Sofia – Bulgaria’s Underrated Capital Full of Soul

Sofia might surprise you. One of Europe’s oldest cities, it's a place where Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, Orthodox churches, Soviet monuments, and hip street art all live side by side. Add in mountain views, leafy parks, and a rising food and coffee scene, and you’ve got a laid-back, history-rich capital that’s still flying under the radar.

🌟 What to See in Sofia

1️⃣ Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

• The city’s iconic symbol, with golden domes and an ornate Orthodox interior
• Free to enter, and worth visiting at sunset when the light hits the gold just right

2️⃣ Roman Ruins of Serdica

• Right in the heart of the city, you can walk through the excavated streets and buildings of ancient Serdica
• Look down through glass panels or walk among ruins near the Largo complex

3️⃣ St. George Rotunda

• A 4th-century red-brick church tucked behind government buildings
• One of the oldest and most atmospheric sites in Sofia

4️⃣ Vitosha Boulevard

• The city’s main pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés, and mountain views
• Great for people-watching, especially at a terrace with a rakia or local craft beer

5️⃣ National Palace of Culture (NDK)

• A massive cultural center with striking architecture and gardens
• Surrounded by a wide boulevard that's great for walks or grabbing snacks from nearby vendors

⛰️ Escape to Nature: Vitosha Mountain

• Just outside the city, Vitosha Mountain is a paradise for hikers, skiers, or picnickers
• Visit Boyana Church (UNESCO site) and hike to Boyana Waterfall
• In winter: great for a quick ski day
• In summer: cool breezes and panoramic city views

🍽️ What to Eat in Sofia

• Shopska salad – Fresh, simple, and topped with white cheese
• Kavarma – Slow-cooked meat and vegetables in clay pots
• Banitsa – A flaky pastry filled with cheese or pumpkin
• Wash it down with rakia (fruit brandy) or local wines from Melnik or the Thracian Valley

🎯 Tips for Visiting Sofia

✅ Affordable and uncrowded—a great value destination
✅ Currency: Bulgarian lev (BGN)
✅ Most signs use both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets, but a few phrases in Bulgarian go a long way
✅ Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring both city and mountain