Plan a trip to Bulgaria

It is a Balkan gem, which offers a tapestry of experiences, from the grandeur of majestic mountains to the pristine allure of coastal landscapes. Whether you are exploring the country’s vibrant cities, idyllic towns, or quaint villages, you will discover hidden treasures and create unforgettable memories. 

To get you started with your planning, here are some of Bulgaria’s not-to-be-missed highlights.

Sofia: Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, is an excellent place to start your trip. Visit landmarks like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, and the ancient Serdica ruins. Explore the city’s vibrant street art scene and savor local cuisine at one of its many restaurants and cafes. Sofia is also home to several exceptional museums.

Plovdiv: Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe and was designated the European Capital of Culture in 2019. The well-preserved Old Town features cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and historical sites such as the Roman Theater. Don't miss the Kapana District, known for its artistic atmosphere and trendy shops.

Rila Monastery: Rila Monastery, located in the Rila Mountains, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Bulgaria's most famous monasteries. Its intricate frescoes and stunning architecture dating back to the 10th century make it one of Bulgaria’s must-visit sites.

Bansko: Bansko is a charming town, popular among winter sports enthusiasts, with excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities. In the summer, it serves as an ideal base for hiking trips in the Pirin Mountains.

Veliko Tarnovo: Veliko Tarnovo, known as the "City of Tsars," is famous for the medieval Tsarevets Fortress and its breathtaking location atop a hill overlooking the Yantra River.

Black Sea Coast: Bulgaria's coastline along the Black Sea is a hot spot for beach lovers. Popular seaside resorts include Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, and Albena. The historic town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a tourist attraction in this region.

Rila National Park: For nature enthusiasts, Rila National Park offers hiking and trekking opportunities, including the challenging hike to the Seven Rila Lakes.

Bulgarian Festivals: If your visit coincides with one of Bulgaria's festivals, such as Kukeri (a masked ritual) or the Kazanlak Rose Festival, make sure to participate in these unique cultural experiences.

Spa and Health: Bulgaria is known for its numerous mineral springs, and towns like Velingrad and Hisarya are famous for their spa and health facilities.

Bulgarian Rose Valley: Visit the Bulgarian Rose Valley near Kazanlak to see the rose fields and participate in the annual Rose Festival. Bulgaria is renowned for producing high quality rose oil that is used in perfumes and cosmetics.

Museums

Bulgaria is home to several outstanding museums, including:

The National Museum of History in Sofia houses an extensive collection of artifacts that reflect the history of Bulgaria from ancient Thracian civilizations to the present day. Highlights include the Thracians' gold collection and the Panagyurishte Treasure.

The National Art Gallery in Sofia, located in the former royal palace, features a wide range of Bulgarian art, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. It's a wonderful place to explore the country's artistic heritage.

The National Archaeological Museum in Sofia houses an impressive collection of archaeological findings, including Thracian, Roman, and Byzantine artifacts. The treasures of the Thracians and Roman mosaics are particularly noteworthy.

The Museum of Socialist Art in Sofia, situated in the former headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist Party, provides insights into Bulgaria's communist era through art and sculptures.

The Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum, located in the beautiful ancient city of Plovdiv, showcases Bulgarian folk culture and tradition through an extensive collection of textiles, costumes, and jewelry.

The Ruse Regional Historical Museum, situated in the city of Ruse, highlights the history and culture of the region. It includes archaeological artifacts, artwork, and exhibitions on the city's role in Bulgaria's history.

The Kazanlak Thracian Tomb Museum is a great place to learn about Thracian civilization and see replicas of the stunning wall paintings found in the nearby Thracian tomb.

Houses from the Bulgarian Revival Period: Many towns and cities in Bulgaria have well-preserved 19th century houses that now serve as museums. Examples include the historic quarter of Koprivshtitsa and the Balabanov House in Plovdiv.

The Petrich Kale Fortress Museum, located in the town of Petrich, presents the history of the region and includes archaeological discoveries from the nearby Kale Fortress.

The Nessebar Archaeological Museum tells the rich history of the ancient city of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, through its archaeological treasures.

Varna Archaeological Museum is located on the Black Sea coast and houses a vast collection of artifacts from ancient cultures, including the world's oldest processed gold, which dates back over 6,000 years.

Cuisine

Bulgarian cuisine is diverse and delicious, combining Mediterranean, Eastern European, and Balkan influences. Here are some tasty Bulgarian dishes and foods you should sample during your visit:

Banitsa: A popular Bulgarian pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with a mixture of eggs, yogurt, and feta cheese. It's often served for breakfast or as a snack.

Kavarma: A hearty stew made with pork, chicken, or beef, cooked with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. It's often enjoyed with a glass of Bulgarian wine.

Kebapche: Grilled minced meat (typically a blend of beef and pork) seasoned with spices like cumin, shaped into elongated sausages. It's usually served with fresh vegetables and flatbread.

Shopska Salad: A refreshing and colorful salad made from diced tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs and spices.

Yogurt Soup: Cold yogurt soup made with cucumbers, garlic, dill, and walnuts. A perfect dish for hot summer days. It's both refreshing and slightly spicy.

Moussaka: The Bulgarian version of this dish typically consists of layers of minced meat (often pork or beef), potatoes, and tomatoes, topped with a mixture of yogurt, eggs, and cream.

Lyutenitsa: A tasty spread made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant, usually seasoned with garlic, chili peppers, and spices. It's a common condiment in Bulgaria, enjoyed with bread or as an accompaniment to meat dishes.

Sarmi: Cabbage rolls or vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, rice, and herbs, often served with yogurt.

Bulgarian Yogurt: Known for its distinct flavor and probiotic properties, Bulgarian yogurt is commonly eaten on its own or used in various dishes and desserts.

Bulgarian White Brined Cheese (Sirene): A salty and slightly tangy cheese made from cow or sheep's milk. Similar to feta but with its unique taste and texture, it's used in many Bulgarian dishes.

Baklava: A sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. It's a delightful dessert often served with strong Bulgarian coffee.

Bulgarian Rakia: A strong fruit brandy, this traditional Bulgarian beverage is often offered as a gesture of hospitality to guests. It is typically made from grapes, plums, or apricots.

Bulgarian Kozunak: A sweet braided bread similar to brioche often enjoyed during Easter celebrations.

Bulgarian Ice Cream: Bulgaria is known for its creamy and diverse flavors of ice cream.

Bulgarian Wine

Bulgaria has a long history of winemaking, and it's definitely worth trying some of their wines, which include varieties like Mavrud, Melnik, and Pamid.

Bulgaria is truly a captivating destination, a Balkan gem and a rich tapestry of history and culture, beautiful landscapes and exceptional traditional cuisine, warm hospitality and archeological marvels.