Cheap 12-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia to Pleven and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Sofia, where you'll stay for 9 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. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Sofia and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Russian Monument Square will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria truly special. This attraction is a fascinating best-rated sightseeing destination that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,588 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Sofia. An excellent example is the popular Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Bulgaria is Restaurant "Staria Chinar". Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

Bar Friday is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 3,410 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Sofia we recommend is The Cocktail Bar, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

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

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Sofia, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary South Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,763 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular National Palace of Culture. This popular place of interest is a stunning convention center that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,510 visitors.

To make your trip to Sofia more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Borisova Gradina Park. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 27,346 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Borisova Gradina Park is often mentioned in Bulgaria road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Maker is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This church and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,034 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Ivan Vazov National Theater. More than 9,760 visitors have rated this top-tier point of interest and tourist destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Sofia does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Sofia 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.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Bulgaria, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Art Club Museum, one of the best restaurants in Sofia. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,570 reviews.

You can also check out The Wrong Bar. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 diners.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Sofia for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at One More Bar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,228 customers.

Halbite Beer Hall is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Sofia!

Day 3 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, Sofia. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Sofia!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning North Park. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in over 10,850 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable park is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Holy Trinity Park. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,768 travelers.

Another place you’ll also want to make time for today is the incredible St. Nedelya Church. This popular church in Sofia has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5,593 travelers.

You also have the opportunity to visit the fantastic St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church and travel hotspot is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,648 visitors.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Sofia? Then make your way to the outstanding park, Park "Zaimov". This local attraction enjoys an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,209 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Sofia. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Sofia offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Sofia has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Sofia is Taj Mahal Restaurant. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,423 customers.

Luciano is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,291 reviews. Luciano is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Sofia as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Sofia, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit Lime Cafe & Cocktails, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,223 customers.

5 Corners Pub serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Sofia. Customers have rated 5 Corners Pub an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,463 reviews.

This bar is popular in Sofia for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

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 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, Reduta. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the hamlet of Reduta!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Park "Geo Milev". With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in over 10,324 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable park is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Reduta?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Reduta. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Reduta offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Reduta has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Reduta is Mamma Mia Ltd. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,252 customers.

Island Restaurant is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,035 reviews. Island Restaurant is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Reduta as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Reduta, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit K. E. B. A. , an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,055 customers.

By the Way serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Reduta. Customers have rated By the Way an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 909 reviews.

This bar is popular in Reduta for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

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

You still have 5 nights left in the area, giving you plenty of chances to check out top-rated restaurants and try out unique activities that will enhance your road trip experience in Bulgaria.

Today’s adventure starts in Bachkovo. Bachkovo is a popular cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria and the home of the wonderful Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This amazing attraction is a place of worship that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 13,019 visitors.

Make your road trip vacation in Bulgaria more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Bulgaria and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

When you’re done exploring, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Sofia.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Maraya Klasik / Maraia Classic. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,002 customers.

Esterhasi Restaurant is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Sofia. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

After your meal, finish off this busy day with a refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Sofia, Griyn bar. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,037 customers.

BSD 2 NDK is another popular bar in the area perfect for cheap holiday goers in Sofia. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 838 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a few drinks.

This bar offers customers a terrific bar experience at low prices, making it one of the best spots in Sofia.

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 6 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, Rila Monastery. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the hamlet of Rila Monastery!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Rila Monastery. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in over 18,157 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable monastery is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Rila Monastery?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Rila Monastery. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Rila Monastery offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Rila Monastery has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Rila Monastery is Restaurant "Panchetata". This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 626 customers.

Divaka is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 4,532 reviews. Divaka is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Rila Monastery as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Rila Monastery, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

We recommend you visit Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 769 customers.

Bilkova bar serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Rila Monastery. Customers have rated bilkova bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 757 reviews.

This bar is popular in Rila Monastery for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

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

Day 7 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, Bogoyna. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Bogoyna!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Erma River Gorge, Tran. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in over 2,071 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable park is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Bogoyna?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Bogoyna. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Bogoyna offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Bogoyna has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Bogoyna is Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,625 customers.

Manastirska Magernitsa Restaurant is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 2,749 reviews. Manastirska Magernitsa Restaurant is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Bogoyna as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Bogoyna, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

This bar is popular in Bogoyna for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

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

Day 8 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, Montana. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Montana!

One of the best destinations you can travel to today is the stunning Park Montanezium. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in over 1,642 reviews, it’s clear that this remarkable park is truly worth a spot in your road trip plans.

You can also spend some time at the spectacular Park Sunny Garden. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 489 travelers.

Excited to see another tourist destination in Montana?

Beyond the above-mentioned locations, today is the perfect opportunity to join a popular activity in Montana. Plenty of budget-friendly tours in Montana offer enriching experiences that will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria worth remembering for a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Montana has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday goers!

One of the best restaurants worth visiting in Montana is J. J. Murphy's. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 2,471 customers.

It’s natural to feel curious about what happens around Montana as the night unfolds. To see what the nightlife looks like in Montana, consider an after-dinner drink at one of the best bars in the area.

This bar is popular in Montana for its great selection of drinks and unique atmosphere.

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

On day 9 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Bulgaria, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Tsvetkova Bara and end your day in the city of Pleven, where you'll stay for 2 nights. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Tsvetkova Bara is the amazing Klisurski Monastery. This travel destination is a convent that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,630 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.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Pleven. Pleven is another cheap travel destination in Bulgaria where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Bulgaria can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Pleven that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Pleven is Life Restaurant & sushi. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,799 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Pleven, Dezha Vyu Pitsa & Restorant is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,699 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Canape Food # STRIP Club. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Pleven enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,419 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Pleven’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Bulgaria. For example, you can visit Revue - Coffee and Food. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 851 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Momento bar & pizza. This popular bar in Pleven has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 547 bar-goers.

You can also go to Kafe-Bar Borago as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Kafe-Bar Borago is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 537 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 10’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Vratsa, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Ledenika. This attraction is a cave that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,130 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Vratsa History Museum. This popular place of interest is a stunning history museum that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 741 visitors.

Your discovery of Vratsa does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Vratsa 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.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Bulgaria, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at Pizza Napoli, one of the best restaurants in Pleven. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,235 reviews.

You can also check out DORI cafe, food & games. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,091 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Pizzeria Cantonata. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 984 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Pleven.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Pleven for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Restorant "Khari" and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 319 customers.

Sky Lounge is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 156 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Snack Bar "Ledenika". Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 683 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Pleven.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Pleven!

Day 11 of your self-drive vacation in Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Karlukovo and end your day in the city of Lukovit.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Sofia for 1 night. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Bulgaria.

While you’re in Karlukovo, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Prohodna. The fantastic Prohodna is a popular cave and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 8,756 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Karlukovo, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Lukovit.

Make Zlaten Park your first stop. This popular best-rated sightseeing destination among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,150 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Lukovit is the outstanding Riverside Landscape Park "Panega". Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,258 visitors, this remarkable park and attraction deserves a spot on your Bulgaria travel bucket list.

We also recommend a visit to the popular Panega Eco Trail. This attraction, a stunning best-rated sightseeing destination, has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,406 travelers.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Bulgaria. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Bulgaria and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget 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.

This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Bulgaria as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 12 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Sofia.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Sofia is the remarkable Lions' Bridge. This footbridge and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,331 visitors.

You’ll then say farewell to Sofia and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Bulgaria!