Things to do in Bulgaria
Where to go in Bulgaria, when to visit, and what a trip costs.
Places to visit in Bulgaria
- Things to do in Sofia city, culture
Best time to visit Bulgaria
When flights to each destination are cheapest.
- Sofia
- The cheapest months to fly to Sofia are November through February (excluding Christmas/New Year), when round-trip fares from major US hubs can drop to $500-$650 compared to $750-$950 in summer peak, roughly 25-35% savings. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) typically saves an additional $50-$100 versus weekend flights.
Is Bulgaria expensive?
A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.
- Sofia
- About $27 a day on a shoestring, about $170 comfortably.
Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.
Free things to do in Bulgaria
- Free Sofia Tour Excellent tip-based walking tour covering 5,000 years of history in two hours with passionate local guides
- National Archaeological Museum Housed in a converted Ottoman mosque with an incredible Thracian gold collection
- South Park (Южен Парк) Sprawling local favorite for strolling, people-watching, and free outdoor fitness equipment
- Banya Bashi Mosque & Mineral Springs Watch locals fill bottles from the city's famous hot mineral springs next to a 16th-century Ottoman mosque
- NDK (National Palace of Culture) Gardens Fountains, open-air concerts in summer, and Communist-era architecture that makes for great photos
Cheap eats in Bulgaria
- Happy Bar & Grill, Shopska salad and grilled pork kebapche Plates $4-8
- Divaka, Traditional banitsa (cheese pastry) and tarator (cold yogurt soup) Plates $3-7
- Hadjidraganov's Cellars (Хаджидраганови Изби), Bob chorba (bean soup) and grilled lamb ribs with house wine Plates $5-10