Bulgaria City Breaks

A guide to Bulgaria

One of the least-explored countries in Europe, Bulgaria boasts top-class beaches to rival any found in Italy or Greece, stunning mountain scenery, lush forests, a rich cultural heritage and warm, friendly people. Bulgaria has benefitted from a construction boom over the past ten years, which has seen hordes of western Europeans snapping up cheap properties in the country, attracted by the fantastic weather and spectacular landscapes. Many visitors to Bulgaria come for the beautiful countryside, with its ancient monasteries, small timber-framed villages and awe-inspiring mountain vistas; however the country also plays host to a number of vibrant, exciting cities, making this a great country for a fascinating urban retreat.

Sofia, charming mix of East and West

Easily the biggest city in Bulgaria and the nation’s capital, Sofia is also surprisingly compact and easy to walk around. Youthful and energetic, Sofia is a convergence of East and West, with Ottoman mosques mingling with onion domed churches, soaring glass skyscrapers and Soviet-era architecture. With prices in Bulgaria remaining comparatively low, Sofia makes for a fantastic alternative to more expensive cities such as Paris or Rome, and there's a good range of accommodation here, ranging from cheap and cheerful backpackers and guesthouses for those on a budget, to 5-star opulent hotels. There's plenty to do for all tastes, including a heaving nightlife scene in the city, with countless bars, cafes and clubs. Those after a more cultural city break experience will find fine museums and art galleries around, such as the National Art Gallery and the National Archaeological Museum. And for an authentic eastern European shopping experience, visit one of the sprawling markets that occur here, such as the regular Woman’s Market.  

Affordable unique option for a getaway

Bulgaria is not all about Sofia, however. Plovdiv, the country’s second largest city, is one of the oldest in Europe. The city’s central ‘old town’ or Stariot Gradis is filled with bohemian cafes, winding cobbled streets, funky art galleries, museums, ancient churches and beautiful mosques, offering something of interest for everyone. Nightlife here is vibrant and pulsating, thanks in no small part to the city’s large student population. Like Sofia, there is a good range of cheap and mid-range accommodation here, while those looking for a touch of luxury will appreciate the exquisite (and expensive) Trimontium Hotel. Other great Bulgarian city break destinations include the jaunty seaside town Varna and the picturesque Veliko Tarnovo, a lively town that was once the capital of medieval Bulgarian Empire.