Issues to Know Earlier than You Go to Bulgaria [2023] – Wild Junket Journey Journey Weblog

Final Up to date on August 7, 2023 by Nellie Huang

Bulgaria is only a three-hour flight from most elements of Europe and it’s extremely reasonably priced. But it stays an under-visited vacation spot in Japanese Europe. 

After my first Balkan journey nearly 10 years in the past, I used to be so pleasantly stunned to search out such an fascinating area that has seemingly slipped below the radar. The Balkan states, spanning throughout southeastern Europe, are simple on the pocket, and are chocked filled with historical past and Soviet structure. 

I lastly returned to Bulgaria this summer time, and rekindled my love for the underrated Balkan state. Bulgaria is a gorgeous nation packed to the brim with wealthy historical past and tradition, and a tinge of Soviet edginess that you just simply can’t discover in western Europe. Right here’s my Bulgaria journey information full of all the pieces that you must know earlier than you go to Bulgaria.

Bulgaria Journey Information 2023

Value of Journey in Bulgaria

Excellent news, you don’t have to interrupt your financial institution to go to Bulgaria. Bulgaria is an extremely low-cost vacation spot and it’s rather more reasonably priced than different elements of Europe. You’ll get a bang to your buck, occurring Bulgaria day excursions for as low-cost as $50 and staying at first rate accommodations for $50/night time.

Meals in Bulgaria is basically reasonably priced, recent and scrumptious. A meal in a typical restaurant is normally round US$5-10 together with drinks. A pint of beer prices round $1-2.

Count on to pay round $30-50 for a midrange resort with air con, personal lavatory and WiFi. Inns on the seashore are undoubtedly rather more costly, at $70-150 for a four-star resort.

Easy methods to Get to Bulgaria

By Aircraft

Sofia Worldwide Airport is the primary gateway to Bulgaria. It’s a small airport however it’s served by most main cities in Europe.

You will get low-cost flights to Sofia from London, Amsterdam and Paris for round $100 return (three-hour journey). Airways that serve Sofia embrace British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Wizz Air and Ryanair.

Aeroflot and LOT Polish Airways fly from New York to Sofia for round US$700-1000 return. You’ll most definitely have to transit by way of Moscow or Warsaw.

Seek for Low-cost Flights to Bulgaria

By Prepare

As a landlocked nation surrounded by 5 international locations, Bulgaria is straightforward to get to overland. However most trains are usually previous and tacky, and journey occasions are normally slower than buses. 

From Serbia, the Balkan Categorical runs every day between Sofia and Belgrade (11 hours) from June to September. Trains depart from each cities within the mornings. Try Serbian Railways’ web site for particulars.

From Romania, you may catch a prepare from Bucharest (10-hour journey) to Ruse or Veliko Tarnovo. From Turkey, the every day Bosfor (Bosphorous Categorical) goes from Istanbul to Sofia and continues onto Bucharest. The journey takes 9 hours and there are sleeper cabins on the prepare. Verify the Turkish State Railways web site.

By Bus

It’s even cheaper to go to Bulgaria by the worldwide buses from the encircling international locations and so they’re comparatively comfy. On my first journey to Bulgaria, I took an in a single day bus from Istanbul to Plovdiv and it was simple and smooth-sailing.

When touring out of Bulgaria by bus, the price of entry visas for the international locations involved usually are not included within the costs of the bus tickets. A great timetable for worldwide connections may be discovered right here. 

Plovdiv is the primary gateway for these touring overland from Greece, Turkey and Macedonia. Sofia is the closest metropolis for these touring overland from Serbia and Romania. Right here’s extra information for every journey route:

When to Journey Bulgaria

The very best time to journey Bulgaria is throughout the shoulder season, from April to June, and September to October. The climate might be extra nice, and the costs are decrease. I went to Bulgaria in April on my first journey and it was excellent.

It might probably get actually scorching in summer time, from June to August, with temperatures rising to 40+ levels Celsius. Summer time can be the height tourism season, when the seashores on the Black Sea are packed to the brim.

Winter is usually off-season throughout the nation, and a lot of the smaller cities will shut down. However Bulgaria is without doubt one of the greatest finances ski locations in Europe, with reasonably priced and wonderful ski circumstances. Bansko is the preferred ski resort.

How Lengthy to Journey Bulgaria?

This relies on your curiosity in fact, however two weeks are sufficient to discover Bulgaria correctly and get to know its tradition and other people.

I spent round every week in Bulgaria on my first journey and 10 days this time. I felt that I truly acquired to comprehend it rather well on my second journey and noticed much more than on my first journey.

In the event you’re an intrepid traveler, I like to recommend the next itinerary because it’ll will let you see the perfect of the nation at a soothing tempo. You most likely need to skip the seashores, however I recommend retaining Varna in your itinerary because it’s a cool coastal metropolis.

Two-Week Bulgaria Itinerary

• Days 1-3: Sofia
• Day 4: Day journey to Seven Rila Lakes & Monastery
• Days 5-7: Veliko Tarnovo
• Day 8: Day journey to Etara Ethnological Centre
• Days 9-10: Varna
• Day 11: Day journey to Nessebar
• Days 12-13: Plovdiv
• Day 14: Sofia

Easy methods to Get Round Bulgaria

By Automobile

It’s comparatively low-cost and straightforward to drive in Bulgaria. The primary highways are effectively constructed and indicators are in each Bulgarian and English. You may lease a compact automobile in Sofia for US$78 per week or $130 for 2 weeks.

With the intention to drive on Bulgarian roads, you’ll need to show a vignette bought at petrol stations and submit places of work. Rental vehicles employed inside Bulgaria ought to have already got a vignette.

Bulgarian drivers may be aggressive and most don’t keep on with the pace restrict, so simply remember.

Seek for Automobile Rental in Bulgaria!

By Bus

Bus is the quickest and hottest technique to get round Bulgaria. There’s an incredible bus community throughout the nation and distances aren’t that lengthy. You could find many bus and prepare schedules right here.

Listed below are the primary bus firms in Bulgaria:

• Biomet — Runs between Sofia and Veliko Târnovo, Varna and Burgas.
• Etap-Grup — One other in depth intercity community, with buses between Sofia, Burgas, Varna, Ruse and Veliko Târnovo.
• Union-Ivkoni — Hyperlinks most main cities and plenty of smaller ones, together with Sofia, Burgas, Varna, and Plovdiv.

By Prepare

Touring by prepare is the most affordable means to discover the nation, even cheaper than taking the bus.

For instance, a prepare ticket from Sofia to Plovdiv prices simply US$5 for a two-hour prepare trip. Though the trains are typically previous and gradual, a few of the rail journeys provide stunning views.

All trains are run by the Bulgarian State Railroad Firm. You may purchase prepare tickets on-line.

The place to Keep in Bulgaria

There’s all kinds of lodging to select from in most elements of Bulgaria and so they’re less expensive than in different elements of Europe.

Sofia: Rosslyn Thracia Lodge Sofia

As among the finest accommodations in Sofia, this elegant resort is situated just some minutes from Vitosha Avenue, a pedestrianized road proper within the coronary heart of town. Room charges are affordable, decor is fashionable and the breakfast unfold is great! Verify charges right here.

Veliko Tarnovo: Park Lodge Sevastokrator

This resort has distinctive views of Veliko Tarnovo from above in addition to a pleasant swimming pool. It’s technically situated in Arbanasi, a hilltop city simply 10 minutes away from Veliko Tarnovo. Verify charges right here.

Varna: Rosslyn Dimyat Lodge Varna

This upscale fashionable resort is situated within the coronary heart of Varna subsequent to the Sea Backyard, 500 m from the Varna Seashore. You may’t get a greater location that that. Costs are reasonably priced for a 4-star high quality resort. Verify charges right here.

Plovdiv: The Keep Lodge Central Sq. Plovdiv

An extremely fashionable resort situated proper within the coronary heart of previous city Plovdiv, the Keep Lodge gives wonderful worth for cash. Rooms are spacious and have plenty of amenities. Sights are all inside strolling distance from right here. Verify charges right here.

Meals in Bulgaria

I’m an enormous fan of Bulgarian meals, particularly the barbecued meats which are ubiquitous right here. 

Bulgarian delicacies shares traits with different Balkan cuisines — it’s like a mix of Greek and Turkish meals. Meat is the primary staple, together with recent substances like tomatoes, dill and onions.

It’s truly fairly simple to search out vegetarian Bulgarian dishes on practically each menu, although as a consequence of Bulgaria’s love affair with its cheese and dairy merchandise, vegans gained’t be so fortunate.

There are some Bulgarian staples that you must attempt:

• Shopska salad — A mixture of tomatoes, cucumber, sirene cheese

• Tarator — A chilly yogurt soup fabricated from cucumber and garlic

• Kebapche — Often known as Kebab in most locations, grilled meat with spices

• Meshana skara — Combined grill that sometimes contains kebapche, kufte, and a skewer of pork meat much like a souvlaki

The place to Eat in Bulgaria

There are many Bulgarian eating places in all places, in addition to extra worldwide choices within the huge cities. I’ve discovered meals to be actually meals wherever I went.

Listed below are a few of the greatest locations I ate at:

• Hadjidraganov’s Cellars, Sofia — This conventional Bulgarian restaurant is usually a little touristy, however it’s the perfect place to go for a really feel of Bulgarian traditions. Parts are huge, and meals is served on picket Medieval-style platters. Learn opinions.

• Restaurant Shtastliveca Previous City, Veliko Tarnovo — Rated as the perfect restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo, this place has wonderful views of the previous city and gives a well-rounded number of conventional and fashionable delicacies. You’ll want to make a reserving prematurely! Learn opinions.

• Park Lodge Sevastokrator, Arbanasi — The restaurant at this resort in Arbanasi not solely has nice views, but in addition an reasonably priced and good menu. They use recent merchandise and meat and I extremely advocate the grilled trout.

Issues to Do in Bulgaria

Discover Sofia’s Previous City

Bulgaria’s capital Sofia makes a superb base to get an introduction to Bulgarian tradition and historical past. Town has an eclectic mixture of Roman buildings, Ottoman mosques and Soviet blocs. You’ll want at the very least three days to see all of them.

Begin with St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral, the second largest cathedral within the Balkan area. Then head on St George Rotunda, the oldest constructing in fashionable Sofia that dates again to the 300s. Don’t miss the Central Tub, one of the vital photographed buildings in Bulgaria.

This bike tour is an effective way to see all of Sofia’s sights on wheels.

Hike across the Seven Rila Lakes

Outside lovers would love the Seven Rila Lakes, a bunch of glacial lakes located within the northwestern Rila Mountains near Sofia. Mountaineering trails weave their means across the lakes which are perched 2,500 meters above sea degree.

Every lake carries a reputation related to its most attribute function. The very best one is known as Salzata (“The Teardrop”) as a consequence of its clear waters that permit visibility in depth.

In the event you’re tight on time, you may ebook a day journey to the Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia.

Go to the Well-known Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery is the most important and most well-known Japanese Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. The long-lasting landmark is situated near the Seven Rila Lakes, at 117km (73 miles) from Sofia.

Based within the tenth century, the monastery is known as after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 – 946 AD), and homes round 60 monks.

You too can mix a go to there with the Seven Rila Lakes. This day tour is reasonably priced and comes with nice opinions.

Wander round Veliko Tarnovo

Of all of the locations I’ve visited in Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo might be my favourite. This small city was as soon as the medieval capital of the Bulgarian empire, and now has a particular attraction due to its lengthy historical past.

Veliko Tarnovov is a hodgepodge of spectacular castles, museums and historic websites. Stroll alongside the cobblestoned Gurko Avenue and admire well-preserved previous homes, and watch craftsmen laborious at work within the Samodovska Chashia Market.

You too can go to Veliko Tarnovo on a day journey from Plovdiv. Get extra information right here.

Discover the Tsarevets Fortress

The long-lasting image of Veliko Tarnovo is the Tsarevets, a powerful fortress that dominates its skyline. With solely pedestrian entry, you may stroll alongside the breathtaking fortress partitions and soak up views onto the encircling hills of Sveta Gora.

Youngsters are free to run, clamber and uncover, the one place the place warning is suggested is at Execution Rock on the northern finish of the fortress. Because the identify suggests a fall from right here right down to the Yantra River could be nothing lower than deadly. 

Immerse within the Open Air Etara Ethnographic Museum

Situated near Veliko Tarnovo within the city of Gabrovo is that this stunning open air museum that transports you again in time. The ethnographic centre spans over 7 hectares of space, showcasing how life was once throughout the Bulgarian Nationwide Revival.

The park has replicas of conventional homes throughout that interval, in addition to water installations and craftsmen workshops. There are additionally shops promoting sweets and paintings from yesteryears.

Go to the brand new Neofit Rilski Historic Park

Only a few kilometers outdoors of Varna is the newly opened Neofit Rilski Historic Park. It’s but to be absolutely accomplished, however already gives some thrilling actions. I used to be relatively impressed by the size of the park.

For curious vacationers, the historic park is a good place to find out about Bulgarian historical past, from the Neolithic interval to the Thracian Civilization and Second Bulgarian Empire.

The park offers the feeling that you just’re stepping again in time, right into a medieval advanced with archery demonstrations and horse-riding shows. There are quite a few replicas of archaeological web site and historic monuments in addition to properties that individuals used to reside in.

Chill out on Varna’s Seashores

As a vibrant coastal metropolis, Varna is the primary gateway for vacationers which are heading to the Black Coastline. Intrepid vacationers will most likely select to skip the seashores, however don’t miss out on the attraction of Varna.

Town is full of historical past but it’s totally fashionable, with a lush and inexperienced seafront park to amble on. Its seashore isn’t too dangerous to whereas away a lazy afternoon and revel in some recent seafood.

Within the metropolis centre you’ll discover Bulgaria’s largest Roman baths advanced and its best archaeological museum, in addition to a vigorous cultural and restaurant scene.

Get Misplaced within the Charming Previous City of Nesebar

The traditional a part of Nesebar is situated on a peninsula that juts out from the Black Coastline (beforehand an island).

Nesebar has on a number of events discovered itself on the frontier of a threatened empire, and as such it’s a city with a wealthy historical past. Because of the metropolis’s abundance of historic buildings, Nesebar turned a UNESCO Web site  in 1983.

As we speak it’s actually widespread with vacationers particularly in summer time, so get there early if you wish to get misplaced in its slim cobblestoned streets.

Soak Up Historical past in Plovdiv

As Europe’s oldest repeatedly inhabited metropolis, Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s heartthrob with a romantic previous city. Town is full of colourful and creaky Nineteenth-century mansions that at the moment are house-museums, galleries and guesthouses.

Because the European Capital of Tradition 2019, Plovdiv is rapidly drawing extra music and artwork lovers. As soon as an amiable waystation between Bulgaria and Greece or Turkey, town has flowered right into a vacation spot in its personal proper – and one which must be on any itinerary by central Bulgaria.

For these brief on time, this present day tour leads you round Plovdiv, Asen Fortress and Bachkovo Fortress in 1 day.

Language in Bulgaria

Bulgarian is the nation’s solely official language. Bulgarian is written with Cyrillic, which makes attempting to learn Bulgarian phrases fairly tough for many of us.

English isn’t broadly spoken in Bulgaria, particularly among the many older era. However youthful Bulgarians within the huge cities have a tendency to talk a little bit of English.

Security in Bulgaria

Most elements of Bulgaria are very secure and I by no means felt unsafe on each journeys there. I traveled solo on my first journey and with my four-year-old daughter on this latest journey.   

The one hazard that vacationers face is theft, primarily from pickpockets. On the whole, attempt to not stand out and keep away from darkish alleys at night time if touring solo.

Sensible Suggestions for Touring Bulgaria

• Inside cities, minibuses known as marshroutki act like shared taxis and are frequent in lots of ex-Soviet international locations. You simply have to flag them down and purchase tickets from the driving force.
• One factor to notice for these touring Bulgaria with children, it’s allowed to smoke in most locations in Bulgaria, even indoors. It may be annoying for non-smokers.
• As an ex-Soviet nation, Bulgaria nonetheless shares a relationship with Russia and plenty of Bulgarians nonetheless communicate Russian.
• I consider Bulgarians as fairly much like Russians. They could not smile lots and might come throughout as impolite. However give them a while, present that you just’re pleasant and so they’ll finally heat as much as you.

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