Stara Zagora Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do and see in Stara Zagora, a charming city in Upper Thracian Plain, Bulgaria. Read our travel guide today!
- Introduction to Stara Zagora
- List of Places to Visit in Stara Zagora
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Stara Zagora
- Best Things to Do in Stara Zagora: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Stara Zagora
- Food and Drink Scene of Stara Zagora
- Where to Stay in Stara Zagora: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Stara Zagora: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Stara Zagora
- Best Time to Visit Stara Zagora
- Do’s and Don’ts of Stara Zagora
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Stara Zagora: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Stara Zagora
- Where to Go Next from Stara Zagora: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora is a hidden gem in Upper Thracian Plain, located in the heart of Bulgaria. The city is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Stara Zagora is a perfect destination for travelers seeking an authentic Bulgarian experience. The city is a perfect blend of old and new, where visitors can explore ancient ruins, museums, and modern restaurants and cafes.
In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll share the must-visit attractions, the best outdoors activities, the local culture, and customs of Stara Zagora. Additionally, you’ll find information on where to stay, what to eat and drink, how to stay safe and healthy, and transportation options.
List of Places to Visit in Stara Zagora
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Stara Zagora is rich in culture and history, so visiting these attractions is a must.
Regional Museum of History
The Regional Museum of History is the most-visited museum in Stara Zagora. It showcases the history of the region throughout different historical periods, including ancient times, the Middle Ages, and the Bulgarian National Revival.
Augusta Traiana Roman Forum and Theatre
The Augusta Traiana Roman Forum and Theatre are ancient ruins dating back to the Roman Empire. These ruins are some of the most visited attractions in Stara Zagora, and they provide visitors with a glimpse into the past.
Neolithic Dwellings Museum
The Neolithic Dwellings Museum is located in Stara Zagora’s outskirts and displays a preserved Neolithic village that dates back to 6,000 BC. This educational site offers a glimpse into the daily life of the pre-historic people who lived in this region.
Natural Attractions of Stara Zagora: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Stara Zagora is surrounded by natural beauty, providing the perfect opportunity for outdoor activities and scenic views.
Bedechka
Bedechka is a beautiful park that provides visitors with scenic hiking trails, wooded areas, and tranquil lakes.
Old Forest
The Old Forest is a vast forest area and is a popular park for hiking and picnicking.
Park Ayazmoto
Park Ayazmoto is a beautiful nature park that provides visitors with scenic views, hiking trails, wooden bridges, and creeks.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora has several hiking and biking trails that provide visitors with breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area.
The Stara Zagora Mineral Baths Tourist Trail
The Stara Zagora Mineral Baths Tourist Trail is one of the most popular hiking routes in the area. This ten-kilometer trail provides visitors with scenic views of the countryside and access to the area’s historical hot springs.
Bedechka Hiking Trail
The Bedechka hiking trail is another popular trail in Stara Zagora. This trail offers a diverse array of landscapes, from rocky cliffs to serene lakes.
Best Things to Do in Stara Zagora: Activities and Tours
Stara Zagora offers something for everyone; from history buffs to foodies, there’s plenty to explore in the city.
Food Tour
Explore Bulgarian cuisine with a guided food tour. Sample Bulgarian delicacies such as banitsa, ayran, and shopska salad.
Wine Tasting
Bulgaria is known for producing exceptional wine, so a wine-tasting tour of the area’s vineyards is a must.
City Bike Tour
Take a guided city bike tour to see the top attractions in Stara Zagora and learn about the history and culture of the city.
Week-Long Itinerary for Stara Zagora
Day 1: Explore the history and culture of Stara Zagora
Visit the Augusta Traiana Roman Forum and Theatre, the Regional Museum of History, and the Beroe Stadium.
Day 2: Natural attractions and outdoor adventures
Explore the Bedechka hiking trail, visit the Old Forest park, and hike the Stara Zagora Mineral Baths Tourist Trail.
Day 3: Explore the local food scene
Take a guided food tour of the city and explore Bulgarian cuisine.
Day 4: Wine tasting
Visit the local vineyards and enjoy a wine-tasting tour.
Day 5: Bike tour
Take a bike tour of the city and explore the top attractions in Stara Zagora.
Day 6: Relaxation day
Relax in the natural hot springs and enjoy a spa day.
Day 7: Day trip outside of the city
Take a day trip to nearby Kazanlak, where you can visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Food and Drink Scene of Stara Zagora
Must-Try Dishes
Banitsa
Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian pastry made from filo dough and filled with cheese and eggs. It’s a popular breakfast food in the area.
Kavarma
Kavarma is a traditional Bulgarian stew made from pork, vegetables, and spices. It’s a hearty meal and perfect for a cold day.
Shopska Salad
Shopska salad is a Bulgarian specialty consisting of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, topped with shredded white cheese.
Local Beverages
Rakia
Rakia is a traditional Bulgarian fruit brandy and is often served as a digestive after a meal.
Ayran
Ayran is a yogurt-based drink that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
Where to Stay in Stara Zagora: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Stara Zagora has a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses.
Hotel Ezeroto
Hotel Ezeroto is a popular four-star hotel located near Park Ayazmoto. It’s a modern hotel with comfortable rooms and amenities.
Art Hotel Stara Zagora
Art Hotel Stara Zagora is a luxurious hotel that offers beautiful rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a spa.
Hostel Izvor
Hostel Izvor is a budget-friendly hostel that offers clean, comfortable rooms and a communal kitchen.
What to Buy in Stara Zagora: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Rose Oil Products
Bulgaria is famous for its rose oil production, and Stara Zagora has several shops that sell rose oil products such as perfume, soap, and moisturizers.
Bulgarian Pottery
Bulgarian pottery is known for its distinctive designs and bright colors. Local shops offer a range of pottery products such as bowls, plates, and mugs.
Local Culture and Customs of Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora’s culture is heavily influenced by its history, and it’s evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Visitors should be respectful when visiting religious sites and dress modestly when visiting historical monuments.
Best Time to Visit Stara Zagora
The best time to visit Stara Zagora is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists. Summers can be hot, while winters can be cold, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Do’s and Don’ts of Stara Zagora
Do:
- Try Bulgarian cuisine
- Visit historical monuments and museums
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Take guided tours to learn about the local culture and history
Don’t:
- Smoke in designated no-smoking areas
- Litter in public spaces
- Photograph people without their permission
Safety and Health
Safety in Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora is a safe city for tourists, but visitors should be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
Health in Stara Zagora
Bulgaria has a well-developed health system, and Stara Zagora has several hospitals and clinics. Visitors are encouraged to purchase comprehensive health insurance before traveling to Bulgaria.
Getting to Stara Zagora: Transportation Options and Logistics
Stara Zagora is easily accessible by several means of transportation.
Airports Near Stara Zagora
There are several airports near Stara Zagora, including Plovdiv International Airport and Sofia Airport.
Bus Stations Near Stara Zagora
Stara Zagora has a central bus station that connects the city with other cities in Bulgaria.
Other Options
Visitors can rent a car to explore the area or take a train to Stara Zagora’s central railway station.
How to Get Around in Stara Zagora
Visitors can get around Stara Zagora by public transportation, such as buses and taxis. Walking and biking are also popular options.
Where to Go Next from Stara Zagora: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Stara Zagora is an excellent starting point for exploring other cities in Bulgaria. Nearby destinations include Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, and Sofia.
Conclusion
Stara Zagora is a charming city with a rich history and natural beauty. The city’s blend of culture, history, and modernity appeal to a wide range of travelers. We hope this comprehensive travel guide inspires you to visit Stara Zagora and discover all the city has to offer!
