Discover the heart of Bulgaria: Sofia adventures await
Welcome to Sofia, If I am being honest. Sofia was a city which I never heard of. It is perfect to spend 1 day or 2 here. But I would also recommend doing a day trip to Plovdiv which is the 2nd largest city in Bulgaria and has a rich history.
Sofia's essential sights and experiences
When in Sofia, you absolutely must visit the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a orthodox cathedral which was built between 1904 and 1912. Its incredible architecture and rich history are truly breath-taking and admission is free.
Take a leisurely walk along Vitosha Boulevard, perfect for shopping, people-watching, and soaking in the city's atmosphere. Behind the street lurks Vitosha Mountain which often is the place to go skiing. This offers a beautiful backdrop for them Instagram pictures.
Don't forget to explore the ancient Serdika Ruins, offering a fascinating glimpse into Sofia's Roman past right in the heart of the modern city.
Savour the flavours of Sofia
To truly taste Sofia, I highly recommend the free Balkan Bites food tour. This fantastic tour not only provides samples of authentic Balkan food but also guides you through local restaurants, offering a genuine culinary journey. While you're at it, you absolutely have to try Banitsa, a traditional Bulgarian pastry that's a staple for breakfast or a snack. It's an unforgettable treat!
I would also recommend the free walking tour. This is a 2 hour tour which you pay with gratuities. But it is very informative and it is a great way to meet people from all over the world.
Transport
Sofia has Trolleybuses, buses, trams and a metro. A 3 day travel pass is around £7. They also take contactless card as payment. The metro also goes to the airport. It was very easy to see the different metro lines as they are colour coded.
Stay
I stayed just a short walk from city centre in the Abrazo Sofia hotel. The hotel was very modern along with a mini bar in the room. Breakfast was very good too. The reception staff was extremely knowledgeable about Sofia and its history. There is buses and tram stations very near too and the metro is a 10 minute walk away to go to the airport.
Day Trip to Plovdiv
For an unforgettable experience beyond Sofia, make sure to plan a day trip to Plovdiv. This ancient city, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Europe, offers stunning Roman ruins, charming old town streets, and a vibrant arts scene. It's an easy and rewarding escape that will enrich your Bulgarian adventure. I went through 'GetYourGuide' which is a trusted website. You met the tour guide at the specific location and would drive to Plovdiv. show you around and then I also had 1hr free time to wander and explore before they drop you back to the start location.
