Bulgaria

Bulgaria packs Thracian tombs, Roman ruins, Orthodox monasteries and Black Sea beaches into a country the size of Tennessee. Its mountains are some of the least crowded in Europe. Food and wine are excellent and cheap.

Why it is on my list

Cliffside fortresses, light pouring into caves and almost no crowds. It feels like a part of Europe that most people skip, and that is the appeal.

Best time to go

• May to June: green countryside, mild weather and the Rose Festival.

• September to October: wine harvest and autumn color in the mountains.

• July to August: beach season on the Black Sea, with crowds on the coast.

• December to March: ski season in Bansko and Borovets.

Where to stay

• Sofia: the capital, with museums, cafes and the main airport.

• Plovdiv: an old town on seven hills, with Roman ruins and a creative scene.

• Veliko Tarnovo: a city draped over a river gorge below Tsarevets fortress.

• Bansko: a mountain town for skiing and hiking.

• Melnik: a tiny wine town in the southwest.

Getting there and around

• Airports: Sofia (SOF), plus Varna and Burgas on the coast.

• From the US: usually one stop in Europe or Istanbul.

• Internal: buses and trains link major cities. A rental car helps for caves, fortresses and villages.

• Roads: main roads are fine, rural roads can be rough.

• Schengen: Bulgaria is in Schengen, so the 90 day rule across the zone applies.

What to eat

• Banitsa: flaky cheese pastry, a breakfast classic.

• Shopska salad: tomato, cucumber and white cheese.

• Kavarma: slow cooked meat and vegetables in a clay pot.

• Tarator: a cold yogurt and cucumber soup.

• Kebapche: grilled minced meat sticks.

What to drink

• Rakia: fruit brandy, often with a salad starter.

• Mavrud and Melnik wines: native red grapes.

• Boza: a thick, slightly sweet fermented drink.

• Beer: Zagorka and Kamenitza.

• Mountain tea: herbal tea from the Rhodopes.

Don't miss

• Tsarevets Fortress: the medieval capital in Veliko Tarnovo.

• Rila Monastery: the most famous Orthodox monastery in the country.

• Belogradchik Rocks: red rock formations around a fortress.

• Devetashka Cave: a huge cave where light pours through openings in the roof.

• Plovdiv Old Town: and the Roman theater.

• Seven Rila Lakes: glacial lakes for a day hike.

• Magura Cave: cave paintings and enormous halls.

Day trips and side trips

• Rila Monastery: a day trip from Sofia.

• Boyana Church: a UNESCO site on Sofia's edge.

• Nesebar: an old Black Sea peninsula town.

• Buzludzha: the abandoned communist monument, viewed from outside.

Festivals and events

• Kukeri Surva: masked winter festival in Pernik, usually in late January.

• Rose Festival: in Kazanlak, usually in early June.

• Sofia Film Fest: usually in March.

• Plovdiv Jazz and live music events: across the summer.

Music and dance

• Bulgarian women's choirs: haunting polyphonic singing.

• Horo: circle folk dance.

• Gaida: the bagpipe of the Rhodopes.

Nightlife

Sofia and Plovdiv have lively bars and clubs, while the Black Sea coast is the party spot in summer. Prices are low and the crowd is mixed.

• When people go out: dinner around 8, bars from 10, clubs after midnight.

• Where the action is: Sofia's Shishman street, Plovdiv's Kapana, and the coast at Sunny Beach in summer.

• Good to know: the club scene can be loud and showy. Quiet wine bars are easy to find too.

Photography spots

• Tsarevets: the river gorge at sunrise.

• Belogradchik: rock formations in evening light.

• Devetashka Cave: sunbeams through the roof openings.

• Rila Monastery: striped arches and frescoes.

• Drones: allowed with rules. Stay away from airports, military sites and crowds. Check current rules.

Cost of living

• Overall: $$ versus New York, and low by European standards.

• Coffee: $2 to $3.

• Local lunch: $6 to $10.

• Dinner for two: $25 to $50.

• Beer: $2 to $4.

• Mid range hotel: $60 to $110 per night.

• Daily budget: $70 to $130.

Prices have risen since the euro, but it is still good value. Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.

Working remotely

• Wi-Fi: very fast across cities.

• Coworking: strong options in Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna.

• Time zone: 7 hours ahead of US Eastern.

• Longer stays: up to 90 days visa free. Longer stays need a visa or residence permit.

• Nomad rating: 4/5.

Good to know

• Language: Bulgarian, in Cyrillic. English is common among younger people.

• Currency: euro, since 2026.

• Plugs: types C and F, 230V.

• Entry for US citizens: visa free for up to 90 days. Check current rules.

• Getting around apps: Bolt and taxi apps in the cities.

• Tipping: 10 percent in restaurants.

• Water: tap water is safe in most cities.

• SIM/eSIM: cheap SIMs and eSIMs.

Useful phrases

• Zdraveyte: hello.

• Blagodarya: thank you.

• Molya: please, or you are welcome.

• Nazdrave: cheers.

Meeting people

• Social scene: friendly and a little reserved at first. Warm once you talk.

• Apps: Tinder and expat groups work in Sofia and Plovdiv.

• Etiquette: a head shake means yes and a nod means no. Remember it.

• Stay smart: agree on taxi fares first, or use an app.

Staying safe

• Cities: generally safe, with usual pickpocket care on trams and in busy areas.

• Taxis: use apps, not street cabs.

• Mountains: weather changes fast. Carry layers and check trail conditions.

• Caves: follow guides and use proper footwear.