Bulgaria
Europe · Sofia · BG
Bulgaria sits in the eastern Balkans, a country of Black Sea beaches, rose valleys, old mountains and a capital whose Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman layers sit beneath the wide boulevards of the modern city. Sofia, warm and compact, mixes the great Alexander Nevsky cathedral, the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Serdica and the cafe and the people-watching culture of the pedestrian centre. The Rila Monastery, the largest and the grandest in the country, rises with its striped walls and its arcaded courtyards in the mountains above the capital, while the old towns of Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo climb their hills with cobbled lanes and the revived merchant houses of the nineteenth century. The Black Sea coast holds the golden sands of the large resorts and the quieter villages of the north, and the mountains of Rila and Pirin carry the treks and the ski runs. With low prices and a rich table, Bulgaria is a gentle and generous surprise.
Overview
Bulgaria is a country in Europe. Its capital is Sofia and the international dialling code is +359. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Bulgarian. Local currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Our guide covers 1 airport, including Sofia Airport. We also list 1 city in Bulgaria: Sofia.
Getting around Bulgaria
Bulgaria's cities are walkable and cheap to get around. Sofia's metro is modern and connects the airport with the centre; buses and trolleys cover the rest. For longer journeys, intercity coaches (autobusi) are the most reliable public option, and a limited daytime passenger rail network connects the major cities.
Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore the countryside, the Rila and Pirin mountains, and the Black Sea coast. Driving is on the right and mountain roads can be winding; in winter you may need winter tyres and chains in high passes.
When to visit Bulgaria
The Black Sea coast (Varna, Burgas, Sozopol) is at its best from June to early September for beach holidays. The mountains — Rila, Pirin, Rhodope — are good for trekking in summer and skiing in winter, especially at Bansko and Borovets.
Spring and autumn are quiet and mild in the cities, and are ideal for sightseeing in Sofia and Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Orthodox Easter often falls later than the Western date, which shifts some public holidays and opening hours.
Eating and drinking
Bulgarian food is fresh and seasonal: shopska salad (tomato, cucumber, and sirene cheese), banitsa pastry, grilled kebapche meat and soups are everyday staples. Yogurt is a national source of pride and worth trying with honey.
Lunch is the main meal for many people, from around midday to 2pm, and restaurants are quiet mid-afternoon. Bulgarian wine and rakia (fruit brandy) are served with meals; a taste of local wine at a winery near Melnik or the Valley of the Roses is a common excursion. Tipping 5–10% in restaurants is customary.
Money and local customs
Bulgaria is outside the eurozone and uses the lev (BGN), pegged to the euro. Cards are accepted in cities, hotels and larger shops, but smaller restaurants, markets and petrol stations on the coast often expect cash — carry leva with you. The country has announced a target of adopting the euro but it is not yet in circulation.
When entering shops you will often hear "dobar den" (good day); a nod and greeting is a normal courtesy. Bulgarians nod for "no" and shake the head for "yes", which can surprise first-time visitors — observe carefully when asking simple yes/no questions.
Compare hotels, cover your trip and stay connected.
- Capital
- Sofia
- Currency
- Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
- Languages
- Bulgarian
- Calling code
- +359
- Internet TLD
- bg
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Bulgaria.
Which nationalities can enter Bulgaria?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Airports (1)
All airports →Cities (1)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Bulgaria?
For the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina and Australia currently enter Bulgaria visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Bulgaria?
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, and the country sits in Europe.
What currency is used in Bulgaria?
You pay with Bulgarian Lev (BGN) in Bulgaria. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Bulgaria?
The languages we list for Bulgaria are Bulgarian. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Bulgaria?
The dialling code for Bulgaria is +359 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which airports serve Bulgaria?
Sofia Airport (SOF) in Sofia is the airport we cover for Bulgaria.
Which cities in Bulgaria do you cover?
Our guide lists 1 city for Bulgaria: Sofia (capital).