Things NOT to Do in Bulgaria
When venturing out to the Balkan nation of Bulgaria, you’ll likely be visiting Devil’s Bridge and taking a selfie in front of the Bulgarian State Monument. But, you should take into account these 10 things NOT to do to make your stay in this cultural melting pot more enjoyable.
1. Don’t Splurge on Cheap Liquor
It might be tempting to purchase some inexpensive alcohol during your stay, but cheap liquor can cost you your life. In 2015, four people died of alcohol poisoning after drinking counterfeit alcohol during celebrations. Be cautious...
2. Don’t Spend All Your Time in the Capital
Sofia is a beautiful and vibrant city that you should definitely explore. But there’s so much more to see, like the coastline of the Black Sea, the beautiful beaches, the stunning mountains, the crafts, the traditional dancing, and the streams of the Danube river.
3. Don’t Talk Bad About Their Football Team
Football is the most popular sport in the country. Bulgarians treat their football players like kings, and participating in some unfriendly banter about their favorite past time is a recipe for disaster. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
4. Don’t Trust Hotel Ratings
It's better if you check the traveler's reviews online, just in case you're looking for something different. Anyway, it's always good to know other people's opinions and suggestions.
5. Don’t Pack Too Much
You’ll want to leave some extra room. Bulgaria is full of markets and you’ll definitely want to take home, from handcrafted pottery to handmade jewelry. They also have amazing art galleries by some of the country’s most talented artists.
6. Don’t Confuse the Nod
In Bulgaria, they nod differently. For “yes,” they shake their head from side to side. And for “no,” they nod their head once upward. If you’re not aware of this, you might actually be saying no when you really mean yes!
7. Don’t Criticize Their Food
In Bulgaria, they love their traditional dishes (Visual: Musaka), and they want their guests to enjoy the food, too. If you’re not particularly fond of what’s on your plate, remain courteous, and chow down anyway. You don’t want to turn someone off and come across as an inconsiderate traveler.
8. Don’t Drink in Public in Varna
If you head out to the port city of Varna, be aware that there is a ban on drinking in public. Due to an increase in inebriated tourists, the mayor felt the need to prohibit drinking in gardens, alleyways, and parks.
9. Don’t Stop at Stop Signs
Okay, okay, this is a bit of an old one. Locals of Bulgaria used to take Stop signs very lightly, more of an suggestion than a rule. But times have changed and drivers have improved, although it doesn't hurt to be extra wary when faced with one of these signs.
10. Don’t Visit Without Brushing Up on Their History
They have a lot of pride in their country, and they know the ins and outs of the ancient Bulgarian kings and the discoveries that were made in the country centuries ago. If you want to impress them, brush up on some Bulgarian history beforehand.
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