5-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling south to Plovdiv and Kyustendil

Welcome to Sofia, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Bulgaria! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Sofia's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

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

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Sofia. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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.

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Sofia has received a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from around 4,010 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, Restaurant "Staria Chinar" should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Sofia, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,717 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at Art Club Museum. This highly regarded restaurant in Sofia has earned a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 2,570 satisfied guests.

Bar Friday 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 3,410 customers.

You can also enjoy a few drinks and some snacks at The Cocktail Bar, another popular bar in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,814 customers.

One More Bar is a local favorite and a great place to hang out and socialize with other travelers in Sofia. Customers have rated the exciting One More Bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,228 reviews.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-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, Reduta, and Plovdiv, 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 Plovdiv. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at North Park, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 10,850 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at South Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,763 travelers.

Sofia Zoo is another must-visit attraction. This renowned zoo offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,962 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Druzhba Park. This well-loved park boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 8,509 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Plovdiv, 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 Sofia to Plovdiv may take around 1 hour 36 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Plovdiv, 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 Plovdiv.

Have a delightful culinary experience when you dine at Айлякрия / Aylyakria Restaurant. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in Plovdiv boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 1,229 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in Plovdiv is Happy Bar & Grill Novotel. It has garnered a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,350 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at Torro Grande / Торро Гранде, in Plovdiv. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,651 satisfied customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in Plovdiv. Rahat Tepe is a popular option, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Continue your evening at Club Fargo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,132 customers.

Котка и Мишка, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar is another place you could check out tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria, where you’ll be making 5 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Kyustendil, Bistritsa, Stob, Nevestino, and Kyustendil. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Kyustendil. Kyustendil will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Stob’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Plovdiv behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 51 min. Stob welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Stob Earth Pyramids. This extraordinary rock formation has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,242 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Stob, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bistritsa. Your travel time is around 39 min.

Kick off the day at Rila, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This urban park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,899 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Kyustendil, 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 Kyustendil's best restaurants.

Make a reservation at Restaurant Friends, a popular dining spot in Kyustendil. Its reputation for being a popular dining spot shines through its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 3,791 satisfied diners.

Make a reservation at Pizza Royal Kyustendil while indulging in the charm of Kyustendil. This restaurant offers a delicious menu reflected with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, cherished by 673 discerning connoisseurs.

Indulge in the flavors of Hotel Ramira, a treasured establishment in Kyustendil. Its diverse menu promises to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 593 satisfied guests.

Passione is one of the best bars in Kyustendil and the perfect place for a celebratory drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 680 customers.

You may also want to check out Vintage bar and dinner, offering great drinks and a fantastic atmosphere. Vintage bar and dinner is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 201 customers.

A third bar where you could have a great time tonight is Vogue. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 63 customers.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Pernik, Leskovets, Pernik, and Sofia. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Sofia. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Kyustendil, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Pernik may take around 1 hour. Upon your arrival in Pernik, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Sofia. Sofia 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 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.

Book a table at The Wrong Bar, a famous dining establishment in Sofia. This culinary hotspot and its appetizing cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation for food excellence is reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 1,293 satisfied diners.

Another dining place you should visit in Sofia is Taj Mahal Restaurant, which boasts a variety of tasteful dishes that cater to different palates. It has earned a commendable 4.3 out of 5 stars, demonstrating the positive feedback from 1,423 satisfied customers.

Locals and visitors alike recommend Sofia’s Luciano for the delightful dining experience it gives. The establishment has garnered positive reviews for its tasty dishes, holding an admirable score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,291 satisfied diners.

An excellent example is Halbite Beer Hall, which has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,280 customers.

Another of the best bars you should consider going to is Lime Cafe & Cocktails. This bar offers a selection of great meals and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers.

Locals also enjoy 5 Corners Pub, and you might too. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,463 customers, an after-dinner drink at 5 Corners Pub is the perfect way to end this day.

Say good night to Sofia and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Day 5 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.

On your last day in Bulgaria, take time to indulge in shopping at Sofia’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Bulgaria. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

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!