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Visiter Sofia

Fall in Love with Sofia: The Ultimate Guide

Having grown up in Bulgariaevery visit to the capital was previously tied to administrative errands. I hesitate to admit it, but I had never truly taken the time to visit Sofia, at least not while I lived in Bulgaria. The first time I discovered the city as a tourist was in 2013, accompanied by a group of French friends. And I was not disappointed. Bulgaria'scapital is much more than just a city; it’s a living canvas wherehistory blends with vibrant modern life. In this article, we’ll explore Sofia’s varied charms, from its cobblestone streets rich with history to the contemporary energy that pulses through its veins.

Table of Contents

What to Know Before Visiting Sofia (a bit of history)

Sofiais full of fascinating history dating back millennia. Founded by the Thracians in the 5th century BC, the city was later conquered by the Romans, who named it "Serdica."Over the centuries, it came under the influence of the Byzantines, Ottomans, and Bulgarians. Sofia has witnessed many historical events, and its rich past is reflected in its monuments, churches, and picturesque alleys. The city became the capital of the country in 1878 and has continued to grow and evolve ever since.

At the heart of Sofia, the ruins of Serdica offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. As you wander through the downtown area, you can literally walk in the footsteps of history. These ruins, dating from Roman times, offer a deep dive into the glorious past of Serdica, Sofia’s former name. The architectural remains include sections of walls, majestic columns, and ancient pavements. It feels as though the modern city coexists harmoniously with the remnants of a bygone era. Archaeologists and history buffs will find this a captivating playground, while visitors can feel the imprint of the past with each step. It’s an intriguing blend where the present and history meet at the heart of Bulgaria’s capital.

Today, Sofia harmoniously blends its ancient heritage with a dynamic modernity, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere for visitors. Sofia is a lively city that breathes (despite the frequent pollution due to its size). The population is about 1.5 million (the 14th largest city in the EU). It’s not a heavily visited city, often overlooked by both tourists and locals alike.

Arriving in Sofia and Public Transport

Visiter Sofia en metro

TheSofia airport is well served by several airlines.  In contrast, trainsdo not benefit from as extensive a network. Thus, if you’re planning to visit Sofia, you’ll most likely arrive by plane. If not, congratulations! I admire your courage and determination.

However, if you do arrive by plane, you’ll have no trouble getting to the city center.The public transport network, including the metro and buses, is well developed in the city. You can easily access all parts of the city, including the airport and the foothills of Vitosha Mountain. The bus network is just as convenient.

You can also take a taxi, but be wary of potential scams! Even though taxi fares are much lower than in other major European cities, scams are quite common. Make sure the taxi you choose is official, check the displayed rates, and ideally, use mobile apps or ask locals for advice. The price for a trip from the airport to the city center is around 10 euros (including tips).

Must-See Monuments in Sofia

If you only have one day in Sofia, I invite you to get up early. The city has much to offer its visitors. Sofia’s architecture is equally diverse, with iconic buildings such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral,a neo-Byzantine masterpiece. The city’s streets reveal an eclectic mix of historic buildings, communist monuments, and modern art, creating a fascinating tapestry of Bulgarian history and culture. history et de la culture bulgares.

Among the must-see places are the National Palace of Culture,a true cultural hub, and Borisova Gradina Park,a peaceful green escape in the heart of the city. Art galleries, museums, and local markets add a lively and cultural dimension to exploring Sofia. You will surely be impressed by the statue of Saint Sofia in the heart of the city. Standing at 8.08 meters tall, it’s hard to miss. However, her name is misleading. She didn’t give her name to the city; it was the Church of Saint Sofia that inspired the city's name. Yes, there’s a difference!

Another spot not to miss is a rather symbolic place. Around the Serdica metro station, you’ll find four different places of worship: an Orthodox church, a Catholic church, a mosque, and a synagogue. You can tour all four in just 18 minutes..

Guided Tour Idea: Free Sofia Tour

When I visited Sofia as a tourist in 2013 and again in 2021, I participated in a Free City TourGenerally, I really enjoy these kinds of tours. They exist in almost every major city around the world and are always a great experience. For those unfamiliar, the concept is simple. The tours are led by locals, participation is free, but it’s always appreciated to leave a tip at the end. The quality of these tours varies, but I’ve rarely been disappointed, especially not by the Free Sofia Tour which I highly recommend. Over 2.5 hours, local guides share stories and anecdotes about the city andBulgaria.They also provide great tips and advice. If you have time on your first day in Sofia, I highly recommend joining one.

Visiter Sofia avec Free city tour

Day Trip Ideas from Sofia

If you have a free day in Sofia, I suggest opting for an organized tour. There are many possibilities, as the Bulgarian capital is relatively close to many attractions. For mountain and history lovers, I recommend visiting Rila Monastery the Rila Monastery and Boyana Church. You can find more information in my article dedicated to the mountains.You can book your trip here: Discover the Rila Monastery.

For more adventurous types, you can opt for a hike in the Rila Seven Lakes,which I also describe in my article on the mountains.

You can also visit the Stob Pyramids.

Just two hours from Sofia, you’ll find Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city. With its rich Roman history, Plovdiv is a highly recommended tourist destination..

What to Expect When Visiting Sofia (and Bulgaria)

One of the things I love about Bulgaria is the climate,or more precisely, the fact that there are distinct seasons. It’s cold in winter, hot in summer, and mild in spring and autumn. If you plan to visit Sofia in the summer, be prepared for the heat. But don’t worry, hotels and cafes are well air-conditioned. And you can always escape to Vitosha Mountain, which is accessible by public transport. This proximity to the mountain adds a certain charm to the city. When you walk along the central boulevard, the mountain feels within reach. There’s something very comforting about these landscapes.

Outside Sofia’s city center, the streets and sidewalks can sometimes resemble an Olympic obstacle course. It’s as if someone organized a contest to see who could walk most stylishly on uneven cobblestones. The art of dodging truly takes on meaning here. Walking on these sidewalks is sometimes an athletic feat, but it’s all part of Sofia’s charm unfolding beneath your feet. It’s as if the city is saying: “If you can walk here, you can walk anywhere!” A tip: keep an eye on the ground and enjoy the accidental acrobatic show of passersby.

Visiter Sofia, pourboires

When enjoying Bulgarian restaurants and cafes, don’t forget the always-appreciated gesture of tipping.While not mandatory, tipping is a common way to show your gratitude to the dedicated staff who take care of you. In Bulgaria, this practice is seen as a sign of respect for the service provided. So, feel free to express your thanks by leaving a small tip, as it’s a charming way to contribute to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Bulgarian culture.

To conclude, I have to say that visiting Sofia is the only way to truly grasp what I’m talking about. The city offers unique experiences and discoveries that are just waiting to be lived. So, let yourself be swept away by its magical landscapes, dive into its rich history, and savor Bulgaria’s Bulgarian cuisineCome explore this gem of the Balkans and be surprised by the diversity and beauty that make Bulgaria an unforgettable destination. And of course, you can take advantage of my my services of Travel Planner for your next trip.

For more useful information

To find your plane ticket :

I can recommend you use ExpediaI trust them with my own travels and when I am working with clients

For your hotel reservation

I invite you to look into Hotels.fr they have a large choice of bookings and your client services are always available

Pour trouver des activités sur place :

I use either viator or GetYourGuideThe two plateforms offer a large choice of activities at reasonable prices

To rent a car

I recommend discovercarsTheir prices are competitive and they have a great customer service

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Get a look at my other blog articles to discover the Balkans and the rest of the world

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