What to See in Bulgaria: Cities to Explore on Foot

Planning a journey to southeastern Europe reveals a landscape shaped by dramatic mountains, rivers, and the Black Sea coast. Neywo has a free audio guide for Bulgaria, covering 375 narrated places across 7 cities with 14 walking tours. The country’s story is one of repeated rebuilding, bearing traces of deep prehistory, Thracians, Romans, Slavs, and centuries of Ottoman rule before the formation of the modern state. Today, travelers can explore a destination where ancient folklore, nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and contemporary European life exist side by side.

Best Cities to Visit in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s urban centers offer distinct glimpses into the country’s past and present, from mountain retreats to ancient coastal hubs.

• Sofia: As the capital and largest city, Sofia sits at the center of the nation’s political and cultural life, featuring landmarks such as the Boyana Church and the Museum of Socialist Art.
• Plovdiv: Known as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, Plovdiv features rich historical layers, including the nearby Bachkovo Monastery and the Cathedral of St Louis.
• Varna / Varna: Serving as a major coastal hub on the Black Sea, Varna preserves ancient history through the Roman Thermae and the Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral.
• Veliko Tarnovo: Once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, this historic city is defined by the imposing fortresses of Tsarevets and Trapezitsa.
• Nessebar: An ancient coastal settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its preserved medieval churches like the Church of Christ Pantocrator.
• Koprivshtitsa: A mountain town that preserves authentic 19th-century Bulgarian Revival architecture, historic bridges, and house-museums dedicated to national figures.
• Banya: A quieter destination offering relaxing thermal waters and outdoor aviation experiences at the local flying center.

Nature and Traditions

Beyond the cities, the landscape changes sharply from the Danubian Plain in the north to the Balkan Mountains and the Rila-Rhodope massif. This mix of landforms and meeting weather air masses supports three national parks, eleven nature parks, and a rich variety of wildlife, including red foxes, golden jackals, and wild boars. Pirin National Park and the Rila Monastery stand out among the country’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Bulgarian culture keeps old folk beliefs alive through customs like Kukeri, survakari, martenitsa, and nestinarstvo—a traditional fire dance with Thracian roots recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Traditional Eastern Orthodox Christianity and a distinct Slavic language with a suffixed definite article further define daily life.

Explore Bulgaria with Neywo

Download Neywo and explore Bulgaria with free audio guides available for 7 cities across 14 walking tours, encompassing 375 narrated places. The app tells the story of each place as you reach it, allowing you to walk at your own pace without a group or a schedule. Narration is available in 11 languages, making it easy to uncover the layers of memory and landscape throughout the country.