While travelling alone, there are two methods to truly appreciate Bulgaria. The first is to visit the major tourist destinations (Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, the Black Sea coast in the summer, and Bansko and Borovets in the winter), where you will find a large number of other tourists and residents with whom to socialise. The second option is to go to places that are less well-known, such as mountain villages, architectural jewels, or tiny towns, where you will be loved by the inhabitants. The disadvantage of the latter option is that few people will speak English; nevertheless, isn’t that the ideal way to immerse yourself in the local culture?
If you are a solitary traveller, hostels, like in so many other nations, are the greatest places to stay because you can socialise with other people. Many hostels in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo hold live music, art exhibitions, and other activities to bring locals and visitors together.
If you simply want to visit the major cities in Bulgaria (Sofia, Plovdiv, Bansko, and so on), you can do it using public transportation (buses and trains), but if you don’t know Bulgarian, most off-the-beaten-path destinations may be difficult to reach. Travelling by rental car, however, can be a lonely experience, so look for hitchhikers or enlist the help of a Bulgarian friend to post in some of the carpooling Facebook groups. Although there are a few carpooling websites in Bulgaria, this mode of transportation is still gaining popularity.
You can take a free tour in Plovdiv or Sofia to learn more about the local culture and history while also meeting other visitors to the city. The walking tour will take you around the prominent sights and inform you about significant historical events. If you enjoyed the trip, you are urged to give a tip to the guide at the end.
The majority of Bulgarians in their middle and senior years speak Russian, but most youngsters in big cities speak excellent English, so don’t be hesitant to strike up a conversation. Bulgarians are fascinated by outsiders and their motivations for visiting the country, and they will likely bombard you with questions.
Bulgaria is a safe country for solitary female travellers in general. Men who like you will likely express their feelings loudly by whistling or showering you with compliments, but this is part of Balkan macho culture, and you shouldn’t be intimidated by it.
Costs of Travel to Bulgaria
Accommodation
For a four-six bedroom, most hostel dorms in Bulgaria cost from 17-23 BGN (£7-10) per night. A dorm with eight or more beds will cost less than 17 BGN per night (£7). (In the countryside, prices might be as low as 11 BGN (£5). A single private hostel room costs around 39 BGN (£17) per night, while a double private room costs 44 BGN (£20).
A modest two-star hotel room with a private ensuite bathroom costs around 44 BGN (£20) each night. During the summer, expect to pay double that price about 70 BGN (£31) if you wish to stay at one of the Black Sea resort locations.
Airbnb has shared lodgings (like dorms) starting at around 21 BGN (£9) per night all around Bulgaria. A private room costs approximately 56 BGN ($£25) each night, whereas a full apartment or home costs approximately 119 BGN (£52).
In Bulgaria, wild camping is legal, which means you can pitch your tent almost anywhere for free, save on private land. There are also well-kept campgrounds scattered over the country, particularly along the shore. The majority of two-person tent sites start at 27 BGN (£12) each night.
Food
Food in Bulgaria is quite inexpensive. Banica (dough, cheese, and butter) or banitsa (a breakfast pastry) can be had for as little as 1.50 BGN (£0.65), or a hearty shopska (like a Greek salad) or kebab can be had for around 5 BGN (£2.20). There are also many restaurants where you can get a slice of pizza for less than 0.55 BGN (£0.25).
McDonald’s offers a full meal for roughly 8 BGN (£3.50) for fast food.
Dining out in a sit-down restaurant is also reasonably priced. In a mid-range restaurant, a meal should not exceed 10 BGN (£4.35). Even an elite restaurant’s meal won’t set you back more than 20 BGN (£8.75). You can eat well for a low price here!
Shopping for bread, meat, fruits, and other necessities is quite inexpensive, costing about 35-44 BGN ($20-25 USD) every week.
Budgets for Backpacking in Bulgaria
Expect to spend around 70 BGN (£30.56) per day if you’re backpacking through Bulgaria. This assumes you’re sleeping in a hostel, eating local cuisine, making some of your meals, taking advantage of free tours and sights, minimising your alcohol consumption, and getting around utilising local transportation. On this budget, you’ll be able to do some intercity travel.
You can stay in two-star hotels (or a private hostel room) on a mid-range budget, eat out for all meals, use public transportation to get around, perform more main travel, and visit more paid attractions on a daily budget of 133 BGN (£58).
On this budget, you can pretty much do everything you want, as long as you stay within reason. At these prices, you’ll have everything you need.
Prepare to spend at least 239 BGN (£104) every day if you want to visit Bulgaria on a luxury budget. This will include sleeping in a great four-star hotel, eating and drinking whatever you want, going on some day trips (such as skiing), and travelling more intercity. The sky is truly the limit after that!
Bulgaria Travel Tips: How to Save Money
Bulgaria is one of Europe’s most cost-effective holiday destinations. On a tight budget, you can accomplish a lot, and most of the country’s attractions (such as museums and historical sites) are inexpensive. Unless you’re visiting the Black Sea coast during peak season, you’ll have a hard time breaking the bank. Here are some suggestions for saving money while visiting Bulgaria:
Avoid Sunny Beach – I’m not sure why a beach that’s so pricey and filled with tourists is so appealing. There are more beach chairs than sand here, and the prices are outrageous. Instead, visit one of the other coastal beaches.
Stay at the Hostel Mostel – This hostel might help you save money because it not only provides free breakfast but also free dinner (which also comes with a free beer). Living here entitles you to two daily meals. Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo are among their places.
Eat at Bakeries — Bulgarian bakeries have a fantastic, low-cost selection of pastries and dishes that will keep you full in the morning. Banica and krenvirshka are two favourite snacks there.
Couchsurfing – You can typically find some pretty wonderful Couchsurfing hosts all across the country because there are so many. Not only will you have a free place to stay, but you will also have a local host who can recommend the finest locations to visit and activities to see.
Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours — Walking tours are an excellent way to become acquainted with a city and its culture. Free walking tours are available in Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, and Plovdiv. (Don’t forget to tip!)
Look for Free Events – Many of Bulgaria’s festivals are free to attend, and many city parks host free events throughout the summer months. Inquire with your hostel or host about what’s going on during your stay.
When Should You Visit Bulgaria?
Summer (June to August) is the best season to visit if you want hot weather and plenty of time on the Black Sea coast. Daily temperatures range from 80 to 95 °F (27 to 35 °C), and the water is perfect for swimming. Although the mountain regions can be cooler, these temperatures are rather consistent across the country.
The weather in the spring and fall can be fickle. Temperatures range from 41 – 77 °F (5 – 25 °C), and it is frequently rainy. However, if you want to avoid crowds and save money, now is the perfect time to visit. Hiking is excellent in the fall months (particularly September and October) when the weather is cooler and the autumn foliage is beginning to appear.
What Should You Do to Stay Safe in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is, on the whole, a very safe country. When travelling throughout the country, the most typical dangers you’ll encounter are scams and small crimes like pick-pocketing. Taxi drivers who claim that their metre is broken are a regular con. Insist on a cab with a working metre, or bargain the price upfront.
Always go with your gut feeling. Stop the cab and get out if the taxi driver seems dodgy. If your hotel is seedier than you expected, find another place to stay.
Don’t do it in Bulgaria if you wouldn’t do it at home! If you follow the guideline, you will not become a victim of a small crime.
Purchase good travel insurance, which is a crucial piece of advice. You’ll be covered for illness, injury, theft, and cancellations with travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection if something goes wrong.