Cheap One-Week Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia to Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, and Samokov

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 Druzhba Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,441 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular South Park. This popular place of interest is a stunning park that boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,616 visitors.

To make your trip to Sofia more memorable, spend time at the fascinating National Palace of Culture. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,244 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic National Palace of Culture is often mentioned in Bulgaria road trip itineraries.

The magnificent North Park 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 10,772 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 must-see tourist 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 self-drive vacation in Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the city of Stara Zagora and end your day in the city of Asenovgrad.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Plovdiv for 2 nights. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Bulgaria.

While you’re in Stara Zagora, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Artileriyski Park. The fantastic Artileriyski Park is a popular park and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,569 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible Park “Ayazmo“, a well-known park in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.7 out of a 5 star-rating from 8,145 travelers.

The top-rated “Bedechka” Park is another local feature you can check out today. This spectacular park and destination has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 6,174 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Stara Zagora, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Asenovgrad.

Make Asen's Fortress your first stop. This popular fortress among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,988 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in Asenovgrad is the outstanding Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 12,913 visitors, this remarkable place of worship and attraction deserves a spot on your Bulgaria travel bucket list.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Bulgaria. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Bulgaria and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,229 customers.

Happy Bar & Grill Novotel is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. Happy Bar & Grill Novotel is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,350 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Pavaj, another well-loved restaurant in Plovdiv. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Bulgaria.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Plovdiv, Torro Grande / Torro Grande. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,651 bar goers.

Rahat Tepe is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Plovdiv, with its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,984 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Club Fargo, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Bulgaria. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday 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 Alyosha Monument. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 4,386 reviews, a visit to this wonderful monument and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This day of your road trip through Bulgaria is also your chance to admire the fantastic Museum of Natural Sciences up close. This fascinating museum and attraction is a must-visit. The marvelous Museum of Natural Sciences enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2,422 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!

Day 6 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Plovdiv and the enchanting Pazardzhik, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Plovdiv and end the day in Pazardzhik, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 6 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 Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. Around 17,478 visitors have rated this excellent top-tier point of interest and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Old Town of Plovdiv 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 4,234 travelers.

The remarkable Nebet Tepe is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Bulgaria. This attraction, an amazing hill, is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,908 travelers.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable "Svoboda" Park Island. This popular site is a valued park in Pazardzhik and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,517 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.

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

The Old House Restaurant is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,207 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Samokov is Kaymakanova house, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 829 customers.

Pri Sote Traditional Restaurant offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Samokov. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,699 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 Samokov’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Delight bar & dinner is an excellent example of a great bar in Samokov offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 382 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Khaĭduti, another of locals’ go-to bars in Samokov. Khaĭduti is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 345 customers having rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Defected Bar & Café is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Samokov. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 146 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 7 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 City Park by the river Iskar. This travel destination is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,214 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Boroland Rope Town. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 725 travelers, a visit to this well-known best-rated sightseeing destination and sightseeing spot in Kyustendil is likely to make your vacation in Bulgaria even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Kyustendil is the outstanding Samokov Convent "Pokrov". This place of worship has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 581 visitors.

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 8 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 Park "Geo Milev". This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,260 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!