Affordable 9-Day Relaxed Bulgaria Road Trip Vacation from Plovdiv to Sofia

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through Bulgaria begins when you reach Plovdiv, where you’ll stay for a total of 5 nights.

Plovdiv is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Youth Hill. Around 5,014 visitors have rated this fascinating park and travel destination an average of 4.7 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 Plovdiv 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 Aylyakriya / Aylyakria Restaurant. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,229 customers.

Happy Bar & Grill Novotel serves great food and is a favorite among hungry travelers and locals. This popular restaurant in Plovdiv has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,350 reviews.

Torro Grande / Torro Grande is another one of the city’s best restaurants. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,651 customers, Torro Grande / Torro Grande is sure to provide you with an unforgettable dining experience.

If you’re curious about what Plovdiv 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 Rahat Tepe, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,984 reviews.

Club Fargo offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Plovdiv. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,132 customers.

Locals like unwinding at Kotka i Mishka, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 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 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 4 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous Singing Fountains. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,362 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Bulgaria by seeing another popular site in Plovdiv, the wonderful “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,362 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Ledena p'rzalka Plovdiv. This must-see tourist destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 728 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Sveta Marina church. This place of worship is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.8 out of 5 stars from 716 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This amazing site is a wonderful best-rated sightseeing destination with more than 17,603 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.7 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 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, 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 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 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 2 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 3 of your comfortable self-drive tour across Bulgaria gives you another chance to explore the magnificent city of Plovdiv and visit more of its attractions.

Plovdiv has plenty of activities and sights, so you won’t be short of things to do during your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria. Fortunately, your accommodation, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights more is conveniently located near several of the city’s best attractions.

One of the best stops on your hassle-free journey is the popular Alyosha Monument, one of the top attractions in the city. In fact, the incredible Alyosha Monument has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,433 visitors.

You could also spend some time relaxing at the amazing Museum of Natural Sciences. This city feature got an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars from its 2,478 guests.

Another place of interest in the city of Plovdiv is the notable Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv. The popular Regional Ethnographic Museum Plovdiv is a highlight of many travel packages in Plovdiv. As a matter of fact, this remarkable museum has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 1,926 travelers.

Aside from the above-mentioned attractions in Plovdiv, you also have the opportunity to stop by the marvelous Old Town of Plovdiv. Take your time exploring this wonderful park and one of the city’s most notable places. This magnificent site has a rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 from 4,329 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to the outstanding Nebet Tepe. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,910 travelers, a trip to the spectacular Nebet Tepe is something to look forward to in Plovdiv.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Plovdiv by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your relaxed road trip itinerary. Explore more of the city’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Plovdiv.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Plovdiv, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations below and treat yourself to a nice meal.

R-nt , Mal'k Bunardzhik" is one of the top restaurants in the city. This Plovdiv-based food place has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,166 guests.

If you’re looking for another option near your accommodation, PASA Restaurant is also one of the best restaurants you can try in the city. PASA Restaurant proved an excellent choice for around 1,284 visitors, who gave the restaurant an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Another local favorite in Plovdiv is Restaurant Rio, which has an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 1,069 individuals’ reviews.

After your meal, consider getting a drink at one of the top bars in Plovdiv, Wunderbaer - Hills Beer Bar & Shop. This bar enjoys an average rating of 4.8 over 5 stars given by 180 customers.

Another drinking place in the city we recommend you try out is Morado Bar & Dinner. Check out its selection of liquors, and learn why it has been rated 4.1 over 5 stars by 2,509 customers.

If you prefer another place to unwind, Secrets Club may be a more excellent choice for you. This bar offers a variety of drinks you can choose from. Around 880 customers have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Toast to an amazing time in Plovdiv and end day 3 of your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in Bulgaria on a great note!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, you'll explore the best attractions in Stara Zagora 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 Stara Zagora, 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 Samara Flag Monument. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,723 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in Bulgaria by seeing another popular site in Stara Zagora, the wonderful “Bedechka” Park. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,723 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Stara Zagora Zoo. This zoo has received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,389 visitors.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Park “Ayazmo“. This park is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,233 visitors.

If you want to discover more, consider stopping by the famous Artileriyski Park. This amazing site is a wonderful park with more than 3,601 wanderlust-filled travelers rating it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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 Stara Zagora 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 Stara Zagora. 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 Stara Zagora 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 4 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

On day 5 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit two remarkable areas in Bulgaria. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Bulgaria.

Your first destination is the beautiful city of Samokov. As the day progresses, you’ll continue your in-depth tour of the country in the city of Bistritsa. You’ll spend 3 nights in Sofia.

Take the opportunity to relax while admiring what the city has to offer. While on a relaxed road trip, one of the best places to explore in the city is the remarkable City Park by the river Iskar. This park and popular sightseeing spot has an average rating of 4.7 over 5 stars from 2,225 visitors.

While exploring the city of Samokov, we highly recommend you join one of its top-rated tours. Joining a tour will allow you to better understand the local culture in Bulgaria, meet new people, and create memorable experiences, while you comfortably enjoy.

After a fun experience in Samokov, buckle up and enjoy a relaxing drive to your next stop, the incredible city of Bistritsa. This is your opportunity to create more unforgettable memories in Bulgaria and discover the wonderful Bistritsa.

While in Bistritsa, take a break at one of its best attractions, the great Rila. This urban park and popular site has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,899 reviews.

This travel spotis a go-to place in Bistritsa.

As this day of your laid-back exploration of the best attractions in Bulgaria comes to a close, continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Sofia. Drive leisurely, enjoy the views, and listen to some good music. In Sofia, you’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in the city and restore your energy.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, take it easy and have a wonderful dinner at one of the best restaurants in Sofia. Check out Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant, a top choice in Bulgaria due to its excellent meals and service.

Another Sofia restaurant to try is a local favorite, Restaurant "Staria Chinar".

If you’re looking for another must-visit option, Art Club Museum is a perfect choice. This popular restaurant in Sofia has a score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,570 people.

After dinner, many travelers enjoy hanging out and unwinding at some of the top bars in Sofia. The popular Bar Friday has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,410 customers and is the perfect place to fully appreciate your unhurried and relaxed road trip vacation in Bulgaria.

You could also relax with a drink at another popular bar like The Cocktail Bar. This hang-out has an average rating of 4.4 from 2,814 individuals.

If you want to visit another place, the locals of Sofia recommend One More Bar. Due to its local reputation, this bar boasts an average rating of 4.4 over 5 stars from 2,228 individuals.

Celebrate another day of your relaxing road trip through Bulgaria with a toast at a top-rated bar in Sofia!

Day 6 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip through Bulgaria serves as your introduction to Sofia. This is your chance to experience the very best of the city and appreciate Bulgaria and its distinct culture and people.

Upon arriving in Sofia, you can check in at the accommodation of your choice for a quick break. This 4-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 2,837 former guests.

You’ll enjoy restful days and nights at the 5-star Sofia Hotel Balkan, a Luxury Collection Hotel. With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 4,597 guests, Sofia Hotel Balkan, a Luxury Collection Hotel is the best luxury hotel option we recommend while in the city.

The 3-star Leda Hotel offers comfort at an affordable price, perfect for practical travelers. Leda Hotel is a top-rated budget hotel in Sofia with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,295 guests.

These recommendations are among the most popular places to stay in Sofia. 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 Sofia, 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 Sofia Zoo. This zoo and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in Sofia. The fascinating Sofia Zoo has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 14,962 travelers.

Sofia is also home to the captivating South Park, a local park and another popular attraction in the city. About 30,763 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The extraordinary National Palace of Culture is another unforgettable place you can visit on your easy and relaxed road trip across Bulgaria. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,510 travelers, National Palace of Culture proves to be one of the top sights in the area.

You’ll enjoy the time you’ll spend at the incredible Park "Zaimov". A trip to this wonderful site will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing park and attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,209 reviews.

When you’re in the mood to experience something amazing, we recommend you visit the fantastic North Park. Every year, travelers gather around this fascinating park and sightseeing spot to appreciate its unique features. Around 10,850 visitors have rated the famous North Park an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Sofia, 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 Sofia, 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 Sofia is The Wrong Bar. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,293 customers, you really have to try the savory dishes of this excellent restaurant.

Locals love Taj Mahal Restaurant for its delicious meals, and we recommend you visit the restaurant at least once during your stay in Sofia. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,423 customers.

Another alternative is Luciano. This restaurant serves a variety of comforting food and drinks and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,291 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Sofia. At Halbite Beer Hall, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your relaxed road trip at Lime Cafe & Cocktails, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,223 reviews.

5 Corners Pub is also one of the best places in Sofia where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,463 customers.

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

On day 7 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 1 night 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 top-tier point of interest 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 7 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, Mamma Mia Ltd. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,252 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Island Restaurant, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Island Restaurant is rated 4.4 stars out of 5 by 1,035 customers.

You can also eat at the highly recommended Maraya Klasik / Maraia Classic. This amazing restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,002 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 K. E. B. A. This vibrant bar is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,055 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular By the Way. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 909 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Griyn bar. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Griyn bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,037 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 7 of your relaxed road trip across Bulgaria, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Bulgaria will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places in one day. See some of the best attractions in Bulgaria, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

You’ll begin your day and sightseeing in Reduta, and continue your explorations in the city of Sofia. The charming Plovdiv is where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Your first stop is the great hamlet of Reduta, where you will see the amazing Park "Geo Milev". This famous park has an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 10,324 people.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of Reduta than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour. Put your relaxed road trip to a halt in favor of an in-depth exploration of the hamlet’s best sights and hidden gems while connecting with locals and fellow travelers.

After exploring the hamlet of Reduta, it’s time to hit the road again and continue your relaxed road trip to another city in Bulgaria, the lovely Sofia!

In Sofia, you’ll find the magnificent St. Nedelya Church. This popular church has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5,593 visitors.

Find out why many travelers love Sofia by checking out another of its famous tourist destinations, the spectacular Druzhba Park. This popular site is a wonderful park that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,509 travelers.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Plovdiv for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in Bulgaria, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv.

We highly recommend going to Kitchen of Raya / Kukhnyata na Raya. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 895 customers.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Plovdiv and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Check out Cocktail Bar Noris for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 348 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is Kriloto Cocktail Bar. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 261 customers.

Let’s toast to day 8 of your laid-back self-drive in Sofia! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across Bulgaria!

Day 9 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 Plovdiv.

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

Monument of Unification is an extraordinary attraction that is perfect for your last day in Plovdiv. This top sight is a popular must-see tourist destination, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 899 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 9 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.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Plovdiv and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Bulgaria is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.