City trips in Bulgaria

Bulgaria suits city trips for its compact, affordable cities, layered Thracian–Roman–Ottoman–modern heritage, lively cafes, and good transport. Highlights: Sofia’s Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Largo, Roman Serdica, Boyana Church (UNESCO), views from Vitosha; Plovdiv’s Old Town, Roman Theatre, Kapana; Veliko Tarnovo’s Tsarevets fortress; Varna’s Sea Garden and Roman Baths; Nessebar Old Town (UNESCO). Don’t miss banitsa and shopska salad, local wines, mineral-water fountains. Best seasons: spring and autumn; use intercity buses.