If you are looking for an easy and affordable destination for your next road trip, Sofia is what you are looking for. You get a green card for your vehicle, print the vignette, which you will obtain from here, you turn on the headlights (even during the day in Bulgaria) and you're off! So simple. But why go to Sofia, you might ask?
If you still think that the capital of our neighboring country is an indifferent destination, you should probably reconsider. Its center is quite similar to any other European city and only some Balkan touches make you remember where you are. This may be the difference that makes the whole experience authentic. Sofia does not hide anything from you or put a fake wrapper on it. On the contrary, it escapes the stereotypes and makes you feel at home.
Furthermore, for reasons that we will describe below, this city is also an ideal destination for children, with excellent activity areas for them to have a pleasant time with you.
What to see
Serdika
Wherever you stay, start your tour from the metro station. Serdica. During the metro works, extensive sections of the ancient city of Serdica, which was an important center during the Roman period. The findings include streets, houses, baths and other buildings that testify to the city's heyday. The glass domes that were installed protect the findings and give a different aesthetic to the excavations.
Mosque Banya Bashi
This mosque, built in 1566, is a living monument to the Ottoman period. Banya Bashi means “many baths”, as the mosque was built on old baths. The most distinctive feature of the mosque is its large dome, 15 meters in diameter, supported by painted arches.
Right behind him is a fountain and numerous fountains, from which hot thermal water gushes. Bulgarians even drink it. And the Historical Museum of Sofia in the background and the square create a beautiful spot.
Central market Sofia
The impressive building, created in the early 20th century,th Built in the 19th century, it is one of the symbols of the city and has been declared a cultural monument of national importance. It now houses a supermarket chain, but it is worth going inside and admiring the unique metal structure.
Independence Square (Pl Independence)
In essence, the square no longer exists, as the domes that were installed to protect the metro's antiquities have covered the area. However, around it are four interesting buildings. The Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Education, the triangular-shaped building of the National Assembly and the reddish building that houses the Employment Organization.
Church of St. George Rotunda
It is one of the most important historical and archaeological monuments in Bulgaria. It dates back to the 4th century AD and is considered one of the oldest continuously used Christian churches in the world! The construction of the church dates back to the era of Constantine the Great and its interior walls are adorned with exquisite Byzantine frescoes.
City Garden
Arriving at City Garden or the City Garden, you will see three important buildings around you. The National Archaeological Museum (a former 15th-century Ottoman mosque, with many ancient Greek exhibits mainly from Thrace), the National Gallery building (a former Royal Palace of 1880 in neo-baroque style) and the Ivan Vazov National Theater with its imposing neoclassical architecture.
Tsar Liberator
Continuing on Tsar Osvoboditel Avenue, you come across the dollhouse Russian Church of St. Nicholas. Inspired by the Muscovite Russian churches, this church, built in 1914, stands out for its colorful tiles on the exterior and gold-plated bulbous domes.
Opposite it is a beautiful building from the same period in the Neo-Renaissance style, which houses the Central Military Club.
Next comes the Orthodox Church Hagia SophiaOne of the oldest churches in Sofia, it is believed to have been built during the time of Emperor Justinian and is located above an ancient necropolis, as crypts with relics and frescoes have been found there.
The Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky is one of the most impressive and recognizable buildings in Sofia and the second largest church in the Balkans, after Saint Sava in Belgrade. The church was built in honor of Saint Alexander Nevsky, a Russian prince, but also in honor of the Russian soldiers who lost their lives during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. It can accommodate 10,000 people and has no seats.
Behind him is the National Gallery, a neoclassical building from the early 20th centuryth century, which operated as a royal printing house. It is the largest art museum in the country, housing over 41,000 paintings, sculptures, engravings, decorative arts objects and contemporary works of art.
Το Sofia University It is the oldest in the country, founded in 1888, and has since become one of the leading educational institutions in the Balkans. It is an impressive example of neo-Byzantine architecture.
National Palace of Culture
The imposing octagonal building, a typical example of communist-era architecture, dominates the heart of Sofia. It may not be charming, but it is still one of the largest multifunctional conference and exhibition centers in Southeast Europe. For symbolic reasons, the city's leaders probably placed a section of the Berlin Wall nearby.
Vitosha Boulevard
A busy shopping street that hosts historic buildings, luxury clothing stores, and cafes. You will window shop, come across several Greek brands and banks, and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the locals and tourists.
Ozone Skybar & Lounge
On the 29ththe floor of the Millennium Grand Hotel there is a new rooftop bar that we definitely recommend you visit! With a modern and thoughtful design down to the last detail, you will truly enjoy a stunning view of the city. You will also try excellent cocktails, while if you want you can have lunch at the rooftop restaurant. Make a reservation before you go here.
Around the temple of Seven Saints a beautiful neighborhood full of cafes and restaurants is blooming. It is worth visiting the homonymous temple, which was built in 1547 during the Ottoman Empire and was called the Black Mosque because of its granite minaret. Also on street 6of September 21 is a beautiful red-pink building in the Art Nouveau style, which houses government buildings and is truly a jewel.
Museum
A modern multi-purpose space that children will love and spend their time creatively! 130 interactive games make young visitors learn about science and understand the world. Experiments, constructions, simulators and a cheerful atmosphere let the time pass so beautifully that you will forget how many hours you are there. This building also operates a planetarium, a climbing wall, a playground and a stylish cafe.
Kokolandia Adventure Park
Kokolandia Adventure Park is a unique leisure and adventure park, ideal for children and adults who want to spend quality time in nature and test their skills. Climbing routes, Rope Land, Treetop, trampolines, zip line, inflatables and other activities keep the interest undiminished!
Borisova Gradina
Once you are in the area, take a stroll through Borisova Gradina Park, which is the oldest and largest park in Sofia. Its construction and layout began in 1884 and was named after the Bulgarian Tsar Boris III. The most beautiful part of the park is located near the Vasil Levski National Stadium.
Museum of Illusions
If you haven't visited something similar in Athens or Thessaloniki, you can do so here. Optical illusions, objects that change shape as you walk past them, and interactive experiences deceive you at every corner. The space is interesting, but we would have expected it to be a little bigger and with more exhibits.
Videnie
Για μια δόση σύγχρονης κουλτούρας στη Σόφια, το Videnie είναι η απόλυτη εμπειρία. Πρόκειται για έναν εντυπωσιακό χώρο εμβυθιστικής τέχνης, όπου το 3D mapping και οι οθόνες 360° σε μεταφέρουν κυριολεκτικά “μέσα” στα έργα. Ένας μοναδικός συνδυασμός τεχνολογίας και αισθητικής στην καρδιά της πόλης, ιδανικός για όσους αναζητούν κάτι διαφορετικό και άκρως φωτογραφικό! Εισιτήρια here.
Food
Bulgarian cuisine has many dishes that resemble Greek, so don't worry about the food. Their traditional cheese pie is called Banitsa and you'll find it everywhere, just like their donuts MekitsaTheir favorite salad is Shopska, which resembles the village soup, while the classic Bulgarian soup is called TaratorThe Mish-Mash will remind you of strapatsada while moussaka, stuffed with minced meat and many more you will find in most restaurants. You will find traditional flavors in the picturesque Made in Blue, for alternative flavors you'll go to Little Things, for Italian try Olive Oil, you will find the best burgers at Ribs & Sticks and coffee by Greek standards you will drink in excellent Altruist and Chucky's Coffee House.
Where to stay?
Prefer to be somewhere central. That way you will have everything at your feet and you will be able to move around comfortably and with minimal use of transportation. We stayed and we recommend it to you this one. Επίσης, κάτι που πρέπει να γνωρίζεις είναι ότι, αν το όχημά σου κινείται με αέριο, θα χρειαστείς αντάπτορα πληρώσεως.
Closing
Η Σόφια, λοιπόν, αποτέλεσε για εμάς μια ευχάριστη έκπληξη! Αποδείχθηκε ένας ιδανικός προορισμός σαββατοκύριακου, εύκολος, προσιτός, απλός. Με ενδιαφέροντα αξιοθέατα, δραστηριότητες για παιδιά και όμορφες γωνιές, η πρωτεύουσα της Βουλγαρίας μόνο αδιάφορη δεν είναι. Μην περιμένεις λοιπόν. Μπες στο αυτοκίνητό σου κι… έφυγες!
