Theatre in Sofia, Bulgaria
The best places to visit in Bulgaria are filled with contradictions. Use your Eurail Bulgaria Pass to discover a mix of stunning architecture, ancient ruins and contemporary culture. The country is still unspoiled by heavy tourism; much of its initial charm is still intact. From fashionable resorts and a vibrant nightlife to historic tombs and centuries-old monasteries, the traditions and contradictions of Bulgaria await you.
Sofia's streets of gold
Situated at the base of the picturesque Mount Vitosha, the capital city of Sofia is one of the oldest in Europe and the largest in Bulgaria. Your Bulgaria rail pass is the key to uncovering its quaint boutiques, gold-colored streets and dynamic culture. The National Historical Museum will tell you all you need to know about Bulgaria’s past. One of the largest museums in the Balkans, the museum offers 650,000 exhibits. More things to do in Sofia
The National Historical Museum can be reached by bus 66 and 111 and trolleybus 2.
Ancient ruins with a story
Settled several thousand years ago, Bulgaria’s second-largest city, Plovdiv, is rife with ancient ruins and remnants of Roman roads. Especially in Old Town (Staria Grad), which is a goldmine of artifacts. Don’t miss the Ethnographical Museum, which charts the town’s history, and the ruins of the Roman Theatre of Ancient Philippopolis (Plovdiv’s previous name). Plovdiv’s hilly terrain and colorful architecture is endlessly charming.
Plovdiv is a city best seen on foot. From train station Tsentralna Gara the center of town is about a 15-minute walk, and the Old Town is another 15 minutes beyond that.
The cliffside fortress town
Located in central Bulgaria in an unspoiled countryside, the picturesque town of Veliko Tarnovo features ancient buildings hovering at the edge of a rocky cliff, overlooking the Yantra River. The stunning Tsarevets Fortress dates back to the 5th century, and you shouldn’t miss the sound and light show at sundown. But most of the art and architecture in town has its own story to tell, and it’s a story worth hearing.
Several busses leave from Veliko Tarnovo center and deliver you to the entrance of the Tsarevets Fortress, about 2/3 of a mile (1 km) from the center of town.
Seaside indulgences
The coastal city of Varna and the surrounding areas are rich in history, and also have fantastic beachside resorts. It’s a best-of-both-worlds situation, as the amazing Roman Thermae are the largest ruins in all of Bulgaria, and the Varna Summer Festival includes all of the fun that the Black Sea beachfront has to offer. Don’t miss the Archeological museum in Varna – some say it’s one of the best in the whole country.
It’s less than a 10-minute walk from Varna Central Station (Gara Varna) to the beachfront.
When to go
Lake on Rodopi mountain, BulgariaBulgaria is quickly becoming a tourist favorite, mostly due to its unique archeological sites and fabulous beaches on the Black Sea. Summertime is the height of activity in Bulgaria, but the scenery is beautiful all year round.
Climate
The abundance of mountains and proximity to the Mediterranean allow for some pretty constant temperatures, and Bulgaria definitely has four distinct seasons. However, temperatures are rarely extreme, and traveling should be pleasant at any time of year.
