Bulgaria flag

Bulgaria

History

Asparuh founded the First Bulgarian Empire south of the Danube.
The Asen brothers' revolt restored Bulgarian rule from Tarnovo.
The Treaty of Berlin created an autonomous Bulgarian principality.
Bulgaria became independent from the Ottoman Empire, marking a key step in modern statehood.
The monarchy was abolished, changing Bulgaria's form of government.
One-party rule ended and Bulgaria adopted its present republican form.
Europe thumbnailPart ofEuropeMore countries, cities and routes.
CapitalSofia
Population6.4M
Area110,879 km2
CurrencyBulgarian lev

Short facts

RegionSoutheast Europe
LanguageBulgarian
Time zoneEET (UTC+2)
Drives onRight

Worth seeing

  • Black Sea Coast: Sandy beach resorts at Sunny Beach and Sozopol's old town.
  • Rila Monastery: Bulgaria's spiritual heart in a forested mountain valley, UNESCO listed.
  • Skiing in Bansko: Affordable alpine resort in the Pirin Mountains with vibrant apres-ski.

Find a city in Bulgaria

Showing all cities

Sofia thumbnailSofiaCity

Planning questions

What is Bulgaria known for?Black Sea Coast, Rila Monastery, Skiing in Bansko.
What is the capital?Sofia.
Which language is useful?Bulgarian.
When is the national day?3 March.

Upcoming events

Bulgaria Liberation Day thumbnailBulgaria Liberation Day3 Mar 2027 · BulgariaEurovision Song Contest thumbnailEurovision Song ContestMay 2027 · Bulgaria, city pending

Use Sofia as the first planning anchor for Bulgaria, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.

Food & drink

Banitsa thumbnailBanitsaSignature dishRakia thumbnailRakiaLocal drink

Known for

Black Sea CoastSozopol's old town.Rila MonasteryUNESCO listed.Skiing in Banskovibrant apres-ski.
Winter Olympics 2030 thumbnailAlpine SkiingMountain venues, races and winter calendars.Eurovision Song Contest thumbnailMusic & CultureFestivals, concerts and cultural calendars.