Bulgaria Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Bulgaria: Tips on Driving, Safety, and Culture

Flag of Bulgaria

Top 10 Most Searched Questions About Bulgaria

The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia, a city known for its blend of ancient history, Soviet-era architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

Bulgaria is part of the EU, so EU citizens don’t need a visa. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Other nationalities should check with the Bulgarian embassy.

Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). The Lev is pegged to the Euro, and Euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, but it’s best to use Lev for most transactions.

Yes, Bulgaria is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, be cautious of petty theft in crowded areas like Sofia’s markets or Sunny Beach during peak season.

The official language is Bulgarian, which uses the Cyrillic alphabet. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially in Sofia, Plovdiv, and the Black Sea coast.

Bulgaria is known for its rich history, including Thracian tombs, Roman ruins, and medieval monasteries like Rila Monastery. It’s also famous for its Black Sea beaches, rose oil production, and yogurt.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather for sightseeing. Summer is ideal for the Black Sea coast, while winter is great for skiing in Bansko or Borovets.

Bulgaria is one of Europe’s more affordable destinations. Accommodation, food, and transport are budget-friendly, especially outside Sofia and major tourist spots like Sunny Beach.

Tap water is generally safe in cities like Sofia and Plovdiv, but it may have a strong taste due to minerals. Many locals prefer bottled water, especially in rural areas.

Top spots include Sofia (Alexander Nevsky Cathedral), Plovdiv (Old Town), Rila Monastery, Veliko Tarnovo (Tsarevets Fortress), the Black Sea coast (Sunny Beach, Nessebar), and the Rhodope Mountains.

Bulgaria, located in Southeast Europe, is a land of diverse landscapes and rich history. Its capital, Sofia, blends ancient Thracian, Roman, and Ottoman heritage with modern vibrancy, evident in landmarks like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The country boasts the stunning Black Sea coast, with resorts like Sunny Beach and historic Nessebar, alongside the rugged beauty of the Rila and Rhodope Mountains, home to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery. Bulgaria’s cultural tapestry includes ancient ruins, medieval fortresses like Tsarevets in Veliko Tarnovo, and charming towns like Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Known for its rose oil, used in perfumes worldwide, and its unique yogurt, Bulgaria also offers affordable skiing in Bansko and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path European experience.

Visa & Passport for Bulgaria: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from Bulgaria. Ensure it has at least two blank pages for stamps.
  • Visa Requirements: Bulgaria is an EU member, so EU citizens don’t need a visa. US, Canadian, Australian, and many other nationalities can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays or other nationalities, check requirements on the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
  • Health Entry Rules: No specific vaccinations are required. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is recommended, as healthcare costs can vary for non-residents.

Driving in Bulgaria: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU drivers can use their national license for up to 1 year, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for clarity.
  • Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 140 km/h on highways like the A1. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%—don’t drink and drive.
  • Toll Roads: Bulgaria uses a vignette system for highway tolls. Purchase a vignette (sticker) at border crossings, gas stations, or online for vehicles using highways like the A2. Fines for non-compliance are steep.
  • Road Conditions: Major highways are in good condition, but rural roads, especially in the Rhodope Mountains, can be narrow and poorly maintained. Watch for potholes and stray animals.
  • Parking: Parking in cities like Sofia and Plovdiv is regulated—use paid parking zones (blue or green zones) to avoid fines. In smaller towns, parking is often free but check for signs.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Roadside assistance is available through services like the Bulgarian Automobile Club (UAB).
  • Useful Resource: For more on driving, visit the Bulgarian Road Safety Agency (KAT) website.

Bulgarian Currency: Using the Lev for Your Trip

  • Bulgarian Lev: Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 stotinki, and 1 and 2 Leva. Banknotes are 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Leva.
  • Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or licensed exchange offices in Sofia or Plovdiv for the best rates. Avoid exchanging at airports or tourist hotspots due to high fees. The Lev is pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate (1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN).
  • Payment Methods: Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas like Sunny Beach. Cash is preferred in rural areas and smaller establishments—always carry some Lev.
  • ATMs: ATMs are abundant in cities and tourist areas, accepting international cards. Fees may apply for foreign cards—check with your bank. Look for ATMs at major banks like UniCredit Bulbank for lower fees.

Bulgaria Legal Guide: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal and can lead to imprisonment. Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, but public intoxication can result in fines, especially in Sofia or Varna.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Bulgarians are generally hospitable—greet with a handshake and use “Zdravei” (hello). Tipping is customary (around 10%) in restaurants if service isn’t included. Be respectful when visiting religious sites like Rila Monastery—cover shoulders and knees.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography is generally allowed, but avoid taking photos inside churches or monasteries without permission. Be cautious around government buildings in Sofia, as photography may be restricted.
  • Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are acceptable but keep them discreet. Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, including restaurants and bars, with fines for violations.
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, and 200 cigarettes duty-free if arriving from outside the EU. Declare cash over €10,000 upon entry or exit.
  • Complaints: For travel-related issues, contact the Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism. Visit their official website for more information.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for general emergencies. For non-urgent issues, contact local police at 166. Tourist police are available in major cities like Sofia and along the Black Sea coast.

Travel Safety in Bulgaria: Staying Safe on Your Trip

  • Crime in Bulgaria: Bulgaria is safe, with low violent crime rates. Petty theft, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas such as Sofia’s Vitosha Boulevard or Sunny Beach—keep your belongings secure.
  • Road Safety: Bulgarian drivers can be aggressive, especially in Sofia. Pedestrians should be cautious, as drivers may not always yield. Mountain roads, like those to Rila Monastery, can be narrow—drive carefully.
  • Health Risks: Tap water is safe in most cities but may taste mineral-heavy—bottled water is widely available. Food hygiene standards are high, but choose busy restaurants in tourist areas to avoid issues.
  • Natural Hazards: Bulgaria experiences occasional earthquakes, particularly in the southwest near Plovdiv, but they’re usually mild. Flooding can occur in spring along the Danube River—check local weather updates.
  • Medical Facilities: Healthcare in Sofia and Varna is good, with hospitals like Tokuda Hospital. Rural areas have limited facilities—travel insurance is recommended for non-EU citizens, as costs can be high.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). For non-urgent medical help, pharmacies in cities can provide advice and over-the-counter medications.
  • Public Transport Safety: Public transport, like buses and trams in Sofia, is safe but can be crowded. Watch for pickpockets on busy routes, such as the Sofia Metro.

Flights to Bulgaria: Travel Options

The main gateway to Bulgaria is Sofia Airport (SOF), located 10 km east of Sofia, with flights to major European cities. Other airports include Varna (VAR) and Burgas (BOJ) for Black Sea destinations, and Plovdiv (PDV) for regional flights.