2024 Bulgaria Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)
Popular Attractions
St. Sofia Church
Saint Alexander Nevsky Patriarch's Cathedral
Quirky and funny Bulgaria!
Always love to take quirky stuff!
1) Dog are so clever, saw a bunch of them in a park and wherever they are thirsty they will use the fountain
2) Ironic photos of foxes shooting instead of being shot at.
3) Both wall carving and painting on the wall in Plovdiv
4) No ice cream, fast food and dogs i.e. cats can go in, chocolate ok? lol
5) Dog chilling in a corner.
6) A pharmancy musuem with murals
7) Interesting architecture fact in Plovdiv: in order to save on taxes which is depending on ground floor area, people being people build their upper level wider to take advantage of the loophole.
8) As a result u get windows on the 2nd level so close to one another!
anselo
[Face travel] Seaside holiday cost-effective king Bulgaria Black Sea
want to spend the lowest price to go to the beach vacation? I really recommend the Black Sea in Bulgaria! From Varna, to Nesebar, Burgas, to Sozopol, all the seaside cities are super-high, even cheaper! The five-star hotel on the beach is less than 511 nights, and the hotel we stayed in... the two-room and one-bedroom are only two hundred and one nights, which is really terrible!
In these cities, I love Nesebar very much. The old town is a small island. Its beautiful everywhere, and there are all kinds of monuments. Its really a big shot!
Also highly recommended a treasure trove of Sozopol, a castle we found by mistake, not only free, but also very delicate and large, and there are many "holes" to explore, there are various medieval Restaurant, winery, really we all the way is not a stop! This castle is a few minutes drive from Sozopol, called: the Castle of Ravadinovo
Weya.
The ancient city of Veliko Tarnovo is a typical tourist and leisure area. There are various restaurants along the main street. Our chosen Shtastliveca is a Bulgarian chain restaurant. There are two restaurants in Veliko Tarnovo. The old town restaurants are ranked in well-known travel websites. the first. The
restaurant is a European home style in the 1930s. It features Home made recipes, with a layer of Central and Eastern European cuisine on the first floor and Italian pizza on the second floor. The restaurant's terrace is facing the valley's U-bend, where you can enjoy the iconic view of the ancient city of Veliko Tarnovo.
We ordered two drinks, Greek salad, mushroom calf tongue and charcoal grilled pork neck meat. The taste was good. The total consumption was 43 lev, equivalent to RMB 166, which is a cheap and good quality series.
紅塵客.
Bulgaria Off-the-Beaten-Path Guide for a 4-Day, 3-Night Trip
Bulgaria may not be a mainstream destination, but its historical landmarks are definitely worth a visit.
🔥Travel Summary:
Trip Duration: 4 days and 3 nights (can be done in 3 days if you're tight on time)
Departure Point: Round trip flight from London to Sofia
Ticket Cost: Around £100 (wizz + easyjet), remember to check in early to avoid not getting a seat or fines
Accommodation: Sofia Balkan Palace (although it's a nice hotel in the city center, it's a bit dated)
Tourist Spots: The capital Sofia, the historic old town of Plovdiv, Asen‘s Fortress, Bachkovo Mona
Guide: Outside the capital, all tours were booked through Viator with English-speaking guides who are very professional.
Currency: Many places accept cards, both Visa and Mastercard, but it's still advisable to exchange some local currency and euros, as some restaurants and taxis do not accept cards.
Taxi: Take a Yellow Taxi in Sofia, or the metro (about 0.7 euros per ride).
Souvenirs: Various rose products, rose essential oil, rose hand cream, rose soap, etc.
🔥Recommended Attractions:
Sofia:
Sofia Cathedral, Lion's Bridge
It's evident that the local tourism industry isn't well-developed, with average restoration work inside the cathedral and explanations mostly in Bulgarian, making it difficult for tourists to understand.
Plovdiv:
The city held significant importance in the past, with many of its remaining buildings following the architectural style of the Roman Empire.
Ancient Theatre of Philipoppol is an old theater where some opera shows are still held.
Asen‘s Fortress
This church is also hidden in the mountains, with a nearby path offering a 360-degree mountain view.
Bachkovo Mona
I think this is the best church in Bulgaria.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Sofia:
Moma restaurant
Under the Linden Trees
Plovdiv:
Garden Philippopolis
SophieYan
The Eagle's Nest
#europetrip A lot is known about the top of this historical place for Bulgaria, but little is known that at this place on the hill there was an ancient path (road) and a fortress from the Thracian and Roman eras. Only 320-350 m downstream from the "Eagle's Nest" there were two Ottoman tabi positions, and the positions of the Ottomans are still visible on the terrain, the handiwork, built fortification is evident, regardless of the fact that many years have passed.
Claire’s Adventures
Ethnographic Museum
#europetrip The "Tower" complex is located on the oldest street of the city - "Knyaz Svyatopolk Mirski".
The oldest district of the city is also located there. In 1976, the directorate of the historical museum "Spark" in the city arranged for an ethnographic exhibition to be exhibited in two of the restored houses.
The idea is to show the urban and rural life of the time of the revival of the middle class. The result is impressive - the exhibitions are a huge success and it has been decided to keep the exposition permanently. Ethnographic expositions from the life of the Kazanlak region from the end of the 19th century are shown.
Claire’s Adventures
Museum of the Rose l
#europetrip Located in the Kazanlak city center. Simply shows many kinds of rose and extraction equipment. There are lots of information of rose history and development of rose products. Also you can browsing cosmetic thing with rose!! It's amazing to see the full history of creating Rose Oil over the centuries and the tools, methods and machines used to create this very beautiful oil which smells beautifully of a rose.
The museum consist of a circular building and as you walk around it takes you through the history with lots of reading, poster, artifacts and even clothing. There is a gift shop where you can buy many products containing rose oil or souvenirs relating to it.
Claire’s Adventures
South Beach Bulgaria
#beachlife
The longest beach south of Burgas. There is plenty of space for everyone and there is variety for every taste - paid umbrellas, beach bars with free umbrellas for customers and wild dunes. The water is more shallow at the northern part of the beach and crystal clear. Love this beach even in high season is not over crowded.. Gradual slope of sand into the water.. Excellent life guards
ourtrips
Ski experience
Diana 1994
Admire an ancient cathedral
✔️ Saint Nedelya Cathedral
📍 Sveta Nedelya Square, Sofia, Bulgaria
During a trip to Bulgaria, my family and I visited this beautiful cathedral that has a rich history and intricate architecture. It was first built way back in the 10th century and then reconstructed and conserved many times over the years. I love the breathtaking stone and wood work of its exterior, very well-maintained as well.
For the history buffs, this is a must-visit as this church preserves the relics of the Serbian king, Stefan Uros II Milutin. The original site itself has been through many difficulties such as earthquakes and other attacks that you can read about in the history posters around the domed church. It involves quite a leisurely walk to definitely suitable for the older family folk to visit too!
My overall rating of the experience: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#familytrips2024 #tripmoments #tripblazers
daniaexperiences
Come here for the history
✔️ Rila Monastery
📍 Kyustendil District, Bulgaria 2643
If you are travelling to Bulgaria, be sure to check out this heritage site called Rila Monastery, founded and built in the 10th century. As the largest and most popular monastery in the country, it is known for its intricate architecture and art works, especially on its ceilings!
The main way to get here is either via public buses or private vehicle transport. As we visited during the rainy season, it was a little inconvenient to walk around as the paths aren’t very even.
My overall rating of the experience: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#cherryblossom2024 #tripmoments #tripblazers
daniaexperiences
#christmastrip
_TS***s2
Rila Monastery: Bulgaria's Spiritual Gem 🏰🌲
Step into the tranquil embrace of Rila Monastery, nestled amid Bulgaria's pristine Rila Mountains. This cultural gem, a UNESCO World Heritage site, exudes spiritual serenity and architectural grandeur. 🌄🕍
Wander through the monastery's ornate courtyards and marvel at the vibrant frescoes adorning its walls. The scent of burning incense and echoes of ancient chants create a timeless atmosphere. 🎨🙏
Explore the surrounding landscapes, where dense forests and mountain trails unveil breathtaking panoramas. For a deeper connection, embark on a pilgrimage to the nearby St. Ivan Rilski Cave, a secluded retreat steeped in mysticism. 🌿⛰️
Indulge in traditional Bulgarian cuisine at local eateries, savoring banitsa and kavarma, providing a taste of the country's rich culinary heritage. 🍲🍷
Visit during the quieter months to immerse yourself in the monastery's tranquility. A respectful demeanor allows you to fully appreciate the spiritual ambiance that makes Rila Monastery a haven for both history enthusiasts and seekers of inner peace.
Recommendations:
Architectural Marvel: Admire the frescoes and courtyards of Rila Monastery.
Nature Exploration: Hike through Rila Mountains and visit St. Ivan Rilski Cave.
Culinary Delight: Taste traditional Bulgarian dishes at local eateries.
Timing is Key: Visit during quieter months for a serene experience.
Respectful Exploration: Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor within the monastery.
#RilaMonasteryMagic #BulgarianHeritage #MountainRetreat #SpiritualJourney
#mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides#familytrip
tristonlong
Bulgaria
#helloautumn
Fall in Bulgaria is absolutely stunning. The weather still remains rather warm, but the evenings and nights start getting chillier. This is a good time to visit the beach, or head to the mountains- as the weather is pleasant enough for both. By October, there will be some rains, so plan your treks accordingly.
The weather would have gone down during this season, as most of the tourists would have left.
might be when to visit Bulgaria if you want to explore Sofia. The weather in Bulgaria is just perfect, and there aren’t too many crowds to block your views. Check out the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, or stroll through the plentiful gardens and museums in the area. You could also head to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s cultural capitals, where you can enjoy the pleasant weather and the unique art of Bulgaria.
#placetosee #stunningbeach #londontrip
#beachparty #boracaytrip #bangkoktrip #beijingtrip #tokyotrip #shenzhentrip #sanyatrip #newyortrip ¹#hangzhoutrip
#beachlovers #topbeach #placetovisit
#bestbeach #travel #perfectbeach
#localescapes #singaporetrip
#helloautumn #triptravelguide #triptravel
#beachvacation
#hotelstaycation
NicoleStanciu
TASTE OF AUTUMN IN SOFIA, BULGARIA
TASTE OF AUTUMN IN SOFIA, BULGARIA
Sofia is the Bulgarian capital that exist since 2700 years ago and went thru the Roman era, the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Turks and than the Communist.
Sofia is a small and beautiful city ... Jalan kaki je exploring the city
... No need for public transport, tapi lepas tu ready la utk ngurut kaki ... One thing you must do when in Sofia is join a Free Walking Tour ... It's take 2 hours .... It's the best way to learn about the city & the Bulgarian ... It's a fun way to learn their past & what's their plan for the future ... I loved it✌️... After the tour you can explore the rest of the city yourself.
I arrived in Sofia 2 days ago with train from Romania ... It's almost midnight ... I don't have any Bulgarian currency & the taxi driver want to charge me 25 euro for a 2km ride ... I'm so cheapskate ... So, I decided to walk to my hostel ... The streets is really quite ... Walking alone at midnight for 2km seems like a good idea at that time ... But when I think about it now ... It's pretty stupid thing to do ... but Bulgarian people is one of the nicest people I ever meet
Akram Iskandar
Sculpture
love sculpture in a bugaria old town!
anselo
Sofia in Bulgaria
Sofia is one of the place in Balkans that will surprise u:
1) Yes the signs here are confusing as they are in the cyrillic language, but you can always ask any youngsters here who can speak good English. Educational reforms here means there is a high literacy rate.
2) Transportation here is easy, just tap using a credit card. I have been to European countries with complex system of payment to get on buses and metro and they are truly a hassle. Whoever who did the payment system in Sofia is a genius!
3) Dont take a taxi if you can help it according to the locals here and many travel blogs, you are almost certain to get overcharged!
anselo
My amazing birthday cake
We have been running a travel blog for some time now and my family really surprised me with this year's birthday cake.
There were banknotes (British pounds), a #passionpassport (Bulgarian one as I am from Bulgaria), a map of the world and even an airplane. They even put the logo of our travel blog, WOW!
Of course, we had to take some photos before eating the cake, so I am sharing some of those moments with you. Felt really nice and thought this is a great gift and a very thoughtful idea.
What do you think? Have you been surprised like this or have you surprised others in a similar way? Share your thoughts and comments below.
#birthday #surprise #travel #travelinspiration #whatdoyouthink
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog)
Seven Rila Lakes
The Seven Rila Lakes (Bulgarian: Седемте рилски езера, romanized: Sedemte rilski ezera, pronounced [sɛdɛmˈtɛ ˈriɫski ɛzɛˈra]) are a group of glacial lakes, situated in the northwestern Rila Mountain in Bulgaria. They are the most visited group of lakes in Bulgaria. The lakes are situated between 2,100 and 2,500 metres elevation above sea level. Each lake carries a name associated with its most characteristic feature. The highest one is called Salzata ("The Tear") due to its clear waters that allow visibility in depth. The next one in height carries the name Okoto ("The Eye") after its almost perfectly oval form. Okoto is the deepest cirque lake in Bulgaria, with a depth of 37.5 m. Babreka ("The Kidney") is the lake with the steepest shores of the entire group. Bliznaka ("The Twin") is the largest one by area. Trilistnika ("The Trefoil") has an irregular shape and low shores. The shallowest lake is Ribnoto Ezero ("The Fish Lake") and the lowest one is Dolnoto Ezero ("The Lower Lake"), where the waters that flow out of the other lakes are gathered to form the Dzherman River.
#
Kartik01
Rose Valley
For those of you who don't know, Bulgaria is one of the largest rose oil producing countries in the world. In fact, every year, Bulgaria produces up to 1.5 tons of rose oil annually.
So if you're on vacation to Bulgaria, it's incomplete if you don't visit the Bulgarian Rose Garden.
Rose Valley, also known as Rozova Dolina, is a valley in the southern part of the Balkan mountains, where this area is used as a rose plantation.
If you want to enjoy the Rose Valley with the most beautiful views, you can visit during the harvest season in May-June. In these months, you can feel the distinctive aroma of roses spreading throughout the plantation.
E49***13
People are less expensive and cheaper. Bulgarian self-driving Raiders
How much does it cost to go to Europe? 20,000? 30,000?
Come here, 8000 is enough!
People with less beauty, Bulgaria will never let you down!
Cost: We stayed in Bulgaria for 11 days in total, except for air tickets (everyone flies from different places, Shanghai is 5000), all other expenses (accommodation, car rental, fueling, eating, tickets, shopping) Count) per capita 3000! That's right, 3000 per capita! Accommodation is the cheapest, and the three of us booked a two-bedroom, one-bedroom hotel every day. The facilities are complete and comfortable, and the average price is less than 300 nights! Eating and selling food is very cheap, and the price of China's third-tier cities is similar. The car is slightly more expensive, but the total is really cheap to get a finger, so many Southeast Asian countries do not have such low consumption! One word: value!
Self-driving route: Sophia ~ Shipka (UFO monument) ~ Veliko Tarnovo ~ Varna ~ Nesebar ~ Burgas ~ Sozopol ~ Plovdiv ~ Lira ~ Sophia
count A very deep tour of the trip, the Bulgarian country is not small, the first time I feel that 11 days in Bulgaria will be a little waste, it turns out that there are too many fun places, every place feels that time is not enough, the whole even feels a bit rushed Many places because too beautiful and too leisurely hate can not stay here for a month!
The most recommended place:
UFO Monument I am here for this Bulgaria, seeing more shocked! Although I can't go in now, it's still worth seeing! (Car followed by navigation can be opened to the monument, we opened the wrong direction so climbed a hill)
Veliko Tarnovo the whole city is very charming, the ancient city wife is too good to see, recommended two days!
Nesebar, the ancient city is a small island, really beautiful, everywhere beautiful, want to buy a house here for a lifetime!
Sozopol Super recommended one attraction: the Castle of Ravadinovo We mistakenly hit a castle, amazing to fly, there are many holes to explore, and attractions are free! Really take a big shot!
Plovdiv Old Town can go shopping for a day! There is also a mountain attraction called the Alyosha Monument, which overlooks the entire Plovdiv in 360 degrees and is spectacular!
Automobile and travel tips:
Bulgarian mountain roads are more, it is recommended to rent a little car! The rules of driving are similar to those of China, paying attention to polite pedestrians! Passengers in the car must wear seat belts even if they are sitting in the back row! Be sure to pay attention to the speed on the highway. The road is too good and too easy to get 140 yards! There is labor in refueling, and the fuel tank cover on the car will generally write which oil to add, telling the staff that "full" is full!
Most places can be swiped, with a good visa or MasterCard credit card, UnionPay can't! Because the consumption is cheap, you can change some cash! With the euro in the past, the airport has a window to change money!
Bulgarian people's English is not very popular, many young people will say that older people are... but relying on body language does not affect communication!
Weya.
Such a beautiful monastery at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, with a spotless atmosphere, serene and quiet.
However! You can live in it... After you pay around RMB 80, although the religious sanctuary is a little bit profitable, it is also very fresh to feel a different kind of atmosphere~
*[ Send it to everyone]
Location: Rila Monastery, Rila Monastery, Bulgaria (GPS coordinates 42.133436
Molly_Chang.
The Buzludzha communist UFO
monument built in the former Soviet era was once a landmark of Bulgarian communism. The shape of a flying saucer, the mosaic-covered roof, and the towering hills of the Balkans were once brilliant. Unfortunately, with the great changes in society, Zuzludzha has become a dangerous building at this time. The
outer squares and sculptures have been destroyed, and the inner domes are also broken and mottled, leaving only a ruin. Although the weather was not satisfactory, it added a mystery to our expedition. The monuments in the rain and rain seem to come from the flying saucers in outer space. The government locked the door a few years ago to prevent tourists from entering danger. However, the small difficulties could not stop everyones strong curiosity, and finally found the entrance of the underground passage of one meter square, leaning against the waste chimney. Under the leadership of the team leader, the board climbed down the three-meter-high tunnel, and finally groped into the once glorious hall. The cold wind whizzed through the broken wall, and the thick fog made people feel like they were outside the earth.
At first thought that the entry process would be very thrilling, so the camera didn't come with the camera safely. I regret it when I went in, because in addition to the high entrance, it is a little hard to climb down more than three meters, and the other links are not difficult, and it is too easy to come out here. Movie! The day we went, although it happened to catch up with the wind and rain, it was still foggy, but unexpectedly let the mysterious atmosphere here reach its peak!
Helen..
The catering part of Bulgaria's travels is mostly three-way local style. Shopska salads are somewhat different. Figure 2 shows the famous rainbow trout in Bulgaria, with almost no seasoning. The yogurt and cucumber cold soup in Figure 7 is a bit like Indian yogurt. The Bulgarian stewed Hotchpotch in the seven or eight is very mixed but delicious. The dessert has been too sweet and some are fine. In general, there are still quite a lot of choices. Red wine can also try ~