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

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

Varna has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Sea Garden. This attraction is an urban park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 32,141 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 Varna, Sweet Parmy. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 645 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Varna is Happy Bar & Grill Center (Varna). This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,318 customers.

Locals recommend Happy Bar & Grill as one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,456 customers.

Varna also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Varna is Cubo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,527 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Varna is Beach Bar Menthol. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,430 customers.

Locals also enjoy The Garden Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,562 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 Varna has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Varna 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 Varna. 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 Varna, like the extraordinary Asparuhov park. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,162 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Varna is the spectacular 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 then travel to the amazing Retro Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,701 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Varna.

Your discovery of Varna does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Varna 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 Staria Chinar - Port Varna, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,810 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Varna is the popular Godzila Sevastopol. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,248 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Varna is Staria Chinar Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,178 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Muffin bar & coffee is one of the best bars in the city of Varna for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,718 customers.

The BRICK bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Varna. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,387 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Varna is Bar PUNTA CANA. Bar PUNTA CANA has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,540 customers.

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

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Shumen. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Veliko Tarnovo. You’ll stay in Veliko Tarnovo for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Shumen’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Shumen, start your day with a visit to the amazing Madara Horseman. This much-appreciated must-see tourist destination and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,348 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Madara National Historical and Archaeological Park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,445 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Park Kyoshkovete to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Park Kyoshkovete is a park that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,424 visitors.

The lovely Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 3,219 visitors have left this museum average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Shumen has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Veliko Tarnovo 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 Restaurant Asenevtsi. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,457 reviews.

The remarkable VkusoteriA is another top restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Veliko Tarnovo, the fantastic Bianko. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Lino Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Tequila Bar Funky Monkey. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 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 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Veliko Tarnovo and embark on a scenic drive to Sofia, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Veliko Tarnovo 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 Veliko Tarnovo. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Monument of Mother Bulgaria. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,742 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Marno Pole Park. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,606 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Veliko Tarnovo is the stunning Park "Sveta Gora". This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,769 visitors.

Next, you could make your way to the best-rated best-rated sightseeing destination in Veliko Tarnovo. The popular Tsarevets Fortress is a great place to visit on this day of your road trip adventure. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,718 visitors, it’s one of the most popular places to see in the city.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Gradski park Botevgrad. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 927 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,010 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurant "Staria Chinar", another of the best restaurants in Sofia. Restaurant "Staria Chinar" is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

After dinner, visit Bar Friday to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Sofia, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Cocktail Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Cocktail Bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 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 5 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 St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This attraction is a church that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,337 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible park, Park "Zaimov". With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,115 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Sofia is the outstanding Borisova Gradina Park. This popular park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,212 visitors.

The spectacular National Palace of Culture is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating convention center and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,244 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to the fantastic South Park. This attraction is a popular park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,616 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 6 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 Singing Fountains. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,192 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,208 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is a top-tier point of interest that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,478 visitors.

The lovely Old Town of Plovdiv is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 4,234 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.8 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 Youth Hill. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,980 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 7 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 and Nesebar 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. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful The Sea Garden. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 34,514 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible The Clock. This attraction, a beloved best-rated sightseeing destination, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,731 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Burgas is the stunning Park "Mineralni bani". This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,641 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Nessebar and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Nesebar has to offer.

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 The Windmill, Nessebar. This best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,179 reviews.

Another site you could visit today is the top-rated Ancient Theatre. This top-tier point of interest and travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,905 visitors.

The lovely Church of Saint Sophia is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 9,816 visitors have left this church an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Lastly, if you still got energy, the wonderful Sunny Beach is also a worthwhile attraction you can visit in Nesebar. This point of interest is a town rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,801 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Nesebar, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Varna. When you arrive in Varna you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Morska terasa. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,104 customers.

Locals also recommend El Kapan, another of the best restaurants in Varna. El Kapan is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,370 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 2,955 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Cuba Beach Bar to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Varna, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,018 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Cafe Bar Soho. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Cafe Bar Soho has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 136 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 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Varna 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.

Casino Black Sea is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Varna. This casino and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 520 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Varna at Stariyat chinar Preslav before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,788 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Mr Baba for your last chance at a meal in the city of Varna. The Mr Baba restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,420 customers.

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