18 Best Things to Do in Bulgaria: Cities, Hikes &; Monasteries
Hike up mountains to alpine lakes, visit fascinating ancient ruins and stunning monasteries, stroll around huge parks and explore narrow cobbled streets. With so many beautiful places to visit, these are the best things to do in Bulgaria and everything you need to know for your visit.
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We visited Bulgaria in 2018, not long after we’d moved to London from Whistler. Money was quite tight, but we were determined to go on holiday. Our must-haves were: hiking, interesting cities, good food and a bit of history and culture. After quite a bit of research, we settled on Bulgaria, and it definitely delivered.
If you’re wondering what to see in Bulgaria, you’ll find mountains, lakes, waterfalls, monasteries, ancient cities and a rich history and culture that’s evident everywhere. It’s unique in that almost anywhere else in the world, these spots would have hordes of tourists, but here, there aren’t.
Bulgaria has managed to avoid the tourist trail, so you’ll often have places all to yourself or just a few people. We did a 30-kilometre hike and only saw 2 other people the whole way! There are a couple of exceptions, which we’ll share a bit more on later, but mostly, places are very quiet, and the scenery is completely unspoiled.
In this guide, we’ll share things to do and the best places to visit in Bulgaria, as well as everything you need to know for your visit: how to get around, the best time to visit, how long we’d recommend for a Bulgaria itinerary and more.
If you’re still deciding where to go, check out our guide on the best places to visit in Bulgaria.
Contents
Bulgaria at a Glance
- 📍Capital: Sofia
- 🗣️ Language: Bulgarian
- 💰 Currency: Bulgarian Lev
- 🗓️ Best time to visit: May - October
- ⏳ Ideal trip length: 8-14 days
- 🥾 Best for: Hiking, cities, history and culture
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Map of the Best Things to Do in Bulgaria
To help you plan your Bulgaria itinerary, use the map below to find all the best places to visit in Bulgaria and see how they fit into your route.
Now, let’s dive into the best things to do in Bulgaria.
Best Things to Do in Bulgaria
Climb Botev Peak; best hike in Bulgaria
Botev Peak is one of the best hikes in Bulgaria, and at 2,376 metres, it’s the highest peak in the Balkan Mountains.
Hiking Botev Peak was a real highlight on our Bulgaria trip. The scenery is incredible and really diverse. Endless mountains meet shaded forests with streams so fresh you can drink from them. Huge cliffs meet gorgeous meadows, and massive panoramic viewpoints allow you to truly appreciate the beauty and vastness of the Balkans. You’ll also pass the highest waterfall in Bulgaria, Raysko Praskalo (Paradise Waterfall) at 124 metres.
Unfortunately, the summit of Botev Peak isn’t overly exciting. There’s a meteorological station with a radio tower greeting you. The hike, however, more than makes up for it.
There are several routes to hike Botev Peak. We started a short distance from Kalofer in Panitsite, and the loop was around 30 kilometres. It’s pretty challenging, and at the top, as you ascend the Tarzan Trail, there are ropes and chains to help pull yourself up. Make sure you’re wearing proper hiking shoes, and if the weather is bad, do not attempt the Tarzan Trail.
If you’d prefer to do the hike over 2 days, you can stay in Rai Hut, approximately halfway between the trailhead and the peak.
To give you an idea of how quiet Bulgaria can be, we only saw 2 people on this entire hike, and they both worked at Rai Hut!
We’d recommend hiking this route if you can, as it offers some of the best scenery in the Balkans. Stay in Kalofer, 6 kilometres from the trailhead in Panitsite. Kalofer was our first stop in Bulgaria, and it really threw us in the deep end, which we love. No one could speak English, and the menus were all completely in Bulgarian. I’m still not 100% sure what we ate, but it was delicious. Also, a 2.5L bottle of beer cost us £1.50.
If you’d rather hike Botev Peak with an experienced local guide, there are also organised treks available. These are great if you’re unfamiliar with the area, want all the planning and logistics taken care of, or you’d simply rather hike as part of a group.
Explore Plovdiv's Kapana District
One of the best cities to visit in Bulgaria is Plovdiv. It’s so charming and full of character, it’s no surprise it was the European Capital of Culture in 2019!
Kapana, or “The Trap”, is a maze of narrow cobbled streets that’s easy to get lost or ‘trapped’ in (in a good way). In the past, it was where craftsmen lived, with the streets still bearing the names of the craft historically practised, for example, Zhelezarska means Blacksmith Street.
For years, this area was neglected; however, today it’s really trendy, and full of hipster cafes, art galleries, boutiques, studios, workshops and Plovdiv’s best food and drink.
One of the best things to do in Bulgaria is to get a little lost wandering these streets in the evenings. Have a drink at one of the bars with rickety tables spilling onto the streets and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of people laughing, eating and drinking.
There’s always something going on in Kapana. It’s popular amongst musicians and artists, so you may stumble upon live music, and you’ll definitely see a lot of street art.
The best way to learn about the city’s history and culture is on a guided walking tour. It’s a great way to discover some of Plovdiv’s highlights with a knowledgeable local guide while getting your bearings in a new city.
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Visit the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
If you spend any time in Sofia, you can’t miss this seriously impressive cathedral.
The St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral is the second-largest cathedral in the Balkan region, and one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world. You can hear the bells ringing from over 15 kilometres away!
Located in the heart of Sofia, St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Bulgaria. Its distinctive golden domes dominate the skyline, while the cathedral’s intricate architecture and beautiful mosaics make it one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria.
The cathedral is steeped in history and is an important symbol of the country’s past.
Our Top Tip: inside is even more impressive; however, without a photography permit, you can’t take photos. You’ll have to just see it yourself.
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Hike the Seven Rila Lakes; best hike in Bulgaria
Hiking the Seven Rila Lakes was one of our absolute favourite things to do in Bulgaria.
The Seven Rila Lakes are a series of glacial lakes between 2,100 and 2,500 metres above sea level in the northwestern Rila Mountains. And the scenery is honestly unreal.
Mountains stretch as far as you can see, and the lakes are scattered across the landscape. You follow the trail between each of them.
Each of the seven lakes has a name associated with how it looks: The Tear, The Eye, The Kidney, The Twins, The Trefoil, Fish Lake and Lower Lake (from highest to lowest).
Small streams and waterfalls connect each lake. The Tear, The Eye and The Kidney each drain separately into The Twins. From here, the water flows onto the lower three, becoming more powerful as it passes the bottom two. Flowing on from Lower Lake, it forms the start of the Dzherman River.
We mentioned earlier that there were a couple of places that are an exception to Bulgaria being really quiet. This is one of them. This is one of the best hikes in Bulgaria; it’s fairly flat, quite easy, and it’s only an hour and a half from Sofia, so it’s a popular day trip.
Stay in the nearby town Panichishte so you can get a head start before the crowds arrive.
We have a full guide to hiking the Seven Rila Lakes with everything you need to know, so check that out.
Alternatively, if you’d like someone else to do the planning and logistics, or you enjoying hiking as part of a group, a great option is to join a group hiking trip.
Explore Bansko; one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria
Bansko has grown in popularity in recent years as a ski resort and, as a result, has undergone a lot of development. It has managed, luckily, to retain a lot of charm and is definitely worth spending a couple of days as a base to explore the nearby mountains.
Bansko lies at the foot of the Pirin Mountains and in the summer is a lively town surrounded by incredible mountain scenery.
Pirin Street is the main street in Bansko and where you’ll find shops, restaurants, bars and most of the accommodation.
Lining this pedestrianised street are traditionally decorated mehanas (tavern-style restaurants found in the Balkans) serving huge portions of Bulgarian cuisine, often accompanied by traditional music and dancing.
You’ll find some that are indoor and super cosy, and others that are beautiful, peaceful gardens.
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For an insight into what Bansko used to be like, head to the Old Town, where you’ll find beautifully-preserved 18th and 19th century architecture.
The narrow cobbled streets are lined with traditional stone buildings that feel very much like they’ve been frozen in time. It’s tucked away just off the main street, and we found that most people didn’t know about this area, so it was really quiet.
Hike Vihren Peak
Bansko is the base for another one of the best hikes in Bulgaria: Vihren Peak. This is the highest peak in the Pirin Mountains at 2,914 metres and our main reason for visiting Bansko.
The trail is pretty steep and rocky, and the final stretch is even more so. It’s fairly challenging, and the day we were there, it was incredibly foggy, and we couldn’t see further than about 5 metres in front of us once we hit the clouds. It wasn’t the most enjoyable experience, and we had no idea if we were even on the trail (we weren’t).
Luckily, as we were eating at the top, wrapped up in several layers to protect us from the wind, the sun came out, and the views were amazing!
You can see the whole of Pirin National Park and out to the mountains scattered across Northern Greece.
On our way back down, fortunately, the clouds had lifted slightly, and we could take in our surroundings. Alpine lakes, shaded pine forest, chamois and huge rock faces made the foggy ascent totally worth it.
The hike is around 8 kilometres and took us 5 hours.
Our Top Tip: this is a challenging hike that shouldn’t be done if you’re not experienced. The last 30 minutes before the peak is a tough scramble. There are several chains; however, if you’re hiking on a foggy day, as we were, you may lose the trail and not have the help of these. This happened to us, and we didn’t see the chains until the way down, and we realised just how off the trail we actually were.
Visit the Rila Monastery
Visiting the Rila Monastery is one of the most fascinating things to do in Bulgaria.
Rising out of a forested valley in the Rila Mountains, Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox Monastery in Bulgaria. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses a huge collection of religious art.
Inside, you’ll find colourful archways, detailed murals and beautiful religious artwork covering almost every corner of the cathedral.
For a glimpse into monk life, one of the most unique things to do in Bulgaria is to stay in the living quarters where monks still live.
Stroll Plovdiv's Old Town; one of the best cities to visit in Bulgaria
Plovdiv’s Old Town is unlike any other Old Town we’ve ever been to, so one of the best things to do in Bulgaria is to spend a bit of time wandering the narrow cobbled streets.
Most old towns are crowded, noisy and full of street vendors. This couldn’t be more opposite.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you walk past 19th-century Bulgarian revival mansions, and Roman, Thracian and Ottoman history. Today, the buildings are home to museums, antique shops, guesthouses, elegant townhouses and galleries.
One of the most beautiful buildings in Plovdiv’s Old Town is the Kuyumdzhiev House, which now houses the city’s Ethnographic Museum. Even if museums aren’t really your thing, it’s worth seeing.
It’s a great place to learn more about Plovdiv’s history and see how people lived in the region during the Bulgarian National Revival period.
While it’s easy to visit Plovdiv Old Town independently, there’s centuries of history behind the colourful houses, ancient ruins and churches and joining a guided walking tour will really bring this history to life.
Visit Sofia
Bulgaria’s quirky capital city is well worth a couple of days of your Bulgaria itinerary.
Sofia has spent most of the last 2,000 years under occupation by numerous empires, and each has left its mark. Eastern Orthodox churches brush shoulders with ancient ruins, Ottoman mosques and communist architecture.
Sofia is a vibrant and dynamic city that blends ancient history with modern life. Historical landmarks, Soviet-era monuments and Roman ruins scatter the city alongside trendy art galleries, hipster cafes, museums and a thriving social scene.
Our Top Tip: the best way of getting around Sofia is on foot. One minute you’ll be lost in narrow cobbled lanes and the next you’ll be strolling through a market on a wide boulevard.
The best way to get to know Sofia is on a guided walking tour. Exploring with a local knowledgeable guide can help you understand the city’s history and culture, while also introducing you to some of Sofia’s most important landmarks and hidden corners you might otherwise miss.
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Visit the Ancient Theatre of Philipoppol
Located in Plovdiv’s Old Town is the Ancient Theatre of Philipoppol. This theatre is one of the best-preserved in the world and is an eye-opening reminder of the city’s past.
Dating back to the 1st century AD, the Ancient Theatre of Philipoppol is one of the most famous landmarks in Bulgaria. Once used for gladiator fights and public events, it has been beautifully restored and is still used for concerts and performances today.
Our Top Tip: If you’re visiting in summer, it’s worth checking what events are on, as watching a performance here would be pretty special.
While the theatre is well worth a visit on its own, it’s even more interesting when you understand the history behind it. If you’d like to learn more about Plovdiv’s Roman past, consider joining a guided city tour with a local guide.
It’s a great way to explore the city’s ancient landmarks, uncover stories you might otherwise miss and gain a deeper appreciation for one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Stroll Through Borisova Gradina
Borisova Gradina is Sofia’s oldest and most famous park and a great place to escape the busy city streets for a while.
The park is divided into three sections, each designed by a different gardener. You’ll find plenty of tree-lined paths to wander, along with sculptures, Ariana Lake, the Soviet Monument, the Summer Swimming Bath and the University Observatory.
Whether you’re craving an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city or you just fancy some fresh air and a walk, this is the ideal escape.
Miles of tree-lined pathways intertwine around the park and its features, including interesting sculptures, the Soviet Monument, the Summer Swimming Bath, the University Observatory, the Ariana Lake and many more.
Our Top Tip: there’s a restaurant with a terrace overlooking Ariana Lake that’s a lovely spot for a drink.
Eat Traditional Bulgarian Food; one of the top things to do in Bulgaria
One of our favourite things to do in a new country is get stuck into the local food as quickly as possible. It’s a great way to get a feel for the country’s culture, and we absolutely love trying new food.
Bulgarian cuisine is fresh, hearty and full of flavour, sharing similarities with other Balkan cuisines, particularly Turkish, Greek and Serbian.
Meat features heavily, especially pork and chicken, often served with fresh vegetables, salads and cheese. That said, vegetarians shouldn’t have too much trouble finding options, particularly in larger cities. Vegans may find choices a little more limited in smaller towns and rural areas.
One of our favourite Bulgarian dishes was melted cheese coated in crushed cornflakes and served with jam. It may sound slightly odd, and we were definitely sceptical at first, but have faith, it somehow works. We ended up having it at least once a day!
Shopska salads are popular before meals. A simple but delicious and refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion and sirene cheese. For the full Bulgarian experience, wash it down with a shot of raika. Interestingly, the salad’s red, green and white colours are the same as those on the Bulgarian flag…coincidence?!
Another popular starter, particularly on a hot day, is tarator. This refreshing cold soup is made with yoghurt, cucumber, dill, garlic and olive oil, with some versions containing walnuts.
For mains, you’ll often find kebapche on the menu – grilled minced meat seasoned with spices and usually served with chips or salad. Another popular option is meshana skara, a mixed grill platter typically including kebapche, kufte (a bit like meatballs) and pork skewers.
If you’d like to try some traditional Bulgarian food while learning about the country’s history and culture, you can join a food tour in Sofia. Trying local food is one of the best things to do in Bulgaria, and this tour offers a great introduction to some of the country’s best dishes and drinks.
As well as tasting various Bulgarian specialities, you’ll travel between stops on a beautifully restored Communist-era tram, making this experience really unique and very different from your standard food tours.
It’s a fun way to discover local food, learn more about Bulgaria’s culinary traditions and explore a whole different side to Sofia.
Stroll Down Vitosha Boulevard
Stretching through the heart of Sofia, Vitosha Boulevard is the city’s main pedestrianised street and one of the best places to soak up the city’s atmosphere.
Lined with shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, it’s a lively spot throughout the day, but really comes alive in the evening. We found it to be one of the best places in Sofia for people-watching, grabbing a coffee and taking a break between sightseeing stops.
We’d skip dinner here as it’s quite touristy, so the prices are hiked and restaurants are more geared for visitors. Instead, head to one of the side streets for a more authentic experience. That said, it’s definitely worth stopping for a drink.
On a clear day, take a stroll along the boulevard for a fantastic view of Vitosha Mountain rising behind the city.
If you’re wondering what to see in Bulgaria’s capital, we’d definitely recommend spending some time here.
Visit Bachkovo Monastery; a beautiful place to visit in Bulgaria
Just outside of Plovdiv lies Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria’s second-largest monastery and one of the most interesting places to visit in Bulgaria.
Founded in 1083, it’s one of the oldest monasteries in the Balkans and is known for combining three cultures – Byzantine, Bulgarian and Georgian.
Surrounded by the beautiful Rhodope Mountains, the monastery enjoys a spectacular setting and is easily one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria. The peaceful courtyard, shaded by enormous trees, is a lovely place to slow down and take in the atmosphere.
Inside you’ll find beautifully preserved murals, religious artwork and the monastery’s famous miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, which attracts pilgrims from across Bulgaria and beyond.
Bachkovo is still a functioning monastery, and you can even stay overnight.
If you don’t have your own transport or don’t fancy driving, you can join a day trip that combines Bachkovo Monastery and Asen’s Fortress. The two are located close together and are a fascinating day out, combining centuries of history with beautiful mountain scenery.
It’s free to visit the courtyard and main church, and a small fee of around €3-5 is required for the museum and Old Refectory.
Stroll Around Tsar Simeon Central Garden
If you need a break from sightseeing, head to Tsar Simeon Central Garden in the heart of Plovdiv. With its shady paths, flower beds and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a lovely spot to slow down for a while.
As you wander through the gardens, you’ll come across several monuments, as well as a fountain dedicated to Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and harvest.
The highlight, however, is the lake and its famous Singing Fountains. During the summer, the fountains are illuminated and accompanied by music, and they’re well worth seeing if you’re spending an evening in Plovdiv.
There’s a restaurant and bar overlooking the lake, so it’s a great place to stop for a drink to watch the show.
Performances are on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings during the summer, although we’d recommend checking the latest schedule before visiting, as times can change, but it’s usually 9/9:30pm.
Visit the Regional History Museum of Sofia
Housed inside Sofia’s magnificent former Central Mineral Baths building, the Regional History Museum is one of the best places to learn about the city’s past.
The museum’s exhibits cover Sofia’s history through the centuries and include archaeological discoveries, Roman artefacts, everyday household items, royal memorabilia and a horse-drawn carriage gifted to Bulgaria by Marie Antoinette.
The building itself is just as impressive. Sofia’s mineral springs have attracted visitors since medieval times, and the current bathhouse opened in 1913, remaining in operation until the 1980s.
With its colourful facade, decorative details and distinctive neo-Byzantine architecture, it’s also one of the most photographed buildings in Sofia.
Explore the Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
One thing you’ll quickly notice in Plovdiv is how the city’s history is woven into everyday life. Ancient ruins sit alongside modern buildings, and archaeological remains seem to appear around almost every corner.
Over the centuries, new structures were often built on top of older ones, creating layers of history throughout the city. It’s one of the things that makes Plovdiv feel so unique and one of the reasons it’s among our favourite places to visit in Bulgaria.
One of the best examples of this is the Roman Stadium, which lies beneath the city’s main shopping street. Built in the 2nd century AD, it was once one of the most important buildings in ancient Philipopolis.
Today, only a small section of the stadium is visible in Dzhumaya Square, where you can see part of the track and spectator seating. There’s also a wall depicting the hypothetical reconstruction of the areas that are missing.
Visit St. George Rotunda
To round off our guide to the best things to do in Bulgaria, visit the Church of St George, thought to be the oldest building in Sofia and one of the most interesting historical sites in the city.
Originally built by the Romans in the 4th century, the church sits amongst the remains of the ancient city. Considering the ruins that surround it, the church is surprisingly well preserved.
Inside, you’ll find some beautiful frescoes and religious artwork, with five layers dating from different periods of the church’s history. Some date as far back as the 6th century, while others were painted over during Ottoman rule when the church was converted into a mosque.
Whether you’re interested in history, hiking or culture, Bulgaria offers far more than most people expect. Hopefully, this has given you plenty of ideas about what to see in Bulgaria during your trip. We’ll now move on to what you need to know before you visit.
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Bulgaria
The best time to visit Bulgaria
The best time to visit Bulgaria for the weather is May to October. We visited in September, which was perfect as it was a nice temperature for sightseeing and hiking, as well as being outside of the school holidays, so there were fewer crowds. If you plan on hiking, I’d wait until June, when most of the snow should have melted, but always check the conditions.
July and August, unsurprisingly, are the busiest times of year. Prices increase, and temperatures can reach above 40 degrees!
In the winter, a lot of things shut down; however, Bansko is becoming an increasingly popular budget ski destination if you fancy a snow trip.
How Many Days Do You Need in Bulgaria?
We’d recommend a minimum of 8 days in Bulgaria, especially if you want to visit all of the places above. This is how long we spent, and to be honest, sometimes we felt a bit rushed. You could easily spend longer and travel at a more relaxed pace. We’d love to have visited the Rhodope Mountains and Black Sea Coast as well, but unfortunately didn’t have time.
If you’re unsure about what to visit in Bulgaria first, we’d recommend prioritising Sofia, Plovdiv, Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes.
Getting around Bulgaria
The best way of getting around Bulgaria is to rent a car. This gives you complete flexibility and freedom for your Bulgaria itinerary. Driving is easy as the roads are very quiet outside of the cities. Public transport is fine once you’re in the cities, but travelling further afield, you’ll find it tricky.
If hiring a car isn’t for you, consider joining a multi-day tour instead. It’s a convenient way to see some of the best things to do in Bulgaria while leaving the driving and logistics to a knowledgeable guide.
Many tours include transport, accommodation, and visits to several destinations, making them a great option if you want to experience more of the country without the hassle of organising everything yourself.
If that sounds more your style of travel, take a look at some of the options below.
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Is Bulgaria Expensive?
Not at all. Bulgaria is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. One of the main reasons we chose to visit Bulgaria was because of how cheap it was, as we had just moved to London and had no money.
Meals in local restaurants and small towns like Kalofer average between €5 and €10. In cities, tourist spots and higher-end restaurants, expect to pay around €15-€20. Beer is around €1.50-€3.50 in bars and restaurants, maybe around €6 on Vitosha Boulevard.
We stayed in little guesthouses for around 30 USD a night. Activities and tours are also a fraction of the cost of what you pay in other areas of Europe, such as Annecy and Lisbon.
What Currency does Bulgaria use?
As of January 2026, Bulgaria uses the Euro. At the time of writing, 1 USD is 0.87 EUR.
Do You Need Cash in Bulgaria?
Cards are widely used in major cities like Sofia and Plovdiv, and in large hotels and supermarkets. You’ll need cash for rural areas, taxis and small vendors. Avoid withdrawing cash from independent ATMs as they charge high fees. Instead, use official bank ATMs.
Is Bulgaria Safe to Visit?
Bulgaria is generally a very safe country to visit.
As with anywhere, always have your wits about you and take precautions against petty theft in major cities and popular tourist hubs.
Do You Need a Visa for Bulgaria?
As a UK passport holder, you can travel to Bulgaria for tourism for 90 days without needing a visa. Your passport needs to have a ‘date of issue’ of less than 10 years before the date you arrive, and an expiry date of at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.
For all other passports, check your entry requirements here.
What Plug Type Does Bulgaria Use?
Bulgaria uses plug types F and C, with a voltage of 230V. You can also use type E.
We hope you’ve found this guide to the best things to do in Bulgaria useful. If you have any questions, need any advice, or just want to say hi, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
If you’re planning more European adventures, check out some of our other guides below for itineraries, inspiration and tips.
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