Stara Zagora, Bulgaria 🇧🇬
#1885
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Stara Zagora is a city in central Bulgaria known for its rich history and greenery, along with modern amenities. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 140,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Up to 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BGN ≈ 0.57 EUR, 1 EUR ≈ 1.75 BGN |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Vivacom, A1, and Telenor offer prepaid SIM cards with competitive data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | UniCredit Bulbank, DSK Bank, and local options available for basic accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available options include Airbnb, apartments for rent via local listings, and hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services are common with prices starting around €20/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Zlaten Roga offers affordable dormitory beds starting at €10/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center offers easy access to historical sites, parks, and cafes. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas close to the city center or near the university provide a balance of local life and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Factory Coworking Space providing reliable Wi-Fi and a collaborative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee & Friends offers a cozy atmosphere with good internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events hosted at local cafes or community centers, especially in tech and entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meet-ups are organized through local Facebook groups focusing on expats in Stara Zagora. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yellow Taxi offers reliable local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local shops, especially during warmer months. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is around 2 hours away at Burgas. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bulgaria Air serves regional destinations from Plovdiv Airport, located 80 km away. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Serbia and Lufthansa operate flights from Sofia, the closest international hub. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to A1 highway connecting major cities in Bulgaria. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Stara Zagora railway station connects to Sofia, Plovdiv, and other major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes are available for around €15. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect to nearby cities, with services every 30-60 minutes. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University Hospital Stara Zagora is equipped for most emergencies and treatments. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogaflex offers classes and wellness sessions for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | FitZone and Sport Palace are popular for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Express offers wash and fold services within the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Takeaway.com is popular and has various restaurant options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Kavarma', a traditional Bulgarian dish of slow-cooked meat and vegetables. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan House and Café are well-received by locals and expats alike. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Sasa has a wide selection of pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Central Market offers fresh produce and local specialties at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores often have Facebook pages; international sites like eBay and Amazon also deliver. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Happy Market provides grocery delivery services within the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center has several bars and pubs catering to locals and expats with live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Stara Zagora offers tours and tastings of local beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Vinarna features a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for kebab stalls and shops specializing in 'Banitsa', a local pastry. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Chinese restaurants are well-represented throughout the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Antique Forum and Beroe Stadium are significant historical sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Stara Zagora Art Gallery showcases contemporary art from Bulgaria. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Roman ruins in the city provide insight into its ancient history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Assumption Cathedral is notable for its architecture and history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Rose Festival in June celebrates local culture and traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center has vibrant street art and murals reflecting local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Stara Zagora State Opera holds regular performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Central Market on weekends for local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various live music events happen at Café Fama and local bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore local streets for vibrant murals and artworks. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Bulgur Cooking Academy offers classes on traditional Bulgarian cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National Art Gallery in Stara Zagora has rotating exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Stara Zagora Opera house is a historic site worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Stara Zagora is known for its contributions to Bulgarian history and arts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bosna Park offers green spaces, walking paths, and picnicking areas. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bjelašnica National Park is a short trip away for mountainous hikes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Zelen kvartal offers walking and cycling paths for local exploration. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hill Stara Zagora provides excellent views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby wetlands are popular for birdwatching, especially in spring and early summer. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Bosna Park allow for bonfires and outdoor cooking. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Bulgarian Post handle parcel deliveries reliably. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Servizni Centr offers repair for various electronic devices and gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports clubs often have table tennis facilities open to the public. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Various language schools offer Bulgarian classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Regional Library offers study areas and resources for research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural Center Stara Zagora facilitates community events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes host gaming nights and tournaments. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Rila provides gaming options for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €84,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €104,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €88,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Bulgaria has a flat tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 10% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on property size and location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3% of the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Flat 10% income tax, making it appealing for digital nomads. |