Cheap 5-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Burgas traveling north to Veliko Tarnovo and Varna

Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Burgas, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Burgas and begin your adventure in Bulgaria.

Burgas is a popular cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Bulgaria, Burgas 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.

Savor the culinary delights of Burgas, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Visit the popular Happy Bar & Grill. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,335 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Bulgaria is Happy Bar & Grill. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Romance Pub & Pizza. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,070 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Burgas, Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 981 customers.

Caribe is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. This bar has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

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

Day 2 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Burgas and Veliko Tarnovo. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Veliko Tarnovo.

Make The Sea Garden your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 34,703 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Museum of Aviation. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,213 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this aviation museum every year.

Парк "Минерални бани" is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,653 visitors.

Set your GPS to Veliko Tarnovo and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 25 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Veliko Tarnovo beckons with new experiences!

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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

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

One musty-try restaurant is Restaurant Asenevtsi. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,457 customers.

VkusoteriA is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 993 reviews. VkusoteriA is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One"). This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,818 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

Bianko is one of our top recommendations. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers.

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

Tequila Bar Funky Monkey is another top-rated bar in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.

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

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Bulgaria, you’ll experience 3 charming destinations — Veliko Tarnovo, Balchik, and Varna. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Varna.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Tsarevets Fortress. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,802 visitors.

When you’re finished at Tsarevets Fortress, head to Park "Sveta Gora". This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,790 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Balchik. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 4 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Balchik Palace. This extraordinary palace has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 19,545 visitors.

Next, make your way to Balchik Botanic Garden. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,424 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Balchik, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Varna. Your travel time is around 40 min.

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

Savor the culinary delights of Varna, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Sweet Parmy is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 645 customers.

Happy Bar & Grill Center (Varna) is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,318 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Happy Bar & Grill, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,456 reviews.

After dinner, visit Cubo for a drink or two. This bar serves plenty of food and drink options and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,527 customers.

You can also enjoy your night at Beach Bar Menthol. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,430 customers, it's safe to say that Beach Bar Menthol promises an unforgettable bar experience.

Alternatively, locals recommend The Garden Bar. This bar, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,562 customers, is a great place to meet new friends.

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

Day 4 of your self-drive vacation in Bulgaria will take you to the city of Burgas, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Burgas, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Bulgaria, including Varna, Nessebar, and Burgas.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Sea Garden. Previous visitors have rated this urban park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 32,289 reviews.

Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This eastern orthodox cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,003 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Asparuhov park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,183 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Varna, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Nessebar may take around 1 hour 33 min. Upon your arrival in Nessebar, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Drop by the renowned Sunny Beach. This popular town has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,830 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Church of Saint Sophia. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,853 visitors, this church deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Burgas, 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 Burgas may take around 44 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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

Burgas 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.

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Bulgaria, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Burgas that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Eat at Neptune. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,122 reviews.

You can also check out Flora Bar & Grill Burgas. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,536 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Incanto restaurant. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,786 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Malibu is one of the best bars in Burgas and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 909 customers.

You may also want to check out Cardamon Soul Food & Drinks 🌿. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. Cardamon Soul Food & Drinks 🌿 is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 716 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Bar Bossa. Bar Bossa has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 596 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Bulgaria!

Your budget road trip vacation in Bulgaria is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Burgas.

As you approach the end of your journey in Bulgaria, take a moment for some retail therapy in Burgas’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Bulgaria, a variety of items are waiting for you.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Burgas, consider a top-rated restaurant like ROMANCE Pizzeria Speciale. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,478 customers.

Zlatna ribka is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,494 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is 8 Mamas. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,238 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Bulgaria and your fun memories in Burgas.

You’ll then say farewell to Burgas. 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!