These are the best places to travel this summer

Bulgaria

Romania & Bulgaria Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Exterior of the Orthodox Rila Monastery in the Rila Nature Park.
1160109394
ancient, architecture, attraction, autumn, beautiful, blue, building, bulgaria, church, city, clouds, courtyard, culture, destination, europe, exterior, facade, fall, famous, heritage, historic, history, journey, landmark, medieval, monastery, monument, mountains, national, national park, october, old, orthodox, park, religion, religious, rila, rila monastery, rila nature park, sky, structure, tourism, tourist, town, travel, unesco, vacation, vibrant, visit

©Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Bulgaria

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

Soul-stirring mountains rival golden beaches, while cities hum with nightlife and art. Within Bulgaria’s beguiling blend of nature and history, unforgettable adventures are guaranteed.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Tsarevets fortress, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, Europe

    Tsarevets Fortress

    Veliko Târnovo

    The inescapable symbol of Veliko Târnovo, this reconstructed fortress dominates the skyline and is one of Bulgaria’s most beloved monuments. The former…

  • x-default

    Aleksander Nevski Cathedral

    Sofia

    One of the symbols not just of Sofia but of Bulgaria itself, this massive, awe-inspiring church was built between 1882 and 1912 in memory of the 200,000…

  • Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari in Isperih, Bulgaria - A UNESCO World Heritage Site; Shutterstock ID 517225078; full: 65050; gl: 65050; netsuite: POI; your: Erin Lenczycki
517225078

    Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari

    Bulgaria

    The highlight at this Unesco-protected Thracian settlement is a nearly perfectly preserved three-chamber burial tomb from about 300 BC. The high quality…

  • Etâr Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

    Bulgaria

    If ambling down cobbled lanes with a stick of halva in hand sounds like an agreeable foray into Bulgaria's past, a day in Etâr will delight. Nearly 50…

  • Dryanovo Monastery

    Bulgaria

    A history of destruction and revolution, as dramatic as its cliff-backed location, entices visitors to Dryanovo Monastery. Originally founded in the early…

  • The ancient theatre of Philippopolis.

    Roman Amphitheatre

    Plovdiv

    Plovdiv’s magnificent 2nd-century AD amphitheatre, built during the reign of Emperor Trajan, was uncovered during a freak landslide in 1972. It once held…

  • Summer Palace of Queen Marie & Botanical Gardens

    Black Sea Coast

    At the far western end of the seafront, this palace was completed in 1926 by King Ferdinand of Romania for his English wife, Queen Marie, when Balchik was…

  • Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument

    Bulgaria

    Visible within a 30km radius, this tremendous Soviet-era monument was opened in 1981 to commemorate the First Bulgarian Empire’s 1300th anniversary…

Advertisement

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

There’s much more to this charming mountain town than skiing and snowboarding. Here’s what you can enjoy in all seasons.

Read article

Best Places to Visit

Explore the diverse culture and incredible landscapes of Bulgaria at these top places to visit.

Read article

Best Time to Visit

Heading to Bulgaria? Get ready for plenty of outdoor action! Here are the best times to come for the beaches, hiking, skiing and colorful festivals.

Read article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Advertisement