One-Week Relaxed Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv to Sofia

Your relaxed road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Plovdiv and begin your adventure in Bulgaria.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Alyosha Monument. This much-appreciated monument is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,433 reviews.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Plovdiv. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Bulgaria. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv.

Make sure to book a table at Rahat Tepe, a popular restaurant in Plovdiv. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Plovdiv at Ресторант "Старият Пловдив", 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 RESTAURANT Raia. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Plovdiv tonight.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Plovdiv. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Rock Bar Download stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Morado Bar & Dinner offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Bulgaria. Enjoy your first taste of Plovdiv as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Plovdiv, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Bulgaria are extraordinary.

Journey into the unknown at Museum of Natural Sciences, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,478 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis is a recommended place to visit. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,705 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Plovdiv is Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,603 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Plovdiv offers an experience you will remember.

“Tsar Simeon Garden” Park is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Plovdiv. This park promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.8 out of 5 stars in 15,346 reviews.

Lastly, don't miss out on Singing Fountains. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,362 local and international travelers, it's a popular place to visit.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Bulgaria. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Bulgaria and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Exploring the food culture in Plovdiv offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Италиански ресторант Пикантино, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Айлякрия / Aylyakria Restaurant offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Pri Ilyas (Brazilia). With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Plovdiv.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting ANYWAY Social Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Крилото Cocktail Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Cocktail Bar Noris also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Plovdiv can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Bulgaria!

On day 3 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in the city of Plovdiv and visit amazing attractions in Bulgaria that travel enthusiasts from around the world often include in their itineraries. Today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in Bulgaria.

Take the opportunity to see Nebet Tepe. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,910 visitors.

Old Town of Plovdiv is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This park has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,329 travelers.

Plovdiv is also the home of Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv. Around 1,926 people have rated this museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Plovdiv and set your GPS to Asenovgrad. 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 29 min. Upon reaching Asenovgrad, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Asen's Fortress. This much-appreciated fortress is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,063 reviews.

Set your GPS to Bachkovo and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 16 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bachkovo beckons with new experiences!

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 13,019 visitors.

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

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Savor the flavors at Hemingway Restaurant, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Restaurant Rio beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Le Petit Paris. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Plovdiv tonight.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Plovdiv. The bars in Plovdiv make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at бар Фабрик, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Club Fargo provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Но сенс клуб offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Bulgaria. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Bulgaria tomorrow with new energy.

Day 4 of your self-drive tour in Bulgaria is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll start your day in the village of Ovchartsi and end it in the city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 3 nights. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in Bulgaria.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Ovchartsi. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 21 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Ovchartsi Waterfall. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 940 visitors.

Next, make your way to Goritsa Ecotrail. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 669 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Ovchartsi, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Dupnitsa may take around 19 min. Upon your arrival in Dupnitsa, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make Fountain on Freedom Square - Dupnitsa your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 181 reviews.

After soaking in Dupnitsa’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Bistritsa. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 8 min. When you arrive in Bistritsa, it's time to take a break from the road.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Rila. This urban park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,899 reviews.

In the city of Sofia, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Bulgaria.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Make sure to book a table at Mamma Mia Ltd, 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 Divaka, 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 Face bar & dinner. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Sofia tonight.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Sofia’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Bulgaria.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Halbite Beer Hall. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Lime Cafe & Cocktails offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Sofia as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Bulgaria with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Bulgaria!

Day 5 of your relaxed road trip through Bulgaria means 24 hours of making the best memories in Sofia. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Sofia!

Make North Park one of your first sightseeing stops in Sofia. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,850 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

National Palace of Culture is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This convention center is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,510 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,648 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Ivan Vazov National Theater. A trip to this popular point of interest is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.8 out of 5-star rating as given by 9,760 previous visitors.

Bulgaria makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Bulgaria also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Sofia, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Art Club Museum, a top-rated dining spot in Sofia. If you're in the mood for something new, try J. J. Murphy's, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Restaurant "Staria Chinar". Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Sofia.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria!

On day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Bulgaria, you’ll go deep into Sofia, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Sofia, and meet locals along the way!

Make Borisova Gradina Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 27,346 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Eagles' Bridge. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,196 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this stone bridge every year.

Knyazheska Garden is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,672 visitors.

When you’re finished at Knyazheska Garden, the perfect next stop is Sofia Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 14,962 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to South Park. This park is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,763 reviews.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your leisurely self-drive tour across Bulgaria. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular activities to choose from in Bulgaria.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Taj Mahal Restaurant, a highly-rated dining destination in Sofia. If you're eager to try something different, consider Manastirska Magernitsa Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Bulgaria.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria!

Day 7 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Bulgaria is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Sofia and continue your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in the hamlet of Reduta and the city of Plovdiv. You’ll stay in Plovdiv for 1 night.

Kick off the day at St. Nedelya Church, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,593 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Holy Trinity Park. Holy Trinity Park is a park with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,768 reviews.

Park "Zaimov" is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,209 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 8,509 visitors.

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

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Park "Geo Milev". This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,324 visitors.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Plovdiv. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Plovdiv, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at р-нт , Малък Бунарджик", an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Torro Grande / Торро Гранде offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Pavaj. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Plovdiv.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Bulgaria.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Bar The Post offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Винтидж хаус is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Bulgaria.

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Plovdiv.

As your final day in Bulgaria unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Plovdiv’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Bulgaria. Keep the spirit of your trip to Bulgaria alive with these special souvenirs.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Plovdiv is the remarkable Youth Hill. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,014 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Plovdiv or just grab something light to keep you going.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Plovdiv and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Bulgaria is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.