Cheap 4-Day Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia to Blagoevgrad and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Sofia, where you'll stay for 1 night. 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.

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.

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,010 customers.

Restaurant "Staria Chinar" 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 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,717 customers.

Art Club Museum has a menu of appetizing and reasonably priced meals, so you might want to check it out too. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,570 reviews.

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.

Another top-rated bar option is One More Bar, averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,228 reviews. This bar is known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

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

Day 2 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 2 wonderful destinations — Sofia and Blagoevgrad.

When you're ready to see some sights, National Palace of Culture is a great place to start with. This convention center is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,510 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is South Park. This park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,763 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at North Park. The park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,850 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This church is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,648 reviews.

Ivan Vazov National Theater is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this sightseeing destination, rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 9,760 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Blagoevgrad, 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 Sofia to Blagoevgrad may take around 1 hour 18 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.

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

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

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

We recommend a local favorite like Trezor. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 563 customers.

Царски клуб Вароша is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Blagoevgrad. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 764 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Blagoevgrad you might want to check out is Verde. Verde is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars in 717 reviews.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. BeFree is a popular option with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 851 customers.

Another top option is Найс плейс. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 657 customers.

Swing is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 144 customers.

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

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Bulgaria, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Rila Monastery, Rila, Pernik, and Sofia. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Sofia.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Blagoevgrad and set your GPS to Rila. 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 24 min. Upon reaching Rila, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Rila and set your GPS to Rila Monastery. 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 21 min. Upon reaching Rila Monastery, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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.

Savor the culinary delights of Sofia, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

One musty-try restaurant is The Wrong Bar. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,293 customers.

Taj Mahal Restaurant is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,423 reviews. Taj Mahal Restaurant is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Luciano. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,291 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

We recommend Halbite Beer Hall for many reasons. But most importantly, this bar serves a variety of food and beverages and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,280 reviews.

You can also visit a popular bar like Lime Cafe & Cocktails to have refreshing drinks and interact with locals and other travelers. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,223 bar-goers.

When you would rather go somewhere else, try 5 Corners Pub. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,463 customers, this bar is one of Sofia’s best places to relax after a long day.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Bulgaria is about to end. Day 4 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Sofia.

On your last day in Bulgaria, take time to indulge in shopping at Sofia’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Bulgaria. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Sofia, consider a top-rated restaurant like Mamma Mia Ltd. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,252 customers.

Island Restaurant 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 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,035 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Марайа Класик / Maraia Classic. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,002 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Bulgaria and your fun memories 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!