Travel landscape in Bulgaria
Bulgaria flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Bulgaria

Bulgaria, located in the Balkans, offers a rich historical heritage, picturesque mountains, and a welcoming Black Sea coast. It captivates with its traditional culture, festivals, and ancient sites.

Photo by Rainer Eck · Pexels

Currency converter

Indicative BGN → EUR rate

Rate temporarily unavailable

Two ways to explore

01 / 02

CREATE YOUR IDEAL TRIP

Plan custom city trips for the whole family, in Paris or anywhere else.

YOUR CITY ROUTE

A day in Paris

3 stops
A lovely walk · 3 stops
SERVICESStaysActivities
Start Trip Generator
02 / 02

CREATE YOUR GPX CYCLING ROUTE

Routes tailored to your riding style, with useful roadside services.

THE ROUTE

68 km · Loop route

GPX · 68 km

ELEVATION PROFILE

Altitude 580 m

RentalsRepairs
Discover Bike Generator

Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
Bulgarian
Time zones
UTC+2 (UTC+3 during summer)
Electrical outlets
230 V, 50 Hz. Type F sockets (two round pins).
Climate
Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Mountain areas are cooler.

Health

Medical care is generally decent in cities. In emergencies, call 112.

Travel health advice

  • Consult your doctor before travel.
  • Carry travel insurance covering medical care.
  • Drink bottled water in rural areas.

Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A; Typhoid

Required vaccines:

Money

Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

The lev is pegged to the euro (approx. 1 EUR = 1.96 BGN).

Credit cards accepted in major cities. Carry cash in rural areas.

Safety

Bulgaria is generally safe for travelers. Stay alert in tourist areas to avoid pickpocketing.

  • Do not leave valuables unattended.
  • Be cautious in poorly lit areas at night.
  • Avoid public demonstrations.

Areas to check before travel: Certain remote border areas may be less safe.

Regions

Balkan Mountains — travel guide
Region

Balkan Mountains

Spectacular mountain range ideal for hiking and winter sports.

Black Sea Coast — travel guide
Region

Black Sea Coast

Coastal region with beaches, resorts, and vibrant nightlife.

Thrace Plains — travel guide
Region

Thrace Plains

Fertile agricultural lands with vineyards and ancient sites.

Sofia Region — travel guide
Region

Sofia Region

Political, cultural, and economic center with museums and diverse architecture.

Plovdiv Region — travel guide
Region

Plovdiv Region

Region rich in history; Europe's second oldest city.

Rhodope Mountains — travel guide
Region

Rhodope Mountains

Southern mountains with wild nature and traditional villages.

Cities

Sofia — city guide
City guide

Sofia

Dynamic capital blending history and modernity.

  • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
  • National History Museum
  • Borisova Gradina Park
Plovdiv — city guide
City guide

Plovdiv

Historic city famous for its Roman theater and old town.

  • Roman Theatre
  • Pedestrian Old Town
  • Ethnographic Museum
Varna — city guide
City guide

Varna

Black Sea resort city with beaches and museums.

  • Archaeological Museum
  • Sea Garden
  • Varna Beach
Burgas — city guide
City guide

Burgas

Port city with beaches and parks.

  • Atanasovsko Lake
  • Regional History Museum
Veliko Tarnovo — city guide
City guide

Veliko Tarnovo

Medieval former capital with impressive fortress.

  • Tsarevets Fortress
  • Old Town
  • Craft Market
Nessebar — city guide
City guide

Nessebar

UNESCO-listed historic town on Black Sea coast.

  • Old Stone Town
  • Byzantine Churches
  • Museums
Rila — city guide
City guide

Rila

Village known for the Rila Monastery, major religious site.

  • Rila Monastery
  • Surrounding Mountains

Highlights

Rila Monastery — travel guide
Must-see

Rila Monastery

Spiritual symbol of Bulgaria, a magnificent Orthodox monastery and UNESCO site.

Tsarevets Fortress — travel guide
Must-see

Tsarevets Fortress

Medieval fortress in Veliko Tarnovo with panoramic city views.

Old Town of Plovdiv — travel guide
Must-see

Old Town of Plovdiv

Picturesque quarter with ancient architecture and museums.

National Treasure Room — travel guide
Must-see

National Treasure Room

Museum of jewelry and antique artifacts in Sofia.

Archaeological Site of Nessebar — travel guide
Must-see

Archaeological Site of Nessebar

Explore the ancient remains of a historic seaside town.

Pirin National Park — travel guide
Must-see

Pirin National Park

Protected mountains with hiking trails and rich biodiversity.

Nature & other places

Balkan Mountains — travel guide
Mountain

Balkan Mountains

Perfect for hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching.

Black Sea — travel guide
Beach

Black Sea

Coastline with sandy beaches and water sports.

Pirin National Park — travel guide
National Park

Pirin National Park

Mountain range with alpine lakes and old forests.

Rhodope Mountains — travel guide
Mountain

Rhodope Mountains

Wild mountains with caves and traditional villages.

Srebarna Nature Reserve — travel guide
Nature Reserve

Srebarna Nature Reserve

Lake and bird reserve on the Danube, UNESCO site.

Lake Vaya — travel guide
Lake

Lake Vaya

Large coastal lake near Burgas, refuge for migratory birds.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

Found this useful?

Share it with your travel companions.