7-Day Bulgaria road trip from Sofia to Blagoevgrad and Kyustendil

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach Sofia and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Sofia is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Sofia. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Sofia. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Sofia. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 4,010 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Restaurant "Staria Chinar" while in Sofia. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, treasured by 2,717 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Art Club Museum, a favorite in Sofia. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,570 discerning guests.

After your meal, consider going for a drink to celebrate this wonderful night in Bulgaria. One of the best bars in the city is Bar Friday. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

To gain one of the best bar experiences in Sofia, we recommend the cocktails at The Cocktail Bar. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers and is an excellent place to make local friends.

Another of the best spots to experience the nightlife scene in Sofia is One More Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Bulgaria!

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Sofia and Blagoevgrad, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Blagoevgrad. You’ll stay here for 3 nights.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This much-appreciated church is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,648 reviews.

Next up is Eagles' Bridge. This stone bridge has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 10,196 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Borisova Gradina Park. This park has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 27,346 reviews.

Druzhba Park is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,509 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Ivan Vazov National Theater. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 9,760 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Blagoevgrad. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 18 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Blagoevgrad, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Blagoevgrad's best restaurants.

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in Trezor, a distinguished dining establishment in Blagoevgrad. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 563 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Blagoevgrad is Царски клуб Вароша. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 764 happy diners.

Verde stands out as a local favorite in Blagoevgrad. It offers a menu that promises to take you on a flavorful journey. Due to its reputation for delivering a good dining experience, it has earned a 4.1 out of 5-star rating from 717 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a day, pop into BeFree. This bar is considered one of the best in Blagoevgrad and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 851 customers.

You may also want to check out Найс плейс. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors. Найс плейс is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 657 customers.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Bulgaria.

Day 3 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Sofia for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Sofia on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Blagoevgrad's best restaurants.

Don't forget to book a table at Largo's View, a well-known eatery in Blagoevgrad. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4 out of 5-star rating from 665 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Joshua Bar & Kitchen while exploring Blagoevgrad. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 397 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Bar 82, a popular restaurant in Blagoevgrad. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 265 discerning diners.

Swing is one of the best bars in Blagoevgrad and the perfect place to go for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 144 customers.

You may also want to check out Naomi Bar & Patisserie. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors. Naomi Bar & Patisserie is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 264 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Bansko, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Blagoevgrad for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Bansko, Razlog, Bansko, and Blagoevgrad to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

When you're ready to see some sights, Baikushev's pine is a great place to start with. This tree is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,254 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Banderishka meadow. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,799 travelers.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Razlog, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Bansko to Razlog may take around 12 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Blagoevgrad. This drive usually takes around 50 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Blagoevgrad.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Blagoevgrad.

Reserve a table at La Storia, a renowned restaurant in Blagoevgrad. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 292 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Indian Restaurant "Punjab da Sher" while in Blagoevgrad. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 171 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Blagoevgrad at Restaurant Cardinal, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 110 customers.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Bulgaria!

On day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Delvino, Kyustendil, Rila Monastery, Bistritsa, Nevestino, and Kyustendil. In the evening, you’ll end up in Kyustendil, where you will stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Rila Monastery. This car ride takes around 52 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Rila Monastery. This monastery is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 18,157 reviews.

Set your GPS to Bistritsa and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 3 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bistritsa beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Rila. This urban park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,899 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Kyustendil. Kyustendil offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Kyustendil. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Reserve your spot at Restaurant Friends, a popular local restaurant in Kyustendil. This culinary hotspot and its flavorful dishes have left a lasting impression on guests. Its dedication to culinary mastery is reflected by its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 3,791 satisfied guests.

Make it a priority to experience Pizza Royal Kyustendil during your stay in Kyustendil. This popular local restaurant offers an unparalleled menu, with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 673 discerning guests.

Explore the culinary wonders of Hotel Ramira, a popular local gem in Kyustendil. Its enticing menu promises a journey through flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Renowned for its impeccable service, it boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 593 satisfied guests.

One of travelers' and locals' favorite bars in the city is Passione. This claim is supported by 680 customers who have rated it an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

If you want to continue your night somewhere else, head to another popular place like Vintage bar and dinner. This bar is a local favorite, with great drinks, lovely service, and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 201 customers.

The options in Kyustendil don’t end there. You could also spend some time at the excellent Vogue. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 63 customers, this bar is one of the best places to relax after a long, adventure-filled day.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 5 destinations, Pernik, Leskovets, Pernik, Sirishtnik, and Sofia. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Sofia, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Kyustendil, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Sirishtnik. This drive usually takes around 54 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Kick off the day at Ecopath "Looking at nine mountains", a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 408 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Sirishtnik and set your GPS to Pernik. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 20 min. Upon reaching Pernik, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Sofia, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Sofia.

Make sure to reserve a table at The Wrong Bar, an iconic dining spot in Sofia. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 1,293 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Taj Mahal Restaurant while in Sofia. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, treasured by 1,423 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Luciano, a favorite in Sofia. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,291 discerning guests.

Halbite Beer Hall is a fantastic bar many locals in Sofia recognize. This popular bar is an excellent place to unwind after a busy day and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at Lime Cafe & Cocktails, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,223 customers.

5 Corners Pub is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Sofia. Customers have rated the exciting 5 Corners Pub an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,463 reviews.

Head back to your accommodation in Sofia and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Day 7 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Sofia before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As you approach the end of your journey in Bulgaria, take a moment for some retail therapy in Sofia’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Bulgaria, a variety of items are waiting for you.

Before you conclude your road trip in Bulgaria, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Sofia.

You’ll then say farewell to Sofia. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Bulgaria!