{"id":7638,"date":"2024-11-07T10:42:12","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T08:42:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelseefeel.com\/?p=7638"},"modified":"2026-05-05T07:57:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T05:57:16","slug":"sofia-apli-prositi-kai-ypotimimeni","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelseefeel.com\/en\/sofia-apli-prositi-kai-ypotimimeni\/","title":{"rendered":"Sofia. Simple, affordable and underrated"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a>, 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?<\/p>\n

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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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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What to see<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Serdika<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wherever you stay, start your tour from the metro station. Serdica.<\/strong> During the metro works, extensive sections of the ancient city of Serdica<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

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Serdika<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mosque<\/strong> Banya Bashi<\/strong><\/p>\n

This mosque, built in 1566, is a living monument to the Ottoman period. Banya Bashi means \u201cmany baths\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n

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Banya Bashi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Right behind him is a fountain<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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Sofia Historical Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Central market<\/strong> Sofia<\/strong><\/p>\n

The impressive building, created in the early 20th century,th<\/sup> 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.<\/p>\n

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Central market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Independence Square<\/strong> (Pl Independence)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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National Assembly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Church of St. George Rotunda<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Rotunda<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

City Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arriving at City Garden<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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Ivan Vazov National Theater<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tsar Liberator<\/strong><\/p>\n

Continuing on Tsar Osvoboditel Avenue, you come across the dollhouse Russian Church<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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Russian Church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Opposite it is a beautiful building from the same period in the Neo-Renaissance style, which houses the Central Military Club.<\/p>\n

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Central Military Club<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Next comes the Orthodox Church Hagia Sophia<\/strong>One 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.<\/p>\n

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Hagia Sophia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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Cathedral of Saint Alexander Nevsky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Behind him is the National Gallery<\/strong>, a neoclassical building from the early 20th centuryth<\/sup> 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.<\/p>\n

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National Gallery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u03a4\u03bf Sofia University<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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Sofia University<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

National Palace of Culture<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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National Palace of Culture<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Vitosha <\/strong>Boulevard<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Vitosha Boulevard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ozone Skybar & Lounge<\/strong><\/p>\n

On the 29ththe<\/sup> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Ozone Skybar & Lounge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Around the temple of Seven Saints<\/strong> 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<\/sup> September 21 is a beautiful red-pink building in the Art Nouveau style, which houses government buildings and is truly a jewel.<\/p>\n

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Church of 7 Saints<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Museum <\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\r\n