Bulgaria Travel Guide: Our Tips, Highlights and Itinerary Idea
WELCOME TO BULGARIA
Our Bulgaria travel guide shares my (Malte) first-hand experience from a short weekend in Sofia, the country’s capital. While I have so far only explored Sofia, I have gathered valuable insights, created a detailed itinerary for a perfect weekend trip, and collected practical tips to help you make the most of your time. In this guide, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about visiting Bulgaria, essential travel information, suggestions for the best time to go, and my honest impressions.
BULGARIA - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
EU citizens can enter Bulgaria without a visa. Visitors from many other countries, including the USA, can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Sofia Airport is the main entry point, offering international connections to many European hubs. No special vaccinations are required, but it’s best to be up-to-date with standard immunizations. Always check the visa requirements for your own nationality before traveling, as regulations can change.
The official language is Bulgarian, written in Cyrillic script. English is spoken in tourist areas but less so in rural regions. The currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN).
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is warm but can be hot inland, while winter attracts ski enthusiasts.
Check out our detailed overview.
Bulgaria uses type C and F plugs (230V, 50Hz).
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Sofia, though bottled water is preferred in some rural areas.
Yes, Bulgaria is generally safe for travelers. Exercise normal precautions and be mindful of taxi scams in tourist areas.
BULGARIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a total highlight and honestly still kind of under the radar for many travelers. The city offers a surprising mix of architecture, great food, and beautiful nature, all surrounded by mountains
In this blog post, we’ll show you what you really shouldn’t miss in Sofia and how to make the most of just 24 hours in the city.
TRAVEL GUIDE BULGARIA - UNDISCOVERED TREASURE
Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe with about 7 million people, nearly 1.2 million of them live in the capital Sofia. If you ask us what we thought about Bulgaria, honestly we did not know much. We knew the flag, that they eat a lot of meat, and that many people go there for package holidays in the east. But Bulgaria is so much more.
While researching the trip, I was honestly surprised by how much Bulgaria has to offer. You can go skiing in the mountains, explore culture and history in Sofia, and even swim in the Black Sea — all within one country. Even though it’s smaller than many European destinations, Bulgaria is packed with variety, making it perfect for at least a week-long adventure.
So far, only I, Malte, have been to Bulgaria. I took a short trip to Sofia, unfortunately without Vicky. The other destinations we’ve only read about, but we’re excited to finally see it for ourselves together one day.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN BULGARIA
Since this was just a weekend trip, I focused entirely on Sofia to get a first impression of Bulgaria and created a one-day itinerary that covers the city’s highlights, great food spots, and everything on foot. Sofia is a city where history, culture, and everyday life blend seamlessly, making it easy to see a lot within a short time.
From Sofia Airport, a friend and I reached the city center in about 20 minutes by taxi, which meant we could start exploring right away without losing precious hours. Our itinerary included some of the most iconic landmarks, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the green spaces of Borisova Gradina Park, and the lively Vitosha Boulevard with its mix of shops, cafés, and street life. Along the way, we took our time to enjoy local beer breaks, taste traditional Bulgarian dishes, and simply walk through Sofia’s streets to get a feel for the atmosphere.
If I return to Bulgaria together with Vicky, we plan to explore more of the country. Plovdiv, with its Roman theatre and charming Old Town, is high on our list. We would also love to visit the Rila Monastery in the mountains, the beaches along the Black Sea coast such as Varna and Burgas, and Bansko, a popular ski resort that also offers beautiful summer hiking trails.
A quiet coastal city, perfect for beach walks and local seafood.
A lively seaside town with history, culture, and a laid-back vibe.
Bulgaria’s cultural gem, full of Roman ruins and art-filled streets.
A beautiful mountain town, known for skiing, hiking, and hearty food.
WHEN TO VISIT BULGARIA: WEATHER AND TRAVEL SEASONS
If you’re planning a trip to Bulgaria, the season can really shape your experience. Summer brings warm weather and busy beaches, while winter offers snowy mountains perfect for skiing. The Black Sea coast, including Burgas and Varna, is mild in winter but too cold for swimming, whereas summer is ideal for seaside towns. Sofia and Plovdiv are great year-round, though spring and autumn are best for avoiding crowds. I visited Sofia in March — still winter, so warm clothes were essential.
OUR HONEST ADVICE - IS BULGARIA WORTH VISITING?
I can so far only talk about Sofia, but that alone is enough to make me want to return to Bulgaria one day with Vicky. The insights I got during this weekend trip were really valuable because the food, the beers, the architecture, and the fact that I love walking all made Sofia a perfect fit for me. On top of that, Bulgaria is a very budget friendly destination in Europe, and the flight time from major European airports is short. Many low cost airlines even have Sofia in their portfolio. I can definitely recommend giving Bulgaria a chance and making your own experiences. Sofia is the perfect starting point.
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