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: 2026-08-21
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 6.722955
AAVE 0.006038
ADA 2.918139
AED 2.195171
AFN 39.446953
AGIX 9.569976
AKT 1.139482
ALGO 6.813955
ALL 47.373288
AMD 217.950556
AMP 1,500.259357
ANG 1.078327
AOA 548.679815
APE 4.532417
APT 1.038107
AR 0.289935
ARB 6.549526
ARS 894.940356
ATOM 0.395008
ATS 7.035530
AUD 0.838442
AVAX 0.082456
AWG 1.069940
AXS 0.615261
AZM 5,080.722664
AZN 1.016145
BAKE 798.923611
BAM 1.0000
BAT 8.975153
BBD 1.195464
BCH 0.002653
BDT 73.114683
BEF 20.625463
BHD 0.224747
BIF 1,779.088362
BMD 0.597732
BNB 0.000903
BND 0.759372
BOB 6.902399
BRL 3.105250
BSD 0.597732
BSV 0.037001
BSW 1,600.672296
BTC 0.000008
BTG 1.271667
BTN 57.224070
BTT 2,109,607.888809
BUSD 0.597660
BWP 8.034072
BYN 1.820058
BYR 11,714.541764
BZD 1.203866
CAD 0.823262
CAKE 0.361290
CDF 1,370.299338
CELO 8.827607
CFX 13.278849
CHF 0.477755
CHZ 45.275074
CLP 551.556060
CNH 4.018670
CNY 4.018222
COMP 0.031503
COP 1,835.529680
CRC 271.673361
CRO 11.137092
CRV 2.093705
CSPR 226.832858
CUC 0.597681
CUP 15.838539
CVE 56.380156
CVX 0.348338
CYP 0.299246
CZK 12.335517
DAI 0.597794
DASH 0.018057
DCR 0.048557
DEM 1.0000
DFI 1,109.392351
DJF 106.466821
DKK 3.822340
DOGE 7.277376
DOP 34.971063
DOT 0.706773
DYDX 5.265387
DZD 79.416616
EEK 8.0000
EGLD 0.200067
EGP 30.411562
ENJ 22.762861
EOS 8.552153
ERN 8.965981
ESP 85.071811
ETB 97.416274
ETC 0.085677
ETH 0.000254
EUR 0.511292
EURC 0.513026
FEI 0.597583
FIL 0.801258
FIM 3.040003
FJD 1.313226
FKP 0.438027
FLOW 20.569565
FLR 85.928887
FRAX 0.602326
FRF 3.353855
FTT 2.748375
GALA 368.216223
GBP 0.438027
GEL 1.554414
GGP 0.438027
GHC 66,295.450201
GHS 6.629545
GIP 0.438027
GMD 44.330453
GMX 0.086033
GNF 5,254.918456
GNO 0.004862
GRD 174.222709
GRT 39.539830
GT 0.083004
GTQ 4.562420
GUSD 0.598611
GYD 125.148482
HBAR 8.061072
HKD 4.687962
HNL 16.035891
HNT 3.284240
HOT 1,690.628480
HRK 3.852329
HT 12.712102
HTG 78.293391
HUF 186.441265
ICP 0.250655
IDR 10,606.351217
IEP 0.402675
ILS 1.794222
IMP 0.438027
IMX 5.404612
INJ 0.126109
INR 57.224070
IQD 784.161514
IRR 821,556.951215
ISK 72.605338
ITL 989.999131
JEP 0.438027
JMD 94.675406
JOD 0.423792
JPY 95.013331
KAS 20.764247
KAVA 14.081044
KCS 0.079445
KDA 122.454670
KES 77.365246
KGS 52.330391
KHR 2,406.011166
KLAY 22.149439
KMF 251.539116
KNC 5.484522
KPW 537.912807
KRW 825.819458
KSM 0.187154
KWD 0.184271
KYD 0.497200
KZT 273.184880
LAK 13,469.881216
LBP 53,654.038392
LDO 1.760625
LEO 0.064308
LINK 0.055484
LKR 197.450527
LRC 73.683500
LRD 108.530304
LSL 9.625364
LTC 0.012420
LTL 1.765389
LUF 20.625463
LUNA 12.911973
LUNC 11,206.604838
LVL 0.359336
LYD 3.789946
MAD 5.529528
MANA 8.476916
MBX 28.081464
MDL 10.274168
MGA 2,556.802477
MGF 12,784.012383
MINA 12.751434
MKD 31.526825
MKR 0.000397
MMK 1,255.068058
MNT 2,151.351710
MOP 4.828601
MRO 238.665231
MRU 23.866523
MTL 0.219498
MUR 27.882792
MVR 9.240684
MWK 1,037.526904
MXN 10.125367
MXV 1.151231
MYR 2.417511
MZM 38,148.750504
MZN 38.148751
NAD 9.625364
NEAR 0.338450
NEO 0.301040
NEXO 0.752175
NFT 2,149,419.142855
NGN 807.091808
NIO 22.009083
NLG 1.126739
NOK 5.578393
NPR 91.601430
NZD 1.001998
OKB 0.005566
OMR 0.230003
ONE 800.969923
OP 6.171318
ORDI 0.142815
PAB 0.597732
PAXG 0.000132
PEN 2.004177
PEPE 185,471.547315
PGK 2.680633
PHP 36.867857
PI 6.562826
PKR 166.045954
PLN 2.207490
POL 7.394950
PTE 102.504819
PYG 3,603.807000
QAR 2.175745
QNT 0.009664
QTUM 0.734417
ROL 26,849.164059
RON 2.684916
RPL 0.367017
RSD 59.991143
RUB 49.488387
RUNE 1.331500
RVN 197.337624
RWF 879.653140
SAND 13.564519
SAR 2.241495
SBD 4.790419
SCR 8.393714
SDD 35,872.114761
SDG 358.721148
SEK 5.660771
SGD 0.759372
SHIB 120,408.271384
SHP 0.438027
SIT 122.525986
SKK 15.403179
SLE 13.688084
SLL 13,688.083712
SNX 2.807843
SOL 0.006766
SOS 341.795983
SPL 0.099622
SRD 22.604074
SRG 22,604.074434
SSP 3,359.187416
STD 12,631.419610
STN 12.631420
STX 4.025208
SUI 0.807359
SVC 5.230156
SYP 7,771.044434
SZL 9.625364
THB 19.627860
THETA 3.676741
TJS 5.529443
TMM 10,449.758003
TMT 2.089952
TND 1.732609
TOP 1.439489
TRL 28,721,791.475301
TRX 1.767660
TRY 28.721791
TTD 4.054663
TUSD 0.598682
TVD 0.838442
TWD 19.036361
TWT 1.454737
TZS 1,581.383576
UAH 26.697857
UGX 2,223.099040
UNI 0.157430
USD 0.597732
USDC 0.597710
USDD 0.597841
USDP 0.598575
USDT 0.597886
UYU 23.983886
UZS 7,079.711390
VAL 989.999131
VEB 46,457,947,068.1522
VED 463.291884
VEF 46,329,188.393706
VES 463.291884
VET 114.967327
VND 15,564.566341
VUV 70.877134
WAVES 2.902606
WEMIX 3.004875
WOO 51.483648
WST 1.623762
XAF 335.385489
XAG 0.008734
XAU 0.000132
XAUT 0.000133
XBT 0.000008
XCD 1.618283
XCG 1.078327
XCH 0.413091
XDC 20.851209
XDR 0.436523
XEC 86,118.684556
XEM 1,302.891667
XLM 3.232681
XMR 0.001436
XOF 335.385489
XPD 0.000444
XPF 61.013351
XPT 0.000321
XRP 0.465303
XTZ 2.667599
YER 141.708345
ZAR 9.625364
ZEC 0.001043
ZIL 236.317093
ZMK 11,341.197211
ZMW 11.341197
ZWD 216.319236
ZWG 15.917913
ZWL 39,774.473653

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Cities in Bulgaria 460
Browse all cities and towns
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.