One-Week Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling east to Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna, and Veliko Tarnovo

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Sofia has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Park "Zaimov". This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,115 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia, Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia is Restaurant "Staria Chinar". This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

Sofia also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Sofia is Bar Friday. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Sofia is The Cocktail Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Bulgaria!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Sofia has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Sofia by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Sofia. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Sofia, like the extraordinary Borisova Gradina Park. This attraction is a park and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,212 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Sofia is the spectacular Eagles' Bridge. This attraction is a stone bridge and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,102 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Knyazheska Garden. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,658 visitors.

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This church is a popular destination among visitors in Sofia. Rated at an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,337 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Ivan Vazov National Theater. Ivan Vazov National Theater is a best-rated sightseeing destination and popular attraction in Sofia. More than 9,666 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Sofia does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Sofia on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, be sure to eat at Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,625 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Sofia is the popular Art Club Museum. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, One More Bar is one of the best bars in the city of Sofia for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

Halbite Beer Hall is another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Sofia!

Day 3 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Sofia and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Plovdiv. You will stay in Plovdiv for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Sofia is the amazing North Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,772 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible convention center, National Palace of Culture. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,244 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Sofia is the outstanding South Park. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,616 visitors.

The spectacular Druzhba Park is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating park and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,441 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Sofia by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Plovdiv, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

Locals also recommend Happy Bar & Grill Novotel as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. Happy Bar & Grill Novotel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,350 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is Pavaj. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

After dinner, visit Torro Grande / Torro Grande, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,651 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Rahat Tepe. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Alternatively, Club Fargo is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 4 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Plovdiv. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Burgas. You’ll stay in Burgas for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Plovdiv’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Plovdiv, start your day with a visit to the amazing “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,208 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Singing Fountains. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,192 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Alyosha Monument to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Alyosha Monument is a monument that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,386 visitors.

The lovely Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 17,478 visitors have left this best-rated sightseeing destination average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Old Town of Plovdiv. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,234 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Plovdiv has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Burgas. Burgas offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Happy Bar & Grill. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,335 reviews.

The remarkable Romance Pub & Pizza is another top restaurant in Burgas we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,070 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Burgas, the fantastic Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Happy Bar & Grill. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is GOTi - Family & Kitchen. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,786 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

Rise and shine on day 5 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Burgas and embark on a scenic drive to Varna, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Burgas before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Burgas. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,731 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible The Sea Garden. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 34,514 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Burgas is the stunning Nesebar Archaeological Museum. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,692 visitors.

Next, you could make your way to the best-rated church in Burgas. The popular Church of Saint Sophia is a great place to visit on this day of your road trip adventure.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight, or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Sunny Beach. This attraction is a town rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,801 reviews.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Nesebar Archaeological Museum. This attraction is a museum that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,692 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Church of Saint Sophia. This church and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,816 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Sunny Beach. This town and travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,801 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Sweet Parmy. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 645 customers.

Locals also recommend Happy Bar & Grill Center (Varna), another of the best restaurants in Varna. Happy Bar & Grill Center (Varna) is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,318 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Happy Bar & Grill. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,456 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Cubo to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Varna, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,527 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Beach Bar Menthol. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Beach Bar Menthol has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,430 customers.

The Garden Bar is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,562 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Bulgaria, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 6 of your road trip through Bulgaria is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Varna and the city of Shumen. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Varna is the amazing Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral. This attraction is an eastern orthodox cathedral and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,920 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Sea Garden. This urban park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 32,141 visitors.

Retro Museum is another popular attraction you can explore in the city of Varna. This well-known attraction, a spectacular museum, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 6,701 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Varna is another excellent way to spend your new day in Bulgaria. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Bulgaria’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Bulgaria’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Bulgaria’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Madara Horseman in the city of Shumen for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,348 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Veliko Tarnovo.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Restaurant Asenevtsi, one of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,457 customers.

Locals also recommend VkusoteriA as one of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. VkusoteriA is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo is Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One"). This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 customers.

After dinner, visit Bianko, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Lino Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Alternatively, Tequila Bar Funky Monkey is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

Day 7 of your road trip will take you to the city of Veliko Tarnovo and the city of Lovech. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Veliko Tarnovo today is Monument of Mother Bulgaria. This excellent attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,742 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Marno Pole Park, an outstanding park, in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Around 4,606 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Veliko Tarnovo is Monument to the Assen Dynasty. This amazing attraction is a must-see tourist destination and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,582 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Tsarevets Fortress. This must-see tourist destination and place of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,718 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Bulgaria, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Bulgaria. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Covered Bridge for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Lovech. This popular attraction is a bridge and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,580 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Sofia.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia, Taj Mahal Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Sofia, The Wrong Bar. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria with a toast!

Day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Sofia before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Park "Geo Milev" is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Sofia. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,260 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Sofia and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Bulgaria.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Sofia at Mamma Mia Ltd before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,252 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Sofia. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Bulgaria!