7-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia to Plovdiv, and Bansko

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 2 nights immersing yourself in Sofia's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Hotel Forum, a highly-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're eager to try something different, consider Hotel ZOO Sofia, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Mamma Mia Ltd. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Halbite Beer Hall, known for its lively atmosphere. Lime Cafe & Cocktails is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.

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

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Sofia for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is National Palace of Culture. This convention center is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,569 reviews.

Continue your journey at Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky. This church is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,088 travelers from near and far.

Sofia is also the home of Zaimov Park. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,334 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Druzhba Park. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,598 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on South Park. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,985 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this park.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Sofia, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Sofia below.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Divaka, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Face bar & dinner? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Art Club Museum as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Sofia.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Sofia. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Plovdiv. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Sofia Zoo. This extraordinary zoo has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 15,237 visitors.

Next, make your way to Borisova Gradina Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 27,635 reviews.

While in Sofia, we also recommend a visit to Eagles' Bridge. This stone bridge has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 10,319 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Prince's Garden. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,695 travelers, this park is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Sofia.

Make your way to National Theater "Ivan Vazov", perhaps the most famous point of interest in Sofia. This attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 9,932 reviews.

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.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Salt & Pepper, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Rahat Tepe offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, KFC is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Plovdiv.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Rock Bar Download, known for its lively atmosphere. North Star is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Morado Bar & Dinner offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Plovdiv, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Bachkovo, Asenovgrad, and Plovdiv. You still have 1 night left in Plovdiv.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,893 reviews.

Continue your journey at Old Town of Plovdiv. This park is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,450 travelers from near and far.

Plovdiv is also the home of Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,842 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Bachkovo, 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 Plovdiv to Bachkovo may take around 38 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Bachkovo, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This place of worship is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 13,211 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Asenovgrad. This car ride takes around 16 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Asen's Fortress is a great place to start. This fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,157 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Plovdiv and your accommodation.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Ресторант "Старият Пловдив", a highly-rated dining destination in Plovdiv. If you're eager to try something different, consider Sofra, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Central Park. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Plovdiv this evening.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, known for its inviting atmosphere. Qbar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, ANYWAY Social Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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, Plovdiv, and Pazardzhik. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bansko, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Plovdiv, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,537 visitors.

Singing Fountain is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,640 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Youth Hill. Visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,086 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Pazardzhik, 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 Plovdiv to Pazardzhik may take around 44 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Pazardzhik, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Journey into the unknown at "Svoboda" Park Island, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,732 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Zoo Pazardzhik is a recommended place to visit. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,738 reviews.

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

This renowned restaurant holds and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Kasapinova Mehana, an iconic dining spot in Bansko. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Euphoria, a popular restaurant in Bansko. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro, a hidden gem nestled in Bansko. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Nova Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, PENGUINS Bar & Dinner provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Amigo Pub offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Bulgaria.

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore Bansko, Razlog, Rila Monastery, and Rila, 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 Sofia. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Drop by the renowned Holy Trinity Church. This popular church has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,367 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Razlog. This car ride takes around 14 min.

Take the opportunity to see Park "Razlog". This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,871 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Sofia, 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 Sofia's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Ресторант VICTORIA България, a highly-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're eager to try something different, consider Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Park Hotel "MOSKVA". With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

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

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.

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!