Cheap 7-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia to Stara Zagora and 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 "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 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 Park "Geo Milev" is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This park and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 10,260 reviews.

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.

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!

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 Stara Zagora, 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 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 Stara Zagora. Stara Zagora 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 Stara Zagora that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Stara Zagora is Golden Serbian Grill Pri Vlado. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,263 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Stara Zagora, Restaurant Uniqato 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 1,988 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Shtastlivetsa. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Stara Zagora enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,681 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Stara Zagora’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Bulgaria. For example, you can visit Pri Kmeta. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,871 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Drums. This popular bar in Stara Zagora has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,465 bar-goers.

You can also go to Brothers' cafe as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Brothers' cafe is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 914 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 4 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Stara Zagora and the enchanting Asenovgrad, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Stara Zagora and end the day in Asenovgrad, where you'll stay for 2 nights.

Buckle up because day 4 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 Stara Zagora is the magnificent Artileriyski Park. Around 3,569 visitors have rated this excellent park and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Park “Ayazmo“ on this leg of your self-drive tour in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 8,145 travelers.

The remarkable “Bedechka” Park is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Bulgaria. This attraction, an amazing park, is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,174 travelers.

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

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Asen's Fortress. This popular site is a valued fortress in Asenovgrad and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,988 visitors.

Another must-visit in Asenovgrad is the spectacular Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This outstanding place of worship and sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 12,913 travelers.

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.

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

Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,229 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Plovdiv is Happy Bar & Grill Novotel, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,350 customers.

Pavaj offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Plovdiv. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,861 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 Plovdiv’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Torro Grande / Torro Grande is an excellent example of a great bar in Plovdiv offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,651 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Rahat Tepe, another of locals’ go-to bars in Plovdiv. Rahat Tepe is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 2,984 customers having rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Club Fargo is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Plovdiv. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 1,132 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!

On day 5 of your road trip adventures in Bulgaria, you’ll go deep into Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Plovdiv, and meet locals along the way!

Plovdiv offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

We recommend you stay at the charming Hotel Residence City Garden to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Plovdiv. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 615 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Hotel Jagerhof. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Plovdiv. Hotel Jagerhof has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,979 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Plovdiv should also consider Ego. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Ego has been rated by 2,612 guests with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Plovdiv offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Plovdiv the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding park, Youth Hill. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,980 visitors.

The famous Singing Fountains is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible park and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,192 visitors.

Plovdiv is also the home of the extraordinary “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. Around 15,208 travelers have rated the spectacular “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 17,478 reviews, a visit to this wonderful top-tier point of interest and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This day of your road trip through Bulgaria is also your chance to admire the fantastic Old Town of Plovdiv up close. This fascinating park and attraction is a must-visit. The marvelous Old Town of Plovdiv enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,234 travelers.

Come to Plovdiv prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Bulgaria. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Plovdiv.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv, Restaurant SOUTH breeze. Locals enjoy eating at Restaurant SOUTH breeze for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,322 diners.

Hemingway Restaurant serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 food lovers.

If you want more options, r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,166 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Plovdiv? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Plovdiv after dinner. Locals recommend Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

Rock Bar Download is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Bulgaria. Rock Bar Download has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 845 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Plovdiv.

You might also want to cap the night off at No sens klub, a fascinating bar that 984 customers have rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Bulgaria!

On day 6 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 Kyustendil and end your day in the city of Sofia, 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 Kyustendil is the amazing Ovchartsi Waterfall. This travel destination is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 927 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Goritsa Ecotrail. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 656 travelers, a visit to this well-known park and sightseeing spot in Kyustendil is likely to make your vacation in Bulgaria even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Kyustendil is the outstanding Fountain on Freedom Square - Dupnitsa. This must-see tourist destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 181 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, drop by the popular Rila. This attraction, an amazing urban park, has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,847 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 Sofia. Sofia 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 Sofia that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Sofia is Taj Mahal Restaurant. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,423 customers.

Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Sofia enjoy dining at this restaurant.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Sofia’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Bulgaria. For example, you can visit The Wrong Bar. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

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 7 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!