Is Bulgaria safe for tourists?

Yes, Bulgaria is generally a very safe country for travellers. Even petty crime is rarer than in some of Europe's big cities like Barcelona and Paris. Your biggest concern might just be uneven pavements and slippery cobblestones in the country's old towns.

Do I need a visa for Bulgaria, and is it part of Schengen?

Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and is fully part of the Schengen Area for air, sea, and land travel. If you hold a passport from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or any EU nation, you do not need a visa for short-term tourist stays up to 90 days within 180 days. Because it is in Schengen, any time spent in Bulgaria counts toward your total 90-day Schengen limit.

Can I use Euros in Bulgaria, and do I need cash?

Since January 2026, Bulgaria is part of the Eurozone, so you can use Euros for daily transactions. Credit cards and contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are standard at gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. However, you will need to carry some cash for the countryside, entrance fees at remote monasteries, and souvenir stalls.

What are the best things to buy in Bulgaria?

The most famous Bulgarian goods are rose and lavender oils (Bulgaria is a top global producer of pure essential oils), Troyan ceramics (hand-painted earthenware with geometric patterns), rakia (a strong fruit brandy distilled from grapes or plums), and local wine from indigenous grape varieties such as Mavrud or Melnik 55.

Bulgaria Eurovision 2027: Ultimate Travel & Planning Guide

One of the world’s most exciting music events is coming to Bulgaria!

Following the country’s win in 2026, Bulgaria will host the 71st Eurovision Song Contest in Burgas, Bulgaria’s second-largest coastal city. The competition will take place at Arena Burgas, with the semi-finals on 11 and 13 May 2027 and the Grand Final on 15 May 2027.

Page Contents

Eurovision 2027 in Bulgaria: Essential Information

Burgas was officially selected by the Bulgarian National Television and the European Broadcasting Union as the host city for Eurovision 2027. The city will host all three televised competition events at Arena Burgas.

More information about the official programme, and other event details will be released as preparations continue.

Where to Buy Tickets for Eurovision 2027?

Eurovision 2027 tickets will be sold through the official Eurovision website and its authorised ticketing partner. Eurovision has not yet announced the 2027 ticket sale date, but based on recent contests, tickets are expected to go on sale around December 2026 or January 2027.

How to Get to Burgas for Eurovision 2027

The easiest option is to fly directly to Burgas Airport (BOJ) , located around 10 km from the city centre.

Another option is to fly into Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, and continue to Burgas by road or bus. The journey between Sofia and Burgas takes 4-5 hours, so this is not necessarily the best option if you are coming only for one Eurovision show. However, it can make a lot of sense if you want to turn Eurovision into a longer holiday in Bulgaria. You could spend a night or two in Sofia, continue to Plovdiv, and then travel to Burgas for Eurovision.

If you are travelling from outside Europe, you may find that flying into Sofia, Varna, or Istanbul, and continuing to Burgas overland is more convenient.

Where to Stay in Burgas for Eurovision 2027?

Your choice of accommodation will depend on whether you want to prioritise proximity to the venue or staying in Burgas centre. For Eurovision week, we strongly recommend securing your accommodation as early as possible. Demand is expected to be significantly higher than usual, and hotel prices are likely to be considerably higher during the event.

Stay in Central Burgas

For most visitors, staying in the centre will probably be the most enjoyable option. You will be able to walk around Burgas and the Sea Garden, spend time by the sea, and enjoy the many cafés and restaurants. In the evening, however, you will need to make your way from the centre to Arena Burgas for the Eurovision performances.

The Burgas Municipality has announced plans for 24-hour public transport services to and from the arena during Eurovision, with further details expected to be announced closer to the event. You can of course, plan to drive to the event, but expect that traffic will be busy and the parking situation may be frustraing.

Stay Near The Concert Venue: Arena Burgas

This may be particularly convenient if you’re coming for one show only, or simply you want to minimise your travel time before and after the performances. The disadvantage is that you will be further away from the centre, the waterfront and many of the city’s restaurants and cafes. This is, however, a good option if you self-drive and plan to move around with your your car during the day.

You should therefore think about what you want to do during the daytime, rather than looking only at the distance to the arena.

Stay Outside Burgas

There are plenty of hotels and accommodation options outside Burgas. If you choose this option, make sure to check in advance what transportation is available between your hotel and Arena Burgas.

On the evenings of the shows, large numbers of people will be travelling towards Arena Burgas and then leaving the venue at approximately the same time. You can therefore expect increased traffic around the city and on the roads leading in and out of Burgas.

If you do choose accommodation outside the city, we recommend arranging your transportation in advance rather than relying on finding a taxi or transfer at the last minute.

What to Do Between Eurovision Shows?

You will have plenty of time to explore during the days between the Eurovision performances, and Burgas is a great base for seeing more of Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea coast. Whether you want to stay in the city, spend a few hours by the sea, or take a day trip, there are plenty of options to fill your time without straying too far from Burgas.

Things to Do in Burgas

If you are staying in the city, these are some of the best ways to spend a free day or a few hours between shows:

Sea Garden: Take a walk through this beautiful seaside park, with paths, gardens, sculptures and views towards the Black Sea.
Burgas Beach: Head down to the central beach for a relaxed walk along the shore. Keep in mind that May is usually chilly for bathing unless the weather is unusually warm.
City Centre: Explore the pedestrian streets, cafés, restaurants and small shops around the centre.
Burgas Malls: Head to Burgas Plaza or Galleria Mall if shopping is your thing.
St Anastasia Island: If boat services are operating, take a trip to this serene island for a few hours away from the city.

Things to Do Around Burgas and Along the Coast

If you would like to get out of the city, there are several interesting places within easy reach of Burgas.

Nessebar: Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, medieval churches, traditional houses and narrow streets on the peninsula.
Sozopol: Wander through the historic Old Town, enjoy the sea views and stop for lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Pomorie: Visit the coastal town and explore its salt pans, wine traditions and surrounding landscapes.
Ropotamo Nature Reserve: Take a boat trip along the Ropotamo River and enjoy a wilder side of the Bulgarian coast.
Strandzha: Head south from Burgas towards the Strandzha Mountains for forested landscapes, small villages and a quieter side of the region.

How Long To Stay in Bulgaria for Eurovision?

There is no single right answer, but we would suggest thinking about your trip in one of three ways.

3 nights: Eurovision-focused

This works if your main goal is to attend one or two of the shows. Arrive in Burgas, enjoy the city, attend Eurovision, and fly out. It is the simplest option, but it gives you very little time to see Bulgaria.

5 nights: Eurovision + Burgas and the Coast

With five nights, you have enough time to attend Eurovision and still enjoy the destination. You could combine your stay with a day trip to Nessebar or Sozopol and have some free time in Burgas.

7–10 nights: Make it a Bulgaria Trip

If you are travelling from North America, Australia, or another long-haul destination, we strongly recommend staying longer. Eurovision can be the reason you come to Bulgaria, but it does not have to be the whole trip.

Within a week, you can combine Eurovision with Bulgaria’s most interesting and beautiful sites. One option is to start in Sofia and finish in Burgas, or make it into a loop trip:

Burgas → Veliko Tarnovo → Rose Valley → Plovdiv → Burgas

Sofia → Plovdiv → Rose Valley → Burgas & the Area

This gives you a much better introduction to Bulgaria, combining the coast with history, food, wine, and some of the country’s most interesting towns.

Planning Eurovision 2027 with Balkan Wanders

Balkan Wanders is a Bulgaria and Balkans DMC, based in Bulgaria. We help travellers and travel professionals plan and organise their visits and make the most of the region.

For Eurovision 2027, we can arrange:

Hotel accommodation
Airport and inter-city transfers
Local guides, recommendations and hidden gems
Pre- and post-Eurovision itineraries
Tailor-made trips in Bulgaria and the wider Balkans

Planning a trip to Bulgaria for Eurovision 2027? Contact us to discuss your plans, or visit our DMC page to see what we do.

FAQs

When and where is Eurovision 2027?

Eurovision 2027 will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, at Arena Burgas. The first semi-final is on 11 May, the second semi-final on 13 May, and the Grand Final on 15 May 2027.

How much are Eurovision 2027 tickets?

Ticket prices have not yet been announced. Official ticket information, including prices, categories and the sale date, will be released through the official Eurovision channels. Tickets are not currently on sale.

Where is Arena Burgas?

Arena Burgas is located in the Izgrev area of Burgas, on Stefan Stambolov Boulevard. It is a short driving distance from the city centre and is connected to the city’s public transport network.

Can I travel from Sofia to Burgas by train?

Yes. Direct trains connect Sofia Central Station with Burgas, but it’s a long journey ranging from around 7 to 9 hours, depending on the service. We recommend taking a bus or self-driving if you feel comfortable.

What is Burgas like in May?

May is a good time to visit Burgas, but the weather can be changeable. Expect mild spring temperatures rather than guaranteed beach weather, with warm afternoons possible but cooler evenings and occasional rain. A light jacket and layers are a good idea, particularly for evenings near the sea.

Is it easy to get around Burgas without a car?

Burgas is a relatively compact city with an extensive public transport network. For Eurovision, additional transport arrangements are expected, although the final dedicated transport plan has not yet been announced.

What are the best places to visit in Bulgaria after Eurovision?

For a first trip to Bulgaria, Sofia, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, and the Rose Valley are good additions after Eurovision. For a shorter trip, Plovdiv and the Rose Valley work great! May is the beginning of the Rose Season and a worthwhile stop for any spring trip in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria Eurovision 2027: Ultimate Travel and Planning Guide