Why visit
Bulgaria offers Sofia's Roman layers, Plovdiv's old town, Rila Monastery, Balkan mountain hikes, and Black Sea beaches. It gives travelers a wide range of European history and scenery at a comparatively low cost.
Country - Europe
Bulgaria
historyculturebeachnature
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Bulgaria works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Sofia as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Bulgaria.
At a glance
Location
43.0°, 25.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
110,879 km²
42,811 mi²
Country population
6.7 million
61/km²
Subregion
Southeast Europe
Currency
Bulgarian lev (лв)
BGN
Dial
+359
Language
Bulgarian
Demonym
Bulgarian
Internet
.bg
UN
Member state
ISO code
BG / BGR
Where in the world
43.0° - 25.0°
Bulgaria
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Bulgaria invented yogurt (kiselo mlyako): the bacteria Lactobacillus bulgaricus is named after the country.
- Bulgaria is the world's largest exporter of rose oil: the Rose Valley produces ~70% of global supply.
- The Bulgarian Cyrillic alphabet was developed in the 9th century and later exported to Russia, Serbia, and other Slavic states.
Bordering Bulgaria
Traveler notes
- Rila Monastery is Bulgaria's most important Orthodox landmark
- Plovdiv is one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities
- The Black Sea coast adds beach towns from Varna to Sozopol
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Sofia, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Bulgaria
What is the capital of Bulgaria?
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria.
What currency does Bulgaria use?
Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian lev (лв), ISO code BGN.
What languages are spoken in Bulgaria?
The primary language is Bulgarian.
Is Bulgaria landlocked?
No, Bulgaria has a coastline.
What countries border Bulgaria?
Bulgaria borders Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Türkiye.
What is the international calling code for Bulgaria?
The calling code is +359.
When is the best time to visit Bulgaria?
May–Sep, Dec–Mar for skiing. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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