Introducing Bulgaria
The Republic of Bulgaria, abbreviated as Bulgaria, is a country in southeastern Europe, located in the Balkan Peninsula. Its land area covers 110,994 square kilometers. On February 27, 1990, the country declared its National Day on March 3, the anniversary of its independence from the Ottoman Empire. On November 15, 1990, Bulgaria changed its name to the Republic of Bulgaria. The constitution adopted on July 12, 1991, established Bulgaria as a parliamentary state.
The ancestors of the Bulgarians came from Central Asia. They were incorporated into the Byzantine Empire in 395 AD, and the Slavic Bulgarian Kingdom (the First Bulgarian Kingdom) was established in 681. They were invaded again by the Byzantines in 1018, and the Second Bulgarian Kingdom was established in 1185. They were annexed by the Ottoman Empire in 1396, became independent in 1878, and established the People's Republic of Bulgaria in 1946. After the upheaval in Eastern Europe, a capitalist political system was established.
Climate and best time to travel
Bulgaria has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. The north is influenced by the Black Sea, while the south is influenced by the Mediterranean. The average temperature in January is -2°C to 2°C, and in July it's 23°C to 25°C. Serious natural disasters are rare, and the best time to visit is from July to October, when the days are warmer and the nights cooler.
The best time to travel is from July to October
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
A Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Built in the Neo-Byzantine style, it is the seat of the Bulgarian Patriarch and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. It is also a symbol of Sofia and a major tourist attraction.
The church's central golden dome stands 45 meters high, and the bell tower is 53 meters tall. Its 12 bells weigh a total of 23 tons, ranging from the heaviest at 12 tons to the lightest at 10 kilograms. The interior is decorated with various colors of Italian marble, Brazilian agate, white marble, and other precious materials. The Lord's Prayer is inscribed in gold on the central dome.
The church's cornerstone was laid in 1882, and the main construction was completed between 1904 and 1912. It commemorates the Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, fighting to free Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. The marble and other materials in the temple were constructed in Munich, while the metal for the gate came from Berlin. The gate itself was manufactured in a factory in Vienna, and the mosaics were shipped from Venice.
Bulgarian UFO Monument
In the Balkan mountains of Bulgaria, you will find "flying saucers" that have nothing to do with flying saucers, turning your journey into a "dive into UFO" adventure.
Officially known as the Ice Peak Monument, the massive monument is commonly known as the Bulgarian Flying Saucer. It is located on the summit of Bulgaria's historic Mount Buzludzha (which means glacier in Turkish) at an altitude of 1,441 meters. The mountain plays an important role in Bulgaria's recent history, being the site of several historical events and battlefields.
The Ice Peak Monument was built by the Bulgarian Communist regime to commemorate the socialist movement organized by socialist leader Dimitar Blagoev in the region in 1891 (Russia and Bulgaria jointly resisted Turkish invasion in these hills). Officially opened in 1981, it also serves as a platform, implicitly reminding people that the former Soviet Union was a good friend of Bulgaria.
Most Popular FAQs for Bulgaria
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Bulgaria, located in Southeast Europe, has a rich history dating back to the Thracians, Roman Empire, and Byzantine periods. It played a central role in the spread of Orthodox Christianity and Slavic culture, and its medieval and Renaissance architecture reflect a diverse heritage.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Located in the Balkans, bordering Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey, with a coastline on the Black Sea.
- Main entry points: Sofia Airport, Varna Airport, Burgas Airport.
- Domestic travel via trains, buses, taxis, or ride-hailing apps; walking is convenient in city centers.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Most museums and attractions: 9 AM – 5 PM; some extend to 6 PM.
- Best times: May–September for warm weather and coastal activities; December–January for winter sports.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Museum and monastery fees: €3–10; ski resorts and special tours vary.
- Tickets can be purchased online or at entrance counters.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
For popular attractions like Rila Monastery, Plovdiv Old Town tours, or ski resorts, booking 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended, especially in peak season.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
10–14 days to cover major cities, cultural sites, coastal resorts, and mountain regions; longer if including detailed cultural or outdoor activities.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Sofia: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church
- Plovdiv: Old Town, Roman amphitheater, Kapana district
- Rila Monastery and Bachkovo Monastery
- Black Sea resorts: Varna, Burgas, Sunny Beach
- Rila, Pirin, and Balkan Mountains for hiking and skiing
- Veliko Tarnovo and Tsarevets Fortress
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
- Guided tours in English, German, Russian, and Bulgarian are common at major sites.
- Audio guides are available in multiple languages at museums and historical attractions.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Sofia: Vitosha Boulevard and hill viewpoints
- Plovdiv: Nebet Tepe Hill
- Rila Monastery courtyard and mountain backdrop
- Black Sea coast: beach promenades and lighthouses
- Veliko Tarnovo: Tsarevets Fortress and Yantra River
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Day 1–3: Sofia sightseeing and Rila Monastery
- Day 4–5: Plovdiv Old Town and nearby villages
- Day 6–8: Black Sea coast resorts (Varna, Burgas, Sunny Beach)
- Day 9–11: Mountain hiking/skiing in Rila, Pirin, or Balkan Mountains
- Day 12–13: Veliko Tarnovo and historical villages
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
- Evening city walks and illuminated streets in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo.
- Seasonal festivals and folklore performances.
- Night skiing and mountain resort events in winter.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Peak tourist season: June–August for beaches, December–January for ski resorts.
- Least crowded: April–May and September–October; weekdays are quieter than weekends.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Public restrooms, cafes, restaurants widely available in cities and resorts.
- Shops and souvenir stalls present near major attractions.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- City centers and museums are mostly wheelchair accessible.
- Family-friendly facilities for children available in parks, museums, and resorts.
- Mountain trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
- Cards and mobile payments widely accepted in urban areas and tourist sites.
- Cash (Bulgarian lev) recommended for markets, small vendors, and rural areas.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Traditional Bulgarian cuisine: banitsa, shopska salad, kebapche at local taverns.
- Cafes, bistros, and modern restaurants in Sofia, Plovdiv, and coastal towns.
- Seaside seafood restaurants along the Black Sea coast.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian and vegan options widely available in urban areas; halal options may require prior inquiry.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Luxury: Sense Hotel Sofia, Hotel Marinela Sofia, Grand Hotel Varna
- Mid-range: Hotel Berlin Plovdiv, Rosslyn Thracia Hotel, Sunny Beach resorts
- Budget: Hostels and guesthouses in Sofia, Plovdiv, and coastal towns
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Rila Monastery from Sofia
- Seven Rila Lakes for hiking
- Thracian tombs and Roman ruins near Plovdiv
- Nessebar Old Town near Burgas
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Souvenirs: rose oil products, traditional pottery, hand-woven textiles, woodcrafts, and local wine.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Domestic trains and buses connect major cities and coastal areas.
- International flights from Sofia, Varna, and Burgas to Europe and nearby countries.
- Car rentals and coach tours for exploring rural and mountain regions.
