7-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling north to Pleven

Say hello to Sofia! Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Sofia for 3 nights before you continue your adventure!

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 Russian Monument Square 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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Hotel Forum, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Hotel ZOO Sofia offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Mamma Mia Ltd. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Sofia.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Halbite Beer Hall, known for its inviting atmosphere. Lime Cafe & Cocktails is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started.

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

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 2 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to National Palace of Culture. This extraordinary convention center is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,569 visitors.

Next, make your way to South Park. This top attraction is a park with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,985 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Sofia Zoo. This zoo is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 15,237 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Druzhba Park. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,598 travelers.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Sofia on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

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

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 and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Sofia by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Make Borisova Gradina Park one of your first sightseeing stops in Sofia. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,635 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Eagles' Bridge is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This stone bridge is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 10,319 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Prince's Garden. This park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,695 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky. A trip to this popular church is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.7 out of 5-star rating as given by 20,088 previous visitors.

Another top place to visit is Zaimov Park. This park enjoys an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,334 local and international travelers.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Sofia. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Ресторант VICTORIA България, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Park Hotel "MOSKVA". As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Sofia tonight.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Sofia. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Pleven, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Kick off the day at Cathedral of Saint Nedelya, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,691 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit North Park. North Park is a park with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,004 reviews.

Holy Trinity Park is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,845 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Church of St. Nicholas the Miraclemaker. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,066 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on National Theater "Ivan Vazov", a famous sightseeing destination in Sofia. This attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,932 travelers.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Pleven, 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 Pleven's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Have a fantastic dining experience at КОМПЛЕКС "ЗАМЪКЪТ", a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Pizzeria Cantonata offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Дежа Вю Пица & Ресторант is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Pleven.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Momento bar & pizza, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Sky Lounge offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Pleven. Кафе-Бар Бораго is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

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

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Lukovit, 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 Pleven to Lukovit may take around 50 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Lukovit, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Riverside Landscape Park "Panega". This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,319 visitors.

Next, make your way to Zlaten Park. This top attraction is a point of interest with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,316 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Panega Eco Trail. This sightseeing destination is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,509 travelers.

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

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Prohodna. This cave is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 8,894 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Lukovit. This drive usually takes around 50 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to The Stone Houses. This sightseeing destination is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Lukovit, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,034 visitors.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at restaurant Bavaria, an iconic dining spot in Pleven. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Snack Bar "Ledenika", a popular restaurant in Pleven. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of 'Gavril' Bar & Grille, a hidden gem nestled in Pleven. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Pernik, and Leskovets. 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.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Pleven and set your GPS to Pernik. 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 2 hours 33 min. Upon reaching Pernik, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Drop by the renowned Mining museum of Pernik. This popular mining museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,305 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Regional History Museum Pernik. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 124 visitors, this museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Централен парк. This park has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,994 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Leskovets, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Leskovets, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Alis Petting Zoo. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,224 reviews.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Hotel Jasmin, a top-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider J. J. Murphy's, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hotel “Crystal Palace Boutique“. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Sofia this evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous 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.

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.

When you're ready to see some sights, Lions' Bridge is a great place to start. This footbridge is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 6,469 visitors.

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!