Located in southwestern Bulgaria, this university town has multiple theaters, a philharmonic orchestra, and several museums preserving local art and history. The Borisova Gradina Park adds greenery.
Blagoevgrad, a city of 70,000 in southwestern Bulgaria, sits at the foot of the Rila Mountains. You'll find students from over 50 countries walking its streets between the American University and South-West University campuses. In the Varosha quarter, merchants' houses from the 1800s line the cobblestone streets. Listen to French musicians at the Francofolies festival, or take a day trip to the medieval Rila Monastery. Start your day with coffee at Macedonia Square, hike through Park Bachinovo in the afternoon, and join the students at downtown cafés in the evening.
Getting to Blagoevgrad
Blagoevgrad lies 101 kilometers south of Sofia. Take a bus from Sofia's central bus station - they run every hour and the journey takes about 90 minutes. The city connects you to the Rila Mountains and ski resorts of Bansko and Dobrinishte, with regular buses also running to Greece and North Macedonia.
The Old Town of Varosha
Walk through Varosha's narrow streets to see Bulgarian Revival architecture from the 1800s. The "Presentation of the Blessed Virgin" Church, dating from 1844, stands in the center with its stone walls and bell tower. Local families have turned many of the old merchants' houses into restaurants and cafés. Visit the History Museum, housed in a Revival-style building, to see archaeological finds and traditional clothing from the region.
Parks and Natural Surroundings
Walk or cycle the trails along the Bistritsa River in Park Bachinovo, 3.5 kilometers from the city center. Stay at the Bodrost resort in the northwestern Rila Mountains, where you can book villas and bungalows throughout the year. The Stob pyramids, tall sand and clay formations with stone blocks on top, rise from the ground just outside the city.
Cultural Events
Every June, French and Bulgarian musicians perform at the Francofolies festival, one of only four such events worldwide. In August, head to the nearby town of Bansko for its jazz festival, which brings musicians from across Europe. The city's opera house stages classical performances, while the drama theater puts on Bulgarian and international plays throughout the year.
Student Life
Two major universities - the American University in Bulgaria and South-West University "Neofit Rilski" - bring thousands of international students to Blagoevgrad. You'll find students reading at cafés and bookshops around Macedonia Square or studying in the downtown area's coffee shops. In the evenings, students gather at the outdoor tables along the pedestrian streets.
Climate and Seasons
Mediterranean air flows from the south, creating hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures reach 30°C (86°F), perfect for hiking and outdoor festivals. In winter, temperatures drop to around -5°C (23°F), and snow covers the nearby mountain slopes, drawing skiers to the region's winter sports resorts.
