Bulgaria

Bulgaria packs mountains, thermal springs, ancient cities, and Black Sea beaches into a compact, easy-to-explore country. For a first trip, many travellers plan 5–9 days: a couple of days in Sofia, two in Plovdiv, plus time in the mountains or by the sea. Start in Sofia for its mix of Orthodox churches, street cafés, and Soviet-era architecture. Then head to Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities, with its Roman theatre and colourful Old Town. Round things off in Veliko Tarnovo’s cliff-hugging medieval streets or on the coast in Varna or Burgas.

Use Hello’s trip planning to lay out your route, pinning train and bus stations, and saving must-see spots like Rila Monastery, Seven Rila Lakes, or the cobbled lanes of Koprivshtitsa. Intercity trains and buses are frequent and affordable, but check schedules ahead, especially outside peak season. If you’re renting a car, plan for slower drives on mountain roads and allow time for scenic stops in small villages. Bulgaria is safe and welcoming, but distances can feel longer than they look on the map—build in downtime for café-hopping and evening strolls so your itinerary feels like a holiday, not a race.

Bulgaria is a joy for food lovers, especially if you enjoy fresh vegetables, grilled meats, and yoghurt-based dishes. Start with a shopska salad—tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and grated sirene white cheese—and a cold glass of ayran (yoghurt drink). Try banitsa for breakfast, a flaky pastry stuffed with cheese or spinach, and order hearty mains like kavarma (slow-cooked meat and vegetables), musaka, or sach (mixed meats and veggies sizzling on a hot iron plate). In summer, cool down with tarator, a chilled cucumber and yoghurt soup.

Restaurant prices are generally friendly: a filling meal in a local tavern (mehana) can be around 20–30 BGN (roughly $11–17), while street snacks and bakeries are cheaper. Use Hello’s budget tracking to keep an eye on what you’re spending in leva so you don’t lose track amidst tempting mezze plates and desserts. If you’re traveling with companions, the app’s expense splitting makes shared dinners simple—just log the total bill and divide it after each meze feast. Don’t be afraid to ask staff for recommendations; many menus have English descriptions, and locals love suggesting their favourite regional specialties and wines.

Moving around Bulgaria is relatively straightforward once you get the hang of local transport. In cities like Sofia, you’ll find a compact metro system, trams, and buses; buy tickets from kiosks or machines and validate them as soon as you board. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, but always check the meter and avoid unmarked cars. Intercity travel relies on trains and buses: trains can be slower but scenic, while buses generally run more frequently and connect key routes like Sofia–Plovdiv–Burgas.

If you plan to explore mountain regions such as the Rila or Balkan Mountains, renting a car gives you flexibility to stop at small villages and trailheads. Roads are mostly good, but expect occasional potholes and winding passes; drive cautiously, especially in winter. Many petrol stations and bigger transport hubs accept cards, yet some small bus companies insist on cash—having a mix of payment options helps.

Staying connected makes navigation much easier. Purchase and activate a Hello eSIM before you land so your phone is online as soon as you touch down, avoiding roaming surprises. Then you can use maps, check bus timetables, and pin your guesthouse or apartment even when street signs switch to Cyrillic.

Bulgaria uses the lev (BGN). Cards are widely accepted in cities, malls, and larger restaurants, but cash is still king in smaller towns, local markets, and some family-run guesthouses. ATMs are common; withdraw in leva to avoid poor dynamic conversion rates. Everyday costs are moderate: local transport rides can be just a few leva, and coffee rarely breaks the bank. Use Hello’s budget tracking to monitor spending in BGN and keep an overview of daily costs like transport, meals, and entrance fees.

For shared apartments, rental cars, and group dinners, log costs in Hello and use expense splitting so everyone pays their fair share without awkward conversations. To stay online, set up a Hello eSIM before you travel; it activates as you arrive, helps you skip airport SIM kiosks, and keeps you connected for navigation, translation apps, and restaurant searches.

Tap water is generally safe to drink, and you’ll often see public fountains, especially in mountain towns. Summers can be hot, so carry a reusable bottle and refill as you go. In monasteries and churches, dress modestly—covered shoulders and knees are appreciated. Outside major tourist areas, not everyone speaks fluent English, but a few polite words in Bulgarian and your translation app will go a long way.