Sofia is a growing European capital with a long history.
It is perhaps a little misunderstood, as many consider it a poor city, but it is now evolving into a modern European city.
Bulgaria’s capital combines tradition with modern life and of course has great gastronomy, like most cities in the Balkans.
In addition, Sofia is an affordable destination to travel on a low budget. The Bulgarian Levy to Euro exchange rate is 1 to 2.
Transportation in Sofia
To get from the airport to the city centre you can take the metro.
You don’t need to buy a ticket, as you can pay with your card directly or pay from your mobile phone before getting on the metro. The ticket costs around 0.80€.
You can pay for a ticket on public transport and in the city centre in the same way. On trams, buses and metro there are machines everywhere to pay with your mobile phone.
Of course, there are also some desks in Metro stations if you want to buy a paper ticket.
In addition, there is also the Day Pass, which costs just €2.
Accommodation in Sofia
DOT Sofia
In the heart of the city, just a few meters away from the Central Market Hall and the Women’s Market you will find DOT Sofia, a place with a unique architecture, that will offer you the ultimate hospitality experience.
The facade of rusted sheet metal documents the gradually disappearing historic materiality of the neighborhood, and the system of opening shutters interprets the life of the pavilions and stands at the ‘Women’s Market’.
The generous spaces inside are simple, minimalistic, furnished with locally designed and crafted interiors and select European design classics.
The apartment I stayed in, was spacious with a super comfy sofa and bed, and the kitchen was fully equipped with all the essentials.
The location is also ideal, next to a tram that takes you to the city’s attractions, and you can also walk to famous spots in the city.
Attractions in Sofia
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The most famous attraction in Sofia is undoubtedly the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
The impressive cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox Church temples in the world. Its construction was completed in 1924 and can accommodate over 5,000 people.
The Church of St. Sophia
Next to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the Church of St. Sophia.
The Byzantine church was built around the 6th century and features the brick interior as it was built at that time.
Next to it are ancient underground buildings and a plaque with Galerius’ edicts in ancient Greek.
Russian church of St. Nicholas
One of the most beautiful churches in Sophia is the Russian Church of St. Nicholas, which was built in 1914 and is known for its impressive architecture.
The church is dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, and stands out for its golden domes.
National Gallery
Next to the Russian Church of St. Nicholas you will find the National Gallery, an impressive museum to admire thousands of works of art. It also hosts various exhibitions from time to time.
Entrance costs 3€.
National Theatre Ivan Vazon
The National Theatre of Bulgaria, also known as the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, is one of the nicest buildings you’ll come across in Sofia and it’s where you’ll watch some of the best theatre performances in Sofia (if you know the language of course).
St. George’s Rotunda Church
Located in the centre of Sofia, this historic church dates back to the 4th century AD and you can visit it for free.
Around it are remnants of a Roman road of ancient Serdika.
Cathedral of Saint Nedelya
On the pedestrian street of Vitosha you will see the imposing Cathedral of Saint Nedelya.
In the courtyard was the burial place of the patriarch of Bulgaria and metropolitan of Sofia. Entrance, as for the other churches, is free of charge.
Statue of St. Sophia
Almost at the beginning of the main pedestrian street of Vitosha you will find the statue of St. Sophia, which replaced the statue of Lenin in 2000.
The owl and the wreath in her two hands symbolize justice and faith in a movement for change in Bulgaria.
Bania Bashi Mosque
The mosque is located on a beautiful square in the heart of Sofia. Entrance is free, but you must take off your shoes and women must cover their hair.
Vitosha Street
One of the most central pedestrian streets in Sofia full of restaurants, shops and souvenir stores, perfect place to stroll around.
National Palace of Culture (NDK)
The huge National Palace of Culture hosts concerts, exhibitions and other events.
It is located in a park, where the Christmas market was also set up.
Behind the NDK you will also encounter The Lovers’ Bridge. There are usually outdoor exhibitions to browse while you’re taking your walk.
Borisova Park
The most famous park in Sofia is Borisova, a perfect place to take a stroll on sunny days.
In fact, it’s like a small forest in the city centre for hiking, games and walks. In Borisova park there are also several shops to eat or drink coffee.
Food in Sofia
Mekitsa and Coffee
Mekitsa is like our own Greek doughnuts (loukoumades) and is served with sweet or savoury flavours such as nutella and jam.
Mekitsa and Coffee is a small shop, ideal for trying mekitsa. On the menu you will find them in large size, but also in small balls, like loukoumades.
For six small mekitsa with nutella and a hot chocolate I paid about 6€.
Izbata
For traditional Bulgarian dishes you can visit Izbata restaurant. It is centrally located and I would recommend making a reservation, as most restaurants serving traditional cuisine are usually full.
I tried the chicken kavarma dish, which was chicken cooked with onions, mushrooms, peppers and tomatoes, white wine and hot pepper, baked with egg.
I also had home-made Purlenka, which were handmade pita bread with garlic and cheese and paid a total of about 12€.
HleBar Shishman Street
In Bulgaria they make some traditional pies called banitsa that have various fillings.
At HleBar I tried banitsa with spinach, cheese and egg, but they had a huge variety with potatoes, mushrooms, olives etc.
JoVan The Dutch Baker
If you’re looking for more classic European flavors then you should definitely go to JoVan The Dutch Baker.
First of all, the moment you step foot in the shop you will be “blown away” by the wonderful smells.
I tried the margarita croissant, which was like a puff pastry pizza and cinnamon croissant. I paid about 3€ for the two together and they were delicious.
What you need to know before your trip to Sofia
- You can travel to Bulgaria with a Greek ID, you don’t need a passport or VISA.
- Although most shops accept cards, you should have some cash with you, as many small shops, bakeries and souvenir shops only accept cash. You can also pay in euros, but you will be charged extra money.
- Mobile data is available for roaming in Bulgaria from Greece.
- Two days is enough to get around Sofia.
If you want to see more of my trip to Sofia, visit my Instagram profile.
