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Jan
10
Sofia Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Bulgaria
A trip to Sofia
Bulgaria’s capital city offers an enticing blend of old and new, with charming 19th-century European architecture contrasting with what remains of Soviet-era block housing. Add to the mix the modern high-rises that have cropped up since the 1989 abolition of Communism, and you are introduced to the lively elegance of Sofia.
Flights to Sofia
Sofia International Airport is located a mere six miles outside of the city and receives mostly flights from Europe and a small selection of flights from Asia and North America. Connections to regional destinations and several Middle Eastern cities are frequent. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Sofia try Thomas Cook.
Frequent bus services run between the city centre and the airport from 5:00 to 23:00. Taxis to the city centre can be booked in the Arrivals hall through the OK Supertrans company. Within Sofia, the extensive public transportation network offers 21 tram lines, 200 bus lines, 11 trolley lines, the Sofia Underground train system and abundant taxis.
Sofia
Sightseeing in Sofia
As one of the oldest European capitals, Sofia boasts impressive architecture and some notable historic landmarks. The 10th-century Boyana Church is a UNESCO World Heritage protected site, and the Alexander Nevski is a fantastic neo-Byzantine cathedral, jutting into the sky with its golden and copper domes.
Many of the city’s main attractions are centrally located and easily explored on foot. Banya Bashi Mosque is the city’s only surviving, functioning mosque, which serves as a small legacy of centuries of Ottoman rule. The nearby Tsentralni Hali (Central Food Halls), Tsentralnata Banya (Central Baths) and the Synagogue offer a glimpse of early 20th-century architecture. The Zhenski Pazar (Women’s Market) is also worth a visit.
Among the many museums are the National Historical Museum, the Museum of Earth and Men and the Bulgarian Natural History Museum. There is now a significant selection of art galleries in Sofia as well.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Sofia’s bustling street life is one of its most notable features. An endless selection of bars and cafés is available by day or night, never lacking in people out to enjoy. Several bars and shops keep their doors open 24 hours, catering to the fun-loving nature that thrives in Sofia.
The nightlife never fails to deliver, with nightclubs, live music and pubs to suit every taste. Mehani (traditional Bulgarian taverns) and live shows by Bulgarian music groups are unique options.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Vitosha Mountain, only a quick drive or lift trip away, is popular for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the summer. The outdoor book market on Slaveykov Square and the yellow cobblestone boulevards of the city centre are relaxing spots to take in the city’s atmosphere. Vitosha Boulevard, also called Vitoshka, is lined with international fashion boutiques and shops filled with luxury goods. Another exciting shopping experience can be found in the city’s bazaars.
A quick trip to the Boyana Church and the National History Museum, about 5 miles outside of the city, is well worth your time.
Daytrips
While Sofia has plenty to offer and interest most travellers, the attractions in the Bulgarian capital are not limitless. Daytrips provide an exciting alternative and several such options exist within reasonable distance of the city.
The ancient city of Plovdiv lies 2 hours, 30 minutes east by train and is a popular destination for those wishing to escape the enormity, traffic and noise of the more metropolitan Sofia. Of great historical value are the Roman amphitheatre and Nebet Tepe, the hilltop ruins of a Thracian community from 5000 BC.
With Sofia being an excellent city to explore on foot, a city walking tour is a popular daytrip during which nearly all of the major attractions within the capital can be seen. You can tour the city on your own with a good map or join an organised walking tour.
Must-see attractions
Founded in 1888, the Sofia Zoo in the capital’s city centre is the country’s largest and oldest zoo. Encompassing 230,000 square metres, the zoological gardens are home to 1,113 animals representing 244 different species. A visit to the zoo is a great family activity.
Possibly the most photographed of the city’s landmarks and considered by locals to be the heart of Sophia, the St Alexander Nevski Memorial Church, with its copper and golden domes, is an impressive monument against the skyline. Nearly a century since its completion, and having required 30 years to build, the church stands in honour of the soldiers who fell in 1878, liberating Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire.
Best time to go
During the sunny summer months, Sofia relaxes and people spend more time outdoors enjoying the festive markets and regional parks. Spring and autumn are said to be the best times to visit, when the weather is temperate, prices are lower than during peak summer season and the city’s community calendar is at its busiest with numerous festivals and events.
Despite very cold winters, the mountain regions attract volumes of travellers eager for excellent skiing opportunities. If you aren’t interested in winter sports, however, visiting in summer of spring is recommended.
Rainy day suggestions
Covered in ivy, the 15th century building housing the National Archaeological Museum of Sofia is an impressive sight itself and a perfect rainy day excursion. Although exhibits have both English and Bulgarian labels, the English captions are somewhat lacking and visitors often enjoy their exploration more in the company of a Bulgarian speaker able to translate the informative local descriptions.
While most of the museum’s pieces are of Greek or Roman origin, the centerpiece collection of solid gold, oddly shaped ritualistic vessels known as the Vulchitrun Treasure remain in a private, guarded chamber.
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