Want to Visit Eastern Europe

Bulgaria

Duration 7 days Cost ~EUR 1,200 for two Season May-September Currency BGN (Bulgarian Lev) USD 1 USD = 1.67 BGN Lang Bulgarian

“Travel far enough, you meet yourself.”

— David Mitchell

Bulgaria is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets — ancient Thracian ruins, Orthodox monasteries nestled in mountains, golden Black Sea beaches, and vibrant cities. All at a fraction of what you’d spend in Western Europe.

Why I Want to Visit

Bulgaria offers incredible value for money with rich history, stunning mountain scenery, delicious cuisine, and a nightlife scene that rivals much larger European capitals. The Rila Monastery alone is worth the trip.

Planned Itinerary

Sofia (2 days) — Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Mountain, lively food scene
Rila Monastery (1 day) — UNESCO World Heritage Site in the mountains
Plovdiv (2 days) — European Capital of Culture, Roman amphitheatre, Old Town
Veliko Tarnovo (2 days) — Medieval fortress capital, Arbanasi village

What I’m Most Excited About

Seeing the stunning frescoes of Rila Monastery
Walking through Plovdiv’s 8,000-year-old Old Town
Trying traditional Bulgarian shopska salad and banitsa
Exploring the medieval Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo

Where to Eat

Shtastliveca (Sofia) — Beloved quirky multi-level restaurant near Vitosha Boulevard. ~BGN 20-40. 📍 Maps
Pavaj (Plovdiv) — Stylish Kapana gastro-bistro blending Bulgarian and contemporary cooking. ~BGN 30-55. 📍 Maps
Hadjidraganovite Kashti (Sofia) — Traditional mehana in restored 19th-century houses near Serdika ruins. ~BGN 18-35. 📍 Maps
Rahat Tepe (Plovdiv) — Old Town terrace restaurant with Roman amphitheatre views. ~BGN 15-30. 📍 Maps
Ego (Sofia) — Modern fine dining near the National Theatre with Bulgarian-Mediterranean menu. ~BGN 45-75. 📍 Maps

Where to Stay

Sense Hotel Sofia ★★★★ (Sofia) — Sleek central hotel with rooftop bar. ~BGN 180/night. Book
Hostel Old Plovdiv ★★ (Plovdiv) — Restored Revival-era house in Old Town turned budget hostel with garden courtyard. ~BGN 35/night. Book
Hotel Residence City Garden ★★★★ (Plovdiv) — Boutique hotel near the Roman Stadium with garden terrace. ~BGN 160/night. Book
Grand Hotel Yantra ★★★★ (Veliko Tarnovo) — Clifftop hotel above the Yantra River with direct Tsarevets Fortress views. ~BGN 140/night. Book

Tours & Excursions

Sofia Free Walking Tour: History & Culture — Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. 2.5h, ~BGN 0 (tip-based). Book
Rila Monastery Day Trip from Sofia — UNESCO-listed monastery with stunning frescoes. 8h, ~BGN 70. Book
Plovdiv Old Town & Roman Ruins Walking Tour — Roman amphitheatre, Revival-era houses, and Kapana arts quarter. 3h, ~BGN 25. Book
Melnik Wine Tasting & Sandstone Pyramids Tour — Family winery tastings amid striking sandstone formations in Bulgaria’s smallest town. 10h, ~BGN 90. Book
Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi Day Trip from Sofia — Tsarevets Fortress and Arbanasi village with painted churches. 12h, ~BGN 85. Book