Places you can’t afford to miss while on a trip to Bulgaria

Bulgaria lies hidden in the southern eastern part of the continent and is one of the most underestimated gems of the continent. This eclectic nation, with everything in a single country, is located in the centre of the Balkans, with the ancient history, snow-capped mountains, golden beaches, and the life of big cities at the fraction of the price that Western Europe can offer.

Simple streets that are tiled to the majestic mountain Rila, Bulgaria is a tourist paradise that must be explored. No matter if I am a lover of history or a lover of nature or I am a lover of exploring the city, Bulgaria has a combination of charm, culture and authenticity that very few places can ever compete with.

Therefore, a trip to Bulgaria soon cannot be made without a list of the places to visit that you cannot afford to miss out on.

1. Sofia – The Dynamic Capital

Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria and is a perfect mix of ancient history and modernity. It is a home to Roman ruins under smooth shopping malls, ancient Orthodox churches and fashionable cafes and museums.

The most beautiful places to begin with are the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest and most magnificent Orthodox cathedrals in the world, its golden domes shining in the sun. Stroll down Vitosha Boulevard, the central shopping and dining avenue of the city, which is vibrant at any time of the day or night.

To nature lovers, the Vitosha Mountain (a few minutes away in the city center) is also a good place to hike and ski in winter and view the city of Sofia in stunning panoramic views. It is hard to imagine a European capital where you will experience the metropolis and mountain calm in one day.

2. Plovdiv – Europe’s Oldest Living City

Plovdiv is known as the oldest inhabited city in Europe and it is more than 6,000 years old. Nowadays, it is a cultural hot-spot whereby history collides with innovation.

The Old Town is such a pleasant area to have a stroll around, its pavements are laden with multi-coloured 19th century Revival buildings, art galleries, and quaint courtyards. The Roman Amphitheatre which is currently utilized in concerts and events provides a breathtaking view of the ancient history of the city.

This is a Triple Galleria quarter which is the artistic part of Plovdiv filled with street art, boutique stores, and intimate bars. Plovdiv is a story in every single corner and its relaxed atmosphere is what makes it a fascinating cultural destination in Europe.

3. Rila Monastery – A Spiritual Marvel

The visit to the Rila Monastery is also incomplete as it is the most important spiritual and cultural monument in Bulgaria. Located in the depths of the Rila Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage location was established in the 10th century and is still regarded as a representation of Bulgarian identity and belief.

The architecture of the monastery is fascinating. One can see the arches, bright frescoes and painted ceilings which portray the pictures of the Bible and the Bulgarian folklores. It is enclosed by pine forests and mountain ridges that create the air of tranquility and thoughtfulness.

The beauty and tranquility of the Rila Monastery, regardless of whether you believe it or not, can be considered in the list of the most evoking moments in Bulgaria.

4. Veliko Tarnovo – The City of the Tsars

Veliko Tarnovo is one of the most picturesque towns in Bulgaria, which is perched dramatically above the winding Yantra River. This city is full of history and romance as it was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the medieval times.

The Tsarevets Fortress is the most interesting landmark; a 13th-century fortress that has the best topography. The fortress is lit up with a spectacular sound and light show as the sun sets and tells the royal history of Bulgaria.

Take a walk along Samovodska Charshiya which is a lovely street with artisan workshops, antique shops and old-fashioned cafes. Veliko Tarnovo is a mix of the enchantment of medieval Europe and the hospitality of Bulgaria, a wonderful destination among the travellers.

5. The Seven Rila Lakes – A Natural Wonder 

The Seven Rila Lakes are a tourist destination pitfall to people who like the outdoors and adventure. All the seven glacial lakes lie in the Rila Mountains, and each one is named and shaped in a different way, such as the eye, the tear, the kidney.

The mountain ascent to the lakes provides some of the most spectacular alpine landscapes in Bulgaria clear waters which reflect the sky and are bordered with steep mountains and calm meadows. The lakes are a source of pure tranquility and beauty whether in summer or seeing them frozen in winter.

6. Bansko – A Year Round Alpine Escape

Bansko is the leading mountain resort in Bulgaria that enjoys the skiing resorts during winter seasons and hiking resorts during summer seasons. It is a picturesque alpine town located at the base of Pirin Mountains and has evolved to be a year-round resort to outdoor activities.

During the winter, it receives skiers throughout Europe due to its well-kept piste and lively apres-ski. In summer Pirin national park which is a UNESCO site is a haven to hikers and mountain bikers. The central town, its stone houses, and classic taverns (mehanas) are a cozy experience of the local culture and food.

7. Nessebar – The Pearl of the Black Sea

Nessebar, which is located on the coast of the Black Sea, is also known as the Pearl of the Black Sea and with reason. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has a history dating back to more than 3,000 years ago.

Explore its small cobblestone streets, with medieval churches, old wooden houses and boutique shops. The town is very well integrated with both the ancient past and the coastal beauty, and hence can be considered ideal both in terms of cultural tourism and leisure at the beach.

Nessebar is virtually a magic place at sunset when the golden light sparkles over the water and the church domes, it is an age old recollection of the strong affinity of Bulgaria to history and nature.

Final Thoughts

Bulgaria is not merely a tourist attraction, but it is a land of secrets, friendly folks and spectacular diversity. Bulgaria has welcomed its visitors with historic monasteries and medieval towns; mountain retreats and beach resorts to the best secret of Europe.

The next time you are thinking of your European vacation, you do not want to follow the typical travel route; you have to visit the beauty of Bulgaria.