Bulgaria, a country in the SouthEastern Europe, is a land wealthy of sightseeing attractions. The inland of Bulgaria is dominated by plains, mountains, and forests. In fact, Bulgaria is one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe, with more than ten nature sightseeing sites and parks. The fascinating culture and history of Bulgaria are inscribed in its nine world heritage sightseeing sites. On the East, Bulgaria borders the Black Sea, which offers gorgeous and sunkissed beaches. Wherever, you go in Bulgaria, there is always something interesting. On this article, we have selected the top sightseeing places that Bulgaria has to offer.
1. Sea Garden (Varna)
The Sea Garden is the largest, oldest and most popular public sightseeing park in Bulgaria. The garden is along the coastline of Bulgaria, and it offers an impressive landscape architectural view. The Sea Garden is a favorite for nature lovers. The Garden has hundreds of plant species from different parts of Bulgaria, and one side of the park is a monument of art. The park spreads about five kilometers, so you will need a few hours for sightseeing. It is ideal for leisure, recreation, sightseeing, and dining. The perfect weather for sightseeing the Sea Garden is in summer, between June and September.
Name：Sea Garden
Address：Burgas, Varna, Bulgaria
Related Site：http://www.varna.bg/
2. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin (Varna)
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin houses some of the most captivating murals in Bulgaria. It was constructed in the 1800s after the adoption of Christianity in the first empire of Bulgary. Its strategic position right in the center of Varna makes it the most visited religious sightseeing site in Bulgaria. The bell tower of the cathedral which is about 133 stairs up, offers a breathtaking view of the city. The cathedral is impressive in size, and the interior decor is unforgettable. The cathedral is open for sightseeing every day. However, the best time for sightseeing the cathedral is between June and October, as the temperatures in Bulgaria at this period are stable and range between 25ºC and 28ºC. Entrance is free, though you have to pay if you would like to take any photos.
Name：Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin
Address：Plaza Kiril, Metodii 2, Varna 9000, Bulgaria
3. Stone Forest (Varna)
Stone Forest is a natural sightseeing protected area in Bulgaria which occurred as a result of a desert-like natural phenomenon of sea waves, rain and wind factors combined. The Stone Forest is the only desert in Bulgaria and is made of dunes and natural hollow rocks filled with sand. Also, the Stone forest is the only place that scientists found proof of human life in the Mesolithic age. The stone columns look like they are stacked up (but they are natural) and can go as high as 30ft. Summer is the peak sightseeing season for the Stone Forest, though it can really get hot as from midday. Therefore, we recommend that you go sightseeing as early as possible.
Name：Stone Forest
Address：Varna-Sophia Old Road, Varna, Bulgaria
Related Site：http://mgu.bg/geosites/pobiti-kamuni.html
4. Varna Archaeological Museum (Varna)
The Varna Archaeological Museum is in Varna, on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. It is one of the largest museums in Bulgaria, and it features exhibits from the prehistoric age to the 21st century. The museum houses the Gold of Varna, the world's most celebrated gold treasure exhibit. In addition, the museum has a children's study museum, souvenir shop and a cafe. The museum also manages two other satellite sightseeing sites in Bulgaria; one is in the Golden Sands Nature Park and the other in Aladzha Monastery. Summer and autumn are the best weather seasons for sightseeing the museum as they are warm and dry.
Name：Varna Archaeological Museum
Address：Bul. Maria Louisa 41, Varna 9000, Bulgaria
Related Site：http://www.archaeo.museumvarna.com/en/
5. History of Varna Museum (Varna)
History of Varna Museum is another exciting addition to the museum collection of Bulgaria. The Museum is in the city of Varna, and it was constructed in the 1960s. It has three floors for sightseeing with exhibits from when the city was a port in the period of the 1800s. The first floor has mainly exhibits of the city as a port with crafts of shipbuilding and navigation. The highlights for sightseeing on the second floor are original photos of the ancient Bulgary buildings. The pieces on the third floor are mostly from the after-liberation period. The best weather for sightseeing the museum is in summer, between June and October.
Name：History of Varna Museum
Address：ul. "8-mi noemvri" 3, 9000 Varna Center, Varna, Bulgaria
Related Site：http://www.archaeo.museumvarna.com/
6. Aladzha Monastery (Varna)
The Aladzha Monastery is one of the few monasteries in Bulgaria that were established between the 10th and 12th centuries. The monastery is also the most significant sightseeing religious landmark in Bulgaria. Aladzha Monastery is in the Zlatni Pyasatsi Nature Park and is carved out of stone on two levels. The first level has the monastery church, cells, refectory and the ossuary and the monastery chapel lies on the second level. The monastery is also surrounded by rare tree species in Bulgaria, which provide a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape. The monastery is open for sightseeing throughout the year, though the best season for sightseeing is in summer.
Name：Aladzha Monastery
Address：Golden Sands Reserve, Varna, Bulgaria
Related Site：http://www.bulgariamonasteries.com/aladja_manastir.html
7. Plovdiv Old Town (Plovdiv)
Plovdiv Old Town is the second city of Bulgaria. The town is also the oldest in Bulgaria. Plovdiv Old Town is a significant architectural and historical sightseeing reserve, not to be missed when in Bulgaria. Key historical sightseeing monuments in the town include the Nebet Tepe, Hisar Kapia, and the Roman theatre of Plovdiv. Plovdiv Old Town is also popular for concerts and exhibits held throughout the year. Sightseeing of the city is best done on foot, as the walking routes are easy to follow. The perfect timing for sightseeing the old town is either summer or autumn.
Name：Plovdiv Old Town
Address：Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
8. Rila Monastery (Rila)
Rila Monastery is held dearly as a significant historical sightseeing heritage of Bulgaria and also as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. The monastery sits in the middle of the rainforest of Rila mountains, the highest mountain range in Bulgaria. Rila Monastery is a complex of sightseeing architecture dating back to as early as 1334. Highlights for sightseeing at the monastery are the Hreliov tower, the monastery library, main church and the monastery museum. The monastery is accessible for sightseeing throughout the year, and there are several temporary expositions now and then. Spring, autumn, and summer are favorable for sightseeing, though summer is the most preferred.
Name：Rila Monastery
Address：Kyustendil, 2643 Rila, Bulgaria
Related Site：http://www.rilamonastery.pmg-blg.com/Home_page_en.htm
9. Old Nessebar (Nessebar)
The Old Nessebar is a century-old town of and a historical treasure of Bulgaria. Nessebar is located on a small peninsula, on the Black Sea side of Bulgaria. Though it is more than a thousand years old, Old Nessebar has its architectural sightseeing monuments intact and well-preserved. The town is regarded as one of the most romantic sightseeing places on the southern coast of Bulgaria. Visitors adore the sunny beaches and the historical monuments. The months between June and August mark summer time Bulgaria, and are the best for sightseeing.
Name：Old Nessebar
Address：Ulitsa Mesembrija 16, Nessebar, Nessebar 8230, Bulgaria
Related Site：http://www.visitnessebar.org/en/
10. Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski (Sofia)
Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski is the core of the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. This cathedral serves as the head of the Catholic churches in Bulgaria. It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world as well as the primary sightseeing attraction in Bulgaria. The exceptional architecture of the cathedral features a gold plated dome and an Italian marble interior decor. At the cathedral, there is a museum with the largest orthodox collections in Europe. The museum is also an important national icon of Bulgaria and is part of the National Art Gallery. The cathedral is accessible both for sightseeing and daily mass proceedings. For general sightseeing, we recommend that you visit either in summer or spring.
Name：Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski
Address：Sveti Aleksandar Nevski, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
Related Site：http://stalexandernevskycathedral.org/new/
◎ Closing
Bulgaria is the perfect place for a sightseeing adventure. It is the land of sunny beaches of the Black Sea, the lush Rila mountains and prime ancient architecture. The natural sightseeing sites in Bulgaria are also both captivating and abundant. The locals of Bulgaria are amazingly friendly, so you will have a very easy time fitting in. To cap it all, most of the sightseeing places in Bulgaria are either free or very reasonably priced, making it one of the most affordable holiday destinations in the world.