One-Week Self-Drive Road Trip in Bulgaria and Romania With Itinerary from Sofia to Ruse, Bucharest, and Veliko Tarnovo

Greet day 2 of your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Romania with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Sofia 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 in Bulgaria.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Sofia is the magnificent Druzhba Park. Around 8,598 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Patriarchal Cathedral Of St. Alexander Nevsky on this leg of your adventure in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known church that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 20,088 travelers.

The remarkable National Palace Of Culture is known to be one of the best places to visit in Sofia, and its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,569 traveler reviews is proof.

Dive deeper into Sofia by exploring the captivating National Theater "ivan Vazov". With a stellar average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,932 travelers, make sure this wonderful site is on your Sofia exploration list!

Set your GPS to Reduta and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 12 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Reduta beckons with new experiences!

In Reduta, the extraordinary Geo Milev Park awaits. This attraction is a valued park that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,414 travelers' reviews.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Bulgaria's delectable cuisine at one of Sofia's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Turkish Restaurant "Fidan", a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Hotel Forum offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Turquoise Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Sofia.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Cocktail Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Urban Rebel provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

As the night falls in Sofia, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your multi-country journey across Bulgaria and Romania. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Sofia in Bulgaria. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Ruse where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Sofia is the magnificent Zaimov Park. Around 15,334 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Eagles' Bridge on this leg of your adventure in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known monument that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from around 10,319 travelers.

The remarkable Borisova Gradina Park is known to be one of the best places to visit in Sofia, and its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,635 traveler reviews is proof.

Lukovit’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Sofia behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 25 min. Lukovit welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Lukovit today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Zlaten Park. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 3,316 visitors.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Ruse’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Romania by rewarding yourself with a taste of Ruse’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurant "Pontoon", highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bistro "Lake"? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at The Godfather as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Ruse.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Black & White, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Bar Frame. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Bowling, another top-rated place in the area.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Bulgaria and Romania! Enjoy your evening in Ruse to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.

Day 5 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Bucharest. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Bucharest, including the outstanding King Mihai I Park. Having an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 60,835 reviews, this fascinating park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Bucharest is also home to the captivating Arcul De Triumf Bucharest, a local monument considered one of the highlights of the city. About 15,562 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Bucharest. This extraordinary museum and tourist hot spot hosts more than 150,001 visitors annually and boasts a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 18,249 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful "alexandru Ioan Cuza" Park will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing park and attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 33,714 reviews.

Soak in Bucharest's rich culture at the fantastic Tineretului Park. Further proving its status as one of the best places to visit in Bucharest is its overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 37,528 visitor reviews.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Bulgaria and Romania, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Bucharest. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Savor the flavors at Bruno Wine Bar & Bistro, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Hanu' Berarilor Casa Oprea Soare beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Vatra Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Bucharest tonight.

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

As the night falls in Bucharest, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Romania. Today's main destinations are Bucharest in Romania, 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 Veliko Tarnovo. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Cișmigiu Gardens. This outstanding park and travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 from 37,510 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Cișmigiu Gardens is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating Romanian Athenaeum is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This concert hall and tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 14,475 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing park, Izvor Park. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 19,456 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Constitution Square, an outstanding park, is one place you should visit while in Bucharest considering its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 19,690 travelers.

Explore the magnificent Carol Park and discover what makes this local park and wonder one of the best attractions in Bucharest. This popular sightseeing destination enjoys a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 16,604 travelers.

When you’ve had your share of Bucharest, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Your travel time is around 2 hours 48 min.

This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Veliko Tarnovo. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Veliko Tarnovo. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Bulgaria in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurant "Ethno", a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Tavern "Petleto" is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The Bell. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Veliko Tarnovo tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Famous Bar 2 after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bar Grill Kolata, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Take in the ambiance of Veliko Tarnovo as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Plovdiv in Bulgaria. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Sofia, your home for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Plovdiv and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 47 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Plovdiv beckons with new experiences!

In Plovdiv, the extraordinary Singing Fountain awaits. This attraction is a valued art installation that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,640 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Plovdiv is the spectacular “tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,537 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

You could then travel to the amazing Ancient Stadium Of Philipopolis. This local archeological site and wonder has an overall review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,842 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.

Ancient Theatre Of Philippopolis is another attraction you might want to add to your Plovdiv exploration itinerary. This archeological site is a popular stop among travelers in the area, as seen in its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,893 reviews.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Sofia. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Sofia. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Bulgaria and Romania.

Don’t miss out on dining at Sofiyska Banitsa, 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 Bar & Dinner Relax. With a reputation for consistently satisfying 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, One More Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Teos Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Bsd 2 Ndk is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!