Bulgaria is a beautiful and diverse country located in Southeastern Europe, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors.
From its stunning Black Sea coast to its breathtaking mountain landscapes, Bulgaria has something for every traveler.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor adventure, or simply resting on the beach, Bulgaria has lots to offer.
In this article, we’ll highlight the top 13 things to do in Bulgaria.
- Top 13 things to do in Bulgaria
- 1. Visit the capital city of Sofia
- 2. Visit the ancient city of Plovdiv
- 3. Explore the beautiful Black Sea coastline
- 4. Visit the Rila Monastery
- 5. Take a trip to the Pirin National Park
- 6. Visit the charming town of Veliko Tarnovo
- 7. Take a trip to the Rhodope Mountains
- 8. Visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
- 9. Explore the stunning Danube River
- 10. Take a trip to the beautiful Rila Lakes
- 11. Visit the town of Melnik
- 12. Visit the ancient city of Nessebar
- 13. Take a trip to the beautiful Varna
Top 13 things to do in Bulgaria
1. Visit the capital city of Sofia
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has a lot to offer visitors, including a rich cultural and historical heritage, a vibrant arts scene, and a wide range of recreational activities.
In addition to these cultural attractions, Sofia also has a number of parks and green spaces, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes offering local and international cuisine.
The city is also a great base for exploring the surrounding region, with a number of day trips and excursions available to nearby destinations such as the Rila Monastery, the Pirin National Park, and the Black Sea coast.
The top 10 attractions in Sofia
1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
A stunning Orthodox cathedral with golden domes and intricate frescoes, situated in the center of the city.
Address: pl. Aleksandar Nevski, Sofia
2. Boyana Church
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church is known for its beautiful frescoes.
Address: Boyansko Hanche, Sofia
3. National Art Gallery
A museum housing a vast collection of Bulgarian and international art, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Picasso.
Address: 1 ul. Knyaz Alexander I, Sofia
4. Sofia History Museum
A museum offering a fascinating insight into the city’s rich history, with exhibits on ancient Thracian culture, medieval Bulgarian history, and modern Bulgarian culture.
Address: 16 ul. Knyaz Alexander Dondukov
5. Church of St. George
A beautiful medieval church located in the center of Sofia, known for its well-preserved frescoes.
Address: 4 ul. Knyaz Alexander Dondukov, Sofia
6. National Theater “Ivan Vazov”
Bulgaria’s national theater, home to a variety of performances including plays, concerts, and ballet.
Address: 1 ul. Dondukov, Sofia
7. National Palace of Culture
A multifunctional cultural center hosting concerts, exhibitions, and conferences.
Address: 1 pl. NDK, Sofia
8. Vitosha Boulevard
A bustling shopping and entertainment district, filled with trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
Address: Vitosha Blvd, Sofia
9. Sofia Zoo
A popular attraction featuring over 2,000 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, and monkeys.
Address: Tsaritsa Ioanna Blvd, Sofia
10. Sofia Archaeological Museum
A museum showcasing ancient artifacts from the region, including Thracian treasures and Roman relics.
Address: 2 ul. Saborna, Sofia
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2. Visit the ancient city of Plovdiv
Located in central Bulgaria, Plovdiv is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history dating back to the Thracians, a mysterious ancient people who inhabited the region more than 2,000 years ago.
Today, Plovdiv is a modern and vibrant city, with a charming old town filled with historical landmarks and traditional Bulgarian architecture.
In Plovdiv, you can explore the city’s many cultural attractions, including the Roman amphitheater, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of ancient artifacts from the region.
Plovdiv is also known for its lively arts scene, with a number of galleries and museums showcasing the work of local artists.
3. Explore the beautiful Black Sea coastline
The Black Sea coastline of Bulgaria is a stunning destination, known for its beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming seaside towns.
The region is a popular summer destination for both Bulgarian and international tourists, and offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Beach lovers will find plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and relax on the sandy shores, while those looking for more adventure can try their hand at water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.
In addition to the beaches, the Black Sea coast is home to a number of charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character and atmosphere.
The most popular resort town located on the Black Sea coast is Sunny Beach. The town is well-equipped for tourists, with a wide range of accommodations available, including hotels, apartments, and guest houses.
4. Visit the Rila Monastery
The Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cultural and spiritual centers in Bulgaria.
Situated in the Rila Mountains, the monastery was founded in the 10th century by the hermit St. Ivan of Rila, and has played a central role in the cultural and spiritual life of the country ever since.
The monastery is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes, and is a popular destination for both tourists and pilgrims.
The monastery is also home to a museum, which showcases a collection of artifacts and treasures from the monastery’s long history.
5. Take a trip to the Pirin National Park
The Pirin National Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in outdoor adventure and stunning mountain scenery.
Located in the Pirin Mountains of southwestern Bulgaria, the park is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, including forests, alpine meadows, lakes, and waterfalls.
One of the park’s most notable features is Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The park is a shelter for a number of rare and endangered species, including the Bulgarian brown bear, the lynx, and the golden eagle.
6. Visit the charming town of Veliko Tarnovo
The charming town of Veliko Tarnovo is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history and traditional Bulgarian culture.
Located in central Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and is home to a rich history and a beautiful old town filled with historical landmarks and traditional Bulgarian architecture.
Some of the top attractions in Veliko Tarnovo include the Tsarevets Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding region, and the Church of the Holy Ascension, a stunning medieval church with beautiful frescoes.
You can also explore the town’s many museums and galleries, including the Museum of History and the Art Gallery, which showcase a wide range of artifacts and works of art from the region.
7. Take a trip to the Rhodope Mountains
The Rhodope Mountains are a must-see destination for anyone interested in stunning mountain scenery and outdoor adventure.
Located in southern Bulgaria, the Rhodope Mountains are home to some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, including forests, alpine meadows, lakes, and waterfalls.
Some of the top attractions in the Rhodope Mountains include the Trigrad Gorge, a deep canyon with stunning views, and the Devil’s Throat Cave, a dramatic underground chamber with a powerful waterfall.
8. Visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cultural treasures in Bulgaria.
Located in the town of Kazanlak in central Bulgaria, the tomb is one of the best-preserved examples of Thracian burial architecture and is known for its stunning frescoes and carvings.
The tomb dates back to the 4th century BC and is believed to be the final resting place of a Thracian king or nobleman.
Visitors to the tomb can explore the burial chamber, which is decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of the Thracians, as well as a number of artifacts and treasures from the period.
9. Explore the stunning Danube River
The Danube River is a stunning destination that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors.
The river is the second longest in Europe and flows through a number of countries, including Bulgaria.
One of the top attractions along the Danube in Bulgaria is the historic town of Vidin, home to the impressive Baba Vida Fortress.
The fortress is a well-preserved medieval castle, built in the 10th century, and offers panoramic views of the Danube and the surrounding region.
10. Take a trip to the beautiful Rila Lakes
The Rila Lakes is a must-see destination for anyone interested in stunning mountain scenery and outdoor adventure.
Located in the Rila Mountains of southwestern Bulgaria, the Rila Lakes are a series of seven glacial lakes, each with its own unique character and atmosphere.
The lakes are surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, with forests, alpine meadows, and waterfalls.
The Rila Lakes area offers a range of activities to tourists, including horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking.
11. Visit the town of Melnik
The town of Melnik is a charming destination located in southwestern Bulgaria, known for its beautiful architecture and excellent wine production.
The town is situated in the Sandanski-Petrich Valley, surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, and is home to a number of historical landmarks and cultural attractions.
You can explore the town’s many churches, monasteries, and museums, and learn about the region’s rich history and culture.
Melnik is also known for its excellent wine production, and visitors can enjoy tastings and tours of local wineries.
12. Visit the ancient city of Nessebar
The ancient city of Nessebar is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history and cultural heritage.
Located on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, Nessebar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest towns on the Black Sea coast.
The city has a rich history dating back to the ancient Thracians and is home to a number of historical landmarks and cultural attractions.
Nessebar is also known for its beautiful beaches, and visitors can enjoy a variety of beach activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
13. Take a trip to the beautiful Varna
The beautiful city of Varna is a must-see destination for anyone interested in stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming seaside towns.
Located on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, Varna is the third largest city in the country and is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Aside from the beaches, Varna is home to a variety of attractive seaside towns, each with its own distinct personality and vibe.
When visiting Varna you can enjoy a variety of beach activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. You can also explore the city’s many cultural attractions, including the Archaeological Museum, the Art Gallery, and the Ethnographic Museum.
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