Welcome To The Paradise Of Beaches, Mountains & History!
Calling all history buffs and beach bummers! Bulgaria is your one-stop shop for UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient ruins, stunning mountains, and epic Black Sea coastline – all without breaking the bank! This Balkan beauty is like Europe’s discount bin but with all the good stuff: delicious food, friendly people, and adventures galore!
Ready to ditch the overpriced tourist traps? Buckle up because I’m about to reveal 7 Bulgarian gems to make your wallet and Instagram happy. Get ready for insider tips on where to stay, what to see, and how to score the best deals! Let’s go!
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Language & Currency In Bulgaria
Language: Bulgarian is the official language and the predominant language used in government, education, media, and daily life throughout the country. Generally, younger Bulgarians speak English, especially those living in urban areas and those in the tourism, business, and technology sectors.
Currency: Bulgaria’s currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). One Lev is subdivided into 100 stotinki. It has been the official currency of Bulgaria since 1999, replacing the previous currency, the Bulgarian Lev (BGL).
Sofia: Bulgaria’s Beating Heart (& Biggest City)
Sofia is the largest city and the capital of Bulgaria. It is an increasingly popular destination for travellers seeking old-world charm and modern vibes. You’ll witness a bustling, vibrant city with a mix of ancient history, modern attractions, and a lively cultural scene.
In Sofia, you’ll be greeted by Roman ruins alongside gorgeous Orthodox Cathedrals with a handful of theatres, museums and galleries. Sofia is also not shy of party life, so check out the buzzing nightlife scene to boogie the night away!
One of my favourite attractions – Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia
The Perfect Place To Stay In Sofia
City Centre. The city centre is the heart of Sofia and a popular place to stay due to the proximity to many attractions and easy access to amenities. You’ll find many hotels, hostels, and apartments in the city centre, making it a convenient base for exploring landmarks like Alexsandra Nevsky Cathedral.
Vitosha Mountains. If you prefer a more tranquil and picturesque setting, you can consider accomodation in the foothills of the Vitosha Mountains, which is just a short drive from Sofia city centre. This area offers beautiful views and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. This area has hotels, lodges, and chalets, making it ideal for nature lovers.
Oborishte. The Oborishte area is great if you are searching for an upscale place to stay. It’s known for its tree-lined streets and historic buildings and offers a laid-back atmosphere with a selection of boutique and luxury hotels.
Borisova Gradina. This location offers a tranquil and quieter setting close to the city centre. It offers nice greenery and a slower-paced vibe. You’ll find hotels, apartments, Airbnbs, and hostels here.
My Hotel Picks:
Sofia’s Must-See: History, Hotspots, & Hidden Gems!
Plovdiv: Bulgaria’s Ancient Badass (& Second City)
Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second-largest city and an exciting destination known for its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Since being named the European Capital of Culture in 2019, Plovdiv has increased in popularity.
Additionally, Plovdiv hosts festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events annually, attracting visitors worldwide. It’s one of the visitors’ favourite cities, so consider exploring Plovdiv if you’re considering Bulgaria as your next destination.
Plovdiv Roman amphitheatre -ancient Roman Theatre Ruins in Plovdiv
Plovdiv Neighbour Gems For Your Stay
Old Town. One of the best locations to stay in Plovdiv is the Old Town. It is surrounded by historic charm, beautifully preserved architecture, cobbled streets, rich culture, and various restaurants, cafes and shops. You’ll find a range of boutique hotels, guesthouses, and apartments in the Old Town.
City Center. The city centre is a great place to stay. It offers a buzzing atmosphere and is conveniently located near attractions and amenities. It’s the heart of the action alongside the Old Town and a popular location. Cute hotel stays and holiday rentals are available here.
Kapana District. Also known as the Creative District, the Kapana District is a trendy and artistic neighbourhood with narrow streets filled with art galleries, design shops, and hip bars. This location provides great accommodations, including boutique lodgings and guesthouses, to cater to all travellers’ needs.
Maritsa Riverfront. This area provides a peaceful and scenic environment along the river. It offers beautiful views, walking paths, and green spaces with a relaxed vibe while close to the city centre. Hotels and vacation rentals with picturesque views are nearby.
My Hotel Picks:
Plovdiv: Explore, Eat, Repeat!
Sunny Beach: Bulgaria’s Beach Paradise
Sunny Beach is a popular tourist destination on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast. It is the country’s largest and most famous resort, known for its beautiful sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and wide entertainment options. Sunny Bar is one of the top locations to explore, with plenty to see and do.
The beach stretches about 8 kilometres and offers crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Numerous beach bars, restaurants, and water sports facilities along the shoreline provide visitors with plenty of opportunities for relaxation, good vibes, and good fun.
Picturesque St Sophia Church in Nessebar, Sunny Beach area
Sun, Sand & Perfect Stays In Sunny Beach
Central. Central is the heart of Sunny Beach, where all the main hotels are located. It offers easy access to the beach, restaurants, bars, shops, and vibrant nightlife. This is perfect if you want to get involved in all the activities and buzzing atmosphere.
North Sunny Beach. If you’re searching for a more relaxed and quieter location, away from all the noise, whilst still being centrally located, North Sunny Beach is a great choice. You’ll find cute boutique accomodation and hotels in this location.
Nessebar. If you prefer a more historical and cultural setting, consider staying in Nessebar. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a charming, picturesque town with cobble streets, ancient ruins, and a well-preserved Old Town. It is perfect for those looking to soak up the culture while being close to amenities and attractions in Sunny Beach. You’ll find a range of all-inclusive resorts here.
My Hotel Picks:
Sunsets, Sunsets, & More Sunsets In Sunny Beach
Burgas: Bulgaria’s Coastal Gem
Burgas is a city on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. It’s a significant cultural, economic, and tourist hub. The city centre is vibrant with various commercial and cultural activities, including shopping centres, museums, theatres, and an opera house. It is a good choice for scenic views and retail therapy.
It’s also a good transportation hub and has an international airport, making it an easy location to get to. Although it is not the largest city in Bulgaria, it is still quite popular among visitors.
Fortifications at the entrance of the Ancient City in Burgas
More Guides
Burgas Stays For Every Explorer
City Centre. The bustling city centre area offers a vibrant atmosphere. It has easy access to many amenities and cultural attractions. Here, you’ll be within walking distance of popular landmarks. This is the most active part of Burgas and a popular place to stay. You’ll find many hotels and apartments to choose from.
Sea Garden. For tranquillity, check out the Sea Garden. This area allows you to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and proximity to the beach, with various hotels and accommodation options.
Savofovo. This location also provides a similar atmosphere to the Sea Garden area in terms of its laid-back vibes and proximity to the beach, which boasts hotels, guesthouses and apartments.
Burgas Bay. If you seek this experience, check out the Burgas Bay area, which provides more sea views and spa vibes. This area has a prestigious atmosphere and luxury and boutique sea-view accommodations.
My Hotel Picks:
Burgas: Beach Bliss & Beyond
Exploring Varna’s Many Layers
Varna is a beautiful coastal city in Bulgaria. Situated on the Black Sea Coast, it is mainly known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. It is the third largest city by population in Bulgaria. It is popular among tourists, offering a diverse range of appealing experiences and attractions, making it a sought-after destination on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast.
The Cathedral of the Assumption in Varna
Where To Rest Your Head In Varna
Varna City Centre. The most popular area for accommodation is Varna city centre. It is located near the main attractions and amenities and is perfect if you’re searching to be surrounded by a vibrant location. You’ll find a mixture of hotels, BNBs and apartments.
Golden Sands. Known for its good vibes, Golden Sands is a popular resort area just outside Varna. Its sandy beaches and entertainment options make it perfect for a beach-focused vacation with plenty of amenities. There are gorgeous sandy resorts available here.
Asparuhovo. Another quiet location is Asparuhovo, situated in the southern part of Varna. It offers a laid-back vibe, scenic coastlines, and opportunities for swimming—the ultimate relaxation getaway. You’ll find a range of great accommodation choices in both locations.
My Hotel Picks:
Varna Bike & Hike Adventures
Sozopol: Bulgaria’s Fairytale Town
Sozopol is a small populated city of 5,000 residents in a charming coastal town on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It is known for its picturesque old town and beautiful beaches and is the perfect destination for tourists seeking a mix of history, culture and relaxation. The town comes alive in summer with bustling streets, lively beach bars, and vibrant cultural events.
Traditional buildings in the old town of Sozopol
Finding Your Sozopol Sanctuary
Old Town. The most popular location to stay in Sozopol is Old Town. It’s filled with rich history, a charming atmosphere, and is close to ancient ruins. It boasts traditional houses and a picturesque coastline with many hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and amenities.
New Town. The New Town is a popular alternative location in Sozopol. This lively spot has many restaurants, bars, and shops compared to the Old Town. Staying in the New Town provides easy access to beaches, a marina, and a variety of entertainment, with options for great accommodations.
Harmani Beach and Budzhaka Beach. For a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, check out Harmani Beach or Budzhaka Beach. Both beaches offer crystal-clear waters and rocky shores with amenities, beach bars and water sports activities. You’ll find lovely guesthouses, hotels and apartments with scenic beachfront scenery.
My Hotel Picks:
Get Lost In Sozopol
Bansko: Bulgaria’s Winter Wonderland
Bansko is mainly known for its world-class ski resorts in the Pirin Mountains. With excellent snow conditions, modern facilities, and various slopes catering to all skill levels, Bansko attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all around the globe.
Aside from the ski side, Bansko also boasts traditional architecture, a rich cultural heritage, and access to the beautiful Rila National Park, making it a popular year-round destination.
Panorama background of Pirin mountain peaks, Krinets lake water
Your Perfect Bansko Stay
Ski Resort Area. This area is the best location to stay in Bansko if you want to ski or snowboard, as it provides easy access to the slopes. Numerous luxury hotels, chalets, and apartments are located by the gondola lift, so you can hit the slopes in no time.
Old Town. Craving a more chilled vibe? The Old Town is your haven. Cobblestone streets, traditional Bulgarian houses, charming boutique hotels and guesthouses create a tranquil atmosphere. Perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. Plus, you’ll be close to the main attractions.
Bansko City Center. Want to be in the thick of things? Banksko’s city centre is your jam! This area buzzes with hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s super convenient, offering easy access to the Old Town, the ski resort, and all the necessary amenities. So, whether you’re a ski fanatic, a history buff, or just looking for a fun place to stay, Bankso has the perfect crash pad!
My Hotel Picks:
The Slopes & More In Bansko
That’s A Wrap!
In conclusion, Bulgaria is a beautiful country with many great locations to explore. With a diverse cuisine, welcoming locals, and a wide array of activities and attractions, Bulgaria provides an enriching experience that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who ventures into this remarkable Eastern European gem.
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