Travel tips
Practical background for planning a trip. Rules and prices change, so check official sources before you book.
Seasons and climate
Bulgaria has hot summers and cold winters. The lowlands around Plovdiv and the Black Sea coast are warm from May to September, while the mountains stay cool and keep snow for months.
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times for sightseeing. Summer suits the coast and high mountain hiking, and winter brings skiing in Rila and Pirin and quiet, snowy monasteries.
Getting around
Sofia has a metro, trams and buses, and its centre is easy to explore on foot. Between cities, buses are frequent and cheap, and trains connect Sofia with Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo and the coast, though they are slower.
For mountain and rural sites such as Rila, Belogradchik or Buzludzha, a hired car or an organised tour is the easiest way. Roads in the mountains can be slow, and some close in winter.
Practical information
Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, and entry rules, visas and the currency can change. Check your own government’s travel advice and the official requirements well before you book, and confirm what your insurance covers.
Bulgaria began using the euro in 2026, so check current prices and whether cash or cards are accepted in small towns. In churches and monasteries, dress modestly, and expect photography to be limited inside.