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The Bulgaria Bucket List 🇧🇬
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items A whole Bulgaria cheat sheet — where to eat, what to see, where to go, what to do, and all the random little spots worth saving. From cute cafés & cocktail bars to beaches, museums, day trips, hikes, nightlife, and hidden gems — basically everyth...
Sections
3
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Outdoor Activities
If you’re in Sofia, this is such an easy day trip to add to your plans. Rila Monastery is absolutely stunning, and the mountain views + history make it worth the trip. If you have extra time, pair it with Boyana Church or St. Ivan Cave for the full e...
From Sofia: Rila Monastery and Boyana Church or St. Ivan Cave
If you’re in Sofia, DO this day trip. Seven Rila Lakes + Rila Monastery in one day = insane views, mountains, history, and the prettiest little escape from the city. Definitely one for the itinerary.
From Sofia: The Seven Rila Lakes & Rila Monastery Day Tour
If you wanna actually understand Sofia instead of just walking past pretty buildings, this is the one. A small-group tour through the city’s history, hidden stories & iconic landmarks — basically Sofia lore, but make it fun.
Sofia: History And Heritage – Small Group Guided Tour
For the “okay but what was Sofia actually like back then?” curiosity — this one. A walk through communist-era Sofia, with the buildings, stories, propaganda, and history you’d probably miss just exploring on your own.
Sofia: Communist Walking Tour
My go-to when you want a proper walk, picnic, or just somewhere to escape the city without actually leaving it. It’s huge, green, and has a really nice view toward Vitosha.
South Park - All You SHOULD Know Before Going 2026 (with Reviews)
Probably the most iconic Sofia park. Go for a walk, grab something to drink, sit by Ariana Lake, and just wander around — there’s always something to see.
Borisova Gradina Park - All You SHOULD Know Before Going 2026 (with Reviews)
The place to go when you want the full Sofia city vibe. Cute cafés, restaurants, shops, people-watching, and that pretty view of Vitosha Mountain at the end of the boulevard. Perfect for an evening stroll.
Vitosha Boulevard - All You SHOULD Know Before Going 2026 (with Reviews)
If you’re in Sozopol, this is THE way to spend a day on the water. A VIP catamaran, sea views, swimming, sun, and that whole “I’m on vacation and have nowhere to be” feeling.
Sozopol – Full-day VIP catamaran cruise
Okay, this one is actually SO fun if you want something different from just lying on the beach. Pirate ship, sea battle, pizza, and the whole chaotic pirate vibe — definitely one for a fun day in Varna.
Varna: Pirate Cruise with Sea Battle and Pizza
This is such a cute sunset activity — drinks, golden-hour views, a little treasure hunt, and being out on the Black Sea while the sun goes down. Perfect if you want something more memorable than another beach day.
Varna: Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Pirate Treasure Hunt
For when you need a break from the beach but still want something fun. Off-road adventure, Bulgarian honey tasting, lunch, and exploring around Golden Sands — such a random combo, but honestly that’s what makes it good.
Golden Sands: Off-Road Adventure with Honey Tasting & Lunch
Such a unique little trip outside Varna. The Stone Forest is one of those places that feels completely different from the coast, and seeing it at sunset makes the whole thing even prettier.
Stone Forest Sunset Tour from Varna
If you’re into hidden historical spots, add this one. A medieval monastery carved straight into the cliffs near Golden Sands, surrounded by forest — definitely one of the more unusual things to see around Varna.
Alaja Rock Monastery Tour from Varna
If you’re in Bulgaria, don’t skip Nessebar. The old town is basically a little island full of cobblestone streets, ancient ruins, gorgeous sea views, and tiny historic churches — such a pretty day trip and SO worth wandering around.
Guided Tour to the Ancient City of Nessebar
Probably my #1 pick. It runs Saturdays and is specifically focused on local Bulgarian producers. Think seasonal fruit & veg, dairy, honey, homemade products, etc.
Farmers Market Roman Wall - Sofia - All You SHOULD Know Before Going 2026 (with Reviews)
Wednesday market with products directly from Bulgarian farmers/producers. This one is especially good if you're looking for actual local food rather than a general city market.
Ministry of Agriculture and Food - All You SHOULD Know Before Going 2026 (with Reviews)
The easiest way to see Plovdiv if you don't want to plan everything yourself. A good mix of the city’s history, landmarks and must-see spots all in one day.
Guided Day Tour of Plovdiv's Must-See Sights
If you only have a couple of hours in Plovdiv, do this. Old Town + the Roman Theatre + all the history without spending your entire day on a tour.
Plovdiv: Old Town & Roman Theatre 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour
Such a pretty day trip from Plovdiv — a medieval fortress, a historic monastery and mountain scenery all in one. Definitely one for the history + nature girlies.
Private trip to Bachkovo Monastery and Assen's Fortress
Two completely different sides of Bulgaria in one day. Plovdiv for the ancient-city vibes, Koprivshtitsa for the colorful old houses and Bulgarian history.
Plovdiv and Koprivshtitsa Full Day Tour
Because sightseeing is great, but ending the day in a mineral spa is even better 😭. The perfect mix of exploring + actually relaxing.
Plovdiv Tour with Mineral Spa Visit
A gorgeous little escape into the Rhodope Mountains. Ancient fortress, beautiful monastery and mountain views — definitely worth getting out of the city for.
From Plovdiv: Asen's Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery Tour
If you want to see a completely different side of Bulgaria, save this one. Rose Valley, Buzludzha and ancient Thracian history all in one ridiculously packed day.
From Plovdiv: Rose Valley, Buzludzha & Thracian Tombs Tour
For something a little more off-the-beaten-path. Ancient history, Bulgarian countryside and a cute art village — such a good combination if you've already seen the main Plovdiv sights.
From Sofia: Plovdiv, Starosel and Art Village Day Trip
Okay, this one is for the adrenaline junkies 😭. Flying over the Bulgarian countryside near Veliko Tarnovo is definitely not your average sightseeing activity — save it if you want an actual story to tell.
Tandem Paragliding Flight near Veliko Tarnovo
Restaurants
A cute Italian spot for when you want pizza that feels a little more special than your usual takeaway. Definitely one to save for a proper dinner.
OLIO D'OLIVA, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
If you’re craving proper pizza, put this one on the list. Crispy crust, good toppings, and that casual Italian dinner vibe — perfect for a pizza night.
FRANCO'S PIZZA, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
Pizza + cozy Italian trattoria vibes = basically impossible to go wrong. Perfect for a casual dinner when you’re craving something cheesy and comforting.
LEO'S PIZZA & TRATTORIA, Sofia - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews
The name says it all 😭 If you’re in Varna and having one of those “I could absolutely destroy a pizza right now” moments, save this one.
100 PIZZAS, Varna - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
For the full Italian comfort-food moment — pizza, pasta, and that easygoing dinner vibe. Definitely worth saving if you’re staying in Varna.
LA BOCCA PIZZA&PASTA ITALIANA, Varna - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews
If you love Italian food, this one belongs on your list. Think pizza, burrata, pasta, and all the good stuff you want from an Italian dinner.
BURRATA ITALIANA, Varna - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews
A good Burgas pick when you want pizza and a proper sit-down meal. Add this to your food list for an easy Italian night.
PIAZZA GRANDE, Burgas - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
A pretty spot for an Italian-inspired dinner when you want something a little more than just grabbing a quick pizza.
OPERA GARDEN RESTAURANT, Burgas - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
For the steak-and-wine kind of night 🥩🍷. Save this for a proper dinner out.
YANY STEAK & WINE, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
Meat + good beer + a casual vibe — basically the perfect “I’m here to eat” spot.
CRAFT BEER & MEAT, Varna - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
BBQ, burgers and beer — the ultimate comfort-food combo.
THE HOLY SMOKES BAR-B-Q, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
One of the obvious Sofia picks when you’re craving a really good burger and fries.
SKAPTO - SHISHMAN 20, Sofia - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews
Save this for a proper sushi/Japanese dinner when the craving hits 🍣
HAMACHI, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
Japanese food in a prettier, more sit-down setting — perfect for a dinner date or girls’ night.
UMAMI JAPANESE FOOD AND GARDEN, Sofia - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews
Your Plovdiv pick when you want a break from the usual Bulgarian/Italian restaurant rotation.
THE 5 BEST Japanese Restaurants in Plovdiv (Updated 2026)
For when you want proper Chinese food and a table full of dishes to share.
MENG FU YUAN, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
Save this for your next Chinese-food craving while you're in Plovdiv.
GERDJIKA, Plovdiv - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
Fresh, colorful plant-based food that doesn't feel like you're settling 🌱.
VITA RAMA RESTAURANT, Sofia - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews
Other Food & Drinks
Such a cute hidden gem if you want a cozy, slightly artsy café. Great for a slow brunch, smoothie, raw cake or a little laptop session — especially if you’re into vegetarian/vegan options.
SALTED CAFÉ, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
For the tea people 🍵. A cozy little spot for actually sitting down and enjoying a good tea, with desserts and a cute, artsy atmosphere — perfect for a slower afternoon.
TEA HOUSE, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
Your reliable Sofia café when you want good coffee + an actual meal. Perfect for breakfast, a quick lunch, a croissant and coffee, or meeting a friend — and there are locations all over the city.
GREEN DELI CAFE, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
One of those places to save for a proper Bulgarian bakery moment — fresh pastries, bread and something sweet with your morning coffee.
FURNA, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
Save this for the serious dessert cravings. Cute little cake spot with the kind of pastries that make you want to try everything.
CAKE LAB, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
One of Sofia's iconic cocktail spots — creative drinks, cool atmosphere and the perfect place for a proper night out.
SPUTNIK COCKTAIL BAR, Sofia - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews
For the cocktail girlies who don't want a menu telling them what to order. 😭 Tell the bartenders what you like and let them make something specifically for you — plus the cozy funk/hip-hop/jazz atmosphere is such a vibe.
3 OZ. COCKTAIL BAR, Sofia - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews
A cute little spot to save when you want something more lowkey. Perfect for grabbing a drink and having a chill evening rather than going somewhere super loud.
Barabar Sofia - All You SHOULD Know Before Going 2026 (with Reviews)
One of those Sofia spots you save for a proper cocktail night. Creative drinks, pretty atmosphere and bartenders who clearly take the cocktails seriously — perfect for when you want to try something new.
THE COCKTAIL BAR, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
Classic Vitoshka ice-cream stop 🍦. Perfect for grabbing a scoop while wandering down the boulevard.
AFREDDO CAFFETTERIA & GELATERIA, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
The perfect little stop on Tsar Shishman when you want proper gelato and a cute Sofia afternoon.
GELATERIA NATURALE, Sofia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number
The one to save for game night. Big sports-bar energy, drinks, food and somewhere to actually watch the match with other people.
THE GOAT SPORTS BAR, Sofia - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews
Another solid game-night pick if you want drinks, food and a proper sports-bar atmosphere in central Sofia.
The Academy Sports Bar (Sofia, Bulgaria): Hours, Address