I’ve lived in Sofia for years, but there are still places in the city that surprise me. Last week, I finally visited the National Gallery at Kvadrat 500, and I wondered why I’d never been inside before! Located just behind the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, it’s a beautiful building that I’ve passed countless times without…
Whenever someone visits me in Sofia, one of the first things I recommend is the Free Sofia Tour. I’ve done it several times myself, and it remains one of the best ways to get acquainted with the city. These days, I don’t usually accompany my visitors. I send them off to enjoy the tour on…
When I originally wrote this article back in 2016, Tram Number 5 had unexpectedly become part of my everyday life in Sofia. At the time I had started using public transport much more regularly, and whenever I mentioned to Bulgarian friends that I was taking Tram 5 every morning, there was often a knowing reaction: “Ah…
Over the years I’ve used the Sofia Metro many times and I think it’s one of the easiest ways to get around the city. It’s clean, efficient and inexpensive, and once you understand how the lines and tickets work, it’s very straightforward. The centre of Sofia is very walkable but the metro is particularly useful…
If you’re spending a few days in Sofia and want to discover somewhere that combines history, art and culture, Boyana Church is one of the city’s most remarkable places to visit. Hidden away at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, this small medieval church may look modest from the outside, but inside you’ll find some of the most important…
Tucked away beneath the forests of Vitosha Mountain, just a few minutes from the centre of Sofia, Dragalevtsi Monastery is one of those places that’s easy to miss, but well worth discovering. While many visitors head straight for the mountain, this peaceful monastery offers a wonderful opportunity to step away from the city and experience a quieter side…
Perched at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, Vodenitzata is one of the few restaurants in the mountains near Sofia that offers a perfect combination of stunning scenery, traditional Bulgarian food, and folklore entertainment. If you’re new to the country, it’s an ideal first stop where you can enjoy a taste of Bulgaria in a beautiful natural setting, just a…
If you’ve already explored Sofia’s museums, restaurants and parks and are looking for something completely different, Shooting Range Gerena offers an experience that’s certainly memorable. We’ve taken visiting family members here several times over the years, and it’s always been a huge hit. For many of our guests from the UK, it’s something they’ve never had the…