The pollution from cars is the worst thing about Plovdiv. Well, also the showers that take up the entire bathroom. The fascinating, long history is the best thing here. People are polite, decent, and helpful.

Plovdiv

I've been here for the last 5 months. People are extremely friendly, the weather has been amazing (on the too hot side, during the summer). You can drink tap water, Nomadlist, check that. It is very cheap, walkable, plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants. It is very safe. The gym scene is not great but you can survive. Not many hipsters, but overloaded with instagrammers (like everywhere else, I guess). All in all, it's a beautiful city, safe, affordable, welcoming (if you are white). Racist graffiti is all over, but I haven't heard of any violence. That part is sad.Sometimes I think I'll stay here forever, sometimes other cities want me to know them.

According to all the sources I've read, the tap water in Plovdiv is completely fine to drink. Not sure why Nomadlist is saying it's contaminated.Nice and green city, lot of parks and hills. Very cheap!

By far, one of the best cities in Bulgaria, located in the center of the country, with good views upon the Balkans + Rila Rodopi mountains. Has good scenery from 2-3 hills + cheap food/drinks and so on! Fully recommend for those who wanna see it!

I love Bulgaria, but Sofia wasn't my favorite part by far. It is quite an ugly city, mostly flat and grey in color. There are some decent hostel, decent bars and nightlife, but not really much for the tourist to do. Yes, the women are very attractive, and it's cheap to rent there... but why would you want to? I had a great time down on Varna, and along the coast of the black sea. Sofia is worth a visit or a place to stay a few weeks, but I wouldn't want to live there personally. 

Sofia

I love Bulgaria, but Sofia wasn't my favorite part by far. It is quite an ugly city, mostly flat and grey in color. There are some decent hostel, decent bars and nightlife, but not really much for the tourist to do. Yes, the women are very attractive, and it's cheap to rent there... but why would you want to? I had a great time down on Varna, and along the coast of the black sea. Sofia is worth a visit or a place to stay a few weeks, but I wouldn't want to live there personally.

Its time to make a review about my hometown. I lived many years in Sofia and Varna, so you can trust my review as a Bulgarian who lived in longterm in Vietnam, Germany, Thailand, Spain etc...1. Bulgaria is amazing in the Summer. (Varna!) Sofia is not. Will get boring super fast.2. Life is a lot cheaper as listed here. 3. 90% of Bulgarians are racists and hate GAY people. Lesbians are tolerated.4. Food is amazing and cheap5. Its dirty and poluted6. People will try scam you (not only foreigners even locals get scammed). You can get beat up pretty easily without a real reason. My friend (local from Sofia) got destroyed by the security, for putting a Flower Vase in the nightclub to another spot as an example. 7. Fake Alcohol is even common in the best nightclubs. You are never safe to order a expensive bottle. Only the cheapest Vodka is always safe because not worth faking it.8. Women are STUNNING but english level is low. So you will have a hard time finding non gold digger that are more than 7/10 on the looks.If you are a white male, you will have fun! If not better avoid it for more long term visits.

Sofia is a small city and it is very polluted. In fact it is one of the most polluted cities in Europe. The restaurants and bars are ok. For the rest there is not a lot to do. After a couple of days you have seen it all. The people are ok but Sofia misses an international vibe. Lets be honest here, you mostly get where you pay for.

Sofia is one of the most amazing cities ever, it has old buildings because of the low economic status of the country, but the main cause is from the low number of tourists visiting this lovely country. The food is amazing and cheap, the population is very fun, but they are a little bit homophobics and racists (not everyone, but there are a lot of people who really are). Bulgaria has amazing views, parks, coffeehouses and of course the most beautiful beaches and sunsets, the temperature of the water is around 27°, which is really warm compared to the ocean temperature. All day and night the city center has open mini markets and coffeehouses, you will see a lot of Bulgarians having fun out there. It is a great country to visit.

I lived in Sofia for 3 months and I loved it. The food scene is amazing; quality food in very cheap price. Very calm atmosphere with a lot of nature. Park everywhere! As Asian, I felt the least racism in the region. However, I did see a lot of Swastikas everywhere, even on a guy's calf. The city center has some cool bars.

I really enjoyed my ten days in Sofia. It was early Sept and the students were just arriving, so it wasn't too busy. At first glance it seemed sort of dead, and boring. But since I'd been all over Bulgaria I knew that most of the gems would be hidden, so I asked locals. Then I found cool nightlife spots, good cafe's, and met a few girls to date. It's close to the mountains and there is hiking and winter sports. Sofia doesn't have the vibe of a top tier Euro city, but if you're a single man looking for an easy place to find a beautiful apartment for cheap, and maybe a beautiful girlfriend, Sofia could be up your alley. And if not, there are many cool places nearby, like Plovdiv, Banksko, and Varna further down.

Sofia is a pretty cool city if you know where to go. It's also next to high mountains (ski available) and feels very green. However, Bulgaria has a very strongly marked Soviet past, so it might be a bit of a shock to some.

It’s the poorest country I’ve ever soon

Incredible cheap, great food (if you like meat) and lots of parks. Many bars and coffee shops in the city centre. Downside: Many aggressive gipsy's and beggars. Bulgarian people rather rude and everybody is staring at you uncomfortably long.

Sofia is quite peaceful despite the medium to heavy traffic. It is very easy to travel this city, even without the metro, but public transportation is simple as well. Many beautiful parks, and access to wifi, make it easy to work anywhere. My favorite part is grabbing a coffee for .40 lev and getting to work. Also, grabbing a beer and lounging anywhere in the city is no concern. There are also plenty of outdoor, free events to experience if you want to meet other people, or travelers. Price of clothing and electronics is comparable to US/UK standard, some places even charge more. For this reason, I recommend having a good idea of the price range for any items you are looking to purchase.

It’s one of the most homofobic cities in Europe

Bansko is the only place in the world where you're expected to "buy your friends"  The Coworking spaces (Coworking Bansko) in particular is owned by an overweight Austrian, that created this cliquey - segregated society from the people who pay his coworking space, Therefore, you might see a group of them playing volleyball in the park, or in the pool,  but you won't be welcomed nor invited, Since you don't pay the monthly fee of the coworking space. Such a disgusting behavior for foreigners,  stick to Banskolab where there's no membership free and people are real.

Bansko

Bansko is the only place in the world where you're expected to "buy your friends" The Coworking spaces (Coworking Bansko) in particular is owned by an overweight Austrian,that created this cliquey - segregated society from the people who pay his coworking space,Therefore, you might see a group of them playing volleyball in the park, or in the pool, but you won't be welcomed nor invited,Since you don't pay the monthly fee of the coworking space.Such a disgusting behavior for foreigners, stick to Banskolab where there's no membership free and people are real.

I stayed in Bansko during the summer, this is important as your experience does change according to the season. During the peak of the summer Bansko is a call destination, with incredible nature all around, decent services, good coworking spaces (Nest - Business coworking, Altspaces- Boutique coworking and Coworking Bansko). Positive:Good coworking spaces, good gym, access to nature and good weather. The prices are low, specially for accommodation. Some private pools are reachable inside the town but you will need transportation to explore the lakes and the nature. Good community and a lot of events. Negative: Lack of breakfast places, only 1 big supermarket. A little too hot during July. (31 degrees)Events are usually only for the specific coworking members, which is weird. Top tips: Join a coworking space as most events are private. During the summer stay around the city center. Go out and explore the mountains during the weekends. In general a nice location with growth potential.

Bansko is a special place. You can get everything in this one little town and it is pretty unique being a coworking town in the country side. Several coworkings which all expanded (4), coliving options now starting. Several gyms, restaurants, bars with great food at low prices, lots of activities. I liked nature, the mountains, lots of hiking, skiing in winter if you do that. If you don't ski, you can swim in the many hot spring public pool places and you can always go for walks or to the gym or yoga. It is best to be member of at least one coworking, so you meet other nomads and expats. The expat scene is quite large, friendly, expanding but many British people. Some people expect a huge night life. Not anymore here. It is a village, not a city. But more and more things are happening. There is always something, always a BBQ or a get together with coworkers or Expats. If you are open, you will be amazed, how many different parallel groups of people exist in Bansko which live in their respective bubbles. Give it some time, and you will meet interesting people. Overall Bansko is great value for little money, nice place to make friends and work quietly, it is still a village, everyone knows everyone, certain things are a bit limited, but its growing and if you want a relaxed smaller place to live long term, its a good and affordable option. You need to like mountains though! And hot springs. (I have lived in Bansko for 1 year)

Bansko is much overrated. In summertime it feels like a ghost town in the residential apartments. The center is quite animated but it is not very expatfriendly. I did not see any digital nomad scenes. Not heard any other language than Bulgarian around. It is more a family oriented national village. Big supermarkets closed in summertime so you take a taxi to shop outside the town. I can imagine that in wintertime there is much more activity but avoid summertime, unless you want to be quite and enjoy nature. Internet was ok, but I found better speed in Sofia. Overall score: boring and not so friendly locals.

There is nothing to do in Bansko, The place is empty in he summer, most shops are closed. The nature is nice and it is cheap. But all small places with nothing to do are cheap. I walked around the place yesterday and I hardly saw foreigners only locals. Housing is cheap but most apartments have cheap and uncomfortable furniture. I don't know why people buy into the story of booming Bansko.

Bansko is booming! Some of the reviews and scores are well and truly outdated. In 'cons' - "very hard to make friends"!!! HA!!! Perhaps a few years ago. Bansko is now teeming with hundreds of remote workers (on top of the large number of tourists), with an extremely active and welcoming social scene. There are now 4 different coworking companies in Bansko (up from 1 less than a year ago), with the largest 'Coworking Bansko' having 100+ members and locations around Bansko. The town itself is also developing quickly, with new restaurants/bars/gyms (and coworking offices!) popping up seemingly daily. It's a great place, and is truly turning itself around from being an 'Austrian ski vacation on a budget' to a year round nomad paradise!

Bansko is one of the best places for digital nomads in Europe (and I'd argue, anywhere). It is incredibly affordable and a great alternative for those who prefer mountains to the beach. There are now 3 active co-working spaces and the internet is fast and cheap all over town. It isn't as much of a party scene but if you enjoy nature and quality of life you can't beat it. There are options for all price points - from super cheap apartments at about $130/month, to really lux apartments for $5-600 that are an incredible value for what you get (spa, pool etc). During the ski season prices are higher but we really liked it best in the spring and fall when it was pretty quiet and nature was the star of the show.

I stayed in Bansko one month in September and nearly 2 in the winter (January and February). One of the biggest nomad community in Europe. Very cheap rent even in the Ski season. Good ski resort, but sometimes busy especially at the weekend. So I recommend to buy a 20 day pass (or season pass), because you don't need to wait in the line at the Gondola.

Spent a week here during the summer. It's extremely affordable and Coworking Bansko does a great job at getting people together. Surrounded by awesome nature. Restaurants are okay. If you are into skiing/snowboarding, it can be the ultimate place for you during the winter. Otherwise, Bansko might get boring quickly, but it's great if you want to optimize for cost of living and still have plenty of nomands around you, while staying in Europe.

Great nomad community there, always something to do every night, and of course the mountain if you're into winter sports or hiking, mountain biking, etc.

Bansko — my favorite place to stay in the middle of season. Nice air condition, beautiful mountains and hospitality — that’s all about Razlog Valley.

Bansko is a great place. I purposely visited in the shoulder season as it is likely to be the worst time of year and even then it was still fun. Coworking Bansko has a great community and there are extra curricular events organised most nights, with willing participants. Think board games, hot springs, Movies, poker etc. They are also starting a skills list to enable nomads to find those who they might like to collaborate with.The town itself is nice, and reasonably priced. Couple that with the low tax rate for Bulgaria and its a place to consider as a base.Go there. You'll love it,

great city. lovely beach, bars, people are nice, food is amazing. there is no more "Beehive" co working space though. 

Varna

great city. lovely beach, bars, people are nice, food is amazing.there is no more "Beehive" co working space though.

I spent two months in Varna (mid-September to mid-November) and loved it! Mild weather, very affordable, great expats community and a lot of things going on. Next time, I would like to visit it in the spring!

From July to September one of the best Citys in Europe for me.

I spent 11 days here. I like it a lot. Beaches, affordable, interesting architecture. Cool place and I could spend a summer here easily if I had a friend. Though, if you're single it wouldn't be hard to make one, as people here are amazing looking. I like the park a lot, and it has some interesting museums. Not a big hipster scene if that's your thing. More tourists, mostly from Bulgaria, Russia and Turkey. Nightlife is... okay. Mostly mafia and gypsy bars. But I do love this one bar called Cubo, on the beach. Great place. Very reasonable prices. Cheap actually. Nice place that needs more hype. I don't like that there's no ride hailing apps, and Google maps doesn't tell bus schedules. So transportation sucks. But most stuff is walking distance or a short bus ride, once you figure it out.

The data on Varna here is hilarious. Nomad costs 1.800 $? When the local live on 400$? The rent cost here 300 $ for a good apartment in the center. Then add 10 $ a day for food. You'll end up at 600-700 $. Add additional expenses for partying.The only downside is the cold weather in january and february. Other than that it's a pretty great place. Better than Sofia, any day.

Varna is a nice city, specially during spring and summer, great beaches and nightlife on high season

I have been several times to Burgas. The Sea Garden is amazing and you see so many people doing sports activities, jogging, gym in the park etc. The center of the city is the best part along with the Sea Garden, beaches are nice and has airport that starts to get traffic also in winter season. It is peaceful city and in terms of food and friendly people it is great. The downside is during winter you have not much to do and I have heard there are sometimes shortage of water for locals.

Burgas

I was in Burgas in June 2018. Stayed there like 2 days, which for most of you guys wouldn't be enough to establish if it's worthy or not. Cheap city with a nice old town, the sea side is really clean + the food/drinks and other services are quite affordable.Do not know exactly if this will match with the NOMADS for a long timeframe, but I am positive about the time spent over there and would return for a longer period.

Best Cities To Remote Work In Bulgaria

Plovdiv

Sofia

Bansko

Varna

Burgas

What Makes These Cities in Bulgaria the Best for Remote Work?

How To Choose The Best City in Bulgaria For Your Remote Work Needs ?