„А captivating tourist destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity.“
Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a city of contrasts and surprises. It is a place where ancient and modern, east and west, tradition and innovation coexist and complement each other. Sofia invites you to discover its beauty and history, and to enjoy its vibrant and diverse culture. Sofia ranks among the safest cities in Europe, making it also a preferred destination for solo travelers.
Sofia’s history dates back to more than 7,000 years ago, when the Thracians settled in the area. Since then, Sofia has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the influence of different religions, and the changes of political regimes. You can explore Sofia’s rich heritage at the many museums, monuments, and archaeological sites that dot the city. Some of the highlights include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, the Boyana Church, and the Roman Amphitheatre.
Sofia is also a city of art and creativity, where you can find a variety of galleries, theatres, cinemas, and festivals. You can admire the works of Bulgarian and international artists, watch a performance of opera, ballet, or drama, or join the lively nightlife scene. Sofia is a city that celebrates diversity and welcomes everyone, regardless of their background, beliefs, or preferences.
Sofia is not only a city, but also a gateway to nature. You can escape the urban hustle and bustle and enjoy the green spaces that surround the city. You can relax in one of the many parks and gardens, such as the Borisova Gradina, the City Garden, or the South Park. You can also venture to the nearby Vitosha Mountain, where you can hike, ski, or bike on the scenic trails. Sofia offers you the best of both worlds: a cosmopolitan city and a natural paradise.
Sofia is a city that will charm you with its beauty and history, and inspire you with its culture and innovation. It is a city that will make you feel at home, and at the same time, open your eyes to new horizons. Sofia is a city that awaits you. Come and visit Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, and discover its wonders for yourself.
A FEW QUICK DETAILS
Sofia is the capital and the largest city of Bulgaria. It is located at the foot of Mount Vitosha, in the Western part of the country. Many of the major universities, cultural institutions, and businesses of Bulgaria are concentrated in Sofia.
Green areas
The city has an extensive green belt. There are four major parks – Borisova gradina in the city center and the Southern, Western and Northern parks, as well as several other smaller parks.
Culture
Sofia concentrates the cultural life of Bulgaria. There are plenty of opportunities to diversify the evenings or the spare time of the visitors of the city. Among the best choices are seeing a theatre play (for example in the Ivan Vazov National Theatre), visiting an exhibition at one of the museums or galleries or going to the National Opera and Ballet.
Airport
Sofia International Airport is located about 20 – 30 minutes driving distance from the centre of Sofia City depending on the traffic conditions.
Public Transport:
Metro
Sofia’s metro system is efficient, extensive, and safe. There are four metro lines covering most of the city, including the airport. The contactless ticketing system makes travel easy—simply tap your phone or card at the entry barrier. If you use the same bank card more than twice in a day, you’ll be charged a flat “Day Ticket” fee, allowing unlimited travel1.
Trams and Buses
These connect different parts of Sofia and are useful for reaching attractions outside the city center. A single-journey ticket costs 1.60 leva (about 80 euro cents)
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap. Taxi cars are yellow. It is recommended to always check the price with the driver before your trip. You can download the app TaxiMe available for Android and iOS.
History
With its seven-thousand-year history, the city is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe, and its numerous historical and architectural monuments harbour the wise messages of centennial cultural experience. The very name of the city, Sofia, has preserved for the generations one of the most beautiful cultural symbols of Christianity – the “divine wisdom”. The city with the motto “It Grows but Does not Age” is the successor of the ancient Roman fortress of Serdica that grew into a regional centre in the Roman Empire early in the 2nd century AD and at the end of the 3rd century AD became the capital of the newly established province of Inner Dacia (Dacia Interna).
Since ancient times the city and its surroundings have been famous for the abundance of hot and cold mineral springs, which still continue to gush into the centre of modern Sofia, accessible to all, and attracting Sofia citizens and the guests of the capital with their numerous healing qualities.
