Bulgaria is part of the EU but not yet in the Schengen Zone. Most travelers from Europe, the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Still, check entry rules with your local Bulgarian embassy or consulate before you travel to Bulgaria.

Be in Balkan advises ensuring passport validity and checking transit requirements – especially if crossing borders within the region. Visit Bulgaria with confidence by being prepared.

Bulgarian cuisine is hearty, fresh, and full of flavor. Influenced by the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, it brings you delights like banitsa (cheese pastry), kavarma (meat stew), and shopska salad – often paired with rakia or a local wine.

While you explore Bulgaria, don’t miss traditional grill platters, homemade yogurt, and fresh-baked bread. Coastal towns offer seafood, while mountain villages serve up smoked meats and wild herbs. Be in Bulgaria, and every bite tastes like home.

Bulgaria has a decent healthcare system, with public hospitals and a growing network of private clinics. In cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna, services are modern and English is commonly spoken. Be in Balkan ensures you’re connected to trusted facilities during your trip to Bulgaria.

Pharmacies (аптека) are everywhere, even in small towns. Many offer consultation services, and staff are often multilingual. Whether it’s allergy meds or a travel-related concern, help is close when you visit Bulgaria.

Bulgarian is the official language and uses the Cyrillic alphabet, making it a unique linguistic experience. It’s one of the oldest Slavic languages and reflects centuries of Orthodox and Balkan cultural influence. While traveling, learning the basics – like “blagodarya” (thank you) – goes a long way.

English is widely understood in urban areas and tourist zones, especially among younger people. Still, making an effort to speak Bulgarian, even just a few words, adds warmth to every exchange when you Be in Bulgaria.

Bulgarian restaurants range from rustic mehanas (taverns) with wooden interiors and folk music, to contemporary bistros in Sofia’s art districts. Meals are social and generous, often starting with meze and ending with strong drinks.

When you visit Bulgaria, expect seasonal produce, local wines, and recipes passed down through generations. Whether you’re dining by the Black Sea or in a Rhodope mountain village, Be in Bulgaria and savor hospitality in every dish.

Accommodation in Bulgaria is diverse and affordable. Choose from city hotels, countryside guesthouses, spa resorts, ski chalets, or seaside apartments. Major cities offer international chains, while rural areas charm with homestays and family-run lodges.

Be in Balkan handpicks accommodation to match your journey – whether you’re in Sofia’s vibrant center, hiking in Bansko, or beach-hopping along the coast. Comfort meets culture on every trip to Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is a country of rich and layered history. The National History Museum and the Archaeological Museum in Sofia chronicle everything from Thracians to the modern era. Plovdiv’s Roman ruins and Nessebar’s open-air heritage sites offer immersive storytelling.

Smaller museums in Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, and Kazanlak highlight Bulgarian crafts, military history, and the famed Rose Valley. To Be in Bulgaria is to walk through the chapters of time at every turn.

Sofia is alive after dark, with rooftop lounges, live rock venues, and underground techno clubs. Vitosha Boulevard and the city center light up with stylish bars and lively crowds. When you visit Bulgaria, Sofia’s nightlife blends Eastern energy with European cool.

Plovdiv charms with wine bars, bohemian cafes, and artsy clubs around the Kapana district. The vibe is laid-back but creative – perfect for a cultural evening out.

On the coast, Varna and Burgas are summer party hubs. From beach bars to music festivals, you’ll find seaside fun under the stars. Be in Bulgaria, and let every night bring something new.

Bulgaria uses 230V electricity (plugs C & F). Internet is fast and reliable, even in rural areas. SIM cards are affordable and available from major providers like A1, Vivacom, and Yettel.

Postal, banking, and local transportation are efficient. Be in Balkan supports you with local insight and guidance to make every detail of your trip to Bulgaria feel easy and smooth.

Bulgaria uses the lev (BGN). Although not in the Eurozone, the lev is pegged to the euro, making exchange rates stable. Card payments are common in cities; cash is preferred in rural areas.

Top banks include UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, Raiffeisenbank Bulgaria, Postbank, and United Bulgarian Bank (UBB). ATMs are widely available, and online banking is well-developed. Be in Balkan helps you navigate financial services confidently while you Be in Bulgaria.

When traveling, having the right numbers makes all the difference:

• Emergency (All Services): 112
• Ambulance: 150
• Police: 166
• Fire Brigade: 160
• Tourist Info (Sofia): +359 2 491 8315

Be in Balkan provides travelers with 24/7 support and guidance for any situation during their trip to Bulgaria.

Bulgaria operates on Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2) and observes Daylight Saving Time, switching to EEST (UTC+3) in summer months.

This time zone places Bulgaria in sync with most of its Balkan neighbors. Whether exploring ruins or catching a sunrise over the Black Sea, time flows perfectly when you Be in Bulgaria.

Public Holidays (2025)