what is sofia like to visit

Sofia Bulgaria

's pleasingly laid-back capital is often overlooked by visitors heading to the coast or the ski resorts, but they're missing something special. Sofia is no grand metropolis, but it's a modern, youthful city, with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and stubborn Red Army monuments that lend an eclectic, exotic feel.

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What to do in Sofia today?

15 Best Things to Do in Sofia (Bulgaria): 1 St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. 2 St. George Rotunda. 3 Vitosha Boulevard. 4 St. Sofia Church. 5 Boyana Church. 6 Vitosha Mountain. 7 National Institute of Archaeology. 8 National Historical Museum. 9 Ivan Vazov National Theatre. 10 Borisova gradina.

Is Sofia expensive to visit?

For a major city in Europe, Sofia is ridiculously inexpensive across the board. Here are all of the things that you can save money on, when you travel to Bulgaria. Sofia (and Bulgaria in general) is one of the rare places that you may not save a ton of money by cooking for yourself.

Why you should visit Sofia at least once in your lifetime?

8 Reasons You Should Visit Sofia at Least Once in your Lifetime 1. To understand what banitsa and tarator are. 2. To stand in the Square of Religious Tolerance. 3. To delve into Bulgaria’s history and culture. 4. To enjoy the city’s park culture. 5. To go hiking just 30 minutes from the city center.

What makes Sofia so special?

The architecture, cuisine and lifestyle of the Sofians reflects the Roman, Greek and Ottoman impact on this Balkan foothold. Green spaces stand alongside dazzling museums and galleries, century-old cuisine is given a modern twist – and even the drinking water is worth writing home about.

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Is Sofia Bulgaria worth seeing?

Sofia is the tourist capital of Bulgaria, and for a good reason. It's a city worth visiting. However, it's not nearly as busy as western European cities or other regions in the Balkans like Croatia. Sofia isn't overrun with tourists.

How many days in Sofia is enough?

How Many Days in Sofia? The ideal length of a Sofia itinerary is three days if you want to be able to see all of the main sites and still be able to dig a little bit deeper and get to know the city well.

What is Sofia known for?

Sofia is known for the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, its hot mineral springs, ancient Roman history, and countless museums. The Bulgarian capital is also famous for its lush parks, Viennese-style architecture, unusual bridges, and the jaw-dropping Vitosha Mountain.

Which is better Bucharest or Sofia?

While Sofia has a handful of good museums, Bucharest definitely has the edge on it. The Village Museum in Bucharest is truly outstanding, one of the best of its kind in Europe. Other excellent museums include the Romanian Peasant Museum, the National Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Romanian History.

Is Bulgaria worth visiting?

Sofia is a really affordable and unique place to visit in Eastern Europe. Having said that, a trip through the rest of Bulgaria is well worth your time too!

Is Sofia a good city break?

Sofia is a lovely underrated city and the sights in the surrounding countryside are absolutely stunning. There are plenty of hiking trails around Sofia, not to mention excellent cafes, restaurants, religious sites and museums.

Is Sofia a beautiful city?

Sofia is very beautiful and there is much to see both in the city and in its surroundings. Still, you should must consider taking a day trip from Sofia to one of the Bulgarian cities and towns. We recommend you visit some of the places that are only about two hours away from Sofia.

Is Sofia a cheap city?

The budget city break Sofia has a reputation for being one of Europe's very cheapest capital cities. With several budget airlines operating at the city's airport, even just getting to Sofia is cheap — a one-way ticket can cost as little as €20.

Do they speak English in Sofia Bulgaria?

Therefore, foreigners often difficult to travel around the country and even Sofia. In tourist areas, however, English is widely spoken in the capital. Although the language is mainly Slavic, it has enough twists to be distinguished from other Slavic languages like Czech, Russian, and Croatian.

How much does a meal cost in Sofia?

Prices in restaurants in Sofia.Meal in a cheap restaurant15 BGN (10.00-30)Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course70 BGN (50-120)McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)12 BGN (10.00-15)Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)3.00 BGN (2.00-5.00)Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)4.80 BGN (2.90-6.00)5 more rows

Is Sofia cheaper than Bucharest?

The cost of living in Bucharest is 5% more expensive than in Sofia. Cities ranked 6001st and 6110th ($823 vs $786) in the list of the most expensive cities in the world and ranked 1st and 2nd in Romania and Bulgaria, respectively.

Is Budapest bigger than Sofia?

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and also its largest city. Some people have tried to compare it to Budapest, but the cities are actually quite different. In Sofia you will find wonderful European style architecture intertwined with Communist style buildings.

Is 2 days enough for Sofia?

Whether as a city break or part of a longer trip around Bulgaria, two days is enough time to see many of Sofia's greatest sights. But to really cover lots of ground, it helps if you use this Sofia itinerary to show you around.

How many days should I spend in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria has a lot to offer visitors and, therefore, travellers can easily spend a number of weeks or even months within the country and always find something new to explore. However, if you only can spend 5 days in Bulgaria, then this is the itinerary for you.

Is one day in Sofia enough?

Is one day in Sofia enough? One day in Sofia is enough to tour the most famous historical sights, as they are conveniently packed right in the city centre. If you follow my Sofia itinerary, you'll be able to see everything in only a day.

How many days in Bucharest is enough?

Romania's capital, Bucharest is a city of contrasts. You can easily spend five to seven days here if you are interested in uncovering all its gems. But if you don't have that much time, you can see the essentials in two days.

What are the top attractions to visit in Sofia?

The top attractions to visit in Sofia are: St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral Vitosha Mountain Saint Nikolas Russian Church (Tsurkva Sveta Nikolai) Vit...

What are the best outdoor activities in Sofia?

The best outdoor activities in Sofia according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Vitosha Mountain Boyana Waterfall South Park Borisova Gradina Kino Cab...

What are the best day trips from Sofia?

The best day trips from Sofia according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Day tour to Skopje, North Macedonia - Small Group Tour to Lovech, Devetaki ca...

What are the most popular things to do in Sofia with kids?

The most popular things to do in Sofia with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Escape Way Escapeway.bg Questomania Bulgaria Museum of ill...

Where is Sofia?

Sofia is in west-central Bulgaria, and is the closest major city to the Serbian border.

Is Sofia Worth Visiting for an Extended Period?

It depends on what you are looking for. Sofia is a rising choice for Digital Nomads because it has great wifi, is affordable, and walkable.

What is the name of the park in Sofia?

The bright lights, tall buildings and bustling streets of Sofia can occasionally make it seem like a concrete jungle; take a trip to Borislova Gradina Park for some fresh air and tranquility in the city center. Constructed in 1884 and named after Boris III of Bulgaria, the park is divided into three parts.

What is the socialist art in Sofia?

There are also a number of sculptures depicting famous leaders, most notably Joseph Stalin, figures which previously lined the streets of the city. This compelling collection strives to exemplify the advances in art achieved during the socialist struggle, particularly the development of Socialist Realism, a style which glorified communist values and sought to honor the proletariat classes. A beguiling and reflective venue to visit in the heart of Sofia.

What is rakia in Bulgaria?

Rakia is the celebrated national beverage of Bulgaria, with homemade bottles often being proudly presented after every evening meal. A national treasure, this strong, smooth liquor is a must taste whilst in the country, and there is no better place to take a sip than in the thriving capital city. Centrally located Raketa Rakia Bar is not only a popular restaurant serving a variety of local and international cuisines, but is also a lively bar offering the best collection of rakias in the city. With its quirky decoration and assorted memorabilia dotted around on shelves, Raketa has a quirky, trendy vibe, whilst being bright, airy and decidedly laid back. Visitors are advised to line their stomachs with some of the restaurant’s tasty plates before becoming acquainted with rakia; some varieties of the spirit are 65% alcohol.

What is Bulgaria's story?

With a past rooted in Ottoman tradition and Socialist struggle, the narrative of Bulgaria tells a colorful story of conflict, fortitude and perseverance, where the capital city Sofia emerges as a sparkling center of energy and cultural richness. Offering a plethora of compelling galleries, museums, parks and night spots, ...

Where is the last dinner in Sofia?

A wonderful last dinner in the outdoor dining courtyard at Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees), one of Sofia's oldest restaurants.

What to see in Bulgarian history museum?

Exhibiting a number of antique items from over 8,000 years ago, visitors at The National History Museum can spend hours learning the stories of Bulgaria’s people, and discovering the relics they left behind. Separated into five halls, each of which represent a different historical era, guests can marvel at the pottery of the Middle Ages before wandering next door and observing the various ornamental burial gifts of the second Bulgarian Empire. With Bulgaria’s history including such notable events as the Ottoman dominion (1396 – 1878) and the Bulgarian National Revival in the 18th century, there is no shortage of fascinating information to be discovered at the museum. A trip here makes for one of the most cultural and interesting days out in Sofia.

Who designed the Bulgarian building?

The sprawling hexagonal building is made primarily of grass and concrete, and was designed by eminent Bulgarian architect Alexander Georgiev Barov, an artist whose work was prolific during communist-era Bulgaria.

What is the museum in Sveta Sofia?

Highlights include a mosaic floor from the Church of Sveta Sofia, a 4th-century BC Thracian gold burial mask, and a magnificent bronze head, thought to represent a Thracian king.

What is the oldest church in Sofia?

Sveta Sofia Church. Sveta So fia is one of the capital's oldest churches, and gave the city its name. A subterranean museum houses an ancient necropolis, with 56 tombs and the remains of four other churches.

Is Sofia a city?

Bulgaria's pleasingly laid-back capital is often overlooked by visitors heading to the coast or the ski resorts, but they're missing something special. Sofia is no grand metropolis, but it's a modern, youthful city , with a scattering of onion-domed churches, Ottoman mosques and stubborn Red Army monuments that lend an eclectic, exotic feel.

What is the Bulgarian lev?

Sofia uses the Bulgarian lev as its currency, and the conversion is easy as hell to remember. The plural of lev is leva, because #Bulgarian. The lev is pegged to the euro at 1 euro: 1.96 leva. Basically, that means there are two leva to every 1 euro.

Is WiFi good in Sofia?

WiFi in Sofia is generally stellar, some of the fastest in Europe (I honestly find it better than Romania outside of Bucharest). My home internet, which is the cheapest option, is usually 45 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, but sometimes it’s even faster.

Is Bulgaria part of the EU?

Bulgaria is part of the EU, but it is not yet part of Schengen (though that could change in the next few years). That means that Bulgaria is a fantastic place to go if you are a digital nomad / perpetual traveler and need to get out of the Schengen Zone for 90 days!

Is it a good idea to travel to Bulgaria?

Travel here includes outdoor activities and travel to highly touristed sites. It’s a good idea to be covered in case you have an accident or fall victim to theft. Travel insurance will help you recover your expenses and continue to enjoy your trip.

What is the best place to visit in Sofia?

It is a place to get mesmerized in nature’s serene embrace are everyone would be perpetually honored to arrive at tBori’s garden, which is among the best place to visit in Sofia.

When was Sofia Bulgaria built?

It is among the places to visit near Sofia Bulgaria that makes the tourists experience the typical buildings. It was constructed in the year 1981 as a portion of Bulgaria’s ceremony for 1300 years of the history of Bulgaria; it continues to be the greatest congress center in South-Eastern Europe.

Where is the Largo in Sofia?

It’s been lately rehabilitated, and since the town of the ancient Roman town of Serdica was placed adjacent to it, you can now these days trek underground and watch the archaeological verdicts, maximum of them in situ. Amongst the fascinating places to visit in Sofia is from the underground archaeological level, where a unique transparent roof displays the entire street above.

When was Sofia's most famous park landscaped?

Sofia’s most famous park was landscaped in the 1880s right after the Bulgarian Revival, making it the oldest one in the city.

When did Sofia get its name?

It was this church that gave the city of Sofia its name in the 1300s during the Second Bulgarian Empire.

How to get to Vitosha?

The easiest way to access Vitosha is via Aleko, the mountain’s ski resort, which is where the Simeonovo gondola lift will drop you off.

When did Bulgarian Revival take place?

Many of the buildings you’ll see are from the Bulgarian Revival in the late-19th century, when the country reclaimed its independence from the Ottomans. And always to the southwest looms the monumental Vitosha Mountain.

Which city has the largest synagogue in the Balkan region?

Sofia has the largest synagogue in the Balkan region, and the third-largest in Europe.

Where did the name Sofia come from?

The name comes from Sofia’s mineral baths, which had attracted visitors throughout the region during the 1500s. The mosque can fit 700 worshippers, and if you pass on Fridays you’ll notice many stragglers outside listening via the mosque’s external loudspeaker. Where to stay: Best Hotels in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Does Sofia have springs?

Sofia has a lot of spring activity, and these waters have drawn visitors since medieval times.

Where is Sofia located?

Sofia is the largest city in Bulgaria with a population of 1.4 million people. It is located at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. This old city’s history dates back to around the 4th century BC. The look of the city is very different depending on the area. Sometimes I felt that I was in Russia, other time it reminded me of Istanbul. The city’s new districts look like any other modern place in the world.

What is the national currency of Bulgaria?

The national currency of Bulgaria is Lev (plural: leva) which consists of 100 stotinki (singular: stotinka). It was almost half as much as euro (1 euro=1.95 lev), so it was very easy to calculate the cost of products.