Discover Stara Zagora: A Perfect 2-Day Trip

Discover ancient history and modern charm in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.

03 May 2023

Stara Zagora is a beautiful city rich in history and culture, located in the heart of Bulgaria. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Augusta Traiana, thermal baths, and numerous museums. The city also hosts many festivals throughout the year showcasing local traditions and music.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the City

  • Hotel: Check into the Elegance Hotel 3.9
    10 photos

    Hotel Elegance

    3.9 (183)

    ul. "Petko R. Slaveykov" 54, 6000 кв. Опълченски, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

    Lodging,Point of interest

    Straightforward rooms with minifridges in an informal hotel offering a restaurant & a garden.

    hotelelegance.eu

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    for a comfortable stay in the city.
  • 1. Start with a traditional Bulgarian breakfast at Tri Chuchura restaurant 4.2
    10 photos

    Kalimera

    4.2 (64)

    6010 Tri chuchura, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

    Restaurant,Food

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    , famous for its eggs and Banitsa pastry.
  • 2. Visit the Regional History Museum 4.7
    10 photos

    Regional Museum of History Stara Zagora

    4.7 (1066)

    bul. "Ruski" 42, 6000 Tsentar, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    History museum with an extensive collection of archeology, ethnography & contemporary exhibits.

    rimstz.eu

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    to learn about the city's Roman and Thracian past.
  • 3. Take a stroll through the beautiful Ayazmoto Park 4.7
    10 photos

    Park “Ayazmo“

    4.7 (7526)

    6004 Mitropolit Metodiy Kusev, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

    Park,Tourist attraction

    Forested hilltop park with walking paths & playgrounds, plus a sports stadium & a small zoo.

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    , complete with a lake and mini zoo.
  • 4. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Mehana Chinarite 4
    10 photos

    Mehana Kosharite

    4 (437) • $$

    6014, 6000 Zheleznik, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

    Restaurant,Food

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    , a cozy restaurant serving up Bulgarian specialties.
  • 5. Visit the 4th-century Roman Forum Augusta Trayana 4.7
    10 photos

    Antique Forum

    4.7 (1360)

    bul. "Mitropolit Metodi Kusev" 33, 6000 Stara Zagora Centre, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

    Tourist attraction,Point of interest

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    , an impressive ancient site in the heart of the city.
  • 6. End the day with dinner at Ethno Restaurant Zagrazhden 4.5
    0 photos

    Ethno restaurant

    4.5 (4)

    bul. "Tsar Simeon Veliki" 162, 6000 Stara Zagora Centre, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

    Restaurant,Food

    facebook.com

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    , offering a rustic ambiance and homemade Bulgarian dishes.
Day 2

Day Trip to Kazanlak

  • 1. Go on a day trip to Kazanlak, located just 45-minutes away from Stara Zagora.
  • 2. Visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with beautiful frescoes.
  • 3. Stop by the Rose Museum 4.4
    10 photos

    Rose Museum

    4.4 (2507)

    парк "Розариум, ul. "Voynishka", 6100 Rozarium, Kazanlak, Bulgaria

    Museum,Tourist attraction

    Displays & artefacts relating to cultivation of roses, with a souvenir shop for rose oil products.

    muzei-kazanlak.org

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    to learn about the history of Bulgarian rose oil, a product the region is famous for.
  • 4. Head to the Kazanlak Ethnographic Museum 4.7
    10 photos

    Етнографски комплекс „Кулата“

    4.7 (117)

    bul. "Nikola Petkov" 18, 6100 кв. "Кулата", Kazanlak, Bulgaria

    Tourist attraction,Museum

    muzei-kazanlak.org

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    to discover traditional Bulgarian crafts and clothing.
  • 5. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the nearby Valley of the Thracian Kings 4.4
    10 photos

    Valley of the Thracian Rulers

    4.4 (12)

    Valley of the Thracian Rulers, 6140, Bulgaria

    Natural feature,Establishment

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    , home to ancient Thracian tombs.
  • 6. Before heading back to Stara Zagora, grab a slice of traditional Bulgarian pastry from the Local bakery 4.4
    10 photos

    Pastry Shop "Nedelya"

    4.4 (390) • $$

    bul. "Tsar Simeon Veliki" 127, 6000 Stara Zagora Centre, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

    Bakery,Food

    nedelya.com

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    .
  • With its rich history and stunning surroundings, Stara Zagora is a hidden gem worth exploring. Enjoy your stay!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Stara Zagora by plane would be to fly into Plovdiv International Airport and then take a direct bus or taxi to Stara Zagora. Alternatively, you could fly into Sofia International Airport and take a train or bus to Stara Zagora.

Car

The best way to get to Stara Zagora by car would be to take the A1 motorway from Sofia or Plovdiv. The journey takes around 2 hours from Sofia and 1 hour from Plovdiv. There are several petrol stations and rest areas along the way.

Train

Stara Zagora has a train station with connections from major cities in Bulgaria, including Sofia and Plovdiv. The best way to get to Stara Zagora by train would be to take a direct train from Sofia or Plovdiv to Stara Zagora.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Stara Zagora as it is a landlocked city. The nearest port is Varna on the Black Sea coast, which is around 3 hours drive from Stara Zagora. From there, you could take a bus or train to Stara Zagora.

Bus

The best way to get to Stara Zagora by bus would be to take a direct bus from Sofia or Plovdiv to Stara Zagora. Buses leave regularly from both cities and there are several bus companies to choose from.

Destination

Stara Zagora

In a land where ancient ruins and modern construction clash, lies a city that boasts both with equal fervor. Welcome to a place where history and present-day collide in a way that would make even a time-traveling doctor dizzy.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Escape for a Romantic Weekend in Stara Zagora!

Stara Zagora is a charming and historic city in Bulgaria that offers a romantic and intimate atmosphere for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. With its picturesque streets, ancient ruins, and lush parks, there are plenty of romantic activities to enjoy such as strolling hand in hand through the historic center, picnicking in the park, or exploring the ancient Roman amphitheater. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Stara Zagora is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway in Bulgaria.

4 Days of Fun in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Stara Zagora is a beautiful and historic city in Bulgaria, rich in culture and scenic landscapes. As a tourist, visitors can explore ancient ruins like the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak or stroll through the tranquil gardens of the Ayazmoto Park. Savor the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this charming city.

Stara Zagora on a Budget: 5-Day Adventure Guide

A trip to Stara Zagora, Bulgaria on a limited budget can offer a unique cultural experience whilst ensuring you don't break the bank. Visitors can explore the ancient Roman ruins, the iconic Thracian tomb, and extensive botanical gardens. Accommodation options include budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, whilst local street food and inexpensive restaurants provide economical dining choices.

Stara Zagora: A Thrifty Traveler's Guide

Stara Zagora is a charming city in Bulgaria that offers a lot of things to see and do for travelers on a limited budget. You can explore ancient ruins and museums, take a stroll through the beautiful parks, and dine on delicious local cuisine without breaking the bank. You can also find affordable accommodations such as hostels and guesthouses that provide comfortable lodging for budget-conscious travelers.