Bulgaria Travel Guide 🇧🇬
Ancient monasteries, Black Sea coast, Balkan mountains, Roman ruins, medieval towns & vibrant culture — Sofia, Plovdiv & Varna
🌤 Live Weather — Sofia
Loading...
Weather updates automatically when page loads.
📌 Quick Facts
🏙 Capital Sofia
🌍 Regions Sofia · Plovdiv · Varna · Burgas · Rila · Veliko Tarnovo
💱 Currency Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
🗣 Language Bulgarian (English spoken in cities)
⏱ Time Zone GMT+2 (EET)
🔌 Plug Type Type C & F — 230V
Famous for: Rila Monastery · Plovdiv Old Town · Rose Valley · Sunny Beach · Seven Rila Lakes
🛂 Visa & Entry Rules
EU candidate — follows partial Schengen policy Visa-free for many nationalities (limited duration) Passport validity 6+ months- Hotel booking & return ticket may be asked
- Travel insurance recommended
- Rules vary by nationality
Always check latest entry & visa updates before travel.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
🌸 Apr–Jun Best for sightseeing
🌞 Jul–Sep Black Sea coast & beaches
🍁 Oct Autumn colors in mountains
❄️ Dec–Feb Ski season (Bansko & Borovets)
Coastal regions are warmer than mountain areas.
💰 Average Trip Budget
- 🎒 Budget — €35–55 / ₹3,200–₹5,000 per day
- 🏨 Mid-Range — €70–110 / ₹6,300–₹10,000 per day
- 👑 Luxury — €150+ / ₹13,500+ per day
Bulgaria is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations.
🗺 Top Places to Visit
Sofia Rila Monastery Plovdiv Old Town Seven Rila Lakes Veliko Tarnovo Varna Sunny Beach Bansko🚇 Transport & Getting Around
- Metro, trams & buses in Sofia
- Intercity buses connect major towns
- Trains run across main routes
- Car rental useful for mountains
Public transport is affordable & widely used.
📶 Mobile SIM & Internet
- Main providers — A1 · Yettel · Vivacom
- Prepaid tourist SIMs available
- Good 4G in cities
- Coverage varies in remote mountains
Passport may be required for SIM purchase.
💵 Money & Payments
- Local currency — Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
- Cards accepted in cities
- Cash preferred in rural areas
- ATMs widely available
🍽 Food & Local Cuisine
- Banitsa
- Shopska Salad
- Kebapche
- Grilled meats
- Yogurt & dairy dishes
Cuisine blends Balkan, Turkish & Mediterranean influences.
🎊 Festivals & Events
- Rose Festival (Kazanlak)
- Kukeri Mask Festival
- Summer Music Festivals
- Winter Ski Events
🛡 Safety & Travel Awareness
- Generally safe & welcoming
- Beware scams in tourist areas
- Use licensed taxis
- Mountain trails require caution
🎒 What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm jacket (winter)
- Beachwear (summer coast)
- Universal adapter
🌡 Weather & Climate
- Cold winters
- Warm summers
- Snow in mountain regions
- Continental climate
🧳 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 — Sofia city & cathedrals
- Day 2 — Rila Monastery day trip
- Day 3 — Plovdiv Old Town
- Day 4 — Veliko Tarnovo
- Day 5 — Varna / Black Sea coast
❓ FAQs
Is Bulgaria affordable to travel?
Yes — one of the cheapest destinations in Europe.
Is English spoken?
Common in cities & tourist areas.
Is Bulgaria safe?
Yes — locals are friendly & welcoming.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
🚑 Ambulance 150
👮 Police 166
🔥 Fire 160
🧳 EU Emergency 112
🎟 Tours & Activities in Bulgaria
Powered by
GetYourGuide