Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s food is generous, seasonal, and wonderfully regional. Begin with shopska salad, a crisp combination of tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion, and grated white cheese, then try banitsa, flaky pastry layered with cheese and egg—especially good from a bakery in the morning. For something heartier, order kavarma (slow-cooked meat and vegetables), kyufte (seasoned meatballs), or grilled kebapche. Yogurt is a national staple, while a chilled bowl of tarator—yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and walnuts—is ideal in summer. Along the Black Sea, look for fresh mussels and grilled fish; in mountain towns, menus often feature bean stews, mushrooms, and trout. Bulgarian wine is also worth exploring, particularly reds from the Thracian Lowland and whites from the Black Sea region. Markets and casual restaurants are usually excellent value, but menus in tourist centres can be marked up. Keep a little cash for bakeries, market stalls, and smaller family-run eateries, and use Hello’s expense splitting when sharing a table of mixed dishes.

Bulgaria is compact enough for a varied trip, but journey times can be longer than the map suggests. Sofia is the main transport hub, with rail and bus connections to Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Varna, and Burgas. Trains are scenic and inexpensive, though buses are often faster and more frequent between major cities. For mountain monasteries, remote villages, and trailheads, a rental car or organized day trip is usually more practical. Plovdiv makes an easy cultural stop, while Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes reward extra planning. In Sofia, the metro connects the airport with the city centre and is useful for avoiding traffic; taxis should be metered or booked through a reputable local service. Check schedules shortly before departure, especially outside summer, and allow a buffer for rural routes. Download offline maps and save your accommodation address in Bulgarian script. Hello’s trip planning tools can keep train times, day trips, and walking routes together, while Hello eSIM connectivity lets you check directions without relying on hotel Wi-Fi.

Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, and since 1 February the euro has been the sole legal tender; the former lev was converted at the fixed rate of €1 = 1.95583 lev, according to the European Central Bank. Prices may still be displayed in both currencies during the transition period, so check the total carefully before paying. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, museums, and established restaurants, but cash remains useful for small cafés, rural guesthouses, market purchases, and some taxis. Use bank ATMs where possible and decline unnecessary dynamic currency conversion when a terminal offers to charge you in another currency. Bulgaria can be affordable by Western European standards, but Sofia’s central districts and Black Sea resorts are noticeably pricier in high season. Record spending in euros with Hello’s budget tracking feature, especially when moving between accommodation, transport, and outdoor activities. For groups, settle shared taxis, groceries, and restaurant bills promptly with Hello’s expense splitting rather than trying to reconstruct costs at the end of the trip.

Bulgaria rewards travellers who slow down between its headline sights. In Sofia, visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Roman ruins of Serdika, and the lively neighbourhood cafés around central boulevards. Plovdiv’s Old Town and ancient theatre are best explored on foot, while Veliko Tarnovo’s hilltop fortress offers dramatic views over the Yantra River. Summer brings beach weather to the Black Sea and hiking conditions in the Rila and Pirin mountains; spring and autumn are especially comfortable for city breaks, wine regions, and village visits. Winters suit skiing in Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo, but mountain weather can change quickly. Learn a few Bulgarian phrases—“blagodarya” means thank you—and remember that nodding conventions for yes and no can differ from what many visitors expect, so confirm important details verbally. Buy Hello eSIM before you land and activate it on arrival for maps, translation, transport updates, and reservations without roaming charges. Keep a copy of your passport, travel insurance details, and accommodation information offline.