I wish I could see inside too but nice to walk around and watch military how to change position etc

This is an impressive landmark located right in the city center. The architecture is elegant and stately, reflecting the country’s history and governance. You can witness the ceremonial changing of the guards at the entrance, which happens every hour and is worth watching. While visitors can’t enter the building itself, the area around it is lively, with several historic and government buildings nearby.

יש החלפת משמרות כל שעה, פרט לימים שבת וראשון. The official office of the Bulgarian President is housed in this building and therefore the building's honor guard and the guard exchange ceremony, which takes place every hour and can be viewed free of charge (except Saturdays and Sundays). At the entrance to the building are two armed soldiers, dressed in ceremonial uniforms from the 19th century, including a hat with a feather and rifles from this period. The ceremony lasts for five minutes! There are four soldiers who are replacing two who are standing outside, with whom they can also be photographed, if they arrive before the shift begins, and there are two more who are inside the president's house. It is recommended to arrive a few minutes before a round hour.

Nice place. Free to enter. Has a roman ruins within the compound and a round old chapel.

Presidential palace is so accessible to everyone , not like other countries specially US. 😁

Very nice performance. I liked it so much. So much discipline of honored watch of the President.

Cool to see the guards on duty in their cream uniforms. If you arrive at the right time then you can watch the changing of the guard. The building itsf is large but a little non-descript.

This bronze statue is located between Church Of St Sofia and St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The statue shows Tsar Samuil ready for battle and a striking eye contact !

The most freaky eyed statue in the world perhaps? Interesting story

Samuel was the Tsar of the First Bulgarian Empire from 997 to 6 October 1014. Statue to his memory.

Have you wonder why his eyes is so big and his view so strong? If yes here is the answer. Bulgarians revolt from Byzantium and the two armies (Bulgarian and Byzantine) fight in the Battle of Kleidion. After the Battle of Kleidion, on the order of Basil II ( Emperor of Byzantium ) his army captured 45000 Bulgarian soldiers and blinded them. One of every 100 men was left one-eyed so as to lead the rest home. The blinded soldiers were sent back to Samuel who reportedly had a heart attack upon seeing them. He died two days later, on 6 October 1014. This savagery gave the Byzantine Emperor his byname Boulgaroktonos ("Bulgar-slayer" in Greek: Βουλγαροκτόνος).

The square St. Alexander Nevski is located at the heart of Sofia city center and is the home of the memorable Bulgarian orthodox cathedral Saint Aleksandar Nevski. The square has a round shape and holds rich history of centuries past by. Also, many historical landmarks, buildings and monuments are located there. Alexander Nevski Square has an iconic outlook which every Bulgarian recognizes. The cathedral itself is the most notable and memorable tourist attraction to visit in Alexander Nevski Square and might be called the spiritual heart of Bulgaria.

Don't bother taking pics just buy postcards from the room on the right of the entrance

Gorgeous, historic place. Cathedral, Parliament building, Russian Tzar Stature and Sofia Basilica are all near by.

Incredible. Hike is difficult so be prepared, so worth it. A bit slippery down, walking sticks would have been nice

Rila National Park and Musala Peak represent a perfect combination of natural beauty, biodiversity and mountain challenge. For nature lovers it offers peace and endless expanses of greenery and glacial lakes; for climbers, the highest peak of the Balkans as a prestigious achievement. This park is a destination that remained in my memory as a journey to the peak of Balkan nature.

282 species of mosses made me come here and I'm not disappointed. The skilift makes it way easier, but it is also possible to walk up yourself. (And it will safe you the money and the waiting) Still worth it to take the ski lift option. It's easy to find parking spots. There are some food and drinking options "upstairs". Good amount of high quality information in different parts of the hike. For me one of the high lights of Bulgaria!

The park is very beautiful especially if you go for a hike during the autumn. Fresh air, stunning views on the way and bright colors all around!

It's the most beautiful place in Bulgaria. LOCAL GUIDE IMPORTANT TIPS: 1. Don't go without warm clothes. It is mountain (2000 m altitude) and the weather changes very fast even if it's looks warm and nice. 2. Take cash money to pay the lift ticket. Tehy don't have card payment 3. You can't see the lakes from the hut. After you take the lift, you have to walk up at least 40 min to see the first three lakes. 4. The sixth and seventh lakes can be seen from the end of June to December. In other months it is dangerous to go there without special equipment. 5. In winter, you can't see the lakes because they're covered with meters of snow. 6. Go there only with trekking shoes. Don't go there with flip flops, sandals, and moccasin. 7. Check the weather before you go!!! 8. Don't go there in August it is crowded.

Beautiful Rila always exciting!!!

It was a fantastic memory in the middle of the rila mountain!!

The place is really up in the mountains so it could get quite cold. Even in hottest days the temperature there is bearable. The best thing is that those guys are doing this to save the bears and they have done an awesome job in finding the perfect place. It was also really nice seeing the bears from so close.

Very pleasant place! The road is ok, the staff is friendly and talkative, the park is well organized, clean and easy to get around. Tours are also organized every 30-40min with a guide and explanation. It is worth visited.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A really nice place to visit! The bears are well cared for, and the sanctuary is peaceful and educational. It’s great to see them in a natural environment. The guide spoke also in English. Mind the time of the season for visiting.

Lovely place and good cause. Stunning views and guided tours were informative. It’s every 30 min so the you don’t really wait for long. Recommended 👏👏👏

The bears look well. The tour is pretty short - about 40 min and you're back at the entrance. The walk is steep downhill and then back uphill, fortunately all the tour is under tree's shade, so it's not too hot, but it is an effort for those like me, who aren't in shape.

It is great to see the hard work that the foundation is doing for the bears. The tour took around 40 mins. You cannot walk freely in the park, which is the best for the animals. Our guide was very nice and humble.

It was great! We saw about 5 bears. Some really close some not so much. A nice place to visit and kids. Don't miss the rila fun park which is on the way there :)

I can highly recommend Polly - excellent communication, perfect English, clear instruction, helpful techniques, a passion for the skiing and the mountains. Her calm approach inspires confidence and is generally a very nice person to spend time with on the slopes!

We have never snowboarded before and had the most fantastic experience! We hired the kit, which was in great condition and well looked after. The team were super nice and helpful. Booking was really easy and the prices were excellent. We had 2 hour lessons over 5 days, and our instructor OJ was incredible, he was such a great teacher, he was fun, motivational and supportive. He progressed the challenges accordingly and we really felt we got most out of it, and we will definitely be back and booking again!

Just back from fab week in Borovets. 5th year of ski there. Wouldn’t get our equipment from anywhere else. Matt and his team have the best equipment,nicest team and very efficient system. I had private lessons with Matt who is empowering and relaxed and made me feel I could do anything. Thank you all! Cannot recommend enough.

If you are staying at hotel Musala don’t book anywhere else. It is so easy and efficient. People working there are friendly and very professional. 100% positive

This place is great. Efficient and friendly service in the hire shop, and very good instructors who explain things well. They know how to adapt their instruction for kids as well as adults, and they know when to push you so you get the most out of your lesson. I booked with them based on a recommendation from someone else who had used them and I was very pleased with my experience.

Huge thanks to Matt and the team. We used their expertise throughout our stay for children and adult lessons for both skiing and snowboarding. Cant recommend them enough and special mentioned to Mitko, OJ and Jess!

Yana was absolutely amazing, would recommended her to anyone! Friendly, polite & a such a great teacher. 👏 Guys at the ski shop also polite as ever. Top people!

We were in the middle of the week, a small park, renovations are taking place. A nice place to extract bones on the way from, and nothing more.

Could be a very nice and relaxing place if nor for the trashy people playing super loud and inappropriate music which can easily heard throughout the whole place. Could take a walk but very unaccomodating in case you wanna enjoy a drink or a meal.

The park has been renovated and looks much better now. There's still a lot of room for improvement. It's a pretty place for a walk. Kids love feeding the ducks and riding in the boats.

Lake Park with some renovated benches and paths, first lake is with clean water second one water has a dirty film on top, there is fish inside and a bistro next to the first lake,but seems as it has been 30yrs ago , it is ok for a walk and sitting next to spring water , municipality could turn it into a real gem if they put effort into it.

Very beautiful nature and great for a walk with kids and feeding the ducks.

Small but nice park. There is a lake with water wheels and ducks.

A beautiful park in Velingrad. Its sad to see so many restaurants have closed down. Some of the park upkeeping is not so good. Otherwise a nice place for a stroll 👌

Hristo from Avatar Extreme sport is a true professional and the experience flying with him was second to none! Highly recommend 😎

I went to ride waterski, something I have never done before. The whole crew were very friendly. Before entering the water they gave me very good instructions. In result I managed to stand from the first attempt. I highly recommend Avatar Extreme Sport. Definitely visiting again!

We thoroughly enjoyed flying over the Velingrad area and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone considering it! The views on a clear day are incredible, and Hristo is very professional and knowledgeable. We were fully kitted up to stay warm, comfortable, and safe during your flight, and to communicate with Hristo all the time. We got great video footage of the flight from the onboard camera thrown in, as well as the ability to use our own action camera. Hristo is also fluent in English which was very helpful for my non-Bulgarian-speaking girlfriend. I have no doubt the other experiences on offer are would have tried them if we had the time and the weather allowed it.

A really enjoying experience. We did water ski and knee board. The instructions were clear and the staff made sure that we enjoyed the adventure fully and we learned the skills. Completely recommended to try and they also offer variety of other water sports.

It was easy peasy setting the appointment with Hristo. He was welcoming and nice during the conversation so any fears fade away. Right on time we were getting ready for our flight, he showed himself as a true proffesionalist and the experiance was amazing - 30 min in the sky over cities, mountains, fields and dams. You should try it

We flew yesterday with Hristo, this was an amazing experience, the weather was so clear, we could see 5 mountains. Hristo itself it’s amazing person, BIG THANKS!!!!

The Flyboard was super fun 🤩 nice staff, also speak English

My favorite house is this one, Dimcho Debelyanov's house is unique. With the entrance you will feel the atmosphere of another Era where the poet created, and you will enjoy the beauty and every details of the house. The entrance is free, you can donate money if you want, with 2 floors. You might feel a little sad atmosphere when you see his mother monument, waiting for him to come home as one of his most famous poems says. I Highly recommend to visit it.

Awesome house-museum that shows old bulgarian way of living and values which stood the test of time. It’s certainly not a miss if you’re in town!

great exposition for a noteworthy bulgarian tressure! higjly recommended for anyone who is interested in poetry or bulgarian history!

House Museum “Dimcho Debelyanov” preserves the birthplace and legacy of the Bulgarian poet. The historic home displays period furnishings, personal artifacts, and exhibits highlighting his life, work, and contributions to Bulgarian literature and culture.

Surreal atmosphere, loved the audio podcasts and the abundance of information about the author.

Very nice place to visit, part of the city museum tour. Very well kept and handled.

Authentic and nostalgic atmosphere lets you really feel the spirit and culture of the times.. a reading of the poet's poems is played in each room and brings the whole experience together. Exceptional, a must see!

I'd like to thank the management staff for their utmost (and successful) attempt at making sure we knew our presence at their complex was unwelcome! Good location but that about sums it up. I feel sorry for anyone who already has planned events at this place, you'll understand in time... Criticism is something they don't tolerate so there's no point in arguing with them, you'll always be in the wrong. You might ask why I'd say that? Because what was supposed to be a relaxing dinner along with my friends was turned into a shallow attempt to humiliate the group. The already small dining hall was divided in two sections with our tables all pointed towards the other guest group so we could watch them have fun while we were left in isolation. Needless to say any request for some music to loosen up the tension and possibly make our stay better were straight up rejected. Don't even get me started about the personnel, gloomy and negative toward us for no reason at all, could barely even look at them from all the hostility. The entire time we felt as if we were looked down on for no reason. And that of course translated over to the stale food we were served. I'm no picky eater and even I had a hard time finishing my plate. Nothing riles me up more than unprovoked negativity...Would've been better if they just told me to get up and get out as I got there rather than having to watch that clown show and THEN kindly tell us to get out. :) 10/10 Would NOT recommend!

Lovely location, the food I had in the restaurant was exceptional! All the waitresses were incredibly friendly and had a great knowledge of the menu and also knew what to recommend. Rooms are specious and decorated beautifully. Check in and check out was so easy, receptionist was very chatty and bubbly, also helpful with recommending wines from their own produce. Highly recommend visiting, beautiful hotel, delicious food, friendly service, mesmerising location and last but not least exceptional wine. We will be back for sure. 😊

Very nice place to spend a day or a weekend and to spend a night their (that we decide to do next time when we go to Plovdiv) we take our lunch , we take a variety of dishes from caw meat and from chiken and goat and all that Meat are came from their farmers . And we drink a very nice wine they produce it from the factory inside the complex (Ezba) , and the dishes of salad we enjoy the great taste of the Bulgarian’s cheese made from their farmers , Villa Yustina is a unique place produce every thing you eat and drink by locals with great professionalism .

I have visited Yustina every time I'm in Bulgaria. Beautiful views, amazing clean accommodation, lovely staff. Amazing wines and wine tasting, which are from their own vineyard and winery. I really can see why so many people want to get married here, or have any special occasion here. Definitely worth a trip

Thank you to the amazing staff of Yustina Villas! We had such a memorable stay. It was the perfect location to combine work and vacation. The pool was a total hit with dedicated pool sections for younger and elder kids, where they could enjoy a lot. The breakfast was perfect, with a great variety of options. The staff was super friendly and made us feel well taken care of. The Internet was very reliable, without any connectivity disruptions. I would highly recommend Yustina Villas and we will surely be visiting soon again! ☺️

the location and the hotel on their own are perfect. but the restaurant/bar service deeply is questionable. we needed to order three times the same things, directly at the counter to finally be seen because they kept forgetting our whole orders, or some dishes, or our presence... even when your ask BEFORE ordering smt to pay separate from your table, you end up paying for the whole thing cause they already closed your tab so it's not their problem anymore. im okay with making mistakes, it happens and it's no big deal, but the servers could at least be kind. however the food is absolutely amazing and i think that all the orderings issues are due to the language barrier, and that the waitresses struggle even if they do their best

We just spent 4 amazing days at Yustina Villas.We were there for a 3 day wedding party and loved the facilities.Management was extremely attentive and helpful when we had any issues or quearies.Service,however was horrible.All waiting personnel at the restaurant were extremely rude and inattentive.Room attendants did not clean our room at all and I had to ask for towel changing several times.I love the place,wedding was amazing but staff...speechless 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

Really amazing. It is small but I could have stayed there and enjoyed it for hours. The place is just extraordinary and the area around it is gorgeous!

One of the biggest temples and tombs in the area. You can see a long distance all around the surrounding countryside. There is lots of information about the temple and it's history and discovery.

There is a parking place, if you leave your car there you need to walk hard 10 more minutes, but actually... there is a road to the top, no need to leave your car on the parking... however there are no signs!!! Too hot, take water with you :) No shop around. Place is nice, no gide you need to read, walk, look and learn by yourself. Anyway it’s not a bad place, idea is good and place is important... but still not good organized

The Thracian Cult Temple in Starosel is an absolute gem. The temple's intricate designs and beautiful location in the Bulgarian countryside make it a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts. The relics on display provide valuable insights into the Thracian civilization, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended!

One of the relatively well restored and maintained place. I wish there were more signs which is where when you park your car at the parking, but we found out way around (I guess).

Amazing place. The energy that you feel when you are there is indescribable. The temple is 25 centuries old. Everything is authentic. The tour guide is great. You should definitely visit it if you have a chance.

The Thracian Temple Complex in the Chetinyovata Mogila, at a distance of 4km from the village of Starosel, was found in 2000. It has a statute of a group archaeological monument of culture. This is the oldest ever found royal Thracian complex with a mausoleum. It dates back to the end of the 5th and the beginning of the 4th century BC. The Thracian Temple Complex at Starosel covers six underhill temples, four of which are unique, as well as a few royal burials. The entire hill is surrounded by a wall made of processed granite blocks. The wall is called krepis and outlines a circle which according to the Thracian religious believes symbolizes the Sun. The entrance of the temple has a parade staircase and two pedestals, on which statues of lions were sitting. The staircase leads the visitors to a flat platform, used for ritual dances. A corridor leads to the real facade of the temple and to the round hall containing 10 decorative semi-columns and tryglyphs (a rectangular plate above each column) with blue and red decoration. Religious ceremonies, related to the cult to the Mother Goddess, her son the Sun and Orpheus were performed in the temple.

Amazing place! The road to get her isn't the easiest one but it's beautiful. Easy to park and you can easily spend a few hours there. Lot of locals selling souvenirs and food.

Beautiful location. Lives up to the name wonderful bridges! Easy parking, nice little stalls to visit.

Well worth the visit, very majestic and beautiful!

Amazing formations, something one can barely imagine, how it even happened. Definitely worth the trip up the mountain. Also a beautiful view over the mountains. Would for sure go back again and do one of the hiking trails. Bulgarian nature just never disappoints!

Wonderful place! In my opinion, one of the best nature’s site in Bulgaria. We spent here more than one hour and it was great. The only not pleasant thing here is the road leading to this place, which is really horrible. You should drive very carefully and beware of potholes. But in general, it worth to get here despite the bad road, because it is very beautiful here.

Incredible place to see nature at work, but a terrible journey to get there with a car. The road is very bad and I suggest you take very slow very early in the morning to avoid the traffic and crowds. There's a nice place to sit down and relax and a zip line that goes right through the attraction.

Nice place to spend a hour Your attention that the last 7 km of the roads to the entrance are mostly broken, thus your average speed is 20 kmh. Except of this, the site is really nice, easy walking, you can go down under the "bridges" or climb above them - both options will bring you excellent photos.

Has to be visited if you like historical places and culture!

To me, this is beautiful ancient history It’s hard to read something that’s so priceless Roman tomb gets 10 stars out of five

At the end of a beautiful forest path lies this interesting noble man tomb with mosaic on the floor; it’s not every day you get to see such tombs; worth the visit;

The guide there is not quite friendly, chance to ask “stupid questions” is guaranteed

Small thomb with field all around, nice panorama

Well restored tomb that looks very impressive from the inside.

Small tomb from the 4th century. Entry costs 2 bgn.

This is the most fascinating ancient structure that I visited in Plovdiv. I visited the place on an afternoon when it was about to close, so the employee offered me a private 3-D film viewing. The movie recreates the competitions at the stadium almost two thousand years ago. A part of it is underneath a store, so you have to enter it through a store.

It's a pity that the city has built roads and shops above the stadium and you can only see a piece of such an ancient Byzantine gem. The most outrageous thing is that there is also a bar located in the centre of the stadium.

Definitely worth a visit. Well, it's an absolute must-see if you're in Plovdiv

Many visitors confuse Plovdiv’s Roman sites, mixing up the theatre, the forum and the stadium, but this location is the Roman Stadium and the preserved section of it. Most of the original structure lies under the modern city center, so only part of it is visible today. Still, the way the city has integrated the remains into the urban space is genuinely impressive. You get a clear sense of the scale, and it’s easy to imagine how the full stadium once looked. The site is free to visit, and for 6 leva you can watch a short 20-minute film that explains the history and the excavation work. It’s a simple but effective way to understand the place better. Overall, a well-presented piece of Roman heritage right in the middle of Plovdiv.

A buried stadium that only has a small portion of it excavated, but the rest are still buried, because the city of Plovdiv has been built on top of it. Amazing!

The center of Plovdiv sits over the ancient ruins of Philipopolis and the Ancient Stadium is just a small portion of the excavated complex. The stadium is right next to the Djumaya mosque and the visible part of a non-excavated hiphodroome. There used to be a nice cafe here overlooking the ruins, before the site was devoted to its historic significance. The remaining portion of the hiphodroome runs to the post office building on the opposite side of the main walking street, where one can see the ruins of the Episcopal palace. There is a working elevator at the side of the Djumaya mosque to the ground level and a video explaining the layout of the stadium in ancient times. Not to be confused with the working Ancient Theater at just a short walking distance in the Old Town.

Well worth a visit and I'd recommend seeing the short film screening of the stadiums history. The lady in the shop is very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful

If you look at the price and if you look at the potential of this site, I would not buy tickets if there is no event. Amazing location for live music. I'll advice to check shows in advance; then it will be something nice to visit. Just buying tickets and checking the site, it lacks info signs (there is a digital option, not the best quality). You can also perfectly have an idea of this site when walking around it.

The Roman Theatre in Plovdiv is one of the city’s strongest highlights. The hillside setting and the view over the modern city make it especially beautiful around sunset. From November onward it officially closes at 17:30, and when I arrived around 17:00 the lady at the entrance already hesitated to let people in, so timing really matters. If you want the best light and a calm atmosphere, aim for the late-afternoon–sunset window and get there earlier than the posted closing time.

It is a very beautiful and magnificent architecture. Ladies, be careful. The venue is not suitable for high heels, especially if you are trying to reach from the entrance on the very top of the hill to the scene downloads. There are no railing to hold on to, and the syairs are very high!

Great venue. A bucket list must, see a band play here. Best to select wooden seats rather than stone seats... when with a cushion, they are still warm from the sun earlier in the day.

It is impressive considering it was constructed in the 1st century. I visited it in March 2025. I found they did to accept credit cards and I did not have any Bulgarian Levs. The lady there was so kind that she asked me to go ahead to visit it and pay the next day. I found some $US eventually, and she accepted it.

The place you should see if you visit Plovdiv. Ancient ruins still used for art performances. Full of life place with this spiritual beauty. Don’t skip and take a walk through the stairs and tiny streets covered in stones.

What a place. Came there for a 3-day King Gizzard concert and came out a changed man. The sound is amazing, the venue is magnificent. I love the steep stairs and smooth rocks. Don't even get me started on the view. Wow.

Very nice old town. Good for a nice morning stroll. Lots of restaurants and bars around. I can recommend walking side streets as well. Overall a good experience but nothing really spectacular.

The Old City of Plovdiv (ancient Philippoupolis) is a magnificent blend of history, culture, and architecture. Once a thriving Greek and Roman city, it still preserves its charm through cobbled streets, colorful 19th-century houses, and elegant churches and museums. Highlights include the Ancient Theatre, the Ethnographic Museum, and beautifully restored mansions like Balabanov House. Don’t miss the crafts street, where local artisans create and sell handmade jewelry, ceramics and traditional souvenirs, a lively reminder of the city’s creative spirit. A must-see for history and art lovers alike.

Plovdiv’s Old Town is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric places I’ve visited. The cobblestone streets, colorful Revival-era houses, and hidden courtyards make the whole area feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Every corner has something interesting—museums, galleries, small cafés, and amazing viewpoints over the city. It’s clean, calm, and perfect for walking, even if you’re just exploring without a plan. The architecture is stunning, especially the traditional Bulgarian houses and the Roman theatre. Locals are friendly and there’s plenty of information signs in English too. If you’re in Plovdiv, you simply must visit the Old Town. It’s easily one of the highlights of the city.

It's a wonderful old city, but I definitely recommend avoiding it in hot weather. We think it's best visited in the fall. A stroller isn't comfortable due to the cobblestones. Sneakers are more comfortable. It's a pleasant city to visit.

Definitely worth visiting — it’s the only truly beautiful spot around. Just be careful with your footwear, as the ground is uneven with broken stones and no flat surfaces. Free entrance.

Very nice place to walk with your loved ones. Enjoyed the old city this afternoon 🤗

I had a wonderful experience visiting this place and saw the culture of a civilization that existed many years ago! What they discovered and what they have done to survive.

It is a great place to learn about Bulgarian culture and history. I enjoyed visiting it in March 2025. It has a beautiful garden, so it is also good spot for taking break in touring the city.

In the first place I bought myself a cheap student ticket because I had to go on the included toilet very urgent, but after I came to peace with this I really enjoyed the exhibition showing Bulgarians' customs and tradition. Worth-visiting place if you're in town in my opinion!

This is a nice cultural museum with nice items they used in the old times. There is a 4.50 euros ticket to get in. It is a huge museum to see a lot of folclore things.

This is a nice cultural museum with nice items they used in the old times. It has a beautiful garden.

It’s as beautiful in the outside as it is inside. There aren’t many unique to this museum artefacts ( I think ) but the place is so historic, amazing, it’s worth visiting.

Quite rich in exhibits, submersive into regional etno-culture. The building itself is old and authentic, made of wood.

Very nice Museum on Bulgarian culture. Have explanations in English. Very interesting.

Beautiful small monastery. Excellent traditional eateries around it. It was a hot day in Plovdiv, but pleasant at the higher elevation at the site. 4 BGN to park right outside the walls and avoid the uphill walk from lower lots. It is probably hard to do this on busy days.

Hi there! We visited this wonderful monastery and we enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the “Vecernia”(around 6 p.m). Located ~ two hours away from Sofia, it is attracting many pilgrims and it’s worth visiting also for its unique architecture and painting - typical of Eastern Orthodox culture. Bachkovo Monastery has at least two other church buildings in addition to its main one, its own museum and later on we discovered that it preserves a significant ossuary which can be reached in a few hundred meters away from it… So, are you ready to visit one of the oldest monasteries on the Balkan Peninsula, still active (with monks) and the 2nd largest in Bulgaria? :)✌🏻

Beautiful location, would have been 5 stars but the museum and some of the other rooms were still closed at 9:45am and no one was sure what time they were meant to open so didn't get to see everything I'd hoped. Well worth the journey anyway though.

Here, nestled in the Rhodope mountains, the Bachkovo Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos stands as a moving testament to religious tolerance and historical continuity. Founded in 1083, it has welcomed different cultures, survived invasion and change, and still welcomes visitors of all faiths to reflect, pray or simply pause. The stone walls, the quiet courtyards and the rich frescoes speak of an era when different traditions—Byzantine, Georgian, Bulgarian—and yes, even Ottoman-era coexistence left their mark. It is a place that encourages respect, contemplation and the freedom to worship in one’s own way. A truly beautiful and humbling site.

A sanctuary of peacefulness. Some fantastic frescoes. We ate at one of the eateries on the street leading to the monastery which was below average. They all do the same thing and all look the same quality. Recommend eating elsewhere. But the monastery is great.

A nice monastery and the nature around and the fact that in the monastery there are the graves of two people that had a major role in preventing the deportation of Bulgarian Jews during WW2

Amazingly beautiful monastery! Definitely worth visiting or staying for a night. It’s one of the largest in Bulgaria. It’s restored and has a great audio guide. Highly recommend.

Nice views. There are lots of stairs besides the view, not very much to see. Back and forth not circular route. 8 Lev entry fee plus 1.5 for parking.

A tiny must see in spectacular Landscape. Parking nearby. Small entrance fee. Misty mountain scenery was perfect. Easy Access from main road. Definetely Not barrier free, because historical place withon wild Nature.

Excellent place to walk around and see great views on fortress and surrounding. Most mountains covered by trees and like as Switzerland, so many green color

Amazing place to visit. Offers a great view and a dive into the regions history. Highly recommended!

Small but very cool castle from the time of Assen II with a commanding view of the gorge and the valley. Doesn't take long to explore, but worth a visit if you haven't seen it and are into medieval castles 🙂

Beautiful place! This was stunning, and I recommend visiting here highly! It's 8 lev entrance fee per person. Stunning views when on the top. Easy to walk around as hand rails are all around (mostly) - it would feel very exposed without!

Not much here to see except ruins. Well it was a good walk.

JUL2025: a random discovery which turned out to be magnificent. This open air folklore museum should be a MUST VISIT for anyone visiting Bulgaria. A travel in history through Bulgarian craft and folk culture. Very well designed and taken care of. Inspiring and located in a refreshing lush valley alongside a pleasant stream. Loved the architecture, the stalls and also the genuine shopping. 6 stars if there was such option.

The whole complex is carefully thought out and logically exposed. You can really feel the spirit of old times. The new gallery was a nice surprise as well. The exhibition that was there when I visited the place was beautiful

Really cool place. It represents the Bulgarian habits in the past and all typical professions at that time. Lots of shops that sell handmade goods and foods. Also you can watch the process of creating those things. There was a really nice tavern with good food.

Beautiful little gem, full of culture and beauty. The craftsmen there are amazing and so talented and it is worth every penny. There are public toilets and places to eat. My favourite place to bring guests

Most beautiful etno museum I’ve ever seen. It is so alive, with craftsmen and women working in their shops, where you can buy from them all sorts of products they make from leather, wood, ceramics, flutes, jewelry and more

Attended the 19th International Fair of Traditional Crafts hosted by the Ethnographic open air Etar Museum. The ethno village is a beautiful place that preserves Bulgaria's cultural heritage. Strongly recommend visiting it!

Etar is open-air museum near city of Gabrovo in northern Bulgaria. There are numerous acting workshops dating back centuries. It's very interesting to see wood carving, pottery, needle work, coppersmith crafts, cutlery etc right in front of your own eyes. Amazing experience!!!

This museum is very well set out and shows you the history and the process of the rose oil, with old instruments, documents, bottles for storage or for the sale of the oil, different types of roses, photos, to even the stand used to exhibit in Paris and internationally. It explains how the industry started, where it came from, its growth and what it is today. What I enjoyed the most was the video about the ‘Festival of Rose’ held yearly, that was fantastic. Makes me want to visit again just for the festival, and I will!

The Museum of the Rose in Kazanlak is a delightful attraction that beautifully celebrates the region's unique connection to roses. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, this museum is well worth a visit. It's a fragrant and colorful journey through one of Bulgaria's most cherished traditions. One of the highlights of the museum is the detailed explanation of the rose oil extraction process. Interactive displays and informative panels provide a clear understanding of how the precious oil is distilled from the petals of the famous Damask roses. The museum also features a beautiful collection of vintage bottles and containers used to store rose oil, adding a nostalgic touch to the experience. In addition to the historical exhibits, the Museum of the Rose boasts a delightful garden where visitors can see different varieties of roses in bloom. This outdoor space is a perfect spot to relax. The museum shop is another must-visit feature, offering a wide range of rose-based products, from perfumes and cosmetics to culinary delights like rose jam and rose liqueur. These make for wonderful souvenirs or gifts that capture the essence of Kazanlak's rose heritage.

it provides the history of rose industry development in Bulgaria region over hundred years and is worth a visit!

The only museum in the world, dedicated to the oil-yielding plant – rose, is situated in the town of Kazanlak. The Rose Museum is housed in the old building of the Rose Institute. The rose is one of the symbols of Bulgaria. The museum is a part of the Historical Museum “Iskra” in Kazanlak. In 1967, a small exposition was created, which was dedicated to rose-picking in Kazanlak and the region. In 1969. the exposition grew into an independent museum. Nowadays. the Rose Museum stores more than 15 000 exponents related to the rose-picking and rose-production in Bulgaria.

Not very big, but interesting. 6 leva entrance. There is a shop of rose cosmetics in the lobby. Circular museum, cannot miss anything. Avoid crowds and groups on Rose Festival, go late in the afternoon. Too bad there is no seperate group entrance or scheduled ones on such days.

Amazing place to visit, with lots of authentic materials.

Visited yesterday, so interesting and well presented! Great opportunity to learn about the rose industry in general, but its history in the region as well. Definitely worth the time, plus it’s located in a lovely park with rise gardens.

There was a rave party at the time, when I visited and the atmosphere was really nice. Views were also amazing, but the no problem I had was that it's still closed and you can't enter

Fantastic place! Why is Buzludzha’s heritage contested? 1. Historical symbol of communism • Built in 1981 as the House-Museum of the Bulgarian Communist Party. • Embodied the Party’s power, ideology, cult of personality, and the “bright future of socialism.” 2. Decay and abandonment after 1989 • Following the regime’s collapse, the monument was closed and deserted. • In the public consciousness, it became a symbol of the totalitarian past that many Bulgarians wish to forget. 3. Duality of perception • For some, it is a masterpiece of brutalist architecture and part of Bulgaria’s cultural heritage. • For others, it is a symbol of dictatorship, repression, and propaganda, unworthy of preservation. 4. Political polarization • The left views it as a memory of social solidarity and industrial progress. • The right and anti-communist forces see it as a reminder of repression, lack of freedoms, and dependence on the USSR. 5. European context • Within the EU, such sites are considered contested heritage — legacies that cannot be interpreted unambiguously. • The goal is not to demolish, but to interpret: transforming them into spaces for dialogue about the past, memory, and lessons of history. ⸻ Contested heritage = tension between: • Memory and oblivion (preserve or demolish?). • Aesthetics and ideology (architecture vs. ideological symbol). • Nation and Europe (local understanding vs. European discourse on totalitarianism). • Commerce and ethics (tourist attraction vs. “museum of dictatorship”). ⸻ Buzludzha is not just a ruin, but a mirror of the debate on how Bulgaria and Europe should remember the 20th century.

Like out of a Bond movie. Incredible. Totally falling apart, but magnificent.

It's totally worth seeing! the vibe, and it was mistic in every kind of weather

A fascinating place to spend a few hours. The view from this place is fascinating. Although it was abandoned, this place looks nice. For those who want to explore it inside - there is 24/7 security checking no one is trying to enter. Note that it is windy there because of altitude.

The Khadzhi Dimitur, listed among the world's top 10 alternative tourist destinations, boasts a history steeped in political significance. Originally serving as the meeting place for the Bulgarian Communist Party, this architectural relic now stands in a state of graceful decay atop a picturesque mountain. The journey to reach the Khadzhi Dimitur is as captivating as the destination itself, offering a scenic hike that marries natural beauty with the anticipation of exploring a unique ruin. The building's current condition adds a layer of intrigue and character, transforming it into a must-visit spot for those seeking offbeat travel experiences. Its dilapidated state, rather than diminishing its appeal, enhances the allure, offering a tangible glimpse into Bulgaria's historical narrative. This juxtaposition of natural splendor and historical decay creates an atmosphere that is both haunting and beautiful, appealing to adventurers and history enthusiasts alike. The Khadzhi Dimitur stands as a testament to the passage of time, inviting visitors to step into a space where history and nature converge in a striking tableau.

Probably one of the most controversial buildings in Bulgaria, the Buzludzha Monument is located near the city of Kazanlak and on the Hadzi Dimitar peak. Because of its communistic origin, the Monument suffers from variety of problems, such as ownership issues, lack of preservation strategy, no vision for its future. While the construction attracts hundreds of tourists every year, and even though it is considered an architecture masterpiece, the Monument is in ruins and decomposes slowly. Be mindful of the strong wind at the peak. It could get chilly even in the summer. If you visit, you can also check out the Shipka Monument nearby, as well as the incredible church in Shipka village.

Sweet spot right by the road. Do stop and take photos if you are passing by. You can also buy the water purifying rock called zeolit there in small packets. When added to drinking water it greatly improves the drinking quality. I love it.

Very interesting rock formations - (in the shape of mushrooms!) caused by years of erosion, well worth a visit if you are in the area. There was no one else there, it's free to see.

It's 2 rocks about 7 feet high that have a mushroom shape to them and they're surrounded by other big rocks that don't resemble mushrooms! No charge to enter, just walk up from the road. There's 2 stalls selling semi precious stones (synthetic)? and other touristy stuff.

If you have time and passing near-by, it is small but an interesting place to see.

Great place to visit, parking on both sides of the road and a small stall selling semi precious Stones.

Nice little stop right at the main road.. to take cool pics and have a break from driving. Souvenir sold too. ;)

It's a must see,I promise!

Lovely! there is no entry fee and no explanations are given. There is only one good article (the wiki one in Bulgarian) found about this place. Nonetheless it's definitely worth talking a look. You can admire the communist buildings in the background, makes for quite an arc over history. Not clear what is preserved from Roman times and what is reconstructed

Great free place to walk around. Roman ruins in the city centre.

Beautiful roman ruins, you can walk through the forum and there is no entrance fee. Problem is just that they erected everything and didn't make clear where the originals stop and the reconstruction begins. Also there is almost no information, you just walk among the place and have to guess what it is that you are walking on, if you aren't an archaeologist or historian. Good place to visit, but go to the Stara Zagora Museum first to get informed ;-)

If you're passing by Stara Zagora, check this place out. It's not too much left, but it's nice to see. There is no entrance fee.

The best Roman forum in Bulgaria. Well integrated into city architecture.

Remains of Emperor Trayan's city. It could be taken care off a bit more.

A really nice outdoor venue place. Going there for concerts and Opera must be stunning. Recommend to visit.

A great museum with plenty of exhibits. There are descriptions in English and enough to read to get the jist of it. Set over three floors with the basement housing a roman road and pavement. Very low entry price and enough to do and see for a couple of hours.

Ice building. A few very interesting and worthier pieces. A lot of mistakes in the titles and the objects. Does not match. So if you don’t know history you will be lost. More about ancient and Rome period. No entry possible with ISIC or ITIC cards. So we are still disconnected from the world. At the end it is a must visit. But could be better.

I highly recommend the guided tour! The museum is fascinating alone. I purchased the English language tour and learned so much from the expert tour guide. Do not miss the chance to go back in time and learn more of what shaped our world.

A Journey Through Time – A Must-Visit Historical Museum Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking to learn something new, this museum offers an enriching experience that’s both educational and enjoyable. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to answer questions or share fascinating insights about the exhibits. It’s clear that a lot of care and passion goes into maintaining this place.

Beautifully made and there are a lot of artifacts from which you can learn about our and ancient history. In most museum you pay the same tax, but you have much less items to observe. For example, in Stara Zagora museum there were 4 floors full of history, meanwhile most of the museums offer maximum of 2. I strongly recommend visiting this museum!

Its smaller but nice. There's discount for parents with kids, the real Roman street and some games for kids.

Hot , very hot in July. It's a shame because the museum is really good and interesting. Please repair your air conditioning!

The tree is closed for visiting because it's slowly dying (or, maybe, dead already). It looks ancient and spiritual, but honestly, not attractive.

One of the symbol of the town. The Old Elm is around 1300 years old and Europe tree of the year. New married couples are taking pictures next to it with hopes their love to be as strong as the tree.

Species: Field Elm (Ulmus minor) Region: City of Sliven, Sliven region, Bulgaria Age: 1100 years Тhe Old Elm is a main symbol of Sliven. It is a centuries-old silent witness of the city's turbulent and heroic past. Events organised around it on occasions of historic and community significance have turned it into a major marker. It is the place where mood of the city used to be measured. Public demonstrations and parades used to pass by the tree. Today most people arrange their important meetings by the tree. It remains the most definitive orientation marker for newcomers to the city. It is also part of the city coat of arms and will remain a historic marker for future generations.

My husband said it was a very nice and sturdy tree before... Now it's somewhat dead, but they still hope that one day a sapling will grow...

One of the most common meet-up spots. You really cannot miss it. Right next to the municipality of Sliven, in the city centre. Moreover, it's implemented as a emblem in the town's logo. It's really old elm tree, alive for more than 1300 years and it's still blooming during the spring.

It's the symbol of the city but don't expect something fabulous :) An old tree in the center of the city that we (people from Sliven) love and value.

One of the symbols of the city..it is very old tree but it's not huge....I really like it it brings childhood memories to me...

Lovely mall. Clean and nicely air conditioned. Great variety of shops over three floors. Ample underground parking which is free. Always a winner 🏆 Food court not great though. KFC always jammed and very slow. Hessburger busy and slow too. McDonald’s always get the order wrong. Aladdin just cold, badly cooked crap. 💩

Nice modern mall with good balance of international and local / regional brands. Also wide possibilities for refreshments, drinks, coffee and food. I would definitely come back. Surprisingly fast access with public transport bus Б2 so even from the city center it is 15 mins away.

Horrible shopping centre. Every shop I went to the customer service was a negative experience. No-one seems to want to work here with a smile. The only positive is the parking is free. They must have issues with shoplifting etc. as the security are very keen to keep a close eye on shoppers. I would have bought items from a number of outlets but was totally put off by the experience. Particularly in Nike, Zara and worst of the lot Starbucks. In contrast to shops in the centre of Burgas where everyone seemed lovely. I won't be revisiting if I'm ever back in Burgas

During my visit I encountered significant issues with both your staff and facilities. When I approached the information desk for assistance, the staff member was engaged in a personal phone conversation and showed no willingness to help. This is unacceptable behavior for someone whose role is to provide support and information to visitors. Furthermore, upon leaving the mall, the car park was completely blocked. Vehicles were stuck for an extended period of time, and no communication or explanation was provided as to why the delay was occurring or how long it would take. This lack of organization and information caused unnecessary frustration and inconvenience.

We didn’t even manage to enter. Horrible traffic until we reach the mall, there were no free parking lots above so the security guided everybody to the underground parking… which was also full! So we were stuck underground for more than hour with two children-no free parking lots and too much traffic to exit fast! Horrible experience-will never repeat this spot!

Hello I come here With a probem from your store locating in Burgas ( Mall Galleria Burgas ) The iqos island located in mall I was there and I have ask to buy 4 boxes of Terea Turquoise The Young lady sayd is 260 Bgn /leva I payd With card and I have received 4 boxes one bag and a bon / recipe that says 260 leva After I leave and I have seen that in my bank App The sume 360 leva have been taken I Will report this further with The proper authorities

A good place for families especially kids. It has an indoor play area, arcade with Playstation area, bowling and cinema. Very busy in season though. Shops are ok and it has a food court with a fairly good choice. Including Hesburger, McDonald's, KFC, Subway, Pizza, Sushi and traditional Bulgarian food. There is also a gym. The outside car park gets mega busy though so use the inside one 😉

Looks well maintained. Well lit during the night. Nice place for a walk or circling. About 40mins in each direction. You can take a walk on the beach side and on the way back check out the center of the garden. All of the cats are a bonus.

Beautiful park & garden near next to the beach. Lots of interesting artwork and benches to explore and relax. Well visited by locals and tourists. Few events happening. There was running event, independent market and musical event in the open air theatre when we visited. Nice place to unwind and get some fresh air.

Amazing huge park near the beach. A lot of stuff to explore! Definitely must visit and walk through all the interesting locations ❤️

Amazing park with loads to see, shops and stalls to buy food and drinks. Highly recommend to take the train all the way out to the salt bath.

The Sea Garden in Burgas is more than just a city park — it’s the soul of the city’s seaside experience. With its impressive mix of nature, culture, sea views, and recreational features, it’s a highly recommended stop when in Burgas. Whether you want to stroll among trees, relax by the sea, catch a concert, or enjoy a festival atmosphere, this garden has plenty to offer.

Beautiful park with an impressive array of sculptures. Peaceful and wonderfully maintained. And excellent access to the seafront which runs adjacent.

Lovely huge space for a walk. We even saw traditional dancers there.