Sofia City in Bulgaria

Located in the Sofia Valley, the capital city of Bulgaria lies at the foot of the Vitosha and Lyulin Mountains, and is the centre of the country's political, business and cultural life. Founded over 7,000 years ago around numerous hot and cold mineral springs, which are still available today, Sofia has flourished and declined around a variety of civilisations. It is one of the oldest settlements in Europe and numerous archaeological, cultural and historical monuments from its rich Thracian, Byzantine, Roman, Slav and Turkish history have been preserved among the modern edifices, the blend of the new and the old lending a charming quality to the capital. Despite its modern, cosmopolitan nature, Sofia has a laid back atmosphere and the proximity of Mount Vitosha, offering a myriad of recreational opportunities on the city's doorstep, adds to the relaxed feel of the city. Like any capital city, Sofia also has a wealth of museums and galleries, and boasts plenty of cultural entertainment.

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Sofia City Recommended Rentals

Places of Interest

Bulgaria's modern capital testifies to the country's eternal bond between past and present. Monuments to its rich Thracian, Roman, Bulgar and Ottoman history rub shoulders with modem-day edifices of cosmopolitan city life. Over 250 historic landmarks and architectural monuments blend in with the city's modern skyline. Despite various Byzantine ruins and mosques attesting to a long, colourful history, many of Sofia's historic grandeur has been lost. Some of its most impressive architecture post-dates Bulgaria's Liberation of 1878. Wide tree-lined boulevards house numerous turn-of-the-century stuccoed buildings. Sofia's protective fortress walls for 12 centuries, straddle the city centers where remnants of the original Serdica settlement (2nd Century) still lie. Major landmarks include the St George Rotunda, part of a large archeological complex with rare Roman architectural features; the Sveta Sofia Basilica which inspired the city's coat of arms; the Alexandar Nevski Cathedral, whose magnificent icons and frescoes are world famous; and the Boyana Church on Sofia's outskirts - a listed UNESCO building - a fine example of Medieval architecture with unique wall paintings. Other tourist attractions include: the Church of Sveta Nedelya, the Banya Bashi Mosque (16th century) and nearby Turkish baths, the Hall covered market and clock tower Synagogue, the National History Museum, the Sveta Petka Saamardzhiiska Church, the Russian Church, the Alexandar Batenberg Square, the flea market, antique shops and cafes around the Kristal Square, the tree-lined Alexsandar Nevski Square, named after its famous Cathedral, and the international art collection housed in the St. St. Cyril and Methodius Foundation.

Sofia City Accommodation

The five, four and three-stars Sofia hotels offer good conditions for business ,rest and entertainment. Tranquillity seekers can choose from among the numerous small private hotels in Sofia's suburbs and enjoy excellent service in addition to home comfort and traditional Bulgarian hospitality.

Places to Eat and Drink

Apart from the numerous restaurants at the hotels, there are many restaurants and bistros offering various dishes - from continental European and traditionally Bulgarian to Indian and Chinese cuisine. We recommend you consider the following: Tambuktu is an excellent choice a fish restaurant, where you can watch how the fish is prepared. Tambuktu is situated in the city centre and is surrounded with many night clubs. Restaurant Olives is situated in the heart of Sofia city. The perfect location in combination of delicious cuisine makes Olives restaurant an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Entertainment & Nightlife

Shopping in Sofia is quite an experience. Shining shops offer design clothes, small antique shops, private art galleries displaying icons, modern art and jewels, music shops (CDs and DVD's) and shops for traditional crafts feast the eyes. Most restaurants in Sofia serve European and Bulgarian cuisine. A visit to a tavern is a must. They entertain with folk music, songs and dances in addition to a menu of delicious typically Bulgarian dishes and choice drinks. Each night in Sofia is a thrilling experience. An option is a concert, opera or theatre. Jazz and rock clubs or piano bars are also there. Disco fans will find Sofia discos as good as any in Europe. Night clubs have variety shows in the small hours. Casinos in Sofia don't close before dawn.

Getting Around

The centre of Sofia is easily accessible by public transport, which includes buses, trams and trolleybuses. Buses run from 5am until midnight and until 1am for trams. Single trip tickets can be purchased before boarding as well as on the vehicle and must be punched once aboard. It is not practical to travel into or around the city centre by car as parking spaces are limited and traffic can be a problem. Taxis are also easily available. Sofia airport provides access all over Europe as well as internal flights to the coastal resort of Varna and Bourgas

Sofia City Summary

Excellent Public Transport
Excellent Restaurants and Bars
Good Selection of High Quality Accommodation
Good Selection of Activities and Entertainment
Excellent Location for City Breaks

Sofia City Reviews

Mr McAdam from Scotland

Comments: "We have been visiting the city of Sofia for many years on short breaks and absolutely love it. We ski a little so try and get over once a year in the winter for a long weekend as you can get the lift to the Vitoshi Ski Resort direct from the city."

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2 Bedroom rental with communal pool in Sofia City

Luxury 2 Bed apartment on the outskirts of Sofia. 15 minutes from airport and 10 minutes from centre. Only 70 yards from Vitosha Ski Lift. Balcony has a view out over the city of Sofia.