The now derelict Buzludzha Monument in central Bulgaria. Matt Munro/Lonely Planet
On the radar of only the savviest travelers, Bulgaria is one of the most affordable places to visit in Europe, with stunning vistas and countless opportunities for adventure. And it’s all just an easy flight, train or bus away from most European capitals.
Proud of their rich heritage and long and challenging history, Bulgarians may appear grumpy at first glance – but don’t be fooled. The genuine hospitality and diversity of experiences in Bulgaria is what makes the country worth a visit.
Whether you’re going for a long weekend or you want to spend a week or two hiking, sightseeing and enjoying the seaside, here’s what you need to know about this alluring, intriguing, great-value Eastern European destination.
When should I go to Bulgaria?
Since Bulgaria enjoys four distinct seasons, each one offering something different, the country is a year-round playground. The winter months from December to mid-April are ideal for ski or snowboarding enthusiasts at a winter resort. Bansko is an internationally famous ski destination. Borovets offers a local experience just 90 minutes from Sofia, while Pamporovo is known for its family-friendly slopes and hotels.
The shoulder season of spring is usually quieter, and it’s a perfect team for peaceful sightseeing and backpacking. While summer temperatures can reach 40°C (100°F), this is a great time to explore hidden beaches and water sports activities on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, with July and August being the busiest months.
Autumn, particularly in September and October, offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds (plus lower-priced accommodations). These are also some of the best months for hiking in the Bulgarian mountains.
How much time should I spend in Bulgaria?
A first-time visit between a long weekend and a week in duration is enough time to cover the most iconic spots and get a glimpse of the country’s rich culture. Start with a day or two in Sofia to soak in the capital’s vibe, then head to the charming town of Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities that’s only two hours from Sofia by car (or just under two-and-a-half hours by train). Finish your trip with a visit to the seaside towns of Burgas or Varna to enjoy the beautiful coast (a four-to six-hour drive from the capital, or an eight-hour train journey).
Is it easy to get in and around Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has frequent connections with other European countries through its three main airports at Sofia, Burgas and Varna.
The best way to stay connected.
Saily provides a hassle-free solution to travel data — just choose your data plan and prepare for your trip. When you get to your destination, you can go online right away.
Get your eSIMBy land, you can reach Bulgaria from many major European destinations by Flixbus, or by train; the sleeper train from Istanbul to Sofia is popular with budget travelers.
The train and bus systems in Bulgaria are well maintained, although finding updated information online, especially in English, can be challenging. (BDZ, the national railway company, does offer an English-language website.) For intercity buses, Union Ivkoni, one of the biggest bus providers, is your best bet for online ticket sales.
Big cities like Sofia, Varna, Burgas and Plovdiv have good public transport, with Google Maps usually a reliable guide. Sofia’s metro is convenient, and you can pay for a single trip with a bank card, which includes transfers to buses and trams. Public transport in other cities is fairly straightforward, too. Locals will generally be willing to help you navigate the transport system.
Top things to do in Bulgaria
Get to know Sofia’s street art
Start your visit to Bulgaria with one of the many free tours offered in Sofia. Explore street art with Sofia Graffiti Tour, which takes you to the most photogenic places in the city with murals from Arsek & Erase and other local artists. Grab a local bite with a free food tour with Balkan Bites, or explore the history and culture with a walking tour with Free Sofia Tour.
Peruse historic Plovdiv
Plovdiv is another absolute must-visit for first-timers to Bulgaria. As you walk the charming streets of its Old Town, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Grab a coffee or an artisan souvenir in the creative district of Kapana for a perfect local experience. End the day with a panoramic sunset view from one of the hills; we love Nebet Tepe.
Get a taste of the Bulgarian heartland
If you’re feeling adventurous, put on your hiking shoes and head for a day trip to Musala Peak in the Rila Mountains, or Vihren Peak in the Pirin Mountains – some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a visual and architectural masterpiece that attracts many visitors – for good reason.
If you want to get deeper into the country, discover the charm of traditional Bulgarian towns like Koprivshtitsa, Tryavna or the former capital of Veliko Târnovo. At these historic places, can see preserved traditional architecture incorporated into modern life.
See a striking Communist relic in the mountains
And for a truly unique experience, head to the heart of Bulgaria to witness the UFO-like Buzludzha Monument. A former Communist headquarters, this abandoned yet stunning piece of architecture impresses with its grandiosity. While there have been many ideas for reviving the complex, resistance from local authorities has kept the building empty – only adding to its strange appeal.
My favorite thing to do in Bulgaria
I absolutely love the mountains, and one of my favorite traditions in Bulgaria is July Morning. This tradition started in the 1980s and it involves staying up the night before to catch the sunrise in the early hours of July 1, usually from the seaside. Kamen Bryag on the Black Sea is the original spot, but the tradition has today spread all over Bulgaria.
Living close to the mountains in Bansko, I celebrate July Morning by hiking to Vihren Peak in the Pirin Mountains. We start the hike at 2am and reach the peak around 5am or 6am, together with other July Morning enthusiasts making their way up. The atmosphere at the peak when the sun rises above the mountains and clouds is absolutely amazing – and the views are breathtaking.
How much money do I need for Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is still one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, offering great value for your money. While beach towns in summer and ski resorts in winter can command higher prices, in general the country is very budget-friendly. The Bulgarian lev trades at a fixed exchange rate with the euro: €1 gets you 1.95 lev. And the country will be adopting the euro as of January 2026, which will make transactions that much more straightforward.
Hostel room: 20–40 lv (US$12–24)
Public transport ticket: 1.60 lv (US$1) for a single bus ride, or 4 lv ($US2.40) day pass
Coffee: 3–6 lv (US$1.80–3.60)
Sandwich: 6–10 lv (US$3.60–6)
Dinner for two: 50–80 lv (US$30–48)
Beer/pint at the bar: 6–10 lv (US$3.60–6)
Taxi ride in Sofia: 15–30 lv (US$9–18)
Can you pay by card in Bulgaria?
Card payments have become more and more accepted in Bulgaria. In most places, especially in big cities, you can pay by card in almost every store. Still, you should always carry cash with you. Many small stores, restaurants, especially in smaller cities, do not accept card payments. The best bet is to always have at least 50 lv (the equivalent of €25, or US$30) in cash on you at all times.
Can I drink tap water in Bulgaria?
Drinking tap water in Bulgaria is absolutely fine, as the country has many natural springs.
What is tipping etiquette in Bulgaria?
The unwritten tipping rule is that you leave 10% of the bill, more if you like the service.
Do people speak English in Bulgaria?
While more and more people in Bulgaria, especially the younger generations, are speaking English, visitors can still encounter a language barrier. It’s a good idea to learn a few basic Bulgarian words to help break the ice and bring a smile to someone’s face when you need assistance.
What alphabet does Bulgaria use?
Bulgaria uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which originates from this region. A frequent mistake visitors make is assuming that Bulgaria uses the Russian alphabet. Don’t say that to locals – as they are very proud of their distinct linguistic heritage.