Sofia

Eco-friendly travel guide to Sofia advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Sofia, Bulgaria.

A view of the valley from the south. The Balkan Mountains and the beginning of the Iskar Gorge are visible in the distance

Air quality: 3.5 / 5

Exploring by foot: 4 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 4 / 5

Public transportation: 4 / 5

Parks: 4 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 3.5 / 5

Safety: 3.5 / 5

Accommodation: US$25 - $600

Budget per day: US$40 - $800

Responsible Travel

Sofia is the capital of the country of Bulgaria and this immediately makes the destination of great interest to many people not just in the region but across the globe. Being the capital city and also the largest one in the country, Sofia is well developed and it is the centre of all economic, cultural, political, and financial activities that take place in the country. While that does mean good growth and prosperity, it also brings about its own set of problems. One of the biggest issues being that of environmental pollution and depletion of resources. Additionally, the city is also home to almost 2 million people this does lead to some congestion problems. Collectively, the city has had to take considerable steps to tackle environmental issues. With a push to make it a greener city, you as a tourist can contribute immensely. You can reduce your carbon footprint by being aware, responsible, and considerate. In just 4-5 simple steps you can be a truly “Responsible Tourist”.

Try using public transportation as much as possible. Instead of using private cars and taxis, it is a lot more eco friendly to utilise public transport and there are so many options from buses to trains etc. You can also use bikes or just walk to nearby places. Every act counts and you will realise how much will these conscious decisions of yours will have a positive impact on the environment.

Staying in an eco friendly hotel is also a very important step that you can take as a responsible tourist. Before booking a hotel you can always ask them what steps they are taking to protect the environment. Alternatively you can stay in an apartment or a hostel, both of these options are far more eco friendly than staying in a hotel because less waste is produced that way and it will also reduce your carbon footprint.

The nearby business sectors are known to be a rarely investigated mother lode, here you will discover everything from ancient pieces to privately created products that mirror the fine craftsmanship. Moreover, this will help the nearby economy in a significant manner as you will put cash straightforwardly into the pockets of the producers/makers and potentially jump out the mediator. This will additionally empower you to help these little businesses that don't work out of voracity and use the city's assets cautiously.

Likewise, attempt to investigate nearby food at basic eateries to appreciate incredible Bulgarian cooking. Evade large evolved ways of life and worldwide brands no matter what. The littler bistros, eateries, and even food trucks will serve you the absolute most genuine dishes, all the more along these lines, on the off chance that you intend to prepare your own dinner to ensure you get the fixings from neighbourhood food markets and not stores. The freshest produce including vegetables, fish, and a wide range of meats will be found at these business sectors, they will be estimated suitably also and frequently serve to be the contrast between a decent home-prepared dinner and an incredible one.

Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality in Sofia is known to be quite poor. As mentioned in the section above, Sofia being the capital city and the hub of all major activities in the nation does seriously end up impacting the air quality. Over the years there have been numerous complaints and protests against the same and the dire need for action. Particulate Matter 2.5 and 10 are the main reason behind air pollution here. In the recent few years, the government has taken some steps to reduce air pollution. Mainly using assistance from advanced forms of technology. Nonetheless, things seem to be working but the battle is long drawn and the results are bound to be gradually positive. Nitrogen oxides are also a major cause of air pollution, as the emissions from vehicles due to the burning of solid fuels leads to a host of other issues as well. Thus as a tourist, you can reduce your impact on the city by using sustainable means of transportation while exploring the various places of interest in Sofia.

Sofia is known to enjoy a humid continental climate, this implies that the summers are warm and sunny while the winters are very cold and snowy. With average amounts of rainfall there isn’t much to worry about however, the temperatures recorded in the city are reason enough for you to pack your suitcase accordingly. The average high temperature during the summer months is in the mid 20-degree centigrades while during the winter months it is around the 10-degree centigrades mark. Similarly, during the summer months, the average low temperature is around the 15-degree centigrades mark while during the winter months it ranges between -5 and +5 degree centigrades. If you wish to truly enjoy the beauty of the city and travel without too many hassles then it is recommended that you plan a trip to Sofia only during the summer months as it is warm, sunny, and you can travel uninterrupted.

Respect the Culture

Most Bulgarians in the city are Orthodox Christian and those who are Muslims of Turkish heritage make up around a small percentage of the populace. Social decorum in Sofia is still rather formal. Shaking somebody's hand is the most well-known type of welcome and you should address somebody with their title and last name except if you realise them well. It is fitting to trust that the Bulgarian individual will choose when to turn out to be less formal with you. When welcome to somebody's home it is affable to bring a little gift and something from your own nation will be especially valued.

The family is the central social unit and a lot of society is based around it. Families actually will in general be extended as opposed to nuclear. A few generations of a family may even as of yet all be found in one house. The family is commonly exceptionally close and structures huge organisations of shared help and backing. Henceforth, attempt and show love and regard to any nearby companion or love intrigue's family. By and large, dinners at home in Sofia will be loaded with jabber, and social graces are not unmistakably formal. Nonetheless, notwithstanding the generally easygoing nature of Bulgarian eating, you should even now ensure that your elbows don't lay on the table and that your hands are consistently on show. The overall agreement is likewise that a littler segment of food is served first, so you can acknowledge a subsequent making a difference. This shows that you are appreciating the food and that your host has given copious measures of food.

Bulgarians are pleased with their way of life and legacy. Address individuals with their titles on the off chance that you know them or with Mr "Gospodin"/Mrs "Gospozha" trailed by the family name. Stories fables actually structure a significant piece of life where legends and customs and are passed between the ages. These are additionally caught in idyllic tunes, ceremonies, music, move, ensembles and gems. One ought to consistently trust that their Bulgarian partners will decide when it is proper to turn into this casual. Just loved ones location each other with first names and perhaps an embrace or kiss.

Gestures play an important role in conversations so avoid making any rude or disrespectful gesture even unknowingly as this could displease the local people. Try and maintain a suitable distance from one another while interacting, however, if a local Bulgarian considers you to be a close friend or a loved one, they may end up not respecting your personal space and often get too touchy and clingy.

On the whole, stick to the above-mentioned basics, smile generously, have positive conversations, and pepper in a few pop culture references to enjoy your time with the local people and be crowned a “good tourist”.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Sofia as a city is quite an interesting destination with plenty of places for you to visit and explore. In this section of the article, we shall be listing out the top 10 places that you must visit in Sofia.

Sofia University: It is the principal instructive establishment to advance advanced education and was brought into the presence during the third Bulgarian tzardom. The rectorate engineering is both a Bulgarian social landmark and an instructive office. A solitary look at it awards observers the speculation of a structure with the entrancing history. The standard late-nineteenth-century building, combined with the monstrous sculptures of the siblings Evlogi and Hristo Georgiev who supported the development of the structure, is an exceptional fine art. The puzzle doesn't end here just; it is among the best places to go in Sofia, its excellence from within the structure is similarly as great as suspected. Amazing works of art, colossal marble flights of stairs, and the creaky wooden doors all show a dream, which is esteem hearing as well.

The Largo: The very notable Sofia Largo is the incomparable Independence Square in the middle of the workplace of President, the Council of Ministry, and different other organizational structures. It's been of late restored, and since the town of the old Roman town of Serdica was put nearby it, you can now nowadays travel underground and watch the archaeological decisions, the limit of them in situ. Among the captivating spots to visit in Sofia is from the underground archaeological level, where a novel straightforward rooftop shows the whole road above.

The Mineral Bath: It is among the most brilliant structures in Sofia should be the Core Mineral Bath, where starting at now it holds the Sofia History Museum. Experience the delight of the shielded slows down over the wellspring at the front period of the brilliant yellow architecture, and remember to view its inward excellence. You'll get comfortable with Sofia much better just on the off chance that you experience its past counting exceptionally old relics, a century ago photographs, a lord's carriage, and a retro cable car where you can sit too.

Metro Station Serdika: The city has encountered a past filled with more than seven millenniums and generally one will accidentally trip upon it. While fathoming the metro framework burrows, advancement administrators uncovered leftovers of Roman structures. Presently, when driving by the station, one can watch and feel the remainder of an outdated heritage. At the point when the investigation and the travel industry, the last spot which appears to the brain is a metro station, yet if there should be an occurrence of Sofia, things are interesting than what you theorise from the remainder of the globe. For the individuals who don't support the covered astuteness of the metro, there is an answer as well. The whole locale over the Serdika metro station is pressed with antiquated engineering and architecture leftover fording from the living arrangement of President to the St.Nedelia mosque. While expecting for the train to show up, travellers can experience the curios which have been put away in glass exhibits, comparatively as in an exhibition hall. The best thing about it is that the ticket here is significantly more reasonable when contrasted with that of visiting a historical centre.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre: Exactly as expected the Ivan Vazov National Theatre is a terrific neoclassical structure that remaining parts the final say regarding Bulgarian culture right up till the present time. The Director here is Alexander Morfov, liable for acclaimed Bulgarian and Russian language transformations of Don Quixote and Shakespeare plays in here and in Russia. The structure with its transcending patio is a notorious sight for Bulgaria, showing up on banknotes, and is generally celebrated for its dramatisation creations. The Viennese architects and planners Helmer and Fellner, who are liable for an inventory of excessive structures across Central Europe, created this performance centre in the early 20th century.

Serdica Amphitheatre: Sofia's own Roman amphitheatre wasn't found until 2004. After it was uncovered it got incorporated into the plan of the Arena di Serdica inn, however, guests off the road are allowed to peer down at the remains from the lodging's uniquely planned exhibition. In its day it was one of the biggest in the Roman realm, holding warrior faces and horrible conflicts setting men in opposition to wild monsters.

The Synagogue: Step inside to see the perpetual show about the historical backdrop of Bulgaria's Jewish people group. Sofia has the biggest temple in the Balkan locale, and the third-biggest in Europe. Beyond what 1,000 individuals can fit inside this enormous structure which is in the Moorish Revival style enlivened by the old Sephardic sanctuary in Vienna, wrecked in 1938. It was worked for Sofia's sizeable Sephardic Jewish populace in 1909 and Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria was here when it was introduced.

Boyana Church: Boyana Church was inherent three phases from the 1000s to the 1800s, however, the most significant augmentations were made during the Second Bulgarian Empire during the 1200s. On the lower slants of Vitosha Mountain is this UNESCO legacy site. The area of this archaic church is practically illusory, in a woods of tall softwood trees in a tranquil suburb of the city. The compositions, by an obscure craftsman, incorporate contemporary pictures of two Bulgarian rulers, Tsar Konstantin Assen and Tsar Koloyan, close to their spouses. Here you shall find inside the impressive frescoes that were painted, portraying nearly 240 recorded and scriptural figures in a reasonable style 2 centuries before renaissance craftsmen were doing likewise.

Sofia Church: This unassuming red block building goes directly back to Byzantine occasions and was established during the 1st century on the head of the old city of Serdica's necropolis, just as a more seasoned church from a century prior. For two centuries after the Ottoman attack this was a mosque, however, was surrendered after one tremor during the 19th century cut the minaret down and another murdered the Imam's two sons. It was this congregation that gave the city of Sofia its name during the 14th century during the Second Bulgarian Empire. At the point when you visit you can see the remainders of this antiquated church and the burial places that go back over 15 centuries.

Banya Bashi Mosque: Banya Bashi was from the late 16th century the earliest reference point of the city's Ottoman time frame. The name originates from Sofia's mineral showers, which had pulled in guests all through the district during the 16th century. On the off chance that you show up outside supplication times, you can drop in to visit Sofia's only mosque just to admire this small piece of history. The mosque can fit seven hundred devotees, and in the event that you pass on Fridays, you'll see numerous strays outside listening by means of the mosque's outer amplifier. It was planned by Mimar Sinan, the age characterizing Turkish architect liable for terrific works over the Ottoman Empire during this period.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Explore

Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria and it is also the largest city of the country but these are not the reasons why it is immensely popular amongst tourists. The city is renowned for its elaborate and rich history, culture, and traditions. The architecture is phenomenal and the travellers are mesmerised by it. Given that there is no dearth of attractions in the city, you must visit Sofia and explore as much as possible.

City Parks

Park Vrana: These are the grounds of the impressive home of the blue-blood Simeon II, who was Tsar of Bulgaria from 1943-46 before being banished. Subsequent to returning he was the leader from 2001-05. Multilingual guided visits occur each hour and offer fun scraps about the royal residence and its grounds. A good anecdote would be that the home once had an intriguing zoological garden, including Bulgaria's first elephants, which were utilized for yard work in the grounds. As of now the home is just open on ends of the week and you can't enter any of the structures, however, the finished nurseries are one of the most serene settings in Sofia.

Borisova Gradina: Everything makes for an invigorating evening stroll, and in case you're here on a mid-year evening there are free shows to get. Sofia's most popular park was arranged during the late 19th century just after the Bulgarian Revival, making it the most seasoned one in the city. Yet, what's noteworthy is that all the gardeners worked inside the first arrangement, and the consequence is a satisfying feeling of intelligibility for such a major task. It was created throughout the following half a century by three unique creators namely the Swiss Daniel Neff, the Alsatian Joseph Frei and afterwards the Bulgarian Georgi Dutev around the time when the recreation centre's Soviet landmarks were introduced.

The beautiful and colourful Borisova Gradina

National Parks

Vitosha National Park: Moving to in excess of over two thousand meters behind Sofia's southwestern rural areas is Vitosha, a great top in a national park, promising more experience than you would actually pack into one excursion. The simplest method to get to Vitosha is through Aleko, the mountain's ski resort, which is the place the Simeonovo gondola lift will drop you off. From that point the stroll to Vitosha's Black Peak is shockingly light when at that point climate's acceptable in spring or fall, as the pinnacle is essential for a huge level that appears to go on perpetually because of its shallow slope.

Beaches

The city of Sofia is located in the western edge of the country of Slovenia, as a result of this, it is situated far away from the ocean which is towards the eastern edge of the country. Any sea-loving tourist headed to Sofia is bound to be disappointed.

Landmarks

St. George Rotunda: The core of old Serdica and the most established structure in present-day Sofia, this red block church was manufactured right back in the first century. It's a miracle that this structure has endured sound for such a measure of time, and all-around are fascinating little subtleties that hit home the incredible age of the site and civilisations that have passed, however. Step inside to see the point by point archaic frescoes that had been covered up by the Ottomans when the congregation was changed over to a mosque during the 17th century. These were just rediscovered and reestablished during the 1990s. Outside you can see the flagstones of a Roman road and different leftovers of Ancient Serdica.

St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral: The size of this structure will overwhelm you. Inside St. Alexander Nevski has space for ten thousand individuals and it's the second biggest church in the Balkan area. It was initially devoted to the Russian warriors that lost their lives throughout this freedom. Likewise with a lot of Sofia's excellent design, the city's house of prayer dates to the late 19th century. This was legitimately after the Ottomans were ousted and the province of Bulgaria was restored. The sepulchre here is available to guests and has a major assortment of symbols. At the point when you're inside, gaze toward the roof of the primary dome, which has a wall painting of the Lord God Sabbath.

St. George Rotunda, a church built in the 4th century is a must visit on your trip to Sofia

Museums

National Historical Museum: The assortment of things here is likewise astounding, going from twentieth-century space research hardware to treasures having a place with the Odrysians who held influence in Bulgaria until they were vanquished by the Romans in the first century. The National Historical Museum is housed in the previous tyrant Todor Zhivkov's home. The assortment at the gallery is colossal, the sixty-five thousand things in plain view is only one-tenth of what is held in the background in its documents. This present exhibition hall's house is likewise a bit of Bulgarian history in its own right. It's a huge chunk of Stalinist engineering fronted by a gigantic open yard.

National Institute of Archeology: Ferdinand I was close by when this gallery was introduced in 1905 as a method of bringing the entirety of the significant archaeological finds spread around Sofia and Bulgaria under one rooftop. The principle segments here are Prehistory, Main Hall which contains things from traditional civilisations, Medieval Section and Treasury. Found in 1953, the Lukovit Treasure dates to the hour of Alexander the Great's intrusion of Thrace in 400BC. The last on that rundown has the Valchitran and Lukovit Treasures, two stunning crowds of Thracian Gold. Also, the rooftop they picked was that of the city's previous Grand Mosque, decommissioned following the Bulgarian Revival.

National Historical Museum

Eat

Banitsa also transliterated as banica and banitza is a traditional pastry dish made in Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Serbia, prepared by layering a mixture of whisked eggs, natural yogurt and pieces of white brined cheese between filo pastry and then baking it in an oven

The city of Sofia is the capital of the country and you can be sure of finding the most authentic and delectable Bulgarian cuisine around town. Given below are some of the most popular dishes that you must try on your trip to the city:

Banitsa
Sarma
Shopska Salad
Tarator
Kufte
Mish-Mash
Lukanka
Kavarma
Lyutenitsa

Traditional Local Restaurants

Hadjidraganovite Izbi: This is presumably the best spot to attempt customary Bulgarian food in Sofia. A portion of the items for the dishes is created by the eatery itself an example of this would be some of the conventional meat delights. Indeed, even Bulgarians come here to rediscover the overlooked dishes from the hour of their grannies. Hadjidraganovite Izbi or Hadjidraganov's Cellars eatery is improved in a folkloric style with unique adornments and people things.

Corso: This all-around arranged café is a decent decision for an exceptional meal or basically when you are searching for an occasion-based meal with a decent view. A colossal addition to the charm of Corso Restaurant is its area over the excellent Russian Church in Sofia. They serve mostly European cuisine supported by a decent wine choice offered to customers.

Oborishte 35: Here you'll discover a blend of Bulgarian and European food with a respectable selection of pizzas and great wine. Try not to miss the sweets, in light of the fact that regardless of whether they are works of art they are largely scrumptious. The Oborishte 35 café is very open with a flawless cool nursery in the mid-year.

Vegetarian and Vegan

Edgy Veggy: A Vegan eatery offering burgers with fries, burritos, sandwiches, quesadillas, soups, shakes, new squeeze, smoothie bowls, sweets and that's only the tip of the iceberg. Gluten-Free choices are likewise available, so go crazy and have a delicious meal!

Café Parallel 43: An energetic and inviting spot serving an everyday menu, freshly brewed simmering espresso, breakfast, pastry shop things and a lot more. It also has a street bar that you could try out. However, this is just a vegetarian restaurant and not a completely vegan one.

Street Food

Street food as a whole is quite popular in Sofia, however, the biggest speciality of street food here is that it is extremely diverse. As a result of this, you can enjoy a variety of cuisines and perhaps the best dishes of various cultures that are immensely popular here. Given below is a list of such dishes that you must try on your trip to the city:

Roasted Chestnuts
Kebabs
Pumpkin Seeds
Steamed Corn
Baked Pumpkin
Banitsa

Drink

The people of Bulgaria are known to be extremely passionate about both, their alcoholic drinks and their non-alcoholic ones. With a great deal of creativity on display while preparing these drinks, you can have a unique experience, so try these whenever you are in Sofia.

Given below is a list of the non-alcoholic beverages:

Juices: Cabbage, Sour Cherry, Peach, Grape, and so on
Herbal Tea
Ayran
Compote
Boza

Given below is a list of the popular alcoholic beverages that you must try in Sofia:

Wines: Mavrud, Dimyat, Broad-Leaf Melnik, Gamza and Misket
Rakia
Pelin
Mastika
Vishnovka
Menta

Tap-water

The tap water that is available in Sofia is definitely fit for consumption. As a tourist, you absolutely do not need to worry, in fact you need to carry a compact reusable empty bottle and help yourself whenever needed. The water is one of the safest for consumption in the world. However, a few travellers have found it to look and taste a little weird but that really shouldn’t be much of an issue.

Organic Cafés

Healthy eating is something that is being practised widely across the globe these days. However, what is further being adopted by many people is sustainable eating and organic cafés across the globe are springing up to cater to such responsible and conscious customers. Here in Sofia, the following cafés shall stir some interest in you:

Veda House
2 Giraffes
Salted Café Sofia

Breweries

The Bulgarian Craft Beers are well renowned across the globe and some of the popular breweries that you can visit in Sofia to enjoy a few pints are:

Kanaal
Ale House
Sofia Electric Brewing
BiraBar - Cask Ale & Craft Beer Bar in Sofia
100 Beers
Crafter Bar

Activities

The city of Sofia itself is packed with endless activities to undertake for the average traveller, however, if you are looking for more adventure, it is recommended that you begin by heading for a monastery tour, which shall take you to the Rila Monastery that isn’t too far away from the city. If you wish to be within the city limits, you can always try the Free Sofia Walking Tour. Go on a stroll and explore the ruins of the Roman rule. Try some food and drinks back from the Communist era. Lastly, go for a hike to some of the renowned nearby destinations, for more details, keep perusing.

Yoga and Retreats

If you are an individual who practises yoga or wishes to do so on your trip to Sofia, you shall find many like minded people who swear by their yoga regimes. In case you wish to ditch the boring yoga sessions at home and head to the renowned yoga retreats around town, given below are some of the most popular options that you are free to choose from and explore:

Yoga District Mandala
ITI Yoga Centre
MAGAYA: Center for Yoga and Practices
Iyengar Yoga Centre Sofia
Yoga Center of happiness - Art of Living Student City

Accommodation

Sofia is the capital city and with a large number of tourists visiting the city for a variety of purposes, there is a vast range of options available to the travellers. These options are spread across different categories based on tariffs, amenities, and location.

Green Hotels

Alexander Palace: The Alexander Palace lodging is situated in a peaceful zone at the lower regions of the Vitosha Mountain National Park, a nineteen minute drive away from the focal point of Sofia and half a kilometre away from the closest ski lift. It offers a la mode rooms, free parking and free Wi-Fi. Run of the mill Bulgarian specialities arranged by a Bulgarian culinary expert and worldwide wines are served in the exquisite present day eatery on location. You can likewise invest some loosening up energy in the lobby bar making the most of your preferred beverage. Being surrounded by nature on all sides you have a hotel that uses it resources wisely and minimal use of plastics. Additionally during the winter months you can opt for sustainable ways of room heating.

Grand Hotel Sofia: This is a full eco-friendly hotel and it is renowned for its efficiency. Apart from offering all the luxuries and amenities you have the hotel executing responsible recycling programs, minimised use of single-use materials and plastics, water preservation measures, low-energy lighting, and zero use of aerosols in cleaning.

Hostels and Guest Houses

Hostels are frequently an extraordinary alternative for solo travellers who are searching for some companions around them and modest living spaces without settling on luxuries. The current options of hostels are dynamic, they offer some stunning advantages and that too without even burning a hole in your pocket much like the major hotels. Given underneath are the best lodgings that you can consider for convenience while visiting Sofia:

Hostel Mostel Sofia
Hostel 123
Hostel №1 in Sofia
Hostel Elena
Smart Hostel Sofia

Apartments

Renting apartments in Sofia is a great idea especially if you are travelling in groups or are looking for privacy without the rigidity and high costs of hotels. Leasing apartments is consistently somewhat of an errand for sightseers and travellers since some foundation is required and one needs to explore widely for good neighbourhoods, dependability, cost, and security. Regardless, it serves to be a superb alternative for most travellers. Airbnb is quite popular here but it is recommended that you look for listing on other prominent local apps and websites as well.

Couchsurfing

Couch Surfing is quite popular is Sofia and you too could look for a suitable host. While there aren’t too many rules and regulations, most hosts are young adults and much like yourself they too might be working hard to make ends meet, so ensure that you don’t be a burden, be helpful, be friendly, compensate them, and if not anything make sure you show them some love with a small token of appreciation at the end of your stay.

Camping

Camping is quite popular amongst the locals of Sofia and while there are many options available, the best one is undoubtedly Vitosha where you can go and explore nature, perhaps even enjoy skiing during the winter months. It is the complete package and you shall be surrounded by groups of like-minded individuals as well.

How to Get There

Reaching Sofia isn’t too difficult for most travellers as the city is the capital of the country and it is well connected by all means of transportation, more details about which are given in the sections below.

Air

The Sofia International Airport serves the city and if you are traveling via air this is the destination you shall be landing at. Located just 10 kilometres away from the city centre, it is well connected to Sofia via all means of transportation.

The Sofia International Airport

Bus

The city of Sofia is well connected by buses, with public entities and private ones offer services and you could also travel across the border to and from various international destinations.

A bus in Sofia

Train

The greenest way to reach Sofia is via railway and the Central Railway Station is well equipped to handle all the local, national, and international trains. The list of international destinations is a long one, so try booking a seat if you are travelling from neighbouring nations.

Sofia Metro

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking in Sofia is quite safe and you don’t have to worry much especially if you are travelling during the daytime but the safety-related issues spring up mainly due to disorderly driving and communication barriers.

Others

Beyond the above mentioned means of transportation you don’t really have too many options to consider.

Moving Around

Moving around Sofia is very easy and irrespective of your mode of transportation it is convenient. Hence, given below are details about a few options that you can take into consideration.

Walk

Walking around Sofia is an excellent option, the city has many walking tours that you can be part of, you could also wander by yourself, explore the lovely parks, gardens, and the stunning architecture. Walking around Sofia shall be a dream come true for photographers and architecture undergrads.

Bicycle

Renting a bicycle and exploring the town while peddling is a great idea but it does come along with its own set of challenges, this includes lack of bicycle paths in some parts of the city. Various obstacles, lack of safety, and confusing directions.

Electronic Vehicles

Electronic Vehicles are immensely popular in Sofia and though this may be surprising for many they are widely owned by private users and you do have prominent rental companies that offer you these.

Public Bus

With almost 2500 kilometres of bus routes being available to the general public, you can be assured of the widespread reach via buses. Many of the new buses are co-friendly, they are efficient, and they are cost-effective. Making them very reliable for most tourists visiting the city.

Tram, Train and Subway

Sofia has been blessed with a metro rail, trams, and with trolleybuses. The Metro began in the year 1998 and includes 43 stations spread out over 4 lines and quite a few underground stations as well. the trams and the trolleybuses cover over 300 and 200 kilometres of area respectively.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is a fundamental aspect of each eco-accommodating travellers' excursion. This is critical as you can straightforwardly add to the nearby economy and without any help bargain a hit to voracious business people. Shop from neighbourhood stores on the off chance that you wish to get a grip of bona fide craftsmanship and abstain from dirtying mega-corporations who exploit the local resources for profit and greed rather than sustainability and survival.

Food Markets

Lady’s Market: For a long time the Lady's Market has been an intriguing spot, offering a blend of new products of the soil, modest garments, illicit tax-exempt cigarettes, and kitchenware. It used to be a grimy, loud and very rancid spot, adored by the vacationers for its legitimacy and disapproved of by local people for its wrong picture in the focal point of Sofia. A couple of years back the Lady's Market was totally revamped, with new slows down manufactured and a large portion of the illicit vendors pursued away. It actually keeps a portion of its past highlights however in a more edified manner. Do have at the top of the priority list that Lady's Market dealers are famous for cheating with the scales. Situated at a short distance from the Central Hall Market you can reach here in less than 5 minutes.

Gypsy Market: This is another interesting market for you to explore as the majority of the traders here are actually gypsies who carry their produce from various farms which are probably located outside the country. In most cases even from farms that are situated in Greece. The products aren’t always of the highest quality but you can very well be assured of the taste and the variety.

Flea Markets

The Antique Flea Market: This antique market has a retro Communist whiff, here you can discover old Communist-period decorations, identifications, photographs of Fidel Castro or Stalin, World War II relics, blades and substantially more here. It's arranged near the Saint Alexander Nevski Cathedral and contains only 15-20 shops/kiosks.

Malashevtsi Flea Market: This is a genuine fascinating flea market that looks more like Asia than Europe. While numerous individuals come here to purchase vehicle parts, instruments, old radios or modest footwear, the one region that truly offers tone to this flea market is the place you can discover a wide range of second-hand, much-utilised knickknacks. A considerable lot of the vendors lay their products straightforwardly on the ground. You need to pay a little charge to enter the market, 20 cents approximately and it's ideal to have a nearby with you as a large portion of the vendors don't communicate in English. The market is open on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Second Hand Stores

Sofia is home to some truly unique and exotic second-hand stores, a few that you can explore are:

Maison
Modetka
Trash
Sedgwick
Casual

Eco-Fashion

With the changing times, there is more awareness being created about the importance of sustainable fashion. This has lead to the emergence of several brands and even events such as “A Catwalk with Conscience”.

Recycling

Recycling Sofia is known to be extremely efficient, the city ranks second amongst all the cities in the European Union when it comes to plastic packaging recycling. Overall, you shall see most of the common refuse products being recycled here.

Waste

Waste collection in Sofia hasn’t always been the best as people often flout rules about waste segregation and disposal, yet things have taken a turn for the better and you certainly can expect orderly waste disposal/collection on your trip to the city.

Work and Study Abroad

The city of Sofia is amongst the leading education destinations not just in the country of Bulgaria but also across Europe. Additionally there are plenty of job opportunities available here, hence, you shall see many people from different countries flocking here to nab the chances available.

Exchange Student

The opportunities given to young students via scholarships and through government exchange programmes itself sets up the base. The famous colleges and universities are a big draw and you can certainly find many exchange students around town.

Au Pair

Au Pair as a concept is extremely popular in Sofia and you can certainly look for opportunities. There are listing on various websites and all you have to do is pick the offer that appeals to you the most and initiate dialogue.

Volunteering

On the off chance that you wish to offer back to society and are enthusiastic about a cause, you positively can do as such without utilising money. Rather commit your time for an activity and add to the network. Through different online gatherings, you can see openings and select for chipping in. Thinking about the populace in Sofia, you will discover a lot of chances without looking excessively hard.