Best in Apr
Bulgaria
Plovdiv
Warm
From $62 /day
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a hidden gem of Southeast Europe where ancient history and rugged natural beauty collide. You can spend your mornings exploring Roman amphitheaters in Plovdiv and your afternoons hiking through the pristine alpine landscapes of the Rila Mountains. The country offers a diverse experience, from the vibrant, golden sands of the Black Sea coast to the quiet, red-roofed villages tucked away in the Balkan range. As the birthplace of the Cyrillic alphabet, Bulgaria boasts a rich cultural legacy that is evident in its elaborate Orthodox monasteries and spirited folk traditions. Whether you are seeking world-class ski resorts or a deep dive into Thracian mysteries, this welcoming nation provides an authentic Balkan experience that remains remarkably affordable.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
2 cities
6 guides
$53 – $62 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Sofia
Languages
Bulgarian
Currency
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Plug Type
Type C/F
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+359
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3 in summer)
Emergency
112 (all services); also 150 (Ambulance), 160 (Fire), 166 (Police)
Why Visit Bulgaria
Ancient History and Heritage
Bulgaria is home to some of the world's oldest civilizations, including the Thracians and Romans. You can visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Rila Monastery or the ancient city of Nessebar, which sits on a rocky peninsula jutting into the sea.
Affordable Adventure
With an average daily budget of ~$58 / €49, you can enjoy high-quality dining and comfortable accommodations for a fraction of Western European prices. This makes it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers who do not want to sacrifice comfort.
Breathtaking Mountain Landscapes
The country is a hiker's paradise, featuring the Rila, Pirin, and Balkan mountain ranges. You can trek to the Seven Rila Lakes or summit Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans at 2,925m, offering panoramic views across the peninsula.
The Golden Black Sea Coast
The eastern border of Bulgaria is lined with expansive sandy beaches and historic seaside towns. From the lively nightlife of Sunny Beach to the quiet cobblestone streets of Sozopol, there is a coastal spot for every type of traveler.
World-Class Winter Sports
Bansko and Borovets are renowned for their excellent ski runs and modern facilities that attract winter sports enthusiasts from across the globe. The season typically runs from mid-December to March, offering reliable snow and festive mountain atmospheres.
Unique Culinary Traditions
Bulgarian food is a flavorful mix of Mediterranean and Slavic influences, focusing on fresh vegetables and grilled meats. You will find that the local yogurt is world-famous for its health benefits and unique probiotic properties.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Bulgaria
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Sofia and the Southwest
This region houses the capital city of Sofia, a hub of modern culture and ancient ruins, and the towering Rila and Pirin mountains. It is the best starting point for visiting the Rila Monastery or embarking on winter sports in Bansko.
The Black Sea Coast
Stretching along the eastern edge of the country, this region is famous for its maritime capitals, Varna and Burgas, and its diverse beaches. You can enjoy bustling resorts like Golden Sands or explore the historic, UNESCO-listed old town of Nessebar.
Plovdiv and Central Thrace
Home to Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, this region is a center for arts and history. You will find the Valley of the Roses here, which produces a significant portion of the world's rose oil.
The Balkan Mountains and Danubian Plain
The heart of the country features the majestic Balkan range and the historical stronghold of Veliko Tarnovo. This area is perfect for those seeking traditional architecture, medieval fortresses, and scenic drives along the Danube River.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
Bulgaria is a year-round destination, offering Black Sea beaches in summer and affordable mountain skiing in winter. The inland cities and hiking trails are most pleasant during the mild transition months of spring and autumn.
Peak Season
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec, Jan, Feb
Summer (June–August) is the busiest period for Black Sea resorts like Sunny Beach, with temperatures reaching 25–30°C (77–86°F). Winter (December–February) is peak season for ski resorts like Bansko and Borovets, where snow conditions are most reliable.
Shoulder Season
Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Late spring and early autumn offer mild temperatures of 15–22°C (59–72°F), ideal for exploring Plovdiv's ruins or hiking in the Rila Mountains. Crowds are thinner and accommodation prices are significantly lower than in mid-summer.
Off-Peak
Mar, Nov
November and March are transition months characterized by increased rainfall and grey skies. Coastal resorts largely shut down, and while city tourism continues, outdoor activities are limited by unpredictable weather.
Getting Around
Bulgaria has an extensive network of trains and buses, though intercity buses are often faster and more frequent. Sofia's public transport system is highly developed and tourist-friendly, utilizing modern payment methods.
Metro
Sofia's metro is clean, safe, and efficient, connecting the airport to the city center for ~$0.94 / €0.8. Passengers can pay directly at the gates using contactless credit or debit cards.
Bus
Intercity buses operated by companies like Union Ivkoni and Karat-S are the most popular way to travel between major cities like Sofia and Plovdiv. Tickets can be booked online but must often be printed at the station kiosk before boarding.
Train
The national railway (BDZ) connects all major towns; while some regional trains are older, night trains exist on key routes. Sleeper/couchette accommodation is typically priced as a base ticket plus a berth supplement (private/business compartments cost more).
Car
Renting a car is the best way to see the countryside, but a U.S. license is only valid if accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). Road conditions can be uneven with frequent potholes on secondary roads.
Food & Drink
Bulgarian cuisine is hearty, fresh, and deeply seasonal, often centered around clay-pot cooking and grilled dishes. Meals frequently begin with a fresh salad and a glass of rakia, emphasizing the importance of social dining and local ingredients.
Must Try
Banitsa
A traditional pastry made of layers of whisked eggs and chunks of sirene cheese between filo pastry, usually eaten for breakfast.
Shopska Salata
Bulgaria's most famous salad, consisting of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers topped with a thick layer of grated white brine cheese.
Tarator
A refreshing cold soup made of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, walnuts, dill, and oil, perfect for hot summer days.
Kavarma
A slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew typically prepared and served in individual traditional ceramic pots called gyuveche.
Lyutenitsa
A thick, savory spread made from roasted peppers, tomatoes, and carrots, often enjoyed on toasted bread with feta-style cheese.
Shkembe Chorba
A spicy tripe soup seasoned with garlic, vinegar, and hot red pepper, widely known as a legendary local hangover cure.
Rakia
The national drink, this potent fruit brandy is typically made from grapes or plums and is served as an aperitif.
Money & Costs
Bulgaria adopted the euro on January 1, 2026. A dual-cash-circulation period ran through January 31, 2026; since February 2026, the euro is the only legal tender for payments (fixed conversion: $1.18 / €1 = 1.$57,565). Costs vary; budget travelers average about $58 / €49/day.
Tipping
Tipping is customary for good service, with 10% being the standard at restaurants. In taxis, rounding up to the nearest Euro is common practice.
Cards
Card acceptance is high in Sofia, Plovdiv, and coastal resorts, where contactless payments are the norm. However, smaller villages and mountain guesthouses often require cash.
ATMs
ATMs are widespread and dispense only Euro banknotes. Be cautious of 'Euronet' machines in tourist areas, which often charge high transaction fees.
Culture & Etiquette
Bulgarians are known for their warm hospitality and deep pride in their folklore and traditions. Navigating the country requires an understanding of some unique local gestures and a high level of respect for religious and historical sites.
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Do not get confused by head gestures: Bulgarians typically nod their heads up and down to mean 'no' and shake them side-to-side to mean 'yes'.
✓
Remove your shoes when entering someone's home unless the host explicitly tells you to keep them on.
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Dress modestly when visiting Orthodox churches and monasteries; you should cover your shoulders and knees to show respect.
✓
Leave a tip of approximately 10% in restaurants for good service, as it is a standard practice and much appreciated by staff.
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Avoid discussing sensitive political topics or the communist era unless your local hosts bring it up first.
✓
Round up the fare when paying for a taxi journey to the nearest Euro to simplify the transaction for the driver.
✓
Bring a small gift like chocolates or flowers if you are invited to a Bulgarian home for dinner.
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Do not use your phone or speak loudly while inside a church or during a religious ceremony.
Safety & Health
Bulgaria is a safe destination (Level 1 travel advisory) with low rates of violent crime. Most tourist-related incidents are financial, specifically involving scams in resort areas and crowded transport hubs.
Tap Water
generally safe
Vaccinations
Routine vaccines as usual; Hepatitis A is recommended for most unvaccinated travelers. Consider Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccine if you expect significant tick exposure in forested areas.
Common Scams
- ⚠ ATM skimming devices in high-traffic tourist areas in Sofia and Sunny Beach.
- ⚠ Strip clubs charging exorbitant hidden fees and using aggressive tactics to enforce payment.
- ⚠ Restaurants providing menus with lower prices but charging a higher 'new' rate on the final bill.
- ⚠ Unregulated taxis at airports or stations quoting flat rates far above the metered price.
- ⚠ Fraudulent phone calls from individuals posing as Bulgarian National Bank employees.
Healthcare is generally good in major cities, but upfront payment is required even for emergencies. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Language
Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which can make reading signs difficult. English is widely spoken by younger generations and staff in the tourism industry, but remains limited among older residents and in rural regions.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Здравейте | Zdra-VEY-teh |
| Thank you | Благодаря | Bla-go-da-RYA |
| Yes | Да | Da |
| No | Не | Neh |
| Excuse me | Извинете | Iz-vee-NEH-teh |
| Do you speak English? | Говорите ли английски? | Go-vo-REE-te lee an-GLEE-skee? |
| How much? | Колко струва? | KOL-ko STROO-va? |
| Where is...? | Къде е...? | Kuh-DEH eh...? |
Visa & Entry
Bulgaria is a full member of the Schengen Area; checks on persons at internal land borders were lifted from January 1, 2025. This allows for seamless travel from neighboring Schengen countries like Greece and Romania.
Max Stay
90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen short stay rule)
Passport Validity
Issued within the last 10 years; valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area
Visa-free for
USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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