The Best of Bulgaria: From Sofia to the Coast and Back

A city of gorgeous architecture, rich history, and a vibrant contemporary cultural life, Sofia is a gem. The historical center is nicely compact, so everything is within walking distance, giving this cosmopolitan city a quaint feel. It’s the perfect walking city, where you can enjoy stunning tourist attractions and also make your own itinerary, reveling in the lovely restaurants and cafes, and hidden surprises around every corner, including Roman and Byzantine ruins. The restaurants in Sofia are particularly impressive, with a mix of hearty traditional fare and creative twists on modern European cuisine. But there’s much more to do here than eat. Taking a tour with a local guide will help you get acquainted with all the city has to offer. When you’re ready to go a little farther afield, a day trip to one of Bulgaria's UNESCO sites is definitely worthwhile. Bulgaria’s past will come alive for you in these incredible destinations, which are popular with tourists and yet still feel very authentic. These short day trips will also give you a chance to explore the majestic landscape of Bulgaria as you leave the big city for more historic sites. Combining an alluring history with impressive architecture and world-class gastronomy, Sofia is a perfect destination for a fun, indulgent vacation.

Plovdiv is a city that will charm you right away. The atmosphere here is laidback and the locals are welcoming. From the incredible architecture of the Old Town to the upbeat modern promenade with its hip cafes, bars and restaurants, there’s a mix of old and new here that will appeal to travellers of all ages and interests. Be sure to check out the local cultural calendar, as there is a rich cultural calendar including delightful concerts at the outdoor amphitheater. If you have an interests in the arts you won’t be disappointed, as Plovdiv also has numerous museums and art galleries that are always offering interesting exhibitions. To really soak up the city’s charm, you’ll want to take a walking tour with a local guide who can show you all of Plovdiv’s secrets. Besides the urban architecture, you’ll want to hike up one of the numerous paths that lead out of the city to impressive vantage points. There are also several day trips within a short drive of the city which will give you the chance to explore the countryside and some of the historical sites that are slightly farther afield. You’ll really enjoy exploring this unique destination, with its impressively eclectic local culture.

Older than its traditional rival Nessebar, Sozopol is more off-the-beaten-path and authentic, with a quiet, memorable Old Town. Although Sozopol's land has been a port since at least Bronze Age times, the present town was founded by Greek settlers as Antheia, 2800 years ago. Later renamed Apollonia, the town became a wealthy regional power, and while it slowly fell into obscurity, was almost entirely home to Greeks until the 20th century. Sozopol's deep history remains clear, from the local cuisine, which combines Mediterranean and Balkan traditions, to the town's diverse mix of ancient stone ruins and wooden Bulgarian Revival architecture, some lining the lovely coast.

Known by its ancient Greek settlers as Odessos, Varna is Bulgaria's third largest city, and certainly its main settlement along the coast. The city's deep history is testified to by the discovery of the world's oldest gold treasure, dating back to the 5th millennium BC. One of the most important prehistoric finds in the world (one grave along had more gold than has been found anywhere else in that epoch), you can visit the treasure for yourself in the city' archaeological museum. Varna is a great spot for those who want to combine beachside relaxation with day trips and perhaps the occasional visit to one of the many thermal baths in the area. Popular among tourists for decades, Varna has plenty of good beach bars and restaurants, and the kinds of beaches that bring families back year after year.

Capital of the medieval Second Bulgarian Empire, which controlled most of the Balkan Peninsula at its height, Veliko Tarnovo is still dominated by Tsarevets. This massive fortress housed the royal and religious palaces, and still covers one of the Old Town's three hills, fully encompassing it with 12-foot walls. Be sure to visit its main tower for striking views of the city. Veliko Tarnovo's cultural and historical riches stretch out beyond the fortress. This city is rich in beautiful Bulgarian National Revival architecture, mostly in the form of whitewashed homes with red rooftops, wooden trim, and ample balconies. This city naturally has showy medieval and Bulgarian Renaissance churches, especially its cathedral, and plenty of museums. Even if you'd rather stay outside and enjoy the weather, Veliko Tarnovo's hilly, rugged landscape, with its steep valleys, makes for plenty of great views, which can be enjoyed from its many affordable cafes.

A city of gorgeous architecture, rich history, and a vibrant contemporary cultural life, Sofia is a gem. The historical center is nicely compact, so everything is within walking distance, giving this cosmopolitan city a quaint feel. It’s the perfect walking city, where you can enjoy stunning tourist attractions and also make your own itinerary, reveling in the lovely restaurants and cafes, and hidden surprises around every corner, including Roman and Byzantine ruins. The restaurants in Sofia are particularly impressive, with a mix of hearty traditional fare and creative twists on modern European cuisine. But there’s much more to do here than eat. Taking a tour with a local guide will help you get acquainted with all the city has to offer. When you’re ready to go a little farther afield, a day trip to one of Bulgaria's UNESCO sites is definitely worthwhile. Bulgaria’s past will come alive for you in these incredible destinations, which are popular with tourists and yet still feel very authentic. These short day trips will also give you a chance to explore the majestic landscape of Bulgaria as you leave the big city for more historic sites. Combining an alluring history with impressive architecture and world-class gastronomy, Sofia is a perfect destination for a fun, indulgent vacation.