Places to Visit

We have laid out several suggestions for you but we also strongly encourage you to do your research and see what fits your route and interests.

Starting with the cities/towns:

1. Sofia - the capital city with a lot of history, free tours and the mountain Vitosha right next to it

2. Plovdiv - the second biggest town in Bulgaria with examples of traditional architecture in its old town, an ancient theater and a creative district Kapana (translated as "the trap")

3. Veliko Tarnovo - is one of the oldest cities in the country, its third capital (in medieval times), and the symbol of independence and Bulgarian statehood

4. Burgas - One of Bulgaria's most vibrant coastal cities, known for landmarks like the Sea Garden, the Clock, and Boris's Garden

5. National Park Rila - a variety of hiking routes, the famous 7 Rila lakes, the Rila monastery and more...

6. Rhodopi mountain region - here you can find various hiking routes, several caves - Yagodina cave, The Devil's Throat cave, The Wonderful Bridges and more. The meanders of the Arda River wind through some of the most picturesque and beautiful landscapes in Bulgaria.

If you have the time, make sure to visit hotel Mursal

7. Etara - open-air ethnographic village where traditional crafts from Bulgaria are kept in their authentic form

8. Shipka and Buzludzha monuments - both offer a spectacular view and have historical significance. Shipka is where the fight for liberation from the Ottoman empire took place and the Buzludzha monument captures the Communist spirit that was the Bulgarian Reality for 50 years.

9. Zaara Estate Winery & Hotel - perfect for wine lovers. Website here

10. Nessebar - two large beaches in the "New" Nessebar, an Nessebar old town with lovely streets, old architechture and ancient ruins.

11. Sozopol - an ancient seaside town located 35 km south of Burgas on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

Banitsa - our signature move! Pastry with Bulgarian cheese. Rule of thumb - the greasier, the better!

Boza

Boza is a must-try Bulgarian classic - a thick, fermented cereal drink usually made from wheat, maize, or millet, with a low alcohol content (around 1% or less) that makes it perfect for breakfast alongside pastries like banitsa; it has a creamy, almost porridge-like texture and a distinctive sweet-tangy, slightly acidic flavor that many locals love (and many foreigners need a moment to get used to), and it’s almost always enjoyed in bakeries paired with savory treats.

Shopska Salata - a salad with tomato, cucumber, onion, white cheese, and sometimes extras like peppers and spices. A great way to boost the vitamin intake in the Bulgarian flag colors!

Tarator - a cold soup made of yogurt, water, salt and cucumber. Dill and walnuts could be added. It can bring back to life the dead brain cells from the alcohol intake the previous night. There is a solid form of this, called Snejanka (Snowwhite) salad.

Rakia – Bulgaria’s Most Popular Traditional Alcoholic Drink

Made by fermenting large quantities of smashed fruits-most commonly grapes and plums- with water and sugar, then distilling the mixture into a strong spirit that’s usually around 40% alcohol in stores but often climbs to 50–60% (or higher) in homemade versions, which locals proudly compete over for both strength and taste.

Rakia is best enjoyed not as a quick shot but slowly, with dinner and traditional foods like shopska salad, cheese, and meats, ideally with some water on the side - so you can raise a glass, say “Na zdrave!” (“To your health!”), and still remember the night.

Lutenitsa is a beloved Bulgarian savoury spread made primarily from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant, resulting in a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy relish. It is commonly spread on bread, served with grilled meats (kyufte), or used on sandwiches. It is often prepared in large batches during autumn to enjoy throughout the winter.