Bulgaria
Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo
One of the most underrated countries in Europe: old towns, cheap trains and very few crowds. An easy first stop in the Balkans.
Best time: May, June and September
Good to know
- Capital
- Sofia
- Currency
- Euro (€), since January 2026
- Language
- Bulgarian (Cyrillic alphabet)
- Say hello
- ZdraveiThank you: Blagodarya
- Plugs
- Type C and F (two round pins)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
When to go
- January: low season
- February: low season
- March: good
- April: good
- May: best
- June: best
- July: good
- August: good
- September: best
- October: good
- November: low season
- December: low season
Late spring and early autumn for the cities; summer for the Black Sea coast.
Where to go in Bulgaria
Visa & entry
- Bulgaria is in the Schengen area. EU citizens only need a passport or ID card.
- UK, US and many other passports can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days, counted across the whole Schengen area.
- Since April 2026 non-EU visitors are registered (photo and fingerprints) in the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at the border, so allow extra time.
- ETIAS, a paid online travel authorisation for visa-free visitors, is expected to start in late 2026. Check before you book.
- Indian passports need a Schengen visa.
- EU official site: EES and ETIAS
- EU list: who needs a Schengen visa
- UK government travel advice
- US government travel advice
General info for the most common passports, checked November 2026. Rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
Bulgaria FAQ
When is the best time to visit Bulgaria?
Late spring and early autumn for the cities; summer for the Black Sea coast.
What currency does Bulgaria use?
Euro (€), since January 2026.
What language do they speak in Bulgaria?
Bulgarian (Cyrillic alphabet). Hello is "Zdravei" and thank you is "Blagodarya".
Can you drink the tap water in Bulgaria?
Generally safe to drink.
What plugs does Bulgaria use?
Type C and F (two round pins). Pack a universal adapter if yours are different.
Do I need a visa for Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is in the Schengen area. EU citizens only need a passport or ID card. UK, US and many other passports can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 days, counted across the whole Schengen area. Rules change, so check the official site (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/) before you book.