Sofia, Bulgaria: Things to Do!
Read time | 5 min
Time to explore a new part of the world...Bulgaria!
Old-Fashioned Train
Traveling from Bucharest, we decided to venture out with an old-fashioned train connecting Romania to Bulgaria. It's a brisk 10-hour ride, but it's more for the "Harry Potter experience" aboard the old school train. :) For about 30 euros, there are definitely no frills, no food/bar on the train, BUT to feel like you're on your way to Hogwarts? Priceless. Make sure to pack some food, things to do, and doesn't hurt to have great company as well!
Communism
There's no way of denying it, but Bulgaria was run by a Communist party until the early 1990s. Democracy is still fairly new for the country. It was clear to see, by the many watch towers that still remain, but aren't in use. I asked a local its use, and they said it was to watch traffic/people plus gave someone a job during communist times.
Balkan Bites Free Food Walking Tour
A tour I definitely recommend is this FREE food tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly to answer questions. She was also passionate to show local food and Bulgarian specialities, such as: Bulgarian yogurt, wine, banitsa (cheese pastry), among other goodies.
Our young tour guide, also mentioned that she had been living in other European countries but decided to come back to Bulgaria a few years ago; she noticed how much change has been happening. More young people expressing themselves, an art scene, great food! You could tell she was proud to be Bulgarian, and truly enjoys her evolving city.
Hadjidraganov's House Restaurant
This cool spot offers traditional Bulgarian cuisine while surrounded by traditional village house style decor. However, it shows the style of village houses from different regions of Bulgaria to create a unique (and very cool) style! They even have folklore shows in the evenings.
Free Walking Tour
I try to take a walking tour by a local in each city if I can. It's a great way to see the city within a few hours, learn about the history, ask questions, then go back to further explore when you have some time during your stay.
Sofia History Museum
Even if you don't go in, I think this building striped in red and yellow is gorgeous to stroll by, with a nice fountain in front too.
PS- it used to be a bath house!
The Square of Tolerance
One of the coolest things to see in Sofia is this square. There are 4 different religious spots next to each other showing how no matter your religion we can function and live life together. The 4 buildings are an Orthodox church, a mosque, a Catholic cathedral, and a synagogue.
Klek shops
Something unique to Sofia? These shops! They look like five and dime corner stores, but they are actually built underground, and only have a window to shop from the sidewalk. You pick out what you want and tell the vendor from the window...a sidewalk drive-thru!
The history behind it: after the fall of communism, it was more expensive to rent a storefront than a basement so Bulgarians made it work economically!
Klek in Bulgarian means squat, which explains having to squat down to order anything you need.
St. George Church
This Roman church is the oldest building in Sofia! It's tucked away behind buildings so out of sight unless you search for it. This is also true during communist times when the government was discouraging religion.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Another beautiful church is this one located in the city center. The turquoise contrasted with the gold makes for a spectacular view!
Ivan Vazov National Theater
This Viennese-style theater is a landmark for the city. Vazov's play The Outcasts was the first to be performed here.
Serdica Station Roman Ruins
That's right Roman ruins are located in their subway/metro! That is...when they were starting construction for the metro, they stumbled upon these ruins! It's a mix of a metro stop and museum all in one!
Language
I always find if you know a few key words/greetings, it shows locals you appreciate their language, and are eager to learn about their culture. Here are a few useful words to know! You can also do some Duolingo a bit before so you feel a little prepared. Don't worry though; a lot of people can speak some English as well.
Dobra den - Hello
Blagadarya - thank you
Dovijdane - goodbye
Have you visited or lived in Bulgaria before? What are some essentials to see, do, eat that I missed? Are you tempted to visit now??
bisous,
Lyndi
Time to explore a new part of the world...Bulgaria!
Old-Fashioned Train
Traveling from Bucharest, we decided to venture out with an old-fashioned train connecting Romania to Bulgaria. It's a brisk 10-hour ride, but it's more for the "Harry Potter experience" aboard the old school train. :) For about 30 euros, there are definitely no frills, no food/bar on the train, BUT to feel like you're on your way to Hogwarts? Priceless. Make sure to pack some food, things to do, and doesn't hurt to have great company as well!
Communism
There's no way of denying it, but Bulgaria was run by a Communist party until the early 1990s. Democracy is still fairly new for the country. It was clear to see, by the many watch towers that still remain, but aren't in use. I asked a local its use, and they said it was to watch traffic/people plus gave someone a job during communist times.
Balkan Bites Free Food Walking Tour
A tour I definitely recommend is this FREE food tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly to answer questions. She was also passionate to show local food and Bulgarian specialities, such as: Bulgarian yogurt, wine, banitsa (cheese pastry), among other goodies.
Our young tour guide, also mentioned that she had been living in other European countries but decided to come back to Bulgaria a few years ago; she noticed how much change has been happening. More young people expressing themselves, an art scene, great food! You could tell she was proud to be Bulgarian, and truly enjoys her evolving city.
 |
| Bulgarian yogurt: so creamy and unique! Yum! |
 |
| A traditional Bulgarian restaurant that offers specialties/styles from all over Bulgaria. (Hadjidraganov's House) |
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| Trying banitsa |
Hadjidraganov's House Restaurant
This cool spot offers traditional Bulgarian cuisine while surrounded by traditional village house style decor. However, it shows the style of village houses from different regions of Bulgaria to create a unique (and very cool) style! They even have folklore shows in the evenings.
Free Walking Tour
I try to take a walking tour by a local in each city if I can. It's a great way to see the city within a few hours, learn about the history, ask questions, then go back to further explore when you have some time during your stay.
Sofia History Museum
Even if you don't go in, I think this building striped in red and yellow is gorgeous to stroll by, with a nice fountain in front too.
PS- it used to be a bath house!
 |
| Source: Adam Jones |
The Square of Tolerance
One of the coolest things to see in Sofia is this square. There are 4 different religious spots next to each other showing how no matter your religion we can function and live life together. The 4 buildings are an Orthodox church, a mosque, a Catholic cathedral, and a synagogue.
Klek shops
Something unique to Sofia? These shops! They look like five and dime corner stores, but they are actually built underground, and only have a window to shop from the sidewalk. You pick out what you want and tell the vendor from the window...a sidewalk drive-thru!
The history behind it: after the fall of communism, it was more expensive to rent a storefront than a basement so Bulgarians made it work economically!
Klek in Bulgarian means squat, which explains having to squat down to order anything you need.
 |
| Source |
St. George Church
This Roman church is the oldest building in Sofia! It's tucked away behind buildings so out of sight unless you search for it. This is also true during communist times when the government was discouraging religion.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Another beautiful church is this one located in the city center. The turquoise contrasted with the gold makes for a spectacular view!
Ivan Vazov National Theater
This Viennese-style theater is a landmark for the city. Vazov's play The Outcasts was the first to be performed here.
Serdica Station Roman Ruins
That's right Roman ruins are located in their subway/metro! That is...when they were starting construction for the metro, they stumbled upon these ruins! It's a mix of a metro stop and museum all in one!
Language
I always find if you know a few key words/greetings, it shows locals you appreciate their language, and are eager to learn about their culture. Here are a few useful words to know! You can also do some Duolingo a bit before so you feel a little prepared. Don't worry though; a lot of people can speak some English as well.
Dobra den - Hello
Blagadarya - thank you
Dovijdane - goodbye
Have you visited or lived in Bulgaria before? What are some essentials to see, do, eat that I missed? Are you tempted to visit now??
bisous,
Lyndi
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