The Ultimate Cheap Adventure: Hiking, Hitchhiking, and Hostels in Bulgaria

My Journey:

I started my journey in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. With a population of over 1 million people, Sofia is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and culture. I spent my days exploring the city’s many museums, historical landmarks, and markets, all while staying in budget-friendly hostels and eating delicious street food.

From Sofia, I traveled to Plovdiv, a charming city in central Bulgaria known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant arts scene. I spent my days wandering through the city’s cobblestone streets, visiting historic sites, and enjoying the local cuisine.

Next, I headed to the Black Sea coast, where I spent several days soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful beaches of Varna and Sozopol. I even took a boat tour to the nearby islands, which was a most epic part of my trip.

when to go:

Spring (March to May)

  • Weather: Mild and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F)
  • Pros:
    • Fewer tourists, lower prices
    • Beautiful blooming flowers and greenery
    • Comfortable hiking weather
  • Cons:
    • Some attractions and tourist infrastructure might still be closed
    • Occasional rain showers

Summer (June to August)

  • Weather: Hot and sunny, with temperatures often reaching 30-35°C (86-95°F)
  • Pros:
    • Warm weather, perfect for beach activities and festivals
    • Longer days, more daylight hours
    • Vibrant atmosphere, many events and concerts
  • Cons:
    • Peak tourist season, higher prices
    • Crowds and queues at popular attractions
    • Heatwaves possible

Autumn (September to November)

  • Weather: Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F)
  • Pros:
    • Comfortable temperatures, ideal for hiking and sightseeing
    • Fewer tourists, lower prices
    • Beautiful fall foliage
  • Cons:
    • Some attractions might start closing for the winter
    • Occasional rain showers

Winter (December to February)

  • Weather: Cold and snowy, with temperatures often below 0°C (32°F)
  • Pros:
    • Low prices, fewer tourists
    • Skiing and snowboarding opportunities
    • Christmas markets and festivities
  • Cons:
    • Cold weather, some attractions might be closed
    • Shorter days, less daylight

Best Time to Visit:

  • Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best times to visit Bulgaria as a broke backpacker. The weather is mild, prices are lower, and there are fewer tourists.

best Itineraries:

1 Week:

  • Day 1-3: Sofia (stay in a hostel, explore the city, visit free attractions like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Vitosha Boulevard)
  • Day 4-5: Plovdiv (stay in a hostel, wander through the Old Town, visit the Plovdiv Amphitheatre)
  • Day 6-7: Rila Monastery and the Rila Mountains (camp or stay in a budget-friendly guesthouse, hike and explore the stunning scenery)

2 Weeks:

  • Day 1-3: Sofia (stay in a hostel, explore the city, visit free attractions)
  • Day 4-6: Plovdiv (stay in a hostel, wander through the Old Town, visit the Plovdiv Amphitheatre)
  • Day 7-10: Veliko Turnovo (stay in a hostel, explore the medieval town, visit the Tsarevets Fortress)
  • Day 11-14: Varna and the Black Sea Coast (stay in a hostel, relax on the beach, visit the Varna Archaeological Museum)

3 Weeks:

  • Day 1-3: Sofia (stay in a hostel, explore the city, visit free attractions)
  • Day 4-6: Plovdiv (stay in a hostel, wander through the Old Town, visit the Plovdiv Amphitheatre)
  • Day 7-10: Veliko Turnovo (stay in a hostel, explore the medieval town, visit the Tsarevets Fortress)
  • Day 11-14: Varna and the Black Sea Coast (stay in a hostel, relax on the beach, visit the Varna Archaeological Museum)
  • Day 15-18: Rila Monastery and the Rila Mountains (camp or stay in a budget-friendly guesthouse, hike and explore)
  • Day 19-21: Pirin Mountains and Bansko (stay in a hostel, hike and ski in the beautiful mountains)

1 Month:

  • Week 1: Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Turnovo (stay in hostels, explore the cities, visit free attractions)
  • Week 2: Varna and the Black Sea Coast (stay in a hostel, relax on the beach, visit the Varna Archaeological Museum)
  • Week 3: Rila Monastery and the Rila Mountains (camp or stay in a budget-friendly guesthouse, hike and explore)
  • Week 4: Pirin Mountains and Bansko (stay in a hostel, hike and ski in the beautiful mountains), and explore the scenic towns of Melnik and Sandanski.

Transportation:

Types of Public Transportation:

  1. Buses: An extensive network of buses connects cities, towns, and villages across Bulgaria. Bus companies like Metrobus, Etap-Alexander, and M-Bus operate modern fleets with comfortable seating and air conditioning.
  2. Trains: Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) operates the country’s rail network, offering routes between major cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. Trains are a convenient option for longer distances, with scenic views along the way.
  3. Taxis: Taxis are widely available in cities and towns, with companies like OK Supertrans and Yellow 333 offering reliable services. Be sure to check prices before you start your journey.
  4. Metro: Sofia has a modern metro system with three lines, making it easy to navigate the city.

Tickets and Prices:

  • Bus tickets: 1-5 BGN (~0.50-2.50 EUR) for urban routes, 5-20 BGN (~2.50-10 EUR) for intercity routes
  • Train tickets: 5-30 BGN (~2.50-15 EUR) for second-class seats, 10-50 BGN (~5-25 EUR) for first-class seats
  • Taxi fares: 5-10 BGN (~2.50-5 EUR) for short distances, 10-20 BGN (~5-10 EUR) for longer distances
  • Metro tickets: 1.60 BGN (~0.80 EUR) per ride, 4 BGN (~2 EUR) for a daily pass

Tips and Tricks:

  • Buy tickets in advance for buses and trains to secure better prices.
  • Validate your ticket before boarding the bus or train.
  • Use taxi apps like TaxiMe or BG Taxi to book rides and track prices.
  • Consider purchasing a travel card for multiple journeys on public transportation.

accommodations:

Hostels:

  • Sofia: Hostel Mostel (10 BGN/5 EUR per night), Hostel Alex (12 BGN/6 EUR per night)
  • Plovdiv: Hostel Old Plovdiv (15 BGN/7.50 EUR per night), Hostel Plovdiv Guest House (18 BGN/9 EUR per night)
  • Varna: Hostel Varna (12 BGN/6 EUR per night), Hostel Sea Station (15 BGN/7.50 EUR per night)

Guesthouses:

  • Sofia: Guest House Sofia (20 BGN/10 EUR per night), Guest House Vitosha (25 BGN/12.50 EUR per night)
  • Plovdiv: Guest House Plovdiv (25 BGN/12.50 EUR per night), Guest House Old Town (30 BGN/15 EUR per night)
  • Varna: Guest House Varna (25 BGN/12.50 EUR per night), Guest House Sea View (35 BGN/17.50 EUR per night)

Camping:

  • Sofia: Camping Sofia (5 BGN/2.50 EUR per night)
  • Plovdiv: Camping Plovdiv (8 BGN/4 EUR per night)
  • Varna: Camping Varna (10 BGN/5 EUR per night)

My Couchsurfing Experiences in Bulgaria:

  • Sofia: I stayed with a lovely host named Maria, who showed me around the city and introduced me to her friends.
  • Plovdiv: My host, Ivan, took me on a hike in the nearby mountains and shared his passion for photography.
  • Varna: I stayed with a wonderful couple, Anna and Dimitar, who cooked me delicious Bulgarian meals and taught me about the local culture.

Food:

Bulgarian cuisine is a fusion of flavors, with influences from Mediterranean, Ottoman, and Slavic traditions. As a traveler on a budget, I was thrilled to discover that delicious food in Bulgaria can be found at affordable prices, from street food to traditional restaurants.

Street Food:

  • Banitsa: Flaky pastry filled with feta cheese, spinach, or minced meat (1-2 BGN/0.50-1 EUR)
  • Kebapche: Grilled minced meat sausages (2-3 BGN/1-1.50 EUR)
  • Shopska Salad: Diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese (3-4 BGN/1.50-2 EUR)

Traditional Restaurants:

  • Moussaka: Layered eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce (8-10 BGN/4-5 EUR)
  • Shkembe Chorba: Spicy tripe soup (5-6 BGN/2.50-3 EUR)
  • Tarator: Cold yogurt soup with cucumbers, garlic, and dill (4-5 BGN/2-2.50 EUR)

Regional Specialties:

  • Shopska: Try the famous Shopska salad in the town of Shop (3-4 BGN/1.50-2 EUR)
  • Plovdiv: Savor the flavorful Plovdiv-style kebapche (2-3 BGN/1-1.50 EUR)
  • Varna: Enjoy fresh seafood along the Black Sea coast (10-15 BGN/5-7.50 EUR)

Tips and Tricks:

  • Eat at local markets: Try traditional food at markets like Sofia’s Zhenski Pazar or Plovdiv’s Old Town Market.
  • Order at counters: Many restaurants have counters where you can order food at a lower price than sitting down.
  • Share meals: Split dishes with friends to save money and try more varieties.

Top things to do:

Free Attractions:

  1. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: Sofia’s iconic landmark and a symbol of Bulgarian independence.
  2. Ancient Ruins: Explore the remains of ancient civilizations in Veliko Turnovo, Plovdiv, and Sofia.
  3. Black Sea Beaches: Relax on the sun-kissed beaches of Varna, Sozopol, and Nessebar.
  4. Rila Monastery: Marvel at the stunning architecture and scenic surroundings.
  5. Vitosha Boulevard: Stroll along Sofia’s main shopping street and enjoy the city’s vibe.
  6. National Parks: Hike and explore the beautiful scenery of Rila, Pirin, and Balkan National Parks.
  7. Museums: Visit Sofia’s National Museum of History, Plovdiv’s Ethnographic Museum, and Varna’s Archaeological Museum for free or low-cost.
  8. Festivals: Attend the Sofia Film Festival, Plovdiv Jazz Festival, or Varna Summer Festival for free or low-cost.
  9. Markets: Explore the vibrant markets of Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna for a taste of local culture.
  10. Hiking Trails: Trek through the Rila, Pirin, and Balkan Mountains for breathtaking views.

Budget-Friendly Activities:

  1. Food Tours: Sample traditional Bulgarian cuisine on a budget-friendly food tour.
  2. Wine Tastings: Visit local wineries and taste some of Bulgaria’s finest wines.
  3. Cycling Tours: Rent a bike and explore Sofia, Plovdiv, or Varna’s scenic routes.
  4. Yoga Classes: Join a yoga class in Sofia, Plovdiv, or Varna for a relaxing and affordable experience.
  5. Language Classes: Learn Bulgarian language and culture at a low cost.
  6. Cooking Classes: Discover Bulgarian cuisine and cooking techniques with a budget-friendly cooking class.
  7. Art Galleries: Explore the vibrant art scene of Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna.
  8. Live Music: Enjoy live music performances at affordable prices in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna.
  9. Dance Classes: Learn traditional Bulgarian dances like the horo and ruchenitsa.
  10. Volunteer Opportunities: Give back to the community and gain valuable experience with affordable volunteer opportunities.

Nightlife:

Sofia:

  • Raketa: A trendy bar with a retro vibe and live music performances.
  • The Metropolitan: A stylish club with DJs and themed parties.
  • Mixtape 5: A popular bar with a relaxed atmosphere and live music.

Plovdiv:

  • The Plovdiv Piano Bar: A sophisticated bar with live piano music and cocktails.
  • The Old Town Pub: A cozy pub with a warm atmosphere and live music.
  • The Plovdiv Club: A lively club with DJs and themed parties.

Varna:

  • The Varna Beach Club: A trendy club with live DJs and beach parties.
  • The Odessa Bar: A stylish bar with live music and cocktails.
  • The Varna Club: A popular club with DJs and themed parties.

Festivals and Events:

  • Sofia Film Festival: A festival showcasing Bulgarian and international films.
  • Plovdiv Jazz Festival: A festival featuring local and international jazz musicians.
  • Varna Summer Festival: A festival with live music, dance, and theater performances.

Backpacking bulgaria costs:

Accommodation:

  • Hostels: Stay in hostels for as low as $5-7 per night. Some popular options include Sofia’s Hostel Mostel and Plovdiv’s Hostel Old Plovdiv.
  • Camping: Camp in Bulgaria’s beautiful national parks for as low as $3-5 per night.
  • Couchsurfing: Stay with locals for free and experience Bulgarian hospitality.

Food:

  • Street Food: Try traditional Bulgarian street food like banitsa and kebapche for as low as $1-2 per serving.
  • Markets: Buy fresh produce and bread from markets for as low as $3-5 per day.
  • Cook Your Own Meals: Many hostels offer kitchen facilities, allowing you to cook your own meals for a fraction of the cost of eating out.

Transportation:

  • Buses: Travel between cities for as low as $5-10 per journey.
  • Trains: Ride the rails for as low as $10-20 per journey.
  • Hitchhiking: Hitchhike for free, and a have a fucking crazy adventure, that’s what pretty much always happens with hitchhiking.

Attractions:

  • Free Attractions: Explore Bulgaria’s many free attractions, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Ancient Ruins of Veliko Turnovo.
  • Budget-Friendly Attractions: Visit museums and historical sites for as low as $5-10 per person.

Budget Breakdown:

  • Accommodation: $5-7 per night (avg.)
  • Food: $3-5 per day (avg.)
  • Transportation: $5-10 per journey (avg.)
  • Attractions: $5-10 per person (avg.)

Total Daily Budget: $13-25 per day