Europe · Southeast Europe

Bulgaria

Republic of Bulgaria

Flag of Bulgaria
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+02:00
🏛️ Capital
Sofia
👥 Population
6,437,360
📐 Area
110,879 km²
💱 Currency
Bulgarian lev (лв)
🗣️ Languages
Bulgarian
📞 Calling Code
+359
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+02:00
🌐 Region
Europe / Southeast Europe

About Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a country that rewards the curious traveler with an extraordinary blend of ancient civilizations, Orthodox monasteries perched on cliffs, and some of the most dramatic landscapes in Southeast Europe. Nestled at the crossroads of East and West, this Balkan gem offers everything from sun-drenched Black Sea coastlines to snow-capped Rhodope mountains, all woven together by a cultural tapestry thousands of years in the making. Whether you are seeking history, adventure, or simply an affordable European escape, Bulgaria delivers on every front.

Stepping into Sofia, the capital, you immediately sense the layers of history beneath your feet. Roman ruins poke through the city center, Byzantine churches stand in the shadows of Soviet-era architecture, and trendy cafés thrum with a young, creative energy. Beyond the capital, the rose valleys of Kazanlak perfume the air each May, while the old town of Plovdiv — one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities — enchants with its cobblestone streets and brightly colored National Revival houses.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Vitosha mountain looms reassuringly over Sofia and offers hiking within minutes of the city. The Pirin and Rila national parks shelter glacial lakes, bear habitats, and centuries-old monasteries. The coastline along the Black Sea swings between party-ready resort towns and tranquil fishing villages where time still moves at an unhurried pace. Bulgaria offers genuine depth for those willing to look beyond the surface, making every journey here feel like an authentic discovery.

History & Background

Bulgaria's history stretches back to the Thracians, who left behind spectacular golden treasures now displayed in Sofia's National History Museum. The First Bulgarian Empire was founded in 681 AD, making Bulgaria one of the oldest states in Europe, and its medieval tsars presided over a cultural golden age that produced the Cyrillic script and stunning churches across the Balkans. The empire fell to Byzantium, was revived, then succumbed to Ottoman rule in 1396 — a period of nearly five centuries that shaped the country's architecture, cuisine, and complex national identity.

The Bulgarian National Revival of the 18th and 19th centuries saw a flowering of literature, art, and revolutionary fervor that culminated in the April Uprising of 1876. Though that revolt was brutally suppressed, it sparked international outrage that led to liberation from Ottoman rule following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78. Bulgaria entered the 20th century as a young nation navigating two World Wars and their aftermath, eventually becoming a communist state from 1944 to 1989. The peaceful transition to democracy and EU membership in 2007 marked yet another chapter in this resilient nation's long story.

Culture & People

Bulgarian culture is a fascinating synthesis of Slavic, Thracian, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences that have layered themselves over millennia. Bulgarians are fiercely proud of their Cyrillic alphabet, which was created by Saints Cyril and Methodius in the 9th century and is now used across the Slavic world. Family bonds remain central to everyday life, and meals are communal, unhurried affairs where hospitality is expressed through generously filled tables of shopska salad, homemade banitsa pastry, and locally distilled rakia.

The country's folk traditions are remarkably vibrant: kukeri mummer festivals in late winter see men don elaborate beast costumes to drive away evil spirits, while village fairs showcase intricate embroidery and the haunting polyphonic singing that UNESCO has inscribed on its intangible heritage list. The Orthodox Church calendar shapes much of public and private life, from the solemn processions of Easter to the water-blessing rituals of Epiphany. Bulgarians are warm but reserved with strangers; once accepted as a friend, however, you will be welcomed with a generosity that leaves a lasting impression.

Food & Cuisine

Bulgarian cuisine is hearty, vegetable-forward, and deeply tied to the seasons and the land. Yogurt — the kind with live Lactobacillus bulgaricus cultures — is practically a national institution, appearing at breakfast, stirred into soups, and dolloped alongside grilled meats. Shopska salad, a colorful combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions blanketed in grated white cheese, is found on virtually every table and pairs beautifully with cold Zagorka beer or a glass of Mavrud red wine. Banitsa, a flaky phyllo pastry stuffed with egg and cheese, is the quintessential street breakfast snack.

Grilled meats dominate the main course landscape: kebapche (spiced minced meat rolls) and kyufte (flat patties) are grilled over charcoal at roadside stands and upscale restaurants alike. Kavarma, a slow-cooked clay pot stew of pork or chicken with vegetables, is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. Tarator — chilled cucumber and yogurt soup with garlic and walnuts — is a summer staple. For dessert, try tikvenik (pumpkin-filled pastry rolls) or the simple pleasure of fresh fruit with local honey. Bulgarian wines, especially those from the Thracian Valley, are outstanding value and increasingly earning international recognition.

Top Attractions

  • Rila Monastery — A UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece nestled in forested mountains, famous for its vivid frescoes and iconic striped arches.
  • Plovdiv Old Town — Cobblestone lanes lined with National Revival mansions, ancient Roman theater, and a buzzing arts scene in one of Europe's oldest cities.
  • Vitosha Nature Park — A mountain park on Sofia's doorstep offering hiking trails, stone rivers, and panoramic city views without leaving the capital.
  • Sozopol — A charming Black Sea town with wooden fishermen's houses, ancient Apollonia ruins, and a lively arts festival every September.
  • Kazanlak Rose Valley — The heartland of Bulgaria's rose oil industry, most spectacular in May when fields bloom and the Rose Festival fills streets with folk dance and color.
  • Belogradchik Rocks — Surreal red sandstone formations rising up to 200 meters, interwoven with a 3rd-century Roman fortress in spectacular northwest Bulgaria.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Carry some Bulgarian lev (BGN) in cash, as smaller towns, markets, and monasteries often do not accept cards.
  • Public transport between major cities is cheap and efficient; minibuses (marshrutki) fill gaps where trains don't reach.
  • Tipping around 10% is appreciated in restaurants, though not obligatory; rounding up the bill is also common.
  • Many museums and historic sites close on Mondays, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
  • Learn the Bulgarian "yes" (da) and "no" (ne) head gestures — they are reversed compared to most Western countries, which can cause confusion.
  • Download the Viber or Telegram app; locals use them extensively and many guesthouses communicate through messaging apps.
  • Tap water is safe to drink in most cities; mountain spring water is particularly pure and locals refill bottles at roadside fountains.

Visa Overview

Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, and EU and EEA citizens can enter freely with a valid ID card or passport. Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Note that while Bulgaria is an EU member, it is not yet a full Schengen member for land borders, though it joined the Schengen air and sea zone in 2024. Always check current entry requirements with your nearest Bulgarian embassy before traveling, as regulations can change.

Getting Around

Sofia has a clean, affordable metro system covering key attractions plus an extensive tram and bus network. Intercity trains connect Sofia to Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas, though journeys can be slow; buses are often faster and more frequent for cross-country travel. Car rental is affordable and opens up rural monasteries and mountain villages that public transport doesn't serve well. Driving is on the right, and a vignette sticker is required for highway use — purchase it at border crossings, petrol stations, or online before arrival.

Safety Notes

Bulgaria is generally a safe destination for travelers. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, Sofia's Vitosha Boulevard, and on public transport, so keep valuables secure. Taxi scams exist in Sofia; use the MyTaxi app or ask your hotel to call a licensed cab. Road conditions in rural areas can be poor, and mountain weather changes rapidly — always carry layers when hiking. Emergency services are accessible by dialing 112 throughout the country.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Bulgaria.

Bulgarian lev (BGN) лв
Updated: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 5.423907
AAVE 0.003155
ADA 2.127963
AED 2.105837
AFN 37.048545
AKT 0.749282
ALGO 4.464829
ALL 47.033265
AMD 207.445286
AMP 894.246896
ANG 1.031111
AOA 525.248128
APE 3.578965
APT 0.698415
AR 0.127201
ARB 2.812696
ARS 871.533726
ATOM 0.314942
ATS 7.035530
AUD 0.822824
AVAX 0.050502
AWG 1.026399
AXS 0.437838
AZM 4,874.026559
AZN 0.974805
BAKE 2,233.994328
BAM 1.0000
BAT 5.436024
BBD 1.146814
BCH 0.001814
BDT 70.488922
BEF 20.625463
BHD 0.215601
BIF 1,722.756596
BMD 0.573407
BNB 0.000734
BND 0.733663
BOB 6.878525
BRL 2.866302
BSD 0.573407
BSV 0.028716
BSW 1,393.462396
BTC 0.000007
BTCB 8.206805
BTG 0.869165
BTN 55.286792
BTT 1,542,376.102550
BUSD 0.573310
BWP 7.891940
BYN 1.749307
BYR 11,240.333082
BZD 1.153177
CAD 0.818171
CAKE 0.234473
CDF 1,325.141268
CELO 5.513590
CFX 10.450075
CHF 0.476933
CHZ 34.279092
CLP 557.941738
CNH 3.843559
CNY 3.844789
COMP 0.023394
COP 1,834.122236
CRC 262.383543
CRO 8.443936
CRV 1.555438
CSPR 224.794498
CUC 0.573486
CUP 13.735283
CVE 56.380156
CVX 0.259038
CYP 0.299246
CZK 12.508230
DAI 0.573640
DASH 0.010115
DCR 0.031094
DEM 1.0000
DFI 627.394151
DJF 102.009667
DKK 3.821418
DOGE 6.047456
DOP 34.364916
DOT 0.463445
DYDX 3.924543
DZD 77.081067
EEK 8.0000
EGLD 0.128297
EGP 30.062626
ENJ 17.320957
EOS 5.642550
ERN 8.601105
ESP 85.071811
ETB 93.271481
ETC 0.064618
ETH 0.000212
EUR 0.511292
EURC 0.511223
FEI 0.573657
FIL 0.480373
FIM 3.040003
FJD 1.290220
FKP 0.433940
FLOW 18.123093
FLR 79.550323
FRAX 0.579212
FRF 3.353855
FTT 2.219735
GALA 236.667751
GBP 0.433940
GEL 1.488271
GGP 0.433940
GHC 67,413.493298
GHS 6.741349
GIP 0.433940
GMD 42.438453
GMX 0.065308
GNF 5,041.491298
GNO 0.004722
GRD 174.222709
GRT 19.693025
GT 0.051222
GTQ 4.375912
GUSD 0.574589
GYD 119.698400
HBAR 5.696019
HKD 4.499784
HNL 15.375240
HNT 1.105050
HOT 1,252.090617
HRK 3.852329
HT 15.721126
HTG 74.928231
HUF 187.824637
ICP 0.164456
IDR 10,272.724781
IEP 0.402675
ILS 1.753567
IMP 0.433940
IMX 3.127190
INJ 0.075647
INR 55.286792
IQD 749.637085
IRR 1,031,287.656221
ISK 70.011875
ITL 989.999131
JEP 0.433940
JMD 90.739091
JOD 0.406546
JPY 90.662192
KAS 13.365829
KAVA 8.271240
KCS 0.075533
KDA 58.731636
KES 74.433340
KGS 50.149420
KHR 2,322.931468
KLAY 13.767813
KMF 251.539116
KNC 4.003200
KPW 516.137926
KRW 769.778318
KSM 0.111923
KWD 0.177243
KYD 0.476681
KZT 261.060103
LAK 12,866.525869
LBP 51,711.343606
LDO 1.251761
LEO 0.064482
LINK 0.041458
LKR 189.128179
LRC 55.850523
LRD 97.851280
LSL 9.546592
LTC 0.008231
LTL 1.765389
LUF 20.625463
LUNA 11.228769
LUNC 10,844.416049
LVL 0.359336
LYD 3.679042
MAD 5.722989
MANA 5.544896
MBX 19.387780
MDL 10.276669
MGA 2,539.300378
MGF 12,696.501889
MINA 4.256005
MKD 31.458012
MKR 0.000285
MMK 1,203.681501
MNT 2,061.498991
MOP 4.634778
MRO 229.574709
MRU 22.957471
MTL 0.219498
MUR 27.180771
MVR 8.864680
MWK 992.469805
MXN 10.364469
MXV 1.178236
MYR 2.342742
MZM 36,600.139310
MZN 36.600139
NAD 9.546592
NEAR 0.109731
NEO 0.226241
NEXO 0.674295
NFT 2,402,956.100111
NGN 758.069739
NIO 21.080257
NLG 1.126739
NOK 5.503480
NPR 88.500332
NZD 1.024436
OKB 0.004398
OMR 0.220681
ONE 3.915001
OP 4.265536
ORDI 0.126026
PAB 0.573407
PAXG 0.000139
PEN 1.974311
PEPE 132,584.770434
PGK 2.583357
PHP 36.036526
PI 6.568801
PKR 158.547204
PLN 2.239780
POL 5.243520
PTE 102.504819
PYG 3,349.837747
QAR 2.087202
QNT 0.002217
QTUM 0.584962
ROL 27,330.335315
RON 2.733034
RPL 0.299869
RSD 60.053487
RUB 48.647762
RUNE 0.738567
RVN 233.707750
RWF 845.185261
SAND 8.719894
SAR 2.150276
SBD 4.626644
SCR 8.121588
SDD 34,414.780686
SDG 344.147807
SEK 5.759683
SGD 0.733663
SHIB 97,955.446173
SHP 0.433940
SIT 122.525986
SKK 15.403179
SLE 13.219836
SLL 13,219.836243
SNX 2.290187
SOL 0.004779
SOS 326.241326
SPL 0.095568
SRD 21.620781
SRG 21,620.781391
SSP 3,283.693274
STD 12,615.423323
STN 12.615423
STX 1.530167
SUI 0.480456
SVC 5.017312
SYP 7,456.470081
SZL 9.546592
THB 19.300682
THETA 2.476308
TJS 5.277432
TMM 10,061.509827
TMT 2.012302
TND 1.716106
TOP 1.381021
TRL 28,197,630.377634
TRX 1.706389
TRY 28.197630
TTD 3.882391
TUSD 0.573861
TVD 0.822824
TWD 18.223937
TWT 1.004446
TZS 1,512.869877
UAH 25.825848
UGX 2,305.179824
UNI 0.064723
USD 0.573407
USDC 0.573563
USDD 0.573815
USDP 0.576816
USDT 0.573697
UYU 23.163401
UZS 6,745.047260
VAL 989.999131
VEB 49,927,958,884.0022
VED 499.279589
VEF 49,927,958.884002
VES 499.279589
VET 65.707951
VND 14,905.926941
VUV 68.930442
WAVES 1.922044
WEMIX 2.994203
WOO 41.890096
WST 1.595902
XAF 335.385489
XAG 0.009477
XAU 0.000139
XAUT 0.000139
XBT 0.000007
XCD 1.552168
XCG 1.031111
XCH 0.366397
XDC 17.063137
XDR 0.423839
XEC 71,905.873734
XEM 913.317402
XLM 2.656899
XMR 0.001022
XOF 335.385489
XPD 0.000491
XPF 61.013351
XPT 0.000335
XRP 0.381641
XTZ 1.716209
YER 135.437431
ZAR 9.546592
ZEC 0.000428
ZIL 157.137124
ZMK 11,336.458292
ZMW 11.336458
ZWD 207.516005
ZWG 15.350983
ZWL 38,357.872408

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Cities in Bulgaria 460
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Ahtopol Ajtos Alfatar Antonovo Aprilci Ardino Asenovgrad Balchik Balgarovo Bankja Bansko Batak Batanovci Belene Belica Belogradchik Beloslav Belovo Berkovica Bjala Bjala Bjala Slatina Blagoevgrad Boboshevo Bobovdol Bojchinovci Boljarovo Borovo Bourgas Bracigovo Bregovo Breznik Brezovo Brusarci Burgas Car Kalojan Carevo Chepelare Cherven Brjag Chiprovci Dalgopol Devin Devnja Dimitrovgrad Dimovo Dobrich Dolna Mitropolija Dolni Chiflik Dolni Dabnik Dospat Drjanovo Dulovo Dunavci Dupnica Dve Mogili Dzhebel Elhovo Gabrovo General-Toshevo Glavinica Goce Delchev Gramada Guljanci Hadzhidimovo Harmanli Haskovo Hisarja Iskar Isperih Ivajlovgrad Jablanica Jakoruda Jambol Kableshkovo Kalofer Kameno Kaolinovo Kardzhali Karlovo Karnobat Kaspichan Kavarna Kermen Kjustendil Klisura Knezha Kocherinovo Kojnare Koprivshtica Kotel Kozloduj Kresna Krichim Krivodol Krumovgrad Kubrat Kula Laki Letnica Levski Ljubimec Lom Lovech Loznica Lukovit Madan Madzharovo Malko Tarnovo Melnik Merichleri Mezdra Mizija Momchilgrad Montana Nedelino Nesebar Nikopol Nova Zagora Novi Pazar Obzor Omurtag Opaka Orjahovo Panagjurishte Parvomaj Pazardzhik Pernik Perushtica Peshtera Petrich Plachkovci Pleven Pliska Plovdiv Pomorie Popovo Pordim Primorsko Provadija Radomir Rakitovo Rakovski Razgrad Razlog Rila Roman Rudozem Ruse Russe Sadovo Saedinenie Sandanski Sapareva Banja Senovo Septemvri Sevlievo Shabla Shivachevo Shumen Silistra Simeonovgrad Simitli Slavjanovo Sliven Smjadovo Smoljan Sopot Sozopol Sredec Stambolijski Straldzha Strelcha Sungurlare Suvorovo Svilengrad Targovishte Tervel Teteven Topolovgrad Tran Trashtenik Trjavna Trojan Tutrakan Tvardica Ugarchin Valchedram Valchi Dol Varbica Varna Varshec Veliki Preslav Velingrad Vetovo Vidin Vraca Yablaniza Zavet Zemen Zlatograd Айтос Аксаково Алфатар Антоново Априлци Ардино Асеновград Ахелой Ахтопол Балчик Банкя Банско Батак Белене Белица Белово Белоградчик Белослав Берковица Благоевград Бобов дол Бобошево Божурище Бойчиновци Болярово Борово Ботевград Брацигово Брегово Брезник Брезово Брусарци Бургас Бухово Българово Бяла Бяла Бяла Слатина Бяла черква Варна Велики Преслав Велико Търново Велинград Ветово Ветрен Видин Враца Вълчедръм Вълчи дол Върбица Вършец Габерево Габрово Генерал Тошево Главиница Годеч Гоце Делчев Грамада Гулянци Гурково Гълъбово Две могили Дебелец Девин Девня Джебел Димитровград Димово Добринище Добрич Долна баня Долна Митрополия Долна Оряховица Долни Дъбник Долни чифлик Доспат Драгоман Дряново Дулово Дунавци Дупница Дългопол Елена Елин Пелин Елхово Етрополе Завет Земен Златарица Златица Златоград Ивайловград Игнатиево Искър Исперих Ихтиман Каблешково Каварна Казанлък Кайнарджа Калофер Камено Каолиново Карлово Карнобат Каспичан Кермен Килифарево Китанчево Китен Клисура Кнежа Козлодуй Копривщица Костандово Костенец Костинброд Котел Кочериново Кресна Криводол Кричим Крумовград Крушари Крън Кубрат Куклен Кула Кърджали Кюстендил Левски Летница Ловеч Лозница Лозница Лом Луковит Лъки Любимец Лясковец Мадан Маджарово Малко Търново Мартен Мездра Мелник Меричлери Мизия Момин проход Момчилград Монтана Мъглиж Неделино Несебър Николаево Никопол Нова Загора Нови Искър Нови пазар Обзор Омуртаг Опака Оряхово Павел баня Павликени Пазарджик Панагюрище Перник Перущица Петрич Пещера Пирдоп Плачковци Плевен Плиска Пловдив Полски Тръмбеш Поморие Попово Пордим Правец Приморско Провадия Първомай Раднево Радомир Разград Разлог Ракитово Раковски Рила Роман Рудозем Русе Садово Самоков Самуил Сандански Сапарева баня Свети Влас Свиленград Свищов Своге Севлиево Сеново Септември Силистра Симеоновград Симитли Ситово Славяново Сливен Сливница Сливо поле Смолян Смядово Созопол Сопот София Средец Стамболийски Стара Загора Стражица Стралджа Стрежерово Стрелча Суворово Сунгурларе Сухиндол Съединение Сърница Твърдица Тервел Тетевен Тополовград Троян Трън Тръстеник Трявна Тутракан Търговище Угърчин Хаджидимово Харманли Хасково Хисаря Цар Калоян Царево Чепеларе Червен бряг Черноморец Чипровци Чирпан Шабла Шивачево Шипка Шумен Ябланица Якоруда Ямбол

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Bulgaria needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Bulgaria?
The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia.
What currency does Bulgaria use?
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev (лв) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Bulgaria?
The official language(s) of Bulgaria include Bulgarian.
What is the population of Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has a population of approximately 6,437,360 people.
What region is Bulgaria in?
Bulgaria is located in Europe, specifically in the Southeast Europe subregion.
What is the international calling code for Bulgaria?
The international dialing code for Bulgaria is +359.
What time zones does Bulgaria observe?
Bulgaria observes the following time zone(s): UTC+02:00.
What is the current time in Bulgaria?
The local time in Bulgaria is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Bulgaria?
Bulgaria covers a total area of 110,879 km².
How many states or provinces does Bulgaria have?
Bulgaria is divided into 43 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Bulgaria in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Bulgaria in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Bulgaria?
Visa requirements for citizens of Bulgaria vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.