful, with glittering mineral formations from calcification and several elaborate structures that have silly names given to them by the local guides.

Devil’s Bridge

Dyavolski Most is better known as Devil’s Bridge and it’s located outside of the small village of Ardino in Southern Bulgaria. It was built during the Ottoman era, which is why it may resemble another famous Balkan bridge, the lovely Stari Most in Mostar.

Getting here is not easy as you’ll need to rent a car and it’s nearly three hours from the nearest big city, Plovdiv, but it’s well worth it if you’re a lover of photography and off the beaten path destinations. It’s the only place on this list we’ve yet to visit personally but we hope to rectify that soon!

Krushuna Waterfalls

The beautiful Krushuna waterfalls are not particularly high or awe-inspiring, but they have such a beautiful color and cascade pattern that they are definitely worth a visit.

These waterfalls were formed by calcium travertines – a fancy word for calcium deposits, meaning these waterfalls formed in a similar fashion to other places you may have seen photos of like Semuc Champey of Pamukkale in Turkey.

It’s easy to combine a visit to Krushuna with other gems like Troyan Monastery or Saeva Dupka Cave.

One of the best-kept secrets about Bulgaria is just how delicious the wine is! But word is starting to leak in Melnik, which is becoming well-known for its potential for wine tourism, as the region keeps on winning awards for its high-quality and innovative wines.

Besides its wine route, Melnik is known for its unique sand pyramids, its gorgeous typical Ottoman style homes including the traditional museum house of Kordopulov, and the nearby Rozhen Monastery which is worth a side trip.

Bulgaria Travel Resources

We’ve included all the links we have about the destinations listed in this article, so go back through this post if you’re looking for information on a specific location.

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

You should start with our guides on what to do in Sofia ,  Plovdiv , and  Veliko Tarnovo , which are the most popular destinations in Bulgaria you are likely to visit.

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

Finally, Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

No trip preparation is complete until you have a valid  travel insurance  policy. Bulgaria is a safe place to travel, but unexpected things can happen anywhere. You want to be able to get your stuff replaced if it’s lost or stolen, or if you get injured you while you’re enjoying hiking or taking a scenic drive throughout the region.

For travel insurance, I use  World Nomads . I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’ve never had an issue when making a claim. I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Originally from California, Allison has been living in Bulgaria for the last two years and is obsessed with traveling around the Balkans. She has been published in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, Matador Network, and the Huffington Post. She loves befriending dogs, drinking coffee, geeking out about wine, and cooking food from around the world.

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12 Top Tourist Attractions in Bulgaria

By Becky Griswold · Last updated on October 3, 2023

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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24 Best Bulgaria Tourist Attractions and Top Places to Visit

Posted on May 25, 2024 | Julie J. |

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

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

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

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

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Must-Visit Bulgarian Historical Sites

Rila monastery.

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

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

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

Tsarevets Fortress

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

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

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

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

Ancient City of Nessebar

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

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

Buzludzha Monument

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

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

Best Bulgaria Tourist Attractions for Nature Lovers

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

Seven Rila Lakes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pirin National Park

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

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

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

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

Belogradchik Rocks

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

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

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

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

Pobitite Kamuni

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

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

Krushuna Waterfalls

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

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

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

Ardino and the Rhodope Mountains

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

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

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

Vitosha Moutain

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

Balchik Botanic Garden

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

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

Best Historic Towns And Cities to Visit in Bulgaria

Plovdiv old town.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Veliko Tarnovo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Koprivshtitsa

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

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

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

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

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

Best Bulgarian Beaches on the Black Sea Coast

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

Sunny Beach

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

Golden Sands

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

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

Best Ski Resorts in Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

Festivals in Bulgaria

Rose festival in kazanlak.

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

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

Kukeri Festival

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

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

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

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updated 07.07.2020

Long ago, Bulgaria was the most powerful country in Europe. That is a title it no longer has, but it can still lay claim to being one of the most fascinating. It should also be noted that the country is one of the most budget-friendly places to visit in Europe . Read our guide to the best things to do in Bulgaria and you will see that this country is worth your attention.

1. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia

2. vitosha boulevard, sofia, 3. mount vitosha, 4. rila monastery, 5. plovdiv old town, 6. koprovshtitsa, 7. relaxing in sunny beach - one of the best things to do in bulgaria for a family holiday, 8. bulgarian food, 9. birdwatching, 10. the seven rila lakes, 11. rose valley, 12. visiting pirin national park - one of the best things to do in bulgaria for skiing and hiking, 13. winter sports, 14. tsarevets fortress.

• 15. Devil's throat cave

This article is inspired by our Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for travelling the world.

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Of all the best things to do in Bulgaria, visiting the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, which stands in a square of the same name, remains the most enduring. Its immaculate golden domes, restored to their original splendour with gold leaf donated by the Russian Orthodox Church, still dominate the city’s skyline and glitter in any amount of sunlight. Even a dull day can be brightened by their sparkle.

Built between 1882 and 1912 in the elaborate neo-Byzantine style of the time, the cathedral is named after St Alexander Nevski, the Russian tsar who led his country to victory over Sweden in 1240. He was the patron saint of Tsar Alexander II, the Russian monarch at the time of the cathedral’s construction.

Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria © Mariia Golovianko/Shutterstock

Modern central Sofia, which stretches from the inner ring road to ploshtad, Sveta Nedelya (St Nedelya Square), is by no means an architectural wonder. The most modern building is the magnificently ugly National Palace of Culture, known by locals and marked on most maps as the NDK.

Vitosha Boulevard is Sofia’s main shopping street. Vitosha has long been a centre of commerce, and the street is pleasant enough on the eye, with most of the post-World War II buildings being no taller than four or five storeys. Shops, cafés, street traders and surprisingly wide pavements make a stroll along Vitosha one of the best things to do in Bulgaria.

Where to stay in Sofia:

• For price and quality: Expo Sofia Hotel
• For luxury: Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia

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National Palace of Culture in Sofia, Bulgaria © Shutterstock

The presence of the Vitosha Mountains just 10km (6 miles) from the centre of the city makes Sofia one of the most fortunate capitals in Europe. Access to Vitosha National Park from Sofia is easy: a taxi will cost no more than 10 leva to either the Dragalevtsi chair lift or Simeonovo gondola stations. Public transport to both is surprisingly unreliable outside the ski season (December to April).

Dragalevtsi is a charming village offering several good places to stay and eat is most famous for its monastery, built in the mid-14th century. Though little of the monastery remains, the original 14th-century church and a few of the original cloisters are in good condition, while the gladed setting alone is well worth the 15-minute walk up from the chairlift station.

Vitosha mountain, Bulgaria © phantomlord78/Shutterstock

Northeast of Blagoevgrad lies the Rila range and Bulgaria’s most visited attraction, Rila Monastery. The Rila range is the sixth-highest in Europe and the Moussala, at 2,925m (9,600ft), is the highest mountain in the Balkans. The range is home to thousands of small lakes. Samokov is the region’s main town.

Among the peaks, valleys, lakes and forests lies the world-famous Rila Monastery an outstanding example of National Revival-period architecture. It can be seen in a rushed day trip from Sofia, but a more leisurely visit is recommended, with tours departing from Borovets, Bansko and Blagoevgrad almost every day of the year.

Rila Monastery, Bulgaria © Shutterstock

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Plovdiv, in the Plain of Thrace, is the country’s second-largest city, and perhaps the most picturesque. The best way to enter Plovdiv’s Old Town is to follow ul Saborna, which meanders uphill to the Nebet Tepe Citadel from pl Dzhumaya.

The first sight that looms on the right (up some steep steps) is the Church of the Virgin Mary with a strikingly colourful pink and blue clock tower. A short detour from here is the splendid Roman Amphitheatre.

Built in the 2nd century during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, it is the best-preserved Roman monument in Bulgaria. It is now used as a venue for operas, plays and concerts almost every evening throughout the summer, most notably the annual Verdi Festival.

You will find more info about Bulgaria's second-largest city in our guide to 10 reasons to visit Plodiv .

Where to stay in Plodiv:

• For an old town: Plovdiv City Center Hotel
• For superb comfort: Business Hotel Plovdiv

Find more accommodation options to stay in Plodiv

Amphitheatre in Plovdiv, Bulgaria © Mitzo/Shutterstock

Known to all Bulgarian schoolchildren as the cradle of the modern Bulgarian state, Koprovshtitsa, 75km (47 miles) east of Sofia was the site of the ill-fated April Rising of 1876. Then a rudimentary force of Bulgarian nationalists sought to spark a nationwide revolt that would finally free Bulgaria from the Turks.

Though the rising was ruthlessly suppressed, it did at least raise international awareness of the brutality of the Turkish regime in Bulgaria, and the town has remained a symbol of Bulgarian nationalism and culture. For such reasons, it is the host of a national music festival (held every five years, it is next due in August 2020). At an altitude of 1,060m (3,480ft), the town is also a popular mountain resort.

Koprivshtitsa, Bulgaria © Boyan Georgiev Georgiev/Shutterstock

Just north of Nessebur is the lively beach resort of Sunny Beach, Slanchev Bryag  in Bulgarian. More than 150 hotels stretch along the narrow 7km (4-mile) beach, making it the largest resort on the Black Sea. Having played second fiddle to Golden Sands for some time, Sunny Beach has seen a revival. In recent years the completion of the Sofia−Burgas motorway has seen it become increasingly popular amongst Bulgarian families.

It remains cheaper than the northern resorts and offers great opportunities for water sports while boasting some of the best value hotels on the coast. There are also tens of restaurants and terraces, and an endless number of bars and discos.

Where to stay in Sunny Beach:

• For families: Cascadas Family Resort
• For sea views: Premier Fort Beach Resort

The Rough Guides to Bulgaria and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find more accommodation options to stay in Sunny Beach

One of the best things to do in Bulgaria for a beach holiday is to stay in Sunny beach © mtr/Shutterstock

Eating well is not going to be a problem in Bulgaria. The country’s cuisine – a mix of Balkan, Turkish and Slavic influences – can appear meat-heavy at first, but on closer inspection it’s tasty, great value and healthy. Must sample the delicious and smooth Bulgarian yoghurt (kiselo mlyako), one of the gastronomic highlights of the country, renowned for its health benefits.

Defining what is actually Bulgarian national cuisine, as opposed to what is merely Balkan, is difficult. Bulgarian dishes include sirene po shopski (baked goat’s cheese) and kavarma (meat and vegetable stew, often very spicy). Other popular dishes include tarator (a thick cold yoghurt and cucumber soup, often served as a starter), and kiopolou (roasted or grilled aubergines and peppers often served covered in vinegar).

Yoghurt salad Snezhanka, Bulgaria © Nataliya Nazarova/Shutterstock

Once a well-kept secret, birdwatching is one of the best things to do in Bulgaria. Bulgaria’s reputation for birdwatching has become more widely known in recent years and the country is fast becoming one of Europe’s top birdwatching destinations. Two areas, in particular, offer a great range of bird species: the marshlands around Bourgas and the Madzharovo nature reserve in the Rhodope Mountains.

The more than 500 kinds of birds that either nest in Bulgaria in spring or pass through migration in the autumn, including the Dalmatian pelican, glossy ibis, spoonbill, black stork, pygmy cormorant, ferruginous duck, Egyptian, black and griffon vultures, Levant sparrow-hawk, long-legged buzzard, peregrine falcon and white-tailed, golden and eastern imperial eagles.

Dalmatian pelican migration, Bulgaria © Miglena Pencheva/Shutterstock

The Seven Rila Lakes are a group of glacial lakes in the Rila Mountains. As a popular tourist destination, they are known for their spectacular beauty and striking mountain scenery. Each of the Seven Lakes is named after its shape, and they are also situated at different altitudes from 2,100 to 2,500 metres above sea level. The lakes have the following names:

• Dolnoto ezero (The Lower Lake);
• Ribnoto ezero (The Fish Lake);
• Trilistnika (The Trefoil);
• Bliznaka (The Twin);
• Babreka (The Kidney);
• Okoto (The Eye);
• Salzata (The Teardrop).

Seven Rila Lakes in National Park Rila, Bulgaria © Shutterstock

During the first weekend of June each year, the town of Kazanlak holds the Festival of the Roses, an age-old pageant celebrating the rose harvest of the surrounding villages, which together form what Bulgarians refer to as the Valley of the Roses. The roses are in full bloom during the late spring. Kazanlak became rich in its rose oil during the 18th century, and today the Museum of the Rose in Tyubelto Park tells the story.

Pink rose valley in Bulgaria © Shutterstock

Bulgaria has three national parks: Pirin, Central Balkan and Rila, as well as nine nature reserves, of which two, Pirin and Sreburna, are on Unesco’s World Heritage list. Directly south of Sofia is the small Rila mountain range, known primarily for the Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most famous attraction. Further south, stretching towards Greece, are the Pirin Mountains.

Both ranges offer decent skiing (at Borovets in the Rila, at Bansko in the Pirin) and serve as good bases for hiking and walking, especially from the spa town of Sandanski.

Pirin National Park, Bulgaria © Shutterstock

Bulgaria is blessed with natural wonders. The beaches of the Black Sea are among the finest in Europe. The interior is marked by great mountain ranges, with plains in between. During the winter one of the best things to do in Bulgaria is wander up or down a piste. The best hiking is offered by the Pirin Mountains, the most spectacular of the Bulgarian ranges, while the Rhodopes offer less demanding hikes.

The undisputed winter capital of Bulgaria, Bansko is the largest ski resort in the Balkans. Since the local council invested heavily in building a vast network of new ski lifts during the 2000s this sleepy town – whose centre is packed with National Revival-era houses – has become one of the most popular skiing destinations in Eastern Europe .

Where to stay in Bansko:

• For a first-class holiday: Lucky Bansko Aparthotel SPA & Relax
• For mountain views: Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena

Find more accommodation options to stay in Bansko

Bansko, Bulgaria © Shutterstock

At various times called Ternov, Trunov, Turnovgrad or simply Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo’s existence has long depended on the possession of the imposing citadel that sits atop Tsaravets, the highest of the three sacred hills among which the city nestles.

The main attraction in Veliko Tarnovo, Tsaravets was first settled by the Thracians, though the first fortifications were probably constructed by the Byzantines in the 6th and 7th centuries. As the Byzantine Empire declined, that first fortress fell into ruins, which were built in the 10th century by the Slavs, who were responsible for much of the structure that can be seen today.

Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria © Shutterstock

15. Devil's throat cave

Passing through the spa town of Devin, most visitors head straight for the Trigad Gorge, a steep, narrow chasm cut by the lively River Trogradska. At the apex of the gorge, the river plunges into a cave known as the Dyavolskoto Gurlo or Devil’s Throat, one of the most spectacular natural sights in the country.

A viewing platform has been positioned over the point where the river goes underground. The tour of the cave, which is memorable for its sheer size and the deafening echo of gushing water, is one of the best things to do in Bulgaria, but not for the faint-hearted.

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20 amazing places to visit in the Balkans

Posted: December 17, 2023 | Last updated: December 17, 2023

The Balkan countries are an underrated part of Europe, rich in history, culture, and scenery. Not to mention kind people and unique food and drink. Here are 20 places to consider visiting!

Zagreb, Croatia

The capital of Croatia is very different from other major cities in the Balkans. Home to numerous museums, including the wonderful yet heartbreaking Museum of Broken Relationships, you could spend weeks learning in Zagreb. When you need a place to rest after museum-hopping, chill out at one of the amazing coffee shops in the city or stylish bars, often housed in ruins.

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Istria Peninsula, Croatia

Often skipped by visitors in favor of the ever-popular Dalmatian Coast, Istria is Croatia’s best-kept secret! A peninsula close to Italy, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in the land of pizza and espresso. Brightly colored buildings, amazing olive oil, and some of the best truffles in the world can be found here. Don’t miss towns like Rovinj, Bale, Motovun, Grožnjan, and Vodnjan.

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Zadar, Croatia

Alfred Hitchcock adored Zadar, particularly at sunset. Visit this up-and-coming city, and you’ll see why. One of Croatia’s best vegan restaurants calls the city home and some of Croatia’s best Roman ruins. The waterfront features two unique art installations: the Sea Organ (organ pipes drilled under the water) and “Greeting the Sun” (lights that change color per the sun’s movement.)

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Split, Croatia

The former Greek and Roman center still houses one of the most impressive ruins in the Balkans, Diocletian’s Palace. The former retirement home of Roman rulers is now home to apartments, shops, and restaurants, with various parts sectioned off as museums. Split also has a small but beautiful promenade, a forest park with views above the city, and many of the country’s top restaurants.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

This list, of course, couldn’t have been completed without mentioning arguably the most famous destination in the Balkans. Game of Thrones ensured the city is now on every traveler’s wishlist, so while you won’t ever have Dubrovnik to yourself, it’s still worth a visit. Enjoy views from atop the city walls, kayak around the hidden coves, and have dinner in the magical Old Town. 

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Korcula, Croatia

A little over two hours by ferry from Dubrovnik is this gem of an island, home to wineries with many unique varietals and many high-quality restaurants, including LD, a Michelin-star restaurant that uses mainly ingredients from Korcula. You can hike or bike one of the island’s endless trails when not drinking.

Vis, Croatia

Vis lacks activities compared to other islands, but that’s the point. You come to the island to relax and not do much else. Popular with the sailing crowd, you’ll find a different type of traveler here, as it’s the furthest island from the Croatian mainland. Come with a stack of books, sunglasses, and not much else.

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Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

This capital city is full of history (the Latin Bridge is where Franz Ferdinand was shot and WWI began) and is still visibly marked by the Bosnian War. Numerous walking tours and museums are dedicated to telling Sarajevo’s story. You can also take the cable car up Trebec Mountain and walk the old bobsled run from the 1984 Olympics.

Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

In the south of the country, solidly in the region of Herzegovina, is one of the Balkan’s most adorable towns. Mostar and its small Old Town will have you in love at first glance. Wander the many bridges, have coffee at one of the cute cafes, sample regional wine, and watch the locals jump off the Old Bridge into the river on a hot day.

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Herzegovina wine country

The Balkans aren’t known for wine, but the region is home to some amazing producers. If you’ve had wine from the area, it was likely from Croatia (and even that’s rare outside of the country itself.) However, the best up-and-coming destination is Herzegovina. This region has two main varietals; Žilavka, an acidic white wine, and Blatina, a full-bodied red. Both can be sampled in Mostar; however, for the best experience, visit the vineyards outside of town!

Kotor, Montenegro

The cruise ship capital of Montenegro is worth a visit whether you’re arriving by land or sea. The epic fortress is a must, hike up for the best views in the country or trek the Ladder of Kotor, a winding trail with amazing views. Then, take a boat to Our Lady of Rocks and the Blue Cave and wander Old Town to round out your site-seeing!

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Budva, Montenegro

One of the Balkan's best-kept secrets is this gem of a town on the Bay of Kotor. Unlike many regional destinations, the beaches here are sandy and can be enjoyed without water shoes! The Budva Old Town is also super cute for a wander and has some great cafes.

Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Another adorable small Montenegran village just a couple of hours from Dubrovnik, the town of Herceg Novi isn’t commonly visited, despite being one of the most charming destinations in the Balkans! A green oasis home to many tropical flowers, it’s commonly called the “town of 100,001 steps” due to the climbing necessary to make your way around town.

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Tirana, Albania

This is probably the quirkiest capital in the Balkans. Italian architecture from the Mussolini period is mixed with Communist-era blocks and historic remains of its varied past as an Ottoman stronghold and closed-off country under a dictatorship for 50 years. These days, the city is full of life. From the trendy Blloku neighborhood to Tirana’s huge city park and endless monuments and museums to explore.

Sarandë, Albania

The unofficial capital of the “Albanian Riveria,” Sarande feels like a world away from the rest of the country. Electric blue waters rival those of Greece (which you can see from the town), trendy beach clubs could fool you into thinking you’re on the beaches of Tulum, and the outfits on the evening promenade will have you thinking it’s Milan Fashion Week.

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Berat, Albania

This ancient city is best known for the traditional white Ottoman homes that make up the center. The windows of the homes give the impression that you’re being watched as you arrive or stroll the riverfront promenade (a favorite evening activity for the locals.) There are also Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and a castle with amazing views!

Skopje, North Macedonia

This capital in a highly fought-over country is truly a bizarrely beautiful city to visit. Wide roads from the communist era (built to accommodate large armies) are now tiled pedestrian streets making strolling the city center the perfect way to spend the day. However, don’t be surprised by the imposing giant monuments all over, commissioned in 2014 as part of redevelopment aimed at attracting tourists. The city's best views are from the Fortress and Mount Vodno — each on opposite sides of the river. 

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Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

A true Balkan gem, the 138-square-mile lake is shared between Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia. However, it’s the Macedonian side that is the true beauty. Numerous villas and lakeside accommodations dot the shores, along with the UNESCO Saint Naum Monastery and a charming Old Town.

Pristina, Kosovo

Europe’s youngest country has what is potentially the coolest capital city. Pristina is home to a cute pedestrian area (the local government is currently trying to expand) and many interesting attractions like the futuristic National Library and NEWBORN monument that are redone every year. Additionally, the best coffee in the Balkans can be sampled at any of the city’s numerous cafes. 

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Prizren, Kosovo

Pristina may be the political and educational seat of Kosovo, but Prizren is the cultural and economic capital. Just an hour’s drive from the capital city, the Ottoman-style city feels like a world away. Visit one of the numerous mosques, hike to the city's top for amazing views, or just wander the Old Town and step back in time.

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