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: 2026-05-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 6.398354
AAVE 0.006681
ADA 2.370229
AED 2.182632
AFN 37.349916
AGIX 7.033778
AKT 0.750328
ALGO 5.066870
ALL 48.795417
AMD 218.634459
AMP 705.175098
ANG 1.071281
AOA 544.933208
APE 4.059756
APT 0.620829
AR 0.266411
ARB 5.251734
ARS 830.849002
ATOM 0.295231
ATS 7.035530
AUD 0.830618
AVAX 0.063467
AWG 1.063829
AXS 0.487972
AZM 5,051.701305
AZN 1.010340
BAKE 683.733891
BAM 1.0000
BAT 5.976066
BBD 1.188636
BCH 0.001592
BDT 73.057971
BEF 20.625463
BHD 0.223464
BIF 1,769.719745
BMD 0.594318
BNB 0.000915
BND 0.759558
BOB 4.106337
BRL 2.974776
BSD 0.594318
BSV 0.039428
BSW 801.557916
BTC 0.000008
BTG 1.859259
BTN 57.458152
BTT 1,843,538.320465
BUSD 0.594573
BWP 8.061878
BYN 1.628437
BYR 16,284.371512
BZD 1.196626
CAD 0.817219
CAKE 0.405162
CDF 1,363.955333
CELO 7.261076
CFX 10.014080
CHF 0.467900
CHZ 12.939010
CLP 534.141570
CNH 4.041843
CNY 4.042032
COMP 0.025996
COP 2,206.031463
CRC 268.757738
CRO 8.576603
CRV 2.472352
CSPR 200.233908
CUC 0.594318
CUP 14.263926
CVE 56.380156
CVX 0.343997
CYP 0.299246
CZK 12.424023
DAI 0.594674
DASH 0.011798
DCR 0.034045
DEM 1.0000
DFI 657.573463
DJF 105.932066
DKK 3.820822
DOGE 5.681603
DOP 35.002300
DOT 0.474568
DYDX 3.889139
DZD 78.876401
EEK 8.0000
EGLD 0.149800
EGP 31.751624
ENJ 13.154470
EOS 7.291880
ERN 8.914767
ESP 85.071811
ETB 95.936260
ETC 0.065462
ETH 0.000277
EUR 0.511292
EURC 0.510910
FEI 0.597907
FIL 0.612827
FIM 3.040003
FJD 1.308203
FKP 0.442124
FLOW 16.453183
FLR 71.124057
FRAX 0.598608
FRF 3.353855
FTT 1.811084
GALA 173.666730
GBP 0.442124
GEL 1.585927
GGP 0.442124
GHC 68,628.977299
GHS 6.862898
GIP 0.442124
GMD 43.752661
GMX 0.088856
GNF 5,213.810977
GNO 0.004971
GRD 174.222709
GRT 23.522997
GT 0.083924
GTQ 4.531474
GUSD 0.595593
GYD 124.327105
HBAR 6.640617
HKD 4.655285
HNL 15.808716
HNT 0.715845
HOT 1,471.614080
HRK 3.852329
HT 4.121677
HTG 77.818886
HUF 183.881252
ICP 0.232298
IDR 10,493.016230
IEP 0.402675
ILS 1.726632
IMP 0.442124
IMX 3.435247
INJ 0.116986
INR 57.458152
IQD 778.653869
IRR 785,528.006479
ISK 73.320065
ITL 989.999131
JEP 0.442124
JMD 94.050671
JOD 0.421371
JPY 94.432643
KAS 17.001636
KAVA 10.070448
KCS 0.074130
KDA 71.871924
KES 76.963648
KGS 51.986659
KHR 2,383.948436
KLAY 11.621257
KMF 251.539116
KNC 4.134996
KPW 534.896943
KRW 889.498901
KSM 0.118581
KWD 0.183565
KYD 0.494245
KZT 280.679041
LAK 13,040.274369
LBP 53,055.231247
LDO 1.641885
LEO 0.059107
LINK 0.061514
LKR 204.796743
LRC 35.268121
LRD 108.791071
LSL 9.788431
LTC 0.010933
LTL 1.765389
LUF 20.625463
LUNA 9.283726
LUNC 7,743.907492
LVL 0.359336
LYD 3.783346
MAD 5.482423
MANA 6.644924
MBX 15.188471
MDL 10.331035
MGA 2,495.671173
MGF 12,478.355867
MINA 10.360294
MKD 31.517642
MKR 0.000347
MMK 1,247.911439
MNT 2,126.644385
MOP 4.794943
MRO 237.578247
MRU 23.757825
MTL 0.219498
MUR 28.173123
MVR 9.179455
MWK 1,030.578439
MXN 10.281192
MXV 1.167658
MYR 2.359092
MZM 37,957.633605
MZN 37.957634
NAD 9.788431
NEAR 0.355560
NEO 0.204124
NEXO 0.672551
NFT 2,103,638.517355
NGN 815.188609
NIO 21.872855
NLG 1.126739
NOK 5.508260
NPR 91.976137
NZD 1.012279
OKB 0.007318
OMR 0.228785
ONE 292.668855
OP 4.569929
ORDI 0.138664
PAB 0.594318
PAXG 0.000131
PEN 2.031626
PEPE 158,597.352896
PGK 2.591797
PHP 36.543321
PI 3.913753
PKR 165.613588
PLN 2.171788
POL 6.531175
PTE 102.504819
PYG 3,666.041039
QAR 2.163317
QNT 0.008051
QTUM 0.659813
ROL 26,782.340340
RON 2.678234
RPL 0.339783
RSD 60.037449
RUB 42.494375
RUNE 1.346000
RVN 107.802322
RWF 869.960296
SAND 8.187185
SAR 2.228692
SBD 4.776007
SCR 8.690544
SDD 35,670.820347
SDG 356.708203
SEK 5.550384
SGD 0.759558
SHIB 102,206.651526
SHP 0.442124
SIT 122.525986
SKK 15.403179
SLE 13.580113
SLL 13,580.112756
SNX 1.871189
SOL 0.006845
SOS 339.165568
SPL 0.099053
SRD 22.070307
SRG 22,070.306788
SSP 2,797.730642
STD 12,626.677004
STN 12.626677
STX 2.437443
SUI 0.550699
SVC 5.200281
SYP 65.701499
SZL 9.788431
THB 19.350778
THETA 2.933912
TJS 5.524566
TMM 10,426.906431
TMT 2.085381
TND 1.727115
TON 0.288004
TOP 1.431320
TRL 27,090,627.126242
TRX 1.658639
TRY 27.090627
TTD 4.030274
TUSD 0.595139
TVD 0.830618
TWD 18.774069
TWT 1.282988
TZS 1,553.158856
UAH 26.310962
UGX 2,241.859724
UNI 0.164506
USD 0.594318
USDC 0.594626
USDD 0.594662
USDP 0.595241
USDT 0.595019
UYU 23.967788
UZS 7,186.144217
VAL 989.999131
VEB 30,817,844,155.0154
VED 308.167578
VEF 30,816,757.801259
VES 308.167578
VET 89.017034
VND 15,671.167127
VUV 70.698309
WAVES 1.529109
WEMIX 2.122526
WOO 34.489077
WST 1.609301
XAF 335.385489
XAG 0.007820
XAU 0.000131
XAUT 0.000131
XBT 0.000008
XCD 1.609074
XCG 1.071281
XCH 0.164302
XDC 16.960404
XDR 0.435007
XEC 81,700.377562
XEM 884.601178
XLM 4.114972
XMR 0.001470
XOF 335.385489
XPD 0.000432
XPF 61.013351
XPT 0.000303
XRP 0.431679
XTZ 1.736254
YER 141.814769
ZAR 9.788431
ZEC 0.000909
ZIL 149.449993
ZMK 11,287.390833
ZMW 11.287391
ZWD 215.083616
ZWG 15.597716
ZWL 38,974.390050

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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.