For this trip we chose a far more comfortable way of travelling than usual – first of all we stayed only 17 days, secondly the temperatures were oppressing and above all, the prices incredible cheap. So we rented a car, stayed in mid-range and sometimes even at Boutique Hotels. And of course, we tested the Bulgarian food to the limits, usually accompanied by local wine.
The car rental, only 22 Euros per day, proved a great way to discover more remote areas of the country and start early, before it got too hot to visit places. On the other hand, we spent a hefty 19 Euros per day on gasoline, which is not cheap in Bulgaria. This large amount also due to an unfortunate upgrade at the airport: instead of a small compact car, we got some kind of SUV which gulped down about 11 liters per 100 kilometers. Not a good deal after all, considering that we drove 2.650 kilometers…
Mid-range hotels with comfortable rooms, good level of service, swimming pool outside of major cities and air-conditioning are in the range of 30 to 50 Euros for a double room. A bargain for Europe! Both in Plovdiv and Sofia, we treated ourselves with a nice Boutique Hotel to escape the unbearable heat, for about 70 to 75 Euros. So on average we spent 45 Euros for accommodation per night.
Food is incredibly cheap, so we just enjoyed life: we ate at nice local restaurants, sampled Bulgarian specialties, tasted local wines, often stopped in the afternoon for a refreshing Café Frappé… And only spent 19 Euros per person per day!
Altogether, we spent 73 Euros per person per day, including the car rental & gasoline. Without transport, it comes down to 51 Euros per day. And this for an upper mid-range type of travel! So yes, Bulgaria is a cheap destination in Europe.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip report from Bulgaria. It is now on our to-go-to list!
Thank your for your message, Cheryl !
Yes, Bolivia should be on your to-go-to-list 😉 But try to go at another time then the summer, when temperatures go through the roof !
Cheers, Gilles