Bulgaria offers some of Europe’s finest travel attractions. Packed full of historic monuments, natural wonders, and bustling cities – Bulgaria has it all.
Bulgaria is home to delicious culinary offerings like Lyutenitsa – an indulgent creamy eggplant paste – and Katak, a spread with yogurt and roasted peppers similar to Greek Tzatziki.
Varna
Varna, located on the Black Sea coast, offers something to satisfy travellers of all kinds. Families love the 3.5km-long beach that is fringed with pine trees and boasts clear waters; rock climbers tackle its formidable cliffs; others explore museums or enjoy concerts at grand opera house; while strolling through Varna’s opulent old town is always enjoyable.
The Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral stands as one of Bulgaria’s most stunning structures and represents an integral symbol of Christianity in Bulgaria. Not only is its exterior beautiful, but inside visitors can delight themselves with frescoes and paintings that bring it even further alive. Furthermore, nearby Museum of History and Culture should not be missed while Kozirkata Clock Tower stands as a testament to Kozirkata’s long and distinguished past.
National Park of Pirin is an inland gem for hikers and alpine enthusiasts, boasting human settlement traces dating back millennia as well as breathtaking summits like Vihren. Additionally, this park’s verdant meadows, rocky peaks and crystal-clear mountain lakes make for an entrancing landscape that attracts both adventurers and nature lovers alike.
One of the best ways to experience this untouched wilderness is on foot, and its network of trails offer something suitable for every fitness level. A popular hike takes visitors from Vitosha up the Balkan Mountains’ highest summit, Vihren.
Pobiti Kamani is another spectacular natural phenomenon in the park that mesmerizes visitors with its otherworldly display of hoodoos and monoliths created over time by wind erosion, appearing like petrified trees carved out by wind currents.
Tryavna is an ideal spot to find examples of Bulgaria’s National Revival architecture, with cobblestone streets lined with charming houses like Daskalov House – where an apprentice woodcarver once outwitted his master in a competition to design more intricate ceiling pieces – as well as its beautiful Eastern Orthodox facade and intriguing story about how a local sailor managed to escape a sea disaster by praying to St Nicholas for help.
Plovdiv
Plovdiv offers some of the finest attractions and activities in Bulgaria, from ancient Thracian temples and Roman-era buildings to modern-day art galleries and communist-era street mosaics. Additionally, this city hosts various cultural festivals in spring and autumn when temperatures are most suitable.
Start off your visit at the Historical Museum, which provides artifacts from various periods and cultures of Bulgaria’s past. Housed within an exquisite Baroque building, visitors are sure to become lost among nearly 40,000 items on display here! Well organized exhibits cover everything from rural village life to urban opulence in Bulgarian culture – so be sure not to miss it when exploring Bulgaria!
Regional Ethnographic Museum should also be on everyone’s itinerary; housed in an historic old building, it offers one of the most comprehensive displays in Bulgaria’s collection with six rooms dedicated to different periods and cultures – making this an excellent way to learn about Bulgaria’s past and culture!
Planetarium in Plovdiv is an educational and entertaining venue, ideal for kids (and adults alike). The Planetarium houses a diverse collection of fossils as well as animals visitors can observe – you might even spot one who looks ready to attack!
Plovdiv offers many other attractions and things to do, but make sure that you allow enough time for exploration. The Old Town alone may take hours just to walk around it! Meanwhile, Kapana District boasts several cafes and restaurants, worth experiencing too.
Visit Hisar Kapiya, an ancient Thracians’ gate that provides an intriguing look into Plovdiv’s past. As one of Plovdiv’s most notable landmarks, Hisar Kapiya provides an incredible look into Plovdiv’s past and is considered an integral part of city’s landscape.
For something a bit different, visit the Singing Fountains for an immersive modern experience. These choreographed water and light displays set to music are located on top of an extinct Thracians settlement hill offering stunning city views – making this an excellent spot to unwind after a day spent touring Plovdiv!
Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo is one of Bulgaria’s most breathtaking cities, providing visitors with an opportunity to discover its rich history and breathtaking nature. Tsarevets Fortress serves as a popular tourist attraction; once serving as the heart of the Second Bulgarian Empire, this medieval castle sits majestically atop a hill, providing breathtaking views over Veliko Tarnovo and Yantra River below. As part of UNESCO World Heritage Site status it also hosts the Patriarchal Cathedral as well as other ancient structures which show off its former grandeur; in addition, in evening there’s also Tsarevets Fortress Sound and Light Show which brings its history alive!
Veliko Tarnovo‘s ideal season to visit is between June and September when temperatures are warm and sunny, making hiking and sightseeing easier without being cold. These months also tend to be popular tourist times so book accommodations early!
If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting the city during spring or fall when weather is still pleasant, while crowds are much lower. If visiting in summer months make sure that sunscreen and enough water is accessible.
Veliko Tarnovo offers many outstanding destinations, with Samovodska Charshia street being an unmissable stop. Here you will find shops, restaurants and coffeehouses lining this busy street – many offering outdoor seating so that you can people-watch while sipping coffee or lunch outdoors. Also worth seeing is Sarafkina House (Sarafkina kashta) which was constructed for a wealthy banker back in 1861; now housing an exhibition displaying everyday paraphernalia from 18th to beginning of 19th century period clothing!
Stambolov Bridge is another must-see location in Tbilisi. Constructed of wood in 17th-century and known as Bishop’s Bridge due to its closeness to an episcopal seat at that time, this romantic spot is beloved among locals who like strolling across it on romantic afternoon strolls or just taking photographs of its stunning view – offering stunning shots of Tsarevets fortress from below!
Melnik
Bulgaria’s smallest and warmest town enthralls visitors with its landscape, history, architecture, cuisine and cuisine. You can discover something exciting here – be it sampling delectable Melnik wines or exploring its incredible sandstone Melnik Pyramids – you will never run out of things to do in this picturesque Bulgarian city!
Wine lovers will adore spending an afternoon exploring this adorable wine museum, offering a fascinating peek into Bulgaria’s former industry. Entry for 5 leva ($3) allows visitors to tour and taste four wines and one rakia product.
Melnik’s main attractions include its city walls and the remnants of Despot Slav’s fortress, both accessible via walking tour. If you want an easy hike with beautiful views of mysterious sandstone formations, St. Nicholas Plateau provides breathtaking panoramas – its path may be steep but can easily be completed in 20 minutes!
Visit Melnik and check out Bolyarska House, considered to be the oldest in Melnik and boasting an incredible structure. Kordopulova House provides another example of Revival architecture well preserved as museum. There’s also St Nicholas church which has since been destroyed as well as other churches, monasteries, and ruins that you can discover during your tour.
Rozhen Monastery in Melnik is an important pilgrimage site that features stunning icons and frescoes, making it a must-visit location to find some peace and solitude during their visit to Melnik.
Mencheva Kushta is one of the finest restaurants in Russia and is widely revered for its exquisite food and romantic ambience. Weekends and summer months prove especially busy at this popular eatery; be sure to book ahead as seats can fill quickly.
Melnik can be reached in several ways, with car rental being the easiest and most straightforward method. From Sofia you can drive approximately 2.5 hours directly to Melnik or take the train from Sandanski. There’s also the possibility of taking a bus that travels via Sandanski – though tickets should be booked ahead as these buses tend to fill quickly!
