Bulgaria holidays

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

You’ll need Euros (EUR) for your holiday spends in Bulgaria. Head to our Bulgarian travel money page for all the info.

When visiting Bulgaria, you'll need a European-style two-pin plug adapter. Most sockets accept the standard round-pin European plugs Type C and Type F. We recommend bringing at least one adapter for your devices, as UK-style plugs are not commonly found in Bulgarian hotels.

Bulgaria features Sunny Beach with a long stretch of sand and watersports facilities, while the northern coast offers wooded hills as a backdrop with plenty of beachside amenities. Sozopol has smaller coves with historic charm and clear waters for swimming, and Irakli Beach provides a serene setting. Many resorts have their own private beaches with excellent amenities.

When visiting Bulgaria, note that nodding means no and shaking your head means yes. Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries, covering shoulders and knees. Greet locals with a handshake and use polite phrases like zdravei for hello.

Bulgaria's nightlife is lively, especially in coastal resorts and major cities. You'll find a range of options from beachfront bars to nightclubs. Sunny Beach is known for its lively party scene. In Sofia, you'll discover trendy bars and live music venues. Many resorts offer evening entertainment programs with shows and music for a more relaxed night out.

Bulgaria offers diverse shopping experiences. In Sofia, you'll find modern malls and boutiques. Coastal resorts like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands have numerous shops for souvenirs and beachwear. For traditional crafts, we recommend exploring local markets in towns like Plovdiv or Veliko Tarnovo. Many resorts also have convenient on-site shops.

Tipping in Bulgaria is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, it's common to leave 5-10% if you're satisfied with the service. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is typically sufficient. At resorts, you may want to tip hotel staff for exceptional service, but it's not expected.

Traditional Bulgarian cuisine is widely available throughout the country. We recommend trying local restaurants called 'mehanas' for authentic dishes. You'll find specialties like shopska salad, banitsa (cheese pastry), and kavarma (meat stew) in most places. Many resorts also offer Bulgarian nights where you can sample local foods and enjoy traditional music and dance.

For Bulgaria, pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities and nature trails. Bring swimwear and beach essentials for the Black Sea coast, along with a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen. Include a light jacket or wrap for cooler evenings, especially if visiting mountain areas.