I originally wanted to go to Turkey, but the flight to Bulgaria was cheap. Since I had never seen Bulgaria before, I decided to pass through it instead of going straight on. That is how this part of the trip started.
During my time there, I had a chance to explore some of the most interesting and historically significant places Bulgaria has to offer. From Sofia to the ancient charm of Plovdiv, it ended up being much more than just a stop on the way.
My journey began when I landed at Sofia Airport late at night. Despite the late hour, the city still felt alive, with people milling about and the city lights casting a warm glow. The next morning, I started my day at a local café, where I had banitsa, a delicious Bulgarian cheese pastry. It is a flaky pastry filled with a mixture of cheese and eggs, and it was a very good way to start the day.
With a full stomach, I spent the day exploring Sofia's many attractions. The city has an interesting mix of old and new, with historic churches and buildings standing alongside more modern parts of the city. I took a few photos before leaving Sofia and heading to my next destination, Plovdiv, just before nightfall on a train.
As the sun set, I arrived in Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city and one of the oldest cities in Europe. I was immediately drawn to the city's old-world atmosphere, especially under the evening lights. I took a few photos of Plovdiv's streets before going back to my hotel for the night.
The next morning, I set out to explore the city's rich history. My first stop was the Antique Theater, one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world, dating back to the 2nd century AD. Standing there, it was easy to imagine the performances and crowds that once filled the place.
From there, I wandered through the cobblestone streets of Old Plovdiv, where I saw colorful old houses and the mix of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences that gives the city its character. My exploration of the city's history continued at a museum converted from a 17th-century home. Inside, I got a glimpse into what life in Plovdiv might have looked like in that earlier period.
After that, I continued on toward Turkey and crossed the border at Edirne. I had originally wanted to see Selimiye there, but it was too rainy, so I decided to skip it and keep going. Even so, I was glad I passed through Bulgaria on the way. It started because the flight was cheap, but it ended up becoming a memorable part of the trip on its own.