Places to Visit in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, Europe

Places to Visit in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, Europe

Blagoevgrad is the capital of the Blagoevgrad Province in southwestern Bulgaria covering an area of 28.909 sq. km. It is placed at the foot of the Rila Mountains in the proximity of the border of the Republic of Macedonia, about 100 km south-southwest of the national capital, Sofia.

Blagoevgrad is especially noted for its economic and cultural activities as it is home to two prominent universities such as the American University in Bulgaria and the South-West University ‘Neofit Rilski’. Blagoevgrad also houses numerous well preserved 19^th century sites, reputed restaurants and cafes.

Geography of Blagoevgrad:

Blagoevgrad is positioned on the banks of the Blagoevgradska Bistritsa River at an altitude of 410 meters at the coordinates of 42°01′ N 23°06′ E.

History of Blagoevgrad:

Thracian people were the original settlers of Blagoevgrad, inhabited around 300 BC and the Roman Empire occupied the land of Blagoevgrad in the following years. Blagoevgrad was earlier known as Gorna Dzhumaya and the present name is derived from Gorna Dzhumaya who was the founder of the Bulgarian Communist Party.

How to reach Blagoevgrad?

Sofia Airport is the nearest airport to Blagoevgrad situated around 105 km away from the centre of Blagoevgrad with scheduled flights to Amsterdam, London, Milan, Madrid, Berlin, Moscow and many other major European and Asian destinations.

There are frequent buses plying between Sofia and Blagoevgrad, served by both luxury and general buses.

Tourists can use a taxi or rental car for airport travel and to reach neighboring cities and tourist destinations. Cars can be hired from any of the local travel agencies in Blagoevgrad.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Blagoevgrad:

Bulgarians dominate the population of Blagoevgrad, followed by Gypsies, Turks and other communities. Basketball and football are very famous sports in Blagoevgrad.

There are all sorts of shops in Blagoevgrad and the major food corners in Blagoevgrad are listed here below:

Restaurant Varosha
Frame Bar & Food
Pizza Napoli
Casa Adria
Vodenisita

What to do in Blagoevgrad?

Visiting Universities
Visiting Parks
Visiting Libraries
Shopping
Walking

Tourist Attractions in Blagoevgrad:

The downtown of Blagoevgrad:

There are many historical buildings in the downtown of Blagoevgrad dating back to the 19^th century. Also the pleasant downtown houses many entertainment centres, coffee shops and restaurants.

South-West University “Neofit Rilski”:

Founded in 1975, South-West University “Neofit Rilski” is one of the major universities in Blagoevgrad. It was initially established as a branch of Sofia University. Currently, it trains 12,579 students.

American University in Bulgaria:

The American University in Bulgaria is a private liberal arts university in Blagoevgrad, one of the reputed universities in Bulgaria which was founded in the year 1991.

List of other places of interest in Blagoevgrad includes:

Vihren
Ski Bansko
Pirin Golf Resort
Dancing Bears Park
Bezbog
Pirin Street
Kordopulova House
Rozhen Monastery
Rupite
Popinolashki Waterfall
St Teodor Tiron and Teodor Stratilat Church
Baba Vanga Museum
Bansko Ice Rink
Ski Park Kartala

Best time to visit Blagoevgrad:

From May to June is the ideal time to visit Blagoevgrad while the weather remains pleasant.

Accommodation options in Blagoevgrad:

Blagoevgrad is home to all kinds of accommodation such as hotels, apartment hotels, lodges and guest houses with different facilities and services. It is suggested for tourists to book hotels well in advance to avoid difficulty in getting a hotel during peak tourist season. Here below is the list of major hotels in Blagoevgrad: