5 Places in Bulgaria Even Locals Should Visit Again

Bulgaria is a stunning country in eastern Europe. The capital, Sofia, is a super popular tourist hotspot. But if you did decide to visit this gorgeous place, you will find out that Bulgaria has a lot more to offer. From high mountain tops to breathtaking beaches by the Black Sea, every tourist can find something fun to do here.

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Bulgaria is much more than just the capital. Here are our top places you should visit during your trip:

1. Plovdiv

Many tourists will readily say that Plovdiv is more interesting than Sofia. Plovdiv is around 6,000 years old and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. With that said, it is clear this place has a fascinating history. Perhaps the most beautiful part of Plovdiv is the Old Town. Situated on a hill, the Old Town features charming architecture and unique decor all around.

Visitors can get to know the Bulgarian Renaissance style by simply strolling up the narrow streets and observing the buildings. The ornate details transport you to a different time and give Plovdiv an otherworldly feeling. Not to forget that art aficionados will be delighted with local museums and galleries.

2. Burgas

As the second-largest seaside city in Bulgaria, Burgas attracts visitors with its endless sandy beaches and fun summer festivals. It might not have a rich backstory and numerous old buildings, but tourists can still enjoy modern art deco architecture that makes Burgas stand out right away.

Burgas is famous for its manicured green spaces and the lakes, which are just a short drive away. So if you get tired of lounging by the sea, head out of the urban area for some adventure. For instance, Lake Vaya is the place to be if you love birdwatching and hiking.

3. Rila Monastery

Bulgaria has a fascinating history, and the best place to start learning about it is the Rila Monastery. Situated in a picturesque valley of Rilska RIver, the monastery is a bit over an hour's drive north of Sofia. Rila Monastery entered the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. Since then, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in this part of Europe.

Besides, this Eastern Orthodox Monastery is a spiritual center of the entire Bulgaria. The architecture is simply one of a kind. It combines different styles from Byzantine and arabesque to Romanesque. Once inside, visitors can marvel at the frescoes or explore a vast courtyard. Not to forget there is a museum within the grounds where you can learn even more about the monastery itself.

4. Ruse

Nicknamed "the Little Vienna," Ruse is a city with incredible architecture. It is located on the river Danube and is an important Bulgarian port. The Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architectural styles are prevalent in this city. It is unlike any other place in Bulgaria, and that makes it very attractive to visitors. You could spend hours exploring the city and seeing sights like the Monument of Liberty and Aleksandrovska street.

Those of you who are up for an adventure would enjoy the area near Ruse. For instance, Rusenski Lom Nature Park is just a short drive away. It is a vast piece of land that is very fun to explore. Afterward, tourists could stop by Orlova Chuka, the second-longest cave in Bulgaria. It was open for tourists back in 1952. The traces of prehistoric people, as well as cave bears, were found here.

5. Belogradchik Rocks

Located on the western side of the Balkan Mountains, Belogradchik is a group of rock formations. They are around 230 million years old. In 1984, the rocks became the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to their unusual shape, Belogradchik Rocks inspired local myths and folklore. Today, both tourists and locals come to marvel at this natural wonder and enjoy the untouched nature.

Next to the rocks lies the Belogradchik Fortress. The Roman Empire built it and their engineers cleverly incorporated the Belogradchik Rocks into the stronghold. This part of Bulgaria is brimming with attractions, so if you are into history, don't forget to drop by Baba Vida. It is a medieval fortress that now serves as a museum. There is also Magura Cave, with its cave paintings dating back 10,000 years.

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