Sofia Travel Guide – Bulgarian Dreams
Sofia (София) is the capital of Bulgaria. It is also the biggest city in the country with about 1.7 million citizens (including suburbs). Today, Sofia is a dynamic Eastern European capital, distinguished by its unique combination of European and Communist-style architecture as well as many beautiful orthodox churches. Furthermore, it claims to be one of the few European capitals with beautiful scenery and a developed ski-resort so close to it – the Vitosha mountain.
When planning a visit to Sofia, keep in mind the major national holidays (Christmas, Orthodox Easter, 1st, 6th and 24th of May, 6th of September). During these holidays the city is deserted as most citizens take advantage of the long weekend and travel on vacation. Most small shops and galleries close for the holidays.
Sofia was founded 2,500 years ago. Over the centuries, it has been given several names – Serdica , Sredetz and the remains of the old cities can still be viewed today. Because of its strategic location in the middle of Balkans for a while it had been selected for a new capital of the Roman Empire. Near Sofia is the Boyana church, one of the most valuable memorials of Bulgarian and European culture. The church has frescoes, acclaimed by specialists as “the best examples of Eastern medieval art during its twelve century history”.
Sofia has a humid continental climate with an average annual temperature of 10.2 °C (50.4 °F). Winters are cold and snowy. In the coldest days temperatures can drop as low as -15°C or even lower, most notably in January. Foggy conditions are frequent, especially in the beginning of the season. Summers are warm and sunny. In summer, Sofia generally remains slightly cooler than other parts of Bulgaria, due to its higher altitude.
Sofia has a well-developed and efficient public transport system that consists of buses, trolleys, trams, subway. The public transport operates from 5AM to about 12AM. The subway (metro) in Sofia has two lines – Red (M1) and Blue (M2). The Red line (Lulin, Obelya) goes through the city center to the southeast. Half of the trains continue to the airport and the other half to Mladost . The Blue line goes through the city center as well connecting Nadezhda r.d. (Lomsko shose), Central Train Station with city center ending at Lozentz r.d (James Bourchier).
Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has ancient ruins throughout the city center. It is a good idea to book your hotel/hostel from websites such as booking.com. The majority of hotels in Sofia have very high standards so it doesn’t matter much where you go, as long as it is situated in safe and secure area. Pizzeria-type restaurants and snack bars can be found all over Sofia. Although many are very uninteresting for the traveler looking for a meal with a local flavor, some include excellent Bulgarian dishes.
Sofia was founded because of the quality of its mineral waters. In the city, there are 7 independent mineral water springs. One of the springs is in the central area of the city and is accessible for everybody – cross the square behind the mosque, next to TSUM (the intersection of Iskar and Ekzarh Yosif streets). This is next to a tram stop and in front of Lidl, just nestled behind the former public bath. You will see many locals filling up plastic bottles of water.
A lot to see in Sofia such as :
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia
Boyana Church
National Historical Museum, Bulgaria
Vitosha Boulevard
Church of St. George, Sofia
Banya Bashi Mosque
National Palace of Culture
“Ivan Vazov” National Theater
Russian Church, Sofia
St Nedelya Church
Saint Sofia Church, Sofia
Regional History Museum – Sofia
Borisova gradina
Central Sofia Market Hall
National Art Gallery
Cherni Vrah
Dragalevtsi Monastery
Museum of Socialist Art, Sofia
Church of St Petka of the Saddlers
Sofia Synagogue
Eagles’ Bridge, Sofia
Aleko hut
National Archaeological Museum, Bulgaria
Lake Pancharevo
National Museum of Natural History, Bulgaria
Monument to the Tsar Liberator
Sofia Zoo
Muzeiko
South Park
Golden Bridges
National Opera and Ballet of Bulgaria
Lions’ Bridge, Sofia
Park “Kambanite”
Pametnik na Savetskiya voin – Kostnitsa
Kopitoto
Earth and Man National Museum
Копитото
Park-Museum “Vrana”
Amphitheater of Serdica
Statue of Sveta Sofia
Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church
Sofia City Garden
Russian Monument, Sofia
Park “Zaimov”
Iskar
Iskar Reservoir
Bistrishko Branishte
( Sofia – Bulgaria ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting Sofia . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Sofia – Bulgaria
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