Bulgaria, Sofia

Grand Hotel Sofia 5^*

Bulgaria, an Eastern European country, boasts a remarkable natural landscape. Lovers of architecture and history will be in their element, as there are numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore. This country, situated at the crossroads between East and West, is made up of forests, beaches and mountains – a destination well worth visiting without delay.

Customs and traditions

Situated in the Balkans, Bulgaria is a country rich in ancient traditions and customs. Hospitality is a defining Bulgarian characteristic, with hosts often offering food and drink to guests without prior notice. Greetings are usually exchanged with a handshake, though close friends and family may kiss each other on both cheeks.

Bulgarians enjoy celebrating a variety of traditional events throughout the year, such as Martisor in early spring and the national holiday on 3 March, which marks the day of Bulgaria’s liberation. Bulgarian cuisine is delicious and features traditional dishes such as banitsa, a pastry, and kavarma, a slow-cooked meat dish. Rakia, a local alcoholic drink, is often served with meals.

The Orthodox faith plays a significant role in Bulgarian culture, with numerous religious festivals celebrated throughout the year. Traditional folk dancing and singing contribute to the richness of Bulgaria’s cultural heritage. Superstitions are also widespread, and many people avoid walking under ladders for fear of bringing bad luck.

These elements demonstrate the depth and diversity of the customs and traditions that are deeply rooted in Bulgarian society and reflect its history and identity.

Time difference

Time difference

Bulgaria is in the Eastern European Time (EET) zone, which is usually UTC+2. However, during daylight saving time (from late March to late October), it moves its clocks forward by one hour to EEST (UTC+3). To calculate the time difference correctly, be sure to check whether Bulgaria is observing summer or winter time.

In Bulgaria, the electrical current is 220–240 volts, 50 Hz, and the outlets are type C and F. If you are traveling from a country that uses a different voltage, you may need an adapter for your electronic devices.

Electricity and internet access 

The mains voltage in Bulgaria is 220-240 V, 50 Hz. The sockets are types C and F. If you are travelling from a country with a different voltage, you will need a travel adapter for your electronic devices.

When it comes to internet access, Bulgaria has a relatively well-developed infrastructure. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, cafés and other public places. Furthermore, 4G and 5G coverage is widespread in major cities and urban areas. To stay connected during your stay in Bulgaria, you can buy prepaid SIM cards from local operators.

As a driver in Bulgaria, it is important to follow traffic rules to avoid any potential problems. In addition, it is recommended that you check with local sources to find out which areas to avoid due to possible safety concerns.

Safety

Bulgaria is generally considered a safe country for visitors. However, as with any destination, it is advisable to remain vigilant and take safety precautions. You should avoid poorly lit areas at night and places where there are few people around, especially if you are travelling alone. Keep your personal belongings safe and watch out for pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas.

If you are driving in Bulgaria, it is important to familiarise yourself with the traffic rules in order to avoid any potential problems. It is also advisable to find out which areas to avoid locally due to possible safety concerns.

Weather

Currency

Bulgaria has used the euro (EUR) as its official currency since joining the eurozone on 1 January 2026. The euro is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 euros, while coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 euros. The euro has been the sole legal tender in Bulgaria since 1 February 2026. The former Bulgarian lev (BGN) was replaced at an official conversion rate of 1 euro = 1.95583 lev.

To get a more favourable exchange rate, it is advisable to exchange your money at authorised currency exchange offices or banks. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, department stores and hotels. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs, which are located in towns and urban areas.

Languages

Weather

Bulgaria has a diverse climate thanks to its varied geography. Inland regions such as Sofia have a continental climate, characterised by cold winters and hot summers. In contrast, mountainous areas such as the Balkan Mountains experience alpine conditions, with harsh winters and cool, often snowy summers.

By contrast, the Black Sea coast has a Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The transitional seasons of spring and autumn offer mild temperatures, making them pleasant times to visit Bulgaria.

The summers can be hot, particularly inland, while the winters are cold and often snowy, especially at higher altitudes.

Youth hostels can be found in some tourist cities, offering budget-conscious travelers an affordable option. Overall, the quality of tourist accommodations in Bulgaria has improved over the years, providing visitors with a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences.

Languages

The official and most widely spoken language in Bulgaria is Bulgarian. It is a South Slavic language written using the Cyrillic alphabet. You will often find people who speak English in tourist areas, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and popular attractions.

Traditional Bulgarian dishes are rich in meat, vegetables, and dairy products. One iconic dish is banitsa, a delicious pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with cheese or other ingredients. Bulgarian moussaka (moussaka) is also popular, made with ground meat and eggplant.

Accommodation quality

Bulgaria offers a wide range of tourist accommodation in terms of quality and variety. In major cities such as Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv, you will find hotels offering standards comparable to those of other European destinations. These range from luxury establishments to more affordable options.

For a more authentic experience, guesthouses in rural and mountainous areas are popular, offering direct contact with the local culture. Holiday flat rentals are also an option for those who prefer greater independence during their stay.

Certain tourist towns have youth hostels, which offer budget-conscious travellers an affordable option. The quality of tourist accommodation in Bulgaria has improved overall in recent years, providing visitors with a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences.

Food quality

Food quality

Bulgaria's cuisine is varied and delicious, reflecting the country's cultural and historical heritage. Bulgarian dishes are typically made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients to bring out their unique flavours.

Traditional Bulgarian cuisine features an abundance of meat, vegetables, and dairy products. One such signature dish is banitsa, a delicious pastry consisting of layers of filo dough filled with cheese or other ingredients. Another popular dish is Bulgarian moussaka, which is made with minced meat and aubergines.

Salads are a staple of Bulgarian cuisine, with the famous Shopska salad being a popular choice. It is made with cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, feta cheese and herbs. Grilled meat dishes such as kebapcheta (minced meat skewers) and kyufteta (meatballs) are also popular in Bulgaria.

Bulgarian wines, produced in the country's wine-growing regions, are also of a high standard and well worth trying. Overall, Bulgaria offers authentic and delicious cuisine that is sure to delight visitors seeking new culinary experiences.