{"id":37509,"date":"2022-11-15T10:25:14","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T07:25:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/the-capital-and-other-cities-in-bulgaria\/"},"modified":"2025-10-16T11:34:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T08:34:07","slug":"the-capital-and-other-cities-in-bulgaria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/the-capital-and-other-cities-in-bulgaria\/","title":{"rendered":"The capital and other cities in Bulgaria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The capital and other cities in Bulgaria offer a rich tapestry of history, thermal springs, and vibrant urban life, making the country a fascinating destination in the Balkans. From the sprawling, ancient history embedded in Sofia and Plovdiv to the bustling coastal energy of Varna, each major center tells a unique story of empires and resilience. Whether you are interested in Roman ruins, Orthodox architecture, or thriving modern culture, Bulgaria has something to captivate every traveler. Keep reading to discover some of the essential historical and cultural highlights of this beautiful nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p><b>About Bulgaria<\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-tarihi-yerler.jpg\" alt=\"Alexander Nevsky Cathedral\" class=\"wp-image-37089\" width=\"784\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-tarihi-yerler.jpg 784w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-tarihi-yerler-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-tarihi-yerler-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-tarihi-yerler-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-tarihi-yerler-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Bulgaria<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Bulgaria has a long and storied history. Hosting human habitation since the Bronze Age, it is believed that the first known tribes to settle in Bulgaria were the Thracians of Indo-European origin. The lands of Bulgaria were also ruled by the Roman and Byzantine Empires, respectively, and became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 1400s. Bulgaria gained its independence in 1908, sided with the Central Powers in the First World War, and with the Axis powers and then later with Russia in the Second World War. Following World War II, Bulgaria was part of the Eastern Bloc. In 1991, Bulgaria became a parliamentary republic and in 2007 joined the European Union. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p><b>Where is Bulgaria?<\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-nerede.jpg\" alt=\"Bulgaria location\" class=\"wp-image-37091\" width=\"784\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-nerede.jpg 784w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-nerede-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-nerede-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-nerede-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-nerede-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bulgaria on the world map. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Bulgaria, on the Balkan peninsula in Eastern Europe, is west of the Black Sea and surrounded by the Rhodope, Balkan and Rila Mountains. Bulgaria is bordered by Serbia, Romania, T\u00fcrkiye, Greece and Macedonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"thy-widget-all \" adult=\"1\" child=\"0\" baby=\"0\" widget-num=\"202682\">\n        <div class=\"thy-widget-top\">\n            <div class=\"thy-widget-logo\">\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" width=\"49\"\n                    height=\"49.003\" viewBox=\"0 0 49 49.003\">\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip-thy-logo\">\n                            <rect id=\"Rectangle_9\" data-name=\"Rectangle 9\" width=\"49\" height=\"49.003\" fill=\"none\">\n                            <\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                    <g id=\"Group_5\" data-name=\"Group 5\" 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d=\"M46.359,19.744A23.111,23.111,0,0,1,4.854,37.135L42.272,26.406c.537-.155.4-.671-.046-.641l-15.688,1.1c2.211-2.135,3.893-4.749,3.69-8.369C29.815,12.632,23.851,6.91,12.755,3.148a23.1,23.1,0,0,1,33.6,16.6M.779,27.4a23.005,23.005,0,0,0,3.252,8.518c5.964-1.661,11.208-4.8,13.073-11.81,2.053-7.71-.288-15.791-5.888-20.073A23.11,23.11,0,0,0,.779,27.4\"\n                            transform=\"translate(0.928 0.93)\" fill=\"#bd061b\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <div>\n                <div class=\"thy-widget-title\">Widen your world.<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <hr color=\"#F4F6F8\" style=\"margin:0px;\">\n        <div class=\"thy-widget-radio-buttons\">\n            <label class=\"thy-radiobutton\">Round trip\n                <input type=\"radio\" id=\"thy-trip\" class=\"thy-road\" name=\"thy-road-202682\" value=\"thy-trip\" checked>\n                <span class=\"thy-checkmark\"><\/span>\n            <\/label>\n            <label class=\"thy-radiobutton\">One way\n                <input type=\"radio\" id=\"thy-oneway\" class=\"thy-road\" name=\"thy-road-202682\" value=\"thy-oneway\">\n                <span class=\"thy-checkmark\"><\/span>\n            <\/label>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"thy-widget-inputs\">\n            <div class=\"thy-input-form\">\n                <div style=\"margin-right: 10px;\" class=\"thy-first-field\">\n                    <div class=\"thy-field\">\n                        <input class=\"thy-input thy-field-from\" type=\"text\" name=\"thy-field-from\" value=\"\"\n                            autocomplete=\"off\" required>\n                        <label for=\"thy-field-from\" title=\"From?\"><\/label>\n                        <div class=\"thy-field-from-popup\">\n                            <input class=\"thy-input-popup thy-field-from-popup-input\" type=\"text\" name=\"thy-field-from-open\" data=\"\"\n                                 autocomplete=\"off\" required>\n                            <label title=\"From?\"><\/label>\n                            <hr class=\"thy-popup-line\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-popup-airports\">\n                                <span>Airport<\/span>\n                                <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-list\">\n                                    <!-- \n                                    <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-row\">\n                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"12.383\"\n                                            viewBox=\"0 0 24 12.383\">\n                                            <g id=\"black\" transform=\"translate(0 -6.33)\">\n                                                <path id=\"Path_83\" data-name=\"Path 83\"\n                                                    d=\"M21.4,10.01H6.09L1,6.33H0l1.9,4.19a4.18,4.18,0,0,0,3.7,2.453H21.4c1.19,0,2.6-.62,2.6-1.38,0-.78-1.41-1.582-2.6-1.582Zm-13.03,8.7h1l6-4.55H11.89a2.19,2.19,0,0,0-2,1.25l-1.52,3.3Z\"\n                                                    fill=\"#232b38\" \/>\n                                            <\/g>\n                                        <\/svg>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-names\">\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-location\">New York, Amerika Birle\u015fik\n                                                Devletleri<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-name\">John F. Kennedy Uluslararas\u0131\n                                                Havaliman\u0131, JFK<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <hr>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-row\">\n                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"12.383\"\n                                            viewBox=\"0 0 24 12.383\">\n                                            <g id=\"black\" transform=\"translate(0 -6.33)\">\n                                                <path id=\"Path_83\" data-name=\"Path 83\"\n                                                    d=\"M21.4,10.01H6.09L1,6.33H0l1.9,4.19a4.18,4.18,0,0,0,3.7,2.453H21.4c1.19,0,2.6-.62,2.6-1.38,0-.78-1.41-1.582-2.6-1.582Zm-13.03,8.7h1l6-4.55H11.89a2.19,2.19,0,0,0-2,1.25l-1.52,3.3Z\"\n                                                    fill=\"#232b38\" \/>\n                                            <\/g>\n                                        <\/svg>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-names\">\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-location\">Sapporo, Japonya<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-name\">New Chitose Havaliman\u0131, CTS<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <hr>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-row\">\n                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"12.383\"\n                                            viewBox=\"0 0 24 12.383\">\n                                            <g id=\"black\" transform=\"translate(0 -6.33)\">\n                                                <path id=\"Path_83\" data-name=\"Path 83\"\n                                                    d=\"M21.4,10.01H6.09L1,6.33H0l1.9,4.19a4.18,4.18,0,0,0,3.7,2.453H21.4c1.19,0,2.6-.62,2.6-1.38,0-.78-1.41-1.582-2.6-1.582Zm-13.03,8.7h1l6-4.55H11.89a2.19,2.19,0,0,0-2,1.25l-1.52,3.3Z\"\n                                                    fill=\"#232b38\" \/>\n                                            <\/g>\n                                        <\/svg>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-names\">\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-location\">Buenos Aires, Arjantin<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-name\">Jorge Newbery Havaliman\u0131, AEP<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <hr>\n                                    <a class=\"thy-all-airports\" href=\"\">See all destinations<\/a>\n                                    -->\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <button class=\"thy-widget-change-locations\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"33\" height=\"33\" viewBox=\"0 0 33 33\">\n                        <g id=\"change-boxed\" transform=\"translate(0.5 0.5)\">\n                            <path id=\"Path_44\" data-name=\"Path 44\" d=\"M16,0A16,16,0,1,1,0,16,16,16,0,0,1,16,0Z\"\n                                fill=\"#fff\" stroke=\"#647280\" stroke-width=\"1\"><\/path>\n                            <g id=\"Group_42\" data-name=\"Group 42\" transform=\"translate(4 4)\">\n                                <circle id=\"Ellipse_2\" data-name=\"Ellipse 2\" cx=\"12.5\" cy=\"12.5\" r=\"12.5\"\n                                    transform=\"translate(-0.5 -0.5)\" fill=\"#fff\"><\/circle>\n                                <g id=\"Group_41\" data-name=\"Group 41\" transform=\"translate(7 5)\">\n                                    <path id=\"Path_42\" data-name=\"Path 42\"\n                                        d=\"M5,1.91V0L2.5,2.545,5,5.091V3.18A3.8,3.8,0,0,1,8.75,7a4.159,4.159,0,0,1-.438,1.782l.938.954A5.757,5.757,0,0,0,10,7,5.06,5.06,0,0,0,5,1.91Zm0,8.908A3.8,3.8,0,0,1,1.25,7a4.159,4.159,0,0,1,.438-1.782L.75,4.264A5.757,5.757,0,0,0,0,7a5.06,5.06,0,0,0,5,5.09V14l2.5-2.545L5,8.909v1.91Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#647280\"><\/path>\n                                    <g id=\"Group_40\" data-name=\"Group 40\">\n                                        <path id=\"Path_43\" data-name=\"Path 43\" d=\"M-7-5H17V19H-7Z\" fill=\"none\"\n                                            fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><\/path>\n                                    <\/g>\n                                <\/g>\n                            <\/g>\n                        <\/g>\n                    <\/svg>\n\n                <\/button>\n                <div class=\"thy-second-field\">\n                    <div class=\"thy-field\">\n                        <input class=\"thy-input thy-field-to\" type=\"text\" name=\"thy-field-from\" autocomplete=\"off\"  value=\"\"\n                            required>\n                        <label for=\"thy-field-to\" title=\"To?\"><\/label>\n                        <div class=\"thy-field-from-popup\">\n                            <input class=\"thy-input-popup thy-field-to-popup-input\" type=\"text\" name=\"thy-field-to-open\" data=\"\"\n                                 autocomplete=\"off\" required>\n                            <label for=\"thy-field-to-popup\" title=\"To?\"><\/label>\n                            <hr class=\"thy-popup-line\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-popup-airports\">\n                                <span>Airport<\/span>\n                                <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-list\">\n                                    <!-- \n                                    <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-row\">\n                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"12.383\"\n                                            viewBox=\"0 0 24 12.383\">\n                                            <g id=\"black\" transform=\"translate(0 -6.33)\">\n                                                <path id=\"Path_83\" data-name=\"Path 83\"\n                                                    d=\"M21.4,10.01H6.09L1,6.33H0l1.9,4.19a4.18,4.18,0,0,0,3.7,2.453H21.4c1.19,0,2.6-.62,2.6-1.38,0-.78-1.41-1.582-2.6-1.582Zm-13.03,8.7h1l6-4.55H11.89a2.19,2.19,0,0,0-2,1.25l-1.52,3.3Z\"\n                                                    fill=\"#232b38\" \/>\n                                            <\/g>\n                                        <\/svg>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-names\">\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-location\">New York, Amerika Birle\u015fik\n                                                Devletleri<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-name\">John F. Kennedy Uluslararas\u0131\n                                                Havaliman\u0131, JFK<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <hr>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-row\">\n                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"12.383\"\n                                            viewBox=\"0 0 24 12.383\">\n                                            <g id=\"black\" transform=\"translate(0 -6.33)\">\n                                                <path id=\"Path_83\" data-name=\"Path 83\"\n                                                    d=\"M21.4,10.01H6.09L1,6.33H0l1.9,4.19a4.18,4.18,0,0,0,3.7,2.453H21.4c1.19,0,2.6-.62,2.6-1.38,0-.78-1.41-1.582-2.6-1.582Zm-13.03,8.7h1l6-4.55H11.89a2.19,2.19,0,0,0-2,1.25l-1.52,3.3Z\"\n                                                    fill=\"#232b38\" \/>\n                                            <\/g>\n                                        <\/svg>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-names\">\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-location\">Sapporo, Japonya<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-name\">New Chitose Havaliman\u0131, CTS<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <hr>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-row\">\n                                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"12.383\"\n                                            viewBox=\"0 0 24 12.383\">\n                                            <g id=\"black\" transform=\"translate(0 -6.33)\">\n                                                <path id=\"Path_83\" data-name=\"Path 83\"\n                                                    d=\"M21.4,10.01H6.09L1,6.33H0l1.9,4.19a4.18,4.18,0,0,0,3.7,2.453H21.4c1.19,0,2.6-.62,2.6-1.38,0-.78-1.41-1.582-2.6-1.582Zm-13.03,8.7h1l6-4.55H11.89a2.19,2.19,0,0,0-2,1.25l-1.52,3.3Z\"\n                                                    fill=\"#232b38\" \/>\n                                            <\/g>\n                                        <\/svg>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-popup-airport-names\">\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-location\">Buenos Aires, Arjantin<\/span>\n                                            <span class=\"thy-popup-airport-name\">Jorge Newbery Havaliman\u0131, AEP<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                    <hr>\n                                    <a class=\"thy-all-airports\" href=\"\">See all destinations<\/a>\n                                    -->\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"thy-widget-trip\">\n                <div class=\"thy-input-date \">\n                    <input type=\"text\" name=\"thy-field-trip-date\" id=\"thy-field-trip-date-438823\" autocomplete=\"off\" value=\"\" required inputmode=\"none\">\n                    <div class=\"thy-date-field-cover\" style=\"\">\n                        <div class=\"thy-date-field-first\">\n                            <div>Departure<\/div>\n                            <div class=\"thy-date-calendar\"><\/div>\n                            <div class=\"thy-date-day\"><\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"thy-date-field-last\" style=\"\">\n                            <div>Return<\/div>\n                            <div class=\"thy-date-calendar\"><\/div>\n                            <div class=\"thy-date-day\"><\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <label for=\"thy-field-trip-date\" title=\"Date\"><\/label>\n                    <span class=\"thy-trip-date-focus\"><\/span>\n                    <div style=\"position: absolute;left: 15px;top: 22px;\">\n                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n                            <path id=\"booking-calendar-icon-gray\"\n                                d=\"M18,3a2,2,0,0,1,2,2V18a2,2,0,0,1-2,2H2a2,2,0,0,1-2-2V5A2,2,0,0,1,2,3H4V5H5V0H7V3h7V5h1V0h2V3Zm0,15L18,7H2V18ZM4,9H7v3H4ZM9,9h7v2H9Z\"\n                                fill=\"#647280\" \/>\n                        <\/svg>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"thy-trip-date-select\">\n                        <div class=\"thy-trip-date-select-top\">\n                            <p class=\"thy-date-select-title thy-date-select-title-enter\">Choose your departure date<\/p>\n                            <p class=\"thy-date-select-title thy-date-select-title-out\">Choose your return date<\/p>\n                            <!--\n                            <div class=\"thy-date-select-checkboxes thy-hide-m\">\n                                <div>\n                                    <input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"thy-trip-flexible\" id=\"thy-trip-flexible\">\n                                    <label for=\"thy-trip-flexible\">Gidi\u015f-D\u00f6n\u00fc\u015f \u0130\u00e7in Esnek Tarihler<\/label>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div>\n                                    <input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"thy-trip-direct\" id=\"thy-trip-direct\">\n                                    <label for=\"thy-trip-direct\">Sadece direkt u\u00e7u\u015flar\u0131 g\u00f6ster<\/label>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            -->\n                        <\/div>\n                        <hr>\n                        <div  class=\"thy-trip-date-modal\"><\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div>\n                <div class=\"thy-field thy-field-passengers\"> \n                    <input type=\"text\" name=\"thy-field-passengers\" class=\"thy-field-passengers-input\" autocomplete=\"off\" value=\"1 Passenger\" required inputmode=\"none\">\n                    <label for=\"thy-field-passengers\" title=\"Passenger(s)\"><\/label>\n                    <span class=\"thy-passengers-focus\"><\/span>\n\n                    <div class=\"thy-passengers-window\">\n                        <div class=\"thy-passengers-title\">\n                            <span>Cabin type<\/span>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"thy-passengers-cabins\">\n                            <label class=\"thy-economy-class thy-radiobutton-cabin-type thy-selectable\">\n                            Economy Class\n                                <input type=\"radio\" id=\"thy-economy-type\" name=\"thy-passenger-type-202682\"\n                                    value=\"thy-economy-class\" checked>\n                                <span class=\"thy-checkmark-cabin-type\"><\/span>\n                            <\/label>\n                            <label class=\"thy-business-class thy-radiobutton-cabin-type thy-selectable\">\n                            Business Class\n                                <input type=\"radio\" id=\"thy-business-type\" name=\"thy-passenger-type-202682\"\n                                    value=\"thy-business-class\">\n                                <span class=\"thy-checkmark-cabin-type\"><\/span>\n                            <\/label>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"thy-passenger-numbers\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-number-title\">Number of passenger(s)<\/div>\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-list thy-adult-passenger\">\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-info\">\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-text\">\n                                        <div>Adult<\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-passenger-text-hint\">12+<\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-buttons \">\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-minus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-number\">1<\/div>\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-plus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <hr class=\"thy-passenger-hr\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-list thy-child-passenger\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-info\">\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-text\">\n                                    <div>Child<\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-text-hint\">2 - 12 years old<\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-buttons \">\n                                <button class=\"thy-passengers-minus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-number\">0<\/div>\n                                <button class=\"thy-passengers-plus-btn\"><\/button>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                            <hr class=\"thy-passenger-hr\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-list thy-baby-passenger\">\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-info\">\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-text\">\n                                        <div>Infant<\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"thy-passenger-text-hint\">0 - 2 years old<\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-buttons \">\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-minus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-number\">0<\/div>\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-plus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <!--\n                            <hr class=\"thy-passenger-hr\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-list thy-disabled-passenger\">\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-info\">\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-text\">\n                                        <div>Engelli<\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-buttons \">\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-minus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-number\">0<\/div>\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-plus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <hr class=\"thy-passenger-hr\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-passenger-list thy-student-passenger\">\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-info\">\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-text\">\n                                        <div>Student<\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"thy-passenger-buttons thy-student-passenger\">\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-minus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                    <div class=\"thy-passenger-number\">0<\/div>\n                                    <button class=\"thy-passengers-plus-btn\"><\/button>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <hr class=\"thy-passenger-hr\">\n                            <div class=\"thy-other-passenger-type\">\n                                <div class=\"thy-other-passenger-type-text\">Other passenger types<\/div>\n                                <div>\n                                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"11.166\" height=\"6.585\"\n                                        viewBox=\"0 0 11.166 6.585\">\n                                        <path id=\"chevron-lower-grey\"\n                                            d=\"M17.582,9.583a1,1,0,0,0-1.41,0l-3.88,3.88-3.88-3.88A1,1,0,0,0,7,10.993l4.59,4.59a1,1,0,0,0,1.41,0l4.59-4.59A1,1,0,0,0,17.582,9.583Z\"\n                                            transform=\"translate(-6.71 -9.291)\" fill=\"#ef2636\" \/>\n                                    <\/svg>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            -->\n                            <div class=\"passenger-buttons\">                                \n                                <button class=\"btn btn-sm btn-primary\" type=\"button\">OK<\/button> \n                            <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div>\n                <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"departure_date\" id=\"departure_date\" value=\"\">\n                <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"return_date\" id=\"return_date\" value=\"\">\n                <button class=\"thy-form-btn search_fly\" type=\"submit\" id=\"search_fly\">\n                Search\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" width=\"19\"\n                        height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 19 19\">\n                        <defs>\n                            <clipPath id=\"thy-right-arrow\">\n                                <path id=\"Path_46\" data-name=\"Path 46\"\n                                    d=\"M0-10.7v2.4H14.408L7.8-1.7,9.5,0,19-9.5,9.5-19,7.8-17.3l6.6,6.6Z\"\n                                    fill=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.99)\" \/>\n                            <\/clipPath>\n                        <\/defs>\n                        <g id=\"Group_43\" data-name=\"Group 43\" transform=\"translate(0 19)\"\n                            clip-path=\"url(#thy-right-arrow)\">\n                            <path id=\"Path_45\" data-name=\"Path 45\" d=\"M-5,5H24V-24H-5Z\" fill=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.99)\" \/>\n                        <\/g>\n                    <\/svg>\n\n\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p><b>Sofia and other cities in Bulgaria<\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-baskenti_.jpg\" alt=\"Capital Sofia\" class=\"wp-image-37093\" width=\"784\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-baskenti_.jpg 784w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-baskenti_-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-baskenti_-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-baskenti_-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-baskenti_-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cities of Bulgaria. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are more than 250 cities and towns in Bulgaria, most of which have a population of less than 200,000 people. Sofia, the country\u2019s capital, is also the largest and most populated city in Bulgaria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p><b>The capital of Bulgaria: Sofia<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-bas\u0327kenti-sofya.jpg\" alt=\"Sofia, Bulgaria.\" class=\"wp-image-37095\" width=\"784\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-bas\u0327kenti-sofya.jpg 784w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-bas\u0327kenti-sofya-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-bas\u0327kenti-sofya-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-bas\u0327kenti-sofya-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-bas\u0327kenti-sofya-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Surrounded by mountains, Sofia lies in the Sofia Valley at the foot of Mount Vitosha. Sofia, which remained under Ottoman rule for many years, features architectural influences from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, as well as the Soviet school. The city is renowned for its annual International Film Festival, one of the most prestigious in Europe, which takes place in March!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The highlights of Sofia include the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (NAIM-BAS), the Sofia History Museum, the Boyana Church, the Banya Bashi Mosque and Vitosha Mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p><b>Accompanied by historical traces: Plovdiv&nbsp;<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-filibe.jpg\" alt=\"ancient theatre\" class=\"wp-image-37097\" width=\"784\" height=\"519\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-filibe.jpg 784w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-filibe-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-filibe-150x99.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-filibe-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-filibe-696x461.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Roman Amphitheatre in Plovdiv. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The second largest city in Bulgaria is Plovdiv, less than 150 kilometers from Sofia and about 200 kilometers from Edirne, in T\u00fcrkiye. Plovdiv is known for its monuments, castles, churches and ancient theaters, many of which bear traces of the Ottoman presence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of Plovdiv\u2019s notable sites are within walking distance from the center. In addition to narrow, winding streets lined with traditional houses, some of the highlights of Plovdiv include the Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis, the Ancient Theater of Philipopolis and the Forum of Philipopolis, all of which date from the Roman era. Also of interest are the Plovdiv Regional Ethnographic Museum, the Saints Constantine &amp; Elena Church and the Dzhumaya Mosque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p><b>On the banks of the Danube River: Silistra<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-silistre.jpg\" alt=\"ancient ruins in Silistra.\" class=\"wp-image-37099\" width=\"784\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-silistre.jpg 784w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-silistre-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-silistre-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-silistre-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-silistre-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Silistra, Bulgaria.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Set along the bank of the Danube River, Silistra is known to have originated as a garrison during the Roman era. Among the highlights of this lovely city are the Ethnographic Museum &#8211; Silistra, the Archaeological Museum &#8211; Silistra, the Srebarna Wildlife Reserve, the Medzhidi Tabiya Fortress, and the Kur\u015funlu Mosque. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p><b>Sea, sun and fun: Varna<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/varna-bulgaristan.jpg\" alt=\"Varna\" class=\"wp-image-37101\" width=\"784\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/varna-bulgaristan.jpg 784w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/varna-bulgaristan-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/varna-bulgaristan-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/varna-bulgaristan-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/varna-bulgaristan-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Varna, Bulgaria.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Varna, Bulgaria\u2019s third largest city, is also considered the country\u2019s naval center. Standing out as the heart of economy, tourism and trade, Varna is a beautiful Black Sea coast city known for its liveliness and festivals \u2013 especially the Varna Summer Festival, in June, and the Varna International Music Festival, in July. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like other cities in Bulgaria, Varna has a rich history. The highlights of Varna include the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, the Aladzha Monastery, the Varna Archaeological Museum, the Sea Garden park, the Retro Museum and the Varna Stone Forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p><b>Festival city: Burgas<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/burgaz-bulgaristan.jpg\" alt=\"Burgas coastline.\" class=\"wp-image-37103\" width=\"784\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/burgaz-bulgaristan.jpg 784w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/burgaz-bulgaristan-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/burgaz-bulgaristan-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/burgaz-bulgaristan-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/burgaz-bulgaristan-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Burgas, Bulgaria.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Burgas, on the Black Sea coast, tends to be warmer than much of Bulgaria in terms of annual temperature averages. An important port city with Byzantine and Ottoman traces, Burgas, like Varna, is known for its festivals, especially the prominent Spirit of Burgas music festival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the highlights of Burgas are its magnificent beaches and the Paros Forest, as well as the Burgas Museum of Ethnography, the Burgas City Gallery and the Dormition of the Theotokos Church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p><b>Dining in Bulgaria<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"784\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-yemekleri.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-yemekleri.jpg 784w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-yemekleri-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-yemekleri-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-yemekleri-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/bulgaristan-yemekleri-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The delicious Bulgarian cuisine features Ottoman, Mediterranean and European influences. Pastries, milk and dairy products, and cold meats such as salami and sausages are commonly seen in Bulgarian dishes, as are vegetables and fruits. Specialties include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shopska salad (Bulgarian-style salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, sweet peppers and feta cheese)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kashkaval cheese<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pileshka supa\t(chicken soup)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mish-mash (omelet)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sarmi (stuffed cabbage)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gyuvech (casserole)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"background-color:#ebebeb;color:#ebebeb\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p><b>Useful information about Bulgaria<\/b><\/p><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The official language in Bulgaria is Bulgarian. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev (BGN).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sofia International Airport is the largest airport in the country. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bulgaria has a continental climate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bulgaria can be visited in all seasons: skiing is popular in the winter months, while beach\/seaside tourism draws visitors during the summer. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><p><b>Getting to Bulgaria<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From T\u00fcrkiye, Bulgaria can be reached via road, rail or air. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkishairlines.com\/en-tr\/flights\/country\/bulgaria\/index.html?utm_source=tkblog&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=tkblogpostbookaticket\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.turkishairlines.com\/en-tr\/flights\/country\/bulgaria\/index.html?utm_source=tkblog&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=tkblogpostbookaticket\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here for information on flights to Bulgaria<\/a>. Turkish Airlines offers direct flights to Sofia and Varna!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The capital and other cities in Bulgaria offer a rich tapestry of history, thermal springs, and vibrant urban life, making the country a fascinating destination in the Balkans. From the sprawling, ancient history embedded in Sofia and Plovdiv to the bustling coastal energy of Varna, each major center tells a unique story of empires and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":37107,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[467,145,203,228,323,147,239],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-37509","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-bulgaria","8":"category-destinations","9":"category-europe","10":"category-historical-places-to-visit-and-routes","11":"category-natural-beauties-of-the-world","12":"category-trip-ideas","13":"category-city-vacation"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37509"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37509\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49881,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37509\/revisions\/49881"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37107"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.turkishairlines.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}