Cheap 9-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Burgas traveling north to Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, and Varna

Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Burgas, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Burgas and begin your adventure in Bulgaria.

Burgas 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 Burgas and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing The Sea Garden will make your cheap holiday in Bulgaria truly special. This attraction is a fascinating park that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 34,703 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 Burgas. An excellent example is the popular Happy Bar & Grill. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,335 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Bulgaria is Happy Bar & Grill. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,139 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Romance Pub & Pizza. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,070 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 981 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Burgas we recommend is Caribe, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Ti Bar & Kitchen - restorant i bar v Burgas is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 835 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and cheap holiday experience in Bulgaria!

On day 2 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 Burgas and end your day in the city of Plovdiv, 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 Burgas is the amazing Boris's Garden (Borisova Gradina). This travel destination is a park that has been rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,195 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 Plovdiv. Plovdiv 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 Plovdiv that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Plovdiv is Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,229 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Plovdiv, Happy Bar & Grill Novotel 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 4,350 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Torro Grande / Torro Grande. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Plovdiv enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,651 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Plovdiv’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Bulgaria. For example, you can visit Rahat Tepe. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Club Fargo. This popular bar in Plovdiv has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,132 bar-goers.

You can also go to Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,070 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 3 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 Plovdiv and end your day in the city of Boicheta.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Veliko Tarnovo for 1 night. 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 Plovdiv, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Singing Fountains. The fantastic Singing Fountains is a popular park and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,362 travelers.

Travelers usually have a splendid time at the incredible “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park, a well-known park in the area. Currently, this spectacular destination enjoys a 4.8 out of a 5 star-rating from 15,346 travelers.

The top-rated Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is another local feature you can check out today. This spectacular best-rated sightseeing destination and destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 17,603 travelers.

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

Make Ethno village Etar your first stop. This popular museum among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,151 visitors.

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 Veliko Tarnovo. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Veliko Tarnovo, 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 Restaurant Asenevtsi, one of the best restaurants in Veliko Tarnovo. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,457 customers.

VkusoteriA is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. VkusoteriA is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 993 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One"), another well-loved restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 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 Veliko Tarnovo, Bianko. 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 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 bar goers.

Lino Bar is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Veliko Tarnovo, with its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,358 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Tequila Bar Funky Monkey, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Bulgaria. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Bulgaria!

Day 4 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Veliko Tarnovo and the enchanting Madara, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Veliko Tarnovo and end the day in Madara, where you'll stay for 4 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 Veliko Tarnovo is the magnificent Monument of Mother Bulgaria. Around 2,765 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 Marno Pole Park on this leg of your self-drive tour in Bulgaria. This attraction is a well-known park that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 4,637 travelers.

The remarkable Tsarevets Fortress is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Bulgaria. This attraction, an amazing best-rated sightseeing destination, is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,802 travelers.

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

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Madara Horseman. This popular site is a valued must-see tourist destination in Madara and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,423 visitors.

Another must-visit in Madara is the spectacular Madara National Historical and Archaeological Park. This outstanding park and sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 4,479 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.

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

Sweet Parmy 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 645 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Varna is Happy Bar & Grill Center (Varna), 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 8,318 customers.

Happy Bar & Grill offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Varna. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,456 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 Varna’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Cubo is an excellent example of a great bar in Varna offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,527 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Beach Bar Menthol, another of locals’ go-to bars in Varna. Beach Bar Menthol is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 2,430 customers having rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The Garden Bar is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Varna. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 2,562 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 Varna, where you'll stay for 3 nights, 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 Varna, and meet locals along the way!

Varna 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 Grand Hotel London to ensure a pleasant and affordable vacation in Varna. This 5-star hotel offers guests comfort and convenience and is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 1,054 guest reviews.

Another budget-friendly stay option you can check into is the cozy 4-star Cherno More. This cheap hotel provides a ton of handy amenities perfect for travelers in Varna. Cherno More has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 3,554 former guests.

Travelers looking forward to enjoying a cheap vacation in Varna should also consider Palitra. This 3-star hotel offers great value-for-money and is one of the best budget accommodations in the city. Palitra has been rated by 506 guests with an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Varna 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 Varna the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding museum, Retro Museum. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,851 visitors.

The famous Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible eastern orthodox cathedral and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,003 visitors.

Varna is also the home of the extraordinary Roman Thermae Varna. Around 2,712 travelers have rated the spectacular Roman Thermae Varna an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

This fascinating attraction is a must-visit.

Come to Varna 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 Varna.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Varna, Staria Chinar - Port Varna. Locals enjoy eating at Staria Chinar - Port Varna for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,810 diners.

Godzila Sevastopol serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,248 food lovers.

If you want more options, Staria Chinar Restaurant is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why Staria Chinar Restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,178 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Varna? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Varna after dinner. Locals recommend Muffin bar & coffee, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,718 customers.

The BRICK bar is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Bulgaria. The BRICK bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,387 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Varna.

You might also want to cap the night off at Bar PUNTA CANA, a fascinating bar that 1,540 customers have rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

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

Day 6’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Varna, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Asparuhov park. This attraction is a must-see tourist destination that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,183 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Sea Garden. This popular place of interest is a stunning urban park that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 32,289 visitors.

To make your trip to Varna more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Varna Zoo. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 7,104 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Varna Zoo is often mentioned in Bulgaria road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Dolphinarium Varna is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This aquarium and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 8,557 reviews.

Your discovery of Varna does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Varna 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 Morska terasa, one of the best restaurants in Varna. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,104 reviews.

You can also check out El Kapan. 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 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,370 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Happy Bar & Grill. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,955 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Varna.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Varna for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Cuba Beach Bar and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,018 customers.

Cafe Bar Soho 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 4.8 out of 5 stars by 136 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Makalali Beach. Rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,461 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Varna.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Varna!

Day 7’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Balchik, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Balchik Palace. This attraction is a palace that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 19,545 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Balchik Botanic Garden. This popular place of interest is a stunning park that boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 15,424 visitors.

Your discovery of Balchik does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Balchik 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 Stariyat chinar Preslav, one of the best restaurants in Varna. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,788 reviews.

You can also check out Mr Baba. 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 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,420 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is Captain Cook Varna. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,043 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Varna.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Varna for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Gossip Bar Max and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 452 customers.

Cafe-Bar Vogue 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 4.4 out of 5 stars by 339 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Deja Vu. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 361 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Varna.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Varna!

On day 8 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 Nessebar and end your day in the city of Burgas, 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 Nessebar is the amazing Sunny Beach. This travel destination is a town that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,830 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Ancient Theatre. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,906 travelers, a visit to this well-known best-rated sightseeing destination and sightseeing spot in Nessebar is likely to make your vacation in Bulgaria even more memorable.

Another unforgettable sight in Nessebar is the outstanding Church of Saint Sophia. This church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,853 visitors.

To make the most of your day in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, drop by the popular Nesebar Archaeological Museum. This attraction, an amazing museum, has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,715 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 Burgas. Burgas 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 Burgas that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Burgas is Neptune. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,122 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Burgas, Flora Bar & Grill Burgas is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,536 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is Incanto restaurant. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Burgas enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,786 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Burgas’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Bulgaria. For example, you can visit Malibu. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 909 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Cardamon Soul Food & Drinks 🌿. This popular bar in Burgas has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 716 bar-goers.

You can also go to Bar Bossa as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Bar Bossa is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 596 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Burgas.

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 Burgas is the remarkable The Clock. This top-tier point of interest and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,744 visitors.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Burgas, consider a top-rated restaurant like ROMANCE Pizzeria Speciale. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,478 customers.

Zlatna ribka is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,494 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is 8 Mamas. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,238 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Bulgaria and your fun memories in Burgas.

You’ll then say farewell to Burgas and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Bulgaria!