Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Bulgaria
Bulgaria, the land of rich history and natural beauty, has been increasingly popular among digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living and high-speed internet. Here are seven cities and towns in Bulgaria that are perfect for remote workers seeking a vibrant community and exciting experiences.
Sofia
The capital city of Bulgaria offers a perfect blend of modernity and history. With co-working spaces, numerous cafes, and a thriving nightlife scene, Sofia is a digital nomad's dream. Don't miss the National History Museum, showcasing artifacts from Bulgaria's ancient past, and Vitosha Mountain, offering hiking trails and breathtaking views.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around €250-€350 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately €50. A moderate dinner for one at a local restaurant with a drink costs around €15.
Nomad Tip: Explore the colorful neighborhood of Vladimir Dyakonov Street and try the traditional Bulgarian cuisine at "Karuzela" or "Zhenski Pazar" Market for local ingredients.
Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the trendy Student District or the historic center. For dining, check out "Levski 15" or "Bombay Bistro".
Plovdiv
European Capital of Culture 2019, Plovdiv is known for its charming Old Town and vibrant arts scene. With numerous co-working spaces, outdoor markets, and historical sites, Plovdiv is a must-visit for digital nomads.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around €200-€300 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately €35. A moderate dinner for one at a local restaurant with a drink costs around €12.
Nomad Tip: Visit the ancient Roman Theater and the Ethnographic Museum for a glimpse into Plovdiv's rich history.
Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the Old Town or the Central District. Try "Sach & Speck" or "MH Restaurant" for local Bulgarian dishes.
Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo, the City of Tsars, is a digital nomad's paradise with its beautiful architecture, historic sites, and thriving community. With co-working spaces, numerous cafes, and a vibrant nightlife scene, Veliko Tarnovo is a must-visit for digital nomads.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around €150-€250 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately €30. A moderate dinner for one at a local restaurant with a drink costs around €10.
Nomad Tip: Hike the nearby Yantra Gorge for breathtaking views and scenic landscapes.
Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the historic Old Town or the Central District. Try "Gurko Café" or "Konstanca" for local Bulgarian dishes.
Burgas
Burgas, located on the Black Sea coast, offers a perfect blend of beach life and digital nomad community. With co-working spaces, numerous cafes, and a vibrant nightlife scene, Burgas is a must-visit for digital nomads seeking a more laid-back lifestyle.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around €200-€300 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately €40. A moderate dinner for one at a local restaurant with a drink costs around €15.
Nomad Tip: Visit the Sea Garden, a beautiful park along the Black Sea coast, for a relaxing afternoon.
Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the city center or the nearby neighborhood of Zornitsa. Try "Nikolina" or "Konstantin & Helena" for local Bulgarian dishes.
Varna
Varna, the largest city on the Black Sea, is a popular destination for digital nomads seeking a vibrant community and beach life. With co-working spaces, numerous cafes, and a thriving nightlife scene, Varna is a must-visit for digital nomads.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around €250-€350 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately €50. A moderate dinner for one at a local restaurant with a drink costs around €15.
Nomad Tip: Visit the Archaeological Museum to explore the rich history of Varna and the surrounding region.
Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the city center or the nearby neighborhood of Pobeda. Try "Stara Reka" or "Varna 1300" for local Bulgarian dishes.
Ruse
Ruse, the Danube River's largest Bulgarian port city, offers a unique digital nomad experience with its historic architecture, thriving arts scene, and vibrant nightlife. With co-working spaces, numerous cafes, and a rich cultural heritage, Ruse is a must-visit for digital nomads.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around €200-€300 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately €40. A moderate dinner for one at a local restaurant with a drink costs around €12.
Nomad Tip: Visit the beautiful Ruse Botanical Garden for a peaceful day among nature and history.
Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the city center or the nearby neighborhood of Central. Try "Rusenski Dom" or "Tsar Simeon" for local Bulgarian dishes.
Svilengrad
Svilengrad, a charming border town, is a hidden gem for digital nomads seeking a unique experience in Bulgaria. With co-working spaces, numerous cafes, and a rich cultural heritage, Svilengrad is a must-visit for digital nomads looking for a more peaceful lifestyle.
Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood costs around €150-€250 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately €30. A moderate dinner for one at a local restaurant with a drink costs around €10.
Nomad Tip: Explore the ancient Thracian fortress of Perperikon, located just outside of Svilengrad, for a glimpse into Bulgaria's rich history.
Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the city center or the nearby neighborhood of Dimitrovgrad. Try "Stolichni Dvorets" or "Svilengrad" for local Bulgarian dishes.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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