What to do in Bulgaria
8 amazing things to see and do in Bulgaria
In this blog I take you on a roadtrip through Bulgaria: a country full of surprises. From the vibrant capital Sofia and the historic city of Plovdiv to the picturesque mountain village of Koprivshtitsa and the sunny coastal towns of Nessebar and Sunny Beach. You’ll discover cultural highlights such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Rila Monastery and ancient ruins, but also natural beauty like the Seven Rila Lakes. Bulgaria is affordable, diverse and not yet overrun by mass tourism. A perfect destination for anyone looking to discover something new in Europe.
Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria
We started our journey in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and a perfect base to begin exploring the country. We stayed in Hotel Niky, right in the city centre, which made it easy to walk to most of the highlights. Sofia is a mix of modern city life and layers of history, where ancient ruins stand side by side with churches and mosques.
Some of the main attractions in Sofia include the 10th-century Sveti Georgi Rotunda, one of the oldest churches in the city, and the Sveta Nedelya Cathedral, which dominates the skyline with its domes. Just around the corner, you can find the remains of Serdika, ancient ruins that sit right in the middle of the modern city. The Banya Bashi Mosque and the grand National Palace of Culture also show the diversity of the city.
Walking through Sofia, you can’t miss the statue of Saint Sofia, which has become one of the city’s landmarks. The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is another gem, especially with its neoclassical architecture. Of course, the highlight for many visitors is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Nearby, the colourful Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Church is also worth a visit.
Rila Monastery – a mountain treasure
Only about two hours’ drive from Sofia lies one of Bulgaria’s most famous sights: the Rila Monastery. This monastery, founded in the 10th century, is set high in the mountains and feels like a peaceful retreat. The colourful frescoes and detailed wood carvings are truly impressive and worth the journey. Visiting the Rila Monastery is one of the best things to do in Bulgaria if you want to combine history, culture, and nature.
The Seven Rila Lakes – hiking in the mountains
Close to the monastery are the Seven Rila Lakes, another highlight of our trip. It takes about an hour and a half to drive from Sofia, and then a chairlift (18 BGN) brings you up the mountain. From there, a beautiful hike of around nine kilometres takes you past seven glacial lakes, each with its own unique shape and character. The scenery is breathtaking, but the weather can change quickly, so bring a warm jacket or rain gear just in case. For anyone who enjoys hiking and stunning views, this is one of the most memorable things to do in Bulgaria.
Plovdiv – one of Europe’s oldest cities
From the mountains we travelled to Plovdiv, a city with over 8000 years of history. Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, and it feels like walking through different eras all at once. In the old town, cobblestone streets wind past colourful houses, Roman ruins, and Ottoman mosques. The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world and is still used for performances today. You can also see the remains of a Roman stadium, 19th-century churches, and beautiful Ottoman architecture. Exploring Plovdiv is like walking through an open-air museum, and it quickly became one of my favourite places to visit in Bulgaria.
Koprivshtitsa – a traditional Bulgarian village
About an hour and a half from Plovdiv lies the village of Koprivshtitsa, a place that feels frozen in time. This picturesque mountain village is filled with colourful historic houses and cobbled streets. It almost feels like an open-air museum, but with real life continuing all around. If you want to see traditional Bulgarian architecture and experience village life, Koprivshtitsa is a must.
Kazanlak – a glimpse into ancient history
Not far from Koprivshtitsa lies Kazanlak, home to a famous Thracian tomb from the 4th century BC. Inside, you can see frescoes and wall paintings that give a glimpse into the life and beliefs of this ancient civilisation. Honestly, we found the visit a little underwhelming – it only takes a minute to walk through, and the entrance fee is 8 BGN – but if you are passionate about history, it might still be worth a stop.
Nessebar and Sunny Beach – culture and nightlife by the sea
After exploring inland Bulgaria, we headed to the coast. Nessebar is a UNESCO World Heritage site, located on a rocky peninsula in the Black Sea. The town is more than 3000 years old and filled with narrow streets, churches, and ruins. Walking here feels like stepping back in time, and it’s one of the cultural highlights of the Bulgarian coast.
A short drive away is Sunny Beach, which couldn’t be more different. Known for its nightlife, beach bars, and clubs, Sunny Beach attracts many young travellers looking to party. It is more expensive than other parts of the country, but if you want to combine sightseeing with a night out, it’s a fun stop.
Vidin – fortresses along the Danube
In the northwest of Bulgaria, along the Danube River, lies the city of Vidin. This lesser-known destination surprised us with its rich history. The main attraction here is Baba Vida, a medieval fortress built on Roman foundations. Exploring the castle gives you a sense of how the region defended itself over centuries. Vidin also has another old fort and makes a great short stop if you are in the area.
Things to do in Bulgaria: My experience
Looking back on our roadtrip, I can honestly say that Bulgaria surprised me in the best way. We didn’t have high expectations before arriving, but the country impressed us with its mix of history, nature, and warm hospitality. From lively cities like Sofia and Plovdiv to peaceful mountain landscapes and cultural treasures like the Rila Monastery, there were so many things to do in Bulgaria that kept us busy every single day.
What made the trip even better is that Bulgaria is much more affordable than many other European countries, making it a great option for travellers on a budget. Whether you are into culture, hiking, beaches, or traditional villages, Bulgaria offers it all without the crowds you might find elsewhere in Europe. For me, it’s definitely a destination I would recommend to anyone looking to explore something different and authentic.