9-Day Bulgaria road trip from Sofia to Stara Zagora, Burgas, and Plovdiv

Welcome to Sofia, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Bulgaria! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 3 nights immersing yourself in Sofia's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Sofia is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Sofia. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Sofia. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don't forget to book a table at Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant, a well-known eatery in Sofia. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 4,010 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Restaurant "Staria Chinar" while exploring Sofia. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 2,717 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Art Club Museum, a popular restaurant in Sofia. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,570 discerning diners.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Bar Friday, claiming it’s one of the best. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option in the city is The Cocktail Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

One More Bar is yet another top-rated place where you can easily spend an hour or two. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip 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.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Sofia's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Don't miss out on experiencing The Wrong Bar, a renowned dining spot in Sofia. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 1,293 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at Taj Mahal Restaurant while immersing yourself in Sofia. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of Luciano, a beloved dining establishment within Sofia. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,291 satisfied customers.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Halbite Beer Hall, one of the top bars you could visit in the city. Halbite Beer Hall is an excellent place for a refreshing evening drink and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at Lime Cafe & Cocktails. Around 1,223 customers have rated their experience at Lime Cafe & Cocktails an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

5 Corners Pub also belongs to the list of the best bars in the Sofia, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,463 bar-goers.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Bulgaria!

On day 3 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Sofia has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Sofia offers and add your favorites to your Bulgaria travel package below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Sofia. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Don't forget to book a table at Mamma Mia Ltd, a well-known eatery in Sofia. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,252 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Island Restaurant while exploring Sofia. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 1,035 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Марайа Класик / Maraia Classic, a popular restaurant in Sofia. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,002 discerning diners.

If you’re up for getting a drink, consider going to K. E. B. A. Around 1,055 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Locals of Sofia also enjoy the drinks at By the Way. This place is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 909 customers and is one of the best you can experience in the city.

Another top-rated alternative for a celebratory drink is Грийн бар. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,037 customers.

Say good night to Sofia and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 4 of your road trip in Bulgaria, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Sofia and Stara Zagora. In the evening, you’ll end up in Stara Zagora, where you will stay for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to St. Nedelya Church. This church is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Sofia, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,593 visitors.

Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5,034 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Knyazheska Garden. Visitors have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,672 reviews.

Eagles' Bridge is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a stone bridge rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 10,196 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Borisova Gradina Park, perhaps the most famous park in Sofia. This attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,346 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Stara Zagora. This car ride takes around 2 hours 20 min.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Stara Zagora. Stara Zagora offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Stara Zagora. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit Golden Serbian Grill Pri Vlado. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Stara Zagora has received a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from around 2,263 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, Restaurant Uniqato should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Stara Zagora, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,988 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at Shtastlivetsa. This highly regarded restaurant in Stara Zagora has earned a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 1,681 satisfied guests.

We recommend Pri Kmeta for many reasons. But most importantly, this bar serves a variety of food and beverages and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,871 reviews.

You can also visit a popular bar like Drums to have refreshing drinks and interact with locals and other travelers. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,465 bar-goers.

When you would rather go somewhere else, try Brothers' cafe. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 914 customers, this bar is one of Stara Zagora’s best places to relax after a long day.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Bulgaria!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Bulgaria. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Stara Zagora, Burgas, and Burgas, 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 Burgas. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Stara Zagora Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,389 visitors.

When you’re finished at Stara Zagora Zoo, head to Park “Ayazmo“. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 8,233 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit “Bedechka” Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,214 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Stara Zagora, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Burgas. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 51 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Burgas, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Burgas's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Reserve your spot at Happy Bar & Grill, a popular local restaurant in Burgas. This culinary hotspot and its flavorful dishes have left a lasting impression on guests. Its dedication to culinary mastery is reflected by its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 6,335 satisfied guests.

Make it a priority to experience Happy Bar & Grill during your stay in Burgas. This popular local restaurant offers an unparalleled menu, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 discerning guests.

Explore the culinary wonders of Romance Pub & Pizza, a popular local gem in Burgas. Its enticing menu promises a journey through flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Renowned for its impeccable service, it boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 2,070 satisfied guests.

Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar is an excellent example. 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 that locals recommend, like Caribe. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Ti Bar & Kitchen - ресторант и бар в Бургас is another of the best bars in the city of Burgas that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 835 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Nessebar and Plovdiv. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Plovdiv, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Nessebar. This drive usually takes around 40 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Nesebar Archaeological Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,715 visitors.

When you’re finished at Nesebar Archaeological Museum, head to Ancient Theatre. This one-of-a-kind sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,906 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Church of Saint Sophia. This church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,853 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Sunny Beach. This town is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 6,830 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Plovdiv, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Nessebar to Plovdiv may take around 2 hours 55 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Plovdiv, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Plovdiv's best restaurants.

Don't forget to book a table at Айлякрия / Aylyakria Restaurant, a well-known eatery in Plovdiv. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 1,229 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit Happy Bar & Grill Novotel while exploring Plovdiv. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 4,350 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Torro Grande / Торро Гранде, a popular restaurant in Plovdiv. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 4,651 discerning diners.

After dinner, visit Rahat Tepe and experience the nightlife in the city of Plovdiv. This bar is one of the best places to cap off the night and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

You can also hang out at Club Fargo. This bar serves a variety of snacks and drinks and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Locals recommend Котка и Мишка, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar, so definitely check it out too. Котка и Мишка, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar is a place to enjoy friendly chats with locals and fellow travelers and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 bar-goers.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

Day 7 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Plovdiv for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

You can learn more about Plovdiv today by going on a tour. Plovdiv offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Plovdiv's best restaurants.

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in Pavaj, a distinguished dining establishment in Plovdiv. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 3,861 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Plovdiv is Restaurant SOUTH breeze. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 3,322 happy diners.

Hemingway Restaurant stands out as a local favorite in Plovdiv. It offers a menu that promises to take you on a flavorful journey. Due to its reputation for delivering a good dining experience, it has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 2,363 customers.

After dinner, visit Rock Bar Download for a drink or two. This bar serves plenty of food and drink options and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

You can also enjoy your night at Но сенс клуб. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 984 customers, it's safe to say that Но сенс клуб promises an unforgettable bar experience.

Alternatively, locals recommend Bar The Post. This bar, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers, is a great place to meet new friends.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Bulgaria!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria, where you’ll be making 2 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Plovdiv and Sofia. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Sofia. Sofia will be your home away from home for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Singing Fountains. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,362 reviews.

Continue your journey at “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,346 travelers from near and far.

Plovdiv is also the home of Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,603 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Old Town of Plovdiv. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,329 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Nebet Tepe. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,910 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this hill.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Plovdiv and set your GPS to Sofia. 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 1 hour 47 min. Upon reaching Sofia, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Sofia.

Reserve a table at Esterhasi Restaurant, a renowned restaurant in Sofia. This culinary gem and its flavorful dishes have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 731 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Restaurant "Panchetata" while in Sofia. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 626 discerning diners.

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. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.1 out of 5-star rating from 4,532 customers.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a day, pop into BSD 2 NDK. This bar is considered one of the best in Sofia and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 838 customers.

You may also want to check out Kathrine Cocktail - Bar. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your evening endeavors. Kathrine Cocktail - Bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 769 customers.

Alternatively, head out to bilkova bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 757 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Bulgaria!

Day 9 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Sofia before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Optimize your last day in Bulgaria and go on a shopping spree in Sofia’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in Bulgaria, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery.

Before you conclude your road trip in Bulgaria, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Sofia.

You’ll then say farewell to Sofia. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Bulgaria!