Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a city where millennia-old history, dynamic art scenes, and modern European life intertwine. Located at the foot of Mount Vitosha, Sofia offers a rare combination: a cosmopolitan lifestyle framed by ancient ruins and natural beauty.
📍 Overview
Region: Sofia City Province (and surrounded by Sofia Province)
Population: ~1.2 million
Climate: Continental — hot summers, snowy winters
Best time to visit: May–June and September–October
Sofia is not only Bulgaria’s largest city but also its cultural, administrative, and economic heart. As one of Europe’s oldest capitals, the city bears traces of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Socialist pasts.
🏛 Culture and Traditions
Sofia is a hub of creative energy and cultural diversity. The city embraces both its Orthodox Christian traditions and its progressive, artistic communities. Important cultural institutions include:
- National Palace of Culture (NDK) – the largest congress and culture center in Southeast Europe
- Ivan Vazov National Theater
- Numerous galleries and underground art spaces in neighborhoods like Lozenets and Hipodruma
- Traditional festivals like Surva (masked rituals in January) are celebrated in nearby villages and sometimes staged in the capital for visitors.
🗺 Top Attractions
Sofia’s city center is compact and walkable, revealing a surprising amount of historical layers within minutes:
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – a symbol of the city, built in Neo-Byzantine style
- Roman ruins at Serdica – including an amphitheater beneath modern buildings
- Boyana Church (UNESCO site) – famous for its 13th-century frescoes
- Vitosha Boulevard – the main pedestrian street, filled with shops, cafes, and mountain views
Mount Vitosha – accessible via public transport, perfect for hiking, skiing, or just escaping the urban buzz
🍲 Cuisine and Markets
Sofia’s food scene mixes Balkan and Mediterranean flavors, traditional recipes, and modern twists. Don’t miss:
- Shopska salad – a national classic with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and white cheese
- Banitsa – flaky pastry with cheese or pumpkin
- Sarmi – vine leaves stuffed with rice or meat
- Rakia and Bulgarian wine – best enjoyed in local “mehana” (tavern-style restaurants)
- Explore local markets like Zhenski Pazar (Women’s Market) or Hali for fresh produce and Balkan delicacies.
🏘 Living in Sofia
Sofia has a growing community of digital nomads, creatives, and expats — drawn by its affordability, fast internet, and access to nature. Key aspects:
Cost of living: Lower than most EU capitals (avg. rent: €350–600/month)
Transport: Metro, trams, buses; taxis are cheap and common
Healthcare: Public and private options available; English-speaking doctors in larger clinics
Neighborhoods to explore/live in:
- Center – historic and walkable
- Lozenets – upscale, green, and near embassies
- Studentski grad – younger vibe, nightlife, affordable housing
✨ Why Visit or Move to Sofia?
Rich cultural heritage and architecture from Roman to Soviet
- Booming tech and startup scene
- Access to nature just 30 minutes from the city center
- Affordable and friendly compared to most European capitals
Next in the series: Plovdiv – Bulgaria’s oldest living city and its creative soul
