Preconceptions are probably the reason why the capital of Bulgaria is ranked very low among popular travel destinations. The older generation associates that part of Europe with the Cold War and the younger generation usually travels to the classic charter trip destinations by the coast of the Black Sea. But during the past few years, Sofia has blossomed into a flourishing metropolis with a variety of culture, restaurants, sights, and entertainment.
Bulgaria is located in the southeastern part of Europe and has a long and dramatic history. But the country is constantly changing and that journey will most likely just continue.
The airport is close to the capital, just 12 kilometres away. An affordable way to get from the airport to the capital is the metro or the bus, and both run during most of the day. Taxis are also available, but make sure there’s a price list on one of the windows and that it has a working fare meter.
Sofia is one of the oldest capitals in Europe, and its history dates back all the way to 7000 BC. In the past, the city was important because of its location since trade routes connected the Adriatic Sea and Central Europe with the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea. Because of its age, the city has a somewhat disjointed architectural style, from historical landmarks like the Boyana Church to the strange and modern Snail House. This makes it difficult to predict what awaits behind the next corner during an expedition, which makes Sofia charming and unexpected.
You might experience that the pace is slow on Vitosha Boulevard, the main street, even though Sofia inhabits millions of people. Small stores and inviting cafés line the street while trams pass by.
The most popular attraction in Sofia is probably the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Its construction began in 1882 and lasted for 30 years. The cathedral has room for over 5,000 people and is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
If you want to escape from Sofia for a day, you can take a trip to the Vitosha Mountain, located about an hour drive from the capital. At Vitosha, you can go out on a hike along the forest-covered slopes and rocky peaks.