Things to do in Bulgaria

Best Things to do in Bulgaria

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Bulgaria? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 696 activities in Bulgaria, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 286, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Bulgaria in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Bulgaria

About Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a country where mountains, seaside towns, and centuries of history sit side by side. You’ll find Black Sea beaches on one end, and monasteries tucked into high peaks on the other and cities like Sofia and Plovdiv mix Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and lively neighbourhoods with cafes and markets.

The landscape makes travelling here varied and enjoyable and you can walk cobbled streets one day, then head out for a hike or a vineyard visit the next. In winter, ski resorts in Bansko and Borovets draw travellers, while summer brings festivals and beach escapes.

With so many things to do in Bulgaria, you can shape your trip around history, food, or outdoor adventures. It’s a destination that works just as well for families, couples, or solo travellers looking for a mix of culture and nature.

Unique Experiences

Sofia Pub Crawl Tour of The Hidden Unique Bars

Exploring Sofia’s nightlife with a local guide is one of the most social things to do in Bulgaria and you’ll meet new people, enjoy traditional drinks, and hear fun stories that bring the city alive.

• Where: Central Sofia bars and pubs.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,100 per person.
• Timing: Starts at 9:00 PM, lasting about 4 to 5 hours.
• When to Visit: Best from May to September, when evenings are warm and streets stay lively.

Jeep Safari Varna, Albena, Golden Sands & Kranevo

If you’re craving outdoor thrills, a jeep safari across the mountains is among the best things to do in Bulgaria. The ride takes you through forests, streams, and viewpoints far from the city.

• Where: Bulgarian mountains, routes near Bansko or Rhodope regions.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 9,800 per person.
• Timing: Slots available at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, lasting around hours.
• When to Visit: Perfect from June to October, when trails are dry and skies clear.

Balkan Horse Riding - Glozhene Monastery Ride

Horseback riding through mountain trails to a centuries-old monastery is one of the most unique things to do in Bulgaria and it’s slow travel at its best, mixing nature, history, and calm.

• Where: Balkan Mountains, Glozhene Monastery area.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 12,100 per person.
• Timing: Departs at 9:00 AM; lasting about 5 to 7 hours.
• When to Visit: Ideal in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) for cooler riding weather.

Mountain Biking in Vitosha from Sofia

For those who love action, mountain biking through Vitosha National Park is one of the top things to do in Bulgaria. With trails through forests and alpine meadows, it’s both scenic and energising.

• Where: Vitosha Mountain, near Sofia.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 7,300 per person.
• Timing: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM; lasting about 4 hours.
• When to Visit: May to September brings dry trails and comfortable conditions.

Top Attractions

Rila Monastery

Tucked high in the Rila Mountains, this UNESCO site is one of the most important Bulgaria tourist attractions. The frescoes are vivid, the courtyards peaceful, and the backdrop of peaks makes it an inspiring stop among the many things to do in Bulgaria.

• Where: Rila Mountains, 117 km south of Sofia.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 400 for museum entry; the main monastery is free.
• Timing: Open daily 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM (church), museum 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
• When to Visit: May to October for clear mountain roads, or winter for a snow-draped setting.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia

This grand Orthodox cathedral dominates Sofia’s skyline with its golden domes and intricate mosaics and t’s one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Bulgaria, both for its size and its role as a national symbol. Visiting here is one of the must-do things to do in Bulgaria if you want to understand its cultural heart.

• Where: Central Sofia.
• Pricing: Free to enter; crypt museum starts from INR 430.
• Timing: Open daily 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• When to Visit: Evenings offer soft lighting for photos, while mornings are quieter for reflection.

Plovdiv Old Town

Walking through Plovdiv’s Old Town feels like stepping into a layered story, from Roman theatres to colourful Revival-era houses and it’s among the top things to do in Bulgaria if you want history within a vibrant city setting.

• Where: Plovdiv, central Bulgaria.
• Pricing: Free to stroll; Roman Theatre entry starts from INR 520.
• Timing: Public streets open 24 hours; Roman Theatre 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (summer), 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (winter).
• When to Visit: Spring and autumn bring the most pleasant walking weather.

Sightseeing Tours

Guided Walking Tour of Sofia

A guided city walk is one of the simplest yet most rewarding things to do in Bulgaria, especially if you want to understand Sofia’s history and culture in a short time and you’ll pass landmarks like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Theatre, and Roman ruins while hearing stories that bring the city’s past to life.

• Where: Central Sofia, covering major landmarks on foot.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,700 per person.
• Timing: Tours typically start from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, lasting about 2 hours.
• When to Visit: Best from April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild for walking.

Tour to Lovech, Devetaki cave & Krushuna waterfalls

A mix of caves, waterfalls, and the charming old town of Lovech makes this tour an enriching choice for travellers. It balances culture and nature in a single day.

• Where: Lovech and Krushuna area.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 10,000 per person.
• Timing: Leaves at 8:00 AM; 10 hours approx.
• When to Visit: Spring and early autumn for mild walking weather.

Day Trips

From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv Day Trip

Visiting Bulgaria’s most famous monastery and one of Europe’s oldest cities in one day is a rich experience. It’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Bulgaria for culture lovers.

• Where: Rila Monastery and Plovdiv, starting from Sofia.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,800 per person.
• Timing: Departs at 7:30 AM; About 12 hours and 30 minutes
• When to Visit: Great year-round, though May to October means clearer skies for walking tours.

Full-day Nis and Serbian History Tour from Sofia

Crossing the border into Serbia for Roman ruins and Ottoman history is a refreshing addition to your list of things to do in Bulgaria. It’s about variety and discovery in one trip.

• Where: Niš, Serbia, starting from Sofia.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 7,300 per person.
• Timing: Starts at 8:30 AM; 10 hours approx.
• When to Visit: Best in spring and autumn, avoiding high summer heat.

Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi Tour from Sofia

Exploring medieval capitals, traditional villages, and waterfalls in a single day makes this one of the most complete things to do in Bulgaria.

• Where: Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi, and Emen Gorge.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 15,300 per person.
• Timing: Departs at 8:00 AM; About 10 hours
• When to Visit: Lovely in April to June, when landscapes are green.

Boat Tours

Nessebar Boat Trip with Fishing & Lunch

A relaxed boat trip along the coast with fishing, swimming, and a seafood lunch is one of the top things to do in Bulgaria for families. It’s easygoing, scenic, and full of charm.

• Where: Nessebar, Black Sea coast.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 7,800 per person.
• Timing: Runs at 9:00 AM, lasting about 4 hours.
• When to Visit: Best in July and August, when the Black Sea is warm.

Black Sea Yacht Picnic from Varna

Sailing on a yacht with stops for swimming and a picnic is one of the most relaxing things to do in Bulgaria. The coastline views are beautiful, and the pace is unhurried.

• Where: Varna, Black Sea.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 7,900 per person.
• Timing: Departs at 10:00 AM; 4 hours total.
• When to Visit: Perfect from June to September, when the sea is calm.

Getting Around

• Walking: In Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo, most historic centres are best explored on foot. If your day is filled with things to do in Bulgaria, walking keeps you close to street cafés, local shops, and the hidden corners that cars can’t reach.
• Trains: Trains are slow but they take you through mountains, valleys, open fields. The windows frame villages you might not notice otherwise. It’s not fast, but sometimes the journey feels like part of the point.
• Buses: Buses, on the other hand, cover almost everywhere. Small towns, mountain villages, coastal stops. If you want to wander off the main line, they’re the easiest way. They rattle, they’re crowded at times, but they get you there.
• Taxis: In cities, taxis are affordable for short trips. They’re handy when your list of things to do in Bulgaria includes late-night restaurants or places not well linked by public transport.
• Car rentals: Driving gives you flexibility, especially if you want to link monasteries, mountain trails, and wine regions.
• Cycling: In the flat plains of northern Bulgaria or along the Danube, cycling works well if you want to slow down and enjoy the countryside.

Traveller Tips

• Plan ahead for winter: If you’re heading here in winter for skiing, book early. Resorts fill up quickly, especially in Bansko, and gear rentals vanish fast once the season starts.
• Keep cash handy: Keep some cash on you. Coins and small notes help in markets, tiny cafes, or village shops where cards won’t work.
• Try regional dishes: Each region has its specialities. Adding food stops to your itinerary often feels like discovering hidden Bulgaria tourist attractions in themselves.
• Travel outside peak hours: Trains and buses can get busy at weekends. Heading out early or midweek means fewer crowds and more relaxed things to do in Bulgaria.
• Mix big and small stops: Don’t just stick to the big names like Sofia or Plovdiv. Smaller towns like Koprivshtitsa with its painted houses, Melnik with its wines and sand pyramids, give you a completely different side of the country. The mix of big and small is what makes Bulgaria feel full.