Bulgaria 3 Day Itinerary

Title: 3-Day Bulgaria Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Sofia Exploration

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a visit to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. (Address: 1, Alexandar Nevski Blvd.)
    • Followed by a stroll through Sofia Central Market Hall for local produce, souvenirs, and food. (Address: 45, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd.)

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the National History Museum, home to artifacts from Bulgaria’s ancient past. (Address: 2, Vitoshko lale Blvd.)
    • Explore the Boyana Church – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved frescoes. (Address: Boyanska reka, Boyanski manastir)

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine at Centrala, a popular restaurant in the heart of Sofia. (Address: 52, Lozenets)
    • Take a leisurely walk along Vitosha Boulevard for some shopping and nightlife.

Things to Know:

  • Bulgarian currency is the Lev (BGN). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but it’s always good to have cash on hand.
  • English is widely spoken in Sofia, but knowing a few basic phrases in Bulgarian can be helpful.

Day 2: Rila Monastery and Seven Rila Lakes

  • Morning:

    • Travel to the Rila Monastery (about 1.5 hours from Sofia). This is one of the most famous Orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria.

  • Afternoon:

    • After exploring the monastery, head to the Seven Rila Lakes. The hike takes about 3-4 hours return and offers breathtaking views.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Sofia for dinner at a local restaurant. Try the Shopska salad, Meshana salad, or Grilled Meshana (mixed grill).

Day 3: Plovdiv Sightseeing

  • Morning:

    • Travel to Plovdiv (about 1.5 hours from Sofia) – the second largest city in Bulgaria and European Capital of Culture 2019.
    • Visit the Old Town with its Roman amphitheater, ancient streets, and colorful houses. (Address: near Plovdiv City Art Gallery)

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Plovdiv Archaeological Museum, housing artifacts from various periods of Plovdiv’s history. (Address: 3, Tsar Simeon Veliki Blvd.)
    • Take a walk on the Balabanova Slope for panoramic views of the city.

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Plovdiv, such as Etara, where you can taste traditional Bulgarian cuisine and enjoy live folklore music. (Address: Etar complex, Gabrovo)

Visa Requirements: Bulgaria is part of the European Union, so citizens of most EU countries do not need a visa to enter. For other nationalities, check the Bulgarian embassy website for visa requirements and application procedures.

Transportation: Bulgaria has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metros in larger cities like Sofia and Plovdiv. Taxis are also widely available. For longer trips, consider booking a tour or hiring a car.