Sofia

Sofia (София) is the capital of Bulgaria. It is also the biggest city in the country with about 2 million citizens (including suburbs). Today, Sofia is a dynamic European capital, distinguished by its unique combination of European and Communist-style architecture as well as many beautiful Orthodox churches. 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.

Sofia was founded around 2,500 years ago. Over the centuries, it has been given several names — Serdika, Sredets and the remains of the old cities can still be viewed today.

Near Sofia lies Boyana church, which is one of the most valuable memorials of Bulgarian and European culture. The church has frescoes, acclaimed by specialists as the best examples of eastern medieval art from the 13th century AD.

The decline of Sofia during the Turkish Ottoman Empire was followed by the rejuvenation after the Russian liberation in 1878, when Sofia was chosen as the capital of Bulgaria at the First National Constituent Assembly, and followed by a brisk and straightforward period of construction.

Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has ancient ruins throughout the city center.

In the administrative center of Sofia, the streets are covered with a specific yellow pavement. It was laid in the beginning of the 20th century and were a present to the Bulgarian Tsar Ferdinand for his wedding from the Austria-Hungarian royal family.

Sofia was founded because of the quality of its mineral waters. In the city, there are 7 independent mineral water springs. One of the springs is in the central area of the city and is accessible for everybody - cross the square behind the mosque, next to TSUM (the intersection of Iskar and Ekzarh Yosif streets).

• Sofia Public Mineral Baths. It is an old building of interest. It was renovated and is now a museum of the history of Sofia.

Sofia Public Mineral Baths. It is an old building of interest. It was renovated and is now a museum of the history of Sofia.

• National Museum of Military History, 92 Cherkovna Str., +359 2 946 18 05. 10:00-18:00. Adults 8 lev.
• Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Studies with Ethnographic Museum, 6A Moskovska Str., +359 2 988 41 91. Has a permanent collection of traditional Bulgarian costumes and a changing exhibition.
• Earth and Man National Museum, 4 Cherni Vruh Blvd, +359 2 865 66 39. 10:00-18:00. Has the biggest collection of gigantic minerals in the World. 2 lev.
• National Museum of History, 16 Vitoshko lale str. (ул. Витошко лале 16) (Take trolley #2 southwest from the corner of Praga Blvd. and Patriarh Eftimiy Blvd. Get off at the roundabout at the end of the bus line. Cross the busy Okolovrustino Shosse (ring road) and walk through the trees. The museum is not visible from the road, nor are there any signs., +359 2 955 42 80. 09:30-18:00. The National Museum of History (Национален исторически музей) in the Rezidentsia Boyana in Sofia contains more than 650,000 exhibits and is one of the largest history museums on the Balkans, so be prepared to spend several hours. The aim of the museum is to provide a comprehensive view on Bulgarian history from the prehistory to present, in as broad of a European context as possible. One main attraction are golden or silver mugs and jewellery that date from Thracian (around 4th century BC) and roman periods. About half of the exhibits have English captions. 10 lev, 1 lev for students.
• National Institute of Archaeology and Museum, 2 Saborna Str., +359 2 988 24 06. 10:00-18:00. 10 lev.
• National Polytechnic Museum, 66 Opalchenska Str., +359 2 831 30 04. 09:00-17:00.
• National Museum of Natural History, 1, Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd, +359 2 987 41 95. 10:00-18:00. Has four floors of everything from rocks and minerals to insects and stuffed bison. It is a nice way to spend a rainy afternoon.
• House-Museum of Ivan Vazov.
• Museum of Sport, 1A Bulgaria Blvd (National Stadium Vasil Levski, +359 2 930 07 61. 09:00 to 17:00.
• Museum of Paleontology and historical geology, 15 Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd (Inside Sofia University., +359 2 930 82 00.
• National Literature Museum, 138 G. S. Rakovski Str., floor 2, +359 2 988 24 93.
• National Agricultural Museum, 30 Suhodolska Str., +359 2 929 67 53.
• National Ecclesiastical History-Archeological Museum, 19 Sveta Nedelya Sq., +359 2 988 13 43. 09:00 to 17:00.

National Museum of Military History, 92 Cherkovna Str., +359 2 946 18 05. 10:00-18:00. Adults 8 lev.

Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Studies with Ethnographic Museum, 6A Moskovska Str., +359 2 988 41 91. Has a permanent collection of traditional Bulgarian costumes and a changing exhibition.

Earth and Man National Museum, 4 Cherni Vruh Blvd, +359 2 865 66 39. 10:00-18:00. Has the biggest collection of gigantic minerals in the World. 2 lev.

National Museum of History, 16 Vitoshko lale str. (ул. Витошко лале 16) (Take trolley #2 southwest from the corner of Praga Blvd. and Patriarh Eftimiy Blvd. Get off at the roundabout at the end of the bus line. Cross the busy Okolovrustino Shosse (ring road) and walk through the trees. The museum is not visible from the road, nor are there any signs., +359 2 955 42 80. 09:30-18:00. The National Museum of History (Национален исторически музей) in the Rezidentsia Boyana in Sofia contains more than 650,000 exhibits and is one of the largest history museums on the Balkans, so be prepared to spend several hours. The aim of the museum is to provide a comprehensive view on Bulgarian history from the prehistory to present, in as broad of a European context as possible. One main attraction are golden or silver mugs and jewellery that date from Thracian (around 4th century BC) and roman periods. About half of the exhibits have English captions. 10 lev, 1 lev for students.

National Institute of Archaeology and Museum, 2 Saborna Str., +359 2 988 24 06. 10:00-18:00. 10 lev.

National Polytechnic Museum, 66 Opalchenska Str., +359 2 831 30 04. 09:00-17:00.

National Museum of Natural History, 1, Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd, +359 2 987 41 95. 10:00-18:00. Has four floors of everything from rocks and minerals to insects and stuffed bison. It is a nice way to spend a rainy afternoon.

House-Museum of Ivan Vazov.

Museum of Sport, 1A Bulgaria Blvd (National Stadium Vasil Levski, +359 2 930 07 61. 09:00 to 17:00.

Museum of Paleontology and historical geology, 15 Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd (Inside Sofia University., +359 2 930 82 00.

National Literature Museum, 138 G. S. Rakovski Str., floor 2, +359 2 988 24 93.

National Agricultural Museum, 30 Suhodolska Str., +359 2 929 67 53.

National Ecclesiastical History-Archeological Museum, 19 Sveta Nedelya Sq., +359 2 988 13 43. 09:00 to 17:00.

• Museum of Socialist Art.
• National Art Gallery, 1 Batenberg Sq., +359 2 980 00 93. 10:30 to 18:00. Has old Bulgarian art, icons, etc. Also includes collections of the former National Gallery for Foreign Art, which are exhibited along with the 19th- and 20th-century collections of the National Art Gallery at National Gallery Square 500 (Kvadrat 500 in Bulgarian), which is at 1, 19th February St., St Alexander Nevsky Sq. and is open 10:00-18:00 Tuesday-Sunday and closed Mondays and holidays. 4 lev.
• Sofia City Art Gallery, 1 General Gurko St (The entrance is from Kniaz Al. Batenberg St, +359 2 987 2181. 10:00 to 19:00. 4 lev.

Museum of Socialist Art.

National Art Gallery, 1 Batenberg Sq., +359 2 980 00 93. 10:30 to 18:00. Has old Bulgarian art, icons, etc. Also includes collections of the former National Gallery for Foreign Art, which are exhibited along with the 19th- and 20th-century collections of the National Art Gallery at National Gallery Square 500 (Kvadrat 500 in Bulgarian), which is at 1, 19th February St., St Alexander Nevsky Sq. and is open 10:00-18:00 Tuesday-Sunday and closed Mondays and holidays. 4 lev.

Sofia City Art Gallery, 1 General Gurko St (The entrance is from Kniaz Al. Batenberg St, +359 2 987 2181. 10:00 to 19:00. 4 lev.

• St. Aleksander Nevski Cathedral. One of the largest orthodox churches worldwide and the largest in the Balkan Peninsula.
• Boyana Church, 1-3 Boyansko Ezero Str. (Catch bus 64 from metro station Vitosha to Boyana Church stop. This is a small plaza with a few shops and a newly-built 5-star hotel ("All Seasons Residence"). Coming from central Sofia it may be faster to get bus 64 in the opposite direction from "Center of Hygiene", near to a large complex of hospitals just west of the National Palace of Culture; trams 9 and 10 can bring you near to this bus stop, but it is somewhat difficult to find. https://www.sofiatraffic.bg/en has a comprehensive guide to all buses but may not work on all phone browsers., +359 2 959 09 39. 09:00 to 17:00. This small 14th-century church and garden is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The church contains some very well preserved murals. Entrance is 10 lev, or 2 lev for students, however only 8 people are permitted inside at once, for a maximum of 10 minutes. During busy periods you may have to wait up to or over an hour, yet the queue is self-policed so be prepared to stand outside doing nothing for a while and don't forget who arrived after you! This is at the foot of Vitosha mountain and is a good starting point for day trips in the mountain, including a 1-2 hour hike to Boyana Waterfall and/or Lake (the lake is nothing special, and the paths to the waterfall are not well-defined and occasionally involve climbing up bare rock - there is an easier route and a difficult route which has gradients of up to 1:1).
• Church of St. George.
• Hagia Sophia Church, 2 Paris str.. It is across the square and to the right from the Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral. It was built in the 6th century over an even older church. It is a witness of the whole Bulgarian history and is a valued cultural monument. In the 14th century it gave its name to the city of Sofia. It was destroyed several times and during the Ottoman rule it was used as a mosque.
• Catholic cathedral St. Joseph, 125, Knjaz Boris I (next to Sheraton Hotel, +359 2 9815548. Holy Masses: Sa 17:30 & Su 10:30 in Bulgarian; 12:00 in Latin; 18:00 Bulgarian
• Saint Nedelya.
• St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

St. Aleksander Nevski Cathedral. One of the largest orthodox churches worldwide and the largest in the Balkan Peninsula.

Boyana Church, 1-3 Boyansko Ezero Str. (Catch bus 64 from metro station Vitosha to Boyana Church stop. This is a small plaza with a few shops and a newly-built 5-star hotel ("All Seasons Residence"). Coming from central Sofia it may be faster to get bus 64 in the opposite direction from "Center of Hygiene", near to a large complex of hospitals just west of the National Palace of Culture; trams 9 and 10 can bring you near to this bus stop, but it is somewhat difficult to find. https://www.sofiatraffic.bg/en has a comprehensive guide to all buses but may not work on all phone browsers., +359 2 959 09 39. 09:00 to 17:00. This small 14th-century church and garden is on the [[UNESCO World Heritage List]]. The church contains some very well preserved murals. Entrance is 10 lev, or 2 lev for students, however only 8 people are permitted inside at once, for a maximum of 10 minutes. During busy periods you may have to wait up to or over an hour, yet the queue is self-policed so be prepared to stand outside doing nothing for a while and don't forget who arrived after you! This is at the foot of Vitosha mountain and is a good starting point for day trips in the mountain, including a 1-2 hour hike to Boyana Waterfall and/or Lake (the lake is nothing special, and the paths to the waterfall are not well-defined and occasionally involve climbing up bare rock - there is an easier route and a difficult route which has gradients of up to 1:1).

Church of St. George.

Hagia Sophia Church, 2 Paris str.. It is across the square and to the right from the Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral. It was built in the 6th century over an even older church. It is a witness of the whole Bulgarian history and is a valued cultural monument. In the 14th century it gave its name to the city of Sofia. It was destroyed several times and during the Ottoman rule it was used as a mosque.

Catholic cathedral St. Joseph, 125, Knjaz Boris I (next to Sheraton Hotel, +359 2 9815548. Holy Masses: Sa 17:30 & Su 10:30 in Bulgarian; 12:00 in Latin; 18:00 Bulgarian

Saint Nedelya.

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

• Banya Bashi Mosque.
• Sofia Synagogue. 09:00 to 16:30. One of the largest in Europe.

Banya Bashi Mosque.

Sofia Synagogue. 09:00 to 16:30. One of the largest in Europe.

• Amphitheatre of Serdica.
• Battenberg Mausoleum. The mausoleum and final resting place of Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria (1857–1893), the first Head of State of modern Bulgaria.
• Knyaz Battenberg's Palace.

Amphitheatre of Serdica.

Battenberg Mausoleum. The mausoleum and final resting place of Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria (1857–1893), the first Head of State of modern Bulgaria.

Knyaz Battenberg's Palace.

• Monument to Vasil Levski. It commemorates the hanging of Bulgarian national hero and major revolutionary figure Vasil Levski in the city on 18 February 1873.
• Monument to the Tsar Liberator. Representing the power of freedom and across from it are the National Assembly and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
• Monument to the Unknown Soldier. Across from Aleksandar Nevski cathedral; on the side of Hagia Sofia's Church.
• Tsar Samuil Monument. A statue of the Bulgarian warlord and tsar Samuil, who ruled Bulgaria between 997 and 1014.
• Russian Monument. An obelisk built by the Russians.

Monument to Vasil Levski. It commemorates the hanging of Bulgarian national hero and major revolutionary figure Vasil Levski in the city on 18 February 1873.

Monument to the Tsar Liberator. Representing the power of freedom and across from it are the National Assembly and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

Monument to the Unknown Soldier. Across from Aleksandar Nevski cathedral; on the side of Hagia Sofia's Church.

Tsar Samuil Monument. A statue of the Bulgarian warlord and tsar Samuil, who ruled Bulgaria between 997 and 1014.

Russian Monument. An obelisk built by the Russians.

• Largo. 3 buildings of Socialist Classicism architecture.
• Prince Alexander of Battenberg Square. The largest square in Sofia. Includes the National Art Gallery.
• Petko R. Slaveykov Square. A famous square, real Sofia center with a monument of writers father and son Slaveykov. It`s a biggest open-air book market in the Balkans.There are round benches and street musicians act very often. free.
• Patriarh Evtimiy Square. A popular meeting place.
• Park National Palace of Culture.

Largo. 3 buildings of Socialist Classicism architecture.

Prince Alexander of Battenberg Square. The largest square in Sofia. Includes the National Art Gallery.

Petko R. Slaveykov Square. A famous square, real Sofia center with a monument of writers father and son Slaveykov. It`s a biggest open-air book market in the Balkans.There are round benches and street musicians act very often. free.

Patriarh Evtimiy Square. A popular meeting place.

Park National Palace of Culture.

• Borisova Gradina (Boris Garden). The oldest and best known park in the city. Includes the Ariana Lake.
• City Garden. It's the oldest and most central public garden, in existence since 1872.
• Sofia Zoo, 1 Srebarna Str.. 09:00 to 17:00.

• Yuzhen Park (South Park). A nice park in the south-east part of the city, although a bit too crowded on weekends. Vibrant with open area cafes, entertainment for children and grown-ups, and a few ponds with ducks.
• Oborishte Park, Yanko Sakazov blvd. A park near the center of the city with places to eat and drink. Also known as "Zaimov Park".

Borisova Gradina (Boris Garden). The oldest and best known park in the city. Includes the Ariana Lake.

City Garden. It's the oldest and most central public garden, in existence since 1872.

Sofia Zoo, 1 Srebarna Str.. 09:00 to 17:00.

Yuzhen Park (South Park). A nice park in the south-east part of the city, although a bit too crowded on weekends. Vibrant with open area cafes, entertainment for children and grown-ups, and a few ponds with ducks.

Oborishte Park, Yanko Sakazov blvd. A park near the center of the city with places to eat and drink. Also known as "Zaimov Park".

• Orlov Most. A bridge over the Perlovska River near the centre of Sofia
• Lavov Most. A bridge over the Vladayska River near the central train station.

Orlov Most. A bridge over the Perlovska River near the centre of Sofia

Lavov Most. A bridge over the Vladayska River near the central train station.

• National Assembly of Bulgaria, 2 Narodno Sabranie Sq., +359 2 939 39.
• Sofia University, 15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, +359 2 9308.
• Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 15 November Str., +359 2 979 53 33.
• Ivan Vazov National Theatre, 5 Dyakon Ignatiy Str., +359 2 811 92 19.
• SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library, 88 Vasil Levski Str., +359 2 988 28 11. 08:30 to 20:30.
• National Palace of Culture, 1 Bulgaria Sq., +359 2 916 63 00. The biggest congress center in the Balkans (a massive monolithic communist-style building). If asking for directions, ask for NDK (en-de-ka), as most Bulgarians refer to it by this acronym.
• Central Military Club. It`s a multi-purpose monument of culture building in the city center. Also known under the name Kristal.
• Snail House, Boulevard "Simeonovsko Shose 187, 1434 Simeonovo. Novelty architecture.

National Assembly of Bulgaria, 2 Narodno Sabranie Sq., +359 2 939 39.

Sofia University, 15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, +359 2 9308.

Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 15 November Str., +359 2 979 53 33.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre, 5 Dyakon Ignatiy Str., +359 2 811 92 19.

SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library, 88 Vasil Levski Str., +359 2 988 28 11. 08:30 to 20:30.

National Palace of Culture, 1 Bulgaria Sq., +359 2 916 63 00. The biggest congress center in the Balkans (a massive monolithic communist-style building). If asking for directions, ask for NDK (en-de-ka), as most Bulgarians refer to it by this acronym.

Central Military Club. It`s a multi-purpose monument of culture building in the city center. Also known under the name Kristal.

Snail House, Boulevard "Simeonovsko Shose 187, 1434 Simeonovo. Novelty architecture.

• Cafes and restaurants. Sofia is full of trendy cafes with outdoor seating in the summer and good-quality restaurants.
• Sofia Opera and Ballet, +359 2 8006266. During summer, open air shows in the evenings are offered.
• Arena Cinema. One of the biggest Bulgarian cinema multiplex. Cinemas in Sofia play all films except children's films in their original language with Bulgarian subtitles.
• Sofia Bike Tour, Dyacon Ignatiy, 5, +359 885523630. Visit the greenest capital of Europe on a bike. Every day free bike tour (12 April–November) at 11:00 and 17:00. Escape from the city and join to the bike countryside tour around Sofia. Start Point: National Theater "Ivan Vazov"
• Playgrounds. If you're travelling with kids, they might love playgrounds. The "rich" one is in the park that holds Vasil Levski stadium (close to the corner with Orlov Most; there are actually two playgrounds close to this corner and you'd look for the one more inside the park).
• Eat with a local Bulgarian Host, ulitsa "Krasna kitka" 5, Sofia, Bulgaria, +359 82885950. Experience a complete 4-course authentic Bulgarian food with a local chef at her private garden in Sofia city. Get a taste of local culture and authentic food. US$20.
• The New Sofia Pub Crawl. Nightly pub crawl departing at 21:00 from Crystal Garden. The guides will take you around to different local pubs and clubs tailored for the number of people participating on the crawl and the night of the week. A few of the stops give you a free drink but at others you will need to pay. During the tour you will learn about some of Sofia's history and its art scene. On a weekend, with a presumably large crowd, the crawl will tend towards clubs and larger pubs. On a weeknight, and with a smaller crowd, the crawl will stop at smaller pubs which seem to be local favorites and hidden gems which you are unlikely to stumble upon yourself. Tickets can be purchased online for 20 lev and presented on your phone.

Cafes and restaurants. Sofia is full of trendy cafes with outdoor seating in the summer and good-quality restaurants.

Sofia Opera and Ballet, +359 2 8006266. During summer, open air shows in the evenings are offered.

Arena Cinema. One of the biggest Bulgarian cinema multiplex. Cinemas in Sofia play all films except children's films in their original language with Bulgarian subtitles.

Sofia Bike Tour, Dyacon Ignatiy, 5, +359 885523630. Visit the greenest capital of Europe on a bike. Every day free bike tour (12 April–November) at 11:00 and 17:00. Escape from the city and join to the bike countryside tour around Sofia. Start Point: National Theater "Ivan Vazov"

Playgrounds. If you're travelling with kids, they might love playgrounds. The "rich" one is in the park that holds Vasil Levski stadium (close to the corner with Orlov Most; there are actually two playgrounds close to this corner and you'd look for the one more inside the park).

Eat with a local Bulgarian Host, ulitsa "Krasna kitka" 5, Sofia, Bulgaria, +359 82885950. Experience a complete 4-course authentic Bulgarian food with a local chef at her private garden in Sofia city. Get a taste of local culture and authentic food. US$20.

The New Sofia Pub Crawl. Nightly pub crawl departing at 21:00 from Crystal Garden. The guides will take you around to different local pubs and clubs tailored for the number of people participating on the crawl and the night of the week. A few of the stops give you a free drink but at others you will need to pay. During the tour you will learn about some of Sofia's history and its art scene. On a weekend, with a presumably large crowd, the crawl will tend towards clubs and larger pubs. On a weeknight, and with a smaller crowd, the crawl will stop at smaller pubs which seem to be local favorites and hidden gems which you are unlikely to stumble upon yourself. Tickets can be purchased online for 20 lev and presented on your phone.

It is strongly advisable to skip exchange offices on the street and use exclusively banks for exchanging money. Some exchange stalls will try to scam you by buying your currency at very unfavorable rates. See Bulgaria#Money for exchange rates.) It's also possible to change money at a good rate in casinos if you play there.

ATMs are widely available and accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Diner's, etc.), although you have to check your daily limit with your bank. ATMs will let you withdraw at most 400 lev in one go, but if your card limit allows it, you can make two or more withdrawals.

Credit cards are widely accepted in larger stores and supermarkets, but in small souvenir shops or restaurants you will definitely need to carry some cash.

Souvenirs can be bought many small shops in the subways in front of the old Party House and in the metro station at the Largo. The Ethnographic Museum has a small shop tightly crammed with souvenirs of all kinds from all over Bulgaria (on the right, just as you enter the main entrance). Antiques and souvenirs can also be found in Aleksandar Nevski square, in stalls just opposite the church.

• Vitosha Boulevard. It`s the main commercial street in the centre of Sofia. Its pedestrian part is a popular place for walks. It is known as the most expensive street in Sofia.
• The Mall, 115 Tzarigradsko Shose Blvd (Many bus lines stop at THE MALL. Choose between bus no. 1, 3, 5, 6, 76, 84, 114, 204, 213, 214, 284, 305, 306, 313 and 604.. 10:00 to 22:00. a convenience store, Largest shopping mall in Bulgaria; contains also a Carrefour store, large Arena cinema, a lot of cafes and restaurants, etc.
• Central Sofia Market Hall, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd (Opposite the Banya Bashi mosque.. Has many stalls selling all kinds of food, drink and cosmetics. The second floor has various fast-food cafés.
• TZUM, 2, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, +359 2 926 07 00. 10:00 to 21:00.
• Mall of Sofia, 101, Aleksander Stamboliyski Blvd, +359 2 929 33 77. Contains a Piccadilly store and a Cinema City multiplex.
• Park Center, 2 Arsenalski Blvd., floor 3, +359 2 865 72 85.
• SkyCity Mall, 52 Kosta Lulchev Str. (You can get there by tram No 20, bus No 9, and Route Taxi No 1, 19 and 21., +359 2 971 02 13. 10:00 to 22:00. Also has an entertainment center.
• Serdika Center Sofia. Contains a Piccadilly store.
• Sofia Outlet Center.
• Bulgaria Mall.
• Paradise Center. Largest shopping mall in Bulgaria; contains also a Carrefour store, large Arena cinema, a lot of cafes and restaurants, etc.
• Sofia Ring Mall. Contains a karting track and a Cinema City multiplex.

Vitosha Boulevard. It`s the main commercial street in the centre of Sofia. Its pedestrian part is a popular place for walks. It is known as the most expensive street in Sofia.

The Mall, 115 Tzarigradsko Shose Blvd (Many bus lines stop at THE MALL. Choose between bus no. 1, 3, 5, 6, 76, 84, 114, 204, 213, 214, 284, 305, 306, 313 and 604.. 10:00 to 22:00. a convenience store, Largest shopping mall in Bulgaria; contains also a Carrefour store, large Arena cinema, a lot of cafes and restaurants, etc.

Central Sofia Market Hall, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd (Opposite the Banya Bashi mosque.. Has many stalls selling all kinds of food, drink and cosmetics. The second floor has various fast-food cafés.

TZUM, 2, Knyaginya Maria Luiza Blvd, +359 2 926 07 00. 10:00 to 21:00.

Mall of Sofia, 101, Aleksander Stamboliyski Blvd, +359 2 929 33 77. Contains a Piccadilly store and a Cinema City multiplex.

Park Center, 2 Arsenalski Blvd., floor 3, +359 2 865 72 85.

SkyCity Mall, 52 Kosta Lulchev Str. (You can get there by tram No 20, bus No 9, and Route Taxi No 1, 19 and 21., +359 2 971 02 13. 10:00 to 22:00. Also has an entertainment center.

Serdika Center Sofia. Contains a Piccadilly store.

Sofia Outlet Center.

Bulgaria Mall.

Paradise Center. Largest shopping mall in Bulgaria; contains also a Carrefour store, large Arena cinema, a lot of cafes and restaurants, etc.

Sofia Ring Mall. Contains a karting track and a Cinema City multiplex.

You can easily find take away food in Sofia. For less than 2 lev 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, jelly or chocolate.

Pizzeria-type restaurants and snack bars can be found all over Sofia. Although many are very uninteresting for the traveler looking for a meal with a local flavor, some include excellent Bulgarian dishes.

• Mr.Pizza, 44 Neofit Rilski Str., +359 2 988 82 58. Popular in Sofia, get there early or reserve if you want a table in their courtyard. 10 to 15 leva per person..
• Baаlbek. This is great Arab food. Downstairs is take-away kebabs and falafels, and upstairs a small eat-in. Excellent hummus and salads, etc., and cold beer.
• Trops House. It`s a fast-food type of place, offering traditional Bulgarian meals and drinks. It can be found in several locations throughout the city center.

Mr.Pizza, 44 Neofit Rilski Str., +359 2 988 82 58. Popular in Sofia, get there early or reserve if you want a table in their courtyard. 10 to 15 leva per person..

Baаlbek. This is great Arab food. Downstairs is take-away kebabs and falafels, and upstairs a small eat-in. Excellent hummus and salads, etc., and cold beer.

Trops House. It`s a fast-food type of place, offering traditional Bulgarian meals and drinks. It can be found in several locations throughout the city center.

• Happy's Bar and Grill. Happy's is the Bulgarian equivalent of an American diner, and the Sofia representative of a nationwide chain. There are English-language menus, and the staff (all microskirted young girls, who apparently have to be smiling when they serve you) all seem to have at least some English as well. Portions are generally huge and represent a sort of "watered down" version of their traditional Bulgarian equivalents, although more Western fare is also available.
• Pizza Victoria. One of the best Bulgarian pizzas.
• Godzila. Godzila's first restaurant opened in 1999 in the sea capital of Bulgaria - Varna . There you can try some fresh salads, juicy barbecue, delicious pizza and various other dishes. The menus are also written in English and the staff speaks English as well. There are traditional Bulgarian cuisine and Western cuisine as well.
• Pod Lipite. Very good traditional food. Reservation is required.
• Motto, 18 Aksakov str. (Motto is on the street right behind the Radisson hotel, and then two blocks East (turn to the right on the first small street behind the Radisson if you are walking from the big horse statue) - it's kind of hard to find as the sign is a small black sign with white lettering., +359 2 987 27 23. This place is always fairly busy with a trendy crowd. The decor is modern and cool, and the people typically good looking. The service here is usually pretty nice, and many of the wait-staff speak English. The food is consistent and enjoyable. 5 to 15 lev per dish..
• Carrera, 4 Golo Bardo Str., +359 2 960 28 66. A fairly modern restaurant over in the Lozenetz area. The decor is well done, the service good, and the food very good. Prices are in line with the quality and style of the place. The wine selection is excellent. They also have a nice summer/winter garden area.
• Hadjidraganovite kashti, 75 Kozloduy (2 minutes walking distance from the Lion Bridge, around the corner from Ramses II Casino, +359 (2) 931 31 48. 11:30 - 02:00. Amazing restaurant just off one of Sofia's main streets. The decor is old-style Bulgarian and the food is traditional Bulgarian, plentiful and very, very tasty. Entertainment includes a Bulgarian walking band and guests are primarily locals. Staff is very friendly and most speak English. Reservations are necessary, even on weeknights. €10-30.
• Mehana Karajata, Bul.Ovcha kupel and ul.Zhitnitsa crossroad, +359 2 8558804. Try Bulgarian national cuisine - in a traditional Bulgarian home atmosphere. Nicely decorated restaurant with beautiful open garden, typical folk music. €10.
• Old Days (English version of the name). Bulgarian national cuisine.

Happy's Bar and Grill. Happy's is the Bulgarian equivalent of an American diner, and the Sofia representative of a nationwide chain. There are English-language menus, and the staff (all microskirted young girls, who apparently have to be smiling when they serve you) all seem to have at least some English as well. Portions are generally huge and represent a sort of "watered down" version of their traditional Bulgarian equivalents, although more Western fare is also available.

Pizza Victoria. One of the best Bulgarian pizzas.

Godzila. Godzila's first restaurant opened in 1999 in the sea capital of Bulgaria - Varna . There you can try some fresh salads, juicy barbecue, delicious pizza and various other dishes. The menus are also written in English and the staff speaks English as well. There are traditional Bulgarian cuisine and Western cuisine as well.

Pod Lipite. Very good traditional food. Reservation is required.

Motto, 18 Aksakov str. (Motto is on the street right behind the Radisson hotel, and then two blocks East (turn to the right on the first small street behind the Radisson if you are walking from the big horse statue) - it's kind of hard to find as the sign is a small black sign with white lettering., +359 2 987 27 23. This place is always fairly busy with a trendy crowd. The decor is modern and cool, and the people typically good looking. The service here is usually pretty nice, and many of the wait-staff speak English. The food is consistent and enjoyable. 5 to 15 lev per dish..

Carrera, 4 Golo Bardo Str., +359 2 960 28 66. A fairly modern restaurant over in the Lozenetz area. The decor is well done, the service good, and the food very good. Prices are in line with the quality and style of the place. The wine selection is excellent. They also have a nice summer/winter garden area.

Hadjidraganovite kashti, 75 Kozloduy (2 minutes walking distance from the Lion Bridge, around the corner from Ramses II Casino, +359 (2) 931 31 48. 11:30 - 02:00. Amazing restaurant just off one of Sofia's main streets. The decor is old-style Bulgarian and the food is traditional Bulgarian, plentiful and very, very tasty. Entertainment includes a Bulgarian walking band and guests are primarily locals. Staff is very friendly and most speak English. Reservations are necessary, even on weeknights. €10-30.

Mehana Karajata, Bul.Ovcha kupel and ul.Zhitnitsa crossroad, +359 2 8558804. Try Bulgarian national cuisine - in a traditional Bulgarian home atmosphere. Nicely decorated restaurant with beautiful open garden, typical folk music. €10.

Old Days (English version of the name). Bulgarian national cuisine.

• Starbucks, Corner of Vasil Levski Blvd & Gurko Blvd.
• Onda Coffee Break, +359 2 980 49 40.
• Pchela Sweet Shop.
• Nedelya Sweet Shop, +359 88 560 08 30.
• Costa Coffee.
• Art Club since 1991, 6 Tsar Ivan Asen II Str..

Starbucks, Corner of Vasil Levski Blvd & Gurko Blvd.

Onda Coffee Break, +359 2 980 49 40.

Pchela Sweet Shop.

Nedelya Sweet Shop, +359 88 560 08 30.

Costa Coffee.

Art Club since 1991, 6 Tsar Ivan Asen II Str..

• JJ Murphys Irish pub
• Cocktail Bar - tasty cocktails, crowded in the evenings, has a summer garden (it is actually in a small park, which becomes occupied by the customers)
• Bar 5L - Speakeasy (5L is a transliteration of rooster in Bulgarian). Designer cocktails in cozy atmosphere. The key, corresponding to the day of the month, unlocks the door (not sure whether they change it at midnight).

JJ Murphys Irish pub

Cocktail Bar - tasty cocktails, crowded in the evenings, has a summer garden (it is actually in a small park, which becomes occupied by the customers)

Bar 5L - Speakeasy (5L is a transliteration of rooster in Bulgarian). Designer cocktails in cozy atmosphere. The key, corresponding to the day of the month, unlocks the door (not sure whether they change it at midnight).

The Sofia nightlife is vibrant, concentrated mostly in two areas - the city center and around Studentski grad (Студентски град/Student's town), which is the neighborhood where are the university dorms. There are frequent live performances in various venues, check the freely distributed guides in various shops and restaurants like Programata (Програмата/The Program). The primary distinction between the clubs is whether the music includes chalga (чалга/folk-turkish-greek-serbian influenced local genre) or not. Expect that any local acquaintances will have strong feelings whether they attend or not the chalga clubs. There are hundreds of clubs and bars, with prices from 2 leva for beer and 5 for cocktail to luxurious places charging exorbitant sums. It is better to pay with cash, as POS terminals are not widely available, especially in the cheaper places. The people start to gather after working hours for a beer, cocktail or glass of wine, moving to dinner around 20:00 and clubs and discos after 23:00.

In the warm months, crowds overflow from the more popular places like Bilkova (Билкова/The Herbal) on the street. The centrally located parks and gardens like Crystal (Кристал) and Gradinkata na Narodniya (Градинката на народния/The garden of the national theater) and crowded during the summer, with drinks provided from nearby shops or cocktails in disposable cups.

• Carrusel. Upscale club, hosting DJ parties and special events.
• Culture Beat. Boutique cafe, bar, and nightclub, in NDK (National Palace of Culture). Great view from the terrace in the summer.
• Gramophone - contemporary music
• RocknRolla - large underground venue with rock music, on Garibaldi square
• Yalta - the biggest, oldest and most famous disco in Sofia, existing since the communist times, resident and guest DJ parties and events. EDM, house.
• Bedroom Premium Club - R&B, hip-hop, house
• Stroezha - rock and contemporary music
• Onyx - contemporary music
• Sugar - hip-hop
• Bar Dak and Bar Dak 2 - bars
• Once Upon a Time Библиотека - housed in the building of the National Library, rock.
• Club Alcohol - rock
• Mixtape 5 - huge club, next to NDK (National Palace of Culture), various events.
• Sofia Live Club - live events, in NDK
• Club Terminal 1 - big venue, mostly rock
• Club Mascara - in the building of the National Opera, contemporary music, house.
• Megami - in the Marinela hotel, chalga, upscale.
• BIAD - Rakovski streer, next to Memento, chalga.
• Club Revue - opposite of the National Assembly, chalga.
• Dada Cultural Bar - tango, salsa, live performances
• Apartment. Popular among locals as well as foreigners is the "apartamenta", some sort of private club in the second floor of a turn of the 19th century mansion where you find a series of rooms, all in different styles and wall-drawings, colourful tapestries, etc. Go to the right, get a drink in the kitchen (everything non-alcoholic is 4 lv), and just pick and choose a room which looks cozy enough (shouldn't be too hard to find one with all the couches lying around). If you love the music, there are Mac computers in most of the rooms where you can pick something out of the playlist. Have a game of chess. There is also a Cinema room, if there is nothing running just go in, pick a movie out of the list and start the projection. There is also home-made chocolate and cream and all different kinds of organic drinks like Himalayan tea or Kiwi nectar.
• Lodkite. In the huge "Borisova gradina" park near the stadium (just ask you way around) you'll find this open-air place, in an old leisure-park parcour (you know, that type of small water-channels where kid can drive around in little gondolas). The boats have gone and the channels serve as improvised sitting places (basic tables made out of wood planks put between the two sides of the channel). There are also some tables on the court and lights decorating the trees illuminate the scene. The public sound system has experimental electronic music, ambiance, progressive rock, or whatever the DJs feel like. The later it gets, the more you'll find people sitting everywhere on the floor on the trees. On warm summer nights, this place is a must-be.
• The largest discos in Sofia are concentrated in Student's town (Studentski grad) in the southern part of the city and can be reached by buses #94 (from Sofia university and Culture palace), #280 (from Sofia University, Orlov most) and #102. The last bus to Studentski grad departs from the city center at about 11:30PM (from Sofia University and Culture Palace). The entrance fee for most discos is between 1 and 5 leva (€0.5 - 2.5). Discos that can be visited there include: Avenue, Tantra, Orient 33, Jim Beam, Maskata, Stroezha.
• 4km, boulevard Tsarigradsko shose 111 (Take metro line 1 to G.M.Dimitrov Metro Station and walk ~15 min. through Dimitrov boulevard to the big roundabout. This place plays mostly drum&bass and dubstep music. Entrance is ~€10, but slightly cheaper if you arrive before midnight.

Carrusel. Upscale club, hosting DJ parties and special events.

Gramophone - contemporary music

RocknRolla - large underground venue with rock music, on Garibaldi square

Yalta - the biggest, oldest and most famous disco in Sofia, existing since the communist times, resident and guest DJ parties and events. EDM, house.

Bedroom Premium Club - R&B, hip-hop, house

Stroezha - rock and contemporary music

Onyx - contemporary music

Sugar - hip-hop

Bar Dak and Bar Dak 2 - bars

Once Upon a Time Библиотека - housed in the building of the National Library, rock.

Club Alcohol - rock

Mixtape 5 - huge club, next to NDK (National Palace of Culture), various events.

Sofia Live Club - live events, in NDK

Club Terminal 1 - big venue, mostly rock

Club Mascara - in the building of the National Opera, contemporary music, house.

Megami - in the Marinela hotel, chalga, upscale.

BIAD - Rakovski streer, next to Memento, chalga.

Club Revue - opposite of the National Assembly, chalga.

Dada Cultural Bar - tango, salsa, live performances

Apartment. Popular among locals as well as foreigners is the "apartamenta", some sort of private club in the second floor of a turn of the 19th century mansion where you find a series of rooms, all in different styles and wall-drawings, colourful tapestries, etc. Go to the right, get a drink in the kitchen (everything non-alcoholic is 4 lv), and just pick and choose a room which looks cozy enough (shouldn't be too hard to find one with all the couches lying around). If you love the music, there are Mac computers in most of the rooms where you can pick something out of the playlist. Have a game of chess. There is also a Cinema room, if there is nothing running just go in, pick a movie out of the list and start the projection. There is also home-made chocolate and cream and all different kinds of organic drinks like Himalayan tea or Kiwi nectar.

Lodkite. In the huge "Borisova gradina" park near the stadium (just ask you way around) you'll find this open-air place, in an old leisure-park parcour (you know, that type of small water-channels where kid can drive around in little gondolas). The boats have gone and the channels serve as improvised sitting places (basic tables made out of wood planks put between the two sides of the channel). There are also some tables on the court and lights decorating the trees illuminate the scene. The public sound system has experimental electronic music, ambiance, progressive rock, or whatever the DJs feel like. The later it gets, the more you'll find people sitting everywhere on the floor on the trees. On warm summer nights, this place is a must-be.

4km, boulevard Tsarigradsko shose 111 (Take metro line 1 to G.M.Dimitrov Metro Station and walk ~15 min. through Dimitrov boulevard to the big roundabout. This place plays mostly drum&bass and dubstep music. Entrance is ~€10, but slightly cheaper if you arrive before midnight.

Generally, Sofia is a very safe and walkable city, even at night. Nevertheless, you should avoid poorly lit areas and use your common sense. Avoid the area around the central Bus and Rail Station, Maria Luiza Blvd, the dark areas of the city parks and the Lions' Bridge (Lavov Most). And don't go to the Borisova garden, it is very dangerous (especially during the night). Single women and girls should be especially careful. Junkies get high in these areas, prostitutes (both female and transsexual) offer their "services", some people might want to tempt you with touts of contraband (stolen, illegal, etc.) and/or try to mug you. These areas are also frequented by the homeless and the drunk. If your hotel is in the area you'll be alright, just don't hang around it unnecessarily. Try to act like you are familiar with the area (and familiarize yourself during the day) and look like a local. It is wise to choose a hotel/hostel in a good, central location.

Pedestrians should be careful since many Bulgarian drivers do not yield right of way to those on foot.

Do not get into conflict with locals especially if they seem aggressive or drunk, particularly football fan groups who tend to be drunk and aggressive. Avoid wearing football shirts or scarves of the Sofia-based football teams, especially on match days.

Be wary of petty thieves and poorer neighborhoods, as pick pocketing and thefts are common. If you are approached by locals trying to sell stolen goods, give you directions or bother you exercise caution.

If you get in legal trouble with some of the locals, the Bulgarian police and judiciary may not protect you adequately because of corruption and nepotism.

Be careful with taxis, make sure you check the prices first before you get in (the fare is per kilometer and it should be something like 0.79 lev during the day and 0.90 lev during the night, avoid cabs that display their fare as above 1.00 lev), also make sure the cab has the driver's card on the front with his name.

Banks exchange most currency so there is usually no need to use exchange offices which often offer a poor rate, ignore entirely anyone on the street wanting to change money; you will get an awful exchange rate, or a handful of fake banknotes.

• Armenia Armenia, ul. "Zagorichane" 3, 1111 Geo Milev, Sofia, +359-2 9461272, +359 2 9461273. M-F 09:00-18:00.
• Finland Finland, 26-28, Bacho Kiro 5th fl 1000 Sofia, +359-2-810 2110. M-Th 08:15-16:15, F 08:15-15:00.
• France France, 27-29, Oborishte 1504 Sofia, +359-2-965 1100.

Armenia Armenia, ul. "Zagorichane" 3, 1111 Geo Milev, Sofia, +359-2 9461272, +359 2 9461273. M-F 09:00-18:00.

Finland Finland, 26-28, Bacho Kiro 5th fl 1000 Sofia, +359-2-810 2110. M-Th 08:15-16:15, F 08:15-15:00.

France France, 27-29, Oborishte 1504 Sofia, +359-2-965 1100.

Sofia has a large number of free wireless hotspots in bars, restaurants, and cafés. You may find also in hotels and public areas, like "Park Zaimov". The airport has a free public wireless hotspot, and so does the central train station in Sofia.

• Vitosha is a magnificent landmark mountain rising just south of the capital. It is easily accessible by public transportation or by car and day trips in Vitosha in a sunny day are highly recommended. In the winter it is well suited for skiing and its proximity allows one day ski-trips; in the summer it is great for hiking. A great way to spend few days in Sofia, being on its "balcony," enjoying sunny days on the mountain with a spectacular view on the capital. So going to Sofia provide gives you a unique chance to witness the rare symbiosis of the metropolitan city with its nature park.
• Rila Monastery is the most famous monastery in Bulgaria, situated in the huge Rila Massive. It is a 1½-hour drive away from Sofia.
• Plovdiv is a large city in Bulgaria. It is one hour (or 2-4 hours by train - frequent connections, price 9 lev per person) drive on a good highway away from Sofia. Plovdiv lies around three hills in the otherwise totally flat Thracian plain. Its historical center, Roman remnants & relaxed feeling make it a great day-trip.
• Veliko Turnovo a beautiful city along a winding river, the former capital of Bulgaria in the Middle Ages. The original city castle and walls are reconstructed. Be sure also to visit nearby Arbanassi.
• There are also many monasteries around Sofia.
• Istanbul is reachable by night train from Sofia Central Station (D 493). The train departs at 21:00 and, as of March 24, 2017, travels as far as Halkali (27 km from Istanbul Sirkeci Terminal). From here passengers take a minibus (included in the ticket price) to Istanbul Sirkeci. Sleeper, couchette and regular seating tickets are available.

Bankya Is around 14.3 kilometres away from central Sofia and offers a range of pools and water springs and a large park near the centre of the city. You can get there by taking the 47,48 or 49 bus from the Slivnitsa metro station. Bus fares are around 1.60 levs or you can get a all day ticket for 4 levs.

Vitosha is a magnificent landmark mountain rising just south of the capital. It is easily accessible by public transportation or by car and day trips in Vitosha in a sunny day are highly recommended. In the winter it is well suited for skiing and its proximity allows one day ski-trips; in the summer it is great for hiking. A great way to spend few days in Sofia, being on its "balcony," enjoying sunny days on the mountain with a spectacular view on the capital. So going to Sofia provide gives you a unique chance to witness the rare symbiosis of the metropolitan city with its nature park.