If this is your first visit to Sofia, walk along the cobbled boulevard to iconic
Alexander Nevski Memorial Church and the fourth-century Rotunda of St
George church, believed to be Sofia's oldest building. But
there's plenty more to do, from admiring the UNESCO-protected Boyana
Church to spending evenings bar-hopping in the lively Studentskigrad
district.
Background
Sofia was founded 3000 years ago, and today is a modern European capital that is
still proud of its heritage. Surrounded by the dramatic Balkan and Vitosha
mountains, central Sofia is dominated by poker-straight tree-lined boulevards, with
gold-domed Alexander Nevski Memorial Church at one end and centuries-old Church of
St George at the other. Between them, you'll find clusters of Byzantine and
Russian orthodox churches, with museums, open-air cafes and smart boutiques close
by. Join the locals south of the centre at verdant Vitosha National Park for
hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
First-time visit
When you visit the iconic multi-domed Alexander Nevski Memorial Church,
Sofia's visual landmark, go inside to see the Icon
Gallery's collection of medieval Bulgarian icons. Look down at the
floor of the Church of St Sofia and see the remains of the Roman mosaics,
then haggle for communist memorabilia and replicas at the open-air Antiques
Market opposite. For earthier shopping, join locals shopping for dried
fruit, cheeses and homemade halva, a flavoured sweet based on either semolina
or sesame paste, at the chaotic Zhenski Pazar. Still feeling peckish? Feast
on cavarma pork casserole while listening to live Bulgarian folk music in
traditional mehanas taverns.
Return visit
Browse the Archaeological Museum, housed in a restored 15th-century mosque and
home to Thracian and Bulgarian medieval exhibits. Travel to UNESCO-protected
Boyana Church, a medieval gem housing 13th-century frescoes depicting
biblical scenes. If you fancy some fresh air, go hiking or join locals on wintry ski
slopes at Mount Vitosha and drink in the views of the city. For a cultural
night, watch a performance at the National Opera and Ballet.
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