Family Travel in Bulgaria: Is It Worth It? Our Honest Take After a Road Trip With Kids
- boatcaradventures
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
Bulgaria probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you're planning a European road trip with kids — but maybe it should be.
Our family of five recently spent time exploring Bulgaria by road, and it completely flipped our expectations. From the dramatic fortress views of Veliko Tarnovo to affordable family dining and surprisingly friendly locals, the experience was far more enriching than we imagined.
We’re currently on a long-term road journey through Europe, with a focus on slow travel and meaningful experiences as a family. Our latest stop: central Bulgaria — specifically Veliko Tarnovo, a historic city perched on the Yantra River with a castle that looks like it leapt out of a children’s storybook.
Why Travel to Bulgaria With Kids?
Bulgaria offers something that many Western European destinations have lost — space to breathe. It’s less touristy, more affordable, and has a slower rhythm that works beautifully when you’re traveling with children.
We celebrated our daughter’s birthday in a local restaurant here and were blown away by the prices (under €30 for all five of us including dessert!) and the friendliness of the staff. That kind of experience makes it easier for families to stay longer, explore more, and really connect with a place.
Is Bulgaria Safe for Families?
We know this is a question a lot of people ask. And to be honest, we asked it too before coming here.
What we found was a country that’s calm, peaceful, and welcoming — even if it’s a little rough around the edges in some areas. While you should always take the usual precautions (especially in busier cities), we felt very safe throughout our stay.
We share more of our experiences — including where we stayed, what surprised us, and a moment that made us stop and really reflect — in our latest video. You can watch it here:
What Surprised Us Most
The affordability was one thing. But what really surprised us was the contrast — one minute you're surrounded by natural beauty and castles, the next you're passing abandoned buildings and wondering what the real story is behind the silence. It sparked a genuine family conversation about history, change, and what it means to explore somewhere that's still finding its place in modern Europe.
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