Sofia, Bulgaria is certainly a lightweight in the tourist routes of Europe. Not my tourists bother travelling to Bulgaria, however this is such an amazing and inexpensive city that we think you should seriously consider visiting. Before you go check out this Quick Travel Guide to Sofia.
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What to Do in Sofia
Sofia was released from Communist rule in 1989, and many of the tourist attractions in Sofia still have a strong communist influence. Also being the second oldest city in Europe, there is a lot of early history to explore dating back to Roman times. Here are our recommendations for the top things to do in Sofia Bulgaria.
Alexander Nevski Cathedral: This massive cathedral is said to house 10,000 people, and is adorned with magnificent paintings on all the domes interiors. The Cathedral is free to enter, but no photography is allowed inside. This cathedral is one of the most impressive landmarks in town, and at the top of the list of things to see in Sofia.
Vitosha Boulevard: Sofia is not exactly renowned for shopping however, the main shopping street Vitosha Boulevard is well known for the cafe scene and people watching. It’s also the cheapest place to pick up your souvenirs.
Rotunda of St. George (Sveti Georgi): This is the oldest church in Sofia and it is a little tricky to find, because it is now completely surrounded by Soviet style administration buildings. It was built in the 4th century and is well worth searching for. Curiously it doesn’t appear on many lists of Sofia tourist attractions.
Serdika Ruins: In the city center of Sofia you will find the Serdika Subway station. And in the subway
Yellow Brick Road Walking Tour: No it’s not the site of an Elton John song. It’s a series of yellow brick roads which run through the center of Sofia, which just
Day Trips from Sofia
Sofia is surrounded by mountains in a very pretty part of Bulgaria. Be sure to take a day trip into the mountains to enjoy the natural beauty of this area.
Mount Vitosha: The oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsular, Mount Vitosha is nearby Sofia and offers outstanding views of the entire city. There are even chair lifts and snow runs in winter. This is the most popular of all Sofia day trips for locals and tourists alike.
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church: Both of these religious sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Rila Monastery is about 2 hours away and is by far the more interesting of the 2, with its jaw dropping fresco murals from the Ottoman period. Most organised Sofia day tours will also take you to Boyana Church, conveniently located on the outskirts of Sofia.
Where to Stay in Sofia
Staying right in the city centre is the way to go. That’s because most of the major tourist attractions in Sofia are actually in the city centre. And most sightseeing can be done by foot. Sofia is very reasonably priced. For our money, apartments in Sofia city centre are the way to go, when it comes to convenience.
Cheap Accommodation in Sofia
Whilst there are great hotels in Sofia, we recommend renting a great big apartment, and live like a local. We found this great City Apartment on Agoda, right near the city center.
Mid Range Accommodation
The North Tower Apartment is a home style apartment in an amazing location, near one of the best shopping streets in Sofia. It is also right near the main Serdika subway station, and the 500 AD Serdika ruins.
Affordable Luxury
InterContinental Sofia Hotel is right across the road from the biggest attraction in town, the Alexandar Nevski Cathedral. 5 star luxury at an affordable price. This wins our award for the best hotel in Sofia.
Finding the Best Deal
We always recommend that you shop around for a great deal, and this Booking deals finder is a great place to start.
Quick Travel Guide to Sofia
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