23/04/2026
Sofia 🇧🇬 is one of those cities that feels easy to love right away — a mix of old history, relaxed local life, mountain views, and iconic landmarks like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral right in the middle of it all. It’s compact, walkable in the center, and full of little surprises, from Roman ruins and Orthodox churches to cafés, markets, and classic Bulgarian food.
❤️ Geography: Sofia sits in western Bulgaria at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, which gives the city a nice mix of urban and nature views .
❤️ History: It’s one of Europe’s older cities, with roots going back thousands of years and layers of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Bulgarian influence .
❤️ Culture: The city feels a little formal, a little creative, and very local, with Orthodox traditions, lively markets, and a strong café culture .
❤️ For things to see and do:
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Boyana Church.
Ancient Serdica ruins in the city center.
Vitosha Boulevard for strolling, shopping, and people-watching.
Central Market Hall and the Women’s Market for local produce and snacks.
A day trip or hike toward Vitosha Mountain.
❤️ For food, try:
Banitsa, the classic Bulgarian pastry.
Shopska salad.
Bulgarian yogurt and local cheese.
Mekitsi, especially for breakfast.
Local grill places and market snacks .
❤️ Practical travel info:
Sofia’s public transport includes metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
The city center is easy to get around on foot, but the metro is useful for longer stretches .
Bulgaria officially uses the euro as of January 1, 2026, so that’s the currency to expect now.
If you’re heading in from the airport, taxis and public transport are both common options, and airport-to-center transit is straightforward.