Bulgaria might not be the first destination that comes to mind for travelers, but for fans of dark tourism, monumental architecture, and offbeat experiences, it’s a hidden gem. From massive socialist-era structures like Buzludzha and the Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument to ancient tombs and fortress ruins, the country is full of fascinating contrasts. Over 10 days, I drove across the country, exploring everything from eerie rock monasteries to vibrant cities and quiet mountain passes.
1. Itinerary – 10 Days in Bulgaria
Day 1: Arrival in Sofia – Drive to Shumen
Picked up rental car at Sofia Airport
Visited: Hankrumovski Rock Monastery, Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument, Shumen Fortress
Overnight in Shumen
Day 2: Shumen – Monument 1876 – Gabrovo
Visited Monument 1876, Explored Gabrovo City
Day 3: Gabrovo – Etar – Saint Nicholas Peak
Visited Etar Ethnographic Village
Drove to the Monument of Freedom at Saint Nicholas Peak
Day 4: Saint Nicholas Peak – Buzludzha – Shipka – Kazanluk
Buzludzha Monument (HIGHLIGHT), Shipka Memorial Church, Tomb of Seuthes III, Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak
Overnight in Kazanluk
Day 5: Kazanluk – Stara Zagora – Plovdiv
Visited Samara Flag Monument, Arrived in Plovdiv
Day 6: Plovdiv
Old Town, Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, Monument of the Unification, Alyosha Monument, Bratskata Mogila
Day 7: Plovdiv – Sofia
Visited Nebet Tepe and Kambanite (The Bells) Park, Arrived in Sofia
Day 8–10: Exploring Sofia
Museum of Socialist Art, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Saint Sofia Monument
Elephant Bookstore, Central Market, Banya Bashi Mosque, Saint George Church
National Palace of Culture (NDK) and other city highlights
Day 11: Departure
Final sights in Sofia and fly out
2. Planning Information
Visa: For Singaporean passport holders, no visa is required for short stays in Bulgaria (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Always check the official Bulgarian visa website for the most up-to-date information.
Car Rental: I rented a small automatic car via Rentalcars.com, which cost around €35 per day. Car rental desks are available at Sofia Airport from companies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Top Rent A Car.
Tip: Driving in Bulgaria is relatively straightforward, and having a car gives you the freedom to explore many remote and mountainous sites.
SIM Card & Connectivity: I bought a local SIM card upon arrival at Sofia Airport, which was convenient and affordable. Alternatively, you can use eSIM options like Airalo, Nomad, or Holafly for instant connectivity.
Ride-Hailing Apps: As of now, Uber does not operate in Bulgaria. Locals use ride-hailing apps like Bolt and TaxiMe in cities like Sofia and Plovdiv. Both are reliable and easy to use.
3. Destinations
3.1 Kazanluk
List of places to go include:
– Buzludzha Monument (TRIP HIGHLIGHT) (click here for my post on the monument)
(The abandoned UFO-like Buzludzha Monument is one of the most iconic sites in Eastern Europe. Built in 1981 as a socialist assembly hall, it’s now hauntingly empty—yet absolutely majestic)
– Iron Fist Monument
– Shipka Memorial Church (Russian Orthodox architecture at its finest)
– Thracian Tomb of Kazanluk (UNESCO-listed ancient tomb)
– Tomb of Seuthes III (Burial site of a Thracian king)
– Etar Ethno Village (Open-air museum showcasing traditional Bulgarian life)
– Blagoev Monument
3.2 Shumen
List of places to go include:
– Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument (TRIP HIGHLIGHT)
(A brutalist masterpiece built in 1981, towering over the landscape with imposing concrete figures that celebrate Bulgaria’s founding)
– Shumen Fortress (Ancient hilltop ruins with panoramic views)
– Hankrumovski Rock Monastery (Remote, cave-based monastery carved into limestone cliffs)
– Monument 1876 (Tribute to the April Uprising against Ottoman rule. This lesser-known site)
3.3 Sofia
A mix of ancient Roman ruins, Orthodox cathedrals, Soviet monuments, and hip cafes.
List of places to go include:
– Nevsky Cathedral
– Museum of Socialist Art & Monument
– Kambanite (The Bells) Park
– Saint Sofia Monument
– Banta Bashi
– National Palace (NDK)
– Sofia Sights
3.3 Stara Zagora
List of places to go include:
– Samara Flag Monument (TRIP HIGHLIGHT)
(A massive Soviet-style sculpture and park complex dedicated to Bulgaria’s liberation)
3.4 Plovdiv
One of Europe’s oldest cities with Roman ruins, a charming Old Town, and powerful socialist-era monuments.
List of places to go include:
– Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
– Alyosha Monument
– Bratskata Mogila
– Monument of the Unification
4. Final Thoughts
Bulgaria surprised me. It’s more than just a stopover or a budget destination—it’s layered, complex, and visually unforgettable. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or just driving through dramatic mountain passes, there’s a richness here waiting to be uncovered.
