Top Things to Do in Bulgaria | Best Places for Tourists

Bulgaria is an underrated and hidden gem of Southeast Europe offering diverse historic sites as well as natural wonders. The country will give you a memorable travel experience. This is an ideal destination for a nature lover, adventure seeker, and history or culture enthusiast.

In this article, you will see Bulgaria activities to do in its popular tourist sites. From hiking the mountains to exploring ancient structures, and walking through the modern city paths, know the must see in Bulgaria that make this a travel-worthy European country.

With our SimCorner eSIM and travel SIM cards, you will be connected throughout the trip. From looking for mountain routes, to translating languages, and sharing photos online, our eSIM will ensure your trip is smooth from the moment you land here. Look at our guideline for more details. Read on to this Bulgaria travel guide.

1. Rila Monastery

In southwestern Bulgaria, you will find the Rila mountain. This monastery is located there, surrounded by some forested valleys. This is why the place will give some mental peace. It is an UNESCO-recognized site, and so holds the status of one of the country’s cultural and spiritual landmarks. Through its unique architecture with striped arches, you will get to see the tradition and heritage of Bulgaria, and this is one of the must see in Bulgaria when you are wondering about things to do in Bulgaria.

What to do here?

• Explore the whole area which was founded in the 10th century, and learn about its Orthodox tradition under Ottoman rule.

• Inside the Monastery Complex, you can hike to the 5-story Hrelyo Tower to get a panoramic view of the surroundings. If you are in the mood for more hikings, then walk through the whole forest area.

• You can also visit different museums, art galleries or Orthodox wall paintings, and bakeries inside here to get the taste of authentic local culture, history, and cuisine.

• Try to reach here early to avoid crowds. Have enough time in your hand to explore the whole thing. So keep necessary items like sunscreen, waterbottles, and abide by the rules here like dress modestly and no photos inside the church.

May to October is the best time for visiting here when the weather is also at its best. There will also be wild flowers and beautiful greeneries around. The UNESCO in its official site described this place as, “Rila Monastery … symbolizes the awareness of a Slavic cultural identity following centuries of occupation.”

2. Rila National Park

Located in the same region as before, this park is perfect for adventurers and hikers. There are several mountain areas and valleys which will make your hiking journey memorable. The park also offers beautiful photogenic natural landscapes like waterfalls, and lakes for nature lovers.

This park is mainly the country’s largest untouched natural area which has a rich biodiversity and ecosystem. It is among viral Bulgaria tourist attractions for its glacial lakes and high alpine landscapes. You can also experience bird-watching and exotic animals here. The park is good for year-round things to do in Bulgaria, but mainly during June to September when the weather is stable.

Expectations:

• The unpredictable weather of Rila might irritate you. So be prepared with both rainy and winter clothes and other gears.

• You will need some high level stamina and fitness for hiking as some will be a bit challenging.

• You can explore the area by riding cable cars. This is a fun activity to do with loved ones.

3. Plovdiv

It is one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, located in south-central Bulgaria. It is spread across seven hills, which is why it is called “The City of the Seven Hills”. This city still holds Roman ruins. So visiting this city will give a texture of combo of ancient historicity and vibrant modern urban life and culture if you are thinking of what things to do in Bulgaria.

You will mainly walk around here on the cobbled streets to enjoy the local cuisine, and different cultural activities like live music performances, local museums and theaters, cafes etc. But you can also hike to the Nebet Tepe, and get the sunrise or sunset views. As you will be walking a lot, bring suitable shoes and have water bottles with you.

This city will just give you a relaxed vibe of both ancient and modern times. It is enjoyable because of its colourful culture, and nightlife. This is why it is among top spots in Bulgaria.

Archaeologist Prof. Steven Ellis described this city as, “Plovdiv is a palimpsest of civilizations—each layer written over the last, yet never erased.”

4. Sofia

It is the capital, the heart of Bulgaria. This is also regarded as one of Europe’s most budget-friendly capitals. The city is one of the popular Bulgaria tourism places for having different architecture from Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet-era. You will be surrounded by nature, yet you will feel modern.

You can go hiking at the Vitosha Mountain for some scenic natural views of the city and its nature. Otherwise you will basically explore different museums, old ruins, churches and cathedrals. History can be found in almost all the corners of the city. You can visit the Boyana Church, which is a UNESCO recognized church. This is one of the key things to do in Bulgaria.

Usually April to June & September and October have the best weather in the city. That is why it is the peak time for tourists to come to Bulgaria.

5. BLACK SEA COAST

Located at Bulgaria's east, this coast offers some clear and warm water bodies to just chill during the summer heat or for mental relaxation. That is why the place’s name comes when people search for famous “Bulgaria tourist attractions” or “Bulgaria what to see”.

What to do here?

• Are you a party lover? Then you can go visit two less populated towns of the coastal areas, Sozopol & Nessebar. There you can get to experience local festivals, music, and food. You will also see Nessebar Old Town which is a UNESCO site.

• As it is a beach area, you can do sailing or kayaking on the calm waves of the waters. But of course, visiting this place is one of the top things to do in Bulgaria, as this place is mainly for relaxing sitting by the shore.

Visit the place between June and September, and enjoy the warm yet lovely summer.

6. VARNA

This place is situated on the north side of the black shore. It is typically known as the “Sea Capital” due to its big sea garden, beaches and ancient Roman baths. For the sea or water lovers, this place is among one of the Bulgaria bucket list destinations.

You will also find some ancient archeological things here like museums and cathedral. This spot is favoured among the visitors who want quiet and seaview services. So for peace and historical knowledge, visiting this city is one of the things to do in Bulgaria.

7. Belogradchik Rocks

The rocks are found near the Belogradchik town, which is around 180 km away from Sofia. You will find some stunning looking sandstones and conglomerate rock forms that have been standing there for over 200 million years. Geologists love to visit and study these rocks and that is why this is among top Bulgaria tourist spots.

Hike lovers, you can have fun over here by climbing the top of a few rocks, and along the trails around the rock formations. Up the rocks, you will get some beautiful photographs for yourself, as well as great viewpoints to capture the beauty of the surroundings in your eyes. So if you are thinking of things to do in Bulgaria, just come here.

The area is recognized as one of Bulgaria’s most iconic natural landmarks, and so many people visit here for picnics or just to relax. You can come here anytime year-around.

8. KOPRIVSHTITSA

Located in Central Bulgaria, this colourful and small but quite important town is one of the things to do in Bulgaria. The town has 19th-century houses and is famous as a perfectly preserved Bulgarian Revival town. According to Bulgarian ethnographer Stoyan Shishkov, “Koprivshtitsa is Bulgaria’s memory in wood and stone.”

Just walk around the town to explore and learn about Bulgaria’s history; how the traditional lifestyle was in the past. The streets are made of colourful cobblestones. So the whole town gives a vibrant vibe which uplifts anyone’s moods. Take some cool photos around here. Do not forget to visit shops to buy crafts as souvenirs or foods for tasting.

Usually it is a quiet, less crowded area, but during festivals, this becomes another viral tourist attraction of Bulgaria. So you can keep this town too in your Bulgaria travel guide.

9. RHODOPE MOUNTAIN

This mountain area is situated in Southern Bulgaria, up to Greece. This place is mainly famous for its greenery, villages, and caves. Many local myths and Mythical landscapes are here. That is why curious travellers often visit this place to reveal the truths. Before coming here, be prepared with some knowledge of the stories.

It is a peaceful town where you can enjoy different caves and other mystical landscapes along with traditional foods and folk music. You can do little hikings in some of the areas too. So if you are thinking of what to do in Bulgaria, then visiting this place can be one of the interesting things to do in Bulgaria for seeing some mysterious things.

10. PIRIN NATIONAL PARK

This park is a UNESCO-site, located at Southwestern side. This is famous among Bulgaria's best places due to its dramatic alpine peaks & crystal white lakes, and Bulgaria’s second-highest peak Vihren is found here. So the hikers can climb in that Vihren peak for enjoying both nature and for releasing some adrenalin rush. This is one of the coolest things to do in Bulgaria.

Remember that, there will be weather changes at the High-altitude. So have proper stamina and adaptability capacity. Bring solid boots to trek through rocky trails. Do not forget cameras to capture the breathtaking scenario all around.

You can also enjoy skiing and snowboarding in this park during the winter time. At the foot of Pirin Mountains, you will see BANSKO. This is one of the best spots to visit and the best activities to do in Bulgaria. December to March are the peak months to visit this area.

11. VELIKO TARNOVO

Located in Northern Bulgaria, this old town can be considered as the Medieval Bulgarian capital. You can enjoy both hills and river scenery in this one place. This place will give you old-time vibes. So if you want to get the experience of such a serene thing, visiting here will be one of the best things to do in Bulgaria.

Activities to do here:

• Tsarevets Fortress: it is an iconic landmark which will give you an idea about the history of Bulgaria during the medieval times. So for history enthusiasts, this is a must see in Bulgaria.

• Walking around the town, doing a little trekking at some hills to enjoy the full view of the town.

• You can do day trips around the village and waterfalls.

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Things to do in Bulgaria: FAQs

What are the best Bulgaria activities to do?

Bulgaria has diverse activities to do, from exploring historic cities and seaside beaches to hiking Rila Monastery's trails surrounded by stunning mountain views. Thrill-seekers can go snowboarding, and cultural explorers can go to Plovdiv's ancient Roman theaters. You can also relax in Black Sea resorts or in quiet Thracian valleys. All these are a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and heritage across top spots in Bulgaria for memorable escapes.

How many days are needed for Bulgaria tourist spots?

You will need around 14 days to explore Bulgaria tourist spots, balancing modern cities with rural beauty. You can start from Sofia, dedicate 3 to 4 days to Plovdiv's Roman ruins and Bachkovo Monastery, then a few days to Rila for hikes, and to relax on the Golden Sands beaches. This article covers all the popular Bulgaria tourism places so that you can do all the fun things to do in Bulgaria seamlessly. Divide your days of stay accordingly.

Best time for hiking trails and doing outdoor activities in top spots in Bulgaria?

The ideal timing for top spots in Bulgaria spans from May to October, avoiding heat of July and August. This is best for hikings. Spring (May and June) season blooms with wildflowers, while September and October offer mild weather for biking and Black Sea kayaking. Winter is for skiing, but summer peaks for beach activities. Check weather forecasts before planning for your year-around things to do in Bulgaria.

How to stay connected in Bulgaria bucket list destinations?

Our SimCorner's eSIM and physical SIMs ensure easy and smooth connectivity across all of Bulgaria bucket list destinations, from city centers to remote areas. Our high-speed data will provide trail paths, weather alerts, Bulgarian translations, and live shares without roaming fees. You can get instant activation. Read our guideline for more information.

Is it safe to travel to Bulgaria tourism places?

Bulgaria is considered generally safe for tourists, though petty crimes occur in Sofia metros and beach crowds. Try to avoid dark roads at night, use registered taxis, and secure valuables when visiting Bulgaria tourist attractions. Hikes with guides have low risks, and keep some bugs spray in forests. Political stability supports safe Bulgaria activities to do.

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