### 1. Sofia
The capital city Sofia offers a blend of ancient history and modernity with its stunning architectural landmarks such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. George Rotunda, one of the oldest structures in the city. The bustling city life juxtaposed with serene green spaces like Borisova Gradina makes Sofia a fascinating start to your Bulgarian adventure.
### 2. Plovdiv
Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities, boasts a unique charm with its colorful buildings and Roman ruins like the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis. Designated as a European Capital of Culture in 2019, Plovdiv is a must-visit for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene.
### 3. Varna
Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Varna is famous for its archaeological treasures and maritime gardens. The city’s summer draws sun-lovers and families to its beaches and resorts. Don’t miss the Varna Archaeological Museum where you can see amazing artifacts including the oldest gold treasure in the world.
### 4. Burgas
Another coastal city known for its large port is Burgas which sits close to several scenic seaside resorts like Sunny Beach and Nessebar—an ancient town rich in medieval churches that is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site.
### 5. Rila Monastery
Nestled in the Rila Mountains, this monastery is arguably Bulgaria’s most famous site with striking frescoes and forested mountains serving as its backdrop. It was founded by St John of Rila and serves as an active religious site till today.
### 6. Bansko
A hotspot during winter for skiing enthusiasts due to its high-quality ski resorts located on Pirin Mountain. Bansko also hosts an annual jazz festival which attracts international artists and fans from around Europe.
### 7. Veliko Tarnovo
Known as the City of Tsars, Veliko Tarnovo’s medieval fortress Tsarevets stands proudly over Yantra River drawing history buffs interested in exploring Bulgaria’s imperial past.
### 8. Balchik
Visit Balchik for its beautiful palace complex where Romanian Queen Marie once resided along with its stunning botanical gardens that stretch down to meet the sea.
### 9. Koprivshtitsa
This small historic town presents perfectly preserved Bulgarian National Revival architecture against a pristine landscape backdrop—ideal for those looking to immerse themselves into Bulgaria’s revolutionary past.
### 10. Belogradchik
Famous for its imposing rock formations—the Belogradchik Rocks—and medieval fortress that blend seamlessly into their surroundings creating spectacular natural scenery which feels straight out of a fairytale.
### 11. Melnik
Smallest town in Bulgaria known not just for its charming architectural style but also significant wine production; Melnik invites visitors to taste unique local wine varieties surrounded by sandy pyramids eroded into eccentric shapes over centuries.
### 12 .Perperikon
An ancient Thracian city that contains remains spanning thousands of years including tombs, fortresses, sanctuaries which continue even today revealing secrets from past civilizations deeply rooted within this mystical land.