Cheap 6-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia to Plovdiv

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. 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 Park "Zaimov" will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria truly special. This attraction is a fascinating park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,115 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 Vodenitzata. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,223 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 Restaurant "Staria Chinar". This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,717 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

The School is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 2,988 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Sofia we recommend is Bar Friday, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

The Cocktail Bar is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 2,814 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.4 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 Sofia, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary North Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,772 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 14,244 visitors.

To make your trip to Sofia more memorable, spend time at the fascinating South Park. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 30,616 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic South Park is often mentioned in Bulgaria road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Sofia Zoo is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This zoo and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 14,742 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Park "Geo Milev". More than 10,260 visitors have rated this park and tourist destination an average of 4.5 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 Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant, 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 2,625 reviews.

You can also check out Art Club Museum. 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 2,570 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Merak. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,328 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Sofia.

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.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit The Corner. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,874 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Sofia.

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

On day 3 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 Sofia and end your day in the city of Plovdiv, 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 Sofia is the amazing St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This travel destination is a church that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,337 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Eagles' Bridge. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,102 travelers, a visit to this well-known stone bridge and sightseeing spot in Sofia is likely to make your vacation in Bulgaria even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Sofia is the outstanding Borisova Gradina Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,212 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, drop by the popular Knyazheska Garden. This attraction, an amazing park, has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,658 travelers.

If you’re keen to explore more, you’ll enjoy the fantastic Ivan Vazov National Theater. This best-rated sightseeing destination is a popular attraction rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,666 visitors from all over the globe.

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 Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,229 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Plovdiv, Happy Bar & Grill Novotel is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,350 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Pavaj. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Plovdiv enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,861 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 Torro Grande / Torro Grande. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,651 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Rahat Tepe. This popular bar in Plovdiv has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,984 bar-goers.

You can also go to Club Fargo as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Club Fargo is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,132 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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

Some of the highlights of this day include visits to amazing attractions in Bachkovo and Asenovgrad. You still have 1 night 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 12,913 visitors.

You’ll then drive to Asenovgrad and travel to more of the best attractions in Bulgaria. Asenovgrad is another cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, perfect for budget travelers.

Your first stop in Asenovgrad is the magnificent Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" a famous place of worship among locals and travelers. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,913 visitors, this top sight is one place you don’t want to miss during your time in the area.

The incredible Asen's Fortress is another interesting sight you could also visit today. Travelers who have visited this unforgettable location have rated their experience an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 6,988 reviews.

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 Plovdiv.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like Restaurant SOUTH breeze. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,322 customers.

Hemingway Restaurant is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Plovdiv. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Plovdiv you might want to check out is r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik". R-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,166 reviews.

After your meal, finish off this busy day with a refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Plovdiv, Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,070 customers.

Rock Bar Download is another popular bar in the area perfect for cheap holiday goers in Plovdiv. This bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a few drinks.

Locals also recommend No sens klub. This bar offers customers a terrific bar experience at low prices, making it one of the best spots in Plovdiv. No sens klub has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 984 customers.

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

Day 5 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Plovdiv and the enchanting Bistritsa, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Plovdiv and end the day in Bistritsa, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 5 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 Singing Fountains. Around 12,192 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park on this leg of your self-drive tour in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from around 15,208 travelers.

The remarkable Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Bulgaria. This attraction, an amazing top-tier point of interest, is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,478 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Youth Hill. This park and well-loved attraction in Plovdiv is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,980 visitors.

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 Bistritsa.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Rila. This popular site is a valued urban park in Bistritsa and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,847 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.

Sofia 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 Sofia offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Bulgaria.

Garden restaurant Yoli is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,745 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Sofia is Hasienda Restaurant, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,469 customers.

Taj Mahal Restaurant offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Sofia. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,423 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 Sofia’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Bar & Dinner Relax is an excellent example of a great bar in Sofia offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,554 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at The Wrong Bar, another of locals’ go-to bars in Sofia. The Wrong Bar is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 1,293 customers having rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Face bar & dinner is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Sofia. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 1,437 bar-goers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Bulgaria with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation 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 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 Holy Trinity Park. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 7,720 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Sofia, consider a top-rated restaurant like Mamma Mia Ltd. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,252 customers.

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!