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Things to do in Bulgaria
Must-see Bulgaria sights
Bulgaria, despite being a relatively compact country, offers a wide range of attractions, making it an ideal holiday destination. There are mountain ranges to ski down, sublime beaches to relax on and traditional villages to explore the best of Bulgarian culture in.
Most tourists arrive by plane into Sofia, the country’s capital, although Varna and Burgas are popular alternatives if heading for the coast. Bulgaria is bordered by five countries, making rail travel another appealing option. And getting around Bulgaria itself is very convenient, whether you want to make the most of the inexpensive public transport or explore the web of ever-expanding cycle networks by bike.
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1. Hit the slopes in Bansko
The small town of Bansko, in southwest Bulgaria, is one of the best places in Bulgaria for ski holidays. At the foothills of the Pirin mountains is a thriving ski resort, which has all the accommodation, ski-equipment rental stores and après ski bars you could hope for. After a day hitting the slopes, you might want to wind down in the old town, where there’s a slower pace of life but takes you to the heart of the local community. Either way, Bansko is an inexpensive place to ski with a range of slopes better suited for beginners and intermediate levels.
Best for: Beginners and amateur skiers.
Nearby: Go hiking in the Rhodope, Pirin and Rila mountains, all within 5km of one another.
2. Plod through Plovdiv’s Old Quarter
If you’re wondering what to do in Bulgaria that mixes Balkan culture with appealing architecture and a laidback pace, head to Plovdiv. Situated in southeastern Bulgaria, the city has a fascinating history and was the 2020 European Capital of Culture. The pleasant old quarter is lined with blackened Byzantine-era fortress walls, and filled with timber-framed National Revival houses and alafrange-painted false columns. Amongst the sights to see here are the City Gallery of Fine Arts, the Icons Gallery and the truly unmissable Roman amphitheatre. Plovdiv is also the home of aylyak, an untranslatable English word that means adopting a relaxed approach to life – join in with the locals who stroll up and down the main shopping street in the city centre.
Best for: Culture vultures.
Don’t miss: Try to catch a music, opera or drama performance at the amphitheatre.
3. Swim in the Black Sea Coast
If you’d rather make the most of sun and sand than explore the inland cities, head to the main coastal city of Varna. While it’s usually packed with tourists, it's a decent base to get to other, quieter spots, like Kamen Bryag or Sinemorets. That said, Varna is popular for good reason. Its main beach is dominated by open-air bars and clubs, while slightly further north, the beaches at the busy resorts of Golden Sands and Albena are much wider. Nessebar is another popular option, with a handful of small beaches and a shuttle bus running to the infamous party town of Sunny Beach. It also has a number of well-preserved Byzantine churches, if you fancy adding a slice of sightseeing to your day.
Best for: Soaking up the sun.
Don’t miss: Beyond Albena, the villages of Krapets and Durankulak have some beautiful and undeveloped sandy beaches.
4. Check out Rila Monastery
With a colourfully striped exterior, Rila Monastery is a sight to behold as much on the outside as it is inside. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its architecture – high fortress walls, graceful arches, wooden balconies – and is all the more celebrated for its isolated mountainous setting. Take in the richly coloured frescoes beneath the church porch, which cover most of the interior. Cauldrons, once used to prepare food for pilgrims, occupy the kitchen in the north wing, while upstairs are panelled guest rooms and a spartan refectory. Beneath the east wing is the treasury, which amongst other items holds an intricately carved wooden cross which dates back to the late 18th century.
Best for: Sofia day trips.
Don’t miss: Next to the church is Hrelyo’s Tower, the single remaining building from the 14th century.
5. Marvel at Sofia’s Aleksander Nevski Cathedral
A visit to the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral is one of the best things to do in Bulgaria. With its white facade bulging with curved porticoes, green semi-domes and glittering with gold leaf, this Bulgarian Orthodox church is one of the grandest pieces of architecture in the Balkans. Inside, it’s a bit of a gloomier affair, with scenes of Christ’s life adorning the walls, but the crypt houses an excellent collection of icons from all over the country.
Best for: Stunning architecture.
Don’t miss: Nearby is the gold-domed and mosaic-tiled Russian Church, another unmissable sight.
6. Dine like Bavarian royalty
The main difference between a restorant (restaurant) and a mehana (tavern) is that a mehana is more likely to have folksy decor and a larger focus on Bulgarian dishes. Trying traditional dishes is one of the tastiest things to do in Bulgaria: one of the most popular is gyuvech, a rich stew with peppers, aubergines, and beans and meat, while Kavama is a spicy meat stew cooked in a similar way. Vegetarians can opt for kashkaval pane (cheese fried in breadcrumbs), chushki burek (baked peppers stuffed with egg and rice) and there’s always loads of colourful salads. It’s not all about the food, though.
The quality of Bulgarian wines is constantly on the up: opt for a heavy red Melnik or a decent dry white like a Dimyat. Bulgarian beer is good enough but nothing outstanding, while you won’t forget their native spirits in a rush – their potent mastika is diluted with water.
Make sure you complete your Bulgarian experience by dining well!
Best for: Discovering Balkan food tastes.
Don’t miss: Dedo Pene, in Bansko, serves a range of traditional dishes set amongst folksy decorations.
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