Sofia (София) is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, with about 2 million citizens (including suburbs). It is a dynamic European capital, distinguished by its unique combination of European and communist-style architecture as well as many beautiful Orthodox churches, including the grand Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the medieval frescos of Boyana Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). 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.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The city has had several names over the past 2,500 years: the Romans called it Serdika when they took it from a Thracian tribe with a similar name, the Slavs called it Sredets when they integrated it into the first Bulgarian Empire, and the Ottomans called it Sofia, the Greek word for "wisdom", when they made it their base for the Balkans. You can still find remnants from each of these societies in parts of the city. People first came here for the hot water springs that still flow abundantly in the centre of the city.
Sofia has a well-developed, cheap, and efficient public transport system that consists of buses, trolleybuses, trams, and subway lines. The transport network can be confusing for visitors who do not know it well, but there is a journey planner. The price of a single metro ticket is 0.80€, while a bus/tram/trolleybus ticket is 0.80€ (transfers within 30min) and 1.10€ (transfers within 60min). There are also daily travel cards (2€). If you are staying for 4 or more days, or 3+ days and arriving directly in the city centre, you can also buy a 3-day ticket on an electronic card from the public transport offices (not from metro stations or at the airport).
In the administrative center of Sofia, the streets are paved with specific yellow bricks. They were laid in the beginning of the 20th century, purportedly as a present to the Bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand for his wedding from the Austria-Hungarian royal family (though many historians consider it a vanity project of Sofia's mayor). They are not a great material for wet weather, but they continue to add colorful flair. 1 Sofia History Museum (Central Mineral Baths). Museum of the history of Sofia itself, housed in the colourful old building of the Central Mineral [Water] Baths (built 1913). Exhibits include many luxurious items formerly belonging to Bulgaria's last monarchs. 10 лв.
Sofia Bike Tour, Dyacon Ignatiy, 5 (Start Point: National Theater "Ivan Vazov".), ☏ +359 885523630. April–November. Visit Sofia and the countryside around on a "free" bike tour, every day at 11:00 and 17:00. Note, for the ride you will need to rent a bicycle with the tour operators. And like always, the word "free" is a euphemism for "tips strongly appreciated". Also, this tour might in addition be a way to market their chargeable tours; always compare before committing to anything. Playgrounds. If you're travelling with kids, they might love playgrounds.
Sofia is full of trendy cafes with outdoor seating in the summer and good-quality restaurants. You can easily find take away food in Sofia. For less than 2 € you can get a slice of pizza, a hot-dog or a sandwich. You can get more traditional Bulgarian food in bakeries, offering banitsa and other kinds of pastry. This food is often consumed with ayran or boza. Another possibility is to get a katma, which is a big pancake filled with cheese, ham, jam or chocolate. Pizzeria-type restaurants and snack bars can be found all over Sofia.
Sofia was founded here because of the quality of its mineral waters. In the city, there are 7 independent mineral water springs. Top off your water bottles here! At the Sofia History Museum, there is a tap in a corner of the façade, and a larger cluster of mineral water drinking fountains just across the small street to the north (left when facing the building). Onda Coffee Break, ☏ +359 2 980 49 40, fax: +359 2 980 19 39, onda@onda.bg. Pchela Sweet Shop. Nedelya Sweet Shop, ☏ +359 88 560 08 30. Art Club since 1991, 6 Tsar Ivan Asen II Str.. International chains Costa Coffee and Starbucks have several locations across the city JJ Murphys Irish pub.
Generally, Sofia is a safe and walkable city, even at night. Nevertheless, avoid poorly lit areas and use your common sense. One problem area is around the central bus and rail station, continuing south down Maria Luiza Blvd and the Lions' Bridge (Lavov Most). Dark areas of the city parks should also be avoided — Borisova Garden in particular can be unsafe after dark. These areas are known for drug use, opportunistic theft, and approaches from touts selling contraband.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Sofia typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 5 rainy days.
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