Things to do in  Bulgaria

Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s largest religious structure, is the most visited site in the country. Its cobblestone courtyard, winding balconies, picturesque mountain views, and brightly colored frescos transport you to a place that is almost otherworldly. The fortress-like complex has been a spiritual center for more than 1,000 years.

The UNESCO-listed Boyana Church is made up of three distinctive sections, which reflect the architectural styles of the 10th, 13th, and 19th century respectively. The Orthodox church is held in high esteem throughout Europe due to its collection of 89 hand-painted frescoes, which depict 240 individual figures in various religious scenes.

Sofia’s landmark cathedral was built to commemorate the lives lost in the Russo-Turkish War. Named after a 13th-century Russian prince, the Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral is a fine example of neo-Byzantine architecture and one of Sofia’s most recognizable symbols. The decadent interior features iconoclasts made from marble and onyx, while the crypt boasts Bulgaria’s largest collection of religious art.

Perched on a mountaintop overlooking one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, Tsarevets Fortress is—both geographically and statistically—the top attraction of Veliko Târnovo. Dating back to the 12th century, the imposing fortress is known for its medieval architecture and royal legacy.

A delightful blend of galleries, museums, ancient ruins, and teetering 19th-century mansions, Plovdiv Old Town (Stari Grad) is a highlight of any visit to Bulgaria’s second city. From Thracian ruins and Plovdiv Roman Theater to Ottoman mosques and grand bay-windowed Bulgarian Revival house-museums, it wears the city’s millennia of history with unassuming grace.

With its soaring central rock formations blending into the nearby Belogradchik Rocks, the Belogradchik Fortress (Kaleto Fortress) boasts a history dating back to Roman times. Most of what you see today, which includes courtyards, bunkers, and the photogenic encircling walls, was built by Ottoman architects during the 1830s.

Founded in 1083, Bachkovo Monastery is one of the largest and most important pilgrimage sites in Bulgaria, and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monument. The historic monastery also boasts a magnificent setting, perched in the hills around Asenovgrad and overlooking the Chepelare River.

Just outside of Sofia, Vitosha Mountain reaches an impressive height of 7,513 feet (2,290 meters). As the Balkan’s oldest national park, Vitosha offers plenty to see and do throughout the year. The area surrounding the mountain is also home to the Boyana Waterfall and Duhlata Cave, and close to Pancharevo Lake, making it a favorite among nature lovers.

Named after one of Bulgaria’s most esteemed writers, the Ivan Vazov National Theatre has been drawing audiences since 1907. The national theater is also the country’s largest and oldest, and is known for its productions, neoclassical architecture, and history. Cementing its status as a national icon, the theater’s colonnaded façade can be seen on 50-lev banknotes.

Nestled in Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains, Asen’s Fortress stands as a testament to the country’s rich history. Perched strategically on a hill, this medieval stronghold offers a vibrant journey into the past. With its panoramic views, 14th-century mural paintings, and neighboring attractions, Asen’s Fortress beckons both history lovers and curious travelers.

The Rila Mountains offer outdoor enthusiasts a perfect playground for exploring Bulgaria’s highest peaks, along with glacial lakes, hot springs, four nature reserves, and the rugged, untouched landscapes of Rila National Park. The alpine region is also home to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery—a masterpiece of Bulgarian art and architecture.

Step into Bulgaria’s rich history at the Plovdiv Roman Theater, an iconic relic in the heart of Plovdiv. This ancient amphitheater, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is a testament to Roman architecture’s legacy. With its well-preserved structure and dramatic backdrop, the amphitheater takes visitors on a captivating journey through time.

Also written Koprivshtica, the little riverside town of Koprivshtitsa is a living museum nestled in the foothills of the Sredna Mountains (Sredna Gora). Its history dates back to the 14th century, but the colorful and brightly lit merchants’ houses that decorate the town are from the Bulgarian Revival period, 500 years or so later.

The core structure of St. Sofia Church, one of the oldest churches in the Bulgarian capital, dates back to the sixth century, although it has evolved over time. Excavations have revealed the remains of several earlier churches plus a Roman-era necropolis under and around the Byzantine basilica, and the site is now an underground museum.

Europe’s third largest synagogue was built in 1909 for Sofia’s Sephardi Jewish community. Based on the Leopoldstädter Tempel, Friedrich Grünanger’s design blends Venetian and Secessionist features with Moorish revival architecture. The synagogue is also home to Sofia’s Jewish Museum of History.