12-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling south to Plovdiv, Bansko, and Blagoevgrad

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 4 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Sofia has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Holy Trinity Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,720 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia, Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia is Restaurant "Staria Chinar". This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

Sofia also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Sofia is Bar Friday. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Sofia is The Cocktail Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 12-day vacation in Bulgaria!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 3 nights you have left in Sofia by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Sofia. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Sofia, like the extraordinary Druzhba Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,441 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular Park "Geo Milev". This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,260 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing South Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,616 visitors.

National Palace of Culture is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This convention center is a popular destination among visitors in Sofia. Rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,244 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Sofia does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Sofia on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, be sure to eat at Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,625 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Sofia is the popular Art Club Museum. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, One More Bar is one of the best bars in the city of Sofia for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

Halbite Beer Hall is another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Sofia!

Day 3 of your road trip across Bulgaria is another day in the magnificent Sofia. You now have 2 nights left in Sofia. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Sofia offers plenty for you to see and do, and your hotel will be conveniently located near several of the area's best attractions.

One of the best travel destinations you can travel to in the city of Sofia is the stunning North Park. This has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,772 visitors.

You could also spend some time visiting the spectacular Park "Zaimov" in the city of Sofia. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,115 visitors.

Another attraction you could visit in the city of Sofia is the incredible St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This attraction is a church and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,337 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. This church and travel destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,964 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the outstanding Ivan Vazov National Theater. This top-tier point of interest is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,666 visitors.

Today you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a popular tour. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of options for top-rated tours and activities in Sofia you could sign up for on this day of your vacation. Choose among the best tours before or after booking.

When it’s time to eat, the city of Sofia has restaurants and bars to fit all budgets.

We recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia, Taj Mahal Restaurant. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Sofia, The Wrong Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers.

Toast to another amazing day in the city of Sofia!

Day 4 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Sofia and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Plovdiv. You will stay in Plovdiv for 4 nights. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Sofia is the amazing St. Nedelya Church. This attraction is a church that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,501 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Knyazheska Garden. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,658 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Sofia is the outstanding Eagles' Bridge. This popular stone bridge and travel destination has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,102 visitors.

The spectacular Borisova Gradina Park is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,212 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic Muzeiko. This attraction is a popular museum that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,583 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Sofia by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Plovdiv, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

Locals also recommend Happy Bar & Grill Novotel as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. Happy Bar & Grill Novotel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,350 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is Pavaj. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

After dinner, visit Torro Grande / Torro Grande, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,651 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Rahat Tepe. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Alternatively, Club Fargo is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 3 nights more.

One of the best travel destinations in the city of Asenovgrad is Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This amazing attraction is a place of worship and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,913 visitors.

Asen's Fortress is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Asenovgrad. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, Asen's Fortress has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,988 visitors.

To make your time in the city of Asenovgrad more memorable, we recommend you visit Arapovo Monastery. This outstanding attraction is a monastery and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,856 visitors.

You can also make your new day in Bulgaria more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Bulgaria’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Plovdiv.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Restaurant SOUTH breeze. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,322 customers.

Hemingway Restaurant is one of the top restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik". The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv, Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Plovdiv, we recommend the cocktails at Rock Bar Download. This bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is No sens klub. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 984 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Plovdiv!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

One of the best travel destinations in the city of Plovdiv is Singing Fountains. This amazing attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,192 visitors.

“Tsar Simeon Garden” Park is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Plovdiv. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,208 visitors.

You can also make your new day in Bulgaria more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Bulgaria’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Plovdiv.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like PASA Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

Restaurant Rio is one of the top restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,069 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv, Secrets Club. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 880 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Plovdiv, we recommend the cocktails at Bar The Post. This bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 180 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Plovdiv!

Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Plovdiv has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Plovdiv by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Plovdiv. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Plovdiv, like the extraordinary Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,478 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Plovdiv is the spectacular Old Town of Plovdiv. This attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,234 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Museum of Natural Sciences. This museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,422 visitors.

Alyosha Monument is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This monument is a popular destination among visitors in Plovdiv. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,386 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Youth Hill. Youth Hill is a park and popular attraction in Plovdiv. More than 4,980 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Plovdiv does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Plovdiv on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, be sure to eat at RESTAURANT Raia, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 936 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is the popular Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv". This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,012 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Morado Bar & Dinner is one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 2,509 customers.

Bar Fabrik is another of the most popular bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 698 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Plovdiv!

Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Bansko. You’ll stay in Bansko for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Pazardzhik’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Pazardzhik, start your day with a visit to the amazing "Svoboda" Park Island. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,517 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating CAR MUSEUM OF SOCIALISM. This museum and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,977 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Cave Snejanka to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Cave Snejanka is a top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,131 visitors.

The lovely Batak History Museum is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 2,103 visitors have left this museum average ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Pazardzhik has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Bansko. Bansko offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular "Five M" Restaurant & Good Bar. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 657 reviews.

The remarkable Restaurant Victoria Bansko is another top restaurant in Bansko we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,271 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Bansko, the fantastic Amigo Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,227 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Pirin 75. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 746 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Cafe Eliz. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 663 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

You still have 1 night left in Bansko.

One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Baikushev's pine. This incredible attraction is a tree and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,245 visitors.

Banderishka meadow is another popular attraction you'll visit. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,781 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Park "Razlog". This amazing attraction is a park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,768 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa. This must-see tourist destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,993 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Bulgaria to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Bansko.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Bansko, like Queen's Pub Bansko / Kuins p'b Bansko. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,646 customers.

The House is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Bansko. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,083 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Bansko, Wine Bar 25. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 135 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Lion's pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 499 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

Day 10 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Kyustendil and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Blagoevgrad. You will stay in Blagoevgrad for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Kyustendil is the amazing Sandanski Archaeological Museum. This attraction is a church that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 550 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible landmark, Episcopal Basilica. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 491 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Kyustendil is the outstanding Park "St. Vrach". This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,589 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Kyustendil by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Blagoevgrad, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Trezor, one of the best restaurants in the city of Blagoevgrad. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 563 customers.

Locals also recommend Bar Diva I as one of the best restaurants in the city of Blagoevgrad. Bar Diva I is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,536 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Blagoevgrad is Tsarski klub Varosha. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 764 customers.

After dinner, visit BeFree, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Blagoevgrad. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 851 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Nays pleys. This bar has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 657 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit is the amazing Rila. This attraction is an urban park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,847 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Fountain on Freedom Square - Dupnitsa. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 181 visitors.

Joining a top-rated tour in Kyustendil is another excellent way to spend your new day in Bulgaria. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Bulgaria’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Bulgaria’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Bulgaria’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Tsari Mali Grad in the city of Samokov for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a fortress and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,546 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Samokov is the outstanding City Park by the river Iskar. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,214 visitors, this park deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Tsarska Bistritsa. This attraction, a stunning palace, has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,184 travelers.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Sofia.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Mamma Mia Ltd, one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,252 customers.

After dinner, visit Lime Cafe & Cocktails, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like 5 Corners Pub. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,463 customers.

Alternatively, Luciano is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,291 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

Day 12 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Sofia before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Russian Monument Square is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Sofia. This must-see tourist destination and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,544 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Sofia and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Bulgaria.

You’ll then say farewell to Sofia. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Bulgaria!