Pleven Pitstop: Budget-Friendly Day Trip Guide

Experience authentic Bulgarian culture in Pleven without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Travel to Pleven, Bulgaria on a tight budget and explore the city's fascinating history. Visit the Pleven Panorama, a revolutionary museum, and the Kaylaka Park for scenic hiking trails and picnic spots. Enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine at local restaurants and stay in affordable hostels or budget hotels.

Day trip plan

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Pleven on a Budget

  • Pleven may not be at the top of everyone's travel list, but this charming Bulgarian city is worth exploring. Here's how to make the most of your time in Pleven without breaking the bank:
  • Start your day with a visit to the Pleven Panorama, a unique circular painting that depicts the Siege of Pleven during the Russo-Turkish War. You'll feel like you're right in the middle of the battle!
  • Next, head to the Kaylaka Park, a lovely green space with hiking trails, a lake, and even a small zoo. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the water.
  • After lunch, check out the Pleven Regional Historical Museum to learn more about the city's rich history, including a collection of ancient Roman artifacts.
  • For a snack, grab a banitsa (a Bulgarian pastry filled with cheese or spinach) at a local bakery.
  • In the evening, wander around the charming Old Town area, admiring the colorful buildings and stopping at a local pub for a beer (or rakia, a traditional Bulgarian brandy). For dinner, try the Bulgarian national dish, kyufte (meatballs), at a traditional restaurant like Tavern Dobri Rytzi. Don't forget to end your meal with a piece of baklava!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Pleven by plane is to fly to Sofia International Airport and then take a bus or train to Pleven. From the Sofia airport, you can take a shuttle bus to the central bus station or the central railway station. There are several buses and trains a day that run from Sofia to Pleven.

Car

The best way to get to Pleven by car is to rent a car from Sofia and drive to Pleven. The journey takes around 2-3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. There are several car rental companies at Sofia Airport and in the city centre.

Train

The best way to get to Pleven by train is to take a train from Sofia to Pleven. There is a direct train that runs daily from Sofia to Pleven. The train journey takes around 3 hours and the train station in Pleven is located in the city centre.

Boat

There is no direct way to get to Pleven by boat as Pleven is an inland city. However, if you arrive in Varna or Burgas on the Black Sea coast, you can take a bus or train to Pleven from there.

Bus

The best way to get to Pleven by bus is to take a bus from Sofia to Pleven. There are several bus companies that run daily buses from Sofia to Pleven. The bus journey takes around 2-3 hours and drops you off at the central bus station in Pleven.

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