Cheap 6-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv to Haskovo and Smolyan and surrounding area

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

Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing Youth Hill will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria truly special. This attraction is a fascinating park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,014 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 Plovdiv. An excellent example is the popular Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Bulgaria is Happy Bar & Grill Novotel. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,350 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Torro Grande / Torro Grande. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,651 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Rahat Tepe is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 2,984 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 Plovdiv we recommend is Club Fargo, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 1,070 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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 Plovdiv, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Singing Fountains. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,362 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This popular place of interest is a stunning park that boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 15,346 visitors.

To make your trip to Plovdiv more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 17,603 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is often mentioned in Bulgaria road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This top-tier point of interest and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,705 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Museum of Natural Sciences. More than 2,478 visitors have rated this museum and tourist destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Plovdiv does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Plovdiv 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 Pavaj, one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,861 reviews.

You can also check out Restaurant SOUTH breeze. 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,322 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Hemingway Restaurant. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,363 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Plovdiv.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Plovdiv for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Rock Bar Download and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 845 customers.

No sens klub 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 984 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Bar The Post. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Plovdiv.

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

Day 3 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Plovdiv and the enchanting Stara Zagora, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Plovdiv and end the day in Stara Zagora, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 3 of your affordable vacation in Bulgaria will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Plovdiv is the magnificent Old Town of Plovdiv. Around 4,329 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Nebet Tepe on this leg of your self-drive tour in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known hill that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 2,910 travelers.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Plovdiv, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Stara Zagora.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable “Bedechka” Park. This popular site is a valued park in Stara Zagora and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,214 visitors.

Another must-visit in Stara Zagora is the spectacular Stara Zagora Zoo. This outstanding zoo and sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 4,389 travelers.

You can also stop at the popular Park “Ayazmo“ to make your cheap holiday experience in Stara Zagora truly special. This park and place of interest has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,233 visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Bulgaria. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Bulgaria. Make your cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Haskovo offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Bulgaria. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Haskovo offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Bulgaria.

Restaurant "Alafrangite" is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 946 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Haskovo is Uno Piu Pizza & Restaurant, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,276 customers.

Peshtite offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Haskovo. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,304 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Haskovo’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Bolero is an excellent example of a great bar in Haskovo offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 280 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Galaxy cafe-club, another of locals’ go-to bars in Haskovo. Galaxy cafe-club is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 76 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 4 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 Bachkovo and end your day in the city of Smolyan, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Bachkovo is the amazing Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This travel destination is a place of worship that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 13,019 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 Smolyan. Smolyan 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 Smolyan that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Smolyan is Khotel-restorant "B'lgarche". This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,407 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Smolyan, Rodopchanka Restaurant is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,892 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Pamporovo House. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Smolyan enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,223 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Smolyan’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Bulgaria. For example, you can visit Teatro bar i vecherya. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 602 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Venus Bar. This popular bar in Smolyan has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 389 bar-goers.

You can also go to Caffe The Clock as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Caffe The Clock is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 135 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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

On day 5 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 Smolyan and end your day in the city of Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Smolyan is the amazing Smolyan Planetarium. This travel destination is a planetarium that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 225 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible "Stoyu Shishkov" Regional History Museum. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,022 travelers, a visit to this well-known museum and sightseeing spot in Smolyan is likely to make your vacation in Bulgaria even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Smolyan is the outstanding The Waterfalls Canyon. This park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,273 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, drop by the popular Smolyan Waterfall. This attraction, an amazing best-rated sightseeing destination, has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 810 travelers.

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 Plovdiv. Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Plovdiv is r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik". This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,166 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Plovdiv, PASA Restaurant is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,284 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Restaurant Rio. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Plovdiv enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,069 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Plovdiv’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Bulgaria. For example, you can visit Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 180 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Morado Bar & Dinner. This popular bar in Plovdiv has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 2,509 bar-goers.

You can also go to Secrets Club as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Secrets Club is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 880 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Bulgaria as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 6 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Plovdiv.

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 Plovdiv is the remarkable Alyosha Monument. This monument and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,433 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Plovdiv, consider a top-rated restaurant like RESTAURANT Raia. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 936 customers.

Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv" 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 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,012 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Italianski restorant Pikantino. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 869 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Bulgaria and your fun memories in Plovdiv.

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