Bulgaria is a Balkan country in south-eastern Europe, and it's great value for skiing, hiking, history and food. Here's a beginner's guide:
Money and entry
Bulgaria adopted the € euro on 1 January 2026, replacing the lev at a fixed rate of €1 = 1.95583 lev. Bulgaria has also joined the Schengen area, with full entry in early 2025. Check the entry rules for your nationality before you travel.
Language
The language is Bulgarian, written in Cyrillic. English is widely spoken in Bansko and Sofia, and in tourist areas generally. A few words go a long way: zdravei (hello), blagodarya (thank you) and molya (please). Bulgarians nod for "no" and shake their heads for "yes", so double-check with words if you're unsure.
Getting around
Sofia is the main gateway, with good bus links to most towns and cities. Pre-booked transfers are the easiest way into mountain resorts like Bansko. Hiring a car gives the most freedom outside the cities, though mountain roads can be challenging in winter.
When to go
- December to April: skiing in Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo.
- May to September: hiking in the Pirin and Rila mountains, city breaks, and Black Sea beaches.
- Autumn: wine harvest, quieter trails and lower prices.
Places to know
- Sofia: the capital, with cafés, museums and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
- Plovdiv: one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a Roman theatre and a lively old town.
- Rila Monastery: a UNESCO World Heritage site and Bulgaria's most famous monastery.
- Bansko: the country's largest ski resort, with a traditional old town of stone houses and mehanas (taverns).
- Black Sea coast: Varna, Burgas and Nessebar for beaches and old towns.
Food and drink
Try banitsa (a cheesy filo pastry), shopska salad, kebapche (grilled minced meat), tarator (cold yoghurt and cucumber soup) and Bulgarian yoghurt. Rakia, a fruit brandy, is the national spirit, and Bulgarian wine is good and inexpensive.
Practical basics
- Emergency number: 112
- Plugs: standard European two-pin, 230V
- Tipping: around 10% in restaurants is appreciated
- Time zone: Eastern European Time, one hour ahead of central Europe