✨ Introduction: Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a hidden gem in Southeastern Europe, offering a rich mix of history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Whether you're drawn to ancient ruins, vibrant cities, or scenic mountain ranges, there are countless places to visit in Bulgaria that will leave you amazed. From the charming old town of Plovdiv to the stunning beaches of the Black Sea coast, every region has something unique to offer. Sofia, the capital, is a modern city filled with Roman ruins and Orthodox churches, while towns like Veliko Tarnovo and Bansko provide a glimpse into Bulgaria's medieval past and mountain traditions.
For nature lovers, the Rila Monastery and the Seven Rila Lakes are must-see destinations. The Rose Valley, famous for its fragrant blooms, is another unforgettable stop. Whether you're exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites or enjoying traditional Bulgarian cuisine in a village tavern, you'll find that the places to visit in Bulgaria are as diverse as they are beautiful.
Travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences will also be pleased, as many places to visit in Bulgaria remain untouched by mass tourism. With friendly locals, affordable travel costs, and year-round attractions, it’s no wonder more people are discovering the charm of this Balkan treasure. Start planning your trip today and discover the top places to visit in Bulgaria.
01. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral-Monument
The cathedral of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, located on the square of the same name. The massive building of the cathedral, standing against the backdrop of the city landscape, was built at the beginning of the 20th century according to the design of the Russian architect A. Pomerantsev. The reason was that after the Russo-Turkish War, Bulgaria was liberated from the rule of the Ottoman Empire. The temple was built in the Neo-Byzantine style.
Address: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Square, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 980 94 40
Opening hours: 07:00 - 19:00
02. Rotunda of St. George
The oldest church in Sofia. It was built in the 4th century under Emperor Constantine. Initially, the temple was used as a baptistery. After the conquest of Bulgaria by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century, the building was converted into a mosque. During renovation work, several layers of frescoes were discovered on the inner walls of the church, the oldest of which date back to the 10th century. Nowadays, the temple houses a museum, as well as regular worship services.
Address: St. George's Rotunda, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 987 22 71
Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00
03. Serdica Amphitheater
A Roman amphitheater of the 3rd-4th centuries, once considered the largest arena in the Eastern Roman Empire. Its size is slightly smaller than the famous Colosseum. The ruins were accidentally discovered in 2004 during the construction of a hotel. But, despite the undeniable value of the discovery, the hotel was still built, and research on the amphitheater was closed due to lack of funds. Today the ruins are open to the public.
Address: Serdica Amphitheater, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 981 83 80
Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00
04. Saint Sophia Cathedral
The basilica dedicated to Saint Sophia appeared in the 6th century. It survived fires, earthquakes, wars and has survived to this day in almost ruined condition. Renovation work was carried out at the beginning of the 20th century, at the same time scientists discovered ancient tombs in its walls. The modern appearance of the cathedral is the result of careful renovation. On the territory of the temple there is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Address: Sofia Church, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 981 63 54
Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00
05. Boyana Church
8 km from Sofia, in the small village of Boyana, there is a church of the 10th-11th centuries. In 1979, the building was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the 13th and 19th centuries, two more wings were added to the church. The building is made of brick and stone. Inside, valuable frescoes of the 11th-16th centuries and paintings of the 19th century are preserved. The temple has survived to this day in almost perfect condition, having managed to avoid destruction during the war.
Address: Boyana Church, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 955 16 30
Opening hours: 09:00 - 05:00
06. Russian Church of St. Nicholas
The church was built for the needs of the Russian community, the number of which in Sofia increased significantly after the end of the Russo-Turkish War in 1878. The temple was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the site of a destroyed market mosque. The domes of the church were donated to the parish by the Russian Emperor II. The building was built in an eclectic pseudo-Russian style designed by M. Preobrazhensky.
Address: Russian Church of St. Nicholas, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 980 88 93
Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00
07. Holy Week Cathedral
Holy Week is the second name of the martyr Kyriaki of Nicomedia. It is believed that the first church in her honor was built in the 10th century. It was a building built on a stone foundation with wooden walls. The church received the status of a cathedral in the 18th century, after the remains of King Stephen II were transferred here. The modern church was built in 1863 on the site of a dilapidated church.
Address: Passion Week Cathedral, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 980 22 33
Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00
08. Sofia Synagogue
The Jewish temple is one of the most picturesque architectural structures in Sofia. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century by architect F. Grunagar for the Sephardic Jewish community. The architectural style of the building is a mixture of Moorish traditions and Viennese Art Nouveau. You cannot enter the synagogue as such, but there is an opportunity to visit a small museum dedicated to the history of Bulgarian Jews.
Address: Sofia Synagogue, Exarch Joseph Street, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 987 00 13
Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00
09. Archaeological Institute and Museum
Research institution founded in 1948. The Archaeological Museum has existed since 1892 and is the oldest in Bulgaria. It houses the richest collection of ancient artifacts in the Balkans. The exhibition is located in the former 15th-century mosque building of Buyuk-Dzami. The research institution belongs to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and employs dozens of scientists.
Address: Archaeological Institute and Museum, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 987 23 74
Opening hours: 09:00 - 05:00
10. Historical Museum of Bulgaria
The museum was founded in 1973. In 2000, the collection was moved to a modern building. The exhibition includes more than 650 thousand objects and artifacts from different eras. It is divided into historical, ethnographic and archaeological sections. Visitors can see collections of jewelry, weapons, coins, furniture, religious utensils and household items. The medieval Boyana Church is also part of the Historical Museum.
Address: National History Museum, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 979 26 33
Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00
11. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in Sofia presents the largest exhibition of stuffed animals, insects, birds and minerals in the Balkans. The collection was founded in 1889 with the support of Prince Ferdinand. The scientific activities of the museum staff are aimed at studying and preserving the flora and fauna of Bulgaria. Much is being done as part of programs to improve the environment and protect the environment.
Address: Natural History Museum, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 987 13 00
Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00
12. Museum of Socialist Art
The exhibition contains works of art created from 1944 to 1989, when the era of socialism began in Bulgaria. The museum complex includes an art gallery, a park with monumental sculptures in the style of socialist realism, and a video hall where visitors can watch documentaries. The museum was established in 2011 by a decree of Bulgaria's ruling coalition - the Union of Democratic Forces.
Address: Museum of Socialist Art, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 963 26 40
Opening hours: 09:00 - 05:00
13. Military History Museum
The museum is located on the territory of the Military Academy and belongs to the Ministry of Defense of Bulgaria. Part of its exposition, consisting of military equipment, is located under the open sky, the other is indoors. A fairly large part of the collection consists of Soviet vehicles, there are also several Czech, German and French tanks. The museum has a thematic library and a computer center.
Address: Military Museum, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 944 93 38
Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00
14. Bulgarian Art Gallery
The exhibition hall was opened in 1948. To date, its collection includes several thousand items. The exhibition consists of three parts: Christian art of the XVIII-XIX centuries, national Bulgarian art and art of the Middle Ages. The museum has several branches. One of them is located on the territory of the Alexander Nevsky Temple-Monument. The main branch is located in the former royal palace.
Address: National Art Gallery, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 980 54 19
Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00
15. Foreign Art Gallery
The gallery was opened in 1985 in a former printing house building designed by the Viennese artist F. Schoenberg. The museum's vast collection consists of 19 exhibition halls and contains more than 10,000 objects. There are paintings by Picasso, Renoir, Rembrandt, Goya and Dali, which were used to decorate the walls of the National Art Gallery and were later donated.
Address: Foreign Art Gallery, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 986 76 76
Opening hours: 09:00 - 05:00
16. National Palace of Culture
The building was built in 1981 on the initiative of Lyudmila Zhivkova, the daughter of the CPB General Secretary. The complex has 8 floors and dozens of halls. It is intended for exhibitions, congresses, concerts and other cultural events. The interior of the building is decorated with mosaics, as well as paintings and sculptures. The palace is surrounded by a picturesque park with fountains and canals.
Address: Palace of National Culture, 1 Bulgaria Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 916 61 00
Opening hours: 09:00 - 22:00
17. Ivan Vazov Theater
The main theater of Bulgaria was built in 1906. The building was seriously damaged during World War II, but after restoration in 1945, it again began to delight the residents of the capital with its festive appearance. The repertoire of the stage includes works by famous world writers. The schedule includes many plays by Bulgarian composers. The theater was named after the outstanding poet, the real "father" of national literature I. Vazov.
Address: Ivan Vazov National Theatre, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 940 01 11
Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00
18. Bulgarian National Opera and Ballet Theatre
The first opera troupe appeared in Sofia in 1980, but it did not last long due to lack of funds. After several successful premieres, the stage was revived in 1908. In 1922, the theatre was granted the status of a national theatre. In 1928, the first ballet performance was held on the stage. The theatre's repertoire includes classical works by European and Russian composers.
Address: Bulgarian National Opera and Ballet, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 940 60 36
Opening hours: 09:00 - 18:00
19. Sofia University
The university is named after one of the founders of Slavic writing, Saint Clement of Ohrid. This educational institution is considered the most prestigious in the country. It is located in a Renaissance building from 1934. A. Branson worked on the initial project, later the architect J. Milanov made his own changes to the plan, adding elements of expressive baroque and eclecticism.
Address: Sofia University, 15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 930 81 00
Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00
20. Bulgarian Parliament Building
The main legislative body of Bulgaria is located in a magnificent building built in 1886, which is classified as an architectural monument. It was built in the Neo-Renaissance style according to the project of K. Jovanovich. In 1890 and 1928, additional courtyards and a central entrance with columns were added to the structure. The palace is located on People's Assembly Square, in the very center of Sofia.
Address: Bulgarian Parliament Building, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 933 35 22
Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:00
21. Statue of Hagia Sophia
This monument was erected in the Bulgarian capital in 2000. The sculpture was installed on the site of the demolished monument to Lenin V. The Hagia Sophia by sculptor Georgy Chapkinov is a symbol of wisdom and God's grace. She seems to be stretching her arms over the city. Her features suggest the appearance of the ancient Greek goddess Athena. The statue reaches a height of 8 meters. The five-ton sculpture stands on a pedestal 12 meters high.
Address: Statue of Saint Sophia, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 988 22 63
Opening hours: 24/7
22. Monument to the Tsar Liberator
In the very center of Sofia there is an impressive monument to the Russian Emperor Alexander II. Bulgarians highly appreciate the contribution of the Russian Tsar to the liberation of their country from Ottoman rule. The monument was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The inauguration of the monument took place in the presence of Tsar Ferdinand I and Grand Duke Vladimir, the son of Alexander II. The statue of the emperor sitting on a horse is made of bronze and is placed on a granite pedestal.
Address: Monument to the Tsar the Liberator, Sofia, Bulgaria
Opening hours: 24/7
23. Borisov Gradina Park
A picturesque city park in the center of Sofia, which residents call "Boris's Garden". It was created at the end of the 19th century on the initiative of a Swiss gardener. By 1924, the area of the park had almost doubled, fountains, a rose garden, a pond and a Japanese garden appeared. In the middle of the 20th century, an observatory was built here. Today this green oasis is visited with pleasure by tourists and residents of the capital.
Address: Borisova Gradina Park, Sofia, Bulgaria
Opening hours: 24/7
24. Boyana Waterfall
The Boyana Waterfall is located on the slopes of the Vitosha Mountain. In clear weather, it can be seen even from the center of Sofia. The stream of water falls from a height of 15 meters and breaks over the rocks with thousands of splashes. After the snow melts, when the river water level reaches its highest level, the stream is especially full-flowing. The waterfall can be reached by several hiking trails.
Address: Boyana Waterfall, Sofia, Bulgaria
Opening hours: 24/7
25. Vitosha Mountain
A mountain range 19 kilometers long in the vicinity of Sofia. On its territory there is a national park of the same name. The highest peak of Vitosha is Cherni-Vrikh (over 2,200 meters). The first climbers climbed the peak of Vitosha at the end of the 19th century. Today it is a popular ski resort with a total length of about 30 kilometers.
Address: Vitosha Mountain, Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 2 951 23 10
Opening hours: 24/7
📝 Conclusion: Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria (2025 Update)
Bulgaria is a fascinating country where ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning nature come together. Whether you're planning a short trip or a long adventure, there are countless places to visit in Bulgaria that cater to all interests. From the charming cobblestone streets of Plovdiv and the spiritual beauty of Rila Monastery to the golden beaches of Sunny Beach and the mountain escape of Bansko, each destination offers something unique.
In 2025, Bulgaria continues to attract travelers looking for authenticity and affordable experiences. Nature lovers can explore the Seven Rila Lakes, Vitosha Mountain, or the tranquil Rhodope villages. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Veliko Tarnovo’s medieval fortress or the Thracian tombs near Kazanlak.
If you're searching for off-the-beaten-path charm, smaller towns like Koprivshtitsa and Melnik offer unforgettable cultural experiences. Bulgaria's diversity makes it easy to explore beaches, mountains, and ancient cities all in one trip.
With friendly locals, budget-friendly travel options, and a rich cultural tapestry, the places to visit in Bulgaria should be on every traveler’s list. Don’t wait—start planning your Bulgarian journey today and uncover the beauty and history that await you.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Places to Visit in Bulgaria
Q1: What are the top places to visit in Bulgaria for first-time travelers?
A: First-time visitors should explore Sofia (the capital), Plovdiv (Europe’s oldest city), Rila Monastery (UNESCO site), Veliko Tarnovo (the medieval capital), and the sunny Black Sea resorts like Sunny Beach and Sozopol.
Q2: Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known places to visit in Bulgaria?
A: Yes! Consider visiting Melnik (Bulgaria’s smallest town), Koprivshtitsa (a colorful museum town), and the Belogradchik Rocks—unique natural formations and a fortress worth discovering.
Q3: Is Bulgaria suitable for nature and hiking lovers?
A: Absolutely. Bulgaria is home to incredible mountains like Rila, Pirin, and the Rhodopes. The Seven Rila Lakes, Vitosha Mountain, and Central Balkan National Park are perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Q4: What is the best time to explore the places to visit in Bulgaria?
A: The best times to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) for pleasant weather. Summer is great for the coast, while winter is ideal for ski resorts like Bansko and Borovets.
Q5: Is Bulgaria an affordable travel destination?
A: Yes, Bulgaria is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe, offering great value for accommodations, food, transportation, and entry to attractions.
📣 Ready to Explore Bulgaria in 2025?
Get ready to uncover the hidden treasures of one of Europe’s most underrated destinations! From majestic mountains and golden beaches to ancient cities and charming villages, Bulgaria has something for every traveler. Whether you want to hike through the Rila Mountains, stroll the cobbled streets of Plovdiv, or relax on the Black Sea coast, 2025 is the perfect year to dive into the rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty of this incredible country.
Pack your bags, plan your route, and get inspired—Bulgaria is calling! 🇧🇬✈️