Bulgaria Travel Information

Bulgaria is a beautiful country in southeastern Europe, known for its stunning mountain landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here are the top 10 things to do in Bulgaria:

1. Visit Sofia

The capital city of Bulgaria is a must-visit destination, with its fascinating mix of ancient and modern architecture, including the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the historic National Palace of Culture.

2. Explore Plovdiv

The city of Plovdiv is the second-largest in Bulgaria and boasts a well-preserved Old Town with cobbled streets, colorful houses, and ancient ruins, including a Roman amphitheater.

3. See the Rila Monastery

One of the most important religious sites in Bulgaria, the Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning frescoes, intricate carvings, and a peaceful atmosphere.

4. Relax on the Black Sea Coast

Bulgaria's Black Sea Coast is a popular destination for beachgoers, with miles of sandy beaches, clear waters, and plenty of restaurants and bars.

5. Ski in the Mountains

Bulgaria is home to several ski resorts, including Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo, which offer excellent skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.

6. Explore Veliko Tarnovo

The historic city of Veliko Tarnovo was once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and is known for its hillside fortress, stunning views, and charming Old Town.

7. Visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an ancient Thracian tomb with stunning murals that date back over 2,000 years.

8. Hike in the Pirin National Park

The Pirin National Park is a stunning natural area with snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, making it a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

9. See the Belogradchik Rocks

These stunning rock formations in northwestern Bulgaria have been sculpted by the elements over millions of years and are a popular destination for photographers and hikers.

10. Experience Bulgarian Cuisine

Bulgarian cuisine is a unique blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, with dishes like banitsa (a savory pastry), kavarma (a stew made with meat and vegetables), and tarator (a cold soup made with yogurt and cucumbers) being popular favorites.

Climate

Bulgaria has a temperate climate with cold winters and hot summers. The climate varies by region, with the coastal areas having a Mediterranean climate, the mountains having a mountainous climate, and the inland regions having a continental climate.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bulgaria depends on the activities you have in mind. The summer months (June to August) are the busiest and best for beachgoers, while the winter months (December to February) are perfect for skiing and snowboarding in the mountains. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are good times to visit for hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities without the crowds.

Overall, the best time to visit Bulgaria is between May and September, when the weather is warm and sunny. The peak tourist season is in July and August, so it's best to visit outside of these months if you want to avoid the crowds.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Bulgaria has a range of hotels, from luxury five-star properties to budget-friendly options. Some popular hotel chains in Bulgaria include Hilton, Sheraton, and Best Western.

Hostels

Hostels are a popular option for budget travelers in Bulgaria. They offer affordable accommodation and are usually located in central areas of cities.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are smaller and more intimate than hotels, offering a more personalized experience. They are typically family-owned and provide a more local atmosphere.

Apartments

Apartments are a good option for travelers who want more space and privacy. They are especially useful for families or groups of friends traveling together.

Villas

Villas are a great option for travelers looking for luxury and privacy. They are usually located outside of city centers and offer a more secluded experience.

Camping

Bulgaria has many campgrounds in scenic locations, including in the mountains and on the Black Sea coast. Camping is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Bulgaria.

Agritourism

Agritourism is a type of accommodation that allows travelers to experience life on a working farm. This option is especially popular in rural areas and offers a unique and authentic experience.

B&Bs

Bed and breakfasts are a good option for travelers who want a homely atmosphere and a more personal touch. They are often located in residential areas and provide a home-cooked breakfast.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a popular option for travelers who want to stay with a local and get a more authentic experience. It's a great way to meet locals and get insider tips on what to see and do in Bulgaria.

Bus

Buses are a common way to get around Bulgaria, and there are many routes connecting different cities and towns. There are both public and private bus companies, with varying levels of comfort and price.

Train

Bulgaria has a good rail network connecting major cities, and trains are generally comfortable and affordable. However, some routes can be slow and infrequent, so it's important to check schedules in advance.

Metro

Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, has a modern metro system that is fast, efficient, and affordable. It's a great way to get around the city, especially during rush hour when traffic can be heavy.

Tram and Trolleybus

Trams and trolleybuses are available in some Bulgarian cities, and they are a convenient way to get around the city center.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Bulgaria, and they are relatively inexpensive compared to Western European countries. However, it's important to use a licensed taxi company to avoid scams.

Car Rental

Renting a car is a good option for travelers who want to explore Bulgaria at their own pace. There are many car rental companies in Bulgaria, with varying levels of service and price.

Bicycle

Cycling is a great way to explore Bulgaria's cities and countryside. Many cities have bike rental schemes, and there are also many cycling routes through the mountains and along the coast.

Walking

Walking is a good way to explore Bulgaria's cities, especially in the historic city centers where many streets are pedestrianized. It's also a good way to explore the countryside and natural parks.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.