bulgaria tourist attractions

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!

HELPFUL WEBSITES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR TRIP

FLIGHT DEALS

HOTEL DEALS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

VACATION RENTALS

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on any links and make a purchase, we’ll get a small commission, at no cost to you.

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.

Save it on Pinterest for later:

Related posts:

No related posts.

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on March 4, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

9. Koprivshtitsa

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Veliko Tarnovo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Rila Monastery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Map of Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Share this post:

25 Top Tourist Attractions in Europe

25 Best Places to Visit in Eastern Europe

6 Most Beautiful Regions of Europe

12 Top Tourist Attractions in Bulgaria

25 Most Photographed Cities in Europe

10 Best Places to Visit in Slovenia

10 Best Places to Visit in Slovakia

25 Best Places to Visit in Europe

10 Best Places to Visit in Estonia

17 Best Things to do in Bratislava, Slovakia

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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!

Our top tips are on their way. Just check your inbox!  P.S. Expect a few more emails in the upcoming days with even more tips!

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.

Similar Posts

12 Best Things to Do in Varna

Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria and it’s often called the sea capital of the country. Apart from being a big city right at the Black Sea coast, Varna attracts many visitors thanks to its interesting attractions as well. For example, at Varna’s Necropolis, as well as the archeological museum, you can see…

12 Things to Do in Borovets (Apart from Skiing)

Borovets is one of the preferred winter resorts in Bulgaria for skiers and snowboarders, and it can get very busy during peak seasons. Situated just 70 km from Sofia, it makes for an ideal day trip or even a weekend getaway, even in the summer! While the resort is a haven for winter sports, what…

10 Fantastic Things to Do Around Pamporovo, Bulgaria (+ Map)

Pamporovo stands out as one of Bulgaria’s top ski resorts, rivaled perhaps only by Bansko. With its extensive slopes and optimal skiing conditions, it attracts a multitude of tourists annually, including a significant number of foreigners. Beyond the allure of a fantastic ski vacation, the region boasts intriguing attractions for those curious about the surrounding…

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

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

5 Top Ski Resorts in Bulgaria: The Best Places to Ski

Bulgaria has a very diverse landscape. We’ve got it all – rivers, valleys, high mountains, ski resorts, and a stunning Black Sea coastline. It means you can have an amazing vacation here no matter when you decide to drop by. Today, we’re diving into the best ski resorts in Bulgaria. We’ll be comparing what they…

27 Best Things to Do in Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo is the former capital of Bulgaria and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It’s a city that deserves much more attention than it gets and it is definitely one of the must-see places in Bulgaria. The cobblestone streets wind past charming houses, while the red rooftops spill down the cliffside,…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

20 Stunning Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is gaining popularity for its diverse scenery, from Black Sea beaches to historic villages. This Balkan nation has a unique charm, and after exploring it, here are my favorite beauty spots I’d love to share with you…

1. The Black Sea Beaches

I highly recommend starting your Bulgarian journey on this dazzling coastline! The Black Sea beaches are series of stunning sandy beaches which stretch all the way from the Romanian border (in the north) to the Turkish border (down south), covering an area of 235 miles. 

Some of the beaches are bustling tourist spots, while others are more family-friendly, and a few offer a peaceful retreat with serene sand dunes as a backdrop. All of them share the same beautiful light golden sand and sparkling turquoise waters.

As well as the resorts, hotels and pretty traditional fishing villages, the area is also home to several historic mosques, churches and monasteries, the grand Balchik Palace and Botanical Gardens and interesting ancient cities like Nesebar, Sozopol and Varna.

• Location: East coast, from Romanian Black Sea resorts in the north to Turkey in the south
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer

My favourite highlights…

• Discovering my personal favourite beaches which included the glitzy resort of Sunny Beach (which had great nightlife and restaurants), the family-friendly Albena and the more peaceful and natural spot, Ropotamo Beach.
• Dining on delicious tapas while gazing at the sea views at the 5-star Blu Bay Hotel’s Spanish Restaurant.
• Exploring the picturesque Cape Kaliakra home to a medieval fortress, interesting Thracian ruins and a nature reserve.

Book A Trip!

We can book your trip hopping around Bulgaria’s beautiful places through our free, top-rated travel planning service!

2. Nessebar

When you are exploring the Black Sea Coast then you just have to include this gorgeous gem on your list! It’s known as the “Pearl of the Black Sea” and this historic spot is actually one of the oldest cities in Europe, dating back over a 3,000 years to the Thracian period. 

I particularly love it’s scenic and striking location. It occupies a rocky peninsula which juts out into the Black Sea and is surrounded by sparkling turquoise water on all sides.

It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and when I discovered it I could see why, it’s a beautifully preserved spot with pretty cobblestone streets, ancient churches, the remains of the ancient wall and traditional wooden houses. 

When here I suggest exploring the Byzantine ruins, the Church of Christ Pantocrator and the Ancient Theatre.

• Location: Burgas Province, east coast

My favourite highlight… 

• I loved wandering around the many excellent shops, restaurants, bars and then spending an afternoon relaxing on the sandy beaches. 
• Dining on traditional Bulgarian dishes at Plakamoto Restaurant, their sauté potatoes were divine! 
• Checking out the pretty handcrafted jewelry and ceramics at Art Shop ORION.

This is another gorgeous gem of a place located on the Black Sea Coast. It’s a smaller and quieter spot than the more bustling Nessebar, but I still think this well-preserved historic town is worth exploring.

One of the oldest towns in the country, it actually started life in 7th century BC named Apollonia then it became a thriving fishing village and now it’s a popular laid-back seaside resort complete with gorgeous sandy beaches.

My favourite part of visiting this town was walking through the maze of narrow cobblestone streets in the Old Town, gazing at the beautifully preserved traditional wooden houses (which have unusual overhanging upper floors) and taking a stroll along the quay to watch the day’s catch being unloaded. 

Other must-see attractions include the interesting Archaeological Museum and fairy-tale Ravadinovo Castle which is located nearby.

• Location: east coast

My personal highlights… 

• Seeing the incredible ancient remains of the Southern Fortress Wall and Tower (head to the south of the town for the best view).
• Checking out the historic churches, my favourite was the Church of St. George – I loved the superb Orthodox architecture! 

4. Rila Monastery

I love this unique and peaceful spot which is often known as the “Jerusalem of Bulgaria.” It enjoys a special location surrounded by unspoiled nature and thick forests just a two hour drive from Sofia, the capital city.

The picturesque Eastern Orthodox monastery was built in the 10th century but it has been rebuilt a few times over the years due to fire damage. 

Inside the structure is adorned with historic art, striking ceiling paintings (by 19th century Bulgarian artist Zahari Zograf), important religious relics and my favourite, a delicately carved wooden screen (known as an iconostasis) which has the reputation of being the most beautiful in the country.

• Location: southwest
• Best time to visit: 07:00 to 19:30 all year round
• Entering the courtyard, and seeing the striking contrast of the colourful church – which had bold black and white striped arches, tiled walls and five domes – against the stunning natural backdrop of the towering peaks of the Rila Mountains. It was a beautiful sight! 

Bustling Varna is the third largest city in the country and it’s also a popular tourist destination located on the Black Sea Coast. It’s often known as the “Sea capital of Bulgaria” as it’s very popular with the locals during the summer months.

I personally think its a gorgeous city with a lot to offer. Here I found picturesque beaches filled with fine golden sand, turquoise sea, great surfing opportunities, historic sites, excellent restaurants, lively clubs, bustling bars and large hotel resorts all surrounded by thick green forests. 

I suggest exploring the pretty Primorski Park, the interesting Varna Archaeological Museum, Aladzha Monastery and the Roman Baths. 

• Location: Black Sea Coast, East Coast

My favourite highlights…

• Relaxing on Rapongi Beach which is well-maintained and didn’t get too crowded. I also loved travelling north to the small upscale resort of Sunny Day and the quiet and intimate Sirius Beach. 
• Walking along Kraybrezhna Aleya promenade at night which is a buzzy and charming area.

6. Plovdiv Old Town

As well as being the second-largest city in the country, the Old Town boasts a privileged and scenic location atop a hill. From here, the views of the modern city and the surrounding area are truly beautiful.

The city was built around 6,000 years ago and the Old Town is seriously impressive with colourful traditional wooden houses built in a Bulgarian Renaissance architectural style, several museums and a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre known as the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis.

I highly recommend exploring the interesting Ethnographic Museum, Hisar Kapia (the medieval gate), Balabanov House, a stunning reconstructed house and the Nebet Tepe an ancient and historically significant hill. 

• Location: South Central 
• Best time to visit: spring and summer
• Visiting the Kuyumdzhioglu House which had incredible carved ceilings and the opulent Hindliyan House which even housed some of its original furniture.
• Walking up the hill and stopping at the many art galleries and houses which have now turned into fascinating museums.

7. Belogradchik

If you love unique beauty spots then I highly recommend exploring Belogradchik, a small town located at the foot at Balkan Mountains.

The town itself is charming, with its traditional wooden houses, but the real draw here is the striking Belogradchik Rocks and the historic Belogradchik Fortress.

Belogradchik Fortress is an awe-inspiring man-made structure, dramatically set against a backdrop of towering rocks and miles of unspoiled countryside.

The Belogradchik Rocks are a set of uniquely-shaped sandstone formations and are so beautiful they were once proposed to be one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. 

• Location: near Balkan Mountains, in Northwest
• Best time to visit: spring to early fall (in winter it can snow)

My personal highlight… 

• Seeing and photographing the incredible fortress contrasting with the dramatic natural backdrop. When I was there I could see why it attracts so visitors from all over the globe.

8. Lake Atanasovsko

This is a natural beauty spot which always intrigues me. It’s located on the Black Sea coast near the city of Burgas and is a beautiful bright pink lake located in a coastal lagoon. 

It’s a unique destination because, unlike most pink lakes worldwide, its striking colour isn’t solely due to high salt levels. The vibrant tone also comes from the brine shrimp farming that takes place there.

It’s also a significant habitat for birdlife, attracting numerous migratory species. I especially enjoyed spotting pelicans and herons when I visited.

• Location: Black Sea Coast, southeast
• Best time to visit: summer but anytime from spring to autumn is good.

Discovering the nearby Balneo Hotel Pomorie Wellness Center , just 12 miles away, to experience their mud therapies. The mud they use is sourced from this area and is rich in minerals.

9. Koprivshtitsa

I personally think this is a pretty, quaint and unique spot which offers some of the most interesting architecture in the country. 

The small town is located in the Sredna Gora Mountains and on my trip I felt like I was stepping back in time.

It’s a historic but beautifully preserved place filled with 19th-century Bulgarian National Revival architecture, winding cobblestone streets, several interesting museums and am interesting history – this is where locals bravely fought against their Ottoman oppressors in 1876. 

When here I suggest exploring the interesting Todor Kableshkov House-Museum,  the fascinating April Uprising Memorial Complex, the stone 19th century Kalachev Bridge, Lyuben Karavelov House-Museum and Oslekov House which once belonged to a wealthy merchant.

• Location: two hours east of Sofia
• Best time to visit: late spring to early fall
• Exploring the traditional colourful houses where the locals once plotted their rebellion. 
• I loved seeing all the ancient old artefacts here which included historic jewelry, art and even some old costumes – they were worn around the edges but they were still very well preserved! 

10. Veliko Tarnovo

This is a scenic and historically interesting spot and if you’re travelling around the country then I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary!

Often known as the “City of Tsars” it was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire between the 12th and 14th centuries. It’s location is just divine, it’s nestled on three main hills and is surrounded by forests with the Yantra River cutting through it.

It’s filled with well-preserved medieval architecture and interesting sites such as the Asen’s Monument, the incredible Old Town, Stambolov Bridge and the historic street of Samovodska Charshia where I spent ages browsing the craft shops, art galleries and cute cafes!

• Location: north-central 

My highlights…

• Discovering the medieval Tsarevets Fortress which is a very striking complex complete with a royal palace, cathedral, and several churches. The views from the fortress were also beautiful!
• Walking through the entrance gates of the town where I could sense the country’s former greatness! 
• Visiting nearby Arbanasi Village a pretty village filled with well-preserved Bulgarian National Revival architecture.

Nestled in the Pirin Mountains, Melnik is proof that the best things come in small sizes! It’s actually the smallest town in the country but I love this picturesque and tranquil spot. 

It has a unique beauty with traditional architecture, tasty traditional cuisine, an impressive monastery (the Rozhen Monastery), beautiful mountain surroundings (the views are gorgeous!) and the Melnik Pyramids are also worth a special mention. The Melnik Pyramids are towering sandstone formations which overlook the small town.

It’s biggest draw though is that it’s home to the country’s best wineries and wine so tasty it was said to be a favourite of Winston Churchills!

I recommend you don’t leave without trying out some of the Broad-Leaved Melnik Vine wine which is a full-bodied red wine which you can sample from the many cellars and restaurants dotted throughout the town.

• Best time to visit: late spring to early autumn
• Tasting a local dish of banitsa (a savory spinach pastry) paired with their famous red wine at a traditional tavern. 
• Attending their fun three-day annual wine festival in September.
• Exploring the well-preserved Kordopulov House which once belonged to a wealthy merchant and wine producer.
• Soaking in the hot springs of the nearby village of Rupite. 

12. Pomorie

Pomorie is a picturesque coastal resort town located on a narrow rocky peninsula which spectacularly juts out into the Black Sea and offers spectacular views of the coastline both in the north and the south.

As well as being home to beautiful beaches, it’s a popular wellness destination, with numerous spas and centers offering mud and salt treatments sourced directly from the local area.

The town has two very different sections – the old town centre to the east and the newer, more touristy section to the west. I particularly love the old town which is home to a superb collection of small hotels, authentic shops, and excellent restaurants.

The eastern tip of the peninsula has several small beaches that are less crowded than those to the north and the southwest so I spent a lot of my time just relaxing there.

• Location: southeast
• Discovering the luxurious and modern Sunset Resort which is located to the southwest of the town.
• Exploring the lagoon-like Pomorie Lake which is located nearby.
• Exploring the interesting Museum of Salt, the Pomorie Museum of History, and the street markets in Kableshkovo (which are held every Thursday).
• Sampling the locally produced wine at Winery Messembria and Stratsin Winery.

13. Evksinograd Palace

I personally think the Evksinograd Palace is one of the most romantic buildings in Bulgaria. Located 8 kilometres north of Varna on the Black Sea coast, this gorgeous 19th-century palace was often used as a holiday home for royalty.

It has the style of a 18th century French mansion and inside the interiors are very opulent, with marble fireplaces, French chandeliers, large dining halls, antique furniture, and rare paintings. I loved that there were lashings of gold and silk everywhere I looked!

I also loved the opulent decadent gardens which were a sprawling 800-acre park filled with flowers, perfectly manicured hedgerows, ornate ponds and fountains.

• Location: Black Sea Coast, East of the country
• Best time to visit: spring and summer to see the blooming flowers in the garden

My personal highlights…

• Visiting the onsite winery which was added to the palace in 1891. I sampled the Chardonnay, Riesling, Traminer, Muscat Ottone, and Vratsa Muscat wines on offer! 
• Staying in the overnight accommodation located here and playing tennis and dining in their onsite restaurant the next day.

14. Seven Lakes

This is gorgeous natural wonder, nestled high in the Rila Mountains, is a collection of seven picturesque glacial lakes, each steeped in myth. I especially love the legend that says these lakes were formed from the tears of a grieving female giant, mourning her lost beloved! 

In the summer, it’s an ideal spot for hiking and capturing the breathtaking beauty of the lakes, with wildflowers blooming in abundance. The seven lakes are also interconnected by streams, with a few waterfalls adding to the wonderful scenic charm! 

I either recommend starting a hike the Rila Monastery or taking the Pionerska Chair Lift at the Pionerska Hut in Panichishte for an easier journey there!

• Location: Rila Mountains, Centre West

My favourite highlight…

• Hiking around all of the lakes which took me several hours but the spectacular scenery made it worth it!
• Photographing all seven of the stunning lakes – The Tear, The Eye, The Kidney, The Twin, The Trefoil, The Fish Lake, and The Lower Lake.

15. Belogradchik Fortress

This is an impressive ancient fortress located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains, in northwest Bulgaria. It resides close to the historic small town Belogradchik and was built by the Romans during 1st to 3rd centuries AD. 

As well as lying in a dramatic natural location in the Belogradchik Rocks, its one of the best preserved fortresses in the country.

It also boasts a fascinating history, having played a crucial role during the Bulgarian-Ottoman wars. Over the years, it was reinforced by the Byzantines, Bulgarians, and Ottomans, each leaving their distinctive mark on its structure.

• Address: Belogradchik Fortress, 1 Hadzhi Dimitar Street, 3900 Belogradchik
• Wandering around and photographing the site. The way the fortress runs between the vast sections of natural rock was awe-inducing! 
• Seeing the incredible scenic views from the top of the defence.

16. Tevno Vasilashko Lake

I’ve travelled around Europe a lot and I personally think Tevno Vasilashko Lake is one of the most spectacular beauty spots on the continent! 

This magnificent glacial lake sits at an elevation of 7,779 feet above sea level in the Vasilashki Cirque, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Pirin mountain range.

Tevno Lake is the largest of the glacial lakes in the Vasilashko Lakes area, and in my opinion, it’s the most impressive. I’m always captivated by its striking deep blue colour, created by the reflections of the towering mountains that encircle it! 

To reach the lake, I suggest booking with one of the tour operators that offer one-day trips through the Vasilashki glacial valley, allowing you to visit three or four of the lakes in a single outing.

• Location: Pirin Mountains, southwest
• Exploring all the lakes on a tour which included Fish Vasilashko Lake, Upper Vasilashko Lake, Rainbow-shaped Vasilashko Lake, and Upper Todorino Lake. 

17. Dolen Village 

Dolen Village is a charming alpine village nestled in the western Rhodope Mountains in the south of Bulgaria, just 26 km from Gotse Delchev.

In my opinion, it’s one of the most romantic and well-preserved villages in the country, with winding narrow cobblestone roads, historic stone walls, and traditional houses built in the distinctive Bulgarian Revival style.

Founded in the 15th century during the Ottoman period, it retains an authentic historic charm that I find truly captivating. I highly recommend visiting to experience a glimpse of rural life in this fascinating country. Don’t miss St. Nicholas Church, the The Old School building and watching the local artisans practicing traditional crafts.

• Location: Blagoevgrad Province, southwest
• Best time to visit: late spring to summer
• Exploring the houses which had stone foundations, timber walls, and unique overhanging top floors. I found the wealthier houses to be much more ornate than I expected with wooden beams adorned with intricate geometric patterns and some had pretty floral motifs. 
• I especially loved the gardens which were attached to the houses which were used for growing food and herbs as well as socialising. 

18. Pirin National Park

Many travelers are unaware of just how picturesque Bulgaria’s natural environment is until they visit Pirin National Park . Spanning over 154 square miles in southwestern Bulgaria, the park encompasses the largest portion of the expansive Pirin Mountain range.

It’s a special protected area which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It’s home to over a hundred brilliant turquoise glacial lakes (the largest is the stunning Popovo Lake), towering snow-capped mountains and an abundance of varied wildlife.

I love trying to spot the wildlife here which included golden eagle (although I never managed to spot one sadly!), red deer and the brightly coloured fire salamander. Other activities on offer here include hiking, mountain biking (there are many trails here), camping, rock climbing and in the winter, skiing and snowboarding. 

• Hiking the Vihren Peak Trail which after some challenging and steep terrain lead me to the summit of Mount Vihren where I was treated to some truly incredible views!
• Relaxing in a thermal pool at a spa resort in the charming nearby town of Bansko. 

19. Kamchia Biosphere Reserve

This pristine and beautiful protected area, established in 1977, is situated at the mouth of the Kamchia River along the Black Sea coast.

The huge 2,965-acre UNESCO-listed biosphere features diverse landscapes, including rare floodplain forests, secluded sandy beaches, ancient woodlands, and gorgeous natural waterways.

It also plays a vital role in conserving many threatened plant, animal and bird species. I recommend visiting for the excellent hiking, camping, boating and bird-watching opportunities, or simply relaxing on one of the many long, wide sandy beaches.

• Location: 20 km south of Varna on the East Black Sea Coast and is surrounded by the villages of Bliznatsi, Staro Oriahovo, and Shkorpilovtsi.
• Best time to visit: summer to make the most of the beaches.

My favourite highlights… 

• Trying to spot bird and wildlife here including otters, wild boar, white-tailed eagle and the very rare Dalmatian pelican.
• Hiking the Longoz Forest Trail which took me through the almost jungle-like forest home to centuries old trees.
• Taking a scenic boat trip on the Kamchia River. 
• Relaxing on the pristine, protected Kamchia Beach.

20. Zheravna

I discovered this enchanting spot nestled in the rolling hills of the Balkan Mountain Range. It’s a beautifully preserved village, home to over 200 traditional wooden houses adorned with red ceramic roof tiles, all built during the Bulgarian National Revival period in the 18th and 19th centuries.

I found the interiors of the guest houses just as charming as the exteriors, with their dark wooden beams and carvings that include intricate geometric and floral patterns.

Many of the houses have been turned into museums and I also found ancient crafts on display, a cute art gallery and several nature walks surrounding the village.

• Location: central east
• I loved that taking a walk through the village felt like travelling back in time! 
• Staying overnight at a rustic guest house that had been converted from an old village home, giving me a chance to stretch out my stay a little longer! 
• Disovering the Yordan Yovkov House-Museum which was the former birthplace of the famous Bulgarian writer, Yordan Yovkov and the House of Sava Filaretov where another writer once lived.

32 thoughts on “20 Stunning 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!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• South Africa
• El Salvador
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Czech Republic
• Transnistria
• Liechtenstein
• North Cyprus
• New Zealand
• Map with posts
• Alternative Guides
• Architecture Guides
• Cafe Guides
• Itineraries
• Neighborhood Guides
• Travel Guides
• Travel Tips
• Photo Galleries
• Photo Locations
• Solo female travel
• Train Travels
• Work with me
• Privacy Policy

23 Amazing Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Last Updated on 26/08/2024 by kami

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

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.

• Are you planning a trip to Bulgaria? Be sure to join my Facebook group about traveling in the Balkans and be part of the amazing community of like-minded travelers. Click here for the access!
• Don’t want to miss new articles? Sign up to the monthly newsletter to receive all the updates to your mailbox!

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!

LIKED IT? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

If you enjoyed that post why don't you share it with your friends? That would mean so much to me! Also be sure to join 30.000+ fellow travelers and follow me on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram for travel updates and even more pictures! If you don't want to miss new posts sign up to my newsletter or follow on Bloglovin !

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

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Let’s become friends!

Join me on Facebook for even more travel updates!

Kami and the rest of the world

• Living In Croatia
• Croatian Recipes
• Balkan Recipes

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

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

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Bulgaria, as a holiday destination, is a real hidden gem. Here is a list of the best things to do in Bulgaria suitable for everyone!

The Republic of Bulgaria lies in South Eastern Europe and shares borders with Romania , Serbia, Greece , Turkey , and North Macedonia.

It is the 16th largest European country and covers an area of 110,994 square km. The country has seen several rulers and regimes over the centuries and was also part of the Roman Empire and under Ottoman rule at different times in history.

Bulgaria boasts ample natural geography and wildlife diversity and is also home to over 150 endangered plants. Unspoiled beaches and lush nature, ancient monasteries and beautiful churches, magnificent palaces, and stoic historical monuments add the charm of visiting Bulgaria – and right now, Bulgaria tourism is still somewhat unknown, so now is the time to explore it.

The capital city, Sofia , attracts theatre enthusiasts to the Ivan Vazov National Theatre as much as it attracts tourists in Bulgaria to see the Aleksander Nevski Crypt, Daralevtsi Monastery, and other sites.

Whether you visit ancient cobblestoned cities like Plovdiv or modern cities like Sofia, Bulgaria will send you away with a bucketful of memories like it did for us.

It’s impossible to escape beauty when you visit Bulgaria . You’re either going to be enjoying the coastline of the Black Sea or the majestic mountainous interior.

In either case, the crisp, fresh air will likely revitalize your entire being. While these are obvious positives, what you can experience in Bulgaria goes much deeper.

Influences include Greek, Slavic, Persian, and from the Ottoman Empire. When you mix these different cultures, the result is some of the most fascinating dance, music, arts, and artifacts found anywhere in the world. For instance, Bulgaria is known as a cultural melting pot.

Interestingly, you don’t hear many people saying that Bulgaria is at the top of their vacation list —or on their vacation list at all—but almost everyone who visits Bulgaria comes back saying it was one of their top travel experiences. Consider this nation of roughly 7 million people a hidden gem – and it’s a budget-friendly destination to boot!

By this point, it should already be evident that visiting Bulgaria would be wise. Deciding what to do in Bulgaria can be tricky – there is just so much on offer. There is something for everyone. It’s well suited for families, solo, adventurers, and couples .

So, let’s kick off the list of the best places to go in beautiful Bulgaria!

You’re going to find many intriguing options. This could lead to a complicated decision-making process, but don’t fret; you can’t go wrong no matter which option you choose.

• Best Cities To Visit In Bulgaria
• Top Hotels In Bulgaria

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

1. Explore The Ancient City Of Nessebar

Nessebar is an ancient and quaint city with cobblestone streets, restaurants overlooking the sea, local bars, small parks, historic architecture, archaeological remains, warm people, and churches from the 4th century to the 18th century.

The best way to see Nessebar is to take a day trip; I recommend you allocate half a day for exploration. In addition to the Bulgaria attractions above, you can grab a coffee, beer, or ice cream and go for a scenic stroll along the harbor or on the pier.

If you choose to dine in one of the restaurants, it should be noted that seafood is the specialty here. However, very few complain about Bulgarian cuisine here (try a shopska salad), whether it’s seafood or not.

• Top Hotels In Nessebar

2. Visit The Rila Monastery

The Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a mountain backdrop. Many visitors say this is the cleanest air you will ever breathe in your life. That fact alone should make this an alluring option.

When visiting the Rila Monastery, you can take a guided tour and learn about the region’s history. The best things to see are the galleries, the old kitchen, the collection of weapons, and art from different eras. You can also see it alone and lose yourself in its magnificence.

3. Admire The St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

This is a unique location because you’re not allowed to take pictures. This church sits at the heart of Bulgaria and is renowned for its breathtaking interior. Unfortunately, you aren’t allowed to take pictures there. 

Seeing the place in a picture is not even close to seeing it with your own eyes. Should you visit, the odds are that you might hear the choir singing.

• Discover Bulgaria’s Capital – Sofia

4. Go Scuba Diving

Bulgaria is one of the best countries for outdoor enthusiasts with its diversity of mountains, forests, and magnificent Black Sea beaches . Those outdoor adventures aren’t limited to land, though. There’s plenty to see and do in Bulgaria on the water, too.

The country will surprise divers with its diversity of dive sites. Bulgaria’s Black Sea dive sites are amazing, whether  it is underwater caves, sunken World War II battleships, underwater forests, or a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and more.

5. See The Shumen Monument

Not the most obvious addition to this what to see in Bulgaria list, that is for sure. The Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument, often referred to as the Shumen Monument , the Monument to 1,300 Years of Bulgaria, is a huge monument located on a plateau above Shumen’s town. It was constructed in 1981 to celebrate and commemorate the First Bulgarian Empire’s 1,300th anniversary.

Also called the Founders of Bulgarian State Monument, it towers above the surrounding landscape, dominating it with its typical cubist and bombastic Communist design. Unlike other former Communist monuments in Bulgaria, such as the Buzludzha Monument (see below), this one has been maintained after the fall of Communism.

Now, it’s one of the top things to see in Bulgaria, a popular place for photoshoots.

Brands We Use And Trust

6. stroll through the old town of plovdiv.

Chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2019 , Plovdiv Old Town has plenty to offer. You might find yourself walking over cobblestone streets and ducking into antique shops and museums. You will also find an Ottoman mosque and Roman ruins, such as an amphitheater. There are many top Bulgaria landmarks at home in Plovdiv.

Allow 2-3 days to enjoy this breathtaking town ; consider staying at one of these incredible accommodations in Plovdiv to give yourself more time to explore. 

• Things To Do In Plovdiv

7. Admire Tsarevets Fortress

During the two centuries when Veliko Tarnovo was the Second Bulgarian Empire’s capital, Tsarevets Fortress was the most important of Bulgaria’s castles . Perched atop Tsarevets Hill, this glorious stronghold is incredibly preserved. It’s without question one of the absolute top things to see in Veliko Tarnovo and a major tourist attraction in Bulgaria. This is your must-see attraction if you only have a day in Veliko Tarnovo.

Tsarevets Fortress is home to fortified walls, the medieval palace of the Bulgarian kings, and the patriarchal complex with its library, monks” cells, scriptorium, and Patriarchal Cathedral St. Ascension, the “mother of all Bulgarian churches.”

Additionally, this vast fortress also comprised more than 400 residential houses, about 20 churches, and four monasteries.

We decided to head to the Tsarevets Fortress at 9 a.m. one Sunday morning and were the only people on site for at least 45 minutes. Real magic. 

The walk up to the church is not easy for anyone with very small kids or the elderly. You really need to be in your best  travel shoes  and take a bottle of water with you. 

• Things To Do In Veliko Tarnovo

8. Go For An Outdoor Adventure At Vitosha Mountain

Vitosha Mountain is the third-highest peak in Bulgaria at 7,513 feet, a national park offering skiing and hiking. If you opt for the former and are not experienced, don’t worry; you can take advantage of the ski school for lessons.

For those hiking during the warmer weather, don’t forget to stop at the waterfall .

9. Attend A Bulgarian Festival

A country with a centuries-old history and ancient traditions and customs, Bulgaria can undoubtedly be called a “festival destination .” Bulgarians are very proud of their heritage and never pass up a chance to celebrate and showcase that.

From dancing barefoot on smoldering embers to chasing evil spirits away to traditional dancing, folklore parades, food-focused events, and even a bagpipe festival, attending a typical Bulgarian festival is one of the best things to do in Bulgaria. Bulgarian tourism for celebrations is often centered around the “Rose Festival” like this. 

10. Spend Some Time In Burgas

Burgas (or Bourgas) is the second-largest Bulgarian city along the Black Sea and fourth in the entire country. As it is primarily used as a transit point for non-diving tourists for smaller resort towns north and south of it along the coast, Burgas has become a sort of sanctuary for the diving scene in Bulgaria. Here, you find more than enough items to add to your “what to do in Bulgaria” list.  

In it, you will find long stretches of primarily empty beaches, beautiful and well-maintained seafront parks, and very affordable accommodation options for the budget-conscious traveler. It is a perfect place for an extended diving holiday.

There are also four lakes outside the city, which bird enthusiasts flock to. Additionally, Burgas is also a great base from which to visit other Bulgaria tourist attractions like Sozopol and Nessebar.

11. Visit A Cave Or Two

Although there are currently more than 4,500 known caves in the country, only a few caves in Bulgaria are open and accessible to tourists. About a fifth of Bulgaria’s surface area consists of karst, rock formations that are easily dissolved and shaped by water.

This is why this Balkan country has such huge subterranean halls, passageways, and tunnels.

The vast majority of Bulgarian caves are the exclusive playground of experienced speleologists and rock climbers. However, those that are managed and can be visited include some of the top natural attractions in Bulgaria .

Some of Bulgaria’s most beautiful caves , which you can actually visit, are the following:

• Magura Cave
• Bacho Kiro Cave
• Ledenika Cave
• Prohodna Cave
• Devetashka Cave

12. Discover Sozopol Old Town

Once again, you will be walking on cobblestone streets, which gives you a feeling of being transported back to a much simpler time. In this case, you will find quality Bulgarian food at harbor-side restaurants, wooden houses, cafes, and warm and friendly people.

This information might sound simplistic, but the beauty of Sozopol Old Town lies in simplicity. Don’t miss it!

• Things To Do In Veliko Sozopol

13. Damascena Ethnographic Complex, Rose Valley

If you find yourself in Bulgaria in June, head to the Rose Valley . Located in Central Bulgaria, the township of Kazanlak is blossoming with roses and holds a festival in celebration at harvest time. 

Even though the rose festival and harvest are worth attending, Rose Valley is undoubtedly a place to visit at other times of the year, where you can wander through the Damascena Ethnographic Complex – the first private rose oil distillery. Here, you can experience the rose distillation process and the sweet scent of delicate Damascena roses. Enjoy learning more about the production of pure organic rose essential oil (also known as the “liquid gold” of Bulgaria), wander through the museum, admire the frescoes, and stop by the gift shop to buy yourself a gift to take home.

Driving from Sofia to Kazanlak is approx. 2 ½ hours, and the Damascena Ethnographic complex of Kazanlak is just a short drive from the outer regions of the town center. 

14. Visit The Buzludzha Monument

Situated atop Buzludzha Peak in the Bulgarian Central Balkan Mountains, the Buzludzha Monument sits at a historically significant site. This was where massively outnumbered Bulgarian rebels lost against a force of Ottoman soldiers in 1868, which triggered the Liberation of Bulgaria about a decade later.

Later, this was the location of the Bulgarian Social Democratic Workers Party’s first gathering (the party later became the Bulgarian Communist Party). Additionally, it’s also where Bulgarian fascists and Communist partisans met in battle during the Second World War.

The Buzludzha Monument opened in 1981, a citizen-funded structure commemorating the Bulgarian socialist movement. Since the democratizing of Bulgaria, however, it’s now been abandoned for decades. So, it’s easy to see why a place loaded with such heavy Bulgarian history was chosen as the site for a national monument afterward.

Nonetheless, it’s one of the most fascinating places to visit in Bulgaria, often regarded as one of the world’s most incredible abandoned buildings.

15. Palace And Botanical Gardens Of Balchik

Balchik is a town on the Black Sea Sea Coast. Within that town is what many visitors describe as one of the most beautiful places to see in Europe: the Palace and Botanical Gardens of Balchik.

In addition to beautifully manicured gardens, you will find a palace, a waterfall , and an outstanding sea view. This is the perfect way to end a day in Balchik after seeing the marina and beach . You should also consider browsing the little shops selling local items right outside of the botanical gardens. You want to have more than some pictures as a reminder of the beauty of this town.

16. Go For A Casual Walk In The Varna Sea Garden

It’s often said that simplicity is bliss. Nothing can be a better example than Sea Garden. This big, beautiful, clean park has flower gardens, waterfalls , seaside views, hiking trails, statues, and benches for relaxation.

Varna Sea Garden is the ideal location for a stroll. That said, if you prefer a little more action and you’re visiting during the warmer seasons, you can try water sports like windsurfing and diving .

17. Enjoy Winter Sports At Bansko Ski Resort

Located about 160 kilometers from Sofia, the Bansko Ski Resort is one of Bulgaria’s most popular winter sports destinations in the country’s southwestern corner.

The town of Bansko is at the foot of Pirin Mountain; its ski runs start basically behind the city center. There are numerous facilities here, including luxurious hotels and more affordable accommodations. As far as things to do, skiing and snowshoeing are in the lead.

There are, however, also more casual activities in Bansko in winter. You can relax in spas, go shopping , enjoy traditional Bulgarian food , go for a landscape photography outing, or join the vibrant après-ski festivities.

18. Hit The Beach

Along the 378 kilometers of coastline of the Black Sea in Bulgaria lie magical towns and golden sun-kissed beaches like Sozopol, Golden Sands, and Sunny Beach . If you’re looking for a place for an affordable beach vacation, this is where you should go! It might not often pop up on Europe’s best beach destinations, but Bulgaria does have some fantastic beach resorts .

19. Have Some Family Fun

In this post, you should consider all the things to do in Bulgaria, even if you’re taking your kids along . The only place that you should take caution would be Vitosha Mountain. You might consider taking your kids to a ski school so you can enjoy yourselves as a couple without worrying about their safety .

If you’re visiting Bulgaria during the warmer months with children, then Action Aquapark is your top pick. This water park is smaller than most, but there is no shortage of fun rides. Lockers are available for your convenience, and the staff is friendly and alert. There is also a zoo at the back of the park. Another fun option for families visiting Bulgaria is Sunny Beach, Luna Park. This is a fair that offers rides, games, and good food, all at reasonable prices. It’s best suited for younger children but changes after 9 p.m.

From my experience of taking kids to Bulgaria, there are many famous landmarks in Bulgaria that are of interest to kids, especially hunting down the Thracian Tombs ! My boys love the thracian tomb of Kazanlak.

20. Hike To The 7 Rila Lakes

The Seven Rila Lakes Hike is one of the absolute best things to do in Bulgaria for outdoor lovers.

Located in the northwestern Rila region, close to Sofia and Plovdiv, the lakes are all stunning in their own right and cover some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery around the Balkans .

The trails are very well marked; the glacier lakes are usually reached by driving or taxiing from the closest village, Sapareva Banya. The road from there takes you to the chairlift area, Pionerska Hut; then you travel upwards into the mountains. Most hikes in this part of the country cover around 7-8 hours, so it’s worth being prepared in terms of clothing, especially considering the high elevations.

The highest lake is named The Teardrop, and the lowest is Lower Lake. On top of this, you have The Twins, The Eye, The Kidney, The Fish Lake, and the Trefoil. Kidney Lake is the biggest of the lakes, but they are all special and visually spectacular – so pack a camera.

Move This Adventure To Your Inbox & Get An Instant Freebie

No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

21. Visit Impressive Bulgarian Castles

Located east of the Balkan peninsula, on the Black Sea shore, Bulgaria was often where traders, travelers, armies, and adventurers entered or left Europe.

It’s the definition of a crossroads country, a meeting place of East and West, North and South. Bulgaria is also one of the oldest inhabited countries in Europe. This is where the Persians conquered the Thracians and, later, the Romans, whom the Byzantines subsequently defeated.

Wars were fought between the Byzantines and the Bulgars. Slavs moved in from northwest Bulgaria, while Bulgars invaded from the northeast. Even Mongols seized Bulgaria for a while. Later, this was where the Ottomans battled crusaders from Western Europe.

To make an incredibly long story short, Bulgaria was the meeting place of many armies. It used to be a region where battles were won and lost, heroic deeds were done, and massive fortresses were erected.

Nowadays, you can still explore this fascinating and eventful past at the many spectacular Bulgaria castles dotted around the country. Whether or not you’re interested in Bulgarian history, visiting one of those castles and fortresses is always a highlight! Famous examples are Tsarevets Castle, Belogradchik Fortress , Shumen Fortress, and the Fortifications of Nessebar (see the top of this blog post).

22. Go For A Small Town Weekend Trip

With its healthy blend of small, misty mountain towns and long stretches of golden sand Black Sea beaches, Bulgaria is the perfect country for a short weekend (or extended weekend) road trip.

There’s much more to this large nation (by European standards) than its major cities. In fact, the small towns in Bulgaria often offer the biggest surprises!

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

Some of the best small towns for weekend trips in Bulgaria are the following:

• Veliko Tarnovo

Now you know that Bulgaria as a holiday destination is truly a hidden gem of Eastern European vacation destinations. Any vacation destination can be rewarding, but not many vacation destinations offer seaside and mountainous terrain in such close proximity as you will find in Bulgaria. We guarantee you will not be disappointed if you choose to visit Bulgaria.

• Your Guide To Renting A Car In Bulgaria

We’ve now shown you what to see in Bulgaria, so tell us, which of these Bulgaria tourist attractions will you visit first? Will it be the Rila Mountains, old churches, Belogradchik Rocks, or maybe the Rhodope Mountains?

If you think that we have missed something on this list of best places to see, comment below!

• Things To Do In Sofia
• Things To Do In Varna
• Best Day Trips From Sofia
• Bansko Ski Resort
• Bulgarian Festivals
• Where To Stay In Sofia
• Best Time To Visit Bulgaria
• Best All-Inclusive Hotels In Bulgaria
• Best Campsites In Bulgaria
• Where To Stay In Veliko Tarnovo
• 5-Day Travel Itinerary Through Bulgaria
• Where To Eat In Sofia

Comments (7)

Alexander Nevsky cathedral is very dark inside but it is possible to pay for a photo pass now. I haven’t tried this so I don’t know what the restrictions are. As a matter of interest, the cathedral in Varna has a photo pass and is well lit with fine murals. I have also taken photos in the recently renovated mosque in centralSofia

There’s also a fabulous food tour that you can go on in Sofia to gte a great experience of Bulgarian cuisine – well recommended.

I so wish I would have seen this post before I was there!

Thank you for the imformation it was really nice place, I would like to visit bulgaria maybe one day!!

Bulgaria is a beautiful destination to visit, despite it is very underestimated. You can reach every city and resort with an airport transfer easy.

Just what we wanted to know, this info was very helpful. Can you also do a guide on where to go further afield?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe To Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List & All Our Best Tips!

Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List!

Subscribe Now For Instant Access To Stress-Free Packing

• The Best Attractions In Bulgaria

20 Best Attractions in Bulgaria

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

Experience bulgarian hospitality in traditional villages.

Architectural Landmark

Some of the Bulgarian villages have been turned into architectural reserves to preserve the beautiful houses of the past. Bulgarians love getting back to nature and to their roots, spending their weekend in villages – growing their own food, sleeping in guesthouses, or just enjoying the silence outside of the city. Vist Rila if you’re looking to get away from the big busy cities!

Delve into Bulgarian history at its best museums

Historical Landmark

Bulgaria has more than 1300 years of history as a country, with many tribes and foreign powers having left their influence over the centuries. Plan a stop at one or more of the Bulgarian museums and learn a bit about the past to better understand the present. History buffs will enjoy a day at the biggest history museum in the country, the National History Museum in Sofia that exhibits some of the most impressive ancient Thracian gold treasures as well as the most important items since prehistoric times. The streets of the Old Town of Plovdiv are dotted with traditional Revival-period houses, many of them museums. See it all on this tour!

Explore rock phenomena

Wind, water, and time have done their job in sculpting amazing rock formations all over Bulgaria. After that, people have used their imagination to create stories about the rock shapes that resemble people, mushrooms, and giants. Visit the Belogradchik Rocks to marvel at the castle set among the rocks, or the Stob Pyramids near Sofia to see the magical earth formations at sunset.

Stroll through historical towns

If you need to get away from the modern world, plan an escape to any of the historical towns in Bulgaria. Nessebar (protected by UNESCO) and Sozopol are located at the seaside and have magnificent Old Towns with wooden houses. The steep cobblestone streets of the Old Town of Plovdiv takes you two centuries back in history. Koprivshtitsa (difficult to pronounce but worth the effort) is a whole town keeping the spirit of the past epochs alive.

Hike in the mountains

Hikers will find all sorts of terrains in Bulgaria – the Pirin and Rila Mountainsmore are rockier and more Alpine-like, while the Rhodopes have rounder shapes and are more green. The Bulgarian mountains are relatively well signed (depending on the route you’ve chosen), but you should always bring a map and a compass with you. There’s an emblematic mountain hike, the Kom to Emine route, which crosses Bulgaria from west to east, finishing at Cape Emine at the Black Sea coast. You will need special training for it, though, as it takes around 20 days to cover.

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $1,200 on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

The Ancient Theater in Plovdiv

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

Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo

Prohodna cave, belogradchik rocks, pirin national park, krushuna waterfalls.

The Balchik Palace and Botanical Garden

Natural Feature

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

The town of Koprivshtitsa

The sveshtari tomb.

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

The Rose Valley

Rila monastery, join a cultural festival.

There is a marvelous Bulgarian tradition for every season – from the Kukeri monster dances in winter to the Rose Festival in the Rose Valley in June and the July Morning tradition on July 1 when the locals greet the rising sun to welcome the summer. On June 3, the ancient tradition of Nestinari , walking on embers, takes place in the small border village of Balgari. In the first weekend of August, the biggest open-air bagpipe gathering fills the air with folkloric music on the mountain slopes around the village of Gela. Find a cultural festival in Plovdiv!

Taste local delicacies

Bulgarian cuisine has much in common with the other Balkan countries, but it has its own specialties, too. Fresh vegetable salads are locals’ favorite all year round (try the fresh vegetables and Bulgarian feta cheese Shopska salad and Ovcharska salad, the mayonnaise-based Ruska salad, or the Mlechna salad that is similar to the Greek tzatziki). If you travel through the Rhodope Mountains, don’t miss its local culinary delights. Go wine tasting in Sofia!

Hit the beaches

The Bulgarian coast attracts many European vacationers every summer, offering both wild and luxury beaches. Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, and Kiten have a more vibrant, party atmosphere, while Sinemorets, Ahtopol or Kavarna are better for families. Varna and Burgas are the two major coastal cities that also have industrial zones and big shopping malls.

Enjoy the snowy slopes

Bansko, Pamporovo, and Borovets are the three major ski resorts in Bulgaria with many ski and snowboard facilities. There are tracks for both beginners and advanced winter sports enthusiasts.

A Couple's Guide to a Romantic Getaway in Bulgaria

An Adventurous Road Trip Itinerary Through the Rhodope Mountains

The Best Mountain Retreats to Book in Bulgaria

Amazing Spas in Bulgaria That Will Revitalise Your Life

The Best Resorts in Bulgaria

The Best Places to Stay in Borovets, Bulgaria

Trifon Zarezan: Bulgaria's Second Valentine's Day

The 8 Most Romantic Places in the Balkans

The Best Ski Resorts in Bulgaria

Amazing Castles in Bulgaria You Can Actually Stay In

The Best Hotels in Nessebar, Bulgaria

Culture Trip Summer Sale

Save up to $1,200 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

• Post ID: 1379076
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

©Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock

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

Best Things to Do

Attractions, must-see attractions.

Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari

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

Archaeological Museum

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

Tsarevets Fortress

Veliko Târnovo

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

Aleksander Nevski Cathedral

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

Etâr Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

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

Dryanovo Monastery

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

Roman Amphitheatre

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

Summer Palace of Queen Marie & Botanical Gardens

Black Sea Coast

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

Latest stories from Bulgaria

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Aug 1, 2024 • 5 min read

There’s much more to this charming mountain town than skiing and snowboarding. Here’s what you can enjoy in all seasons.

Jul 23, 2024 • 9 min read

Jul 18, 2024 • 5 min read

Jul 2, 2024 • 6 min read

Oct 20, 2023 • 7 min read

Feb 1, 2021 • 5 min read

Feb 20, 2020 • 3 min read

Jan 30, 2020 • 4 min read

Jan 7, 2020 • 6 min read

Dec 4, 2019 • 5 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Bulgaria

Bulgaria and beyond.

Best things to do in Bulgaria

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• best-things-to-do-in-bulgaria

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Dre Roelandt

updated 02.08.2024

From ancient Thracian tombs to pristine Black Sea beaches, Bulgaria has something for everyone. Whether you're coming here for the medieval fortresses, lush mountain ranges, or bustling city life, this Balkan gem has hidden treasures waiting for you. Plus, it's one of the most budget-friendly places to visit in Europe. In this article, we'll dive into the best things to do in Bulgaria that make it a must-visit destination.

1. Visit the 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, 13. winter sports, 14. tsarevets fortress.

• 15. Devil's throat cave

Take your dream trip to Bulgaria

Travel ideas for bulgaria, created by local experts.

Relaxing beach fun - the Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria and Romania

The perfect trip for those that are looking for sun, sea and sand while also getting to know the culture and history of both Bulgaria and Romania. Start and end in Bucharest and discover Constanta, Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Burgas and Madara Rider.

The legend of Dracula

Transylvania is known to be the land of Dracula. Are you curious to visit the places mentioned in the book and the castles that hosted the major life events of Vlad the Impaler, the cruel ruler known as Dracula? Explore mysterious places and breathtaking landscapes all over Romania.

World Heritage in Romania and Bulgaria

Discover the most important UNESCO heritage sites in Romania and Bulgaria as well as some lesser-known attractions. From the capital Sofia to Plovdiv and Nessebar, as well as Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria to Romania's capital Bucharest to Sibiu, Cluj and Dracula's castle in Brasov.

Delicacies in Romania: food & wine

Perfect for foodies with little time - spend 5 days in Romania between Bucharest and Brasov, home to the famous Dracula castle. On the way, you will pass by vineyards and wineries, with tasting arrangements available for you. A private guide will be with you all throughout the trip.

One of the best things to do in Bulgaria is to visit the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, which stands in a square of the same name. 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 . This budget-friendly hotel offers excellent value for money in Sofia. With comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and a convenient location near the Tsarigradsko Shose metro station
• For luxury: Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia . This opulent five-star hotel epitomizes luxury in Sofia's city center. Boasting elegant rooms, gourmet restaurants, a spa, and stunning views of Vitosha Mountain
• For a stay with charm: Hotel Anel . Located in the heart of Sofia, Hotel Anel offers a blend of comfort and style. With spacious rooms, a wellness center featuring a pool and spa, and multiple dining options,

Or find accommodations at any budget in Sofia.

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 (around 4£) 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

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 . Located in the heart of Plovdiv's historic district, this charming hotel offers easy access to ancient Roman ruins and traditional Bulgarian architecture. Guests enjoy cozy rooms, authentic local cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• For superb comfort: Business Hotel Plovdiv . Catering to both leisure and business travelers, this modern hotel provides luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities. Features include spacious rooms, a fitness center, conference facilities, and an on-site restaurant.
• For luxury: The Emporium Hotel Plovdiv MGallery Collection . This upscale boutique hotel combines contemporary elegance with Bulgarian heritage. Guests can indulge in lavish suites, a spa with traditional treatments, gourmet dining experiences, and personalized service. The hotel's design reflects Plovdiv's rich cultural history.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Plodiv at any budget.

Amphitheatre in Plovdiv, Bulgaria © Mitzo/Shutterstock

Known to all Bulgarian schoolchildren as the cradle of the modern Bulgarian state, Koprovshtitsa, 75 km (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). At an altitude of 1,060 metres (3,480 feet), 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 . Cascadas Family Resort offers spacious apartments and villas ideal for families. The resort features multiple pools, kids' clubs, playgrounds, and family-friendly entertainment. Its all-inclusive option and proximity to the beach make it convenient for parents and exciting for children.
• For sea views: Premier Fort Beach Resort . Perched on a cliff overlooking the Black Sea, Premier Fort Beach Resort provides stunning panoramic views from most rooms and common areas. Guests can enjoy direct beach access, multiple restaurants, and a large pool complex while basking in the beauty of the Bulgarian coastline.
• For luxury: Secrets Sunny Beach Resort . This adults-only, all-inclusive resort offers a luxurious escape on Sunny Beach. With upscale amenities, gourmet dining options, a world-class spa, and elegant suites, Secrets provides a sophisticated atmosphere for discerning travelers seeking relaxation and indulgence in a beautiful setting.

Find hundreds of accommodation in Sunny Beach at any budget.

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 . This upscale aparthotel offers luxurious accommodations with fully-equipped kitchenettes. Guests enjoy access to extensive spa facilities, including thermal pools and various treatments. The hotel's restaurants serve gourmet cuisine, while its location provides easy access to Bansko's ski slopes.
• For mountain views: Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena . Situated at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, this 5-star hotel offers breathtaking views from most rooms and common areas. It features ski-in/ski-out access, multiple restaurants, a lavish spa, and elegantly appointed rooms. The hotel's terrace provides a stunning panorama of the surrounding peaks.
• For a boutique stay: Amira Boutique Hotel . This intimate hotel offers personalized service and stylish, individually decorated rooms. Located in the heart of Bansko's old town, it provides a cozy atmosphere with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the hotel's spa facilities, gourmet restaurant, and proximity to local attractions and ski lifts.

Browse hundreds of accommodation in Bansko at any budget.

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.

Ready to see Bulgaria? With our tailor-made trip service, you don't have to spend hours researching to take your dream trip. Let us take care of the planning and booking. Our trips are crafted by local travel experts and are completely customisable to your wants and needs. Here are a few of our Bulgaria trips:

• World Heritage in Bulgaria and Romania (15 days): On this trip you'll discover the most important UNESCO heritage sites as well as some lesser known attractions.
• Relaxing beach fun (7 days): This trip is great if you are looking for sun, sea and sand. Start in Bucharest and discover in Constanta, Sunny Beach, Nessebar and more.

Or browse our existing Bulgaria itineraries for inspiration.

Bulgaria is a site worth seeing © Shutterstock

We may earn a commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Senior Content Editor at Rough Guides.

• Nature & Wildlife
• Authentic Experiences
• History Culture Heritage
• Inspiration
• See & Do
• Where to stay

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for Bulgaria

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Bulgaria

• Culture and Etiquette in Bulgaria
• How to get to Bulgaria
• Eating and drinking in Bulgaria
• Getting around Bulgaria: Transportation Tips
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Bulgaria
• Travel Tips Bulgaria for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Bulgaria

Find even more inspiration for Bulgaria here

Ready to travel and discover Bulgaria?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Travel advice

What are you looking for?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travellerspoint

How to Get to Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some of the most popular routes include:

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

Getting Around Bulgaria

Hiring a Car

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

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

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

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

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

Motorhome/RV

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

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

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

15 Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Things to do in Plovdiv

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

Where to Stay in Plovdiv

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Things to do in Sofia

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

Where to Stay in Sofia

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

3. Devils Bridge (Arda River)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Things to do at the Arda River

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

Where to Stay in Ardino

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Things to do in Devin

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

Where to Stay in Devin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Bansko

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

Where to Stay in Bansko

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

6. Rila National Park (Seven Rila Lakes Hike)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Rila National Park

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

Where to Stay in Rila National Park

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

7. Rila Monastery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay near Rila Monastery

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

8. Velingrad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Velingrad

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

Where to Stay in Velingrad

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

9. Batak Reservoir

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do at Batak Reservoir

Where to stay in batak.

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

10. Shipka Pass

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do at the Shipka Pass

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

Where to Stay in Shipka

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

11. Veliko Tarnovo and Tsarevets Fortress

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Veliko Tarnovo

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

Where to Stay in Veliko Tarnovo

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

12. Saeva Dupka Cave

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Belogradchik Fortress

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Belogradchik

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

Where to Stay in Belogradchik

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Varna

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

Where to Stay in Varna

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

15. Melnik (Bulgarian Wine Region)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Melnik

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

Where to Stay in Melnik

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

Bulgaria Travel Tips & FAQ

When is a good time to visit bulgaria.

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

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

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

How Long Should You Spend in Bulgaria?

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

What is a Good Budget for Bulgaria?

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

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

Is Bulgaria Safe to Visit?

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

Where To Go After Bulgaria?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's some more inspiration for your road trip:

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

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

• South Africa
• Dominican Republic
• United States
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• South Korea
• United Arab Emirates
• French Polynesia
• New Zealand
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Hotel Reviews
• Travel eSIM Cards
• Travel News
• Show the search field

Things to do in Bulgaria.

Things to Do in Bulgaria: A Traveler’s Guide

Key takeaways, things to do in bulgaria, frequently asked questions.

Bulgaria , a country of fascinating history, diverse cultural attractions, and mesmerizing landscapes, awaits your discovery. From the architectural wonders of Sofia to the sun-soaked Black Sea Coast, prepare to embark on a journey that will captivate your senses and ignite your passion for adventure. Are you ready to uncover the hidden gems and explore the top things to do in Bulgaria? This stunning European destination awaits you.

Travel Tip:  For travelers seeking internet connectivity, consider opting for the eSim Bulgaria to ensure a seamless and reliable connection.

• Explore Sofia’s architectural wonders and experience the unique flavors of Bulgarian cuisine.
• Immerse yourself in Plovdiv’s history, explore Rila National Park, and unwind on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast.
• Step back in time at Tsarevets Fortress, witness the beauty of Rose Valley, dive into Bulgaria’s underwater world & visit Buzludzha Monument.

1. Explore Sofia’s Architectural Wonders

Sofia, the vibrant Bulgarian capital, enchants visitors with its eclectic mix of architectural styles and historical landmarks. Delve into the city’s rich past as you wander its charming streets, uncovering some of Bulgaria’s most popular tourist attractions, such as the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Ivan Vazov National Theatre, and St. George Rotunda. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore more Bulgaria tourist attractions during your visit.

Explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and monuments and enjoy the stunning views.

Alexander Nevski Cathedral

The Alexander Nevski Cathedral, a magnificent neo-Byzantine structure in Sofia, commemorates St. Alexander Nevski and captivates visitors with its remarkable architecture.

Constructed during the era of the Bulgarian Communist Party, this breathtaking edifice draws visitors with its beautiful architecture. It offers a deep dive into the country’s rich history and diverse influences.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Located in the heart of Sofia with a beautiful view of Vitosha Mountain, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre is an impressive testament to Bulgaria’s cultural prowess. Constructed in the late 19th century, this architectural gem showcases Bulgarian culture through various performances and events, including:

Be sure to catch a performance to appreciate Bulgarian artistry’s depth truly.

St. George Rotunda

Step back as you explore the St. George Rotunda, a 4th-century rotunda church nestled amidst charming cobbled streets in Sofia. As one of the oldest preserved buildings in the city, this ancient church bears witness to Sofia’s rich history and cultural tapestry.

Despite its humble appearance, the church’s captivating presence eloquently speaks of the city’s resilience and enduring spirit.

2. Delight in Bulgarian Cuisine

Your Bulgarian journey would be incomplete without a taste of its exquisite cuisine. Influenced by Balkan, Turkish, and Slavic cultures, Bulgarian food offers a unique blend of flavors and aromas that will leave your taste buds craving more. From traditional dishes like sirene po shopski and kavarma to local drinks such as rakia and Bulgarian wines, prepare to embark on a culinary journey like no other. The country’s cuisine is celebrated for its fresh ingredients and distinctive flavors.

Traditional Dishes

Sample some of Bulgaria’s most celebrated dishes, such as:

• Kiselo mlyako, a smooth and delicious yogurt
• Sirene po shopski, a mouthwatering cheese and vegetable bake
• Kavarma, a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew
• Banitsa is a savory pastry with cheese, spinach, or minced meat.

Each dish is a testament to Bulgaria’s rich culinary heritage and offers a tantalizing taste of the country’s diverse influences.

Local Drinks

Relish Bulgaria’s signature spirit, rakia, a potent fruit brandy that doesn’t disappoint. Alternatively, enjoy the diverse flavors of Bulgarian wines, such as Mavrud, Rubin, and Pamid, which have a long history in the region.

Whether you prefer a bold red or a crisp white, you’ll find the perfect accompaniment to your meal in Bulgaria’s extensive selection of local beverages.

3. Immerse Yourself in Plovdiv’s History

Discover the captivating history of Plovdiv, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. With a past dating back to the 6th century BC, Plovdiv has been shaped by:

• The Byzantines
• The Ottomans
• The Bulgarians

Each leaves its mark on the city.

Stroll along the charming streets of the Plovdiv Old Town, discovering the city’s rich past as you visit sites like the Roman Amphitheatre and Ottoman Mosque, or enjoy the picturesque cobbled lanes.

Roman Amphitheatre

The Roman Amphitheatre in Plovdiv:

• It is an exceptionally preserved ancient structure
• Continues to host performances and events today
• It was constructed in the 2nd century AD.
• Remains one of the most well-maintained Roman amphitheaters in the world.

Standing on its ancient steps, imagine the gladiators, musicians, and actors who once brought entertainment and culture to Plovdiv’s inhabitants.

Ottoman Mosque

Step into the serenity of Plovdiv’s Ottoman Mosque, a 16th-century structure that is a testament to the city’s diverse history. As one of the oldest mosques in Bulgaria, it offers a glimpse into the past under Ottoman rule and reminds visitors of the city’s ever-changing cultural landscape.

Take a moment to appreciate its intricate architecture and the stories it tells of Plovdiv’s rich past.

4. Embrace Nature in Rila National Park

Plunge into the stunning beauty of Rila National Park, Bulgaria’s largest and most enchanting natural reserve. Home to the iconic Rila Monastery and the lovely Seven Rila Lakes, this national park offers various attractions and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Seven Rila Lakes

Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Seven Rila Lakes, a glacial lake nestled within Rila National Park in the heart of the Rila Mountains. Accessible via a network of hiking trails, these shimmering bodies of water offer unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape and are a must-see for any visitor to Bulgaria.

Whether you trek between the lakes or admire their beauty from afar, the Seven Rila Lakes offer an experience you won’t soon forget.

Rila Monastery

Nestled within the heart of Rila National Park, the Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant cultural and religious landmark in Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century, this complex features stunning frescoes, a richly decorated church, and a fascinating history spanning over a thousand years. As a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, it continues attracting visitors worldwide.

While visiting Bulgaria, exploring its ancient halls, and admiring its exquisite architecture, you’ll deepen your understanding of Bulgaria’s rich cultural heritage.

5. Unwind on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast

Escape to the sun-soaked shores of Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast, where golden sands and crystal clear waters create the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Popular beach destinations such as Sunny Beach and Golden Sands offer various activities and attractions catering to varied preferences.

Sunny Beach

Sunny Beach, a vibrant resort town on the Black Sea coast, offers many activities for all ages, including water sports, family-friendly attractions, and a lively nightlife scene.

With its expansive beach and affordable accommodations, Sunny Beach is an ideal destination for those seeking sun, sand, and endless entertainment.

Golden Sands

Discover Golden Sands, another popular beach destination in Bulgaria, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife. Whether you prefer to soak up the sun on the soft sands or dance the night away at one of the many bars and clubs, Golden Sands promises a memorable seaside escape.

6. Adventure in Pirin National Park

Pirin National Park is an ideal destination for adventure seekers. This stunning reserve, home to the majestic Pirin Mountains, offers many outdoor activities, including ski resorts and hiking trails that cater to beginners and experienced trekkers.

The ski resorts provide a range of slopes for all levels of skiers, from beginner to expert.

Ski Resorts

Experience the thrill of winter sports at popular ski resorts like Bansko and Borovets, located within the Pirin National Park. These resorts offer a range of activities, including:

• snowboarding
• snowshoeing
• spa treatments

With stunning mountain views and various slopes to suit all skill levels, Bansko and Borovets are perfect destinations for snow enthusiasts.

Hiking Trails

Explore the diverse hiking trails in Pirin National Park, taking in the natural beauty of the region and its unique flora and fauna. From breathtaking vistas to serene forests and sparkling lakes, the trails in Pirin National Park offer something for everyone.

Lace up your hiking boots and embark on an unforgettable adventure through Bulgaria’s untamed wilderness.

7. Step Back in Time at Tsarevets Fortress

Travel back in time while exploring the historic Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo. This well-preserved stronghold was the seat of power during the Second Bulgarian Empire and offers a fascinating glimpse into Bulgaria’s medieval past.

Wander through the ancient grounds and marvel at the imposing structure that has stood for centuries as a symbol of Bulgarian strength and resilience, one of the many Bulgaria landmarks.

8. Witness the Beauty of Rose Valley

Experience the enchanting beauty of the Rose Valley, a region in Bulgaria renowned for its rose oil production and the annual Rose Festival. Visit the Damascena Ethnographic Complex to learn about the history and techniques of rose oil extraction and immerse yourself in the fragrant fields of blooming roses that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Experience the region’s distinct culture, encompassing everything from traditional music and dance to local cuisine.

9. Dive into Bulgaria’s Underwater World

Discover hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface of Bulgaria’s Black Sea. Scuba diving experiences cater to beginners and seasoned divers, offering opportunities to explore underwater caves, sunken battleships, and vibrant marine life.

Bulgaria’s underwater world promises a thrilling adventure for all who dare to dive in, from colorful coral reefs to mysterious shipwrecks.

10. Visit the Intriguing Buzludzha Monument

Venture off the beaten path and explore the intriguing Buzludzha Monument, an abandoned symbol of Bulgarian communism. This fascinating structure, perched high on a mountain peak, has become a popular site for urban exploration and photography.

Wandering through its eerie halls and gazing upon its crumbling facade, you’re reminded of the ever-changing course of history and the fleeting nature of even the most formidable monuments.

From Sofia’s architectural marvels to the Black Sea’s sun-drenched shores, Bulgaria offers many experiences for travelers seeking history, culture, and natural beauty. With its rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Bulgaria is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Begin your journey today and uncover the wonders of this captivating European destination.

What is Bulgaria best known for?

Bulgaria is renowned for its stunning beaches, ancient historic ruins, religious landmarks, and natural wonders; located in the Balkan region of South-East Europe.

The country is home to various landscapes, from the Black Sea coast to the Rhodope Mountains, and is known for its diverse culture and cuisine.

Bulgaria is a popular tourist destination with many attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Is Bulgaria suitable for tourists?

Bulgaria is a safe and secure place to visit, with a lower crime rate than many other European tourist destinations. This makes it an attractive tourist destination for those exploring the region.

Is Bulgaria a cheap country to visit?

Bulgaria is a very affordable destination, offering many attractions at low prices. It’s an excellent option for those who stretch their budget while traveling.

What is the most beautiful part of Bulgaria?

Melnik, Sozopol, Plovdiv Old Town, Belogradchik, Nessebar, Veliko Tarnovo, and the Seven Lakes in the Rila Mountains are some of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria.

Visiting these places is a great way to explore the country’s rich culture and history. You can find ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Bulgaria has something for everyone, whether looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled journey.

What are some must-visit attractions in Sofia?

The Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Ivan Vazov National Theatre, and St. George Rotunda are must-visit attractions in Sofia.

Sources: https://www.getyourguide.com/bulgaria-l169077/

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.

David Zacik

I like to travel and I run a website about interesting places, food, countries and customs, sharing practical tips and inspiring others. Follow me on YouTube and Instagram .

Bulgaria: Your Gateway to Balkan Adventures

© 2024 MyTravelation.com

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 21 Beautiful Places To Visit In Bulgaria In 2024 That Are A Treat To Your Eyes

Bulgaria is a country with picturesque landscapes, along the coast of Black Sea. With mountains and rivers on one side and sun-kissed beaches and azure sea on the other, Bulgaria boasts of beautiful cities and resort towns, which fascinate each and every traveler with their own charm and aura. From castles to forts, museums to amusement parks; there are innumerable places to visit in Bulgaria. Make sure to check them out on your trip to Bulgaria for an exquisite time with your family and friends.

Places To Visit In Bulgaria

Bulgaria is adorned with many spectacular places. To make up for an exciting holiday, you must cover most of these beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria that we have listed below:

• Rila Monastery
• Veliko Tarnovo
• Koprivshtitsa
• Sunny Beach
• Belogradchik
• Pobiti Kamani

Image Source Sofia, the capital city, is one of the most gorgeous top places to visit in Bulgaria . There are various places to visit in Bulgaria, Sofia . Presenting a flawless amalgamation of old city and modern township, Sofia is home to 2000 years old churches, municipal buildings, and cathedrals on one hand and modern museums, art galleries, city parks and boulevards on the other. Nestled at the foothill of Vitosha mountain, this largest Bulgaria city is flocked by tourists around the year.

Must see: Boyana church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Ivan Vazov National Theatre, Saint Nedelja Church and National Museum of Military History and South Park

Suggested Read: 7 Days In Spain: Witness The Splendid Sceneries Of The Second Largest European Country!

Europe Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Explore the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, from Paris to the Venice canals and from the Greek islands to the Swiss alps. Book customized packages by expert agents on TravelTriangle. Inclusive of airport transfers, cab, resort, sightseeing and meals. Best holiday experience Guaranteed. Book Now

Magnificent Switzerland Holiday 6D/5N Package @ Rs 69,999

Plan your trip today!

Magnificent Europe Tour 7D/6N Package @ Rs 70,975

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

France & Switzerland Tour Package 8D/7N @ Rs 90,000

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Scintillating Spain & Portugal Tour 11D/10N @ Rs 101,150

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

6 Country Europe Tour Package 12D/11N @ Rs 118,650

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

Image Source Overlooking the Black Sea, Varna is one of the significant places to see in Bulgaria. Showcasing history and heritage of the bygone era, this serene resort town comprises of Roman baths, ancient cathedrals, and museums. Varna beaches are vibrant and happening and lined with shacks and bars, where people can hang out, sunbathe and unwind and indulge in water sports.

Must see: Roman Bath, Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, Baroque Opera House and Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin

Image Source As one of the historical cities in Bulgaria, Plovdiv is mostly visited by history lovers and anthropologists. This is one of the ancient Bulgaria places, built around 7 hills, along with the course of Maritsa River. Featuring fortresses, amphitheaters, churches, cobbled stone roads, and vintage houses; Plovdiv offers utmost holiday charm, like none other.

Must see: Plovdiv Roman stadium, Roman amphitheater, Staria grad, Park Tsra Simeon and Alyosha Soviet Army Memorial and Ethnographic Museum

Suggested Read: Paragliding In Austria: Head To These Amazing Destinations In The Heart Of Europe!

4. Rila Monastery

Image Source Nestled amid Rila Mountains; this is the largest monastery in Bulgaria. Much famed as Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, this is the most popular Eastern Orthodox Monastery and one of the top tourist attractions in Bulgaria. Founded in the 10th century by St. John of Rila- this stunning monastery is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is built in Mamluk, arabesque, Byzantine and Romanesque pattern. It looks stunning and magnificent with the wooden staircases, black and white arches, domes and colorful mosaics, while the 250 well-preserved manuscripts and paintings are things to admire.

Must see: Other than the monastery and its in-house museum and gallery, one can also explore Rila National Park, Rila Mountains, and Medi Valley Winery

Image Source Next in the list of best places to visit in Bulgaria in summer is Nesebar. This is another pretty town, located by the Black Sea coast, known for its ancient ruins, edifices, and stunning beaches. The old part of Nessebar, comprising of Byzantine-era fortifications and Roman baths are located on an island, which is bridged with the mainland by a man-made walk away. You can also visit the famous 11th century St. Stephen church, located there, which houses an ornamented altarpiece and many of mural paintings. Apart from this, one can sunbathe on the beaches, enjoy water sports and relish seafood or spend some crazy fun-filled moments at the beachfront water park.

Must see: St. Stephens Church, Winery Messembria, Church of Saint Sophia, Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, Aquapark

Suggested Read: Museums In Austria: 8 Amazing Storehouse Of History And Art In The Heart Of Europe

6. Veliko Tarnovo

Image Source Renowned as ‘city of Tsars’, Veliko Tarnovo is a small and quaint city in central Bulgaria. This is a 7000 years old town, located by the Yantra River and surrounded by three hills, namely; Tsaravets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora. Veliko Tarnovo was once the capital of the second Bulgarian empire. As a fortified city, the place is walled on all sides and offers superb panoramic views of the surrounding. With more than 30 monasteries, cobblestone streets, mythical homes, and churches; Veliko Tarnovo looks surreal and a visit to this place during Bulgaria holiday is worth in every sense.

Must see: Tsaravets Fortress, Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of God, Forty Martyrs Church and Asen’s Monument

Image Source Bansko is the most buzzing skiing destination of Bulgaria and one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria in winter. Nestled at the foothills of Pirin Mountains, Bansko welcomes all winter sports lover with wide arms. One among the must-see Bulgaria places; this ski resort town boasts of numerous ski and snowboard areas on Todorka Peak like Tomba Run and offers longest skiing season in Bulgaria. Apart from this, Bansko is also famous for ski restaurants, nightlife, and spa and hosts the Bansko Jazz Festival every year.

Must see: Vihren Peak, Todorka, Kutelo, and Bansko Gondola Ski lift

Suggested Read: Sweden In March: 10 Eye-Catchingly Beautiful Places To Visit In Europe’s Svedala

Image Source One of the ancient coastal towns to see in Bulgaria; Sozopol exhibits relics and remnants of the Bronze Age. Perched at the Black Sea coast; there is an ancient fortress overlooking the sea and archaeological evidence of a sprawling Christian complex. Best known for splendid beaches and nightlife; Sozopol attracts travelers of all kinds, throughout the year. It is one of the significant cultural centers of Bulgaria and hosts Apollonia Art and Film Festival every year.

Must see: St. Thomas Island, St. Ivan Island and The Castle of Ravadinovo

9. Koprivshtitsa

Image Source Colorful houses, cobblestone streets, buzzing public squares and markets pretty much sum up what you can experience at Koprivshtitsa- one among the popular tourist places in Bulgaria. With the backdrop of Sredna Gora mountains; this historic town is perfectly set on the banks of Topolnita River and is famous for its folk festivals and carnivals.

Must see: Oslekov House, Topalova House, Dimcho Debelyanov House, and Lyuben Karavelov Museum

Suggested Read: 17 Spots For Snorkeling In Europe Every Underwater Enthusiast Must Visit

Image Source Bordered by sea and several lakes, Burgas is another name in the group of best places to visit in Bulgaria . Though this is an industrial city but the beaches, restaurant and shacks remain crowded with tourists and locals. During summer, the main promenade hosts summer theatre performances, which enhance the charm of the place, manifold.

Must see: Church of Saint Cyril, Sea Garden, Lake Burgas, Lake Atanasovsko and St. Anastasia Island

11. Sunny Beach

Image Source The discussion on places to visit in Bulgaria is half-hearted if you do not include Sunny Beach in it. Adorned with nightclubs, beach shacks, restaurants and water sports; Sunny Beach allures and tempts, travelers of all kinds. The beaches look dazzling and vibrant with loungers, umbrellas, yachts, go-cart track and water park.

Must see: Action Aquapark, Winery Messembria, Sunny Beach Luna Park and karting track

Suggested Read: Bulgaria In Winter: 10 Things To Do To Make Your Vacation Memorable

12. Belogradchik

Image Source Located on the northern slopes of Balkan Mountains, Belogradchik is another place to see in Bulgaria. Also known as Kaleto, this place is famous for unique sandstone and limestone rock formations, monoliths and hoodoos. Certainly, a place to wonder, Belogradchik also has an ancient fort, caves, and museums.

Must see: Magura Cave, Baba Vida, Kaleto Fortress and Belogradchik rocks, Museum of Nature and Science

13. Pamporovo

Image Source Another popular ski resort in Bulgaria, Pamporovo is set on the foothills of Rhodope Mountains. Lined with pine forests, the skiing area looks surreal and leaves everyone in awe. One can indulge in skiing and snowboarding during winter months, while summer is ideal for hiking and camping. Make sure you book a spot for skiing. We promise it will be worth the time and money.

Must see: Pamporovo Ski resort, Spree Skiing School and Fun Park.

Suggested Read: Top 12 Bulgarian Restaurants That Will Leave You Spoilt For Choice

Image Source Nestled on the right bank of Danube; Ruse is an important river port and a quaint Bulgarian city. Housing more than 300 Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo buildings, Ruse is also described as ‘Little Vienna’. This is the only place to visit in Bulgaria, that comprises of Bulgarian-Romanian bridge, known as Ruse-Giurgiu Friendship Bridge.

Must see: Svoboda- Liberty Square, Profit-Yielding Building, Friendship Bridge, Freedom Square, Sveta Troitsa Cathedral, Eco Museum, and Orlova Chuka Cave

15. Hisarya

Image Source Hisarya lies at the edge of Sredna Gora mountain range and best known for relics of Roman walls, gates, baths, and theatres. The name was derived from the word Turkish word Hissar or Hisar- which means Fort or Castle. It is located at a distance of 44 kms from Plovdiv, hence can make up for a great day trip option.

Must see: Thracian temple, Mineral Spring Momina Banya and Horseback Riding Camp Ezdun

16. Arbanasi

Image Source Arbanasi is a quaint village perched on a hill about 5 kilometers away from Veliko Tarnovo. Besides the amazing views of Veliko Tarnovo and Tsarevets, the village also offers a plethora of streets and old houses surrounded by high National Revival style buildings. It is one of the oldest places to visit in Bulgaria among the locals. Make sure to stop by here.

Must see: Nativity Church and Konstantsalieva House

17. Pobiti Kamani

Image Source Bulgaria’s only desert, Pobiti Kamani is one of the most fascinating places to visit in this country. It is located 20 km west to varna and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The sand dunes and rock formations that goes up to 7 m high in this desert are fascinating. Guess what, these rock formations are hollow from inside and looks as if they are stuck in the sand.

Must see: The Stone Forest, Quarry in Beloslav, Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

18. Kaliakra

Image Source If you are wandering along the Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria, you will come across Kaliakra, one of the historical places to visit in Bulgaria . The legend has it that forty people jumped from the cliff with their hair tied together. They thought that it was a better option than being captured by the Ottomans in the 14th century. The medieval fortress against the stunning backdrop will take your breath away.

Must see: Cape Kaliakra, Castello di Kaliakra

19. Balchik

Image Source One of the most popular places to visit in Bulgaria for families , Balchik is absolutely worth the visit. This small town is located near the northern part of Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria. It has so many places to visit like the summer residence of Romanian Queen Marie of Edinburgh and the famous botanical gardens.

Must See: The Palace of Balchik, Botanical gardens, Balchik Beach

20. Kazanlak

Image Source Also known as the ‘Valley of Roses’, Kazanlak is an attractive tourist destination in Bulgaria where you will find tombstones of Thracian kings. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bulgaria which is why it must be on your list of all the places to visit.

Must See: Museum of Roses, Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, Koprinka Dam, Tomb of Tsar Setv

Image Source An open-air museum in Bulgaria, Etara is a one-of-its-kind place that you ought to visit on your holiday. It is located on the northern edge of the Bulgarka Nature Park and has Bulgarian customs, craftsmanship, and culture on display. You will also find numerous restaurants outside the museum where you can taste the finest Bulgarian cuisine.

Must see: Karadzica water-mill, Sokolski monastery

Further Read: 13 Frolicsome Beaches In Europe For All The Excited Beach Bums Across The Globe

With this list of popular places, now you can plan a foolproof trip to Europe . Ensure you cover most of these places to visit in Bulgaria and have a memorable trip that you will cherish forever. We promise that you’ll have the time of your life and will not be disappointed by everything that Bulgaria has to offer you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Bulgaria

Is Bulgaria an expensive country?

Bulgaria is an affordable destination as compared to other European countries. Accommodation and travel costs here are quite affordable and ideal to plan a budget trip.

Is Bulgaria safe for tourists?

Yes, Bulgaria is a safe country for tourists. The crime rate here is very low and tourists can easily travel around without worrying about a robbery or any crime.

Is it safe to visit Bulgaria, given the covid situation?

Yes, it is safe to visit Bulgaria given that you follow all guidelines and take all the necessary precautions. Make sure to get yourself vaccinated before planning a trip, also wear masks at all times, maintain social distance at public places and sanitize your hands regularly to avoid the spread of the virus.

Why is Bulgaria so famous?

Bulgaria is famous worldwide for its folklore, opera singers and musicians. It is also home to many great sightseeing points and attractions.

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

People Also Read

Places To Visit In Belgium Places To Visit In Cyprus Places To Visit In Turkey

Sukanya Sen

A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.

Places to visit in India

• 30 Best Places To Visit In Bangalore In...
• 64 Best Places To Visit In Kerala For...
• 39 Best Places To Visit In October In...
• 101 Places To Visit In India Before You...
• 20 Places To Visit In Sakleshpur In 2024...
• 35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In...
• 32 Best Places To Visit In January In...
• 20 Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya For...
• 12 Places To Visit In Punjab To Witness...
• Unravel Places To Visit In Uttarakhand For A...
• 26 Best Places To Visit In Jammu For...
• 29 Places To Visit In Monsoon In India...
• Best Places To Visit In August In India...
• 36 Beautiful Places To Visit In Kashmir One...
• 55 Fascinating Places To Visit In Hyderabad In...
• 35 Ultimate Places To Visit In July In...
• 72 Places To Visit In Rajasthan In 2024
• 42 Best Places To Visit In Pondicherry In...
• 33 Spectacular Places To Visit In Mumbai On...
• 43 Places To Visit In West Bengal In...
• 41 Best Places To Visit In June In...
• 35 Best Places To Visit In Mysore In...
• 35 Places To Visit In Coorg For A...
• 54 Best Places To Visit In India In...
• 8 Places To Visit In Jibhi For A...
• 64 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Goa...
• 25 Best Places To Visit In Visakhapatnam In...
• 16 Places To Visit In Lucknow That Showcase...
• 60 Best Places To Visit In Kolkata That...

International Places To Visit

• 35 Best Places To Visit In Japan That...
• 40 Best Places To Visit In Canada In...
• 28 Places To Visit In October In World...
• 28 Stunning Places To Visit In South Korea...
• 25 Places To Visit In Manila In 2024...
• 19 Best Places To Visit In Morocco In...
• 34 Best Places To Visit In Austria In...
• 82 Best Places To Visit In Turkey That...
• 10 Breathtaking Places To Visit In The World...
• 22 Best Places To Visit In Netherlands: The...
• 24 Fabulous Places To Visit In Ireland: The...
• 19 Best Places To Visit In London In...
• Discover 24 Places To Visit In Switzerland In...
• 17 Mystical Places To Visit In Egypt In...
• 15 Places To Visit In United Kingdom That’ll...
• 33 Best Places To Visit In Amsterdam On...
• 19 Best Places To Visit In Kuala Lumpur...
• 42 Best Places To Visit In Bangkok In...
• 11 Popular Places To Visit In Doha For...
• 26 Places To Visit In Germany In 2024...
• 32 Places To Visit In Belgium That Make...
• 15 Places To Visit In USA That Reflect...
• 37 Best Places To Visit In Dubai At...
• 15 Top Places To Visit In Asia To...
• 20 Must-See Places To Visit In Milan In...
• Top 27 Places To Visit In Greece In...
• 31 Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi In...
• 25 Places To Visit In August In The...
• 15 Best Places To Visit In Chicago That...
• 14 Places To Visit In Berlin You Must...

Things To Do

• 40 Things To Do In Pondicherry In 2024...
• 12 Best Things To Do In Matheran In...
• 23 Intoxicating Things To Do In Turkey In...
• Top 14 Interesting Things To Do In Kanyakumari...
• 38 Things To Do In Gokarna To Escape...
• 12 Best Things To Do In Varanasi For...
• 21 Remarkable Things To Do In Krabi In...
• 16 Things To Do On Honeymoon In 2024
• 23 Things To Do In Chennai To Explore...
• 20 Things To Do In Ahmedabad For An...
• 30 Best Things To Do In Wayanad For...
• 37 Amazing Things To Do In Kerala For...
• Top 39 Things To Do In Jaipur
• 19 Things To Do In Mussoorie For A...
• 33 Best Things To Do In Kolkata In...
• Top 25 Things To Do In Kodaikanal For...
• 32 Things To Do In Ooty That Will...
• 15 Things To Do In Srinagar That Will...
• 20 Things To Do In Darjeeling
• 27 Kickass Things To Do In Malaysia
• 25 Best Things To Do In Phuket That...
• 18 Awesome Things To Do In Kasol On...
• 27 Exciting Things To Do In Chikmagalur
• 9 Things To Do In Mathura For An...
• 23 Things To Do In Lonavala For A...
• 10 Best Things To Do In Lakshadweep For...
• 30 Joyful Things To Do In Bhutan
• 38 Exhilarating Things To Do In Udaipur In...
• 18 Best Things To Do In Chandigarh
• 29 Amazing Things To Do In Shimla
• 30 Things To Do In Dehradun In 2024
• 7 Incredible Things To Do In Vrindavan For...

Recent Posts

Visit Sidi Bashir Mosque And Explore Its Historic Jhulta Minar In 2024

Phoenix en hiver 2024: 17 meilleures choses à faire On doit expérimenter avec leur groupe!

Visit Tehri Dam In Uttarakhand Your Ultimate Guide To The Region’s Iconic Landmark In 2024

Discover Top Things To Do In Sikkim’s Charming Village Of Biksthang In [yea]

Explore Dhari Devi Mandir In Uttarakhand For Spiritual Rejuvenation In 2024

Explore Rani Jhula To Immerse Yourself In Its Cultural And Architectural Heritage In 2024

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2024 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

64 Top Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• International
• Places To Visit »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Maldives Tour Packages
• Bali Tour Packages
• Dubai Tour Packages
• Singapore Tour Packages
• Thailand Tour Packages
• Europe Tour Packages
• Sri Lanka Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Thailand Tourism
• Bali Tourism
• Singapore Tourism
• Maldives Tourism
• Mauritius Tourism
• Dubai Tourism
• Europe Tourism
• Hotels in Thailand
• Hotels in Maldives
• Hotels in Mauritius
• Hotels in Bali
• Hotels in Dubai
• Hotels in Singapore
• Hotels in Sri Lanka

Home » Travel Guides » Bulgaria » 15 Best Things to Do in Sofia (Bulgaria)

15 Best Things to Do in Sofia (Bulgaria)

Bulgaria’s capital has a lot of stories to tell, and each historic attraction will give you a new perspective on Sofia’s complicated past. Take the churches here that have spent several centuries of their existence as mosques, the overbearing soviet architecture or the Roman history that is still being uncovered and blends with the modern city.

Many of the buildings you’ll see are from the Bulgarian Revival in the late-19th century, when the country reclaimed its independence from the Ottomans. And always to the southwest looms the monumental Vitosha Mountain.

Here are the best things to do in Sofia :

1. St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral

The scale of this building will blow you away. Inside St. Alexander Nevski has room for 10,000 people and it’s the second largest cathedral in the Balkan region.

As with a great deal of Sofia’s grand architecture, the city’s cathedral dates to the 1880s.

This was directly after the Ottomans were overthrown and the state of Bulgaria was re-established.

It was originally dedicated to the Russian soldiers that lost their lives in the course of this liberation.

When you’re inside, look up at ceiling of the main cupola, which has a mural of the Lord God Sabbath.

The crypt here is open to visitors and has a big collection of icons.

2. St. George Rotunda

The heart of ancient Serdica and the oldest building in modern Sofia, this red brick church was built all the way back in 300s.

It’s a wonder that this building has survived unscathed for such an amount of time, and all around are interesting little details that hit home the great age of the site and civilisations that have passed though.

Step inside to view the detailed medieval frescoes that had been painted over by the Ottomans when the church was converted to a mosque in the 1600s.

These were only rediscovered and restored in the 1990s. Outside you can see the flagstones of a Roman street and other remnants of Ancient Serdica.

3. Vitosha Boulevard

The fanciest street in the city, Vitosha Boulevard is where all the posh boutiques and fashion houses are clustered.

If you’re not an upmarket shopper then you can just console yourself with those arresting views of Vitosha Mountain which is capped with a dusting of snow for much of the year and framed by the street’s tall buildings.

It’s a thoroughly pleasant place to spend a couple of hours; the cafes along the pedestrian street have outdoor seating and in recent years the lampposts, benches and kiosks have been redesigned into an elegant art nouveau style, recalling the early years of the Bulgarian Revival.

4. St. Sofia Church

It was this church that gave the city of Sofia its name in the 1300s during the Second Bulgarian Empire.

This unassuming red brick building goes right back to Byzantine times and was founded in the 500s on top of the ancient city of Serdica’s necropolis, as well as an older church from a century before.

When you visit you can see the remnants of this ancient church and the tombs that date back more than 1500 years.

For two centuries after the Ottoman invasion this was a mosque, but was abandoned after one earthquake in the 1800s brought the minaret down and another killed the Imam’s two son’s.

5. Boyana Church

On the lower slopes of Vitosha Mountain (which we’ll come to next) is this UNESCO heritage site.

The location of this medieval church is almost dreamlike, in a grove of tall softwood trees in a quiet suburb of the city.

Boyana Church was built in three stages from the 1000s to the 1800s, but the most important additions were made during the Second Bulgarian Empire in the 1200s.

This is when the fabulous interior frescoes were painted, depicting some 240 historical and biblical figures in a realistic style 200 years before renaissance artists were doing the same.

The paintings, by an unknown artist, include contemporary portraits of two Bulgarian rulers, Tsar Konstantin Assen and Tsar Koloyan, next to their wives.

6. Vitosha Mountain

Climbing to more than 2,200 metres behind Sofia’s southwestern suburbs is Vitosha, a monumental peak in a nature park, promising more adventure than you could ever cram into one trip.

The easiest way to access Vitosha is via Aleko, the mountain’s ski resort, which is where the Simeonovo gondola lift will drop you off.

From there the walk to Vitosha’s Black Peak is surprisingly light when then weather’s good in spring or autumn, as the peak is part of a large plateau that seems to go on forever thanks to its shallow gradient.

Of course, you don’t need to go that far for an incredible, vertiginous view of Sofia.

7. National Institute of Archaeology

Ferdinand I was on hand when this museum was inaugurated back in 1905 as a way of bring all of the important archaeological finds scattered around Sofia and Bulgaria under one roof.

And the roof they chose was that of the city’s former Grand Mosque, decommissioned following the Bulgarian Revival.

The main sections here are Prehistory, Main Hall (containing items from classical civilisations), Medieval Section and Treasury.

The last on that list has the Valchitran and Lukovit Treasures, two breathtaking hoards of Thracian Gold.

Discovered in 1953, the Lukovit Treasure dates to the time of Alexander the Great’s invasion of Thrace in 400BC.

8. National Historical Museum

This museum’s home is also a piece of Bulgarian history in its own right.

The National Historical Museum is housed in the former dictator Todor Zhivkov’s residence.

It’s a hulking slab of Stalinist architecture fronted by a massive open yard.

The collection at the museum is gigantic; the 65,000 items on display is just one tenth of what is held behind the scenes in its archives.

The variety of items here is also mind boggling, going from 20th-century space research equipment to treasures belonging to the Odrysians who held sway in Bulgaria until they were conquered by the Romans in the 1st century.

9. Ivan Vazov National Theatre

The Viennese architects Helmer & Fellner, responsible for a catalogue of extravagant buildings across Central Europe, built this theatre in 1909.

True to form the Ivan Vazov National Theatre is a grand neoclassical structure that remains the last word in Bulgarian culture to this day.

The building with its towering portico is an iconic sight for Bulgaria, appearing on banknotes, and is most famous for its drama productions.

Chief Director here is Alexander Morfov, responsible for acclaimed Bulgarian and Russian language adaptations of Don Quixote and Shakespeare plays in here and in Russia.

10. Borisova gradina

Sofia’s most famous park was landscaped in the 1880s right after the Bulgarian Revival, making it the oldest one in the city.

It was developed over the next 50 years by three different designers: the Swiss Daniel Neff, the Alsatian Joseph Frei and then the Bulgarian Georgi Dutev (when the park’s Soviet monuments were installed).

But what’s impressive is that all the landscapers worked within the original plan, and the upshot is a pleasing sense of coherence for such a big project.

It all makes for a refreshing afternoon amble, and if you’re here on a summer evening there are free concerts to catch.

11. Serdica Amphitheatre

Sofia’s own Roman amphitheatre wasn’t discovered until 2004.

In its day it was one of the largest in the Roman empire, holding gladiator fights and grisly battles pitting men against wild beasts.

What’s also interesting about this arena is the way it had three lives: First it was a theatre, then an amphitheatre that was sacked by the Goths.

In the 400s the arena was rebuilt but was abandoned not long after.

After it was unearthed it became integrated into the design of the Arena di Serdica hotel, but visitors off the street are free to look down at the ruins from the hotel’s specially-designed gallery.

12. Central Mineral Baths

Sofia has a lot of spring activity, and these waters have drawn visitors since medieval times.

The Ottomans developed their own hammam at this site, and when it was destroyed following the Bulgarian Revival a new city bathing complex was built.

The Central Baths date to 1913 and were in use up until the mid-80s.

It’s one of Sofia’s most photographed buildings, constructed in the neo-byzantine style with a large dome behind an impressive vestibule.

The gardens are open to the public and the fountain at the centre is fed by the hot natural mineral water.  You’re free to try it if you’re brave enough!

13. Park Vrana

These are the grounds of the stately home of the aristocrat Simeon II, who was Tsar of Bulgaria from 1943-46 before going into exile.

After returning he was prime minister from 2001-05.

The estate is only open on weekends and you can’t enter any of the buildings, but the landscaped gardens are one of the most tranquil settings in Sofia.

Multilingual guided tours take place every hour and offer fun snippets about the palace and its grounds.

For instance the estate once had an exotic menagerie, including Bulgaria’s first elephants, which were used for yardwork in the grounds!

14. The Synagogue

Sofia has the largest synagogue in the Balkan region, and the third-largest in Europe.

It was built for Sofia’s sizeable Sephardic Jewish population in 1909 and Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria was here when it was inaugurated.

More than 1,000 people can fit inside this cavernous building which is in the Moorish Revival style inspired by the old Sephardic temple in Vienna, destroyed in 1938.

Step inside to see the permanent exhibition about the history of Bulgaria’s Jewish communities.

15. Banya Bashi Mosque

If you arrive outside prayer times you can drop in to tour Sofia’s only mosque.

It was designed by Mimar Sinan, the epoch-defining Turkish architect responsible for spectacular works across the Ottoman Empire during this period.

Banya Bashi is from 1576, built at the very beginning of the city’s Ottoman period.

The name comes from Sofia’s mineral baths, which had attracted visitors throughout the region during the 1500s.

The mosque can fit 700 worshippers, and if you pass on Fridays you’ll notice many stragglers outside listening via the mosque’s external loudspeaker.

15 Best Things to Do in Sofia (Bulgaria):

• St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
• St. George Rotunda
• Vitosha Boulevard
• St. Sofia Church
• Boyana Church
• Vitosha Mountain
• National Institute of Archaeology
• National Historical Museum
• Ivan Vazov National Theatre
• Borisova gradina
• Serdica Amphitheatre
• Central Mineral Baths
• The Synagogue
• Banya Bashi Mosque