Cheap One-Week Bulgaria Road Trip from Sofia traveling east to Plovdiv, Burgas, and Stara Zagora

Your exciting road trip through Bulgaria starts when you reach the incredible city of Sofia, where you'll stay for 2 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.

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.

One musty-try restaurant is Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 4,010 customers.

Restaurant "Staria Chinar" is an excellent alternative with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,717 reviews. Restaurant "Staria Chinar" is known for its delicious meals that will surely satisfy your hunger.

Another of the best places to eat in the area is Art Club Museum. This restaurant has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,570 customers because of their good food, service, and ambiance.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Sofia, Bar Friday. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 bar-goers.

The Cocktail Bar is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Sofia, with its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,814 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by One More Bar, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

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

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Sofia, proving that cheap holidays in Bulgaria can be extraordinary.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Sofia. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

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.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended The Wrong Bar. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,293 customers.

Taj Mahal Restaurant is another local-favorite restaurant in Sofia. Taj Mahal Restaurant serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 1,423 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Luciano is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Sofia. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 of 5 stars from around 1,291 customers.

One great example is Halbite Beer Hall. This bar offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices and has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,280 customers.

Lime Cafe & Cocktails is another popular bar in Sofia. If you ask the 1,223 customers who have rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars, Lime Cafe & Cocktails is the perfect place to hang out for a drink or two.

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

Day 3 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 3 wonderful destinations — Sofia, Reduta, and Plovdiv.

Kick off the day at National Palace of Culture, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This convention center is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 14,510 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit South Park. South Park is a park with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 30,763 reviews.

Sofia Zoo is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 14,962 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Druzhba Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,509 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Sofia, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Plovdiv may take around 1 hour 36 min. Upon your arrival in Plovdiv, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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.

Plovdiv 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.

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 Plovdiv that offer delicious foods and drinks to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Plovdiv is Айлякрия / 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.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in Plovdiv. Rahat Tepe is a popular option, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,984 customers.

Continue your evening at Club Fargo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,132 customers.

Котка и Мишка, Cat and Mouse Beer Bar is another place you could check out tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,070 customers.

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

Day 4 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 Plovdiv!

Keen to do something new and one-of-a-kind today? There are many experiences you can add to your cheap vacation package. Check out all the budget-friendly activities and tours below and bag a cheap holiday deal.

Savor the culinary delights of Plovdiv, 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.

Pavaj is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,861 customers.

Restaurant SOUTH breeze 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 3,322 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at Hemingway Restaurant, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,363 reviews.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Plovdiv, Rock Bar Download. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 845 bar-goers.

Но сенс клуб is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Plovdiv, with its average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 984 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Bar The Post, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 425 customers.

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

Day 5 of your road trip across Bulgaria offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Plovdiv, Burgas, and Burgas. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Burgas.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Singing Fountains. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,362 reviews.

Continue your journey at “Tsar Simeon Garden” Park. This park is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 15,346 travelers from near and far.

Plovdiv is also the home of Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 17,603 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Burgas. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 25 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

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 Burgas. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Burgas, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

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

One place locals and cheap holiday-goers recommend is Happy Bar & Grill. This restaurant is known for its delicious and comforting foods and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,335 customers.

Happy Bar & Grill 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,139 customers.

Romance Pub & Pizza 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 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,070 reviews.

After dinner, visit Papa Beer - Craft Beer Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Burgas. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 981 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Caribe. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Alternatively, locals recommend Ti Bar & Kitchen - ресторант и бар в Бургас. This bar, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 835 customers, is one of the best bars in the city of Burgas.

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

On day 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Bulgaria, you’ll experience 2 charming destinations — Nessebar and Stara Zagora. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Stara Zagora.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Burgas, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Nessebar. This drive usually takes around 40 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Nesebar Archaeological Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,715 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Church of Christ Pantokrator. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,483 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Church of Saint Sophia. This church has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9,853 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Sunny Beach. This town is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,830 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Stara Zagora. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 5 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

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

We recommend a local favorite like Golden Serbian Grill Pri Vlado. This restaurant serves delicious dishes at surprisingly cheap prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,263 customers.

Restaurant Uniqato is another excellent restaurant we recommend for budget travelers in Stara Zagora. This restaurant offers good food at even better prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,988 customers.

Another popular restaurant in Stara Zagora you might want to check out is Shtastlivetsa. Shtastlivetsa is a local favorite with a variety of value-for-money dishes on their menu. Customers have rated this fantastic restaurant an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,681 reviews.

After dinner, visit Pri Kmeta for a drink or two. This bar serves plenty of food and drink options and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,871 customers.

You can also enjoy your night at Drums. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,465 customers, it's safe to say that Drums promises an unforgettable bar experience.

Alternatively, locals recommend Brothers' cafe. This bar, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 914 customers, is a great place to meet new friends.

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

Day 7 of your self-drive vacation in Bulgaria will take you to the city of Sofia, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Sofia, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Bulgaria, including Stara Zagora and Sofia.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Antique Forum. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,428 visitors.

When you’re finished at Antique Forum, head to Artileriyski Park. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,601 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Stara Zagora Zoo. This zoo is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,389 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Park “Ayazmo“. This park is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,233 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to “Bedechka” Park. This famous park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 6,214 travelers.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Sofia. This car ride takes around 2 hours 23 min.

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

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.

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.

Eat at Mamma Mia Ltd. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,252 reviews.

You can also check out Island Restaurant. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,035 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Марайа Класик / Maraia Classic. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,002 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

K. E. B. A. Is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 1,055 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Sofia we recommend is By the Way, 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 909 customers.

Грийн бар is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 1,037 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

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 8 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Sofia.

Make the most of your final day in Bulgaria by visiting Sofia’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Bulgaria.

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 Esterhasi Restaurant. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 731 customers.

Restaurant "Panchetata" 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from 626 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Divaka. Rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 4,532 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!