Фотогалерея ‒ Sofia, Bulgaria

Guide to Sofia

A virtual tour of the city

Sofia is an amalgamation of 24 municipalities. Each of them has its own governance, traditions, architecture, culture, and sometimes even dialects. The territories of these municipalities hold historical value, with picturesque parks and cozy streets being an integral part of each one. Exploring the Sredets district is a must when getting acquainted with the city. It is the soul of the city, its historic center, and where most of Sofia's architectural and cultural landmarks are concentrated. Every alley is adorned with churches, temples, museums, and old residential houses. It is a place worth visiting for anyone who is in the capital for the first time. For those who are already familiar with Sofia but want to discover it from a new perspective, we recommend visiting the Bankya municipality. It is home to the most famous balneological health center in the city. Taking a stroll in Vitosha is also intriguing, as it is a district of exquisite mansions owned by the Bulgarian elite. Within the municipality, you can find several houses and villas belonging to world-renowned public figures. Additionally, the well-maintained Boyana Park showcases meticulous landscape design. You cannot simply pass through Sofia. Even an accidental encounter with the Bulgarian capital will compel you to stay here as long as possible.

Photos of Sofia

Tips for tourists

Be sure to check out one of its museums. They are known throughout Europe for their modern approach to presenting information.
For those saving money on accommodation, you should consider the hotels in the community of Nadezhda. This is the most budget-friendly accommodation.
Buses and the metro are the favourite means of transport for residents of the capital city. The buses are inferior in terms of comfort and should not be used very often.
Population
1210000
Time zone
GMT+3
Language
Bulgarian
Currency
Bulgarian lion (BGN)

Tours to Sofia

The capital of Bulgaria has a truly ancient history that has left its mark on its architecture and culture. Sofia's historic structures bear the imprint of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. However, this hasn't prevented the city from becoming a dynamic tourist center with numerous entertainment venues.

During a week-long tour, you can not only explore Sofia but also see the surrounding areas. A standard package tour to the Bulgarian capital starts from 800 EUR per person (when booked online). It includes flights and transfers to the hotel, accommodation, breakfast, and medical insurance.

A similar last-minute tour can cost from 680 EUR. Booking a package tour through an agency will cost around 900 EUR. Sofia is also a European spa destination. A vacation at a local balneological resort starts from 1300 EUR per week of stay.

Interesting places in Sofia

You can explore the capital of Bulgaria for several days, pausing only for rest and to experience the incredible national cuisine. It is definitely not advisable to follow the advice of travelers who have only limited themselves to strolling around the city center. Each district of Sofia has its own beauty, and you won't get bored in any of them. Some districts, like Sredets, are rich in landmarks, while others, like Nadezhda and Lyulin, showcase modern architecture and well-maintained parks. But there is something interesting to discover everywhere!

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Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

Sofia Airport is the largest international airport in Bulgaria and the main hub for Bulgaria Air. It handles over 6.5 million passengers annually. Currently, it has two terminals and collaborates with airlines such as MyAir, Wizz Air, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and many others.

Round-trip tickets from Paris to Sofia start from 170 EUR. Flights from Berlin (round-trip tickets) start from 215 EUR.

In Sofia, the high season is considered during major holidays (New Year, Christmas, Easter) as well as May and September (excellent time for city walks). In November and March, airfare is at its lowest (around 15% of the listed price), and many airlines offer promotions.

The best hotels in Sofia

Housing in the capital of Bulgaria can be found for every taste. In recent years, the number of offers of both budget apartments and luxurious rooms in expensive hotels has been rapidly increasing.

A double room in 3-star hotels (Fashion, Ibis Sofia Airport - Park & Fly) costs from 60 EUR per day.

4-star hotels (Legends, Rosslyn Central Park) offer a stay for a day in a double room for the amount of 120 EUR.

Respectable 5-star hotels (Arena di Serdica of the FPI network Hotels & Resorts, Grand Hotel Sofia) rate a double room from 220 EUR per night.

The cost of vacation

The cost of a vacation in Sofia is slightly higher than the national average but significantly lower than most European capitals. The city offers plenty of attractions that can be visited for free, making it a budget-friendly destination in the heart of Bulgaria.

We have calculated an approximate budget for a four-day and three-night stay, taking into account the following expenses:

  • Flight to Sofia Airport and subsequent transfer to the hotel
  • Accommodation in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included
  • Lunch and dinner at a restaurant
  • Public transportation costs
  • A small sightseeing program (e.g., visiting the zoo)

The budget for a trip to Sofia
Flight Transfer from 10 EUR
Accomodation from 60 EUR Average check in a restaurant from 10 EUR
Entertainment from 10 EUR Transport Fare from 0.5 EUR
Total: from 454 EUR per person for 4 days of rest

Sofia: tips for tourists

tripmydream has prepared a number of tips for you to make your holiday in the capital of Bulgaria truly unforgettable!

Visa to Sofia

For European citizens, no visa is required .

The maximum duration of stay for tourists is 90 days within a 180-day period.

Transfer

It is possible to reach the hotel from the airport on a budget by public transport. The metro or bus fare is 5 EUR. You can also reach the city comfortably by pre-booked transfer bus for 10 EUR or by taxi for 22 EUR.

Car hire

In Sofia, a rental car of sedan class costs from 30 EUR per day of use. An SUV will cost around EUR 50. Requirements: the driver must be over 21 years of age and have at least one year of driving experience.

Transport

Sofia has an extensive public transport network (buses, shuttles, trolleybuses, trams, metro). The latter is the most popular mode of transport among locals. Tickets start at 1.5 BGN. A taxi will cost 1.6 BGN per kilometre.

Safety

The two communities of Sofia, Krasna Polana and Fakulteta, are areas of mass Roma settlement. Tourists should avoid these areas. Do not take large sums of cash on a trip, leave documents and valuables in the hotel safe.

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