At first glance, Bulgaria's largest city appears to be just another bustling, modern capital, but there are still layers of history to be discovered. The most recent discovery occurred between 2010 and 2012, when a large portion of the ancient city of Serdica was discovered during the construction of a metro station.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Saint Sofia Church with its subterranean museum and necropolis, the 4th-century Church of St. George, and the UNESCO-awarded Boyana Church are just a few of the city's most well-known attractions. The National History Museum, which houses some of the world's most famous ancient gold treasures, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Archeology Museum, the National Art Gallery, which is housed in the former royal palace, and the Museum of Socialist Art are all located in Sofia.

Nature lovers will not be disappointed, as Sofia is located at the base of the Vitosha Mountain, which offers hiking and skiing opportunities. When you visit Sofia, you'll find everything from exciting nightlife and affordable lodging to lovely boutiques and charming cobblestone streets.

• Must see: Boyana church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Ivan Vazov National Theatre, Saint Nedelja Church and National Museum of Military History and South Park

Varna is known as Bulgaria's sea capital and is one of the country's most popular summer destinations. During the summer, it transforms into a bustling city with a variety of activities and festivals to keep visitors entertained.

To name a few events, there is an international ballet competition, a jazz festival, a folklore festival, and a music festival. The Sea Garden is one of the city's most beautiful spots, and locals enjoy strolling through it. You can visit the National Maritime Museum, the Archeological Museum, or the Varna Aquarium when you've had your fill of the yellow-sand beaches, the sea, and the sun.

Varna, which overlooks the Black Sea, is one of Bulgaria's most important tourist destinations. This tranquil resort town contains Roman baths, ancient cathedrals, and museums, all of which showcase the history and heritage of a bygone era. Varna's beaches are lively and exciting, with shacks and bars where visitors can relax, sunbathe, and engage in water sports.

• Must see: Roman Bath, Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, Baroque Opera House and Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin

Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities and one of the best cities to visit in Bulgaria, astonishes visitors with its diversity. Plovdiv, in southern Bulgaria, is a veritable open-air museum of Bulgarian history. Plovdiv was once one of the Roman Empire's most important cities. The Roman Amphitheater, which is still used as an open-air theater, the Roman Stadium, the Roman Forum, and the Eirene Residence can all be visited today.

The Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and colorful National Revival houses, most of which have been turned into museums, has a completely different vibe. Climb to the top of one of the city's seven hills for spectacular views of the city. Plovdiv, the ancient city, is on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 2022 will be a great year to visit Plovdiv because it will be the European Capital of Culture..

• Must see: Plovdiv Roman stadium, Roman amphitheater, Staria grad, Park Tsra Simeon and Alyosha Soviet Army Memorial and Ethnographic Museum

The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila is one of Bulgaria's most famous attractions and one of the best day trips from Sofia. The monastery's black-and-white striped arches, the red-and-white striped facade, and the old stone tower will all be instantly recognizable. The monastery is richly frescoed and a fine example of National Revival architecture.

The Tower of Hrelja, which dates from the early 14th century, is the oldest structure on the site. During Bulgaria's National Revival, the Rila Monastery played an important role. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which comes as no surprise. The monastery is located in southwest Bulgaria, in the Rila Mountains, and it was established in the 10th century by the hermit Ivan of Rila.

• Must see: Other than the monastery and its in-house museum and gallery, one can also explore Rila National Park, Rila Mountains, and Medi Valley Winery

Nesebar is the next best place to visit in Bulgaria during the summer. This charming town on the Black Sea coast is known for its ancient ruins, edifices, and beautiful beaches. The old part of Nessebar is on an island with Byzantine-era fortifications and Roman baths that is connected to the mainland by a man-made walkway.

There's also the famous 11th century St. Stephen church nearby, which has an ornate altarpiece and numerous mural paintings. Aside from that, one can sunbathe on the beaches, participate in water sports, eat seafood, or have some crazy fun at the beachfront water park.

• Must see: St. Stephens Church, Winery Messembria, Church of Saint Sophia, Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, Aquapark

Veliko Tarnovo, renowned as ‘city of Tsars’, one of the best places to visit in Europe, stands out for its breathtaking beauty. Veliko Tarnovo is situated on the banks of the Yantra River, which provides a picturesque backdrop for this historic Bulgarian city.

Houses built in the National Revival style cling to the hillsides, making it easy to fall in love with this charming city. A 7000 years old town is constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries, during the heyday of the Second Bulgarian Empire, the city served as Bulgaria's capital.

Visit Tsarevets, the fortress with ramparts, the king's castle, and the church on the top of the hill, while in Veliko Tarnovo. Take a step back in time by strolling down Gurko Street and shopping for handcrafted souvenirs at the Samovodska Charshia. For the most amazing 360-degree views of the city, tourists should go to the Asenevtsi Monument. You should also try to visit the art gallery while you’re there.

• Must see: Tsaravets Fortress, Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of God, Forty Martyrs Church and Asen’s Monument

Bansko is Bulgaria's most popular skiing destination and one of the best places to visit in the winter. Bansko, located at the foothills of the Pirin Mountains, welcomes all winter sports enthusiasts with open arms.

One of the must-see Bulgaria destinations, this ski resort town boasts numerous ski and snowboard areas on Todorka Peak, including Tomba Run, as well as the country's longest skiing season. Bansko is also known for its ski restaurants, nightlife, and spa, as well as hosting the annual Bansko Jazz Festival.

• Must see: Vihren Peak, Todorka, Kutelo, and Bansko Gondola Ski lift

On the Black Sea Coast, Sozopol is another hidden gem. The Old Town, which hosts one of the country's largest art festivals every September, is a popular tourist destination for art lovers. The 19th-century wooden houses and golden-sand beaches are complemented by colorful fishing boats and rocky shores. The summer resort of New Town is very popular.

Sozopol is one of Bulgaria's ancient coastal towns, with Bronze Age relics and remnants on display. There is an ancient fortress overlooking the sea and archaeological evidence of a sprawling Christian complex perched on the Black Sea coast.

Sozopol, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, attracts visitors from all over the world all year. It is one of Bulgaria's most important cultural centers and hosts Apollonia Art and Film Festival every year.

• Must see: St. Thomas Island, St. Ivan Island and The Castle of Ravadinovo

From the time of the National Revival (18th – 19th century), this small town with an almost unpronounceable name has been one of the most important historical places in Bulgaria. Koprivshtitsa, surrounded by beautiful mountains, is a lovely place that retains the spirit of revolutionary Bulgaria and the 1876 April Uprising.

Before going to Koprivshtitsa, try to learn a little more about Bulgaria's history to gain a better understanding of its significance. Every four years, Koprivshtitsa hosts the country's largest authentic folklore festival.

Colorful houses, cobblestone streets, bustling public squares, and markets are just a few of the things you can see and do in Koprivshtitsa, one of Bulgaria's most popular tourist destinations. With the backdrop of Sredna Gora mountains; this historic town is perfectly set on the banks of Topolnita River and is famous for its folk festivals and carnivals.

• Must see: Oslekov House, Topalova House, Dimcho Debelyanov House, and Lyuben Karavelov Museum

Burgas is another name in the group of best places to visit in Bulgaria, as it is bordered by the sea and several lakes. Despite the fact that this is an industrial city, tourists and locals flock to the beaches, restaurants, and shacks. During the summer, the main promenade hosts summer theater performances, which add to the area's allure.

Burgas, also known as Bourgas, is the second-largest city on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast in the region of Northern Thrace, and the country's fourth-largest after Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna, with a population of 202,694 people and a city area of 277,922. Burgas is the provincial capital and an important industrial, transportation, cultural, and tourist center.

The city is surrounded by the Burgas Lakes and is situated on the Black Sea's westernmost point, in the large Burgas Bay. LUKOIL Neftochim is a Russian oil company. Burgas is the largest oil refinery and industrial enterprise in Southeastern Europe. Burgas Port is Bulgaria's largest port, and Burgas Airport is the country's second-busiest airport.

• Must see: Church of Saint Cyril, Sea Garden, Lake Burgas, Lake Atanasovsko and St. Anastasia Island