6-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling west 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. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out North Park or taking a stroll in the city center. 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.

Dine in style at Hotel Forum, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Hotel ZOO Sofia boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Mamma Mia Ltd. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Sofia.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Halbite Beer Hall, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Lime Cafe & Cocktails is another popular option for a drink or two.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 2 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 Sofia. In the evening, you’ll end up in Blagoevgrad, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Make Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this church an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,088 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Eagles' Bridge. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,319 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this stone bridge every year.

Borisova Gradina Park is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,635 visitors.

When you’re finished at Borisova Gradina Park, the perfect next stop is Prince's Garden. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,695 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to National Theater "Ivan Vazov". This point of interest is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,932 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Blagoevgrad. Blagoevgrad 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 you explore more of Blagoevgrad, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Esteemed as a much-enjoyed restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Tchsasovnika, a top-rated dining spot in Blagoevgrad. If you're in the mood for something new, try Bar All Stars, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Verde. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Blagoevgrad.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at BeFree, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Swing offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Найс плейс. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!

Greet day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Blagoevgrad for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Sofia, and Reduta.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Blagoevgrad, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Sofia. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 16 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Kick off the day at National Palace of Culture, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This convention center is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,569 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit South Park. South Park is a park with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,985 reviews.

Sofia Zoo is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 15,237 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Druzhba Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,598 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Reduta.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Geo Milev Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Reduta, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,414 visitors.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Blagoevgrad. 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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Shery, a top-rated dining destination in Blagoevgrad. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Naomi Bar & Patisserie, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hotel Cardinal. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Blagoevgrad this evening.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 5 stops and experience some of the highlights of Stob, Rila Monastery, Bistritsa, Nevestino, and Kyustendil. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Kyustendil, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Stob and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 20 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Stob beckons with new experiences!

Journey into the unknown at Stob Earth Pyramids, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable rock formation has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,279 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Stob and set your GPS to Rila Monastery. 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 33 min. Upon reaching Rila Monastery, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Rila Monastery, a remarkable monastery where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 18,596 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.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Kyustendil's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurant Friends, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Hotel Ramira is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Vintage bar and dinner. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Kyustendil tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Vogue, a top-rated bar in the area.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Bulgaria.

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Leskovets, and Pernik. 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’ve had your share of Kyustendil, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Leskovets. Your travel time is around 1 hour.

Kick off the day at Alis Petting Zoo, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,224 reviews.

After soaking in Leskovets’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Pernik. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 22 min. When you arrive in Pernik, it's time to take a break from the road.

Take the opportunity to see Централен парк. This attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,994 visitors.

Mining museum of Pernik is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This mining museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,305 travelers.

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.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Sofia. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Make sure to book a table at Divaka, a popular restaurant in Sofia. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Sofia at Face bar & dinner, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Art Club Museum. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Sofia tonight.

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

Day 6 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.

Maximize your last day in Bulgaria and go on a shopping spree in Sofia’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Bulgaria.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Zaimov Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Sofia, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,334 visitors.

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

Savor the flavors at Ресторант VICTORIA България, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel beckons with its unique menu offerings.

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!