Is Bulgaria Worth Visiting? Top Places Based on Your Interests

What is Bulgaria Famous for?

Bulgaria is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets… A land of ancient history, natural beauty, living traditions, and the world-famous rose oil often called its “liquid gold.” Bulgaria is a place that doesn’t shout for attention — but rewards the curious many times over.

Still wondering is Bulgaria is worth visiting? Discover why it is — and find the best places to visit based on what you love most.

Bulgaria’s History & Cultural Tapestry

Bulgaria isn’t a “newly discovered” destination. It’s one of the oldest inhabited places in Europe, with settlements dating back over 6,000 years.

The Thracians — mystical, wine-loving tribes, neighbours of the ancient Greeks —left behind gold treasures and tombs that rival those of ancient Egypt. Additionally, the oldest processed gold in the world was discovered here, in a burial site near the Black Sea.

In Bulgaria you’ll find traces of every era. Roman roads, Ottoman mosques, and Byzantine remains are scattered across the country. Surprisingly, many aren’t hidden behind glass or ropes — they’re part of daily life.

In Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities, a Roman theatre still hosts live jazz in the summer. On the coast, Nessebar offers more than 40 historic churches on a tiny peninsula — each one telling a different part of Bulgaria’s tumultuous past.

Bulgaria is also the birthplace of the Cyrillic alphabet! Today, it’s used by over 250 million people and is one of the three official alphabets in the European Union — alongside Latin and Greek.

Recommended Places for History and Culture Lovers

1. Plovdiv Old Town & Theatre: A truly charming old town where Roman ruins, Ottoman houses, and Bulgarian traditional architecture come together. The spectacular Roman theater is still used for concerts today.

2. Boyana Church (UNESCO Site): A small 10th-century church on the outskirts of Sofia. Its interior is adorned with medieval frescoes so expressive and life-like that they are considered precursors to the Renaissance.

3. Rila Monastery (UNESCO Site): One of the most beautiful monasteries in the Balkan peninsula. Its founder – St. John of Rila – is the patron saint of Bulgaria and a miracle worker.

4. Veliko Tarnovo: The medieval capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The tows sits atop steep hills, offering spectacular panoramas.

5. Thracian Tombs of Sveshtari and Kazanlak (UNESCO Sites): Both offer a glimpse into ancient Thracian beliefs and artistry. The Kazanlak Tomb is easier to visit due to its proximity to major tourist routes. The Sveshtari Tomb is far more impressive but receives less visitors as it is located in the far-and-away Northeast of Bulgaria.

Bulgarian Roses & Nature

If heaven had a scent, it might come from the Rose Valley in May. For centuries, this region has produced the world’s finest rose oil, known as liquid gold in the perfume industry. Travellers can witness early-morning harvests, join distillation workshops, and take home pure rose oil and products.

Beyond roses, Bulgaria is also a major grower of lavender, chamomile, and geraniums. Visiting small family-run distilleries is a feast for the senses and a chance to support sustainable local producers. In recent years, Bulgaria became the world’s top producer of lavender oil, with purple fields in Thrace and near the Black Sea.

Bulgaria’s landscapes are remarkably diverse, with mountain ranges, mineral springs, dense forests, and over 400 protected areas. This natural richness supports extraordinary biodiversity, making it a destination not just for nature lovers, but for anyone seeking peace, fresh air, and unspoiled beauty.

Recommended Places for Flower and Nature Lovers

1. Rose Valley: In May and early June, the valley blooms with Damask roses. You can take part in rose-picking rituals, distillation workshops, and the annual Rose Festival.

2. Lavender Fields near Dobrich, Chirpan, and Karlovo: Bulgaria’s sweeping purple fields peak in late June and early July and offer spectacular photo opportunities.

3. Rhodope Mountains: Home to wild orchids, medicinal herbs, traditional villages, and Thracian remains. Ideal for scenic hikes and slow travel among meadows and forest trails.

4. Cape Kaliakra: A dramatic cliffside headland on the Black Sea. In spring, the cliffs are carpeted in blooms, and you may spot dolphins from the panoramic lookout.

Living Traditions

In Bulgaria, traditions are alive—in villages, workshops, and everyday life. If you love culture that you can see, touch, taste, and hear, Bulgaria will surprise you!

People, especially in smaller towns, still practice the crafts of carpentry, woodworking, and carpet weaving. The art of rose oil distillation remains a significant tradition, with local distilleries continuing to produce it in the same ways they’ve done for centuries.

You can observe and take part in traditional dances and performances during festivals, national holidays, and even weddings! These traditions are lived and experienced, not just observed in museums.

Recommended Places for Heritage Lovers

1. Etara Open-Air Museum: A hands-on experience of Bulgaria’s living heritage. You can see of displays traditional Bulgarian crafts such as woodworking, copperwork, textile weaving, and even baking.

2. Kotel and the Galatan Weaving School: The Galatan School preserves the art of weaving, showcasing historical Kotel carpets and offering a chance to see master weavers at work.

3. Veliko Tarnovo’s Crafts Street: Veliko Tarnovo’s Crafts Street is known under the name Samovodska Charshiya. This is where artisans showcase and sell beautuful artisanal products and crafts like pottery, woodwork, and jewellery making.

4. Tryavna: A town where woodworking is still practiced by skilled artisans. The town is home to many workshops that specialize in traditional woodwork, from intricate carvings to furniture-making.

So... is Bulgaria Worth Visiting?

Bulgaria offers a rich blend of history, living culture, and natural beauty, from its ancient landmarks to its fragrant rose fields.

Whether you’re discovering its historical sites or enjoying the timeless beauty of its landscapes, Bulgaria has something to captivate every traveller.

If you’re inspired to explore Bulgaria beyond the guidebooks, take a look at our Bulgaria Culture & Country Roads Tour. This small-group journey combines major sites with less explored gems and local character.