Experience in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria by Alexandra

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What is it like to live in Blagoevgrad? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

My name is Aleksandra. I live in Blagoevgrad since I was born. The city has 80 000 inhabitants and most of them are young people. We have two universities: South-Western and AUBG. There are also some colleges and many schools. Moreover, there are many things that a student can do in the city. On the one hand, if you prefer a quiet place, there are some nice cafes and restaurants, along with many parks and walking paths. On the other hand, if you like going to parties and enjoy the nightlife, Blagoevgrad is also the perfect place for you. Therefore, I would definitely recommend it to all Erasmus students who would like to partially experience the Bulgarian way of life.

What is the student lifestyle like in Blagoevgrad?

In my opinion, the student life in Blagoevgrad is exciting, as you can meet many new and interesting people everywhere. Besides, there are people from all over the world and interesting events for students.

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How much does it cost to live in Blagoevgrad?

Blagoevgrad is not an expensive city. In fact, there are many places where students can eat for less than 2 leva, which is like 1 euro. Public transport is also very cheap; for example, if you go by cab from the furthest point to the city centre, it won't cost you more than 3 euro. Moreover, in order to live a normal life for a month in Blagoevgrad, one needs like 300 euro, but it doesn't mean that you can't live with even less money. The bills of each month, with everything included, vary from 50 to 150 euro.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Blagoevgrad? Is there any advice you can give?

No, it isn't difficult. There are plenty of agencies that can help you find a good accommodation. Also, there are some websites in Google that can help you. Besides, South-West University has its own dormitory. Overall, if you search a little harder, there is always a way to find a good and cheap accommodation.

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What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Bulgarian cuisine is exceptionally diverse and delicious, consisting of various salads, breadstuffs, stews, and other local dishes. Many of the dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation over the centuries.

The products that Bulgaria is most commonly known for internationally are yogurt and feta cheese. These are most of the time present on Bulgarian tables in one form or another.

Added to this, one of the most famous and most popular breakfast dishes in the country is the banitsa, which is made of dough with various fillings, such as cheese, spinach, rice, and meat.

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Other popular breakfast dishes are pancakes, buhtas (fritters), mekitsas (fried dough pieces), and fried bread slices. It must be said that all of these dishes are particularly delicious when served with jam, marmalade, honey or Bulgarian yogurt. Furthermore, people in rural areas grow vegetables that are exceptionally tasty, which is why salads occupy a central position in our culinary tradition. The most popular Bulgarian salad is the Shopska Salad, but there are also other salads worth trying – Shepherd’s Salad, Harvest Salad, Snezhanka, Monk’s Salad, Dobrudzha Salad, Roasted Peppers Salad, and many others. In addition, one of the most popular appetizers is the Tarator, a cold soup made of yogurt, cucumbers, dill, crushed walnuts, and spices.

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Some of the most popular Bulgarian dishes are grilled – meat balls, kebapches, grilled meat pieces, grilled sausages, various stews and dishes in clay pots, etc. Some examples of these dishes in clay pots are Chomlek, Kavarma, and Kapama.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Blagoevgrad?

I recommend visiting the Museum of History in Varosha Quarter, the House-Museum of Georgi Izmirliev-Makedoncheto, the Stoyan Sotirov Art Gallery, the Stanislav Art Gallery, the Petit Bizhou Art Gallery, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Church (Vuvedenie Bogorodichno), and the Revival houses in Varosha Quarter. Besides, there are monuments to Ilyo Voivoda, Gotse Delchev, P. K. Yavorov, Cyril, Methodius, to the Macedonian-Odrin volunteers, and to those who were killed in the Balkan War (1912-1913). As a cultural centre, Blagoevgrad has several theatres – the Theatre of Drama, the Puppet Theatre, and the Chamber Opera House. Added to this, Blagoevgrad is famous with its beautiful and functional town centre, characterised by its marble architecture.

Is it good to eat out in Blagoevgrad? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Most of the times I eat out with my friends, so I can say I have a couple of favourite restaurants to eat out, such as Frame, Downtown, Verde, and Express. There are also other spots in the city which are pretty good and cheap, but it depends on your taste. Moreover, I should say that Blagoevgrad has a very nice Chinese restaurant for those who live Chinese food.

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Is the nightlife good in Blagoevgrad? Where is good to go?

The city is popular for its nightlife. Besides, due to the huge number of students, there are many bars, discos, clubs, pubs, etc. On the one hand, if you like going to bars, you should go to Raffy, as it has a nice atmosphere, good music and lots of young people to talk to. On the other hand, if you prefer going to discos, you should go Grafitti, The Face, and Juliany. There are also two piano bars in the city. Overall, you can choose among numerous places to party.

What advice would you give future students heading to Blagoevgrad?

My advice is to be patient, calm and positive. You will have a great experience in the city. The country also offers a very beautiful nature, which exchange students should definitely see. Moreover, trips are reasonable priced, so everybody can take advantage of them.