7-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia to Plovdiv, and Kyustendil and surrounding area

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 Zaimov Park or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Sofia. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Hotel Forum, a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hotel ZOO Sofia, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Mamma Mia Ltd. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Halbite Beer Hall offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Lime Cafe & Cocktails is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting.

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

On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Sofia, and Reduta. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Plovdiv, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Make North Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,004 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at National Palace of Culture. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,569 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this convention center every year.

South 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 30,985 visitors.

When you’re finished at South Park, the perfect next stop is Sofia Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 15,237 reviews.

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

Kick off the day at Geo Milev Park, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 10,414 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.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Salt & Pepper, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Rahat Tepe offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss KFC. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

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

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

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Plovdiv, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Sofia. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 43 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Borisova Gradina Park. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,635 visitors.

Next, make your way to Prince's Garden. This top attraction is a park with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,695 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Eagles' Bridge. This stone bridge is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,319 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,088 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at National Theater "Ivan Vazov". This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,932 travelers.

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.

Dine in style at Ресторант "Старият Пловдив", a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Sofra boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Central Park. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop. Alternatively, go to Qbar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, ANYWAY Social Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will explore 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 Kyustendil. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Singing Fountain. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,640 reviews.

Continue your journey at “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,537 travelers from near and far.

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

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,893 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Youth Hill. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,086 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this park.

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.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Restaurant Friends, a top-rated dining destination in Kyustendil. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hotel Ramira, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Vintage bar and dinner. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Kyustendil this evening.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Vogue is an excellent place to start.

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

Wake up to day 5 of your extraordinary road trip in Bulgaria. With 1 night left in Kyustendil, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

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 Bogoyna. Your travel time is around 1 hour 38 min.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Erma River Gorge, Tran. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,114 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bogoyna, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Tran may take around 7 min. Upon your arrival in Tran, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Holy Paraskeva. This extraordinary church has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 436 visitors.

Next, make your way to Holy Trinity. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 199 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bankya. This drive usually takes around 32 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Yablanitsa River Gorge. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 382 visitors.

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

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

Make sure to book a table at Терасата, a popular restaurant in Kyustendil. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Kyustendil at Ресторант Автографф, 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 BISTRO AMADEUS. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Kyustendil tonight.

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.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Zemen, Sirishtnik, and Vrabcha. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Sofia, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Zemen, 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 Kyustendil to Zemen may take around 48 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Zemen, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Zemen Monastery "St. John the Apostle". This place of worship is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,642 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Zemen, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Sirishtnik. Your travel time is around 26 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Ecopath "Looking at nine mountains". This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 413 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.

As you explore more of Sofia, 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.

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.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day 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.

Make the most of your final day in Bulgaria by visiting Sofia’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Bulgaria.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Holy Trinity Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,845 reviews.

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!