Bulgaria Travel Guide (Balkans/Europe)

Introduction to Bulgaria
List of Places to Visit in Bulgaria
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Bulgaria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Bulgaria
Best Things to Do in Bulgaria: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Bulgaria
Food and Drink Scene of Bulgaria
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Bulgaria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Bulgaria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Bulgaria
Best Time to Visit Bulgaria
Do’s and Don’ts of Bulgaria
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Bulgaria
- Health in Bulgaria
Getting to Bulgaria: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around Bulgaria
Where to Go Next from Bulgaria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a fascinating country located in the Balkans, in southeastern Europe. It is a country with a rich history, deep cultural roots, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Bulgaria has much to offer every kind of traveller, including exquisite beaches, majestic mountains, ancient cities, and quaint architecture. The local cuisine, wine, and beer are worth a mention, too. This article will serve as a comprehensive travel guide for Bulgaria, including the must-see landmarks, adventure activities, cultural attractions, and much more!

List of Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Below are the top destinations and attractions to include in your Bulgaria itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Rila Monastery: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most visited places in Bulgaria. Nestled in the Rila Mountains, the Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century and is known for its striking architecture, fascinating frescoes and religious artifacts.
Plovdiv: Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest cities and is filled with an abundance of history and cultural landmarks dating back to the Roman Empire. Check out the Ancient Theater and the Roman Stadium, still in use today when summer festivals are held.
Boyana Church: A historical monument dating back to the 13th century, Boyana Church showcases some of the finest Byzantine-style murals and frescoes of the Middle Ages in Europe.

Natural Attractions of Bulgaria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Pirin National Park: This park is a top destination for hikers, with sprawling landscapes, picturesque glacial lakes, and the majestic Pirin Mountains, which offer the best hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging.
Belogradchik Rocks: These striking rock formations are a must-see natural wonder. The reddish cliffs look like a giant fortress and serve as a backdrop to medieval fortress ruins, making for a perfect photo opportunity.
Buzludzha Monument: A monumental symbol of Bulgarian communism, Buzludzha Monument offers a unique opportunity to explore abandoned Soviet-era architecture. It is often dubbed the “Bulgarian UFO” because of its unusual circular shape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is famous for its scenic countryside, and many hiking and biking trails are a testament to that. Here are the top routes that you should not miss:

The Seven Rila Lakes: This is a popular hike, traversing seven different glacier-made lakes in the Rila Mountains. Hiking the entire trail will take six to eight hours, and it’s recommended to start early in the day.
The Vitosha Mountain: This hike offers striking views of Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia and serves as the city’s backyard. There are many routes to reach the summit, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and some incredible flora and fauna along the way.
The Dervish monastery trail: Hidden in the Rhodope Mountains, this trail offers a moderate hike with beautiful mountain views and a visit to the the Dervish monastery, a UNESCO protected site located in a stunning natural setting.

Best Things to Do in Bulgaria: Activities and Tours

The variety in cultural history and natural attractions makes Bulgaria perfect for travellers who are interested in activities and tours, here are the top things to do in Bulgaria:

Wine Tasting: Bulgaria has a long history of wine production, and it’s one of the best and underrated places to try wine in Europe. Several wineries offer guided tours to vineyards, cellar tours, and wine-tasting sessions.
Black Sea Coast: With its numerous kilometres of sandy beaches, Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastline is a perfect summer holiday destination. Visitors from around Europe enjoy swimming, sunbathing and watersports including diving, kayaking and windsurfing.
Sofia city-trip: As Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia is a vibrant city filled with history and culture. Book a city tour and visit museums, galleries, theatres and cathedrals, including the famous Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bulgaria

Day-1: Arrival in Sofia, explore the city. Day-2: Visit Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities. Day-3: Go hiking in Pirin National Park, explore Bansko. Day-4: Visit Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. Day-5: Visit Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Day-6: Visit Balchik, a must-see on the Black Sea coast. Day-7: Take a wine-tasting tour in the countryside near Sofia and return home.

Food and Drink Scene of Bulgaria

The local cuisine in Bulgaria is an integral part of its culture and heritage with some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

Banitsa: A mouth-watering pastry made by layering thin sheets of dough with cheese in the middle.
Kavarma: Succulent pieces of pork, beef or chicken cooked in a traditional lidded pot with butter and veggies.
Meshana Skara: A grilled dish with meats like sausages, kebabs, steaks, and usually served with sides like salad and potatoes.

Local Beverages

Rakia: Bulgaria’s traditional fruit brandy made from plums, pears, and apricots.
Mastika: Anise-flavored alcoholic drink, usually served cold as an aperitif.
Bulgarian Wine: Some of the most popular varieties of Bulgarian wine are Mavrud, Melnik, and Gamza.

Where to Stay in Bulgaria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bulgaria provides excellent accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the most recommended places to stay in Bulgaria are:

Sofia: Sofia offers a diverse selection of accommodation, including top-class hotels, hostels and apartments. Recommended hotels include the Hilton Sofia, Arena di Serdica, and Sense hotel.
Plovdiv: The Old Town in Plovdiv is home to many charming guesthouses exemplifying traditional Bulgarian architecture. Some of these are Bright House and Hebros Hotel, while a more luxurious option is the Landmark Creek Hotel.
Bansko: Known for its ski resorts, Bansko offers a variety of accommodation from upscale hotels like Lucky Bansko Aparthotel and Spa and Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, to budget-friendly apartments such as Family Hotel Mediana.

What to Buy in Bulgaria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bulgarian souvenirs are unique and authentic; here are a few things you should consider taking back home:

Rose Products: Bulgaria is the largest producer of Rose Oil, and it’s often referred to as the “Rose Valley.” Items to consider purchasing include fragrant rose water, essential oils, and skincare products made from roses.
Pottery and Ceramic Wares: Bulgarian artisans are famous for creating intricate patterns and designs on pottery and ceramics with vibrant colors and eye-catching details.
Traditional Embroideries: Bulgarian craftswomen still make stunning and intricate embroidered handicrafts, including wall hangings, tablecloths, and traditional dresses that make lovely souvenirs from your trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Bulgaria

Bulgarian culture is rich in history, tradition, and customs. Some of these customs and traditions that you should be mindful of during your stay:

Greeting Customs: Bulgarians place importance on greeting each other with a handshake, and they usually use their formal greeting unless they are familiar with the individual.
Baba Marta Day: Celebrated on the 1st of March, Baba Marta Day involves the wearing of red and white woven bracelets called Martenitsi, which symbolize strength and good health.
Folk Dances: Bulgarian folk dances are an essential part of their culture and performed at weddings, festivals, and other cultural events.

Best Time to Visit Bulgaria

Bulgaria experiences mild temperatures with warm summers and cooler, sometimes snowy, winters. The best time to visit Bulgaria is from May to September when the temperatures are mild and nature is in full bloom. If you are interested in skiing, the best time to visit Bulgaria is from December to March when the country offers some of the best ski resorts in Europe.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bulgaria

Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind during your trip:

Do:

Try some of Bulgaria’s local food, wine, and indulge in traditional dancing.
Haggle with vendors in markets and bazaars
Respect the local religion and customs

Don’t:

Wear shoes inside homes and churches
Disrespect monuments and historical landmarks
Get involved in drugs and illegal activity.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is largely safe for tourists, and violent crime is low. However, tourists should exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots, where pickpockets may operate. Tourists should also have a copy of their passport on hand and not leave valuables unattended.

Health in Bulgaria

Visitors should have up-to-date travel vaccinations when visiting Bulgaria. Medical facilities in Bulgaria are good, and most health professionals speak English. Travellers should be careful about eating in unhygienic places or consuming tap water.

Getting to Bulgaria: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bulgaria

Bulgaria has international airports in Sofia, Burgas, and Varna. Sofia airport is the busiest, and there are daily flights to major European cities. Bulgarian airlines and several other airlines provide services to Bulgaria from other major European cities as well.

Bus Stations Near Bulgaria

Buses are a popular mode of transportation in Bulgaria, with many companies operating services to countries such as Greece, Serbia, and Romania.

Other Options

Other transportation options include trains and taxis. The Bulgarian railway network operates both international and regional services. Taxis are widely available in Bulgaria but can be expensive, so check prices before using them.

How to Get Around Bulgaria

Bulgaria has an extensive and affordable public transportation system, including buses, trams, metros, and trolleybuses. Taxis and car rentals are also available.

Where to Go Next from Bulgaria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Bulgaria is a gateway to nearby countries in Europe like Serbia, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, and Romania. If you’re keen on exploring the Balkan region, try to visit Skopje in North Macedonia, Sarajevo in Bosnia, or Thessaloniki in Greece - all easily accessible by bus or train from Bulgaria.

Conclusion

Bulgaria is an incredibly beautiful and fascinating country, rich in culture, history, natural attractions, and with a thriving food and drink scene. This comprehensive travel guide for Bulgaria enabled you to have a general idea of the places to visit, things to do, food and drink culture, and safety tips for your trip to Bulgaria. Plan your trip carefully and keep this guide in mind for the best possible experience in this delightful country.