Cheap 6-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Plovdiv traveling north to Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, and Varna

Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 1 night. 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. More than a city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv 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.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Lauta Park. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,089 reviews.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Plovdiv is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Rahat Tepe, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Ресторант "Старият Пловдив" is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to RESTAURANT Raia, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

If you’re not ready to call it a day, pop into Rock Bar Download, considered one of the best bars in Plovdiv. You can also enjoy drinks at Morado Bar & Dinner, known for its fun atmosphere. Alternatively, go to Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, a favorite spot for both tourists and residents of Plovdiv.

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

Day 2 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 1 popular cheap holiday destinations in Bulgaria, including Plovdiv.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Plovdiv, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Sofia. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 45 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Drop by the renowned Singing Fountains. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,362 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,346 visitors, this park deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis. This point of interest has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,705 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This point of interest and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,603 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Youth Hill. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,014 travelers, this park is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Plovdiv.

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

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

Mamma Mia Ltd stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Divaka offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Face bar & dinner, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Halbite Beer Hall, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Lime Cafe & Cocktails. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down.

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 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Bulgaria, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Sofia. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Veliko Tarnovo, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Veliko Tarnovo. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 49 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,648 reviews.

Continue your journey at Park "Zaimov". This park is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 15,209 travelers from near and far.

Sofia is also the home of Borisova Gradina Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,346 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at South Park. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,763 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Veliko Tarnovo 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.

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, Veliko Tarnovo 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 city's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

Restaurant "Ethno" offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to The Bell. Or, try Burger and Sweets "Асеневци", where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Famous Bar 2 stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar Grill Kolata offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bar Melodie / Melody Bar / is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

On day 4 of your cheap holiday travels in Bulgaria, you’ll tour 2: Veliko Tarnovo and Madara. You'll stay in Varna for 1 night, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Veliko Tarnovo, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Madara may take around 1 hour 55 min. Upon your arrival in Madara, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Marno Pole Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,637 visitors.

When you’re finished at Marno Pole Park, head to Tsarevets Fortress. This one-of-a-kind sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,802 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Park "Sveta Gora". This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,790 visitors.

After soaking in Veliko Tarnovo’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Madara. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 55 min. When you arrive in Madara, it's time to take a break from the road.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Madara Horseman. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 6,423 reviews.

Continue your journey at Madara National Historical and Archaeological Park. This park is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,479 travelers from near and far.

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

Discovering the culinary wonders of Varna is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Staria Chinar Restaurant, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Морска тераса is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Mr Baba, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Continue your lively evening at Vogue cafe bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Cuba Beach Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Bar PUNTA CANA ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Day 5 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 2 wonderful destinations — Burgas and Varna. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Plovdiv, where you'll be spending 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Varna, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Burgas. Your travel time is around 2 hours 7 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to The Sea Garden. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 34,703 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Burgas. This car ride takes around 2 hours 7 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Sea Garden. This urban park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Varna, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 32,289 visitors.

Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,003 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

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.

Savor the culinary delights of Plovdiv, 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.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Италиански ресторант Пикантино, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Айлякрия / Aylyakria Restaurant, 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 Pri Ilyas (Brazilia), an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. ANYWAY Social Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Крилото Cocktail Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Cocktail Bar Noris. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Bulgaria is about to end. Day 6 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Plovdiv.

Make the most of your final day in Bulgaria by visiting Plovdiv’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Bulgaria. Take home a piece of Bulgaria with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Plovdiv, consider a top-rated restaurant like Hemingway Restaurant, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Restaurant Rio is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Le Petit Paris, which is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of your fun memories in Plovdiv.

You’ll then say farewell to Plovdiv. 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!