9-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv traveling north to Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna, and Burgas

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

Plovdiv has many popular destinations you can explore.

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 Plovdiv, Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

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

Locals recommend Rahat Tepe as one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Plovdiv also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Club Fargo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv is Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Bulgaria!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Plovdiv has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv. 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 Plovdiv, like the extraordinary Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,228 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Plovdiv is the spectacular Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,047 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Singing Fountains. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,815 visitors.

Lauta Park is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This park is a popular destination among visitors in Plovdiv. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,257 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Plovdiv does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Plovdiv 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 Hemingway Restaurant, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Plovdiv. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Plovdiv is the popular r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik". This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,166 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Plovdiv is PASA Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Rock Bar Download is one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

Bar The Post is another of the most popular bars in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

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

Rise and shine on day 3 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Plovdiv and embark on a scenic drive to Sofia, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Tsarska Bistritsa. This attraction is a palace that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,090 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible City Park by the river Iskar. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,123 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Plovdiv is the stunning Tsari Mali Grad. This fortress and travel destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,546 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Rila. This attraction is an urban park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,931 visitors.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

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!

On day 4 of your road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Best Western Terminus Hotel, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Sofia. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,583 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Sofia is the 5-star Casa Boyana Boutique. The hotel is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 249 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Sofia is the 3-star Gloria Palace. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 348 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the town of Sofia, like the outstanding Park "Geo Milev". This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 9,902 visitors.

South Park is another popular attraction you could visit in the town of Sofia. This incredible attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,055 visitors.

Come to Sofia prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Sofia.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Restaurant "Staria Chinar", after your day of exploring the city of Sofia. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Bulgaria.

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 5 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Sofia. 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 Sofia’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Sofia, start your day with a visit to the amazing National Palace of Culture. This much-appreciated convention center and attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 13,776 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Borisova Gradina Park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,952 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Eagles' Bridge to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Eagles' Bridge is a stone bridge that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 9,677 visitors.

The lovely St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 18,076 visitors have left this church 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 Ivan Vazov National Theater. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 9,201 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Sofia 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 VkusoteriA. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 993 reviews.

The remarkable Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One") is another top restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Restaurant Ego 1 is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,561 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!

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the city of Veliko Tarnovo and the city of Balchik. You’ll stay in Varna for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Veliko Tarnovo today is Tsarevets Fortress. This excellent attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,511 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Park "Sveta Gora", an outstanding park, in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Around 4,681 travelers rated this attraction with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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 Balchik Palace for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Balchik. This popular attraction is a palace and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 19,217 visitors.

This outstanding park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,288 travelers.

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

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna, Happy Bar & Grill Center (Varna). This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,318 customers.

Locals recommend Staria Chinar - Port Varna as one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna. Staria Chinar - Port Varna is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,810 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Varna is Staria Chinar Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,178 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Varna, Cubo. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,527 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like The Garden Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,562 customers.

The BRICK bar is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Varna. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,387 customers.

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

Day 7 of your road trip through Bulgaria is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Varna and the city of Nesebar. 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 Sea Garden. This attraction is an urban park and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 31,686 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral. This eastern orthodox cathedral and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,705 visitors.

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 Sunny Beach in the city of Nesebar for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a town and has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,756 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Nesebar is the outstanding Ancient Theatre. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,890 visitors, this best-rated sightseeing destination deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Church of Saint Sophia. This attraction, a stunning church, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,769 travelers.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Happy Bar & Grill, one of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,335 customers.

Locals also recommend Happy Bar & Grill as one of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas. Happy Bar & Grill is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Burgas is Romance Pub & Pizza. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,070 customers.

After dinner, visit Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Burgas. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

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

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

Rise and shine on day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria. Today, you'll wake up in Burgas and embark on a scenic drive to Plovdiv, 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. 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 34,044 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Sand Fest Burgas. This attraction, a beloved must-see tourist destination, has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 5,699 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Asen's Fortress. This attraction is a fortress that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,777 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This place of worship and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,464 reviews.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,070 customers.

Locals also recommend RESTAURANT Raia, another of the best restaurants in Plovdiv. RESTAURANT Raia is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 936 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Kitchen of Raya / Kukhnyata na Raya. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 895 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Piano Bar Sinatra to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Plovdiv, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 568 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 180 customers.

Bar Fabrik is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 698 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 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Plovdiv 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.

Old Town of Plovdiv is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Plovdiv. This park and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,806 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Plovdiv at Sofra before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 807 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Restaurant - Garden "Philippopolis" for your last chance at a meal in the city of Plovdiv. The Restaurant - Garden "Philippopolis" restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 767 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Tams House. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 522 customers.

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