Your Last BordersBEST PLACES TO VISIT IN BULGARIA
Bulgaria is a beautiful Balkan country in Eastern Europe. It’s surrounded by Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, and the Black Sea. This land of 6.8 million inhabitants is home to stunning mountain ranges, vibrant beach towns and ancient cultural heritage sites. The list of best places to visit in Bulgaria could be endless. Thus, I have summarised its highlights in this post to help you prepare a wonderful Bulgaria itinerary.
These includes remnants from the Thracian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times. Along with those of its recent communist past. Expect plenty of vibrant cities with a rich cultural heritage, such as Sofia and Plodviv. Together with skiing resorts and seaside towns, such as those in Bansko and Nessebar. Along with wonderful religious sites such as the Rila Monastery, ancient spots such as the Thracian Tombs, and natural wonders like Krushuna waterfalls.
There’s things to do in Bulgaria and Bulgaria tourist attractions to satisfy every traveler. Thus, in this post you’ll find the best places to go in Bulgaria to suit your timespan, budget, and travel preferences. Keep this post handy when preparing your holidays in Bulgaria and have the best trip.
Best cities to visit in Bulgaria
1. Sofia
Sofia, home to 1.3 million inhabitants, is Bulgaria’s capital and largest city. It dates back to the year 7,000 BC and is home to remnants from the Romans, Visigoths, Slavs, Byzantines, Ottomans, and the Bulgarian communist regime. Thus, the best things to do in Sofia Bulgaria include plenty of historical sites, museums, and religious buildings. Among them, the ruins of Serdika, the old baths, and the National Palace of Culture and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are the unmissable tourist attractions in Sofia Bulgaria.
Along the above, when visiting Sofia, make sure to allocate some time to try delicious local cuisine, attend a show at the opera house, relax in the city parks, and shop at the local market. These are fun things to do in Sofia Bulgaria every traveler would enjoy. Finally, consider booking a walking tour of the old town or even a guided communism tour. These are perfect to learn more about the city from a local guide and enhance the experience when you visit Sofia.
2. Plovdiv
Another one of the best cities to visit in Bulgaria is Plodviv, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. This is the second largest city in Bulgaria and lies 150km west of Sofia. Known as the country’s cultural capital, the list of things to do in Plovdiv includes countless historical sites. Including a stunning roman amphitheater from the 1st century which remains operational.
Plovdiv’s old town is perfect to explore on foot. Along its cobbled streets stand ruins and churches from the roman and thracian times, arts galleries, museums, and workshops. The many winding alleys lead to hidden squares, Byzantine arches, colourful houses, and fortress walls.
Additionally, the several restaurants and cafes make Plodviv nightlife a great one to enjoy. As the city is easily accessible by car and public transport it makes a great day trip from Sofia. Make sure to include it among your best places to visit in Bulgaria.
3. Varna
Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria and one of the country’s major summer destinations. Thus, attractions in Varna involve lots of seaside restaurants, beach clubs, sandy beaches, and water sports. Among these Varna attractions, make sure to check out the following beaches and their facilities: Sunny beach, Golden Sands Central beach, Kabakum beach, Saint Constantine, Sozopol beach, and Asparuhovo beach. You can read more about the best beaches in Bulgaria here.
Nevertheless, the sea capital of Bulgaria is much more than sand and sun. Actually, this sophisticated seaside city is packed with history. Here you’ll find a great archeological museum, the largest roman baths in Bulgaria and a Baroque Opera House. The list of Varna things to do also includes visiting the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, several orthodox churches, the many city museums, and some of its parks.
Additionally, barely 8 km north of Varna lies Evksinograd Residence. This is a 19th century royal palace and monastery that makes one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria. This is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and the entrance fee is below $3. If you appreciate French-style mansions with luxurious marbles, chandeliers, furniture, and gold make sure to step in when you visit Bulgaria.
4. Bansko
Bansko, in southern Bulgaria and by the Pirin mountains, is Bulgaria’s main skiing destination. Yes, from beaches to skiing resorts all the way through vibrant modern cities, there’s a Holiday destination in Bulgaria for every traveler. Thus, if you love skiing and hiking, keep on reading.
Bansko stands 160km from Sofia and 150km from Plodviv and is easily accessible by car and public transport. On its grounds you’ll find the longest ski season in Bulgaria, featuring high-quality slopes at affordable prices. Additionally, there’s many apres-ski venues, natural hot springs, and accommodation options.
Thus, Bansko certainly makes the best place for skiing in Bulgaria. For those visiting in the summer, the area also offers great hiking trails, glacial lakes, mountain biking, rafting, horse riding, etc. These make Bansko one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria and a total must see for nature enthusiasts.
5. Sozopol
Sozopol is an old fishermen town 35 km south of Burgas. So old it’s Bulgaria’s oldest town and its origins go back to the Greeks and the year 610 BC. Nowadays, though, it’s a wonderful seaside resort town packed with fabulous beaches, charming streets, and colourful fishing boats.
The town makes a perfect day trip from Burgas and Nesserbar. The Bulgaria top attractions located in Sozopol are its ancient town walls, cobblestoned streets, 19th century houses, Apollonia Temple, and the fortress overlooking the sea.
Additionally, here visitors will find some of the country’s warmest waters, soft sand, plenty of water sports, and endless dining options. You can read more about the best beaches in Bulgaria here, yet Sozopol will always be a great beach option among the Bulgaria best places to visit.
6. Burgas
Burgas is Bulgaria’s fourth largest city, a beautiful seaside town that makes one of the top things to see in Bulgaria. It stands in the southeast of the country, nearly 400 km from Sofia, and is one of the most famous Bulgaria tourist spots for holidaymakers. Those looking for a beach holiday should include Burgas among their favourite Bulgaria tourist places.
As it’s within a bay protecting the area from unpleasant weather and invaders, Burgas quickly became a major trading and industrial centre. Nevertheless, it keeps a nice seaside promenade where to enjoy a sunset walk surrounded by appealing cafes and restaurants. Burgas attractions include the church of Saint Cyril, the Sea Garden, many parks, and nearby lakes such as Lake Burgas, Lake Atanasovsko and St. Anastasia Island.
7. Nessebar
Nessebar is the pearl of the Black Sea and one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria to enjoy a beach holiday. This popular seaside resort town combines ancient historical sites with modern facilities to the point it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site full of bars and restaurants.
The ancient part of the town is on an island linked to the mainland via a narrow man-made causeway The place is famous for its Thracian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Bulgarian remnants. These include the ancient fortified town, roman baths, 5th century church of St. Sofia, 11th century church of St Setefan, and 13th century church of Christ Pantocrator. Along with the many beautiful 19th century houses and pretty seaside villas.
Besides its interesting history, Nessebar features superb beaches. Including the must see Bulgarian beach of Sunny beach. There’s no shortage of international restaurants, beach clubs and water sports here. Thus, if you are looking at spending the mornings sunbathing, the afternoons exploring ancient ruins and the evenings partying at the beach, Nessebar is one of the attractions in Bulgaria you shouldn’t miss.
8. Ruse
Ruse’s nickname is “Little Vienna” as this city is packed with stunning Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo buildings. Thus, architecture lovers will agree Ruse is one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria.
The city stands by the Danube, which is the natural border between Bulgaria and Romania. It has a huge river port and friendship bridge that serves as a political border with the Romanian city of Giurgiu, about 70km from Bucharest.
Consequently, one of the highlights of visiting Ruse is taking a river cruise along the Danube. Additionally, Ruse attractions include the Liberty Square, Freedom Square, Sveta Troitsa Cathedral, Profit-Yielding Building, and nearby Orlova Chuka Cave.
Best ancient and natural places to visit in Bulgaria
9. Rila Monastery and National Park
Rila Monastery is one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria and reason enough to justify a trip to the country on its own. The place is simply stunning, and so are the mountain range where it stands and the nearby Seven Rila Lakes. No wonder it’s the world’s most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery and a true symbol of Bulgaria.
John Rila, a hermit living in a nearby cave, founded the monastery in 927. However, today’s building is from the 15th century and includes a church, a museum, and a residential area for 60 monks. It’s the larges monastery in the country. Most will recognise its unique black and white arches, huge iron gates, and wooden staircases. Along with its five domes, endless courtyards, sculpted gargoyles, frescoes, and tiled roofs.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands in southern Bulgaria, about 120km from Sofia. It hosts a library with over 250 manuscripts from the 11th to the 19th century. This confirms the Rila plays a significant role in preserving Bulgarian literature. The hundreds of pilgrims and tourists visiting the monastery should remember this is a working monastery and behave accordingly.
The nearby Seven Rila Lakes are one of the top places to go in Bulgaria. And certainly famous among Bulgaria tourist spots. These glacier lakes on Rila Mountains are Eye, Kidney, Tear, Twin, Trefoil, Fish, and Lower and they are all connected by nice hiking trails, streams, and waterfalls. As this is the highest mountain range in the Balkans, one can expect some snow in thai epic scenery all year round. To reach the lakes, head to the resort town Panichishte and either hike for an hour and a half or take the chairlift at $10.
10. Thracian Tombs of Sveshtari
The Thracian Tombs of Sveshtari are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous places in Bulgaria from its time. However, the real site is not open to the public and visitors can only enjoy a nearby replica. This is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 4.30pm and the entrance fee is $8.50.
The tombs are from the 3rd century BC and honor a royal couple from the Thracian tribe Getae. There’s lots of these tombs all over Bulgaria, yet these ones are part of a huge royal Thracian necropolis and feature a unique artistic aesthetic. A proper masterpiece of Thracian heritage featuring impressive carvings and murals up to the ceilings.
11. Belogradchik Fortress
Belogradchik Fortress is a manmade castle built against a large rock for additional protection. It dates back to the 3rd century and stands on the Balkan Mountains in northeast Bulgaria, about 200 km from Sofia and just by the Serbian border.
Built by the Romans and enlarged by the Ottoman in the 14th century, this is one of the best preserved fortresses in Bulgaria. And makes the perfect surveillance spot thanks to the unique combination of natural and manmade forces. To the point the place is now in the tentative list to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress is open to visitors daily from 9am to 8pm and the entrance fee is below $3.
12. Krushuna Waterfalls
Krushuna Waterfalls are one of the nicest natural sights in Bulgaria, somehow similar to Plitvice lakes in Croatia and Kravice Waterfalls in Bosnia Herzegovina. These stand close to Krushuna village, about 200 km northeast of Sofia, in a wonderful forest.
Those looking for some nature and fresh water when sightseeing Bulgaria should definitely visit these waterfalls. Visitors here will encounter wonderful rock formations, several lakes of turquoise waters, and natural pools to refresh. There’s also walking routes surrounding the waterfalls, one by rocky caves and another by the river. If you are fit enough, take time to do both as they are equally stunning.
Recap on the best places to visit in Bulgaria
The best places to visit in Bulgaria include plenty of vibrant cities, warm beaches, natural wonders, and ancient historical sites. Consequently, there’s Bulgaria things to do to satisfy every traveler and you should waste no time booking those flights or sorting that car to enjoy this stunning Balkan nation.
When choosing among the best things to do in Bulgaria, make sure to add a bit of everything to your Bulgaria itinerary. Thus, a couple days in Sofia and day trip to Plodviv or Varna are a must for city lovers. Likewise, towns as Sozopol, Burgas, and Nessebar make the perfect holiday hub for those looking to sunbathe and party. Just as Bansko is for those traveling and wintertime and looking for great affordable skiing slopes. Finally, history lovers will find the Rila Monastery, the Thracian tombs fo Sveshtari and Belogradchik Fortress are some of the best places to visit in Bulgaria to satisfy their curiosity.
If here’s anything else I can help you with when preparing your trip to Bulgaria, make sure to leave a comment below. Or reach out to me on my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages. Wish you the very best and lots of fun exploring Bulgaria.
