25 Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria
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Loading... - Simona Alexandrov
- 17 Mar 2022
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When I say Bulgaria, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Most likely Sofia, then perhaps the Black Sea, and that’s probably it. Even the most well-traveled among us may have never visited this small country in the Balkans, let alone know its hidden treasures. Bulgaria has amazing and diverse nature, little villages where time seems to have stopped a century ago, and places rich in cultural and historical heritage. There’s so much more to this country than meets the eye. Here are the best places to visit in Bulgaria, so you can really get to know this great nation.
1. Sofia
At first sight Bulgaria’s largest city just seems like another busy and modern capital, but there are layers of history that are still being uncovered. The latest discovery happened between 2010 and 2012 when a whole part of the ancient city of Serdica was found during excavation works for one of the metro stations. Some of the most famous attractions in the city include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Saint Sofia Church with its subterranean museum and the necropolis, the 4th-century Church of St. George, and the UNESCO-awarded Boyana Church. For the museum lovers, Sofia is home to the National History Museum where you can see some of the most famous ancient gold treasures in the world, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Archeology Museum, the National Art Gallery which is housed in the former royal palace, and the Museum of Socialist Art. The nature lovers won’t be disappointed either, as Sofia is located at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain, where you can go hiking and skiing. You’ll find everything from exciting nightlife and affordable accommodation to lovely boutiques and charming cobblestone streets when you visit Sofia.
2. Veliko Tarnovo
One of the best places to visit in all of Europe, Veliko Tarnovo stands out because of its remarkable beauty. The River Yantra meanders through Veliko Tarnovo creating a picturesque setting for this historic northern Bulgarian city. National Revival style houses cling to the hills, making it so easy to fall in love with this inviting city. A lesser known fact is that the city was Bulgaria’s capital between the 12th and 14th century, during the heyday of the Second Bulgarian Empire. When in Veliko Tarnovo, visit Tsarevets – the fortress with ramparts, the king’s castle, and the church on the top of the hill. Go back in time by walking along the cobblestone Gurko Street and shop for handcrafted souvenirs at the Samovodska Charshia. For the most amazing 360-degree views of the city, go to the Asenevtsi Monument. You should also try to visit the art gallery while you’re there.
3. Arbanasi
Arbanasi is a very small village perched on a hill about 5 kilometers away from Veliko Tarnovo. Besides the amazing views of Veliko Tarnovo and Tsarevets, Arbanasi offers quaint cobblestone streets and old houses surrounded by high National Revival style stone fences. Arbanasi is one of the most popular destinations in Bulgaria among the locals. There are numerous hotels and restaurants in this small village. One of the best attractions is the Nativity Church. It has some beautiful frescoes that date back to the 16th and 17th century. You can also visit one of the typical National Revival style houses – Konstantsalieva House – and learn about how people lived in those days. Read More...
