Bulgaria is repeatedly rated as one of Europe’s best value travel destinations and is a popular choice for low-cost beach holidays and city breaks. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be even better value. Read on for our guide to getting the best bang for your Bulgarian buck…
- Don’t haggle – even at a market.
Unlike neighbours Greece and Turkey, Bulgarians don’t do bargaining and may be offended if you offer less than the asking price. If you want to get the best deals, try charm; learning a little Bulgarian goes a long way, even better if you also have some knowledge of the country’s history and culture.
- Pay with the local currency.
Yes, Bulgaria is part of the EU and Euros are widely accepted but you’ll usually pay more if you choose this option. Instead, withdraw cash at an ATM in the local currency – the Bulgarian lev – when you arrive in the country. And if you’re paying by card, make sure you choose the lev as your currency.
- Save on the sights with a discount card.
For around 20 lev (£9 / $11) you can buy a pass that gives you free travel on public transport as well as discounts on entry to museums and other attractions. The Sofia Card offers three days of unlimited travel plus discounted entry to the Museum of Natural History and the National Institute and Museum of Archaeology. The Plovidiv City Card offers cheap entry to Balabanov House and Plovdiv Roman Theatre among others, while the Varna City Card offers free and discounted admission to a huge range of attractions – plus a free beer tasting tour.
- Consider visiting out of season.
If you’re not set on sunbathing, you’ll find the cheapest deals on Bulgarian holidays in the ‘shoulder seasons’ of January to April and September to December. Prices at renowned ski resorts including Bansko and Borovets are lowest just after Christmas and new year – and they are already the best value ski destinations in Europe according to Post Office Travel Money’s 2022 comparison. But the quieter shoulder seasons are also a great time for a city break in locations such as Sofia, Bourgas and Plovdiv where you’ll beat both the queues and the summer heat.
- Try before you buy on a free food tour.
Eating out is not expensive in Bulgaria but all that choice makes picking a restaurant even harder. Enter the free food tour – a restaurant hop through a city’s best eateries under the guidance of a local expert. Designed to showcase the wide range of cuisine on offer, you’ll be able to try complementary samples of national delicacies such as banitsa and boza as well as more unexpected dishes. Balkan Bites is the best-known tour in Sofia and takes in everything from traditional bakeries to Bulgaria’s first soup bar. It’s a great way to discover new foods at the same time as bookmarking a dinner spot for later.
Like getting good value? Then you’ll want the best deal on your Bulgaria hire car. We scan all available offers for your holiday dates to ensure your break never goes over budget.