Things To Do
in Karlovo

A weekday market offering seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses, and local preserves—good for tasting fresh produce and meeting growers.

Occasional stalls or small vendors sell grilled meat, banitsa and pastries; best for quick eats and snacks.

A friendly handshake is common; use formal greetings (Mr/Ms) with older people until invited to use first names.

Bulgarians are proud of national heroes like Vasil Levski and historic commemorations—show respect when visiting memorials and museums.

Casual dress is fine in town; modest dress is appropriate in churches. Avoid loud behavior in quiet residential areas.

If invited to a Bulgarian home, it’s polite to bring a small gift (flowers, sweets); remove shoes if hosts request it.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: around 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, round up taxi fares, and leave small change for cafe service or porters.

Cash (Bulgarian leva, BGN) is king in markets, small shops and rural areas; most restaurants and bigger shops accept cards and contactless payments. ATMs are available in town center.

Mild temperatures, blooming flowers and the start of the rose season toward late spring—great for hiking before summer heat and for photographing emerging greenery.

Warm to hot days in the valley (July–August), excellent for rose festivals in May–June and for high-mountain hikes early in the day; bring sun protection and plan strenuous hikes for morning hours.

Crisp, pleasant weather with colorful foliage in the mountains—ideal for hiking and photography; some tourist services begin to wind down after September.

Cold with occasional snow in town and heavier snow at higher elevations—roads to passes may be icy; dress warmly and check road conditions if driving to mountain trails.

A demanding multi-hour trek climbing from the Karlovo side through Kozya Stena ridge toward Botev Peak (the highest in the Stara Planina range). Expect steep and rocky sections—appropriate for experienced hikers or guided groups.

Various marked trails offering waterfalls, dense beech and fir forests, wildlife viewing and mountain meadows. Routes vary from easy day walks to multi-day treks with mountain refuges.

Shorter hikes and panoramic viewpoints near the historic Shipka Pass—good for combining light walking with visits to the Shipka Memorial and nearby battle sites.

Gentle walks through agricultural landscapes and rose fields around Karlovo, ideal in late spring and early summer for photography and informal farm visits.

Vegetarian options are available (salads, banitsa, grilled vegetables, bean soups). Ask for vegetable-only preparations; many restaurants can adapt dishes if you explain your needs.

More limited but achievable—stick to salads, vegetable stews, beans and bread. Carry snacks in rural areas where options are sparse.

Challenging in traditional bakeries and banitsa-heavy cuisine; grilled meats, salads and some soups are safe—communicate clearly about flour usage.

Dedicated halal or kosher options are rare; some meat dishes may be pork-based, so ask about ingredients or choose vegetable-based meals.