Sofia, Bulgaria (Things to See and Enjoy)

This richly historical city is at the heart of The Balkans, midway between the Black Sea and the Adriatic Sea. Sofia is not only the capital of Bulgaria but also the largest city in the country and the 14th largest in the European Union. This breathtaking capital city has been one of the world’s top ten perfect hubs for start-up businesses. The mountains surrounding Sofia also make it the third-highest European capital.

“The Triangle of Religious Tolerance” is the most recent description of Sofia because three worship places of three major world religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, are located within one square. The Sofia Synagogue, the Sveta Nedelya Church, and the Banya Bashi Mosque all exist in the same square.

A budget traveler’s paradise, Sofia bustles with a rich history, the nicest of people, delicious culinary treats, and winding-down venues. The city has warm and sunny summers, while winters can be cold and snowy, and the autumn and spring seasons are relatively short. In this article, we’ll learn a bit about Sofia’s history, its multicultural growing scene, and the various things you can do and enjoy during your stay there.

Brief history of Sofia

The earliest humanitarian existence in Sofia goes back to at least 7,000 BC. Several Neolithic locations in and around the city testify to that. The first documented settlers were the Thracian Tilataei, who settled in the city in the 500s BC.

The city became known as Serdica after the Celtic tribe Serdi gave it their name. Later, it fell under Roman rule and gained economic and administrative importance. Serdica was one of the first Roman cities where Christianity was recognized and embraced as an official religion.

The First Bulgarian Empire caused the collapse of the Romans’ rule over Serdica when the Byzantines failed to besiege the city in 809. The city’s name changed from Serdica to Sredets, but it remained an important fortress and administrative centre.  However, Sredets eventually fell into the hands of the Byzantines in 1018. Sredets was a significant spiritual, literary and artistic destination in the 13th and 14th centuries when the city produced multi-coloured ceramics, jewellery and ironware.

In 1385, after a three-month siege, the Ottoman Empire overtook Sredets. Under Ottoman reign, the city maintained its essential role as it became the capital of the beylerbeylik of Rumelia, the province that administered the Ottoman lands in Europe. Sofia’s boom during the Ottoman period ended with the decline of the Empire’s power in the 17^th century.

The Ottoman grip on the city was released with the help of the Russian forces in 1878, after which Sofia was proposed and accepted as the country’s capital. The city’s population was regained due to immigration from other regions of the Kingdom of Bulgaria. The current Republic of Bulgaria was established in 1990 following a period of communist Bulgaria after the Second World War.

How do I get to Sofia?

This multi-cultural, multi-architectural city can be reached by plane, train, bus, or car.

1. Fly-in: Sofia Airport (SOF) is 9 kilometres east of the city centre. Over 20 airlines operate flights to and from the SOF to and from major European and Middle Eastern cities. All renowned airlines operate flights, such as Air France, Air Serbia, Bulgaria Air, and Turkish Airlines. More affordable airlines include Wizz Air, Ryanair, and EasyJet.

An airport-free shuttle bus operates between the airport terminals. The airport has shops, cafés, post offices, ATMs, and money exchange offices. A round-trip ticket through Wizz Air from Paris to Sofia will cost around 302 Euros for a direct flight that takes 2 hours and 45 minutes.

2. By train: Sofia Central Station is the largest train station in Bulgaria and is 1 kilometre north of the city centre. International trains run directly to and from the station to several European cities such as Belgrade, Istanbul, Bucharest, Niš and Thessaloniki.

Trains run daily from Bucharest to Sofia. The ticket costs around 11 Euros for a trip that takes almost 10 hours. You can also take a night train that will take you there around the same time for about 12 Euros. The train from Thessaloniki to Sofia takes around 7 hours and a half and costs 17 Euros.

Taking the train to Sofia is a relatively slow option to get to the city. You can check the Sofia Central Station website for available trips and prices.

3. By bus: If bus rides are more your favourite than train rides, the Central Bus Station is more likely where you’ll arrive. Eurolines Bulgaria is the largest operator of international buses to and from Bulgaria. The Bucharest bus will cost you around 27 Euros for the nine-and-a-half-hour trip.
4. By car: You can always drive to Sofia if you love road trips and enjoy the scenery. A well-developed network of petrol and gas stations nationwide serves you. It is wiser to make the journey by car if you’re the owner since then you’d only have to incur the cost of fuel, which might amount to 50 Euros.

However, there are several affordable car rental agencies you can look up. For example, Bucharest Downtown offers you around 23 Euros daily to set you up with a good car. An excellent website to check for deals is Rentalcars, which provides a variety of suppliers and deals.

A minor point to remember is to check if your driving license complies with international standards. It’s advisable, however, to have an international license. Also, always make sure to check prices in advance. If you’re still putting together your vacation plans, check online for great deals for whichever means of transportation will take you to Sofia.

Getting Around Sofia

Since we’ve got you in Sofia, there are several options to accommodate the different things you can do in the capital of Bulgaria. The best way to get around Sofia is by buying a day’s pass for 2.05 Euros, including unlimited public transportation rides. If you like to use the metro, it’s helpful to note that the metro ticket—costing about 1 Euro—can not be used to ride other public transportation.

Riding a bicycle is popular around Sofia. For about 11 Euros, you can rent one for a day and get on with the fun things to do in Sofia while soaking in the city. Taking a taxi isn’t always the most budget-friendly option, as the fare can vary quickly. If you’ve come to Sofia by car, exploring the region around the city might be helpful, as you might not need it much in the town itself.

Sofia Things to See and Do

Visitors often overlook this gem of a city. The city’s landscape alone offers a gate into several historical eras. There are many things to do in Sofia. In this article, we will discover together this history lovers’ heaven, the fun things you can do in Sofia, the unusual stuff, what you must see if you’re in the city for a weekend, and even activities suitable for kids in Sofia.

Sofia, a History Lovers’ Heaven

Sofia has famous churches, museums, theatres, and art galleries. The city’s architectural style coincided with the country’s political scene. There are mosques and buildings in the Ottoman style, one of the largest synagogues in Southeastern Europe, and even ruins of Serdica, the name Sofia, carried under Roman rule.

So, let’s get to it!

Religious Buildings in Sofia

Cathedral Aleksandar Nevsky:

Visit this Neo-Byzantine-style church, one of Sofia’s top things to do. The foundation of Sofia’s symbol and primary tourist attraction began in 1882 when the first stone was laid, except the actual building occurred between 1904 and 1912. A team of Bulgarian, Russian, Austro-Hungarian, and other European architects, artists, and workers were the masters who built and decorated the church.

The building of this church is an actual European work of cooperation; the marble parts and light fixtures were made in Munich, while the metal parts for the gates were made in Berlin. The gates were made in Vienna, and the mosaics were shipped from Venice. These beautiful mosaics of different saints decorate the exterior of the church.

Inside the church crypt, there’s a museum of Bulgarian icons, part of the National Art Gallery. The museum is claimed to house the most extensive collection of Orthodox icons in Europe.

The St. Sofia Church, after which the city is named, is located nearby. You can walk over to it; it is another exciting place in Sofia. Other notable locations are the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, the Bulgarian Parliament, the Sofia Opera and Ballet, and a park with a small flea market where vendors sell handmade textiles and antiques.

One of the most unusual things to do in Sofia is to watch the sunrise at the cathedral. The subtle rays of the biggest star in our solar system warm up the mosaics on the exterior as it inches closer to the heart of the sky. The breathtaking architecture of the cathedral is made more majestic if that’s even possible. Some might even describe it as one of the romantic things to do in Sofia.

Church of St. George:

The 4th-century building is considered one of the oldest buildings in modern-day Sofia. This church was initially built as a Roman bath and was later converted into a church as part of Serdica during the Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire rule.

The church is part of an enormous archaeological complex. Behind the apse are ancient ruins consisting of a Roman street with preserved drainage, the foundations of a large basilica, probably a public building, and some smaller buildings.

Experts consider the church one of the most beautiful buildings in the so-called Constantine district of Serdika-Sredets.

Saint Sofia Church:

The church that gave the city its name in the 14th century is the oldest in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. Many buildings were erected on the same site before the present-day church existed. The building once held the Council of Serdica, then became a theatre in the 2nd century. Over the following centuries, many churches were built on site, only to be destroyed by invading forces.

The present-day basilica is said to be the fifth building to be built on site under the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the middle of the 6th century. It is similar in style to the Hagia Sofia church in Constantinople. In the 16th century, the church was converted into a mosque under Ottoman rule, with minarets replacing the original 12th-century frescos.

Two earthquakes in the 19th century destroyed the building, and reconstruction began after 1900. The Saint Sofia Church is considered one of the most valuable buildings of Early Christian architecture in Southeastern Europe. Many tombs have been unearthed under and near the church, and some of these tombs display frescoes.

Boyana Church:

This church on the outskirts of Sofia, in the Boyana district, is home to a wide array of scenes and human images—89 scenes and 240 human photos, to be exact. Dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the construction of the Boyana Church began in the late 10th or early 11^th century. Even though construction resumed in the 13^th century, the building wasn’t finished until the middle of the 19^th century.

Due to the delicate nature of the frescoes housed by the church, air conditioning was installed inside to keep the temperatures at an average of 17-18 degrees Celsius, with low-heat lighting. Visitors are permitted to stay inside only for 10 minutes after they enter as a group of 8 people.

Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church (Church of the Seven Saints):

Once known as the Black Mosque or Kara Camii, this church was built through the conversion of a mosque between 1901 and 1902. Due to the dark granite colour used in creating its minaret, the Black Mosque was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent to compete against the city’s beautiful churches. The ruins of two previous buildings were found beneath the mosque, a nunnery and an early Christian temple from the 4th-5th century and a pagan temple of Asclepius from Roman Serdica.

The mosque was part of a complex that included a madrasah, a caravanserai, and a hammam. The mosque’s minaret collapsed following an earthquake in the 19th century, after which the Ottomans abandoned the building after the Liberation of Bulgaria in 1878. The place was used as a military warehouse and a prison until the proposal to convert the mosque into a church.

The central hall and dome of the Black Mosque were preserved, and an electric clock made by the famous watchmaker Georgi Hadzhinikolov was fitted to the western façade in the 1930s. The small garden, where the madrasah once stood, and the square close to the church were also built during the same period.

Church of St Paraskeva:

This third-largest church in Sofia is dedicated to Saint Paraskeva. Plans to build a church on the site date back to 1910; however, all plans were postponed due to The Balkan Wars and the First World War. New construction plans were announced in 1922, and works were finished in 1930, with the entrances finished by 1940.

Sveta Nedelya Church:

The Sveta Nedelya Church is most known to have suffered construction and has been rebuilt several times since. The first recorded church at the site was said to have been wooden; otherwise, the history isn’t quite clear. The church remained made of wood until the middle of the 19th century.

The former building was demolished in 1856 to start construction of the new church. However, due to an earthquake in 1858, construction was only finished in 1863. The new church was officially inaugurated in 1867.

The church was renovated in 1898 with the addition of new domes. However, it was razed following the 1925 assault. Restoration works to the modern-day church took place between 1927 and 1933.

Church of St Petka of the Saddlers:

This unique-looking church is partially dug into the ground in the centre of Sofia’s modern and old cities. This medieval church was constructed on the site of a former Roman religious building. The present-day building is famous for its murals of the 14th, 15th, 17th, and 19th centuries. The first mention of the church, though, dates to the 16th century.

Church of St Nicholas the Miracle-Maker (The Russian Church):

The church was built on the site of the former Saray mosque, which was destroyed after Russia liberated Bulgaria from Ottoman rule in 1882. It was built as the official church of the Russian Embassy beside it and of the Russian community in the city. Construction began in 1907, and the church was consecrated in 1914.

The church remained open even after the Russian Revolution and during Bulgaria’s Communist period. The Russian government recently restored the exterior. Beneath the church’s main floor are the remains of Saint Archbishop Seraphim, where dozens of people still visit him and leave notes of the wishes they pray get granted.

Cathedral of St. Joseph:

This relatively new cathedral was destroyed by Allied bombing during the Second World War. Pope John Paul II laid the foundation stone during his 2002 visit to Bulgaria. Construction was finished, and the church was inaugurated in 2006.

Saint Joseph is the largest Catholic Cathedral in Bulgaria. On different days of the week, mass services are held in several languages, such as Bulgarian, Polish, and Latin.

Banya Bashi Mosque:

The sole functioning mosque in Sofia was designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and completed in 1566. The mosque’s most outstanding feature is that it was built over natural thermal spas; you can even see the steam rising from vents near the mosque walls. Famous for its large dome and minaret, Sofia’s Muslim community uses the Banya Bashi mosque today.

Sofia Synagogue:

The Sofia Synagogue is the largest in Southeastern Europe and is one of two synagogues functioning in Bulgaria, the other being in Plovdiv. Built to meet the needs of Sofia’s mainly Sephardic Jewish community, the synagogue’s construction began in 1905. Construction was finished in 1909, and the synagogue was opened in the same year with the presence of Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria.

The synagogue is distinguished by its Moorish Revival architectural style, with Venetian architecture on the façade. Carrara marble columns stand inside, and multicoloured Venetian mosaics and decorative woodcarving decorate the interior.

The synagogue is home to the Jewish Museum of History since 1992. The museum displays the Jewish community in Bulgaria, the Holocaust and the Rescue of the Jews in Bulgaria expositions. A souvenir shop is also at work on the premises.

Historic Buildings and Monuments to See in Sofia

As diverse as Sofia’s religious building scene is, the same goes for the city’s other historical buildings. Tombs, mausoleums, statues, and monuments are dotted around the city.

Monument to the Tsar Liberator:

Built in honour of Russian Emperor Alexander II, it was erected to signify the emperor’s role in liberating Bulgaria from Ottoman rule during the Russo-Turkish wars of 1877 and 1878. The monument’s foundation stone was laid in 1901, and construction finished in 1903.

The monument, made of black granite from Vitosha, consists of a pedestal, a middle part with figures, and a massive Neo-Renaissance cornice topped with the sculpture of the Russian Tsar on a horse. Romania donated the bronze wreath at the foot to remember the Romanian soldiers who died during the war.

The bronze figures in the middle represent Russian and Bulgarian soldiers led by Victoria, the goddess of victory in Roman mythology. There are featured scenes from the Battle of Stara Zagora and the Treaty of San Stefano signing. The monument stands on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, facing the National Assembly of Bulgaria and with the InterContinental hotel behind it.

Monument to Vasil Levski:

Dubbed the Apostle of Freedom, Vasil Levski was a Bulgarian revolutionary who is considered a national hero today. This monument, located in the centre of Sofia, took 17 years to build due to a lack of funds and negligence in its construction. It is considered one of the first monuments to be built in the newly liberated Principality of Bulgaria.

The 13-meter-high grey Balkan granite monument features a bronze bas-relief of Levski’s head. It was built to commemorate the Bulgarian national hero hanging on the same spot on 18 February 1873.

Battenberg Mausoleum (Memorial Tomb of Alexander I of Battenberg):

This eclectic mausoleum, featuring elements of Neo-Baroque and Neoclassic architectural styles, is the final resting place of the First Head of State of modern Bulgaria, Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria. After his death, the prince was initially buried in exile in Austria, but his remains were moved into the mausoleum after its construction in 1897 by his wishes.

The mausoleum was closed during Communist Rule in Bulgaria but subsequently reopened to the public after 1991. After restoration work in 2005, it also exhibits some of Alexander’s private possessions and papers.

Russian Monument:

The first monument to be built in the capital of the newly liberated Principality of Bulgaria was unveiled on 29 June 1882. The Russian people collected the funds for its construction. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the monument became a centre of urban planning in this part of Sofia.

The monument is an obelisk, a rectangular pyramid with a truncated top and a three-step pedestal. On the memorial’s eastern side is a marble relief of the coat of arms of Russia and the Order of St. George and a text commemorating Alexander II in pre-reform Russian.

Monument to the Unknown Soldier:

Located near the Saint Sophia Church in the centre of Sofia, the monument is dedicated to the thousands of soldiers who gave their lives defending the country. Official ceremonies involving the President of Bulgaria and foreign state presidents are usually performed there. The monument was opened on the 1300^th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Bulgaria on 22 September 1981.

An eternal flame from the sites of Stara Zagora and Shipka Pass, where two of the most important battles took place during the Russo-Turkish War, is featured at the monument. A sculpture of the national symbol of Bulgaria, a lion, is also featured in the memorial, as well as an inscription of a stanza by the Bulgarian poet Ivan Vazov:

Oh Bulgaria, For You They Died

Only One Were You Worth Of Them

And They Of You Worthy, O Mother, Were!

Monument of The Soviet Army:

This monument in Sofia portrays a soldier of the Soviet Army as a freedom fighter surrounded by a Bulgarian woman holding her baby and a Bulgarian man beside her. A sculptural composition of a group of soldiers is around the central monument. The monument was built in 1954, and the park area around it is a unique gathering place for skaters, ravers, rasta and other subcultural groups.

The Yablanski House:

Considered one of the city’s architectural achievements in the first decade of the 20th century, Yablanski House was built by order of the former mayor of Sofia, Dimitar Yablanski. The house was built over two years, from 1906 to 1907, in the Baroque style with some Renaissance elements and an interior in the Rococo style.

The house has had many uses and owners throughout history. During Communist Bulgaria, it was used as the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China until 1991. After that, the Yablanski heirs to whom the house was returned sold it to First Private Bank, which went bankrupt in 1996.

After years of neglect and mismanagement, restoration works on the Yablanski House started in 2009. Starting in 2011, it hosts a private club with a restaurant, bar, and music venue.

Vrana Palace:

This former royal palace is today the official residence of the former royal family of Bulgaria. Tsar Ferdinand I bought the land just outside Sofia in 1898. Two buildings and a park were built on the premises, all financed by the state budget.

The first building is a two-story hunting lodge built in 1904, which was described as an exquisite interpretation of the Plovdiv Baroque with Viennese decorative elements. The second building was constructed between 1909 and 1914. The palace combines Byzantine architectural designs with Bulgarian National Revival traditions, Art Nouveau, and French Classicism.

The palace’s property was passed down through the royal family, overtaken by the Communists after the abolition of the monarchy. Subsequently, after the fall of communism, the palace went back to the last tsar, Simeon II, by the Constitutional Court of Bulgaria in 1998. The former royal family donated the park in the palace in 1999 to Sofia.

Ferdinand arranged the former royal park in 1903. It has been open to the public on weekends since June 2013. The park is rich in plant species and was declared a national monument of landscape architecture. There’s a unique public transport bus, no. 505 only runs on weekends during the park’s working hours and connects the palace with Eagle’s Bridge.

Eagle’s Bridge:

Built in 1891, Eagle’s Bridge derives its name from the four statues of eagles on it, which symbolize its protectors and patrons. One of the bridge’s columns and bronze eagles are featured on the reverse print of the Bulgarian 20 BGN banknote. The bridge is often a site of protests.

10. Lion’s Bridge:

Built between 1889 and 1891, Lion’s Bridge derives its name from the four bronze sculptures of lions around it. It was built from stone in place of a previous bridge, and electric lights were installed in the early 1900s.

One of the bronze lions is depicted on the Bulgarian 20 BGN banknote issued in 1999 and 2007. After reconstruction works in 2014, the bridge is now open only to trams and pedestrians.

The Amphitheater of Serdica:

A stone plate found in 1919 near what is today the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria sparked the debate that an amphitheatre once existed in Sofia. The plate displayed an amphitheatre’s façade with fights between gladiators and wild animals, including crocodiles, bears, bulls, and wild cats.

The theatre was accidentally discovered in 2004 during the early construction of what is now the Arena di Serdica Hotel. The discovered part was preserved and included in the hotel’s ground floor. It is accessible to the public for free during the day, except on Mondays. Further parts were discovered in 2006 when digging for building a National Electric Company was taking place.

The theatre was built on the ruins of an earlier Roman theatre that was originally built in the 2nd or 3rd century AD. The theatre’s ruins were discovered 5 meters under the amphitheatre ruins, and it’s believed to have been in use until it was permanently abandoned after a Gothic raid burned it down.

The theatre was constructed in two stages during the late 3rd and early 4th centuries AD and used for less than a century. The building was believed to be abandoned in the 5th century due to Theodosius I’s anti-pagan policies. In the 5th and 6th centuries, barbarians built their homes within the arena’s boundaries. At the same time, the place was used as a source of building materials for new housing during the Ottoman period.

The Largo:

Designed and built in the 1950s, this architectural ensemble of three Socialist Classicism towers in the heart of Sofia was intended to become the city’s new representative centre. The ensemble consists of the former Party House (the defunct Bulgarian Communist Party), now the National Assembly of Bulgaria. The centre and side edifices accommodate the TZUM department store, the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria, the President’s Office, the Sofia Hotel Balkan, and the Ministry of Education.

The area where the ensemble is built was cleared in 1952 after its bombardment during the Second World War. The Party House building was designed and completed in 1955. The current President’s Office was finished the following year, while the TZUM part of the tower was finished in 1957.

Currently known as Independence Square, the area has been reorganized since 2006. Glass domes have replaced the lawn and flags in the centre to showcase the ruins of Serdica’s ancient Thracian and Roman cities. The symbols of communism were removed from The Largo after changes to the country’s ruling policy in 1989, most notably replacing the red star from atop the Party House with the Bulgarian flag.

The Borisova Gradina TV Tower:

Completed in 1959, the tower is located in the garden of Borisova Gradina and is best known for the first Bulgarian National Television broadcast in 1959. Since 1985, the Vitosha Mountain TV Tower has been the primary facility for broadcasting television and the Bulgarian National Radio programs in and around Sofia. The Old TV Tower broadcasts private radio stations and DVB-T terrestrial television.

Things to do with kids in Sofia

Are you away on holiday with the kids? It’s no problem at all. The city of Sofia offers a variety of places, many of which have unrestricted access and will certainly keep the kids busy. From gardens to zoos and even thermal baths, the kids will have all the fun they need and even a few moments of relaxation.

Sofia Zoo:

One of the kids’ favourite places is the zoo, and the Sofia Zoo is the habitat of hundreds of species. Founded in 1888, the zoo’s exhibition of animals increased significantly over the following years with the addition of deer, pheasants, brown bears and a pair of lions in 1892. The zoo moved from its former location in the former botanical garden to its current location in the centre of Sofia in 1982.

The Sofia Zoo’s official website shows the ticket prices. Free access is granted to children up to 3 years old, 1 Euro (2 BGN) for children after 3 up to 18 years old, and 2 Euro (4 BGN) for adults.

The Bells Monument (Kambanite Park):

This is one exciting spot. It’s a park where you can picnic and laze around. The park is dedicated to world peace and the world’s children. The central monument of the park is a sculpture of doves and a collection of 70 bells from around the world. You can go up to each bell and ring it. It’s pretty fun for kids, right?

The Bells monument was installed in 1979 when UNESCO declared it the International Year of the Child. The bells are hung on pillars marked with a message from children from the respective nation. The seven main bells, one for each continent, occasionally ring along events or parades by the monument.

Sofia Central Mineral Baths:

This landmark in the centre of Sofia was built in the early 20^th century near the former and then-disrupted Turkish bath. It was designed in the Vienna Secession style with Bulgarian, Byzantine, and Eastern Orthodox elements.

The building is now a museum of regional history. The garden in front of the baths is an excellent place for families to relax and picnic after filling their bottles with complimentary mineral water from the fountains.

Ticket prices are very affordable for entering the baths. Children up to 7 years old have free access, 1 Euro (2 BGN) for students and PhD candidates and 3 Euros (6 BGN) for adults.

Crystal Garden:

Named after the Crystal bar and café that no longer exists, the garden kept its name and is still associated with the open-air art centre, known until recently as the gathering place for writers, poets, musicians, artists, and actors. The garden is located on the opposite corner of the Russian Church in Sofia.

The public garden is perfect for an uneventful afternoon. It is a place where you can take some time off to cool down after a day of sightseeing or plan your next trip stop. The garden is home to a monument dedicated to Stefan Stambolov, a remarkable Bulgarian politician, surrounded by cafés and restaurants.

Borisova Gradina:

After the Bulgarian Tsar Boris III, Gradina is Sofia’s oldest and best-known park. Construction began in 1884 under the supervision of Swiss gardener Daniel Neff.

He set up a nursery for the growing garden’s future trees, shrubs, and flowers. The nursery met the city’s needs and had more to sell to the citizens. The nursery was then shaped as a garden in 1885, and a large lake was added in 1889.

The Alsatian Joseph Frei planted the two main alleyways in the lower part of the garden. He was responsible for building the new People’s Fountain and creating the Rosarium in place of the removed agricultural buildings and the many modern nursery gardens and hothouses.

Bulgarian gardener Georgi Duhtev extended the rosarium by adding 1,400 new cultivated rose species he planted. A Japanese corner was created using plants sent by the Japanese Ministry, which represented Japan’s national flora and were a gift and symbol of friendship between the Japanese and Bulgarian people.

Several buildings were added in the following years, including the Summer Swimming Bath, the University Observatory, the Open-Air School, the Big Lake, the Yunak and Levski football fields, the tennis club, the diplomatic tennis court, the cycling track, and the Yunak Rectifying Station.

The gradina is a massive space where you can spend several hours walking, cycling, discovering and perhaps enjoying a book while the children play around you.

City Garden:

At a much smaller scale than the Borisova, the City Garden in the historical centre of Sofia is the oldest garden in the city, established in 1872. The garden was initially arranged in the last years of Ottoman rule and underwent a significant transformation after the Liberation of Bulgaria and the choice of Sofia as the country’s capital. The alley network was reorganized, new plants were added, a low wooden fence, a coffeehouse and a kiosk for musicians.

The garden was reorganized and redeveloped several times until the end of the 19th century. The City Garden is most notable for being a hub for chess players, regularly seen in groups in the small garden in front of the National Theater.

Vitosha Mountain and National Park:

Vitosha Mountain is a symbol of Sofia. Located just outside the city, it is the closest place for hiking, climbing, and skiing. Vitosha is the oldest natural park in the Balkans, established in 1934 by a group of noblemen. Two reserves were designated within its boundaries the following year: the Bistrishko Branishte and Torfeno Branishte.

The park boundaries might have fluctuated over the years, but today, they encompass the entire mountain. Due to the mountain’s different elevations, various flora and fauna can be found in other parts of the park. Kids find exploring the multiple types of plants, fungi, algae and mosses interesting.

The mountain is easily accessible through the several bus routes and ropeways that take you to the park. At the top, the meteorological station—built and still working since 1935—serves as a resting place for hikers on their way. The station is also the headquarters of the mountain rescue team.

If you prefer to spend more time at the mountain than a day’s trip, several hotels and inns are dotted around the area. Here, you can enjoy the scenery and relax in the heart of nature.

Boyana Waterfall:

If you are up for more hiking after a night at one of the hotels around Vitosha or looking for some adventure with the kids after days of sightseeing, you might want to consider getting to the Boyana Waterfall. The waterfall is lovely to witness during the high tide or when it is frozen in winter.

A Boyana day trip can be booked. You will first explore the beauty of the Boyana Church, and then the guide will take you through the mountains to the waterfall. Daily tours are also available through Sofia Green Tours.

The Presidency Building:

You might wonder what you could do at the Presidency Building. Well, there’s not much that you can do, but rather, you can watch what you want. The guards at the building change every hour, and the procession of change is most fascinating. Both kids and adults love to watch the guards as they stomp around in the formal walk in front of the building. It’s a nice stop to make during your trip.

Cultural and Artistic Scene in Sofia

Sofia’s cultural and artistic scene is enriched with museums, theatres, and art galleries at almost every corner. Children will also love to discover the different exhibitions and artefacts on display. Scenes from several action movies, such as Rambo and London Has Fallen, have also been shot in Sofia.

The National Archeological Museum:

This museum was officially opened in 1905. It occupies the largest and oldest former Ottoman mosque in Sofia. The mosque was built between 1451 and 1474 and previously housed the National Library between 1880 and 1893.

Several additional halls and administrative buildings were added in the following years. The museum has five main exhibition halls:

1)Prehistory Hall: Located on the lower floor of the northern wing, it displays items from between 1,600,000 BC and 1,600 BC. The findings from the different caves around Bulgaria are chronologically displayed.

2)Treasury: Located in the eastern wing, it displays grave inventory and other treasures from the late Bronze Age to late Antiquity.

3)Main Hall: On the first floor of the main building, this hall hosts different items from ancient Thrace, Greece and Rome to the late Middle Ages.

4)Medieval Section: This section is on the second floor of the main building. It includes medieval books, woodwork, drawings, metal objects, and other items from that era.

5)Temporary exhibitions: On the second floor of the main building.

National Historical Museum:

Founded in 1973, the National Historical Museum is the largest in Sofia. In 2000, it moved into the former residence of the last communist leader, Todor Zhivkov, in Boyana. The museum showcases over 650,000 objects related to archaeology, fine arts, history, and ethnography.

The museum has a cloakroom, café, library, and souvenir shop. It also offers professional conservation and restoration of historical monuments, authenticity investigations, and expert valuations.

National Museum of Military History:

The museum has operated since 1916 as a Ministry of Defense structure. It consists of indoor and outdoor exhibitions, changing exhibits, a library, and a computer centre. The outdoor exhibition area shows an array of artillery, missiles, military vehicles, tanks, and aircraft.

Earth and Man National Museum:

Founded in 1985 and opened to the public in 1987, this is one of the most prominent mineralogical museums in the world. The museum building was constructed at the end of the 19th century. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum hosts exhibitions related to other topics and chamber music concerts.

The museum has exhibition halls, stock premises, laboratories, a video room and a conference room. It covers over 40% of known and naturally occurring minerals and man-made ceramics prepared by Bulgarian scientists.

National Art Gallery:

Located on Battenberg Square in Sofia, this national gallery occupies most of the historic Ottoman Chelebi Mosque and Ottoman Konak, later converted into the former royal palace of Bulgaria. The gallery was established in 1934 and moved into the palace in 1946 after the initially planned building was razed in a bombing in the Second World War.

The gallery houses examples of contemporary and National Revival Art and the country’s most extensive collection of Medieval paintings, including more than 4,000 icons.

National Gallery for Foreign Art:

Located in the former Royal Printing Office, this gallery is essentially Bulgaria’s gallery for non-Bulgarian art. The gallery was established in 1985, and its exhibitions grew over time through donations and the addition of the foreign art section from the National Art Gallery.

Since 2015, the NGFA’s collections have been displayed alongside 19th—and 20th-century collections from the National Art Gallery, resulting in the expansion of the building. The resulting building is currently known as National Gallery Square 500.

The gallery displays works from around the world. Its collections include Indian, Japanese, African, European, and Buddhist Art from Southeast Asia. Because the gallery’s collections are so vast, some items are still in storage due to the lack of exhibition space.

National Museum of Natural History:

Located next to the Russian Church and founded in 1889, this museum is the first and largest Natural History Museum in the Balkans. It includes over 400 stuffed mammals, over 1,200 species of birds, thousands of insects, and samples of about a quarter of the world’s mineral species. The museum has four departments: Palaeontology and Mineralogy, Botany, Invertebrates, and Vertebrates.

The Ivan Vazov National Theater:

Bulgaria’s national theatre, the Ivan Vazov Theater, is located in the heart of Sofia. It was founded in 1904 and opened in 1907, making it the oldest theatre in the country. Vazov’s famous play The Outcasts was the first play to be performed at the theatre.

The theatre underwent several restorations after suffering damage from a fire in 1923 and bombing in the Second World War. Other reconstruction works took place during the 1970s and 2006. A theatrical school was established as part of the theatre in 1925.

The National Opera and Ballet:

The history of Opera in Bulgaria goes back to 1890, but the emerging institutions didn’t last long. It wasn’t until the establishment of the Bulgarian Opera Society in 1908 that the first complete opera, Pagliacci by Leoncavallo, was performed in 1909. The first Bulgarian opera works, like Kamen I Tsena by Ivan Ivanov, were also performed during the same period.

The institution became national in 1922 and changed its name to National Opera. By then, the company presented up to 10 opera and ballet shows a year, including world-renowned opera classics and new ones conducted by Bulgarian composers. The ballet company was established and gave its first performance in 1928.

Central Military Club:

The building’s foundation stone was laid in 1895 and was designed in the Neo-Renaissance style. The three-story building houses a coffeehouse, an art gallery, different halls, and a concert hall. The club serves the Bulgarian Army and is administered by the Executive Agency of Military Clubs and Information.

The SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library:

The most extensive public library in Bulgaria was founded in 1878. The current building was built between 1940 and 1953. The library was named after Saints Cyril and Methodius, who created the Glagolitic alphabet.

The library has several notable collections. Slavonic Scriptures, Greek and other Foreign Scriptures, Eastern Scriptures, Collection of Oriental Archives and the Newer Turkish Archives, Old Print, Rares and Valuables, Old Print Books from the Orient, Bulgarian Historical Archive and Portraits and Photographs.

Slaveykov Square:

The earliest mention of the square dates back to 1515, when a coffeehouse, a mosque, and two Turkish police stations were situated there. The current name of the square came from the fact that one of the two-story houses built around it after the liberation of Bulgaria belonged to Petko Slaveykov.

One of the significant landmarks of the square is the statue of Petko Slaveykov and his son Pancho, sitting on one of the benches. The square has become famous among booksellers, and book fairs usually occur all year round.

The National Palace of Culture (NDK):

The NDK is the largest multifunctional conference and exhibition centre in south-eastern Europe. It was opened in 1981 during the 1,300^th celebration of Bulgaria’s liberation. In 2005, the International Organization of Congress Centers named the palace the best congress centre in the world for the year.

The palace is home to 13 halls and 15,000 square meters of exhibition space, a car park and a trade centre. It is equipped to host various events, including concerts, multilingual conferences, exhibitions and shows. The Sofia International Film Festival takes place at the NDK.

Unusual Things to Do in Sofia

One of the most unusual things to do in the Bulgarian capital is to watch the growing artistic scene in Sofia through the art of graffiti. This free art form has helped transform several façades in the city into works of art, found in many locations around Sofia.

1. The work of Bozhidar Simeonov (Bozko): The artist took nine days to paint the giant wall of the Sofia Inspectorate next to the National Opera.

2. The work of Stanislav Trifonov (Nasimo): Known as one of the pioneers of European street art culture, his works adorn several European buildings, including in Britain, Germany, Italy, India, and almost all of the Balkan countries.

3. Arsek & Erase is responsible for the Serdica-Tulip mural, which the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands initiated. The 200-square-meter mural is located near the Serdica metro station and aims to illustrate the friendly relations between the two countries.

4. JahOne: Along with the team of the Visionary Foundation, they symbolized the hope carried by blood cancer patients through graffiti that innovations in the treatment of this disease will give them new life.

5. Graffiti at Rays Street: In memory of Krastyo Petrov Mirski, a Bulgarian drama director and professor at the Higher Institute of Theater Arts.

6. Another work of Nasimo: In 2016, he painted a Bulgarian girl dressed in a national costume. Named “God’s Gift,” the mural represents Rada, a Bulgarian bride, and the beauty of Bulgarian tradition.

Sofia Graffiti Tour – Connolly Cove

Sofia Festivals and Upcoming Events to attend

Sofia has many year-round festivals, from film to dance and even a food festival. However, due to the language barrier, there haven’t been many events for tourists in the past years. Still, the country is doing its best to incorporate the English language into its events.

Sofia Middle East and North African Region Film Festival (14th to 30th January):

The primary purpose of this two-week festival is to introduce the Bulgarian people to the traditions and films of the Islamic world. Each year’s festival has a different line-up of new movies and themes. Submissions for the MENAR film festivals are currently open for films to be shown during the 2022 session.

Sofia Science Festival (15th and 16th May):

This science festival, organized by the British Council, is held at the Sofia Tech Park. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, another version of the festival was held virtually on the 17th and 18th of May for students. It is best to keep track of the dates since they may change due to the pandemic. Some events are free to access, and some require tickets, which can be bought online.

Sofia Swing Dance Festival (1st to 4th July):

This dance festival is perfect for couples or friends who like to get their dance groove on. Registrations are available through their official website for different dance classes and levels.

Sofia Biting Docs (First week of October):

This film festival features documentaries about a variety of exciting topics. Several cinema houses show issues related to human rights, environmental problems, and disrespect for diversity and minorities.

Sofia International Film Festival – SIFF (14th to 30th September):

The SIFF is held at multiple theatres, including the Cinema House, one of the most significant venues in Sofia. The festival is one of Europe’s most important film festivals and was ranked among Variety’s Top 50 Cinema Festivals.

The festival shows some provocative films from around the world and is the perfect event for lovers of alternative cinema.

Sofia’s Shopping Malls

Yes, you read that right. This city is studded with shopping malls of all brands and styles. Some malls are so grand that they’re hard to miss as you walk around Sofia.

1. TZUM (Central Department Store): Situated in a monument edifice in the Largo complex, TZUM is the go-to mall for first-line brands such as Fila, Adidas, and Timberland.
2. Mall of Sofia: Located in the city centre at the intersection of Aleksandar Stamboliyski Boulevard and Opalchenska Street, this mall offers a variety of shops, a supermarket, pharmacies, a beauty salon, an internet café, and several fast-food restaurants, such as KFC and Subway.
3. Park Center Sofia: Located south of the National Palace of Culture, the mall has six stories, including two underground. It houses over 100 stores, cafés, pharmacies, beauty parlours and bank offices.
4. The Mall, Sofia: This is the largest shopping mall in the Balkans, located at 115 Tsarigradsko Shose. The mall has over 240 stores, restaurants, recreation centres, bars, and cafés, including Bulgaria’s giant Carrefour hypermarket.
5. Sofia Outlet Center: Located in an established retail development, it’s only a 15-minute from Sofia’s centre.
6. Bulgaria Mall: Located at the intersection of Bulgaria Boulevard and Todor Kableshkov Boulevard, the mall has one of the most enormous skylights in Central and Eastern Europe.
7. Sofia Christmas Market: Set up on 23 November each year, this Christmas market will put you in the holiday spirit. Located in Borisova Gradina, it is small but charming.

Bulgarian Cuisine in Sofia – Where and What to Eat!

You can’t be in the Bulgarian capital soaking up the atmosphere and history without trying the country’s traditional dishes. Are you tired after a shopping spree through the city’s malls? These Bulgarian dishes are a variety of perfect heart-filling meals regardless of season.

1. Shopska Salata: This simple, fresh salad is perfect for summer days and can be found at any restaurant in Sofia. The salad is made from traditional ingredients, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions. The secret to this special salad is the white Bulgarian cheese called sirene. This unique cheese is made from particular bacteria found only in Bulgaria, which makes this salad a Bulgarian specialty.
2. Tarator: You wouldn’t think that ingredients as simple as yogurt, water, cucumbers, wallnuts, garlic and dill would make for a delicious soup, would you? Well, Tarator has different versions through the Balkans but these are the makings of the Bulgarian variation which can be found at the nearest restaurant.
3. Shkembe Chorba: Said to be the best cure for hangovers, Bulgarians are divided over the love of Shkembe Chorba, or tripe soup. It’s not a dish for anyone, but it’s definitely native to the Balkans. The soup is spiced with lots of garlic, red paprika, and some milk.
4. Banitsa or Banichka: This queen of Bulgarian cuisine is traditionally made from pastry sheets filled with cheese, eggs and yoghurt. Although other variations are filled with pumpkin or spinach, the traditional version is made with white cheese. You can find this delicious pastry in every local bakery in Sofia.
5. Meshana Skara: This combination of grilled meat in different forms will surely make your mouth water. It usually consists of meatballs (kyufte), grilled minced meat (kebabche), pork steak, skewer (shishche) and Italian sausage (karnache).
6. Bulgarian version of Moussaka: You must’ve heard of Moussaka before, as a native of Middle Eastern cuisine. The Bulgarian version is based on potatoes, ground meat and a layer of yoghurt.
7. Sarmi: Another Bulgarian speciality is cabbage or vine leaves filled with minced meat and rice. It is also popular in other Balkans and Middle Eastern countries. A meatless version of Sarma can be found at every table in Bulgaria during Christmas.
8. Stuffed Peppers of Byurek Peppers: This time, peppers are filled with rice and ground meat. The peppers are also filled with cheese and fried. Again, a meatless version is available at Christmas.
9. Cheese and Yogurt: The Bulgarian white cheese is so delicious on its own, you can buy it at any supermarket to munch on back at your hotel.

Where can you find these delicacies and more?

1. Hadjidraganov’s House: The most traditional restaurant in Sofia, it’s located just near the Lion’s Bridge north of Sofia. Comprising of four old rehabilitated houses from 1886 with each house being a restaurant dining room. Each room represents a different town in Bulgaria and a live music band plays music native to that town.

The main dishes range from 5 Euro (10 BGN) to 13 Euro (25 BGN). A prior reservation is a must if you’re travelling in a group, as it can get very crowded.

2. SkaraBar—Barbeque Restaurant: Located on a side street behind the National Art Gallery, the restaurant invites you in with a simple and modern décor surrounding the large blackboard describing the day’s specials. The main dishes, focusing on grilled Bulgarian meat, range from 5 euros (10 BGN) to 12 euros (22 BGN).
3. Bistro Lubimoto: This hidden restaurant is tucked away between residential buildings not far away from Sofia University. The restaurant opens into a small courtyard with trees rustic furniture, and red brick walls. The meals range from 3 Euro (6 BGN) to 8 Euro (15 BGN), serving traditional Bulgarian food, bistro style.
4. The Women’s Market—The Oldest Market in Sofia: The local farmer’s market, or the Zhenski Pazar Market, is located on the northwest side of the city centre. In addition to offering the freshest fruit and vegetables, the eatery serves traditional Bulgarian comfort food. Main dishes range from 3 Euro (5 BGN) to 4 Euro (8 BGN).
5. Bagri Restaurant—Slow Food Restaurant: This restaurant is on a small street south of the Saint Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral. With a peaceful and comfy atmosphere, the menu changes every month and a half using local and seasonal produce. The modern and creative Bulgarian dishes range from 5 Euro (10 BGN) to 13 Euro (25 BGN).
6. The Little Things: This restaurant is tucked between other restaurants at the back of a courtyard. Look for the sign carefully. The different rooms have unique décor and are perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. Contemporary Bulgarian food with a Mediterranean focus is served in restaurants ranging from 3 Euro (5 BGN) to 8 Euro (15 BGN).
7. Cosmos—Gastronomy Bulgarian Cuisine: Considered by many as one of the best restaurants in Sofia, Cosmos offers traditional Bulgarian dishes with a creative twist. It is in the heart of the city, behind the Sofia Court House. The minimalist design of the place is very appealing, and it offers a tasting menu per person that costs about 44 euros (85 BGN).

The city of Sofia is full of everything you can think of doing during your vacation, so what’s stopping you? Sofia awaits!

Do you feel like going on a breathtaking hike? How about booking a day trip from Sofia to the beautiful Seven Rila lakes?