Cheap 10-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling south to Bansko, Dospat, Plovdiv, and Blagoevgrad

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

Sofia is a popular cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Bulgaria, Sofia is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Park "Zaimov". This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,209 visitors.

A cheap, budget vacation in Sofia should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Sofia, try some of our top recommendations.

Mamma Mia Ltd offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Divaka.

Visit Halbite Beer Hall, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria!

On day 2 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Bulgaria, you’ll go deep into Reduta and see some of the destination’s most unforgettable attractions. Enjoy a feast at the end of the day, making the most of the time you have in the hamlet of Reduta — 2 nights.

Kick off the day at Druzhba Park, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,509 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Sofia Zoo. Sofia Zoo is a zoo with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,962 reviews.

South Park is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,763 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit National Palace of Culture. This convention center is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,510 visitors.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Bulgaria. To have the best affordable travel experience in Bulgaria, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Bulgaria unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Bulgaria.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Sofia offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Bulgaria.

Start your flavor-filled journey at Face bar & dinner, featuring local favorites at reasonable prices. Looking for a taste of the unexpected? Art Club Museum offers delightful dishes and desserts.

Lime Cafe & Cocktails offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Bulgaria! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Sofia!

Day 3 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Sofia, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary. Have fun exploring the best places to visit in the city. At the end of the day, enjoy wining and dining at Sofia, with 1 night to stay in the area.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Knyazheska Garden. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,672 visitors.

Next, make your way to Eagles' Bridge. This top attraction is a stone bridge with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,196 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker. This church is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,034 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Ivan Vazov National Theater. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,760 travelers.

Bulgaria is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in Bulgaria, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to Bulgaria. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in Bulgaria that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.

A cheap, budget vacation in Sofia should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Sofia, try some of our top recommendations.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at J. J. Murphy's, where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is Restaurant "Staria Chinar" - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights.

A road trip vacation in Sofia can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria!

Day 4 of your road trip across Bulgaria is another proof that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes touring 1 wonderful destinations — Sofia. You’ll explore along your route leading to the town of Bansko, where you'll be spending 1 night.

Set your GPS to Bansko and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 56 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Bansko beckons with new experiences!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at St. Nedelya Church. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,593 visitors.

When you’re finished at St. Nedelya Church, head to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This one-of-a-kind church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,648 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Borisova Gradina Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,346 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Holy Trinity Park. This park is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,768 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to North Park. This famous park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,850 travelers.

Bansko offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Bulgaria. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the town.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Bulgaria shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Bansko is also home to a variety of excellent dining and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the town's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Euphoria, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, OSCAR Wine Bar & Gastro is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Restaurant Victoria Bansko, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Nova Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. PENGUINS Bar & Dinner is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Amigo Pub provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria!

Day 5 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Bansko and Razlog. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Dospat, where you'll stay for 1 night.

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

Journey into the unknown at "Neofit Rilski" House-Museum, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 465 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Holy Trinity Church is a recommended place to visit. This church is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 1,346 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Razlog, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Dospat may take around 1 hour 53 min. Upon your arrival in Dospat, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready to see some sights, Park "Razlog" is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,814 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the town of Dospat. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Dospat, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Dospat. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

A road trip vacation in Bansko can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria!

On day 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Bulgaria, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Trigrad, Bachkovo, and Asenovgrad. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Dospat, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Trigrad. This drive usually takes around 44 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Devil's Throat Cave, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,947 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Trigrad Gorge. This ravine has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 5,418 travelers.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Trigrad, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bachkovo. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 5 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" one of your first sightseeing stops in Bachkovo. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 13,019 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bachkovo, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Asenovgrad. This drive usually takes around 16 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Asen's Fortress. This fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,063 visitors.

While exploring Bulgaria is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Plovdiv has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Plovdiv on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

A cheap, budget vacation in Plovdiv should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Plovdiv, try some of our top recommendations.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Rahat Tepe, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers. Ресторант "Старият Пловдив" is another great hotspot for culinary gems. If you’re into something unique but crafted with care and creativity, then head to RESTAURANT Raia.

Continue your lively evening at Rock Bar Download, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Morado Bar & Dinner is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Bulgaria with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Bulgaria!

Day 7’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Stara Zagora, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary. You have ample time, or 1 night, to stay in Stara Zagora. So make the most of today by going to the best places to visit, eat, and drink in the city.

Your discovery of Stara Zagora does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Stara Zagora on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Bulgaria.

Make the most of your budget vacation in Bulgaria by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Plovdiv that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to Италиански ресторант Пикантино, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Айлякрия / Aylyakria Restaurant - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Pri Ilyas (Brazilia) promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

Visit ANYWAY Social Bar, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Крилото Cocktail Bar serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Plovdiv. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is Cocktail Bar Noris.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria!

On day 8 of your cheap holiday travels in Bulgaria, you’ll tour 1: Plovdiv. You'll stay in Blagoevgrad for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

After soaking in Plovdiv’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Blagoevgrad. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 45 min. When you arrive in Blagoevgrad, it's time to take a break from the road.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Singing Fountains. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Plovdiv, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,362 visitors.

“Tsar Simeon Garden” Park is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,346 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. Visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,603 reviews.

Old Town of Plovdiv is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,329 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Youth Hill, perhaps the most famous park in Plovdiv. This attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,014 travelers.

Blagoevgrad offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Bulgaria. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Blagoevgrad, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the city's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Tchsasovnika, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Bar All Stars, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss Verde, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, BeFree offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Swing is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Найс плейс is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Bulgaria. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Bulgaria!

Day 9 of your self-drive vacation in Bulgaria will take you to the city of Sofia, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Sofia, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Bulgaria, including Rila Monastery, Stob, and Bistritsa.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Stob, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rila Monastery may take around 33 min. Upon your arrival in Rila Monastery, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Drop by the renowned Rila Monastery. This popular monastery has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 18,157 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Stob. This drive usually takes around 20 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Stob Earth Pyramids. This rock formation is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,242 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bistritsa. This car ride takes around 1 hour 3 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Rila. This extraordinary urban park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,899 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the city of Sofia. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Sofia, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Make the most of your budget vacation in Bulgaria by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Sofia that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Start your foodie adventure at Taj Mahal Restaurant, where you'll find affordable mouthwatering meals and desserts. If you’re craving a taste of local favorites, head over to Manastirska Magernitsa Restaurant, a go-to spot for both budget-savvy travelers and locals alike.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the city of Sofia!

Your budget road trip vacation in Bulgaria is about to end. Day 10 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Sofia.

On your last day in Bulgaria, take time to indulge in shopping at Sofia’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Bulgaria. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of Bulgaria forever.

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!