Europe
Bulgaria
Europe
Bulgaria
Updated Jan 04, 2025
Overview
Bulgaria captivates with its diverse landscape, from golden beaches along the Black Sea coast to the rugged Balkan Mountains. Sofia, the capital, boasts Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques alongside trendy cafes. Plovdiv, Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city, charms with its colorful Old Town. Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site, showcases stunning frescoes. Visitors can indulge in hearty cuisine, explore picturesque villages, and experience traditional folklore. With affordable prices and warm hospitality, Bulgaria offers an authentic glimpse into Balkan culture.
Best time to visit. May to September is ideal for Bulgaria. Summers are warm and perfect for beach holidays, while spring and early fall offer mild weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Ski enthusiasts should visit in winter for excellent slopes in Bansko and Borovets.
Cities
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Country stats
Population
6,385,500
109th
Land area
42,811 sq. mi.
103rd
Highest elevation
9,596 ft
Currency
Bulgarian lev
Generally accepted payment methods
Card, Cash
Total GDP
$103.099 billion
69th
GDP per capita
$16,086
60th
Year founded
681 CE
Official langauge
Bulgarian
English speaking
Spoken in major cities
European Union
Yes
Schengen Area
No
Human development index
0.799
70th
Timezone
Eastern European (UTC+2)
Driving side
right
Capital
Sofia
Website
Google Maps link
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F - 27°F | 36°F - 22°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 5:15 pm | 6 days 1.6 in | 5 days 4.0 in | 9 mph |
| February | 45°F - 31°F | 42°F - 26°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 5:55 pm | 5 days 1.4 in | 4 days 3.3 in | 9 mph |
| March | 54°F - 38°F | 52°F - 34°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:30 am | 6:30 pm | 6 days 1.8 in | 2 days 1.2 in | 11 mph |
| April | 64°F - 46°F | 63°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 7:15 pm | 8 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 73°F - 55°F | 74°F - 53°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:45 am | 8:00 pm | 9 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 80°F - 62°F | 82°F - 61°F | Sunny | 5:30 am | 8:30 pm | 8 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 84°F - 65°F | 87°F - 64°F | Sunny | 5:45 am | 8:30 pm | 7 days 2.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 84°F - 64°F | 87°F - 63°F | Sunny | 6:15 am | 8:00 pm | 6 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 76°F - 57°F | 77°F - 55°F | Sunny | 6:45 am | 7:15 pm | 5 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 65°F - 48°F | 64°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 6:30 pm | 6 days 1.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 52°F - 39°F | 50°F - 35°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:00 am | 5:00 pm | 6 days 2.0 in | 1 days 0.6 in | 9 mph |
| December | 42°F - 31°F | 39°F - 26°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:30 am | 4:45 pm | 6 days 1.8 in | 3 days 2.7 in | 9 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with fireworks, parties, and traditional foods. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Liberation Day | March 3 | Commemorates Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878 with parades. | Expect crowds at historic sites. | ||
| Orthodox Easter | Varies (usually April) | Major religious holiday with church services, egg painting, and family gatherings. | Limited services, but festive atmosphere. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers' rights with parades and political speeches. | Some closures, but many events to enjoy. | ||
| St. George's Day | May 6 | Honors St. George and the Bulgarian Army with military parades and celebrations. | Good day to experience local culture. | ||
| Saints Cyril and Methodius Day | May 24 | Celebrates Slavic alphabet creators with school ceremonies and cultural events. | Interesting cultural displays, minimal impact. | ||
| Unification Day | September 6 | Commemorates the unification of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia in 1885. | Mild impact, enjoy patriotic celebrations. | ||
| Independence Day | September 22 | Marks Bulgaria's independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908 with festivities. | Expect patriotic events and some closures. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Traditional family gathering with special dinner and religious observances. | Limited services, focus on local traditions. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Religious holiday celebrated with church services and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, most businesses closed. | ||
| Second Day of Christmas | December 26 | Continuation of Christmas celebrations with family visits and relaxation. | Limited services, but improving from Dec 25. |
1 | Bulgarians nod for 'no' and shake their heads for 'yes', opposite to Western customs. Be aware of this to avoid misunderstandings in conversations with locals. |
2 | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's customary to leave footwear at the door. Hosts may offer slippers, but it's polite to bring your own indoor shoes. |
3 | Tipping is expected in restaurants, usually 10-15% of the bill. Round up taxi fares. It's not necessary to tip in cafes or bars, but leaving small change is appreciated. |
4 | Bulgarians are proud of their culture and history. Show interest in local traditions and customs. Ask about historical sites or traditional foods to engage in meaningful conversations. |
5 | Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially in smaller towns. Keep intimate gestures private to avoid offending locals or drawing unwanted attention. |
6 | Learn a few basic Bulgarian phrases like 'hello' (zdravei) and 'thank you' (blagodarya). Locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect. |
7 | Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries. Cover shoulders and knees. Women may need to cover their heads in some Orthodox churches. |
8 | Be cautious with hand gestures. The 'OK' sign (thumb and index finger forming a circle) is considered vulgar in Bulgaria. Use a thumbs-up instead to show approval. |
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