Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia Travel Guide

Table of Contents

  1. Places to Visit
  2. Activities
  3. Where to Eat
  4. Accommodation
  5. Things to Know
  6. Transportation
  7. Tips and Tricks

Places to Visit

Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some must-visit places:

Landmarks

  • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: A stunning Orthodox cathedral built in 1912, featuring six onion-shaped domes.
  • National Historical Museum: One of the largest museums in the Balkans, showcasing Bulgarian history from prehistoric times to the present day.
  • St. Sofia Church: An ancient church built in the 6th century, named after Saint Sophia.
  • Sofia Synagogue: A beautiful synagogue dating back to the 19th century.

Parks and Gardens

  • Vladaya Park: A scenic park with walking paths, lakes, and a variety of plants.
  • Botanical Garden: Home to over 3,000 plant species from around the world.

Historical Sites

  • Sofia Fortress: The remains of an ancient fortress built in the 4th century AD.
  • Tzaritsa Elena’s Museum-Estate: A museum showcasing the life and work of Bulgarian Queen Tzaritsa Elena.
  • Central Mineral Baths: A historic bathhouse dating back to the Roman Empire.

Markets

  • Sofia Central Market: A bustling market selling fresh produce, souvenirs, and local products.
  • Vitosha Boulevard Market: A smaller market offering a variety of goods and snacks.

Activities

From history and culture to outdoor adventures, Sofia has something for everyone:

Day Trips

  • Mount Vitosha: A popular ski resort in winter and hiking destination in summer.
  • Cedar Forest: A scenic forest perfect for picnics and walks.
  • Sofia River: Enjoy a leisurely walk or boat ride along the river.

Nightlife

  • Night Clubs: From electronic dance music to live performances, Sofia’s nightlife scene is vibrant and diverse.
  • Restaurants and Bars: Enjoy local cuisine and drinks in the city center.

Shopping

  • Vitosha Boulevard: A popular shopping street with international brands and local boutiques.
  • Bulgarian Mall: An upscale mall featuring a wide range of shops and restaurants.

Where to Eat

Sofia’s culinary scene is a delicious mix of traditional Bulgarian cuisine, modern twists, and international flavors:

Traditional Cuisine

  • Moskovska Street: A street filled with traditional Bulgarian restaurants serving hearty dishes.
  • Central Market: Try local specialties like Shopska salad or banitsa (meat pie).

International Cuisine

  • Vitosha Boulevard: Enjoy Italian, Greek, Turkish, and other international cuisines.
  • Bulgarian Mall: Discover modern take on traditional Bulgarian cuisine.

Accommodation

Sofia offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget:

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Hostels: Start from 10-15 BGN (5-7.50 EUR) per night.
  • Guesthouses: From 20-30 BGN (10-15 EUR) per night.

Mid-Range Hotels

  • City Center Hotels: Prices start from 40-60 BGN (20-30 EUR) per night.
  • Airport Hotels: From 25-35 BGN (12.50-17.50 EUR) per night.

Luxury Accommodation

  • 5-Star Hotels: Prices range from 80-150 BGN (40-75 EUR) per night.

Things to Know

Before your trip, consider these essential tips:

Language

  • Bulgarian: The official language spoken in Sofia.
  • English: Widely spoken among younger generations and those in the service industry.

Currency

  • Lev (BGN): Bulgaria’s currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is preferred for small transactions.
  • EUR: Can be exchanged at banks or currency exchange offices.

Weather

  • Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C/59-77°F) from March to May.
  • Summer: Warm weather (20-30°C/68-86°F) from June to August.
  • Autumn: Cooler temperatures (10-20°C/50-68°F) from September to November.

Safety

  • Pickpocketing: Be cautious in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
  • Scams: Avoid overly friendly locals or strangers offering deals that seem too good to be true.

Transportation

Getting around Sofia is easy and convenient:

Airport

  • Sofia Airport (SOF): Located 10 km from the city center. Taxi, bus, or shuttle services are available.
  • Airport Bus: Runs from 6am-12pm, Monday-Sunday.

Public Transport

  • Bus: A comprehensive network covering most areas of Sofia.
  • Trolleybus: An efficient way to get around the city center.
  • Metro: Three lines connect major parts of the city (opening hours: 5am-12am).

Tips and Tricks

Here are some insider tips for a smooth trip:

Tipping

  • Restaurants: 5-10% is standard.
  • Taxi Drivers: Round up the fare to the nearest Lev.

Shopping

  • Prices: Be prepared for prices in euros, especially at high-end shops.
  • Markets: Haggle politely when buying souvenirs or local products.
  • GPS: Use a GPS device or download a mapping app on your phone.
  • Signs: Look out for street signs and directions in Bulgarian.

Language

  • Learn Basic Phrases: Learn basic phrases like “hello” (Здраве, Zdrave), “thank you” (Хвала, Khvala).
  • Ask Locals: Don’t hesitate to ask locals for help or directions.

Sofia Travel Guide