Sofia City Breaks 2012

Image by Kiril Havezov

Capital of Bulgaria

The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is the country's largest city as well as its cultural and industrial centre. This vibrant Eastern European city combines Balkanic, Slovanic and Mediterranean cultures, making it an unmissable destination.

Long History

Founded roughly 2,500 years ago, Sofia has undergone many changes in its long and rich history, and remnants of those old cities remain today. Most visitors arrive by plane, touching down at Sofia Airport, Bulgaria's busiest airport, which is located 10km from the centre of the city. Alternatively, many international bus operators serve the Central Bus Station, and international trains offer a variety of routes to Sofia. Within the city, the efficient and inexpensive public transport system lets you easily access any part of the city, day or night; but Sofia is also very pedestrian-friendly, with most attractions within walking distance.

Interesting Sites Around Sofia

When in a city with such a strong historical legacy, an obvious place to start is the ruins spread around the city's centre. From there, visit the medieval splendour of the Boyana Church and St. George's Rotunda, or the Red Army statues, a monument to Bulgaria's Communist past. If you want to escape the crowds, Sofia has acres of green parkland to be explored - roam Yuzhen Park or take on one of the locals at chess in the City Garden. Sofia houses many museums, including the National Historical Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, where many treasures of its past are housed.

Young and Dynamic Atmosphere

Equally, the city's young and dynamic atmosphere draws plenty of visitors. Thanks to its growing affluence, the city now boasts vast shopping malls filled with fashion boutiques, and five-star hotels. Vitosha Boulevard is one of the world's most expensive streets, lined with luxury goods stores and fashion exhibitions. The city shows its Parisian influences with its many chic cafEs offering plenty of outdoor seating for the hot summer months. At one of Sofia's excellent restaurants get a taste of Bulgarian dining by sampling traditional cuisine such as wild boar stewed with plums.

Sofia Night Life

The city comes alive at night, its casinos, trendy bars and dance-clubs heaving with locals and visitors alike. Sample one of the fifty different beers before heading to one of the hotspots for latin music, techno, and more besides. If you're after dramatic arts, there is plenty of opera and theatre to keep you busy.

Sofia is a compact, relaxed and dynamic city offering an unforgettable blend of Eastern and Western culture.