• Norway!

    Norway: Sunnylvsfjord. Go Now!

    Norway
    Known for its natural beauty, Norway is home to isolated villages, fjords, and mountains that create a culture and landscape without compare. Begin Your Journey!

  • Vatican City!

    Vatican City: Vatican Museums. Go Now!

    Vatican City
    The smallest country in the world offers the heart of Catholicism and among the world's finest art collections, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms (ceiling pictured). Go to Vatican City!

  • Macedonia!

    Macedonia: Traditional architecture. Go Now!

    Macedonia
    Macedonia is a country still finding its unique identity, but its architecture is already one of a kind. Explore Macedonia!

  • Austria!

    Austria: Belvedere Palace. Go Now!

    Austria
    Belvedere Palace (pictured) is just one of many palaces found in Vienna. The capital is a good start to Austria, which also features the Alps, the Lakes District, and incredible history & food. Go Now!

  • Spain!

    Spain: Guell Park and Gaudi architecture. Go Now!

    Spain
    Fusion foods, lively music, historic ruins, and cultural events like the Running of the Bulls and La Tomatina make Spain and Barcelona (pictured) a favorite tourist destination. Explore Spain!

  • Ukraine!

    Ukraine: Traditional Village. Go Now!

    Ukraine
    Ukrainian culture is based on village life, particularly that found in the Carpathian Mountains (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

Social Life in Bulgaria

Behavior

The Bulgarians are very well aware of the world around them as well as the differences in opinions and behaviors. Because of this they are quite understanding of various cultures and foreigners so odd behaviors are generally accepted (but not encouraged).

Your behavior should begin with modesty as being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or dressing provocatively will get you stares. Likewise, placing yourself above others or boasting is viewed negatively.

As a visitor to Bulgaria, just try to follow the lead of the locals by dressing in like manner (see below for details), dining in the local etiquette (see our Bulgaria Dining & Food Page), and avoid sensitive conversation topics, such as politics, finances, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart.

Dress

The traditional dress in Bulgaria is quite varied from region to region since the country is difficult to travel with the main mountains. Despite the many regional differences, and changes over time, the traditional dress of Bulgaria has many similarities. For women this usually consisted of long-sleeved white shirt, with long dresses with an apron, which was often quite colorful with red being the most common color. For men the dress was simply shirts, pants, and vests; again the shirt was generally white, but the pants and vest often times represented the region he was from, but again often included the color red.

Today the people of Bulgaria wear modern western-styled clothing, which is no different from that of neighboring countries. As a visitor to Bulgaria, you are free to wear nearly anything you want, but the Bulgarians are somewhat conservative so if in doubt dress on the more conservative side. Also try to dress for the occasion and the weather; for example wear long pants and shirts in churches, but on the beach swim wear is perfectly acceptable. Lastly, sunbathing naked or women sunbathing topless is only permitted in certain places so always be sure to know where this is allowed before doing so.

This page was last updated: November, 2013