10 Best Places to Visit In Bulgaria

1. Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria

This is one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever visit. The 7 Rila Lakes are one of the hundred national tourist sites. This is the most visited by tourist lake group in Bulgaria. Located in the magnificent Rila Mountain, the lakes are situated between 2,100 and 2,500m elevation above sea level. Each lake carries a name associated with its most characteristic feature.

2. Musala Peak

A photorealistic image of Musala Peak, the highest mountain in Bulgaria, with snow-capped peak and surrounding Rila Mountains.

Musala peak is the Everest of the Balkans. It is the highest peak in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria, and the whole Balkan Peninsula. The peak rises at 2,925m above sea level. Even though it is the highest peak in the whole Balkans, you don’t need any previous experience or special techniques to trek Musala Peak. This makes it absolutely one of the places to visit in Bulgaria.

3. Kazanlak

Valley of the Thracian Kings near Kazanlak, Bulgaria, with ancient tomb mounds.

Kazanlak is a city in central Bulgaria. The largest and best preserved Thracian tomb in the country, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located here. Nearby is the ancient city Sevtopolis and the Valley of the Thracian Kings. Kazanlak is the center of the Rose Valley, home to the Museum of the Rose, and host to the one and only Rose Festival. Visit the festival this year between 2-5 June. Oil Roses are plants of the genus Rose, known for its essential oil, which is used in the perfumery and cosmetics.

4. Tryavna

Panoramic view of Tryavna, Bulgaria, nestled in the Balkan Mountains.

Tryavna is a small town in the Gabrovo area, located in the central northern part of Bulgaria. Here the Renaissance architecture and cultural heritage of this period is well preserved and attracts many tourists. Tryavna is surrounded by green meadows and ancient coniferous and deciduous forests. The mountain air is clean, and the city is also very beautiful in the winter. Take a walk back in history, explore the city’s architecture, visit the museums, and simply enjoy the fresh air of this small, magical little city.

5. Asen’s Fortress

Asen’s Fortress, Bulgaria, perched on a clifftop overlooking a valley at sunset.

Asen’s Fortress is a medieval fortress in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains. It is located near the town of Asenovgrad, on a high rocky ridge on the left bank of the Asenitsa river. The Fortress is 279m above sea level. It’s one of a hundred national tourist sites and is declared as a national monument. The Fortress is open for visitors through the whole year.

6. Koprivshtitsa

Koprivshtitsa is a historic town in the Sofia Province, lying on the Topolitsa River among the Sredna Gora mountains. The town is known for its authentic Bulgarian architecture and for its folk music festivals. Koprivshtitsa was one of the centers of the April Uprising in 1876, and has a long history. In the city, you can visit many museums and memorial houses, and enjoy the atmosphere of the Bulgarian National Revival period of the 19th century. Koprivshtitsa is one of the most characteristic Bulgarian towns, making it a very popular tourist destination.

7. Buzludzha

buzludzha is Known as the House-Monument of the Bulgarian Communist Party, Buzludzha is a historical peak in the heart of Bulgaria, standing at 1,432m high. It was built by the Bulgarian communist regime to commemorate the events of 1891 when a group of socialists assembled secretly in the area to form an organized socialist movement. This led to the founding of the Bulgarian Social Democratic Party, a forerunner of the Bulgarian Communist Party.

8. Shipka Monument

The Shipka Monument, a symbol of Bulgarian freedom, overlooks a scenic mountain landscape.

Shipka Monument is built on Shipka peak in Stara Planina with altitude 1326m.The monument is part of the Park-museum Shipka. The peak symbolizes the heroism and self-sacrificing efforts for the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. It was erected to commemorate the heroism of those who fell while defending the site during the Shipka battle, which was crucial for the Russo-Turkish War and the liberation of Bulgaria battles in the summer of 1877.The monument is part of the hundred national tourists sites.

9. Nesebar

Nessebar harbor at sunset, Bulgaria, with traditional fishing boats and the old town in the background.

Nesebar is an ancient city located in Burgas province. It’s one of the major seaside resorts on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. The city is one of the most ancient cities in Europe, and has existed for more than 3,200 years. Nesebar has a rich history and its included in the list of UNESCO of World Heritage Sites. You can visit many museums and churches, go to the beach, or take a night walk in the Old Town during the hot summer days. Right next to Nesebar is Sunny Beach, the party center of Bulgaria. A lot of tourists come here to have fun and get drunk.

10. Sozopol

Sozopol, Bulgaria: Colorful houses cascading down a hill towards the Black Sea.

Sozopol is another ancient seaside town on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. Is one of the main seaside resorts. In Sozopol, you can enjoy the beaches, history, culture, amazing dishes, and the atmosphere. Different sports activities are available at the beaches, including surfing, fishing, jet skiing, beach volleyball. Near Sozopol, you can visit the Castle of Ravadinovo (6km away) and the Ropotamo Nature Reserve. Another interesting thing to see in Sozopol is the “Vampire grave”.