Affordable One-Week 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 15,209 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 "Staria Chinar" serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Sofia has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,717 reviews.

Art Club Museum is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,570 customers, Art Club Museum 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 Bar Friday, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 3,410 reviews.

The Cocktail Bar 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Locals like unwinding at One More Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 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 Borisova Gradina Park. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27,346 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Bulgaria by seeing another popular site in Sofia, the wonderful Eagles' Bridge. This stone bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 27,346 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Knyazheska Garden. This park has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,672 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,648 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Ivan Vazov National Theater. This amazing site is a wonderful best-rated sightseeing destination with more than 9,760 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.8 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, The Wrong Bar. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Taj Mahal Restaurant, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Taj Mahal Restaurant is rated 4.3 stars out of 5 by 1,423 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Luciano. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,291 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 Halbite Beer Hall. This vibrant bar is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Lime Cafe & Cocktails. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,223 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is 5 Corners Pub. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. 5 Corners Pub has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,463 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 4 nights.

When you’re ready to head to your first attraction of the day, the wonderful North Park is waiting for you. This park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,850 visitors.

The next stop on your road trip vacation is National Palace of Culture. This unique convention center is a highly recommended place to visit, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,510 visitors.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the incredible South Park. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,763 visitors, this park is one of the top sights to visit in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination is the outstanding Sofia Zoo. This popular zoo and attraction has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,962 people.

If you’re keen to continue your discovery, make your way to Druzhba Park. This attraction is a valued park in the area that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,509 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 Torro Grande / Torro Grande. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,651 customers.

If you would like to celebrate your vacation with a drink, we recommend going to a place like Rahat Tepe. Rahat Tepe is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is Club Fargo. 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 1,132 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

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

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, you'll explore the best attractions in Bachkovo 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 Bachkovo, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 3 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Bachkovo Monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno". This incredible place of worship has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 13,019 travelers.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Bachkovo 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 Bachkovo. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Pavaj. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,861 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Restaurant SOUTH breeze, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Restaurant SOUTH breeze is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 3,322 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Hemingway Restaurant. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,363 food lovers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Bachkovo 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 Rock Bar Download. This vibrant bar is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular No sens klub. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 984 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Bar The Post. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Bar The Post has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 5 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Bulgaria serves as your introduction to Plovdiv. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Bulgaria and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Plovdiv, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,510 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Hotel Residence City Garden. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 634 guests, Hotel Residence City Garden is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Ego offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Ego is a top-rated budget hotel in Plovdiv with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,684 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Plovdiv. If any of these options are not available during your stay in the city, we’ll provide you with the best alternatives. Our flexible booking system will automatically offer you a selection of accommodations that fit your budget and needs.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Plovdiv, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace. For example, you can take in the unique atmosphere of the city from the outstanding Singing Fountains. This park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Plovdiv. The fascinating Singing Fountains has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,362 travelers.

Plovdiv is also home to the captivating “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park, a local park and another popular attraction in the city. About 15,346 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.8 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Bulgaria. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,705 travelers, Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Museum of Natural Sciences. A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing museum and attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 2,478 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic Alyosha Monument. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating monument and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 4,433 visitors have rated the famous Alyosha Monument an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Plovdiv, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available on this day of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Bulgaria. After a day of appreciating the best places to visit in Plovdiv, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Ranking high on our list of the best restaurants in Plovdiv is r-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik". With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,166 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love PASA Restaurant for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Plovdiv. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,284 customers.

Another alternative is Restaurant Rio. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,069 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Plovdiv. At Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 180 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Morado Bar & Dinner, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 2,509 reviews.

Secrets Club is also one of the best places in Plovdiv where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 880 customers.

Sleep comfortably and prepare for another day of your laid-back adventure in Bulgaria!

On day 6 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 Nebet Tepe. This incredible hill has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,910 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Bulgaria by seeing another popular site in Plovdiv, the wonderful Old Town of Plovdiv. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,910 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv. This museum has received an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,926 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This best-rated sightseeing destination is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,603 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Youth Hill. This amazing site is a wonderful park with more than 5,014 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 6 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, RESTAURANT Raia. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 936 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv", which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Restorant "Stariyat Plovdiv" is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 1,012 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Italianski restorant Pikantino. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 869 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 bar Fabrik. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 698 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular Vintidzh khaus. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 343 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is ANYWAY Social Bar. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. ANYWAY Social Bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 311 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 7 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 3,899 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 Mamma Mia Ltd, one of the best restaurants in Ovchartsi. With a lovely menu and an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,252 customers, you can’t go wrong with choosing Mamma Mia Ltd.

Locals also recommend Island 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 Island Restaurant as well. This local-favorite restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,035 customers.

If you feel like having something else, you could also book a table at Maraya Klasik / Maraia Classic. Maraya Klasik / Maraia Classic is another of the most popular places to eat in Ovchartsi. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,002 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 K. E. B. A. K. E. B. A. Is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,055 customers and is one of the best bars you can visit tonight.

Another lively bar worth checking out tonight is By the Way. This is the perfect place to enjoy a couple of drinks if you want to continue your celebrations. The average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 909 customers gives you an idea of what to expect from this bar.

Alternatively, head to Griyn bar. This popular bar will bring up your mood and give you a good ending to your night. Griyn bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,037 customers.

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

Day 8 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 hamlet. To end your relaxing road trip in Bulgaria on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Park "Geo Milev" 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 10,324 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 Sofia or just grab something light to keep you going.

Check out the menu at Esterhasi Restaurant. Dining at Esterhasi Restaurant 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 731 customers.

Another top recommendation in Sofia is Restaurant "Panchetata". If you go to Restaurant "Panchetata", you can expect delicious food, a nice ambiance, and great service. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 626 customers.

Alternatively, you could also go to a place like Divaka. If you haven’t yet, a trip to Divaka is your opportunity to have a lovely meal before leaving the hamlet. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 4,532 customers.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Sofia and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Bulgaria is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.