Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia, is often overlooked in favour of the country’s enigmatic coastline, but be sure to spend a couple of days exploring what’s on offer. The city is nicely compact and easily explored on foot. Include a visit to the fascinating Archaeological Museum housed within a fifteenth-century mosque. Exhibits date back to the Thracian tribe that founded Bulgaria some 3,000 years ago. Alexandar Nevski cathedral is the city´s visual gem, especially twinkling under the night sky. More things to do in Sofia

Plovdiv is Bulgaria's second biggest city and in many ways more inviting than its big brother. The Old Quarter is a visual feast of Thracian fortifications jumbled around Byzantine ruins and a superb second-century A.D. Roman amphitheatre. Not to forget architecture dating from the Renaissance period and mosques from the Ottoman rule. Built in the tenth century the Rila Monastery – south of the capital in the Rila Mountains – is one of the country's proudest architectural treasures. The interiors are laden with intricate and colourful frescoes.

For nightlife, Bulgaria's capital is unlikely to disappoint provided you're happy to wade through the rowdy groups of stag dos circuiting the main pubs and clubs. During summer months, the Black Sea Coast awakens with buzzing bars and clubs opening up their doors to locals and tourists from afar. Varna is a popular destination from which to embrace the Bulgarian beaches by day and dazzling bars and clubs by night. Hit the resort of Albena for unparalleled beaches and an energetic buzz, as the bars and clubs rock on until the early hours.

As soon as the Bulgarian snow hits Bansko, located at the foot of the Pirin mountain range, it comes alive with insatiable skiers and snowboarders. The resort has around 75 kilometres of decent runs for all levels of experience. The nightlife is also well-renowned. For mountain bike enthusiasts, the Rila Mountains have trails winding through Bulgaria's untouched countryside. Get off the beaten track and experience the heart of Bulgaria with adrenaline rushing through your veins!

Bulgaria's very own natural pride and joy is Pirin National Park in the southwest of the country. Sparkling glacial lakes, tumultuous waterfalls and expanses of alpine woodland make this a real treat for hikers, bikers and climbers alike. Another way to get deep inside of Pirin is via one of its cave networks. Sun-worshippers will love the Bulgarian Black Sea coast – the country's main pulling power. Nesebâr is a favourite – a tiny island connected to the mainland by a manmade isthmus.