All rights reserved. A Journey Through Bulgaria’s Abandoned Ruins and Otherworldly Monuments. See more budget-friendly fun & games in Sofia on Tripadvisor. this is a unique book and gift shop in Sofia! The Bells (Kambanite) Park, Sofia, Bulgaria. All you need is a reusable bottle that you can refill. Klek shops popped up in Sofia shortly after the end of the Communist era when many people, wondering how to make ends meet, opened convenience stores in their basements. Nature & Parks. Best things to do in Sofia Featured stories & fun stuff. We had it at this cool super-retro bar called Raketa Rakia Bar. To prove you that, I’ve prepared a list of 10 things to do in Bulgaria’s capital this winter. 3 KEY Rooms. Tick Off Your List Sofia’s Iconic Buildings and Places. You will find it at simple eateries, mostly outside of the tourist areas. Sofia is packed to bursting with fun things to do, whether you're young or old! Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Since I was renting an Airbnb there, I did lots of day trips, leaving early in the morning to maximize my time and coming back at night to avoid paying twice for accommodation. Discover the ultimate places for kids in Sofia, be it water parks, theme parks, or playgrounds. Fuzzy Bar. See more fun & … Boyana Church. This means you don’t actually need to buy bottled water (although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink as well). I promise that you won’t get bored with these places and activities because you’ll find not so typical experiences to have in Sofia … Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. The Square of Religious Tolerance is an area in the center of Sofia that has four places of worship of four different religions standing just a few hundred feet from each other. You can walk by all four in as little as ten minutes, but consider entering the buildings as well since they are all housed in historical edifices. Bulgaria is still not a mainstream tourist destination, which means most of the amazing things to do in the Balkan country are not yet well-known. See. Enigmania The Experiment. "As part of a team that has visited most of the escape rooms in the country I could say without a doubt that Bornazium has some of the best games, tasks and clues and is within the top escape rooms in Sofia." MUZEIKO. Sofia is packed to bursting with fun things to do, whether you're young or old! Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Things to Do in Sofia: Churches & Religious Buildings To get to know the religious and cultural landscape of the city, we recommend going on a guided tour like this Sofia full-day tour. St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. A unique dining experience here in Sofia where you can grill your choice of meat at your own table, to your liking. If you plan to visit this amazing city you should try out these 13 things to do in Sofia. Vitosha Mountain. 3, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, Sofia, Bulgaria. Offer subject to change without notice. To get there, take the subway to Business Park station. How about traveling back in time and down underneath the Saint Sofia Church to explore a labyrinth of sarcophagi and to see remains of an early Christian necropolis? It’s the local booze. A Bulgarian monument to Russia's role in World War II is constantly being painted in pop culture protest. Sofia is a city worth visiting during the cold winter months, too. This is a fantastic place. 1. We’ve researched and done these things over four separate trips to the city, and together we’ve spent almost two months "Holy Wisdom" overlooks the city that became its namesake. * * * 1 * * * Drink the coffee…so you can do the things. Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and has more to offer than you might think: Impressive architecture, interesting history, breathtaking landscapes and delicious food for a great price. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. A brand new app on the Bulgarian market gives an incredible opportunity: one month of every day coffee for just 9.90 lev (5 EUR). Free Things to Do in Sofia . 2. Private Trip: Immersive Art and Otherworldly Landscapes of Santa Fe, Private Trip: Croatia’s Abandoned Sites & Ancient Cities, Private Trip: A Culinary Exploration of Lisbon, Monster of the Month with Colin Dickey: Chupacabra, Secrets From Tel Aviv’s ‘Eclectic’ Era Are Hiding All Over the City, The Careful Work of Breathing Life Into the Corpse Flower, Why Longtime Alaska Residents Are Called 'Sourdoughs', Brooklyn's Putrid, Beloved Gowanus Canal Has Been a Horror for Centuries, Saving the Songs of South Korea's Female Divers, How a Blacksmith in Jordan Created His Own Sign Language, In Naples, Praying With Skulls Is an Ancient Tradition, Inside a Domed Pyramid With Astounding Acoustics and a History of Miracles. If you are in Sofia for a very limited period of … Vitosha Boulevard. Things to do in Sofia The best way to see Sofia is by taking part in the free walking tours, starting from the Court House, called Palace of Justice, twice a day, which is located on 2 Vitosha Boulevard. The Boyana Church, which is located on the outskirts of Sofia, has a specific energy. run around and try to do everything on it while you’re in the city! A striking symbol of the Bulgarian capital. It is formed by the Orthodox Christian Saint Nedelya Church, the Sofia Synagogue, the Banya Bashi Mosque, and the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Joseph. This is one of the most unusual sights you will come across in the center of Sofia – people squatting to buy a beer or chocolate from the basement shops you will see here and there along the sidewalks. Tours. © 2021 Atlas Obscura. Sofia, Bulgaria Monument to the Soviet Army A Bulgarian monument to Russia's role in World War II is constantly being painted in pop culture protest. This museum is considered as the must-visit museum especially with kids. Bulgaria might get a bad rep based on it being in the Balkans and not such a well-trodden … We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Children will have fun, learn new things, get good food and will not get bored in long queues. When you have the soup served, you should add a lot of garlic and spicy red pepper to it. Drink rakia. The fact that the head of the shopkeeper is at the level of the customer’s shoes doesn’t bother anyone. Mentalist. Especially if you are on a city break in Sofia and only have limited time you should go for one … There’s a sense of excitement and exploration when you come across dancing monsters, listen to bagpipes on a mountain top or wake up before dawn to join the traditional rose picking. See 85 Experiences. One of the most important buildings not just in Sofia, but in Bulgaria is … To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Drink mineral water from a street drinking fountain, Sofia has most of the major museums in Bulgaria. We’ve researched and done these things over four separate trips to the city, and together we’ve spent almost two months here. read more The “Three Trolls” board … Sofia has many museums, from the lovely National Gallery to the Museum of Contemporary Art, but my favorite was the perfectly sized and centrally located Sofia City Art Gallery, which exhibits works by local artists, with most of the works featuring Sofia.Looking at the city through the perspective of local artists is an … To learn more or withdraw consent, please visit our cookie policy. While you are there or if you want to DIY your Sofia sightseeing, you have to check out St. Kyriaki Cathedral Church and its murals inside. Top Attractions in Sofia. 15 Best Things to Do in Sofia (Bulgaria) Bulgaria’s capital has a lot of stories to tell, and each historic attraction will give you a new perspective on Sofia’s complicated past. All I … 5. Climbing Adventure The Bells Monument (Kambanite in Bulgarian) is one of the hidden gems of Sofia, especially for those interested in Communist-era architecture. While not in Sofia proper, we also recommend this Boyana Church and Rila Monastery tour. The following won't even cost a cent. St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Plan at least half an hour to explore the catacombs of the church, and don’t forget to check out the Honorius Tomb located just across the entrance of the church (the same ticket is valid for both, but they are accessed through different entrances). Take the free walking tour. The fanciest street in the city, Vitosha Boulevard is where all the posh boutiques … 5. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Many centuries ago, Sofia was founded around mineral water springs where exhausted travelers could stop and rest. Winner will be selected at random on 02/01/2021. If you want to discover the quirky side of the city, here are some of the most unusual things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria. Sofia, the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, is full of art and history, delectable food, and a great nightlife scene. Boyana Church. Discover the best top things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria including Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, Boyana Church, Manastirska Magernitsa. Saint Nikolas Russian Church (Tsurkva Sveta Nikolai) 4. You may or may not have tried tripe soup before, and you may love it or hate it. Things to Do in Sofia Sofia travel guide. Wrap Up. To prove you that, I’ve prepared a list of 10 things to do in Bulgaria’s capital this winter. The museum has a few other star exhibits, like a golden king’s carriage and a neolithic house model. See 85 Experiences. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. The newest amusement park in the Balkans, Sofia Land, lies in the South of the city and is an absolute must-see. Saint Nikolas Russian Church (Tsurkva Sveta Nikolai) 4. Sofia’s Saint Nicholas Church, simply known as the Russian Church, is not only one of the most intricately decorated churches in the Bulgarian capital with its Russian-style bulb-shaped domes, but it is also said to make wishes come true. Unusual Things to Do in Sofia Drink mineral water from the city’s drinking fountains. The most convenient fountains are located right in front of the Cinema House, across the street from the Sofia History Museum. What today looks like a grey and rough monument was built in the 1980s as a global children’s monument with the idea to include a bell dedicated to every country in the world and to have children ring these as a gesture of peace. If you’ve hired a car and fancy exploring this beautiful bit of Bulgaria then … An excellent way to start your time in Sofia is by taking one of the free 2 … 4. Day trip to Rila monastery. Sofia has most of the major museums in Bulgaria, with some of the most interesting exhibits from the country’s history, but only one of them offers you the opportunity to board an original old-time tram, or rather a piece of it installed at the Sofia History Museum. Keep reading to know about awesome places and activities to enjoy with your kids in Sofia. Vitosha Boulevard. However, for the best travel experiences, … The Church dates back to the 10th century and owes its world fame mainly to its frescoes from 1259. One of our favorite things to do in Sofia are the escape rooms. 3. We have reviews of the best places to see in Sofia. The best part is that with the exception of visiting the Black Sea coast, you can do almost anything as a day trip from Sofia. Dive into one of Europe’s oldest countries as we explore ancient civilizations and marvel at otherworldly relics of a communist utopia that never came to be. This place is preferred if you like to do water sports, swimming, sunbathing and fishing because Sofia is relatively far from the sea. There's no need to give your credit card a workout in Sofia. Sofia is a city that doesn’t evoke major expectations in the imagination of its visitors, like Rome or Paris, and this is probably its biggest advantage. These are the best places for budget-friendly fun & games in Sofia: Teorema Rooms. The Bulgarian capital is full of surprises and has much to offer the curious traveler beyond the official travel guides. The newest amusement park in the Balkans, Sofia Land, lies in the South of … Vitosha Mountain. 6,401 reviews. While you are sitting on a seat and looking at the signs admonishing passengers not to spit, you will also see original footage from the time when the tram was actually in use. 3KEY Rooms - The Al Capone Secret Bar. Everyone who visits this place can learn something new in the most curious and unexpected way. It is not only a religious place, included in UNESCO's World Heritage list but also a place to relax, listen to your thoughts and enjoy the nature1. Sofia is a city worth visiting during the cold winter months, too. Visit a Board Games Bar. Discover 10 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria from Monument to the Soviet Army to DZI Sofia Center. Vitosha Boulevard. Built in … 6,401 reviews. 3 KEY Rooms. In this Solo Girls Guide to Sofia in Bulgaria my friend Annemarie from Travel on the Brain shares with you everything you need to know about visiting Sofia solo, including some fun things to do in Sofia.. Sofia in Bulgaria is a great destination for female solo travelers. Discover 46 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Bulgaria from Buzludzha Monument to Retro Museum. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria on Tripadvisor: See 161,774 traveller reviews and photos of Sofia tourist attractions. "A very immersive room, great decor and well designed puzzles, Friendly hosts and I would love to try the second room when it is made by these guys!" The special physical effort needed to get your purchase and your change created their local nickname – klek shops (literally, squat shops). Here you can find anything from Harry Potter merchandise to limited works of art and signed Memorabilia. If you are looking for a place to relax a bit Borisova Gradina is your choice! Bulgaria is still not a mainstream tourist destination, which means most of the amazing things to do in the Balkan country are not yet well-known.There’s a sense of excitement and exploration when you come across dancing monsters, listen to bagpipes on a mountain top or wake up before dawn to join the traditional rose picking. 1. Although the city is not really famous as a spa destination nowadays, there are spots where drinkable mineral water runs from public drinking fountains. No purchase necessary. A vast Communist-era exhibition space in the Bulgarian capital. The name of the mosque was derived from Sofia’s mineral bats. After visiting the main area of the church, head to the side entrance (the left side if you are facing the church) and write your wish at the church’s crypt. It is the building that has attracted so many visitors since 1500. 10 Best Things to Do in Sofia. with a 9,90 lev monthly subscription for 1 cup of gourmet coffee every day! Or simply follow the people coming to fill their big empty plastic bottles. Escapeway.Bg. If you are going to a birthday party and don't know what to buy, Elephant bookshop will always give you an idea. Nature & Parks. 3KEY Rooms - The Al Capone Secret Bar. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). 3. Sofians love solving the mysteries presented by the escape rooms. With this full-day private tour, head into the mountains to see the celebrated Rila Monastery, where you can visit the monastery museum, see Rafail's Cross, and marvel at the frescoes in the Nativity of Mary church. Aleksander Nevski Cathedral. Check out Dextrophobia, Questomania or 3 Kеy Rooms. Top Attractions in Sofia. A flamboyant five-story building in Bulgaria resembles a crawling snail. So if there is one thing that’s sure – escape rooms are a great way to have fun like locals do. A collection of art from Bulgaria's time as a communist state. Then find your country’s bell and ring it as an evocation of the universal wish – Peace on Earth. In any case, if you are a bold foodie, give this spicy local delicacy a chance because it is not only part of the dietary regime of many Bulgarians, but it is only known as the ubiquitous hangover remedy. No visit to Sofia is complete without a trip outside the city, to explore the monuments and mountains adorning the picturesque Bulgarian countryside. See All 46 Things to Do in Bulgaria Atlas Obscura and our trusted partners use technology such as cookies on our website to personalise ads, support social media features, and analyse our traffic. Please click below to consent to the use of this technology while browsing our site. Content. Borisova Gradina. President's Building - If you're eager to explore the region's history through its landmarks, add this one to your travel itinerary.. Slaveykov Square - Get to know some of the local people and seek out the hidden character and soul of this place. Top Things to Do in Sofia, Sofia Region: See Tripadvisor's 161,774 traveller reviews and photos of 622 things to do when in Sofia. It’s cozy, it’s fun and it’s perfect for the winter. A lot of people go dancing because they want to make new friends or have It’s evident there’re lots of things to do and enjoy in Bulgaria. 2. These are the best places for groups seeking fun & games in Sofia: Escapeway.Bg. See Sofia Through The Eyes Of Local Artists. Discover the Square of Religious Tolerance. Things to Do in Belgrade: How to Use this List This is a giant list, and we don’t expect you to run around and try to do everything on it while you’re in the city! Place can learn something new in the Bulgarian capital have tried tripe soup before, a! This amazing city you should try out these 13 things to do in Bulgaria from Buzludzha to... That you can find anything from Harry Potter merchandise to limited works of art and history, delectable,. Cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements and... Give your credit card a workout in Sofia doesn ’ t bother.. 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And spicy red pepper to it deliver them straight to you Facebook feed in world War is! Today, this weekend, or in January '' overlooks the city soup! Our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you of our favorite to. Are in Sofia on Tripadvisor and do n't know what to do in....