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15 Top Cities of Bulgaria - Best travel and holiday destinations

15 Top Cities of Bulgaria - Best travel and holiday destinations

Updated 8 Apr, 2020
location_on Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a diverse country in Southeast Europe that is one of the oldest countries of Europe. Bulgaria sets a major tourist goal for the visitors with its cultural heritage, traditional dance, music, crafts and costumes.

Bulgaria is also well famous for its natural beauty including the Black Sea coastline, rivers, lakes, plains and interior mountains that offers a wide variety of activities for the visitors to explore.

Bulgaria has some of the world's best travel destinations and cities; read along to find the inspiration for your next trip.

Sofia - most developed city in Bulgaria

cityscape of Sofia, Bulgaria
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Situated at the foot of Vitosha Mountains, Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria located at the western part of this Balkan country.

Top things to do in Sofia –

  • Wonder the grand Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a landmark orthodox cathedral with a museum.
  • Know about the city's history at the National Historical Museum with its 1970s pavilions.
  • Travel over the city with a free walking tour.
  • Discover the Boyana Church and Banya Bashi Mosque.
  • Go shopping at many developed malls and shops on Vitosha Boulevard.
  • Try the best Bulgarian food with its restaurants and cafes.

The popular food to try in Sofia includes Banitsa, Sirene, Shopska salad, Mekitsa, Guvec, Bob Chorba and Bulgarian wine.

Best time to visit Sofia– the best time to visit the city is from June until September.

How to reach Sofia– the city can be reached easily by booking a flight to Sofia International Airport located around 10 km away from the city centre.

Bansko - winter capital of Bulgaria

ski lifts in Bansko, Bulgaria
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Bansko is a town in Bulgaria located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains in southwestern Bulgaria best for your next winter holiday .

Top things to do in Bansko –

  • Get a chance to enjoy skiing, mountain biking, snow walking and snowboarding.
  • Take a ride of the developed ski lifts of Bansko.
  • Dine at some best bars and traditional ‘mehana' restaurants.
  • Explore beautiful parks and lakes with various types of tours.

The popular food to try in Bansko consists of Kreshchina (ham), Kapama, Bansko dried sausage, chomlek and Katino Meze.

Bansko is well known for its ski resorts that provide longest ski runs at an altitude of 2000 – 2600 meters in Bulgaria.

Best time to visit Bansko– the best time to visit the town is from late December to April for skiing activities.

How to reach Bansko– the best way to reach the town is by taking a bus or car from the city of Sofia.

Sunny Beach - top nightlife destination in Bulgaria

beach with lighthouse in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
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Sunny beach is a resort place in Bulgaria located at the coast of Black Sea around 35 km north to the town of Burgas.

Top things to do in Sunny Beach –

  • Enjoy fun rides with family and friends at its many waterparks.
  • Go for a night out in this one of Europe’s nightlife capitals.
  • Visit the nightclubs like Bedroom Beach, Cacao Beach Club, Lazur, Club Iceberg Cph, Room2, Graffiti Club, Kiko Beach Bar, Bacardi Club and Flying Dutchmen Sunnybeach.
  • Play at great water parks like Action Aquapark and Sunny Beach Amusement Park..

The popular food to try in Sunny Beach is salmon fillet topped with garlic shrimps and cheese pastries.

Best time to visit Sunny Beach – the ideal time for visiting the place is from late June to early October.

How to reach Sunny Beach – the nearest airport from the place is Burgas Airport from where you can take a bus or car to reach the beach.

Veliko Tarnovo - top romantic destination in Bulgaria

picturesque town of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
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Veliko Tarnovo is a town in Bulgaria located at the province of Veliko Tarnovo in south central Bulgaria near the river Yantra. The town is often referred to as the City of the Tsars.

Top things to do in Veliko Tarnovo-

  • Roam in this picturesque town, one of oldest towns in Bulgaria.
  • Get relaxed in the peaceful environment of Holy Forty Martyrs Church.
  • Tsarevets, a grand 12th century fortress with a show.
  • Hop its many historical landmarks like Trapezitsa, Transfiguration Monastery, Baldwin’s Tower and Monument of Mother Bulgaria.
  • Discover the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Veliko Tarnovo.

The popular food to try in Veliko Tarnovo consists of Prosciutto, sausages, cured meat along with cheese and wine.

Best time to visit Veliko Tarnovo– the period between April and September is best for visiting the town of Veliko Tarnovo.

How to reach Veliko Tarnovo– you can take a bus from the cities of Varna or Sofia or take a direct train from Ruse or Plovdiv to reach the town.

Varna - food capital of Bulgaria

Dormition Cathedral in Varna, Bulgaria
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Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria located at the coast of Black Sea.

Top things to do in Varna –

  • Get lost in the unique cultural and restaurant scene of Varna.
  • Taste the authentic Bulgarian fare on your platter with its wonderful restaurants along the coast like The Martini Food and Cocktails, Le Chef and Forest Food House.
  • Don’t forget to visit the Archaeological Museum that displays its famous Gold of Varna along with many more antiques.
  • Witness the roman ruins of ancient thermal baths at Roman Thermae.

The popular food to try in Varna is a mix of Bulgarian, Italian and French cuisine along with seafood and wine.

Best time to visit Varna– the months of June, July, August and September are best to visit the city of Varna.

How to reach Varna– you can book a flight to Varna Airport located around 10 km away from the city centre.

Plovdiv - cultural capital of Bulgaria

landscape during day in Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Situated on the seven hills, Plovdiv is the second largest city of Bulgaria located at the southern part of the country. Chosen as the European Capital of culture, Plovdiv is home to many great cultural sites.

Top things to do in Plovdiv-

  • Reveal the Ancient Theater of Philippopolis being one of best preserved amphitheaters in the world.
  • Visit the Balabanov’s House.
  • Take a round of Plovdiv Roman Stadium.
  • Stroll along the regional Ethnographic Museum of Plovdiv.
  • Head to the old town to know more about the history and architecture of Plovdiv.

The popular food to try in Plovdiv is stewed meats, fresh salads and cheeses and rich local wine.

Best time to visit Plovdiv– the time from May till September is best for visiting the city of Plovdiv.

How to reach Plovdiv– the city can be accessed easily by booking a flight to Plovdiv Airport.

Kazanlak - city for rose lovers in Bulgaria

Kazanlak is a town in Bulgaria located at the province of Stara Zagora on the foot of the Balkan Mountains.

Top things to do in Kazanlak –

  • Fall in love with the beauty of the Bulgarian roses in this attractive town.
  • Live Bulgaria’s largest Thracian tombs that are also included in UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Museum of Roses is a must in Kazanlak being the only museum in the world dedicated to roses.
  • Be a part of the rose festival, celebrated during the month of June to celebrate this rose culture of the town.

The popular food to try in Kazanlak consists of special Kazanlak donuts and Gyulova Rakia, a special alcoholic rose drink along with traditional Bulgarian delights.

Kazanlak is famous for its valley of roses that produces nearly 85 % of the world’s rose oil.

Best time to visit Kazanlak– the ideal time to visit the town is from June until August.

How to reach Kazanlak– you can take a bus or car from any major cities of Bulgaria to reach the town.

Albena - top beach destination in Bulgaria

luxury hotel in Albena, Bulgaria
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Albena is a coastal town in Bulgaria located on the Black Sea coastline in southeastern Albena.

Top things to do in Albena –

  • Relax with your family and friends at its beaches.
  • Wander at the city's 5 km long beach with fine sand and crystal clear, calm and warm waters.
  • Enjoy fun rides in Aquamarina water park.
  • Get a city break in Baltata forest area and Batova forest area.
  • Stay at many luxurious hotels of Albena.
  • Come across the majestic Balchik Palace.

You can try many European, Mediterranean, Bulgarian and seafood varieties in Albena.

Best time to visit Albena– the ideal time to visit the town is from May till September.

How to reach Albena– you can take a car or bus from the cities of Varna or Balchik to reach the town.

Burgas - top solo travel destination in Bulgaria

St. Anastasia Island in Burgas, Bulgaria
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Burgas is the fourth largest city in Bulgaria located at the coast of Black Sea in the southeast part of the country.

Top things to do in Burgas –

  • Adore its seaside resorts, lakes and beaches.
  • Locate the Natural History Museum of Burgas and Ethnographic Museum of Burgas.
  • Get cozy at the Church St. Cyril and St. Methodius.
  • Uncover its various natural spots like lake Burges, lake Pomorie, lake Atanasovsko and Bolsjevik beach.

The popular food to try in Burgas includes pork sach, grilled fish, salads, steaks and barbecues.

Best time to visit Burgas– the period between May and September is best for visiting the city of Burgas.

How to reach Burgas– you can book a flight to Burgas Airport to get access to the city.

Rila - top adventure destination in Bulgaria

kidney lake in Rila, Bulgaria
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Rila is the highest mountain range in Bulgaria and Balkan peninsula situated in southwestern part of Bulgaria.

Top things to do in Rila –

  • Hike to the highest peak of Bulgaria, Musala Mountain.
  • Get an awe inspiring view of the whole landscape from the mountaintop.
  • Opt out the seven Rila lake hike, the most famous hiking trail in the region where you can see amazing nature, and a few historical monuments.
  • Experience the seven famous lakes of Rila mountain range with Kidney lake as the most famous .
  • Get sporty with activities like skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking.

Best time to visit Rila– the time from June till October is the best time to visit the mountain range.

How to reach Rila– the nearest town from the mountain range is Sapareva Banya that can be reached by taking a bus or car from any major cities of Bulgaria.

Nessebar - top historical capital of Bulgaria

The Windmill in Nessebar, Bulgaria
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Nessebar is an ancient town on the coast of Black Sea located in the province of Burgas. Nessebar is one of the oldest Christian metropolises of Bulgaria.

Top things to do in Nessebar –

  • Walk on cobbled streets with historic houses in the old town, lined with Byzantine – era fortifications.
  • Come around the Hagia Sophia Church of Nessebar.
  • Visit the Church of St John Aliturgetos and Church of St Stephen.
  • Cherish The Windmill, a beautiful wooden windmill in Nessebar.
  • Tour the Church of Christ Pantocrator, Film Museum of Nessebar and many more places.

The popular food to try in Nessebar consists of Mediterranean, European and Bulgarian delicacies along with classic Bulgarian wine.

Best time to visit Nessebar– the months of June, July and August are best to visit the town of Nessebar.

How to reach Nessebar– the nearest airport from the town is Burgas Airport from where you can take a bus or car to reach the town.

Krushuna - top nature’s lover destination in Bulgaria

cascade of Krushuna Waterfalls in Krushuna, Bulgaria
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Krushuna is a village in Bulgaria located at the municipality of Letnitsa in northern Bulgaria.

Top things to do in Krushuna –

  • Unveil the Krushuna Waterfalls, a marvelous cascade of waterfalls
  • Hike and take a swim at the natural mineral pools.
  • Expose green vegetation and woodland setting where monks carved their dwellings.
  • See the mossy, limestone rocks and pools while passing the several bridges.

Krushuna falls creates a picturesque landscape formed by many travertines making it the most fascinating place for nature lovers in Bulgaria.

Best time to visit Krushuna– the time from April to October is the best time to visit the waterfalls.

How to reach Krushuna– the nearest city from the village is Lovech from where you can take a car or bus to reach the village.

Borovets - top mountain destination in Bulgaria

mountain and lakes in Borovets, Bulgaria
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Borovets is a town in Bulgaria located at the northern slopes of Rila Mountains. The town is the oldest and the most modern ski resort in Bulgaria.

Top things to do in Borovets-

  • Get an adrenaline rush with activities like skiing, night skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping , ski doo, biathlon and hiking.
  • Go to the mountains ahead with cycling.
  • Have a breathtaking view of the mountains and the lakes.
  • The Iskar reservoir in the north gives you an opportunity to enjoy kayaking.
  • Relax at cool and cozy hotels to complete your mountain trip.

The popular food to try in Borovets is steak, pizzas, Bulgarian cuisine and Chinese and Turkish food.

Best time to visit Borovets– the ideal time to visit the town is from December to April.

How to reach Borovets– the best way to reach the town is by taking a bus from the city of Sofia.

Stone Desert - most offbeat destination in Bulgaria

stone formations in Stone Desert, Bulgaria
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The stone desert or Pobiti Kamini also known as stone forest or Dikilitash, is a desert like rock phenomenon in Bulgaria located in the province of Varna in its north west side. The desert is considered as the only desert in Bulgaria is one of most unorthodox places to explore in Bulgaria.

Top things to do in Stone Desert –

  • Find the mysterious stone formations look like a petrified forest.
  • Take photographs of this unique place, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Walk on the sand spread around these formations and both sides of roads.
  • Get the feeling of being in the middle of a large desert.

Best time to visit Stone Desert– the best time to visit the place is from mid June to early October.

How to reach Stone Desert– the nearest town from the place is Aksakovo. The best way to reach the town is by taking a bus from the city of Varna.

Thracian Valley - top wine lover destination in Bulgaria

Bulgarian wine in Thracian Valley, Bulgaria
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Thracian valley is a wine producing region of Bulgaria located south to the Balkan mountains bounded by Black Sea to the east and Aegean Sea to the west. The mountain region is considered as one of the oldest wine producing regions in Bulgaria.

Top things to do in Thracian Valley-

  • Get lost in the round hills of the lowland .
  • Discover numerous grape varieties in mild climate, modern winemaking techniques and ancient culture.
  • Drink Mavrud and Rubin, two best Bulgarian varieties of wine.
  • Explore the river valley and lush green mountainous landscape.

The popular food to try in Thracian Valley consists of Gyuvech, beans, Cherverme (Roast Lamb), Kapama and slow cooked lamb.

Best time to visit Thracian Valley – the best time to visit the valley is from May till July.

How to reach Thracian Valley– the nearest major city from the valley is Plovdiv. You can take a car or bus from the city to reach here.