2025 Bulgaria Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

Bulgaria🇧🇬Mountain Parking Bulgaria🇧🇬 is the first country where we traveled in a campervan. We learned how to live a completely self-sufficient life in a campervan. The most important thing about driving a campervan is water. Water accounts for 70% of the importance of the campervan. Our water tank is only about 70 liters. When we first started traveling in a campervan, we had to replenish water almost every day. Then Bulgaria🇧🇬 is a very good country for us to train campervan life. There are mountain spring water and groundwater everywhere in this country for people to use on the roadside. The country where we don’t need to worry about finding water for more than a year in Europe is Bulgaria🇧🇬. When we arrived in Bulgaria🇧🇬 on the first day, we saw the water intake in the picture and thought it was for animals to drink water. We didn’t dare to drink it. We only used it to wash clothes and dishes. Gradually, we saw many locals carrying large and small buckets to fill water, so we followed the local customs. 🤣 附上Google map 保加利亚水源地图，提供下载 Чешмите в България https://maps.app.goo.gl/LSMhCgJhNYGyEjYD9?g_st=ic Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Car camping in Bulgarian Mountains Bulgaria 🇧🇬 was our first country for campervan travel. Water is crucial for campervan living, and Bulgaria made it easy. Natural springs and roadside wells were everywhere, so finding water was never a worry. On our first day, we found a water source (pictured) that we initially thought was for animals, but we soon realized locals used it, so we did too! 🤣 Here's a link to a Google map of water sources in Bulgaria for download: Чешмите в България (Springs in Bulgaria) https://maps.app.goo.gl/LSMhCgJhNYGyEjYD9?g_st=ic

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!

Bulgaria Attractions-stone mushrooms Mushroom Rock, located east of the village of Beli Plast, on the road connecting Kardzhali and Haskovo. The total area of ​​the reserve is 3 hectares. It was declared a natural landmark by Order No. 1427 of May 13, 1974. The rock formations have the shape of natural mushrooms – their stems are pink and their caps are green. The height of the stipe and the width of the cap can reach 2.5 meters. They are made of rhyolite volcanic tuff, the result of intense underwater volcanic activity dating back to the Paleocene. The effects of erosion became visible after the waters retreated and the sea floor continued to rise. The lower pink layer proved to be softer and more susceptible to the effects of sun, wind and rain. The upper green layer contains solid minerals, mostly volcanic glass, and is therefore more difficult to weather. Over thousands of years, a unique combination of shapes and colors has been formed. The stone mushrooms are rock formations, located east of the village of Beli Plast, at the road, connecting Kardzhali with Haskovo. The protected site has a total area of ​​3 hectares. It was declared a natural landmark by Order No 1427 of 13 May 1974. The rock formations have the shape of natural mushrooms – their stalks are pink, and the caps are green. The height of the mushroom stalks and the width of the caps are up to 2.5 meters. They are made of rhyolite volcanic tuffs, which are the result of intensive underwater volcanic activity, dating back to the Paleocene. After the sea withdrawal and the consistent seabed rising, the influence of the erosion became visible. The lower, pink layer proved to be softer and more amenable to the effects of sun, wind and rain. The upper, green layer contains solid minerals, mainly volcanic glass and it is therefore, more difficult to weather. So a wonderful combination of unique shapes and colors has formed over the millennia.

[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

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.

[Mountain] In the folds of the Balkan Mountains, the rose-scented winds of the Kazanlak Valley have swept through millennia, only to abruptly solidify before a behemoth of steel and concrete. Atop Buzludzha Peak, the monument, dubbed "The Flying Saucer," pierces the clouds with its fractured dome, like a time-worn medal, sealing within it the light and shadow of history, along with the dust of ages. [Liberty] The Buzludzha Monument in Bulgaria. Approaching it, one can still sense the heroic spirit of the red flag fluttering in the western wind. Though time has moved on, that glorious period in history remains forever. [CityDusk] Standing directly beneath the hammer and sickle, gazing around, it feels as if that period of history is shuttling past, yet vanishing in an instant, leaving only the solemn soul of postmodernism to converse with you. The red mark still inspires awe. The dilapidated top, through the dappled sunlight, freezes time, as if shifting spacetime to an interstellar battlefield – mysterious, incomplete, chilling, and tragically beautiful… [Gym] Now, pushing open the rusted gates, the shattered glass dome leaks mottled daylight, like teardrops falling from the gods. The faces of the workers in the murals have been eroded by wind and rain into blurred patches of color, with only the outline of the sickle stubbornly hanging on the crumbling walls. The footsteps of explorers stir up dust, echoing in the circular corridor, as if one can hear the lingering sounds of the bustling crowds of 1981 – when six thousand volunteers carried stones on their shoulders, climbing the steep slopes, women holding rose garlands to infuse the construction site with fragrance, and children chasing each other among the tents, planting the communist fairy tale into the granite foundation. Now, the steel beams are exposed like the bones of a giant beast, wildflowers sprout from the cracks in the concrete, and winter snow drapes the ruins in white, closer to eternity than in its prime.

The Sofia National Opera and Ballet is a cultural gem that enchants audiences with world-class performances! From timeless operas to breathtaking ballets, its repertoire showcases the brilliance of Bulgarian and international talent. The elegant building itself is a masterpiece, inviting you into a world of artistry and passion. Whether you're a fan of Wagner's epic operas or Tchaikovsky's magical ballets, every show promises an unforgettable experience. The Sofia Opera is not just a venue—it's a gateway to the soul of Bulgaria's rich artistic heritage. Don't miss the chance to witness its magic!

#CanadaFlightEvent Many people don't travel to Bulgaria often. I visited Bulgaria as a unique travel destination and was very satisfied. The prices are low and the restaurants are delicious, so it's a great place to enjoy a leisurely trip. I'm recommending Bulgaria as a travel destination to many people.

#celebrateit STANDING LENINS Under Communism, there was hardly a place in Bulgaria without a monument to Lenin, or at least a street, a school, or a kindergarten named after him. Sofia, the capital, had a tall statue of him in front of the Largo, where the main institutions of the People's Republic of Bulgaria were situated.

#magicalxmastripChristmas in Bulgaria is a time of rich traditions and cultural customs. On Christmas Eve, families gather for a large dinner, often featuring 12 different dishes, symbolizing the months of the year. The holiday is marked by deep-rooted rituals, such as attending church services and enjoying festive music. Churches are beautifully decorated with candles and nativity scenes, while the streets come alive with lights and joyful celebrations. The Christmas spirit in Bulgaria is filled with warmth, family, and a sense of togetherness, making it a truly special time of the year.

| Dragonstone from Game of Thrones. 🏖 Varna is located on the west coast of the Black Sea. It is the third largest city in Bulgaria and the maritime capital of Bulgaria. As the largest coastal city in Bulgaria, it attracts a large number of tourists from Bulgaria and surrounding countries. Varna is also my favorite city in Bulgaria! Highly recommended! 🐲 There is a Dragon in Love statue by the sea in Varna. A casual photo gives you the feeling of Dragonstone from Game of Thrones, and the seagulls in the sky in the distance are like dragons soaring in the sky. (Of course, Dragonstone was not filmed here~) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Along the coastline of Varna is a forest park with dense trees. From the park, you can go down to the beach, which is full of various specialty restaurants. Next to the beach, there is an amusement park and a Ferris wheel, which are great places for family and young couples to relax and have fun. 🏊🏻 There are also several outdoor swimming pools by the sea, and the beautiful bodies in the pool are as good as the princes in Creation of the Gods. The key is that there are many people sitting on the pool watching. You can watch the black-skinned guys swimming all day long.

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria (the second largest city is not big or developed), and is a city with a long history. From the Thracians, Greeks, and Romans, to the Byzantines, the Ottoman Empire, and modern Bulgaria, it has witnessed different historical changes. 🌟1. Plovdiv Old Town: The old town is known for its well-preserved old buildings and cobblestone streets. 🌟2. Ancient Theatre: One of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Plovdiv, built in the 1st century AD, and still used for various cultural events and performances. 🌟3. Roman Stadium: Located in the city center, part of the ruins have been preserved, and it was a sports arena during the Roman period. 🌟4. Nebet Tepe Hill: This hill overlooks the entire city and is suitable for walking and enjoying the beautiful scenery. 🌟5. Djumaya Mosque: Built in the 14th century, it is the main mosque in Plovdiv and showcases the architectural style of the Ottoman period.

Bulgaria is an often-overlooked Eastern European country, quietly located on the Black Sea coast of the Balkan Peninsula. Due to the special nature of its visa, almost no one applies for a visa to Bulgaria alone. Only those with a Schengen visa will visit Bulgaria while traveling in Southeast Europe, so there are very few Chinese tourists in Bulgaria. The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is a tourist city with a very concentrated number of attractions. Various types of museums, art galleries, opera houses, and European-style government buildings are all concentrated in the city center, making it very suitable for tourists who like city walks. 🌈Presidential Palace: Next to the Sofia Balkan Hotel, with a daily guard change at noon. 🌈National Assembly and Ministerial Office Building (Figures 4–5): Across the street from the Presidential Palace. 🌈Ivan Vazov National Theater (Figures 6–7): The oldest theater in Bulgaria, with a long history and a neoclassical style, it is also a landmark building in Sofia. 🌈Sofia History Museum (Figures 1–2): Located in the Central Bath Square, built on the site of a Turkish bath, opposite the Banya Bashi Mosque. 🌈National Library (Figure 8): A landmark building in Sofia, with statues of St. Cyril and St. Methodius, the inventors of the Cyrillic alphabet, standing at the entrance. 🌈National Art Gallery (top of Figure 9): One of the national art galleries, formerly a royal palace, opposite the Sofia City Garden. 🌈Prime Minister's Office (bottom of Figure 9): The old parliament building, opposite the National Assembly Square. 🌈Monument to the Tsar Liberator (Figure 10): Located opposite the Prime Minister's Office, it is an equestrian statue of Russian Tsar Alexander II, commemorating Russia's victory in the Russo-Turkish War and helping Bulgaria gain liberation. 🌈National Gallery (Figure 11): Located opposite the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, it houses more than 42,000 art pieces, covering Bulgarian art from the mid-19th to the 20th century, European art from the 15th to the 19th century, and art exhibitions from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. 🌈National Palace of Culture (Figure 12): The largest multifunctional conference and exhibition center in Southeast Europe, the Sofia International Film Festival is held here every year.

Sofia · 📒Visa: Schengen Area 💰Currency: Bulgarian Lev, 1 Euro = 2 Lev, cash is more commonly used, Euros are generally not accepted, and many places do not accept cards 🚌Bus: Search for "Central Bus Station", I took a bus from Skopje and also took a bus to Bucharest from here 🚄Train: The train station is next to the bus station, there are trains to other cities in Bulgaria and to Turkey 🚉Subway: Credit cards are accepted, a single trip costs 1.6 Lev · 【Sofia Day Tour Attractions】 Most are concentrated near Serdika subway station, with the main road as the axis, attractions are distributed on both sides, mainly for sightseeing 🎯Serdika subway station archaeological exhibition 🎯Central Mosque 🎯National Art Gallery 🎯National Archaeological Museum 🎯Regional History Museum 🎯St. Nicholas Church 🎯St. Sophia Church (the city is named after it) 🎯St. Alexander Church (landmark attraction, must-visit🔥) 🎯Vasil Levski Statue (Bulgarian national hero) 🎯Tsar Liberator Monument 🎯Old National Assembly 🎯City Hall 🎯Sofia University Library 🎯Women's Market (local market)

Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, is one of the ten most beautiful ancient cities in the world. On the hill in the old town, there are quaint Roman theaters and old Bulgarian-style houses🏘️. There are no vehicles in the old town, only stone-paved paths, and many cafes and restaurants☕️. In 2019, it was awarded the honor of "European Capital of Culture". 🏇The ancient Roman Stadium-Plovdiv is a Roman stadium built based on the ancient Greek Delphi stadium, and it is also the largest ancient Roman building in the Balkans during the same period. According to research, this stadium was built between 193 and 211 AD, 🤼and it has hosted various sports events, as well as fights between gladiators and animals. Today, it is one of the most famous landmarks in Plovdiv, and a must-visit attraction for tourists in this ancient city.

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

#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.

#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.

#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.

#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

✔️ 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

✔️ 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

#christmastrip

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

#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

The oldest one is located in the center of the city, with its facade facing the city garden.