Affordable 7-Day Relaxed Bulgaria Road Trip Vacation from Sofia to Plovdiv

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Bulgaria begins when you reach Sofia, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Sofia is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Park "Zaimov". Around 15,115 visitors have rated this fascinating park and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Sofia offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

An excellent example is Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers.

Restaurant Vodenitzata serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Sofia has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,223 reviews.

Restaurant "Staria Chinar" is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,717 customers, Restaurant "Staria Chinar" is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Sofia looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at The School, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,988 reviews.

Bar Friday offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Sofia. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

Locals like unwinding at The Cocktail Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers and is a perfect place for socializing.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in Bulgaria! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria!

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, you'll explore the best attractions in Sofia at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Sofia, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous North Park. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,772 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Bulgaria by seeing another popular site in Sofia, the wonderful National Palace of Culture. This convention center is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,772 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible South Park. This park has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,616 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Sofia Zoo. This zoo is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,742 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Park "Geo Milev". This amazing site is a wonderful park with more than 10,260 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Sofia itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Bulgaria extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Sofia. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,625 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Art Club Museum, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Art Club Museum is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 2,570 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Merak. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,328 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Sofia and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular One More Bar. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Halbite Beer Hall. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is The Corner. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. The Corner has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,874 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Sofia. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Plovdiv, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 3 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is waiting for you. This church has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,337 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is Eagles' Bridge. This unique stone bridge is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,102 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible Borisova Gradina Park. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,212 visitors, this park is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Knyazheska Garden. This popular park and attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,658 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Ivan Vazov National Theater. This attraction is a valued must-see tourist destination in the area that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,666 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Sofia has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Plovdiv. In Plovdiv, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria.

With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,229 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant.

Locals also recommend Happy Bar & Grill Novotel as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Happy Bar & Grill Novotel as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,350 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Pavaj. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,861 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Torro Grande / Torro Grande. Torro Grande / Torro Grande is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,651 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Rahat Tepe. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Club Fargo. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Club Fargo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

Today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in Bulgaria.

From your accommodation, or your home for another 2 nights, you’ll leisurely drive to your first stop of the day, the remarkable Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This amazing attraction is one of the best travel destinations in the city of Bachkovo. The famous Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,913 visitors.

There’s still a lot of things to see and experience in Bulgaria. After exploring Bachkovo, it’s time to get back on the road and drive comfortably to your next destination, the wonderful city of Asenovgrad. The city has so much to offer and your trip will surely be memorable.

You can visit the spectacular Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This place of worship is one of the known tourist destinations in the city The amazing Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,913 visitors.

Another of the most popular attractions you can visit in Asenovgrad is the wonderful Asen's Fortress. Pose in front of this amazing fortress that draws adventure-seekers from all over the world. This stunning attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,988 travelers.

Your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria continues as you discover more popular sites and explore to your heart’s content.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria more special is by joining unique tours and activities in Bulgaria. Plovdiv offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you can drive back to your accommodation in the city of Plovdiv to rest and refresh yourself after your long adventure.

After relaxing at your hotel, you might want to grab a bite at one of the best restaurants in the city, like the Restaurant SOUTH breeze. This restaurant is a favorite among locals and is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,322 customers.

We also recommend that you try the different dishes served at Hemingway Restaurant. This restaurant has many positive reviews which earned it an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,363 food lovers worldwide.

Another top-rated restaurant in the city of Plovdiv is r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik". Praised by local and foreign customers for its delicious food, this restaurant is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,166 customer reviews.

After your meal, it’s time to loosen up and experience the nightlife in Plovdiv. Unwind at the amazing Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar and get a few glasses of their bestselling liquor. Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

Hop on to another top-rated bar in the city and have an amazing night. Visit the Rock Bar Download bar and try its wide selection of beverages and liquor. This bar is a favorite among locals and has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 845 customers.

Make the most of your Plovdiv nightlife experience and get a few shots of your favorite drink at the No sens klub. This bar is highly recommended, having an outstanding 4.4 out of 5 stars from 984 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in Bulgaria with this fun but relaxed road trip escapade!

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, you'll explore the best attractions in Plovdiv at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Plovdiv, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 1 night will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Singing Fountains. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,192 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Bulgaria by seeing another popular site in Plovdiv, the wonderful “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,192 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This best-rated sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,478 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Old Town of Plovdiv. This park is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,234 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Nebet Tepe. This amazing site is a wonderful hill with more than 2,908 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Plovdiv itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through Bulgaria extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Plovdiv. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, PASA Restaurant. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Restaurant Rio, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Restaurant Rio is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 1,069 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Le Petit Paris. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,036 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Plovdiv and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Secrets Club. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 880 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Bar The Post. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 180 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 6 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience two places in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the city of Bistritsa. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Sofia, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful Rila is waiting for you. This urban park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,847 visitors.

Make the most of your relaxed road trip vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Bistritsa has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your relaxed road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

Turn on some soothing tunes in the car because it’s now time to drive to the city of Sofia. In Sofia, you can choose among the best hotels and places to rest and recharge to complement your relaxed road trip experience in Bulgaria.

After a long day of driving and exploring along your relaxed road trip route, sitting down for a well-cooked restaurant meal in Ovchartsi is an excellent idea.

A popular restaurant we recommend you try is Garden restaurant Yoli, one of the best restaurants in Ovchartsi. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,745 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Garden restaurant Yoli.

Locals also recommend Hasienda Restaurant as one of the top restaurants in the area. So if you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out the menu at Hasienda Restaurant as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,469 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Taj Mahal Restaurant. Taj Mahal Restaurant is another of the most popular places to eat in Ovchartsi. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,423 customers.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Bar & Dinner Relax. Bar & Dinner Relax is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,554 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is The Wrong Bar. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Face bar & dinner. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Face bar & dinner is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,437 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration and anticipation of your memorable and relaxing road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Sofia.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Sofia once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in Bulgaria on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Holy Trinity Park is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Sofia. This top sight is a popular park, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,720 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Sofia or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Mamma Mia Ltd. Dining at Mamma Mia Ltd is one of the best food experiences you can have in Sofia. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,252 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Sofia and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Bulgaria is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.