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When it comes to planning a trip to Europe, people are more likely to choose countries like Spain, France, Germany, and others. But there’s a country that has been a hidden gem for a long time, Bulgaria. Despite being a small country, there are many places to visit in Bulgaria. From mountains to beaches and forests, Bulgaria has everything with extravaganza beauty to turn your trip into a memorable experience. Plus, it allows you to enjoy various outdoor activities like biking, camping, hiking, etc. So, if you are ready to explore this Balkan country, make sure to prepare your itinerary in advance.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Bulgaria
While it is difficult to cover all of them in a single trip, you can include the most famous ones in your list. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Bulgaria:
1. Sofia
Photo: Kate Krasautsava / Unsplash
Located at the base of Vitosha Mountain, Sofia is a fascinating place to visit in Bulgaria. As the capital city, Sofia is home to some of the most iconic landmarks, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Serdica Fort, and Boyana Church. Besides that, the city offers an excellent selection of shops and restaurants to enhance your experience. With all these different places to explore, it can be said that Sofia is perfect for both history buffs and adventurers. Plus, you get to experience a vibrant nightlife that is unlike any other place in the country.
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Top Tourist Attractions: Vitosha Mountain, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Serdica Fort, and Boyana Church
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
2. Plovdiv
Photo: Ivaylo Nikolov / Unsplash
As the second largest city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv never seems to disappoint its visitors. Whether you are a history nerd, shopaholic, or adventurer, Plovdiv has something in store for everyone. For starters, you have the Old Town, which is famous for its cobblestone streets, and colourful houses. As you walk through this area, you come across the ruins of the Roman Stadium. However, the highlight of Plovdiv is the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, which is still used for hosting performances. Another important place that shouldn’t be missed is the Kapana Creative District.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October
Top Tourist Attractions: Roman Stadium, Kapana Creative District, Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, and Old Town
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
3. Burgas
Photo: Miglena Georgieva / Unsplash
When talking about popular tourist attractions in Bulgaria, you are likely to stumble across Burgas. Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Burgas has many small beaches to explore. Here, you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters or head to the Sea Garden, a site popular for its matchless beauty. The must-see attractions of this place include a promenade and a garden. Additionally, tourists get access to the tennis courts, playgrounds, and cafes. After exploring the Sea Garden, you can visit the Archaeological Museum for some insight into the history and evolution of the place, or shop at Burgas Galleria.
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Top Tourist Attractions: Black Sea, Burgas Galleria, Sea Garden, and Archaeological Museum
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
4. Varna
For an unforgettable experience, make sure you have Varna in your Bulgaria tourist places list. Known as the “Sea Capital” of the country, Varna has many beautiful beaches. Almost every beach allows you to indulge in water activities like surfing, swimming, and others. Varna is also home to the Archaeological Museum, where you will find the oldest gold treasure in the world, a sight not to miss. In case, this is not your jam, you have the Primorski Park to enjoy a vibrant seaside atmosphere, or you can explore places like The Roman Baths and the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral.
Best Time To Visit: June to August
Top Tourist Attractions: Archaeological Museum, Primorski Park, The Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, and The Roman Baths
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
5. Veliko Tarnovo
If you are looking for an offbeat Bulgaria tourist place to enhance your travelling experience, make sure to include Veliko Tarnovo in your list. Located in central Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo is one of the oldest cities in Europe and still captures the old vibe. The purpose of visiting this city is to explore popular places like Emen Canyon and Devetashka Cave. Besides that, you have the Tsarevets Fortress which is perfect for enjoying stunning views. Other highlights of the city that shouldn’t be missed include the King’s Castle, Charshia Art Gallery, and Yantra River.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Top Tourist Attractions: Devetashka Cave, Emen Canyon, Yantra River, and Charshia Art Gallery
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
6. Nessebar
Photo: Nikola Johnny Mirkovic / Unsplash
Nessebar, also known as the “Pearl of the Black Sea,” is one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria. Besides the cafes and restaurants, the town is home to several Bulgarian Revival Houses. For those who don’t know, these are the original 19th-century buildings that still adorn the Old Town. Over the years, Nessebar has become a popular tourist destination mainly because of sites like St. Stephens Church and Church of the Holy Saviour. There are also several beaches and archaeological treasures making this place perfect for exploration.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Top Tourist Attractions: St. Stephens Church, Old Town, Church of the Holy Saviour, and Sunny Beach
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
7. Bansko
A literal winter wonderland, Bansko is one of the tourist places in Bulgaria that is well-known for its ski resorts. If you are an adventurer by heart, you will surely have a good time at Bansko. Located in southwest Bulgaria, Bansko gives you access to tourist attractions like Muratovo Lake, Hike Vihren Lake, and Pirin National Park. For a more adventurous experience, you should visit the Pirin Mountains to witness the wildlife side of the country and easily spot bears and wolves. If you visit Bansko in winter, make sure to stay at Todorka, so you can enjoy snowboarding and skiing.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Top Tourist Attractions: Pirin National Park, Muratovo Lake, Hike Vihren Lake, and Todorka Peak
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
8. Sozopol
Photo: Micko Damnjanovski / Pexels
Opposite Bansko, Sozopol, situated on the coast of the Black Sea, is an ideal beach destination. Many sandy beaches adorn the city and are perfect for diving, sunbathing, windsurfing, and more. While you are in Sozopol, make sure to explore the Old Town, which is studded with numerous churches, and restaurants. After that, if you have time left, you should check out the Sozopol Archaeological Museum and Ravadinovo Castle. If you happen to visit the town in the summer, you can be a part of the Annual Apollonia Festival.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Top Tourist Attractions: Old Town, Ravadinovo Castle, Sozopol Archaeological Museum, and Sozopol Beaches
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
9. Ruse
Photo: Atanas Minkov / Unsplash
Located on the Danube River, Ruse is famous for its rich culture intertwined with elegant architecture. If you take a closer look at the city, you will notice that the city boasts neoclassical buildings everywhere. One of the prime examples is the Dohodno Zdanie Theatre, which showcases the grandeur of the city. Besides the riverside views, you must also check out the Regional Historical Museum of Ruse for some learning about the culture and heritage. Some of the other attractions that are popular among tourists include the Freedom Square and Basarbovo Monastery.
Best Time To Visit: April to May
Top Tourist Attractions: Dohodno Zdanie Theatre, Basarbovo Monastery, Freedom Square, and Regional Historical Museum of Ruse
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
10. Melnik
If you move towards the southwest region, you will come across Melnik, a town which is famous for its sandstone cliffs. Although Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria, it has plenty of places to explore. You can start your journey with Villa Melnik, the best place to taste wine. For stunning views, you have the Rozhen Monastery in the Pirin Mountains. However, to reach this place, you will have to take a short drive away from the city and pass through the most stunning landscapes. Other places that are worth mentioning include the Kordopulov House Museum and St. Nicholas Church Ruins.
Best Time To Visit: April to May
Top Tourist Attractions: Rozhen Monastery, St. Nicholas Church Ruins, Villa Melnik, and Kordopulov House Museum
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
The places to visit in Bulgaria take you through the ancient times and nature. In other words, it offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and natural wonders. From enjoying watersports or tasting wine, Bulgaria has something in store for everyone. So, if you are ready for an authentic experience, you should book your tickets to Bulgaria today. For a smooth travelling experience, you can seek help from TripXL.
Cover Photo: Neven Myst / Unsplash
