Attractions in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is an ancient land with a rich and diverse history. It is home to centuries-old churches, ruins of ancient cities, fascinating museums, and stunning natural wonders. While the country’s major landmarks are listed in every travel guide, countless hidden gems await around every corner, offering a deeper insight into Bulgarian culture and traditions.

The main attractions of Bulgaria are not only concentrated in Sofia or Varna — they are scattered throughout the country. To help you plan your journey, we have compiled a list of the most remarkable places worth visiting first.

Popular Tourist Cities

Varna — a Modern Resort Metropolis

One of Bulgaria’s most stylish cities, Varna, is brimming with attractions. Every year thousands of tourists flock here, primarily to enjoy the sea and the sun on its many beaches. Yet, Varna also boasts several landmarks you shouldn’t miss:

The Aquarium — a museum of the Black Sea, showcasing fascinating exhibits. Hundreds of visitors come daily to see its displays, which even include an octopus. Located in the Seaside Garden (Morska Gradina), the museum sits in one of the city’s most beautiful parks.

Lake Varna — a brackish lagoon near the city. Although it is not a nature reserve, its picturesque shores, fresh air, and well-developed tourism facilities make it well worth a visit.

Euxinograd — the former summer residence of the Bulgarian royal family, set on the Black Sea coast in the resort area of St. Constantine and Helena.

The Stone Forest — a natural wonder located just outside Varna. These hollow stone columns remain a geological mystery that continues to intrigue scientists.

Aladzha Monastery — situated about 15 km from Varna in a protected natural park, this medieval monastery was carved into a cliff more than 1,500 years ago by Christian hermits.

Beyond cultural attractions, Varna is also a prime destination for seaside relaxation. If the city’s beaches do not fully meet your expectations, you can easily head to Sunny Beach Resort. Here you will find pristine beaches, top-notch facilities, and a lively atmosphere with dozens of restaurants, nightclubs, discos, and bars.

Nessebar: a medieval town with an aura of mystery

The resort of Nessebar (Nessebir, Nessebyr) is known not only for its access to the sea, but also for a whole area of ancient sights. The old part of the town, located on the peninsula, attracts thousands of tourists every year with its interesting centuries-old history. Nessebar was founded 3000 years ago and is considered one of the oldest settlements in Europe. It was once called Mesemvria.

The following attractions are definitely worth seeing here:

more than forty family churches of princely and royal families. Many of them have now become museums, admission to which costs 2 BGN;

Old Bridge, connecting the old and new parts of the city. Near it is a monument to St. Nicholas, surrounded by flocks of cormorants. It is a mystery, but these birds live exclusively in Nessebar in Bulgaria;

Fortress Wall near the old bridge. Near it, musicians often gather to play the country's national instrument, the gaida, the Bulgarian bagpipe;

archaeological and ethnographic museum. Thanks to exhibits from both the pagan and Orthodox era of Bulgaria, tourists can learn more about the history of the region;

Amphitheater, near which is the Church of St. John;

Turkish Fountain in the Turkish Baths quarter, a reminder of the days of Ottoman rule;

Byzantine Thermae, built by Emperor Constantine.

But the main attractions of ancient Nessebar are the cozy streets, paved with cobblestones and cobblestones, as well as clean, uncrowded beaches.

Burgas — the city at the heart of transport connections

The resort city of Burgas is conveniently located, serving as a hub for numerous water and land routes. Burgas is home to a major seaport, a railway and bus station, as well as an airport. Visitors often remember the city for its unique beach attraction — the dark, almost black sand, rich in magnesium.

In addition, Burgas offers the following points of interest:

Lake Vaya, the largest lake in Bulgaria. Swimming is prohibited, but walking along its shores is a true pleasure;

The Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral. Over the centuries, this church has served both as a hospital and a museum;

The Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, as well as the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God;

The Armenian Church of St. Cross, a small yet oldest church in the city;

Museums, including archaeological, ethnographic, historical, and natural science museums;

Theatres, such as the opera house, drama theatre, and puppet theatre;

The Art Gallery, once a fine arts museum housed in a former synagogue built between 1905 and 1910;

The “navel” of the city, the symbolic point marking the very center of Burgas;

The Sea Garden, featuring exhibitions of striking photographic works by local artists and an impressive sand sculpture display.

Travelers are also advised to visit the village of Bata, located 30 km north of Burgas. This seaside village is filled with small craft shops, artisan workshops, and museums, while local villagers preserve and showcase authentic Bulgarian traditions for visitors.

Nearby lies Ropotamo, a nature reserve that attracts dozens of tourist buses daily, offering the chance to admire its fascinating flora and fauna.

Pomorie — a seaside town with a few attractions

Pomorie is a charming little town located on the Black Sea coast. Even in the high season, it remains uncrowded, with clean beaches and crystal-clear waters. The atmosphere is calm and family-friendly, as most visitors are families with children.

The resort offers both natural and cultural landmarks. Among the must-see spots are:

Knyaz Boris Street, a shaded promenade lined with many old and picturesque houses;

St. George Monastery — one of the few men’s monasteries along the coast. Within its grounds lies a healing spring;

The modest yet welcoming Church of the Nativity of the Virgin;

The local History Museum, which covers all periods of the region’s development;

The Thracian Tomb, located on the edge of the town. To reach it, visitors pass through the ordinary neighborhoods of Pomorie and a surprisingly scenic kiwi tree garden;

Lake Pomorie, home to more than five hundred rare species of birds and animals. The surrounding park is practically a natural reserve.

Sofia — the modern capital of the country

To reach Sofia, travelers cross a scenic mountain road. Once in the capital, one of its unique features is the cobblestone paving — even the metro floors are laid with it. The city’s main attractions include:

The Ancient Fortress of Serdica — today, the ruins of this Thracian stronghold are in decline, but once it was a formidable construction visible from afar.

The Cyril and Methodius National Library — located in the city center. The building itself is striking, but its true treasure lies inside: a collection of several hundred ancient manuscripts and books.

Dragalevtsi Monastery — a historic monastic complex dating back to the early Middle Ages. It sits on Mount Vitosha, surrounded by younger religious sites.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral — built in the 19th century, this monumental church can still host around 5,000 worshippers. The building has withstood destruction twice during the wars of the last century.

Natural Attractions

The Balchik Botanical Garden

In Balchik, you will find a botanical garden whose entrance fee is relatively high by Bulgarian excursion standards (15 BGN). The garden covers the grounds of a natural reserve which, besides several hundred rare plant species, also includes:

A tasting hall where visitors are treated to jams and wines made from local fruits and grapes;

The Palace of Queen Marie of Romania. Visiting her residence requires a separate ticket, which costs an additional 15 BGN.

The Valley of Roses

This fertile valley in Bulgaria stretches from the foothills of the Stara Planina Mountains to the Sredna Gora range and is located near the town of Kazanlak. Although many plants grow here, it is the rose that has turned this area into one of Bulgaria’s most enchanting spots.

St. Anastasia Island

The island lies about 1.5 kilometers from Chernomorets, in the Black Sea, within the Bay of Burgas. Covering just one hectare and rising about 12 meters above sea level, this rocky islet is considered the only inhabited island on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.

Arbanasi, Veliko Tarnovo

A small inland town that once served as the capital of Bulgaria. Today, the settlement is essentially a natural park. Its charming streets are surrounded by lush greenery and exotic plants. The main attractions of Veliko Tarnovo are the royal residence and the Tsarevets Fortress.

Pobiti Kamani

A favorite site among mysticism enthusiasts, located near Varna. It is essentially a valley covered with stones of various shapes and sizes. Some are hollow with perfectly round openings, while others are solid pillars reaching several meters in height. Legends still surround this natural wonder, as scientists have yet to agree on its exact origin.

Cultural and architectural monuments

Rila Monastery

This is an ancient complex from the tenth century. Its founder is considered to be St. John of Rila, who settled in one of the caves of the mountainous Rila. His disciples and followers began the construction of the shrine here.

Shipka Pass

This is a historical place famous among tourists. 136 years ago, the defenders of the Balkans repulsed the Turkish invaders, turning the tide of the Russo-Turkish War.

The fortress of Belogradchik

The majestic structure among the rocks and hills in the Vidin region should be seen by everyone who comes to Bulgaria.

Sozopol

Sozopol is Nessebar in miniature. Here you can find the same ancient cozy streets paved with stone, as well as Roman amphitheater. The city is quite small and will take no more than a couple of hours to explore.

Plovdiv's Roman Amphitheater

One of Bulgaria's largest cities, Plovdiv is not only an airport that meets and sees off Balkan travelers. It is home to the Roman Amphitheater, a monumental structure dating back to the second century.

Wine Tasting Museum in Pleven

A Wine Research Institute was opened in Pleven at the beginning of the last century. Near it, a wine museum with several tasting rooms eventually appeared. People come here not only to enjoy the taste of local alcohol, but also to admire the original construction. The museum is as if built in the rock. Next to it is an artificial lake.

Travel Tips

Beyond the concentration of landmarks in major cities, Bulgaria offers numerous excursion routes to unique points of interest. To make your journey to them as comfortable and cost-effective as possible, consider the following tips:

Independent travel. If your destination is located near the coast, it is easy to get there on your own. Public transport such as buses, or even a rental car, will be perfectly suitable;

Group excursion. If the attraction is located inland, it is better not to save on a guided group tour. For example, traveling independently to Veliko Tarnovo will take considerably more time, energy, and money than joining an organized trip with a guide.

Bulgaria is a fantastic destination both for a summer holiday and for a cultural journey. Nowhere else will you find such a mix of lively nightclubs and medieval churches, bustling bars and cozy fortresses, welcoming restaurants and pristine national parks. In Bulgaria, every traveler will easily discover exactly what they are looking for!