Bulgaria is one of the best budget destinations in Europe. It’s a beautiful country, filled with history, stunning mountain ranges, and sunny beaches. And the best part: You can explore most of it without spending a lot of money.
Traveling Bulgaria on a budget doesn’t mean you’re going to miss out on any of its charm. With a little planning, you’ll be able to enjoy the culture, food, and nature without breaking the bank.
Saving Money on Accommodation
Did you know that you can get up to 40% cheaper prices on flight and hotel bookings by using a VPN? Try NordVPN today! They offer a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Accommodation is often one of the biggest travel expenses, but in Bulgaria, it doesn’t have to be costly. Here’s how you can save:
Hostels and Guesthouses
Hostels are common in bigger cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. You can find dorm rooms starting from just 10-15 BGN ($6-9 USD) per night. Private rooms in hostels are also reasonably priced at around 30-40 BGN ($17-23 USD). Check out sites like Hostelworld or Booking.com to find the best deals.
Airbnb or Private Apartments
If you’re planning to stay for a week or more, Airbnb is another affordable option. You can snag entire apartments for as low as 50-60 BGN ($28-34 USD) per night, especially in smaller towns or during the off-season. Split the cost if you’re traveling with friends to save even more money.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is very popular in Bulgaria. It’s a great way not only to save money on your stay but also to meet locals who can show you around. Just be sure to request your host early, as hosts can get booked up during peak tourist season.
Camping
If you’re into nature, camping is a great way to cut costs. There are many campgrounds, especially in national parks and coastal areas, where you can pitch your tent for free or for a small fee (around 10 BGN). Make sure to double-check if wild camping is permitted in specific areas since some parks have restrictions.
Eating Cheap in Bulgaria
Food in Bulgaria is delicious and inexpensive, even in restaurants. To save even more money, follow these tips:
Eat at Local Taverns (Mehanas)
Mehanas are traditional Bulgarian restaurants, often family-owned with local charm. Here, you can find hearty meals for around 10-15 BGN ($6-9 USD). Try dishes like shopska salad, kebapche (grilled sausages), or tarator (cold yogurt soup). These places typically have bigger portions and lower prices than touristy spots.
Street Food
Bulgaria is known for its tasty baklava, banitsa (cheese pastry), and kebapche. Street vendors or bakeries sell these for around 2-3 BGN ($1-2 USD). It’s a good way to keep your hunger in check without paying for expensive meals.
Self-Catering
If you’re staying in accommodation with a kitchen, buying groceries and cooking your own meals is the ultimate budget saver. Supermarkets like Lidl and Billa are widespread and affordable. A basic meal can be cooked for under 10 BGN ($6 USD), and you’ll have enough leftovers for lunch the next day.
Lunch Specials
Many restaurants offer lunch deals (called “офис обед” or “office lunch”) during weekdays. These set menus cost somewhere between 6-8 BGN ($3-5 USD) and include a soup or salad, main course, and dessert or drink. It’s perfect for those on a tight budget who don’t want to cook every meal.
Saving Money on Transportation
Getting around Bulgaria is affordable, especially if you’re willing to use public transportation or travel slowly. Here are some cost-effective options:
Buses
Buses are the primary mode of transportation in Bulgaria. They are reliable and inexpensive. You can travel between big cities for around 20-25 BGN ($11-14 USD). For example, a bus from Sofia to Varna costs about 22 BGN ($12 USD) and takes roughly 6 hours. Always buy your tickets at the station to avoid any extra fees.
Trains
The train system in Bulgaria is slower than the bus, but it’s more scenic and just as affordable. Tickets between major cities cost around 15 BGN ($9 USD). Trains between Sofia and Plovdiv, for instance, take 2-3 hours and cost 10 BGN ($6 USD). If you’re not in a rush, this is a relaxing way to travel.
Shared Rides
Services like BlaBlaCar (ride-sharing) are increasingly popular in Bulgaria. It’s an excellent way to save money, meet locals, and split gas costs. A ride from Sofia to Plovdiv on BlaBlaCar can cost around 20 BGN ($12 USD), which is often faster than public transportation.
Public Transport in Cities
In cities like Sofia and Plovdiv, public transportation is efficient and cheap. A single ride on Sofia’s metro costs 1.60 BGN ($0.90 USD). Day passes are available for 4 BGN ($2.30 USD) and can be used for unlimited rides on buses, trams, and the metro for 24 hours. This is great if you plan on exploring the city extensively.
Cheap or Free Activities in Bulgaria
While Bulgaria offers many paid attractions, there are plenty of free or inexpensive activities to enjoy as well. Here’s a round-up:
Hiking and Nature
Bulgaria is famous for its mountains, and the best part: accessing them is free. There are many hiking trails in the Rila, Pirin, and Rhodope Mountains. The Seven Rila Lakes hike is one of the most popular and is a must-do for any nature lover. You can reach the trailhead by bus or by taking a lift (7-10 BGN round trip) for some of the hikes.
Free Walking Tours
Several cities, like Sofia and Plovdiv, offer free walking tours. These are led by locals who are passionate about their cities and provide you with a great overview of the history and culture. Though it’s free, be sure to leave a tip if you enjoyed the tour!
History and Culture
Sofia, in particular, has many free things to do. You can visit Boyana Church or the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral for free. Plovdiv’s Old Town is like an open-air museum, and wandering around the charming streets won’t cost you a penny. Entry to many museums and galleries also comes with student discounts if you have an ID.
Beach Time
If you’re visiting the coast, the Black Sea has many free beaches, and they are stunning. Varna and Burgas have several public beaches where you can relax and even swim. Bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid overpriced beach shops.
Budget-Friendly Destinations
While Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna are popular, here are some lesser-known spots that are even more budget-friendly:
Veliko Tarnovo
This historic town is cheaper than places like Sofia or the coastal regions, but it’s packed with beautiful old architecture. Visit the Tsarevets Fortress for just 6 BGN ($3.50 USD). You can also enjoy free walks around the picturesque streets and lush surroundings.
Bansko
Bansko is best known as a ski resort, but it’s equally beautiful in summer for hiking and nature walks. It’s one of the country’s cheapest mountain towns, offering affordable rentals and food. Prices drop significantly outside of the ski season.
Koprivshtitsa
Another affordable gem, this small town near Sofia is perfect for history buffs. You can see where Bulgaria’s independence movement began. Walking the cobblestone streets and enjoying the historic architecture won’t cost much—entry tickets to most museum houses cost just 5 BGN ($3 USD).
Conclusion
Bulgaria is a hidden gem for budget travelers. You don’t need to spend a fortune to fully enjoy what this stunning country has to offer. From finding cheap accommodation to eating local food and enjoying free attractions, you can travel across Bulgaria without stressing about your wallet.
So, pack your bags and get ready. Bulgaria will surprise you with how budget-friendly—and beautiful—it is!
Leave a reply