Three days in Blagoevgrad

We came to Blagoevgrad in 2017 because Liat attended a conference at the American University in Bulgaria. We stayed for three nights, and Boaz used the conference hours to explore a city we had not originally chosen as a tourist destination.

Blagoevgrad was not a destination we had considered for a holiday. We went in 2017 because Liat had been invited to a conference at the American University, after another conference in Thessaloniki. We planned to rent a car in Greece and explore Bulgaria, but could not arrange a rental that suited the border crossing. Instead, we took a Thessaloniki–Sofia bus and got off in Blagoevgrad.

How we reached Blagoevgrad

Our attempt to find a rental car after arriving was unsuccessful too. Boaz then visited the tourist information office, which changed things. Despite the language barrier, the member of staff called someone who could explain the local sights in English and provide a map. There was plenty to discover nearby while the conference was taking place.

For a trip today, arrange your rental requirements in advance. You can start by comparing offers on DiscoverCars, but obtain the rental supplier’s written permission for your planned countries and check the charges and coverage before booking. There is no single blanket rule for every Greek rental: the company and contract determine the conditions.

The center, Varosha and local history

The city centre offered squares, restaurants, cafés and shops. During our visit, colourful umbrellas hung above Todor Alexandrov Street, giving it a particularly cheerful feel. For shopping, the area has Largo Mall and the smaller Mall of Blagoevgrad.

For the older side of the city, walk to Varosha and its central church. Its cobbled streets and traditional houses feel very different from the squares of the city centre. The Regional History Museum is here too. During our visit, we felt the local Jewish community’s history was missing from the exhibition.

Articles from this part of the route: Blagoevgrad History Museum | Blagoevgrad City Center | Blagoevgrad Cross and Loven Dom Park | Varosha District and the Presentation of the Mother of God Church

Bachinovo Park and Rila Monastery

One afternoon Boaz walked from the centre to Bachinovo Park. It took him about 45 minutes along the river, passing families, runners and cyclists. The park has a lake and walking paths, and is a pleasant place to slow down and rest.

We climbed together to the hilltop cross via Loven Dom Park. The ascent took us around 50 minutes and ended with a lovely view of the city. Bring enough water: between us we finished a 1.5-litre bottle on the walk. The refill point we found on our visit is not a substitute for carrying your own supply.

For anyone exploring the wider area, we also have an article about Rila Monastery. Allow time for its museum rather than only looking around the courtyard and church. We also liked the opportunity to stop nearby for mekitsa, a Bulgarian fried pastry with icing sugar.

If you are travelling from Sofia, you can consider this Rila Monastery and Boyana Church day trip on GetYourGuide. This is a separate planning option departing from Sofia, not a Blagoevgrad pickup or a tour we took. Check the selected option and its inclusions. Admission to the monastery’s museums is purchased on site under the monastery’s visitor arrangements.

Articles from this part of the route: Bachinovo Park | Rila Monastery

The market, streets and practical stops

For a meal in town, we enjoyed Raffy Bar & Gelato, opposite Largo Mall. The riverside fruit and vegetable market is another possible stop when it is trading.

Another change since our visit: Bulgaria adopted the euro on 1 January 2026. Prices in lev from our 2017 trip are historical information, not a guide to today’s costs.

Where We Stayed

We spent three nights at Sky Apartments, in a small, pleasant apartment with a balcony and a lovely view. It was about a five-minute walk from the centre and the university, and suited us very well. Sweet Blaze was in the same building, making it a convenient and enjoyable breakfast stop.

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