Are you planning a 5 day Bulgaria itinerary? With only a short time in the country, a route and travel guide are exactly what you need to plan the best trip. Bulgaria is an incredible country, home to beautiful cities, roman history and breathtaking nature.
We’re excited to show you how to spend 5 days in Bulgaria only using public transport!
Bulgaria is located in the southeastern part of Europe, also known as the Balkans. It borders countries such as Greece, Turkey, Romania, North Macedonia and Serbia. Whether you’re on a road trip, a backpacking trip or just want to explore Bulgaria in 5 days, this itinerary will work for you.
There is so much beauty in the country – the cities are filled with historical architecture, the beaches on the west coast are wonderful and the scenery will blow you away!
After spending 5 days in Bulgaria we realised how underrated the country is compared to other places in Europe and we can’t wait to visit again. In this Bulgaria itinerary, we’re only going to scratch the surface of what Bulgaria has to offer.
We created this itinerary when travelling from Istanbul to Bucharest and wanted to dip our toes into the Bulgarian culture. 5 days is not enough time to see the whole country, but it’s a great first visit to two beautiful historic cities! They’re both some of the oldest cities in Europe!
This Bulgaria itinerary is very budget-friendly and uses public transport! If you have a car on this trip, you can still follow this route and possibly even more hidden gems in Bulgaria!
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Quick Tips for a 5 day in Bulgaria Itinerary
- Currency – Bulgarian Lev (compare your own currency here)
- Language – Bulgarian (bǎlgarski)
- Cuisine – Bulgarian & Balkans (meats, grains, potatoes & pastries)
- Apps – GoogleTranslate, GoogleMaps, Booking.com, Hostelworld, Airbnb
- Power Voltage – Plugs C & F (230 V)
Here’s a list of things you can check before your trip to Bulgaria!
- Check for any public holidays in Bulgaria!
- Book your flights (check prices here!)
- Book your accommodation (book here for hotels & here for hostels)!
- Visiting more of Bulgaria? Here’s our 2 Day Plovdiv Itinerary & 2 Day Sofia Itinerary!
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing is a monthly-rolling travel insurance to help you stay covered during your 5 day Bulgaria itinerary or anywhere you’re travelling! – Find out more here!
Best time to visit Bulgaria
The best time to visit Bulgaria is from April to June (Spring) and September to November (Fall)! However, it’s possible to visit all year round as Bulgaria experiences all four seasons!
In the winter you can head to the mountains for a ski session and when there’s no snow for the rest of the year the mountains turn into a hiking paradise. Summer does get very hot, so it may be best to head to the coast and beaches!
How to get around Bulgaria
- Buses – Travelling by bus is the best way to get between major cities in Bulgaria, you can even check times and prices online – check for tickets online! (We used Karat S)
- Trains – Another way to get around Bulgaria is by train, although they’re usually slower than the bus.
- Car Rental – It’s also possible to travel by car – check for prices online.
- Flying – Fly from Sofia to the beautiful beaches near Varna – check on Skyscanner!
5 Day Bulgaria Itinerary: Best Places to Visit (2024)
In this itinerary, we’ll show you how to travel around Bulgaria in 5 days focusing on two cities. The route can be switched around if you’re not arriving in Sofia first, however, most people usually do! Here’s our 5 day Bulgaria itinerary!
Day 1 – Arrive in Sofia & Free Walking Tour
On the first day of your Bulgaria itinerary, try to arrive in the morning to make the most out of your trip! The city centre is easy to reach by public transport from both the airport and the bus station.
We recommend stopping by Satsanga Vegetarian Restaurant for a speedy lunch before you start to explore historic Sofia!
Sofia is located in the west of Bulgaria and is also the capital city!fr It’s one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria and deserves a spot on this itinerary. We recommend spending around 2 or 3 days in Sofia and we’ll show you the best things to do in the city.
Visit the St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
When you type in Bulgaria on Google, you’ll be greeted with beautiful photos of St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – it’s iconic and worth a visit during your 5 day Bulgaria itinerary.
It’s one of the main symbols of Sofia and is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world (top 10), holding up to 5,000 people. It took 30 years to build and was damaged (and fixed) during the war. It’s also free to visit the inside of the Cathedral.
Join a Free Sofia Tour
A free walking tour is one of the best ways to learn about Sofia’s past and to see all the highlights in the city centre. Join the 11 am or 2 pm Free Walking Tour and spend 2 hours learning about the ancient wonders of Sofia.
Our guide answered so many of our questions and shared information with us that we wouldn’t have learnt by ourselves. Free Sofia Tour offer both English & Spanish tours. There will be a guide with a sign a the Palace of Justice meeting point.
Although we recommend a walking tour, it’s possible to explore the city by yourself. In this Bulgaria 5 day itinerary, we’ll show you the highlights and famous landmarks of Sofia with a great route to follow.
There’s also a Communist Tour, Jewish Tour and a Pub Crawl introducing you to Sofia’s incredible nightlife.
Find the Statue of Sofia
St Sofia is a tall monument with a lady on the top. It’s known to be the symbol of Sofia and the Goddess of Wisdom as Sofia means Wisdom. It’s a recent addition to the city, only being built in the year 2000.
On your way to the next stop, you’ll pass by one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Sofia named Church of St Petka. Inside there are 15th-century murals and the entrance is free.
Visit the Ancient Serdica Archaeological Complex
This is a must-visit during your 5 days in Bulgaria! The Serdica Ruins were discovered recently in 2004 when the construction for the metro started. When digging into the ground the workers uncovered 2000-year-old ruins which show the main streets of a Roman city!
The area stretches both outside and inside leading to the metro and they’re easy to find in the heart of the city. It will take around 20 – 30 minutes to wander around the archaeological site of Serdica.
Admire Banya Bashi Mosque
Right around the corner from the Serdica Ruins is Sofia’s only operating mosque. It opened in 1556 during the Ottoman empire and it’s still a place of worship. The exterior of the building is beautiful and it’s next to Sofia’s Central Market Hall.
Learn about history at the Sofia Synagogue
Whilst on the Free Sofia Walking Tour we learnt that Bulgaria is the only country in Europe to keep the population of its Jewish community during the Holocaust in World War II. The country continued to delay the process of sending over anyone until the war was over.
Discover the St George Rotunda Church
Another place to visit on your Bulgaria 5 day itinerary is one of the country’s oldest and most well-preserved churches. It’s hidden by modern buildings and the President’s Palace (which is also worth a look), but not too hard to find.
St George Rotunda Church was created as a Roman bath about 1300 years ago – it’s also the oldest building in Europe to still have its original roof.
See the Former Royal Palace
The former Royal Palace is now Sofia’s National Art Gallery and the building is absolutely beautiful! It’s right next to City Garden and Ivan Vazov National Theatre, which are both included in the free walking tour if you want to learn more!
Admire Ivan Vazov National Theatre
The National Theatre is another lovely building and also the oldest and largest in Bulgaria. This is becoming a theme – Sofia has many old buildings! Classical shows are still performed in the theatre today.
Find dinner at the Vitosha Boulevard
After a busy first day exploring the ancient sites of Sofia on your 5 day Bulgaria itinerary, make your way to Vitosha Boulevard to browse the many shops and restaurants along the main street. The boulevard is vehicle free and has impressive views of Vitosha Mountain!
We recommend eating at Edgy Veggy, which is just around the corner from the main street. If you’re looking for any evening plans, Sofia has great nightlife. Jump on Sofia’s Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl or chill in one of the nearby bars before getting some good rest for the next day on your Bulgaria itinerary!
Day 2 – Head into Bulgaria’s Nature
The second day of your Bulgarian adventure is all about nature. If you want to feel like a local for the day, head to Vitosha Mountain for a beautiful hike and once back in the city, relax at one of the best parks in Sofia.
How to get to Vitosha Mountain from Sofia City Centre
The best way to get to Vitosha Mountain is by public transport. There are trams, metros and buses all over the city and it’ll be more affordable than a taxi or renting a car. Here’s how to use public transport to get to the mountain during your 5 days in Bulgaria:
- Head to Serdika Station and travel by metro to Vitosha Station.
- Outside of Vitosha Station, hop on Bus 64 and wait for the Boyansko Hanche Stop (it’s 2 minute’s walk away from Boyana Church)
The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can also get the number 7 tram to Gotse Delchev Stop and change to bus 64.
Money Saving Tip – At the beginning of your day, buy a transport day pass for 4 lv – you can buy them at metro stations! Tickets on the bus and metro cost 1.6 lv a journey and you’ll need to take at least 4 to get to Vitosha Mountain.
Start your day at Boyana Church
Just as you get off the bus stop, you’ll pass by Boyana Church on your way to the hike. It’s a medieval Orthodox Church with many frescoes inside dating back to 1259 AD. This church is very important in Bulgaria and the frescoes are beautifully well-preserved.
There is a 10 lv entrance fee and you can’t take photos inside, but the exterior of the church and the gardens are free to visit!
Hike to Boyana Waterfall
There are multiple trails to do in Vitosha National Park, but on this Bulgaria 5 day itinerary we highly recommend hiking to Boyana Waterfall and & Momina Skala. The park is also free to enter!
Head to the starting point of the hike and follow the green trail up to the waterfall. The trail is well-marked with white and red flags. If you’re up for more of a challenge you can take the red trail! It only takes 45 minutes to get to the waterfall and it’s a great place to stop for a rest! Don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle!
The waterfall is around 25 meters high and the base is filled with pebbles and stones! Sadly there’s no area to swim in but you can dip your toes in the stream if it’s a warm day!
Hike further to Momina Skala
After relaxing at Boyana Waterfall, continue hiking until you reach a cute cabin up in the forest. On the way, you’ll pass through a meadow which has an impressive view of Sofia! We also recommend chilling here for a while to appreciate the surroundings.
Momina Skala Hut is the perfect place to have lunch during the hike and it’s also the end of the uphill hike! The hut offers soups, fries, and drinks and there are also toilets.
Right around the corner is a large field with sunloungers (if it’s summer) and you can chill in the sun for a while before hiking back down to the bus stop. It’s also possible to visit Boyana Lake on your return!
Once you reach the bottom of the hike, return to Sofia via bus and metro and rest for a while!
Relax in the National Palace of Culture Park
In the late afternoon or evening head to the National Palace of Culture Park – one of the best parks in Sofia! It’s home to the National Palace of Culture which holds large events all year round such as concerts and art exhibits.
The park is full of locals which gives off the best atmosphere! There are loads of benches and you can spend all evening chilling here as it feels pretty safe.
Check out our 2 Day Sofia Itinerary: Best Things To Do!
Where to stay in Sofia
We recommend staying within a 25-minute walk of Sofia City Centre for this 5 day Bulgaria itinerary. Accommodation will be more expensive the closer to the city centre you go, however, hostels in Sofia are always a great price!
- Hostel Mostel € – The best way to meet other travellers in Sofia! – Find here on Hostelworld!
- Courthouse Apartments Slavi €€ – Make yourself at home in the heart of Sofia! – Find here on Booking.com!
- Villa Pontica € (Vitosha) – If you love hiking, head to the mountains for accommodation in Sofia – Find here on Booking.com!
Best Restaurants in Sofia
Sofia is filled with great restaurants and cafes. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you won’t have to worry about food here! Here’s our recommendations:
- Edgy Veggy €-€€ – Delicious burgers, wraps and pastries in Sofia – Here’s their website!
- Zoya Cafe & Shop €-€€ – Both a cafe and a health food shop, Zoya offers great coffee, bakery products and home goods to cook with.
- Satsanga Vegetarian Restaurant €-€€ – Satsanga is a ‘choose what you want’ style restaurant with amazing healthy food! The menu changes daily, but you can find it on Facebook.
- Loving Hut € – Healthy wraps, soups & salads! Check out their menu here!
Day 3 – Sofia to Plovdiv & Plovdiv City Centre
On day 3 of your Bulgaria itinerary, it’s time to leave Sofia and explore another Bulgarian city! We’ll show you how to spend almost 2 days in Plovidv – the oldest city in Europe!
How to get to Plovdiv from Sofia
The best way to get to Plovdiv from Sofia is by bus! We booked our tickets online and used Karat S. The journey takes around 2 hours.
Use public transport (1.6 lv) to get to Central Bus Station in Sofia and you’ll arrive at Plovdiv Bus Station. The bus station in Plovdiv is a little out of the city centre, it’s a short bus ride only costing 1 lv.
Head to Plovdiv City Centre
Once you arrive in Plovdiv, drop your bags off at your accommodation and head into Plovdiv city centre. There are so many historic things to see in Plovdiv, but one day is enough to visit the Old Town (so we’re saving that for day 4)!
The Plovdiv city centre is very atmospheric with ancient ruins dotted around and a lovely park to spend your afternoon. There’s food vendors, cafes and supermarkets along the street if you’re hungry! We highly recommend Veggic for all of your meals in Plovdiv – the food here is so good. Also, find The Statue of Milyo!
Explore the Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis
In the heart of the city, the Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis is one of the first old sites you’ll see! You can only see part of the ruins as Plovdiv was built on top of the stadium without realising. The stadium was built in the 2nd century AD and could once hold 30,000 people!
There’s also a 3D movie inside the building next to the ruins, this is where you can see what the Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis used to look like. The ruins are free to visit, but the movie has a small entrance fee.
Explore the Roman Forum of Philippopolis
If you follow the main street in the city centre during your Bulgaria 5 day itinerary, you’ll come across the Roman Forum of Philippopolis. This is another historical landmark in Plovdiv that just blends into the city. Similar to other ancient sites in Plovdiv, only half of the forum has been uncovered and it feels amazing to walk through the middle!
Wander through Tsar Simeon Garden
Right around the corner is Tsar Simeon Garden! The park is home to the Singing Fountains which perform a show in the evening with lights and music! In the daytime, it’s a lovely area to walk around before heading up to the last stop of the day.
Finish at Alyosha Monument
Now it’s time for your first sunset spot on this 5 day Bulgaria itinerary. Make your way to one of Plovdiv’s hills in Bunardzhika park and hike to the top to reach Aloysha Monument.
The monument is a Soviet soldier statue built in the 1950s. The walk doesn’t take too long, but leave enough time to see the sunset from the top. Find the location here!
Day 4 – Discover Old Town Plovdiv
As Plovdiv is the oldest city in Europe, it comes with a lot of ancient history. The Old Town is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Plovdiv and it’s where you’ll explore on day 4! Visit our 2 Day Plovdiv Itinerary for more in-depth details!
Take a look at Church Bogoroditsa
Right on the edge of Plovdiv Old Town is a lovely Eastern Orthodox Church named Church Bogoroditsa. Even if you don’t want to visit inside the church, the architecture of the exterior is still worth appreciating!
Climb the steps of the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Make your way up the hill, further into the Old Town and look for the signs to the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. This is one of the biggest ancient ruins in Plovdiv and feels so impressive to walk through.
The ruins are now used to host concerts and opera, which is a great way to create an atmosphere in Plovdiv and make use of the old history. It’s been well preserved by the city, but as the stairs are so old, they have become quite slippery.
There’s a 5 lv entrance fee, or you can get a multi-pass for various other attractions around the city.
Walk through the Old Town
After the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, you can wander through to Old Town to the main area (location here). It’s crazy to think that this is the oldest city! The buildings are very unique and colourful and some of the houses have been made into museums.
- Ethnographic Museum – featuring Bulgarian clothing, tools, jewels, carpets and more!
- Balabanov House – Ottoman-style reconstructed building
Within the Old Town, you’ll find Hispar Kapia Gate, another landmark in Plovdiv. It used to be the main entrance for the city fortress and it’s made out of brick, stone and mortar. Find the location here!
Visit St. Konstantin and Elena Church
Another Eastern Orthodox church to visit in Plodiv is St. Konstantin and Elena Church. It’s one of the oldest in the city and nestled into the Old Town.
Enjoy the sunset at Nebet Tepe
Next on your 5 days in Bulgaria itinerary is another beautiful sunset spot in Plovdiv. The hill is attached to the Old Town which means you don’t have to climb any higher! The views are a beautiful 360 of the city with mosques, other hills and the buildings of the city. Nebet Tepe was our favourite place in Bulgaria!
Have dinner in the Kapana Neighbourhood
Head back to Plovdiv city centre for a last evening meal in Plovdiv. There’s many restaurants to discover, but we love Veggic! The neighbourhood also features some funky artwork.
Where to stay in Plovdiv
For this Bulgaria 5 day itinerary we recommend staying within a 20-minute walk of the Old Town and City Centre. The Old Town is a beautiful area to stay!
Hostel Old Plovdiv $ – Located in the heart of Old Town, this unique hostel is the best place to stay if you want to feel the culture of Bulgaria! – Find the Hostelworld link here!
Plovdiv City Center Hotel – If you’re after a private room, check out these lovely rooms in the centre of the city – Find on Booking.com
Best Restaurants in Plovdiv
Although smaller than the capital city Sofia, Plovdiv also has some delicious options for food. Head to Zlatarska street for the best atmosphere! It’s also popular to eat outside in the summer!
- Veggic $ – One of the best places to eat in Plovdiv, located in the centre strip. They serve wraps, cakes and delicious vegan pizza. (location here)!
- Mayriges Lebanese Cuisine $-$$ – Healthy Lebanese food in the centre of Plovdiv (location here)!
Day 5 – Head back to Sofia & Explore
As this 5 day Bulgaria itinerary comes to an end, you will soon be leaving the country. If you’ve booked a return flight from Sofia, hop on a bus back to Sofia to make your flight in time.
It’s also possible to catch a night bus to Istanbul or if you have more than 5 days, then head to the Bulgarian coast!
The buses to Sofia run multiple times a day, so if you have some time to spare, there’s a few more things to do in Plovdiv and Sofia!
Plovdiv Free Walking Tour
Although days 3 and 4 in Plovdiv were pretty busy with history, you can take a Free Walking Tour to learn more about the city. They run every day at 11 am and take around 2 hours to explore the city. A donation of at least 10 lv is recommended as the guides are usually volunteers!
If you have more time in Plovdiv, check out one of the many museums in the city before getting the bus back to Sofia.
Other things to see in Sofia
- The Palace of Justice
- The Central Mineral Baths (which is now the Regional History Museum)
- Find the Church of St Petka
More places to visit in Bulgaria
- Bansko – the best spot to go skiing!
- Varna – head to the Bulgarian coast for beaches and more nature!
- Day trip to 7 Rila Lakes – An incredible trip in the Bulgarian nature – Find out more here!
- Take a trip to Rila Monastery – The largest Eastern Orthodox Monastery in Bulgaria! Find out more here!
- Visit Asen’s Fortress and Bachkovo Monastery – An impressive fortress on top of the Bulgarian mountains! It’s only a 40-minute drive away from Plovdiv.
- Sofia’s Hidden Bars: 4-Hour Pub Crawl – The best way to meet other travellers if you’re not staying in a hostel.
- Take a day trip to Skopje (North Macedonia)
Where to stay in Bulgaria
We’ve recommended the best places to stay in each city after Day 2 and Day 4.
Sofia – Hostel Mostel € & Courthouse Apartments Slavi €€
Plovdiv – Hostel Old Plovdiv €
Best Restaurants in Bulgaria
There are loads of restaurants and cafes in Bulgaria, however, these are the ones we highly recommend!
Sofia – Edgy Veggy €-€€ & Satsanga Vegetarian Restaurant €-€€
Plovdiv – Veggic €
Switch to sustainable travel products before visiting Bulgaria! Check out our
18 Great Eco Friendly Travel Products You Need to Swap guide!
5 Day Bulgaria Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1 – Sofia / Day 2 – Sofia / Day 3 – Sofia to Plovdiv / Day 4 – Plovdiv / Day 5 – Plovdiv
How to get to Bulgaria
Depending on where you’re coming from, usually, the best way to arrive in Bulgaria is by flying into the capital city, Sofia. However, if you’re already visiting neighbouring countries, then a bus could be a good option!
- Flying – Airlines such as Wizz, Ryanair and EasyJet all fly into Sofia, making it an easy destination to reach within Europe. Check prices here!
- Bus – We booked our bus tickets online when we came on a night bus from Istanbul.
- Train – Another way to get to Sofia is to arrive by train at Sofia Central Railway Station.
- Car – Check for rental prices online. If you’re doing a Bulgarian road trip, find a place to stay with a parking space!
How do I plan a 5 Day Bulgaria itinerary?
Now that you’ve read our Bulgaria 5 day itinerary, it’s time to really start planning your trip! Here’s a few planning essentials you can do before your trip.
- Check for any public holidays in Bulgaria!
- Book your flights (check prices here!)
- Book your accommodation (book here for hotels & here for hostels)!
- Quick check if places of interest are open (sometimes things are closed on Mondays!)
- Visiting more of Bulgaria? Here’s our 2 Day Plovdiv Itinerary & 2 Day Sofia Itinerary!
How much to budget for 5 days in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a budget-friendly country with prices being affordable compared to western Europe or the US! We recommend budgeting at least £40 per day if most of your activities are low-cost or free.
- Accommodation: Hostels – £10 / Airbnb Apartment – £25 / Hotels – £30
- Restaurants – around £5 per meal
- Transportation – less than £1 for the bus or metro / £5 for a bus between cities
What to pack for 5 days in Bulgaria?
Depending on the time of year, you’ll need to pack clothes for the season and always bring a good pair of walking shoes! Here’s a few travel essentials we always pack:
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Save plastic and bring your own water bottle!
- Worldwide Travel Adaptor – Bring a plug with multiple adaptors and USB slots!
- Anker Power Bank – Charge your phone on the go!
- Rain Mac in a Bag – We also have a backpack cover to protect our backpacks!
- Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit – A lightweight tripod that fits in your bag for a day out in Bulgaria. We pair our Joby GorillaPod with our Sony A600. There’s also a version for a phone – Joby Phone Tripod.
Is Bulgaria worth visiting?
Yes! Bulgaria is an incredibly beautiful country with history around every corner. The food is delicious, everything is affordable and you can experience all four seasons! Bulgaria has mountains, beaches and lovely old cities. There’s something for everyone!
Where to go after Bulgaria?
If you have a few more days on your trip but want to visit another country, here’s a few of our suggestions!
- Istanbul – From Plovdiv, hop on a night bus and head straight to Istanbul! This busy city is filled with beautiful mosques and tasty food and it’s the gateway to more Turkish adventures.
- Thessaloniki – Head to Greece by public transport and explore more ancient ruins!
- Bucharest – Start your castle-filled trip in Romania with a visit to Bucharest via night bus.
- Skopje – North Macedonia is another lovely country in the Balkans and is only a 4-hour bus ride from Sofia.
Don’t forget about Travel Insurance – SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
SafetyWing is a monthly-rolling flexible travel insurance to help you stay safe on your trip anywhere in the world, including Bulgaria. Find out more here!
Check out more of Bulgaria and Europe Travel Guides:
- 2 Day Plovdiv Itinerary: Best Things To Do in Plovdiv
- 2 Day Sofia Itinerary: Best Things To Do
- Top 8 Best Things to Do in Zakopane, Poland
- Ultimate 1 Week Romania Itinerary: 2024 (Using Public Transport)
- 2 day Brasov Itinerary: Best things to do in Brasov, Romania
- 3 Day Krakow Itinerary: Best Places To Visit
- Or browse our travel blog for more inspiration!
That’s the end of our 5 Day Bulgaria Itinerary: Best Places to Visit (2024)! Have the best trip to Bulgaria and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!
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