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: 2026-07-07
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 8.162205
AAVE 0.006382
ADA 3.234882
AED 2.147562
AFN 37.202159
AGIX 7.674139
AKT 0.937096
ALGO 6.777115
ALL 48.067058
AMD 214.813800
AMP 1,322.278814
ANG 1.052071
AOA 536.519323
APE 4.313732
APT 0.943377
AR 0.292971
ARB 7.487703
ARS 868.806517
ATOM 0.366959
ATS 7.035530
AUD 0.842045
AVAX 0.086109
AWG 1.046735
AXS 0.584208
AZM 4,970.530472
AZN 0.994106
BAKE 781.674373
BAM 1.0000
BAT 6.684401
BBD 1.169537
BCH 0.002456
BDT 71.982368
BEF 20.625463
BHD 0.219873
BIF 1,739.504608
BMD 0.584768
BNB 0.001011
BND 0.755479
BOB 4.047396
BRL 3.004991
BSD 0.584768
BSV 0.041270
BSW 1,736.576100
BTC 0.000009
BTCB 11.140772
BTG 1.699289
BTN 55.753020
BTT 2,185,511.177186
BUSD 0.584601
BWP 7.885821
BYN 1.691219
BYR 11,464.671901
BZD 1.176477
CAD 0.831440
CAKE 0.409505
CDF 1,349.206736
CELO 8.249560
CFX 13.261648
CHF 0.471089
CHZ 32.873512
CLP 542.057240
CNH 3.973831
CNY 3.972566
COMP 0.033999
COP 1,962.338514
CRC 266.262739
CRO 10.101300
CRV 2.817632
CSPR 308.086076
CUC 0.584932
CUP 15.500705
CVE 56.380156
CVX 0.462729
CYP 0.299246
CZK 12.358250
DAI 0.585107
DASH 0.016844
DCR 0.053069
DEM 1.0000
DFI 798.830250
DJF 104.054964
DKK 3.821854
DOGE 7.795663
DOP 34.532082
DOT 0.681927
DYDX 4.574772
DZD 77.885534
EEK 8.0000
EGLD 0.207910
EGP 28.565924
ENJ 19.569722
EOS 7.831262
ERN 8.771525
ESP 85.071811
ETB 93.898740
ETC 0.083331
ETH 0.000331
EUR 0.511292
EURC 0.511618
FEI 0.585177
FIL 0.751896
FIM 3.040003
FJD 1.308732
FKP 0.436706
FLOW 21.066552
FLR 86.097508
FRAX 0.590930
FRF 3.353855
FTT 2.522487
GALA 261.148735
GBP 0.436706
GEL 1.539717
GGP 0.436706
GHC 66,635.466646
GHS 6.663547
GIP 0.436706
GMD 43.230136
GMX 0.100079
GNF 5,127.048233
GNO 0.005560
GRD 174.222709
GRT 32.406475
GT 0.087149
GTQ 4.458959
GUSD 0.585948
GYD 122.114622
HBAR 8.105625
HKD 4.586400
HNL 15.640789
HNT 2.471557
HOT 1,694.086152
HRK 3.852329
HT 16.921977
HTG 76.289055
HUF 180.902465
ICP 0.268202
IDR 10,518.655550
IEP 0.402675
ILS 1.750114
IMP 0.436706
IMX 4.215354
INJ 0.123375
INR 55.753020
IQD 764.909550
IRR 804,691.282311
ISK 73.628976
ITL 989.999131
JEP 0.436706
JMD 92.326796
JOD 0.414601
JPY 94.658281
KAS 19.634384
KAVA 12.969730
KCS 0.083522
KDA 93.667180
KES 75.614861
KGS 51.148115
KHR 2,343.192722
KLAY 16.838307
KMF 251.539116
KNC 5.261469
KPW 526.439221
KRW 890.464191
KSM 0.170338
KWD 0.181408
KYD 0.486299
KZT 276.169571
LAK 13,192.415201
LBP 52,338.542584
LDO 2.100752
LEO 0.062253
LINK 0.074261
LKR 195.526998
LRC 46.678733
LRD 105.947774
LSL 9.491837
LTC 0.013274
LTL 1.765389
LUF 20.625463
LUNA 11.838983
LUNC 9,590.076233
LVL 0.359336
LYD 3.745705
MAD 5.475001
MANA 8.398708
MBX 22.852942
MDL 10.291415
MGA 2,479.913179
MGF 12,399.565895
MINA 11.799634
MKD 31.512598
MKR 0.000418
MMK 1,227.895600
MNT 2,094.917054
MOP 4.723992
MRO 232.977894
MRU 23.297789
MTL 0.219498
MUR 27.523021
MVR 9.040252
MWK 1,012.119306
MXN 10.171673
MXV 1.160170
MYR 2.383494
MZM 37,348.404264
MZN 37.348404
NAD 9.491837
NEAR 0.289731
NEO 0.297888
NEXO 0.783016
NFT 2,207,965.900739
NGN 799.905436
NIO 21.501680
NLG 1.126739
NOK 5.730344
NPR 89.246647
NZD 1.026117
OKB 0.007363
OMR 0.225050
ONE 473.902299
OP 5.553456
ORDI 0.168929
PAB 0.584768
PAXG 0.000142
PEN 1.988129
PEPE 218,864.213082
PGK 2.566441
PHP 35.908308
PI 5.225554
PKR 162.325795
PLN 2.193201
POL 7.876508
PTE 102.504819
PYG 3,538.050772
QAR 2.128557
QNT 0.008915
QTUM 0.838136
ROL 26,739.788661
RON 2.673979
RPL 0.320910
RSD 60.000439
RUB 45.097290
RUNE 1.476925
RVN 154.230121
RWF 856.935896
SAND 11.851809
SAR 2.192881
SBD 4.732030
SCR 8.542446
SDD 35,096.873035
SDG 350.968730
SEK 5.634205
SGD 0.755479
SHIB 135,041.537496
SHP 0.436706
SIT 122.525986
SKK 15.403179
SLE 13.430147
SLL 13,430.146586
SNX 2.641992
SOL 0.007221
SOS 333.338037
SPL 0.097461
SRD 22.095863
SRG 22,095.862901
SSP 2,778.872587
STD 12,607.651573
STN 12.607652
STX 3.505173
SUI 0.796624
SVC 5.116723
SYP 64.653787
SZL 9.491837
THB 19.485582
THETA 4.095559
TJS 5.402863
TMM 10,233.532856
TMT 2.046707
TND 1.723850
TOP 1.408386
TRL 27,387,578.314819
TRX 1.774501
TRY 27.387578
TTD 3.962908
TUSD 0.585923
TVD 0.842045
TWD 18.759650
TWT 1.689884
TZS 1,535.662166
UAH 26.081924
UGX 2,133.811679
UNI 0.187017
USD 0.584768
USDC 0.585045
USDD 0.585935
USDP 0.586693
USDT 0.585394
UYU 23.485722
UZS 7,035.232188
VAL 989.999131
VEB 39,137,073,447.6254
VED 391.398464
VEF 39,139,846.426528
VES 391.398464
VET 118.690707
VND 15,380.426442
VUV 70.368147
WAVES 2.235898
WEMIX 2.206943
WOO 49.405882
WST 1.618518
XAF 335.385489
XAG 0.009583
XAU 0.000142
XAUT 0.000142
XBT 0.000009
XCD 1.583462
XCG 1.052071
XCH 0.364614
XDC 21.189217
XDR 0.430770
XEC 111,614.382413
XEM 1,393.962050
XLM 2.986700
XMR 0.001794
XOF 335.385489
XPD 0.000462
XPF 61.013351
XPT 0.000361
XRP 0.518925
XTZ 2.376739
YER 138.639154
ZAR 9.491837
ZEC 0.001305
ZIL 191.430482
ZMK 10,730.107385
ZMW 10.730107
ZWD 211.627666
ZWG 15.727818
ZWL 39,299.478832

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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.