Get To Know Bulgaria

Hey there! So you're thinking about a trip to Bulgaria? Excellent choice! This is the place where green mountains meet golden beaches, and ancient cities tell stories thousands of years old. Here's everything I learned about this enchanting country that will steal your heart from day one.

Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky

Time

Bulgaria is in the Eastern European Time zone (EET), which means it's seven hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time. When it's 10:00 AM in New York, it's 5:00 PM in Sofia. It's a noticeable time difference, but one that makes coordinating with folks back home simple.

Visa

The good news: Bulgaria is part of the European Union, and U.S. citizens can travel visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180 days.

• What you'll need: A passport valid for at least six months past your planned departure date.

• Pro Tip: Keep a copy of your flight tickets and hotel reservations handy, as immigration officers may ask for proof of your travel plans.

Airports

The main airports you need to know are:

• Sofia Airport (SOF): The country's main and largest airport, located in the capital. This is where most international flights land.

• Varna Airport (VAR): Situated on the Black Sea coast, a convenient gateway for beach tourism.

• Burgas Airport (BOJ): Also on the Black Sea coast, this is a popular airport in the summer, especially for charter flights.

• Plovdiv Airport (PDV): A smaller airport mainly serving seasonal and charter flights, acting as a gateway to ski resorts.

Getting Around - Transportation That Just Works

Public transportation in Bulgaria is reliable and efficient, especially in the larger cities.

• Trains: The national railway company, Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ), operates inter-city lines. It's a cheap and comfortable option, though often slower than buses.

• Buses: There's an extensive network of inter-city buses that connect all the major towns and cities. This is often the quickest and most convenient way to travel between destinations.

• Metro, Trams, & Buses: In large cities, especially Sofia, the system is highly developed and easy to navigate.

• Renting a Car: This is an excellent option for exploring the countryside, mountains, and nature. Just remember to drive on the right side of the road.

• Taxis: Stick with ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt. They're more reliable and transparent than traditional street taxis.

Sofia Central Mineral Baths

🌦️ Weather - Experience All Four Seasons!

Bulgaria has four distinct seasons, each beautiful in its own way:

• Spring (March-May): Mild, pleasant weather. Everything is in bloom—perfect for scenic hikes.

• Summer (June-August): Hot and sunny with long days. Temperatures usually range from 68-86°F (20-30°C). This is peak season for beach tourism.

• Fall (September-November): The leaves change into spectacular colors. Great time to visit for fewer crowds and lower prices.

• Winter (December-February): Cold and often snowy, especially at popular ski resorts like Bansko and Borovets. This is a perfect season for winter sports lovers.

The Language - Don't Be Shy, You Can Manage!

Bulgarian is the official language. It's a Slavic language and uses the Cyrillic alphabet, so it looks very different from English. However, in most tourist areas, especially in big cities and resorts, English is widely spoken.

• A unique cultural tip: Bulgarians often nod their head up and down to say "no" and shake their head side to side to say "yes"—the exact opposite of most Western cultures! This can be confusing, but most locals understand you're a tourist.

• A few basic Bulgarian words will definitely earn you a smile from the locals:

  • Hello: Здравейте (Zdraveyte)

  • Thank you: Благодаря (Blagodarya)

  • Please: Моля (Molya)

  • Yes: Да (Da)

  • No: Не (Ne)

  • Excuse me: Извинете (Izvinete)

Culture - Local Customs & Etiquette

Bulgarians are generally warm and hospitable people.

• Dress Code: Casual attire is fine for most places.

• Noise Level: Avoid raising your voice or getting into public arguments. Bulgarians value a calm and peaceful environment.

A local graffiti, Sofia

Money - The Lev is King, Even if the Euro is Accepted Sometimes

The currency is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). While Bulgaria is part of the European Union, the Euro is NOT the official currency.

• The Deal: While you can sometimes use Euros in central tourist areas, the exchange rate will likely be poor, and you'll get your change back in Bulgarian Leva.

• My Tip: Always pay in Leva or with a credit/debit card (contactless is everywhere!). Take out a small amount of Leva from a bank ATM for small purchases, local markets, or tips. Avoid the sketchy, non-bank ATMs that have high fees.

Electricity - Just Bring an Adapter!

The voltage is 230V with European-style round plugs (Type C and F). Your devices from the U.S. will need an adapter to fit the outlets.

Water - Safe to Drink from the Tap!

Great news! The tap water in Bulgaria is safe to drink and of excellent quality in most places.

Internet & SIM Cards - Stay Connected

Wi-Fi is widely available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants.

• For a local SIM card, look for providers like A1, Yettel, or Vivacom. Getting a local SIM card is simple and relatively cheap, and many devices also support eSIMs, which is a great, hassle-free option.

Want to easily navigate Sofia's wide boulevards and historical sites? Avoid tourist traps and find the best spots? All the apps that will help you save time and money are waiting for you in the full post. Click here to start planning your smart trip.

The Local Cuisine - Simple and Delicious

Bulgarian cuisine is a blend of Turkish, Greek, and Slavic influences, based on fresh and simple ingredients.

• Shopska Salata: A classic Bulgarian salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted peppers, and grated Bulgarian cheese (sirene).

• Banitsa: A pastry made from filo dough, filled with Bulgarian cheese and eggs. Perfect for breakfast.

• Kyufte & Kebabche: Grilled meatballs and kebabs, the staple of Bulgarian cuisine.

• Tarator: A cold yogurt soup with cucumbers, garlic, and dill. A perfect, refreshing dish for a hot summer day.

• Mehana: Look for these traditional Bulgarian taverns for an authentic dining experience.

I hope this guide has given you a glimpse into all that Bulgaria has to offer. Whether you're exploring the ancient cities, soaking up the sun on the Black Sea coast, or conquering the snowy peaks, Bulgaria is a destination that always manages to surprise and delight. It's simple, authentic, and perfect for a vacation you won't forget.

Enjoy your trip! ✨