A visual guide to Sofia

National Palace of Culture Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital and my birth place. Spending the last month there on and off, added to more time spent than in

Old meets new

the past 3 years combined. It made me wonder, why do I go back so rarely? I just wanted to share Sofia through my eyes. A city which is currently transitioning into modernity, while keeping the spirit of the old socialism alive. It is

not uncommon to see contrasting buildings — huge, grey monuments commemorating the pre 1989 style, and then a McDonalds paying tribute to capitalism. The city’s identity is being built as we speak.

Quick tips:

Always use licensed cabs — All cabs in Sofia are yellow. OK Supertrans are the most popular and they are the only licensed cabs to operate the airports and train stations. Do not go in unmarked yellow cars.

Public transport — if I were you, I would use taxis. The public transport system is not the best and it is unreliable

Zebra crossing — OK, I know this might be a weird one but Sofia and the drivers in there, really do not care about zebra crossings. So, when you cross the streets, even on a zebra, please look both ways and ensure the cars are actually stopping, do not assume they will stop as likely they will not.

Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Sofia

Graf Ignatiev street, Sofia

Take care of your bag and belongings — Bulgarian thieves are really skilled, so do take extra care especially when walking around the touristic areas

Parliament, Sofia

Do not give money to the beggars — a lot of them are part of organised crime and by giving them money you are just supporting that not a poor, hungry child

Homeless dogs — they populate the streets of Sofia unfortunately and although most of them are friendly, do not pet them as they might bite you

Food — Bulgarians eat pretty much anything with cheese and I am certain you will enjoy Bulgarian food. I suggest trying out fried yellow cheese with some lutenitsa and fries, it is a Bulgarian favourite and any lunch outlet will do it for you. Our typical meats like kufte (meatball) and kebabche (long meat ball) are also worth a try. Banitsa and airan are a must do in the morning, just go to one of the street stands and get some Bulgarian pastries — they are super cheap (£0.5/piece)

Patisserie Romance, Simeonovo — if you have time, get up there. Enjoy some amazing cakes/lunch/dinner and admire the view of Sofia from above

The coffee shop of Grand Hotel Sofia — just in front of National Theatre this coffee shop offers an amazing variety of fresh juices with a twist, perfect for the morning after the night before :)

National Theatre, Sofia

Nationa Theatre, Sofia

Tram, Sofia

The drinks — please note that a small measure in Sofia is 50ml and a double is 100ml, so if you are coming from the UK beware the measures are huge in comparison. Also, ask for foreign brands from whatever you are drinking, it is a safer bet

The night life — we are known for our parties and the clubs in Sofia almost ever sleep. The nation loves to drink and party until the early mornings. You will likely be required to pre-book your place for the weekends in particular. Cool places to visit for pre-drinks Esterhasi Bar, Park Bar or Candy (where you can continue as a club as well). If you want to observe some typical Sofia parties you have to go to a club like Biad or Sin City, which has ‘chalga’ singers and napkin tornadoes, as the audience throws napkins in the air while the singer sings. It is an experience but do not judge the whole nation based on it :)

The history surrounding the city of Sofia is endless — every church or monastery has a story dating far back. Bulgarians are Orthodox Christians and a relatively religious nation, so be respectful when you visit. A must visit: Alexander Nevski Cathedral, The Russian Church, The ruins around the Presidency, and anything else on your way. Photography is usually forbidden inside.

Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Russian Church Sofia

Ruins near by Presidency, Sofia

Saint Petka Church

Shopping — Sofia is an amazing shopping destination for a couple of things: leather, little known designer clothes or jewellery. All 3 categories are much cheaper and are really good quality. For shopping sprees I will recommend going around Graf Ignatiev, Vitoshka and Gurko where you will find small boutiques offering unique pieces and really reasonable prices. Antiques can be found in the garden in front of Alexander Nevski Cathedral, as well as traditional Bulgarian pottery and paintings. Do not shop in the Malls, which have popped up everywhere, the street shopping is still better and the choice you have is more diverse. The Mallss offer everything every other Mall will offer irrespective of location.

Small shops in Sofia, Graf Ignatiev street

Vitoshka street Sofia

Graf Ignatiev street Sofia

Where to stay — do not spend your money on fancy hotels. Get an AirBnB and enjoy what the city has to offer. Stay close to Vitoshka/National palace of Culture area

National palace of Culture, Sofia

National palace of Culture, Sofia

Beauty — Sofia has some really good gems to offer when it comes to beauty procedures which come cheaper but are quality. Do not fall prey of the tourist trap places, good beauticians and clinics usually have a waiting list and it takes some time to get an appointment. If you would like recommendations for your visit email me and I can give you some tips

I call Sofia the true city that never sleeps and just likes to party, so rock on :)