Bulgaria is a dream come true for travelers on a budget. It is the cheapest country to visit in Europe. You can easily stay on budget and still have a truly magical European vacation.
South of Romania. North of Turkey. Bulgaria sits on the Black Sea. Their tourism industry sees a spike in the summer months, but for the most part, it is a European gem with few tourists. You can see castles, beaches, mountains, cities, villages, and tons of history. Whether you want to experience the beaches in the summer or skiing in the winter, there’s something for everyone. What makes it even better is the cost.
Transportation to and around Bulgaria
Flights to Bulgaria are often the cheapest European flights. Once you’re there, getting around is incredibly inexpensive. Transportation is cheap. You can take a train from one side of the country to the other for about $15; buses are under $20. First class tickets are maybe 40% more, so if you want to travel in style, Bulgaria is the place to be. Getting around towns are very inexpensive. Bulgaria is mostly rural area, so if you’re going to go from one city to another, you’ll probably take a bus. You won’t have to shell out more than $12 on short trips, but they can be as inexpensive as $3.
Taxis are equally inexpensive. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $6 around town. If you want to get some exercise in and see the town, you can rent a bike in Sofia, the capital for $15 a day. Bulgaria is close to other countries. If it’s a stop on a bigger trip, you won’t have to spend too much to get to the surrounding countries. Istanbul and Bucharest are close by and inexpensive to reach. For a trip to Bucharest, budget $20, and for a trip to Istanbul, you might spend $50.
Hotel and Hostel Pricing in Bulgaria
Staying in Bulgaria is equally reasonable. Hostel prices are decreasing because of the increase in competition. You can find something in the major cities for $15 a night, usually, including breakfast. It’s easy to rent a room within people’s homes, and it’ll cost less than $20 a night. If you want to stay in a hotel with nice amenities, you should budget between $50 to $100 a night. In comparison to other options, it’s expensive, but overall you can’t find a better price in Europe.
Meal costs in Bulgaria
You can eat on the go or sit and enjoy the culture. Either option, you will have a budget friendly meal. Street food won’t cost you more than $2.50. If you want to enjoy a few courses, you can expect to pay $10. Bulgaria has a lot of good beer and wine options. You can have a delicious and local drink a bar or restaurant for under $2.
Bulgaria is home to a plethora of churches, museums, and activities. Admittance isn’t more than $3 if it costs anything at all. It’s an amazing place for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, rafting, ice/rock climbing, and more.
If public transportation isn’t for you, you can always use TaxiFareFinder to get the best deals on your Bulgarian adventure.