Cheap 14-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia to Pleven, Karlovo, and Bansko and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Sofia, where you'll stay for 8 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. More than a city in Bulgaria, Sofia is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

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

Visit 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 area's most recommended places to eat.

Enjoy a drink or two at Bar Friday. Around 3,410 customers have given this incredible bar an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Locals also enjoy the cocktails at The Cocktail Bar, where you can relax and have some fun. The Cocktail Bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,814 customers.

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

Day 2 means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria, Sofia. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the city of Sofia!

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 a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Bulgaria, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Sofia that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

Visit the popular Art Club Museum. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Bulgaria is The Wrong Bar. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,293 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the area's most recommended places to eat.

One great example is One More Bar. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,228 customers.

Halbite Beer Hall is another popular bar in Sofia. If you ask the 2,280 customers who have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars, Halbite Beer Hall is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

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

Day 3 of your road trip adventure means another chance to make the best memories in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria. Prepare to be blown away by the city of Sofia!

Make your vacation in Bulgaria more memorable and epic without spending a fortune. Take advantage of the cheap holiday deals you'll find in Bulgaria and add budget-friendly activities to your travel plan.

When it’s time to eat, treat yourself to a lovely meal without paying more than necessary. Sofia has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Taj Mahal Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,423 customers.

Another dining option is Luciano. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Luciano has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,291 reviews.

Complement this refreshing day with an equally refreshing drink at one of the best bars in the city of Sofia, Lime Cafe & Cocktails. This bar offers a variety of liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,223 customers.

5 Corners Pub is another popular bar in the area, perfect for people looking for a place to unwind and enjoy local drinks alone or with company. This bar has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,463 customers.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Bulgaria!

Day 4 of your road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Sofia, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary.

Bulgaria is a wonderful destination with so much to show and so many stories to tell. To have the most extraordinary time on your low-cost holiday in Bulgaria, consider adding tours to your affordable tour package to Bulgaria. Choose from many thrilling to laid back and budget-friendly excursions in Bulgaria that will add color and uniqueness to your adventure.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Sofia, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Mamma Mia Ltd. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,252 customers.

Island Restaurant is another popular restaurant you can eat at to ensure an affordable and pleasant vacation. This restaurant serves good food at low prices and has an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,035 customers.

K. E. B. A. Is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,055 customers.

By the Way is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. By the Way has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 909 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Sofia.

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 affordable vacation in Bulgaria, prepare for another exciting road trip adventure within and immediately outside Sofia. You’ll start exploring in Sofia. You’ll visit more of the best attractions in Bulgaria, discover new cultures, and take in unique experiences.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Sofia, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bogoyna. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 26 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Journey into the unknown at Erma River Gorge, Tran, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,071 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bogoyna, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Tran. This drive usually takes around 7 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Zemen. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 7 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

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

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

Марайа Класик / Maraia Classic is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,002 customers.

Esterhasi Restaurant is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

Грийн бар is an excellent example of a great bar in Sofia offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,037 customers.

You can also hang out at BSD 2 NDK, another of locals’ go-to bars in Sofia. BSD 2 NDK is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 838 customers having rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 6 of your exciting road trip across Bulgaria is proof that there's more to this country than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Sofia and its neighboring areas. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals.

Set your GPS to Montana and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 56 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Montana beckons with new experiences!

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Berkovitsa. This car ride takes around 25 min.

When you’ve had your share of Berkovitsa, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Tsvetkova Bara. Your travel time is around 13 min.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Klisurski Monastery. This much-appreciated convent is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 3,630 reviews.

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

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

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Restaurant "Panchetata". This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 626 customers.

Divaka is another local-favorite restaurant in Sofia. Divaka serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 4,532 reviews.

Visit Kathrine Cocktail - Bar, an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks. This bar is one of the locals’ favorite hangout spots and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 769 customers.

Bilkova bar serves various snacks and drinks at affordable prices, making it another great bar option for budget travelers in Sofia. Customers have rated bilkova bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 757 reviews.

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 affordable vacation in Bulgaria, you’ll start and end your day in Sofia, but spend some time exploring destinations outside the city.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Montana. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 57 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you’ve had your share of Montana, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Georgi Damyanovo. Your travel time is around 17 min.

Sofia’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Georgi Damyanovo behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 2 min. Sofia welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

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

A cheap, budget vacation in Sofia should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Sofia, try some of our top recommendations.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,625 customers.

Another dining option is Manastirska Magernitsa Restaurant. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Manastirska Magernitsa Restaurant has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars in 2,749 reviews.

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

Day 8’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Varshets, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary.

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

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Bulgaria shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Sofia is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended J. J. Murphy's. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 2,471 customers.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Bulgaria with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Bulgaria!

Day 9 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Vratsa, Mezdra, Zgorigrad, and Pleven. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Pleven.

When you’ve had your share of Sofia, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Mezdra. Your travel time is around 1 hour 58 min.

When you’ve had your share of Mezdra, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Vratsa. Your travel time is around 39 min.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Pleven. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 42 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Pleven offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Bulgaria. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Pleven, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the city's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

An excellent option with an exciting menu is Life Restaurant & sushi. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,799 customers.

Another dining option is Дежа Вю Пица & Ресторант. This restaurant is popular among locals and cheap holiday-goers for its delicious food and reasonable prices. Дежа Вю Пица & Ресторант has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,699 reviews.

Make sure to stop by Canape Food # STRIP Club for a great dining experience. A favorite place to eat among many, around 1,419 customers have rated the irresistible Canape Food # STRIP Club an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at a bar. Revue - Coffee and Food is a great place to continue your night. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 851 customers.

If you want to know where locals go, check out Momento bar & pizza. This bar has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 547 customers.

Another popular bar in the city is Кафе-Бар Бораго. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 537 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Bulgaria! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the city of Pleven!

On day 10 of your affordable vacation in Bulgaria, prepare for another exciting road trip adventure within and immediately outside Pleven. You’ll start exploring in Pleven. You’ll visit more of the best attractions in Bulgaria, discover new cultures, and take in unique experiences.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Pleven and set your GPS to Lukovit. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 50 min. Upon reaching Lukovit, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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

After a long day of exploring and making the most of your budget vacation in Bulgaria, treat yourself to a hearty meal and a refreshing drink. You’ll find many great restaurants and bars in Pleven that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Pleven is Pizza Napoli. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,235 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Pleven, DORI cafe, food & games is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,091 diners.

Ресторант “Хари” is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 319 customers.

Sky Lounge is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Sky Lounge has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 156 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Pleven.

You might also want to cap the night off at Snack Bar "Ledenika", a fascinating bar that 683 customers have rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Bulgaria!

Day 11 of your self-drive vacation in Bulgaria will take you to the city of Karlovo, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Karlovo, you'll explore 4 popular cheap holiday destinations in Bulgaria, including Pleven, Devetaki, Lovech, and Karlovo.

Make Pleven Panorama one of your first sightseeing stops in Pleven. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,118 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Skobelev Park is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This park is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,554 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lovech. This car ride takes around 43 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Covered Bridge. This bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,683 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Karlovo, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Lovech to Karlovo may take around 1 hour 53 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

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

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

One restaurant we recommend you try in Karlovo is Once Upon a Time. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,450 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Karlovo, The Waterfall is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,176 diners.

Experience the local nightlife scene. Morrison is a highly recommended bar with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 193 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar among locals like Club Jim Beam Karlovo. This bar has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 298 bar-goers.

Бирена къща Карлово is another great bar that serves various drinks. This bar is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 84 customers.

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 12 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Bulgaria, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Plovdiv and Bansko. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Bansko.

After soaking in Karlovo’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Plovdiv. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 1 min. When you arrive in Plovdiv, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 7,705 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 17,603 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this point of interest every year.

Singing Fountains is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,362 visitors.

When you’re finished at Singing Fountains, the perfect next stop is “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 15,346 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Youth Hill. This park is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,014 reviews.

Bansko’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Plovdiv behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 39 min. Bansko welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

While exploring Bulgaria is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Bansko has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Bansko on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the city.

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

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try "Five M" Restaurant & Good Bar, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 657 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend Restaurant Victoria Bansko, so you'll want to drop by this place. Restaurant Victoria Bansko serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,271 customers.

Another must-try in the city of Bansko is Queen's Pub Bansko / Куинс пъб Банско. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,646 customers.

After dinner, visit Amigo Pub, which is considered one of the best bars in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,227 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular place like Pirin 75. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 746 customers.

Alternatively, check out Cafe Eliz. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 663 customers.

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

Day 13 of your road trip across Bulgaria is another proof that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 5 wonderful destinations — Rila Monastery, Bistritsa, Stob, Rila, and Sofia.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bansko, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Stob may take around 1 hour 4 min. Upon your arrival in Stob, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Make Stob Earth Pyramids one of your first sightseeing stops in Stob. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,242 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Stob, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Rila. This drive usually takes around 11 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Rila Monastery. This car ride takes around 21 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Rila Monastery. This monastery is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 18,157 visitors.

Sofia offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Bulgaria. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the city.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Bulgaria shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Sofia is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the city's best places to eat and drink.

A road trip vacation in Rila Monastery can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in this cheap holiday destination in Bulgaria!

Your budget road trip vacation in Bulgaria is about to end. Day 14 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Sofia.

As you approach the end of your journey in Bulgaria, take a moment for some retail therapy in Sofia’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Bulgaria, a variety of items are waiting for you.

Before you conclude your road trip in Bulgaria, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Sofia.

You’ll then say farewell to Sofia. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Bulgaria!