Europe
LGBTQ+ travel in Bulgaria
LegalLegal status
Is Bulgaria LGBTQ+ friendly?
Sofia has a few gay bars and a large, police-protected Pride; elsewhere attitudes are conservative. A 2024 law bans 'LGBT propaganda' in schools.
LGBTQ+ laws
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Same-sex relationships legal | Yes |
| Same-sex marriage | No |
| Civil unions or partnerships | No |
| Legal gender change | No |
| Anti-discrimination law | Yes |
LGBTQ+ friendliness by place in Bulgaria
| Place | Rating |
|---|---|
| Sofia | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Plovdiv | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Bansko | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Varna | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Sunny Beach | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Nessebar | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Golden Sands | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Veliko Tarnovo | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Sozopol | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Burgas | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
| Borovets | 3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet |
LGBTQ+ friendly by place
Sources
- ILGA World database
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Bulgaria
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria: visas
- Speedtest Global Index: Bulgaria
- EF English Proficiency Index 2025: Bulgaria
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.