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Planning a trip to Bulgaria and wondering how to make the most of your time beyond Sofia? Whether you’re captivated by ancient monasteries, pastel-painted Revival towns, or cross-border Balkan adventures, Bulgaria’s day trip options are as diverse as they are accessible.
Rila Monastery is the most popular day trip from Sofia
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite day trips from Sofia and beyond — from remote UNESCO sites to revolutionary villages tucked in the mountains. These are the excursions that offer true cultural immersion and unforgettable views — many of which are best explored on a well-curated tour (and yes, I’ve tried them myself!).
👉 If you’re still finalizing your base in Bulgaria, check out my guide to 2 Days in Sofia to make sure you’ve carved out enough time for the capital before heading out. And if you’re the kind of traveller that likes to read about a country before you visit, check out my best books about Bulgaria.
From there? Let’s hit the road.
One of Plovdiv’s most beautiful houses
💌 Planning a culture-first Balkans trip?
Grab my free Culture-First Balkans Travel Guide — packed with weekend-worthy destinations from Bulgaria to Albania.
And if you’d prefer someone to build a personalised itinerary for you — tailored to your time, interests, pace, and travel style — I also offer custom trip planning, including wider Balkan routes.
Most tours range from €30–€60 depending on destination and inclusions. Public transport is cheaper, but slower and less flexible — I break down both options below each destination.
💎 My Top Recommendation
If you only have time for one day trip from Sofia, I highly recommend visiting Rila Monastery. It’s one of the most breathtaking places I’ve been in the Balkans — and the frescoes, forested setting, and history blew me away.
🚐 I joined this guided tour (✨ 4.6/4,100+ reviews), which also included a stop at the charming wine town of Melnik. It was smooth, informative, and made the whole day effortless.
🏛️ Rila Monastery – Bulgaria’s Most Iconic Spiritual Site
Why go: A UNESCO-listed monastery high in the Rila Mountains — this is Bulgaria’s most famous religious site for a reason.
What to do:
See the frescoed arches and striped façade – the main church at Rila has gorgeous and unusual frescoes, painted in the 19th century after a fire destroyed the earlier church. The frescoes depict famous Bible stories, while inside the church itself lie the remains of the founder, St Ivan.
Visit medieval tower and soak up the mountain atmosphere – the medieval clock tower in the centre of the complex is the only building which escaped the fire in the 1830s, and dates from the 13th century. The monastery is surrounded by mountains and pine forests, making it a serene escape despite the fact that it’s Bulgaria’s most popular tourist attraction.
Try mekitsi, traditional fried dough pastries best enjoyed with powdered sugar or jam, at the bakery behind the monastery – these traditional Bulgarian breakfast pastries have become a deliciously important part of any trip to Rila
Guided tour or DIY: guided tour – the monastery is in a remote area of the mountains and public transport isn’t an option
How to get there: Use a guided tour from Sofia – I recommend this option (✨ 4.6/4.1k+), as I used their Rila & Melnik combined tour and loved it.
Plovdiv – Europe’s Oldest Continually-inhabited city
Why go: Explore multiple eras of Bulgaria’s history, from Roman archeological ruins to the beautiful 19th century Revival Houses in Plovdiv’s Old Town
What to do:
Explore Plovdiv’s beautiful Old Town – the Old Town in Plovdiv dates from the 18th and 19 centuries and is full of winding alleys, historic buildings and charming cafes. Spend your time navigating the steep slopes, visiting fascinating house museums to see how people would have lived during Plovdiv’s most opulent era, and buy hand-made traditional gifts in the Street of Crafts.
One of the beautiful houses in Plovdiv’s Old Town
Visit Plovdiv’s ancient history at the Roman sites dotted around town. The most spectacular is the Ancient Theatre, which is cut into the natural hillside of Plovdiv’s Old Town and is still used for concerts and plays today. Other highlights include the Ancient Stadium and the many ruins visible along the main street – even underneath H&M.
Soak up Plovdiv’s chill vibes – stroll along the main pedestrian street, have a coffee at one of Plovdiv’s many excellent cafes, or explore the beautiful Tsar Simeon Park. Life in Plovdiv is lived slowly, and you’ll love the change of pace.
Plovdiv’s Ancient Theatre
Guided tour or DIY: for a day trip, I recommend a guided tour (✨ 4.6/760+) to make the most of your time and underneath Plovdiv’s deep history. If you’re able to stay overnight, it’s easy to visit by public transport. You can also combine Plovdiv with a guided tour with Koprivshtitsa (✨ 4.6/280+). Run by the same amazing guides I travelled with to Rila — highly recommend them for history-rich day trips like this one.
How to get there: I recommend this guided tour (✨ 4.6/760+) , or you can easily take the bus (faster but more expensive) or train (slower but cheaper) from Sofia.
I created a free Culture-First Balkans Travel Guide just for travelers like you — with weekend-worthy destinations from Bulgaria to Albania. It’s the perfect companion if you’re planning more than a quick stop.
I’ll also send you thoughtful tips and hidden gems you won’t find on Google
🏡 Koprivshtitsa – Bulgaria’s Most Beautiful Revolutionary Town
Why go: Step back into Bulgaria’s National Revival era in this cobbled, mountain village filled with house-museums and history.
What to do:
Visit colourful historic homes turned into museums – I particularly loved the Oslekov House, which is one of the most opulent houses, and the Dimcho Debelyanov house, a beautiful blue cottage-style house where Debelyanov, one of Bulgaria’s most famous poets, once lived
Koprivshtitsa’s houses are among the most beautiful in the Balkans
Learn about Bulgaria’s April Uprising – Koprivshtitsa saw the first shots fired in Bulgaria’s April Uprising in 1876, which was the precursor to Bulgarian Independence a few years later. Many of the key revolutionaries lived in Koprivshtitsa, and you can visit their homes to learn about this important event in Bulgarian history.
Enjoy mountain views and traditional food – Koprivshtitsa is nestled in the mountains, and it’s truly a joy to wander the small town, have a coffee in the main square, and enjoy traditional Bulgarian food. I loved the food at Chuchura Family Restaurant, recommended by my hotel and absolutely worth the visit.
Koprivshtitsa is a peaceful retreat
Guided tour or DIY: possible as a DIY tour from Sofia, but this highly-rated guided tour will help you make the most of the history (✨ 4.6/760+) . You can also combine it with a guided tour of Plovdiv, above (✨ 4.6/280+). This is the same company I used for my Rila trip – they were excellent.
How to get there: You can use Bulgaria’s excellent (but ponderous) train network from Sofia – buy tickets here. Note that on arrival you’ll need to get a shuttle bus into town – these meet the trains (more or less) and cost 4e.
Time needed: Full day
Read more: My full Koprivshtitsa guide → or if you love the sound of Koprivshtitsa and you’re travelling more widely in the Balkans, find out about Krusevo in North Macedonia, the home of Macedonian revolution and colourful houses.
🏰 Veliko Tarnovo – Bulgaria’s Medieval Capital
Why go: Once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, Veliko Tarnovo is a city of hilltop fortresses, cobbled lanes, and sweeping river views. Its dramatic location and layered history make it one of Bulgaria’s most photogenic and fascinating towns.
What to do:
When I visited Veliko Tarnovo, there was an orange weather warning for rain — but even through the downpour, the city’s beauty shone through! That did limit what I could see, but these are the highlights I’d recommend:
Wander the crafts street of Samovodska Charshiya – this charming cobbled street was the highlight of my visit. It’s lined with traditional workshops and local artisans selling everything from pottery and lace to handmade soaps and sweets. Even in the rain, it’s one of the most atmospheric places to buy thoughtful Bulgarian souvenirs.
The beautiful Samovodska Charshiya street
Climb to Tsarevets Fortress – the town’s star attraction, this medieval stronghold dates back to the 12th century and served as the seat of Bulgaria’s tsars. Perched high above the Yantra River, it offers panoramic views across the valley. If you’re visiting, stop for coffee at Boyar Food Art, whose floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the nearby Trapezitsa Fortress.
Visit the museums – Veliko Tarnovo is packed with small, interesting museums. The Sarafkina House Museum offers an excellent ethnographic exhibition, while the Archaeological Museum gives great context to the city’s medieval past. I’d skip the Museum of the Revival and Constituent Assembly, which currently has almost no English information.
The fortress in Veliko Tarnovo
Guided tour or DIY: both are possible, but as ever, a guided tour like this highly rated option (✨ 4.7/36+) will help you to maximise your time and understand the history. If you have the option to stay overnight, this is an easy trip from Sofia.
How to get there: Veliko Tarnovo is around 3.5 hours by bus from Sofia, and buses depart regularly. The bus station for Sofia buses is around 10 minutes drive from the historic centre (buses to/from Plovdiv depart from a bus stop much further away). The main bus station in Veliko is well equipped with shops and clean toilets.
Time needed: At least a full day, but ideally stay overnight to enjoy the views once the crowds have left.
Coming soon:
I’ll be publishing a full Veliko Tarnovo travel guide soon — including tips on the best hotels, restaurants, and secret photo spots!
Nis – visit the eerie Skull Tower and the birthplace of Constantine the Great
Why go: Nis is definitely one of Europe’s less touristy cities, but has a few striking highlights like the fascinating but cruel Skull Tower and the sprawling Nis Fortress
What to do:
I visited Nis in October 2025, and these are the highlights I’d recommend:
Visit the eerie and devastating Skull Tower – this unusual monument reflects the tense history between Serbia and the occupying Ottoman forces – after a rebellion in the early 18th century, the Ottomans built this tower decorated with the skulls of dead Serbian rebels. Today, it’s a monument to Serbia’s resistance.
The eerie Skull Tower
Explore the Nis Fortress – head to Nis’s Fortress for a walk through time, exploring Roman and Ottoman history.
Visit the devastating Red Cross Concentration Camp – on the edge of Nis is one of Europe’s less famous, but no less important, concentration camps. The site is carefully maintained, with excellent information to bring to life the horrors of the Nazi occupation.
The Red Cross Concentration Camp is a difficult but important visit
Guided tour or DIY: as this is a long drive to a different country and the main sites are not close together, I recommend a guided tour like this highly rated option (✨ 4.6/260+) to help you to maximise your time.
How to get there: I recommend a guided tour, but there are two public minibuses a day – one in the early morning and one at 4pm.
Time needed: At least a full day.
Skopje – travel across the border to one of Europe’s quirkiest capitals
Why go: The capital of North Macedonia, Skopje, is a quirky mix of the historic Old Bazaar, socialist Brutalist architecture, and the surreal 2014 project that sought to make the city like other European capitals.
What to do:
I spent a month in Skopje, and these are the highlights I’d recommend:
Visit Skopje’s Old Bazaar – this historic part of Skopje was the only part of the city to survive the catastrophic 1963 earthquake. Full of winding alleys, beautiful mosques and vibrant cafes, it’s the heart of Skopje.
Skopje’s vibrant Old Bazaar
Climb to Skopje Fortress – head to Skopje’s Fortress for a panoramic view of the city, including the river and many of the 2014 monuments.
Explore Skopje’s city centre – visit the modern centre of Skopje, including the partly ruined central train station, the huge statues of Alexander the Great, now known as the ancient warrior statues, and explore some of Skopje’s best museums.
Skopje Fortress
Guided tour or DIY: as this is a long drive to a different country, I recommend a guided tour like this highly rated option (✨ 4.6/114+) to help you to maximise your time, and importantly, to help you speed up the border crossing.
How to get there: by public bus, Skopje is about 5 hours from Sofia, as the border crossing tends to be slow (the slowest I experienced in the Balkans). There are a few buses each day to choose from.
Time needed: At least a full day.
🎒 Packing Tips
Planning to day trip while you’re in Sofia? Don’t forget:
Refillable water bottle – Bulgaria is full of public water fountains so bring a refillable water bottle to avoid having to buy plastic.
Power bank – your phone won’t survive a full day of taking photos in these beautiful spots. Make sure you have a lightweight power bank to charge up so you don’t miss out.
Selfie stick – get those all-important selfies with the exact version I use
Packable Rain Jacket – Lightweight, great alternative to umbrellas if you’re travelling in spring or autumn
Snacks — especially useful in areas where food options are limited around midday
Where to stay in Sofia before and after your day trip
Wondering where to stay in Sofia before your day trip? If getting out of Sofia is a priority during your stay, I recommend staying near the pick up points for many tours – this will help with early starts! Use the interactive map below to browse your options or I’ve put some recommendations below:
Central Point Boutique Hotel – reasonably priced boutique option with free spa and wellness centre, just a 5-minute walk from Vitosha Boulevard ✨ 8/3.5k+
Crystal Palace Boutique Hotel – Stylish hotel with a restaurant and gym, breakfast included, located in a quiet leafy area near Sofia University ✨9/500+
No Party and Many Rules Hostel – nearest hostel to the pick-up point, offering a quiet, clean and highly-rated hostel environment, with female-only dorms available ✨ 8.8/665+
Equally, if you’re planning to do these tours DIY, you’re better off staying in central Sofia, near the Serdia II metro which links you quickly to the bus and train stations. I’ve put some recommendations below:
Secession Style – highly rated budget option where I was going to stay, but faffed and it sold out. Near fabulous cafes and street art, and only a few minutes from the Central Market. ✨9.4/440+
Green Cube Capsule Hostel – solid capsule-style hostel with relatively small rooms (some 4 person dorms), offering a higher-end hostel experience, and easy walking to the train and bus stations. ✨8.2/2k+
B1 Downtown Hotel – new 3*+ hotel just off Vitosha Boulevard with a restaurant and excellent double glazing to keep out the street noise in this incredibly central location.✨9/1.8+
Amar Design Hotel – beautiful boutique hotel near good coffee shops, with a restaurant and new amenities.✨9/1.7+
Bulgaria has an affordable (though often slow) public transport system of trains and buses, but many top day trip spots are better accessed via guided tours. I recommend booking well-rated tours that include transportation, especially to remote sites like Rila Monastery or cross-border destinations.
What are the best day trips from Sofia?
Some of the best day trips from Sofia include Rila Monastery, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, Koprivshtitsa, and even cross-border trips to places like Nis in Serbia or Skopje in North Macedonia. Each offers a different slice of the Balkans.
Is Plovdiv worth visiting as a day trip?
Yes! Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest continually inhabited cities and offers ancient Roman ruins, colourful Revival architecture, and a vibrant cafe scene. It’s about 2 hours from Sofia and ideal for a full-day trip.
Can you do a day trip to Rila Monastery without a tour?
It’s technically possible, but quite difficult due to limited public transport. I recommend booking a guided tour for ease and to get the most out of the visit. This one is the company I personally used and loved.✨
Are day trips from Bulgaria to Serbia or North Macedonia safe?
Yes! Cross-border day trips to Nis (Serbia) or Skopje (North Macedonia) are generally safe and straightforward when done via a reputable guided tour. They also make for fascinating cultural contrasts to Bulgaria’s own heritage sites.
What should I pack for day trips in Bulgaria?
Weather can vary by altitude and season. Essentials include a refillable water bottle, power bank, rain jacket, snacks, and layers. I’ve included a packing list later in this post to make it easy.
Is it better to stay overnight or do a day trip?
For places like Veliko Tarnovo or Plovdiv, an overnight stay allows for a more relaxed experience. But if you’re short on time, a well-planned day trip (especially with a guide) will still let you see the highlights.
The Skull Tower in Nis
Wherever you choose to go, Bulgaria’s day trips offer so much more than just sightseeing — they give you a deeper connection to the country’s past, people, and pace of life.
From mountain monasteries to medieval fortresses and cross-border adventures, each destination brings its own surprise.
✨ I hope this guide helped you find the perfect escape from the city — now let’s get your adventure booked.
Skopje’s Old Town
🎒 Ready to Day Trip Like a Pro?
Don’t stress about bus schedules or border crossings — the best way to explore Bulgaria’s top cultural sites is with a trusted local guide.
✨ Here are the tours I personally took and recommend:
Em
