Types of Girls about the Globe (GatG) – Cultural GatG, Party GatG, Sightseeing GatG

If you are planning to solo travel Bulgaria, below is our Bulgaria travel guide including where to go in Bulgaria, what to visit in Bulgaria, where to stay in Bulgaria, which tour company to use and how to get around. Find out how to get from the airports and the best Bulgaria things to do as a solo. 

All companies included have been recommended by solo female travellers and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article for all your trips in Bulgaria. 

* Before you travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for Bulgaria.

N.b. By booking through this page for your Bulgaria holidays you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe in Europe. Thanks for helping.

Contents

• Solo Travel in Bulgaria
• About Bulgaria
• Accommodation in Bulgaria
• Getting Around Bulgaria
• Bulgaria Tours
• From The Airport
• How Long Do You Need?
• Travelling Onwards
• FAQs
• Plan a Trip To Bulgaria
• Map of Bulgaria
• Related Posts

St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Solo Travel in Bulgaria

Solo travel in Bulgaria for coastal resorts, historical sites and mineral spas. It is one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe and is very eco. You won’t find many solo females in Bulgaria but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t company if you need it. Groups of travellers descend upon the Black Sea Coast making Sunny Beach one of the tourist spots in Bulgaria for partying and meeting others backpacking Bulgaria solo. You’ll find couples in Sofia as well as men travelling solo.

If you're wondering Is Bulgaria safe? There are pickpockets in Sunny Beach so be careful here especially at night. Our Sofia travel tips are to be careful near the train/bus station in Sofia at night where a small Arab population hang out. Navigating your way around can be tricky as the signs are in the Cyrillic script so you may need to ask locals for help.

Is Bulgaria worth visiting? Bulgaria is a country where you have to figure things out for yourself but if you like rustic travelling and the odd challenge, it’s the country for you. If you are unsure of what to see in Bulgaria and what to do in Bulgaria alone, then consider taking a group tour. 

The Seven Rila Lakes

About Bulgaria

Bulgaria is probably more known for its Black Sea resorts and partying tourists who frequent its coastal resorts but the country has so much more to offer than sun, sea and sand. It is one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe and is geared at the eco-tourist with lots of trails, historical sites and mineral spas to make solo travel in Bulgaria both interesting and rejuvenating.

If you travel to the Black Sea in Eastern Bulgaria, there are plenty of towns to visit to avoid the neon lights of Sunny Beach Bulgaria, that promises plenty of cheap drink and fun. Burgas is quieter and untouristy and without the masses of nightlife that the livelier resorts bring, plus the historic town of Nessebar is just a short bus ride away.

Varna is the sea capital of Bulgaria and just 20km away is the fine golden sand and mineral waters of Albena. As you explore this Bulgaria city, make sure to see the Varna archaeological museum. As well as ancient Roman and Greek artefacts, this under-rated museum is home to the world’s oldest gold and in it's in English too.

Zlatni Pyasatsi is known as one of the best sand beaches in Europe or you can visit the oldest Bulgarian seaside resort of St. Constantine and Helena (over 100 years old!) named after the monastery with the same name.

* Click here to discover all activities and things to do in Bulgaria

The seaside resort of Sunny Beach

As well as its beaches, the country is known for its skiing and the ski resort of Borovets is world-famous. At the foot of the Rila mountains and Pirin National Park, you’ll find winter sport tracks, or choose Razlog for its heritage landmarks as well as ski tracks.

For more authentic Bulgarian vacations, head to Bansko in the mountains, another of the country’s welcoming places for solos due to its digital nomadic vibe. Although it is one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria in the winter, there are plenty of things to do in Bansko aside from skiing. Go cycling in the mountain, search for wild bears in the Pirin National Park, or pamper yourself in a natural hot spring.

Things To Do in Sofia Bulgaria

Lions are the national symbol and they are all over the capital city of Sofia, the second most ancient European city, and largest city in Bulgaria. Sofia is a fusion of modern and history and you’ll find a museum in the metro station and a 14th-century church by an underpass. The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of the Bulgaria attractions to see here in all its Neo-Byzantine glory. 

If you’re looking for the wow factor, the Church of St George hidden away in the courtyard of the Presidency will surprise you. At night take a stroll to the National Theatre for the beautifully lit fountain but steer clear of the city garden if you don’t want to mingle with the youngsters who come here to drink at night.

There are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bulgaria including Boyana Church, a medieval Orthodox Church on the outskirts of Sofia, known for its frescoes.

The Church of St George, Sofia

Things To Do in Plovdiv

Plovdiv is one of the best cities in Bulgaria and the best places to go in Bulgaria. This city is the oldest living city in Europe and the old town is one of the beautiful places here. Known as the ‘city of the seven hills’ Plovdiv is surprisingly great for clothes shopping but the clothes aren’t as cheap as you would expect for the country. You may want to put on your walking shoes for the cobblestone streets here too. 

Once you’ve shopped you could join the locals who sit in the ‘gossip cafes’ in the main square and enjoy a cheap lunch. This is our favourite city in Bulgaria and to get a picturesque view take a stroll to the top of the hill for a panoramic sight including the ruins of the Roman stadium.

Bulgaria's endless countryside and vineyards

Not just great for shopping, Bulgaria is also well known for its wine production and you can taste a glass of their finest grapes in the main wine regions of Danube Valley, Upper Thracian Plain, and Struma River Valley.

You’ll find spa hotels near the wineries and you can even have a wine extract bath to unwind or take in the rose scents at Rose Valley, the source of the most sought-after rose oil. The Rose Museum in Kazanlak is the only one of its kind in the world and is perfect for a girl who loves flowers.

If you’re in need of a wellness break, prepare to be pampered. Over 600 mineral springs have been discovered here and some are famous for their healing properties including Bankya, Sandanski, Velingrad, Kostenets, Devin and Sapareva Banya.

Women also flock to Pomorie for its medical tourism and famous mud which comes from one of its five lakes. Balneotherapy is also popular within the private lodging and hotels in Vellingrad, a town situated in the Rhodope mountains with 80 springs.

View of Plovdiv, the oldest living city in Europe

There’s plenty of countryside for exploring and Bulgaria has a diversity of animal and plant life along its eco trails with many of the trails well marked. An example of beautiful Bulgaria is Pobiti Kamani, located 20 km from Varna. Formed by nature, this stone forest is one of the unusual Bulgaria tourist attractions with natural carved stone sculptures and stone columns up to 10 metres high. Some of them even look like animals or people.

Rila National Park is the largest or explore Ropotamo Conservation Park famous for its water lilies, go bird watching at Kamchia Conservation Park, take a boat to Belene, the biggest Bulgarian island in the Danube River or spot wild cats and wolves in Silkosiya.

Hike in the Central Balkan National Park, fish in Koprinka Dam, visit the Byala Reka eco path or spot an ostrich at the Four Seasons Ranch. Stroll around Shiroka Polyana lake reserve or count the Seven Rila Lakes – one of the must-sees in the country.

There are plenty of caves and unusual sites from stone mushrooms in Melnik (Bulgaria’s smallest town) to a lion’s head but if you only get a chance to see one, make it the Belogradchik Rocks in the same-named region.

Trek through the Rhodope Mountains and past local villages or even choose to stay in one to experience the hospitality of the Bulgarian people. They’ll teach you to horse ride, how to make pottery, weave or if you really fancy it; wood-carve. You may even be lucky enough to be invited to one of the folklore nights that Bulgaria are known for.

If you don’t fancy making crafts yourself you can pay a visit to Etara near Gabrovo and watch the skilled craftsman do their thing (and pick up a handmade piece of jewellery in the process) or visit Sopot‘s craftsmen's complex for wooden sculptures and carvings.

Asen's Fortress

Head to central Bulgaria for Veliko Tarnovo, another of the cities to visit in Bulgaria. More of a town than a city, it was once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the 12th century. Situated on the Yantra River, it has a pretty cityscape with old Ottoman-style houses built into the slopes of the hill. Explore the narrow streets of the old town, the Monument to the Asen Dynasty that points up from the bend of the river, and the remains of the Tsarevets Fortress, the town’s medieval fortress.

You can’t leave Bulgaria without seeing the monasteries either: Rila Monastery is the largest in the country, Backovski Monastery is the second largest with an important church from the sixteenth century and Rozhen Monastery is the biggest in the Pirin Mountain region. There’s over another hundred to choose from!

Belogradchik fortress is one of the best-preserved Bulgaria places. This ancient fortress set on the Balkan Mountains dates back to Roman times and is now an open-air museum where you can wander through the courtyards and the fortified walls admiring the impressive rock formations that surround it. 

Other Places to visit whilst touring in Bulgaria are Zheravana, a village in the Balkan Mountain Range where you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time. Visit the museums and art gallery and see the red ceramic roofs of the houses built in the 18th and 19th century during the Bulgarian National Revival. There are several nature walks here too.

Then there are the towns of Devin and Varshets surrounded by forests and woods, Zlatograd near the Greek border known for its crafts, the Vienna style buildings of Ruse, Kyustendil for cultural monuments, mosaics and public baths and the Yagodinska cave (where you may even see a romantic wedding ceremony).

You’ll find hotels and bars at Hisarlaka Park, the remains of the biggest Roman bath at Hisar, and hardly any international tourists at Kardzhali. It’s not just about the coastal resorts.

Bulgaria Travel Tips

Bulgarians say ‘merci’ for thank you.

When you are travelling in Bulgaria, some of the mountain roads are closed from mid-September as the road is too slippery so check before you go.

Private clinics along the Black Sea tend to not work with insurance companies and a European medical card only covers state hospitals.

Accommodation in Bulgaria

If you are planning on staying in Plovdiv, both the Guest House Old Plovdiv and the Crib Hostel are ideal for solo females. For Sofia consider Hostel Mostel if you want to meet others and socialise or Les Fleurs Boutique Hotel for your own private room.

The Silver Springs Apartments in Sunny Beach Bulgaria, offer good apartments with a shared pool. For a taste of luxury treat yourself at Sense Hotel Sofia.

• To book, check prices or availability for all accommodation in Bulgaria

Getting Around Bulgaria

If you are planning on visiting more than one destination on your Bulgaria trip, traveling in Bulgaria is relatively easy with public transport. The buses travel to the major cities and are easy to work out with many frequent ones along the Black Sea coast.

When touring Bulgaria, you may want to experience an authentic train ride. Trains do operate in Bulgaria but train travel is slower than buses. It’s worth hopping aboard to experience it. There are fast trains but unless you can speak Bulgarian they are tricky to find and the names of the Bulgarian cities and towns are in Cyrillic. The train from Plovdiv to Sofia takes 3 hours, costs 9 Levs and is a scenic journey. The train from Plovdiv to Bansko takes 6 hours and the route from Vratsa to Sofia is really picturesque. Click here for a Bulgaria train map. 

Taxis may try to overcharge you so use local companies with a licence or ask your accommodation to call if you’re unsure. Eurolines is one of the bus companies that operate in Bulgaria but their offices are closed on Sundays. Or hire a car so you can see Bulgaria on your very own road trip, just be aware that the road signs won't be in English. 

Bulgaria Tours

G Adventures

If you feel more comfortable in a group in Bulgaria for either part of your trip or the whole duration, G Adventures is a responsible tour company that mainly caters for budget travellers. Most Bulgaria small group tours have an average of 10 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.

They offer multi-country tours combining Bulgaria with neighbouring countries. Take the 10 days Budapest to Sofia Adventure travelling across Hungary and Romania, or the 13 days Budapest to Istanbul tour starting in Turkey.

There’s even an epic 21 day Paris to Sofia by rail adventure exploring France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania.  I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female friendly company. 

* Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. They tend to use hotels instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear a bit more costly than G Adventures.

They offer a 9 day Eastern Europe Express tour travelling from Bucharest to Sofia to see the best of Bulgaria, or an 18 day Eastern Europe Explorer visiting Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania. Read our Intrepid Travel Reviews

For all trips to Bulgaria, with both tour companies, you share a room with someone of the same gender or you can pay extra for your own room.

* Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

Day Tours

Day Trips with Plovdiv Trips – See the best of Plovdiv with a local Bulgaria tourist guide. 

Sofia Green Tours – If you're an active GatG and prefer traveling Bulgaria on foot or bike, Sofia Green Tour are an NGO project who offer biking and hiking tours. 

Bulgarian Food Tour – Balkan Bites – Discover the best of Bulgaria's cuisine and have someone to dine with! Balkan Bites also arrange private Bulgaria tours if you prefer not to be in a group. 

From The Airport

Sofia Airport – Taxis should cost €8 for the 15-minute ride but they are known for overcharging. To walk takes 25 minutes or take the number 84 or 284 bus (from 0500 to 2300) into the city centre for €1.
Varna – Take the number 409 bus. Taxis are available for the 8km journey but cost more at night.
Plovdiv – Taxis cost €5 for the 12 km drive.
Burgas – Buses run every 20 mins for the 8-mile drive.

* Hoppa operates a cheap airport shuttle that will take you to the city centre or your hotel.

How Long Do You Need?

How long you need when you visit Bulgaria really depends on what you want to see. If you’re combining Plovdiv with Sofia and a coastal resort or another area in the country then at least one week if not ten days.

Where can I go from here?

Romania – 1 hour

Istanbul – 1hr 15 mins

Athens – 1hr 15 mins

Travelling Onwards (check visas before you travel)

To Romania – It takes 2 hours from Ruse and you can either take a private car for 85 Lev or a bus which leaves from Ruse station at 1.30 pm. (The bus station is next to the train station). ‘Exactly Right Taxis’ will take you across the border from Ruse. Buses also go from Sofia and Varna to Bucharest.

To Turkey – Buses from Sofia to Istanbul take 10 hours and arrive at the border at approx 1.30 am or a train runs at night at 19.30. The buses are cheaper and also depart from Burgas and Varna.

To Macedonia – To travel from Bulgaria to Macedonia, buses operate from Sofia to Skopje in Macedonia three times a day and will take approx 5 hours.

To Serbia – There is a day train and an overnight one for the 10-hour journey or the bus is a faster option.

To Greece – From Sofia, you can reach Thessaloniki by train in 6 hours. There is also a bus service.

FAQs

• Can I drink the water? When you visit Bulgaria there are many spa springs where the water is okay to drink. Within other areas, it is recommended to buy bottled water instead.
• Is tipping expected? Yes from 5-10%.
• Fixed price or barter? Generally fixed price.
• Any ATMs? Yes.
• Which side of the road do they drive? Right.
• Good for vegetarians? They eat a lot of meat but you can get salads all over and different types of food at the Black Sea. There are now more and more vegan and vegetarian restaurants opening up.
• Any seven wonders of the world? No.