Affordable One-Week Relaxed Bulgaria Road Trip Vacation from Plovdiv to Sofia

Your relaxed 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. 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.

One thing you have to know about Plovdiv is that this city is an outstanding hub for culture, exploration, and relaxation. When you're ready to begin your tour of the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Plovdiv.

When you're ready to see some sights, Alyosha Monument is a great place to start. This monument is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,510 visitors.

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Plovdiv has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

Discover the heart of Plovdiv through its culinary scene, starting with Salt & Pepper. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Rahat Tepe, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore KFC, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Rock Bar Download, a must-visit destination for a great night out. Locals also enjoy the cocktails at North Star, where you can relax and have some fun in a welcoming environment. Another fantastic option is Morado Bar & Dinner, known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

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

Day 2 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories on your cheap holiday in Bulgaria. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Plovdiv and its top sights! Conclude your day with a lovely dinner.

Journey into the unknown at Museum of Natural Sciences, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,598 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis is a recommended place to visit. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,842 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Plovdiv is Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,893 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Plovdiv offers an experience you will remember.

“Tsar Simeon Garden” Park is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in Plovdiv. This park promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.8 out of 5 stars in 15,537 reviews.

Lastly, don't miss out on Singing Fountain. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,640 local and international travelers, it's a popular place to visit.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Plovdiv. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

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, Plovdiv 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.

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Ресторант "Старият Пловдив", where every bite is a flavor-packed adventure! With an enticing menu of affordable delights, this spot is a must-visit for foodies on a budget. Another hotspot worth exploring during your cheap getaway is Sofra - a local favorite and a top pick for mouthwatering delights. If you're eager to dine where the locals love, don't miss out on Central Park, where fantastic food and friendly service await!

Visit Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots. Qbar serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Plovdiv. And if you're looking for a special place to enjoy the evening, our recommendation is ANYWAY Social Bar.

Have a toast to celebrate your relaxing road trip vacation in Bulgaria! Make every second of your affordable travels in Plovdiv count!

Day 3 of your exciting road trip across Bulgaria is proof that there's more to this country than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Plovdiv and its neighboring areas. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals with 1 night left in Plovdiv.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Nebet Tepe. This hill is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,913 reviews.

Continue your journey at Old Town of Plovdiv. This park is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,450 travelers from near and far.

Plovdiv is also the home of Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,946 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Plovdiv, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Asenovgrad may take around 29 min. Upon your arrival in Asenovgrad, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Asen's Fortress. This fortress is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,157 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bachkovo. This drive usually takes around 16 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Take the opportunity to see Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 13,211 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Plovdiv and your accommodation.

Savor the mouthwatering delights of Plovdiv, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best restaurant and bar options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or a refreshing cocktail, these spots have something for everyone.

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

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Крилото Cocktail Bar, a must-visit destination for a great night out. Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Cocktail Bar Noris, where you can relax and have some fun in a welcoming environment. Another fantastic option is бар Фабрик, known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

Cast your cares aside and enjoy the liberating experience of your laid-back, budget-friendly road trip through Bulgaria.

Day 4 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 3 wonderful destinations — Ovchartsi, Dupnitsa, and Bistritsa. You’ll explore along your route leading to the city of Sofia, where you'll be spending 3 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Plovdiv, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Ovchartsi. Your travel time is around 2 hours 21 min.

Take the opportunity to see Ovchartsi Waterfall “Goritsa”. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 967 visitors.

Ecopath "Goritsa Waterfall" is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 700 travelers.

When you’ve had your share of Ovchartsi, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Dupnitsa. Your travel time is around 19 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Fountain on Freedom Square - Dupnitsa. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 181 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bistritsa. This drive usually takes around 8 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Rila. This urban park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Bistritsa, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,975 visitors.

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

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Sofia offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Bulgaria.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Hotel Forum, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Hotel ZOO Sofia, 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 Mamma Mia Ltd, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Halbite Beer Hall is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. Alternatively, Lime Cafe & Cocktails is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, budget-friendly adventure across Bulgaria.

On day 5 of your affordable vacation in Bulgaria, prepare for another exciting road trip adventure within and immediately outside Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for another 2 nights. You’ll visit more of the best attractions in Bulgaria, discover new cultures, and take in unique experiences.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to North Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,004 reviews.

Next up, make your way to National Palace of Culture. This convention center has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14,569 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky. This church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,088 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit National Theater "Ivan Vazov". This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,932 visitors.

Musagenitsa’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Sofia behind. This drive usually takes around 15 min. Musagenitsa welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Muzeiko. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,751 reviews.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Sofia.

Make the most of your budget vacation in Bulgaria by treating yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Sofia that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Discover the heart of Sofia through its culinary scene, starting with Divaka. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Face bar & dinner, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Art Club Museum, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Seize the night and embrace the freedom of your leisurely road trip escapade through Bulgaria!

Day 6 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Sofia, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary. Have fun exploring the best places to visit in the city. At the end of the day, enjoy wining and dining at Sofia, with 1 night to stay in the area.

Make Borisova Gradina Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 27,635 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Eagles' Bridge. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,319 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this stone bridge every year.

Prince's Garden is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,695 visitors.

When you’re finished at Prince's Garden, the perfect next stop is Sofia Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 15,237 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to South Park. This park is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,985 reviews.

Visiting the most popular travel destinations in Bulgaria sometimes leaves you longing for more. Fortunately, there are plenty of unique and cheap tours to try out in Bulgaria. Bulgaria has something for everyone, and you can easily pick an activity you can add to your affordable vacation package. Check out all of the budget-friendly tours in Bulgaria that will fill you with new inspiration.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Sofia 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 of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Ресторант VICTORIA България, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel, 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 Park Hotel "MOSKVA", an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Cheers for a relaxing road trip vacation in Bulgaria! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Sofia!

Day 7 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Sofia, and Reduta. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Plovdiv, where you'll stay for 1 night.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Cathedral of Saint Nedelya. Previous visitors have rated this church an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,691 reviews.

Holy Trinity Park is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 7,845 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Zaimov Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,334 reviews.

Druzhba Park is another outstanding experience in Sofia. Around 8,598 travelers have rated this park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Reduta.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Geo Milev Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,414 visitors.

Plovdiv 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.

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

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Италиански ресторант Пикантино, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, Ruski Restorant Petar І is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to Park Sankt Peterburg Hotel, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

Amadeus Cocktail Bar is an excellent example of a great bar in Plovdiv offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at Club Fargo, another of locals’ go-to bars in Plovdiv. But if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Plovdiv, Но сенс клуб is for you.

Cast your cares aside and enjoy the liberating experience of your laid-back, budget-friendly road trip through Bulgaria.

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Bulgaria as your leisurely vacation is about to end. Day 8 is your departure day and your last chance to make the most of your affordable travels in Plovdiv.

As your final day in Bulgaria unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Plovdiv's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Bulgaria.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Plovdiv is the remarkable Youth Hill. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,086 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Plovdiv or just grab something light to keep you going.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Plovdiv, consider a top-rated restaurant like Nobel, offering a menu of appetizing and affordable meals. Айлякрия / Aylyakria Restaurant is an excellent alternative if you feel like trying something different. Another popular restaurant you could check out is Efir 100 seafood and barbecue, 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 and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable slow-paced adventures in Bulgaria!