Welcome to Sofia
Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, is a city that effortlessly blends history and modernity.
The city is situated in western Bulgaria, surrounded by picturesque mountains, including the majestic Vitosha. Its central position in the Balkans makes it an ideal hub for exploring both Bulgaria and the region.
The city's stunning backdrop includes Vitosha Mountain, which offers hiking in summer and skiing in winter, and the fertile Sofia Valley, known for its vineyards and orchards. Sofia enjoys a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Expect mild, pleasant weather in spring and autumn, making these seasons ideal for outdoor exploration.
With over 1.3 million residents, it is Bulgaria's most populous city, known for its welcoming and diverse community.
Sofia's streets are a blend of architectural styles, reflecting its rich history. You'll encounter Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and modernist structures, all harmoniously coexisting.
The city’s history spans over 2,000 years, from its Roman origins as Serdica to its role as a thriving medieval capital and its modern-day status as Bulgaria's political and cultural center. Explore the city's museums, landmarks, and archaeological sites to uncover its fascinating past.
Sofia is a city where ancient history meets contemporary life, where natural beauty surrounds urban vibrancy, and where every corner tells a story waiting to be discovered. Come and experience for yourself the diverse tapestry of Sofia.
Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, is a city that effortlessly blends history and modernity.
The city is situated in western Bulgaria, surrounded by picturesque mountains, including the majestic Vitosha. Its central position in the Balkans makes it an ideal hub for exploring both Bulgaria and the region.
The city's stunning backdrop includes Vitosha Mountain, which offers hiking in summer and skiing in winter, and the fertile Sofia Valley, known for its vineyards and orchards. Sofia enjoys a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Expect mild, pleasant weather in spring and autumn, making these seasons ideal for outdoor exploration.
With over 1.3 million residents, it is Bulgaria's most populous city, known for its welcoming and diverse community.
Sofia's streets are a blend of architectural styles, reflecting its rich history. You'll encounter Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and modernist structures, all harmoniously coexisting.
The city’s history spans over 2,000 years, from its Roman origins as Serdica to its role as a thriving medieval capital and its modern-day status as Bulgaria's political and cultural center. Explore the city's museums, landmarks, and archaeological sites to uncover its fascinating past.
Sofia is a city where ancient history meets contemporary life, where natural beauty surrounds urban vibrancy, and where every corner tells a story waiting to be discovered. Come and experience for yourself the diverse tapestry of Sofia.
Important information
About the airport
Sofia Airport provides several transportation options from both terminals, including shuttle buses, city buses, the metro, and licensed taxis from Terminal 2. You can pay for tickets onboard using your credit or debit carddirectly at the designated devices, or you can purchase a ticket from the bus driver for the price of 1 euro. Enjoy your stay in Sofia!
Location:
Sofia Airport, Bulgaria's primary international gateway, is located approximately 10 kilometers east of Sofia's city center.
Terminals:
Terminal 1: Serves primarily domestic and low-cost international flights.
Terminal 2: The larger and more modern terminal, handling most international flights.
Transport to City Center:
From Terminal 1:
Shuttle Bus: To reach the city center, you can take a shuttle bus from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, where you can access the Sofia Metro or continue your journey by bus.
Bus: You can also catch city buses from Terminal 1, connecting you to various parts of Sofia. Bus line 84, for example, takes you to the city center and Sofia's central bus and train stations. Tickets for the metro and buses can be purchased onboard using credit or debit cards at the designated devices. Alternatively, you can buy a ticket from the bus driver for 1 euro.
From Terminal 2:
Sofia Metro: The metro station is located near Terminal 2 and provides direct access to the city center and you can get there in about 20-30 minutes. You can conveniently pay for metro rides using your credit or debit card at the station.
Taxi: Terminal 2 is exclusively served by a licensed taxi company, ensuring safe and reliable transportation without the risk of being swindled by an unauthorized or fake taxi.
Location:
Sofia Airport, Bulgaria's primary international gateway, is located approximately 10 kilometers east of Sofia's city center.
Terminals:
Terminal 1: Serves primarily domestic and low-cost international flights.
Terminal 2: The larger and more modern terminal, handling most international flights.
Transport to City Center:
From Terminal 1:
Shuttle Bus: To reach the city center, you can take a shuttle bus from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, where you can access the Sofia Metro or continue your journey by bus.
Bus: You can also catch city buses from Terminal 1, connecting you to various parts of Sofia. Bus line 84, for example, takes you to the city center and Sofia's central bus and train stations. Tickets for the metro and buses can be purchased onboard using credit or debit cards at the designated devices. Alternatively, you can buy a ticket from the bus driver for 1 euro.
From Terminal 2:
Sofia Metro: The metro station is located near Terminal 2 and provides direct access to the city center and you can get there in about 20-30 minutes. You can conveniently pay for metro rides using your credit or debit card at the station.
Taxi: Terminal 2 is exclusively served by a licensed taxi company, ensuring safe and reliable transportation without the risk of being swindled by an unauthorized or fake taxi.
Public transportation
Sofia's public transportation system is not only convenient but also an affordable way to discover the city's many attractions. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, enjoying the local cuisine, or experiencing Sofia's vibrant nightlife, you'll find that the city's public transportation has you covered, day and night. Enjoy your stay in Sofia!
Application for phones:
Application for phones:
Information on buses, trams, the metro, and night transportation:
1. Payment Methods:
1. Payment Methods:
- Ticket Types: In Sofia, you can purchase single tickets or opt for multi-journey cards, which offer cost savings for travelers planning to use public transportation frequently.
- Contactless Cards: Sofia's public transportation system allows you to pay with contactless credit or debit cards directly on buses, trams, and trolleys. Simply tap your card on the card reader upon boarding.
- Paper Tickets: Tickets can also be purchased at kiosks, metro stations, and from the driver when boarding buses and trolleys. Be sure to validate your paper ticket at the validation machines upon entry.
- Extensive Network: Sofia's bus and trolleybus networks cover the city, connecting most neighborhoods and key attractions.
- Frequent Service: Buses and trolleys typically run from early morning until late evening, and many lines offer frequent service, especially during peak hours.
- Night Transportation: Night buses, marked with an "N," provide transportation options during the late-night and early-morning hours.
- Tram Lines: Sofia boasts a comprehensive tram network that complements the bus and metro systems.
- Scenic Routes: Trams often follow picturesque routes, making them a great way to enjoy the city's scenery while getting around.
- Night Trams: Some tram lines also operate during the night, ensuring you have transportation options at all hours.
- Three Lines: Sofia's metro system includes three lines (M1, M2, and M3) that cover a substantial part of the city.
- Night Buses: Sofia's night buses run on various routes, allowing you to explore the city even after regular public transport hours.
- Convenient Schedules: Night transport schedules are designed to accommodate late-night activities and early-morning travelers, making it a practical option for night owls and early birds alike.
Other transport
Electric Rental Cars:
Electric rental cars are a sustainable and hassle-free way to navigate Sofia. Several companies provide electric cars for rent, and you can easily book them using mobile apps or at rental stations throughout the city. These vehicles produce zero emissions, making them an environmentally friendly choice. They offer the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace, and you can find charging stations at various locations in Sofia.
Electric Scooters:
Electric scooters have become a trendy mode of transport in Sofia. You can find them scattered throughout the city, and rental is as simple as downloading a smartphone app. They are perfect for short trips or covering the last mile to your destination. Riding electric scooters is not only convenient but also a fun way to experience Sofia's streets and landmarks.
Tips for Using Electric Rentals:
There are several apps for call taxi. It is easier to use the apps because they will know your location from the GPS. You can download the apps from google store - Yellow taxi; Taxi me.
!!! Be careful - there are many fake taxies in the center of the town. If you want taxi it is better to call or use the applications. You can be sure that the taxi is not fake if you use Yellow taxi and 9 12 80. OK supertrans taxi is good but there are many fake taxis who use almost the same name with one different letter (OK superFrans, for example).
Electric Rental Cars:
Electric rental cars are a sustainable and hassle-free way to navigate Sofia. Several companies provide electric cars for rent, and you can easily book them using mobile apps or at rental stations throughout the city. These vehicles produce zero emissions, making them an environmentally friendly choice. They offer the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace, and you can find charging stations at various locations in Sofia.
Electric Scooters:
Electric scooters have become a trendy mode of transport in Sofia. You can find them scattered throughout the city, and rental is as simple as downloading a smartphone app. They are perfect for short trips or covering the last mile to your destination. Riding electric scooters is not only convenient but also a fun way to experience Sofia's streets and landmarks.
Tips for Using Electric Rentals:
- Download Apps: Most rental services require you to download their mobile apps for booking and unlocking electric vehicles.
- Parking: Electric cars and scooters should be parked in designated areas, while electric bikes can often be left at bike racks or secure locations.
- Respect Traffic Rules: Follow traffic rules and signals when using these electric vehicles to ensure your safety and that of others.
There are several apps for call taxi. It is easier to use the apps because they will know your location from the GPS. You can download the apps from google store - Yellow taxi; Taxi me.
!!! Be careful - there are many fake taxies in the center of the town. If you want taxi it is better to call or use the applications. You can be sure that the taxi is not fake if you use Yellow taxi and 9 12 80. OK supertrans taxi is good but there are many fake taxis who use almost the same name with one different letter (OK superFrans, for example).
Landmarks and Points of Interest:
Sofia is a city rich in history and culture, offering a wealth of landmarks and attractions to explore. Here are some of the most notable:
- Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: This magnificent Orthodox cathedral, adorned with golden domes and intricate interior mosaics, is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of Bulgarian national identity.
- Saint Sofia Church: One of Sofia's oldest churches, dating back to the 6th century, after which the city is named. Its early Christian architecture is a testament to Sofia's ancient heritage.
- Ivan Vazov National Theater: A striking neoclassical building that hosts an array of theater productions and cultural events. It's an architectural gem and a cultural hub.
- Vitosha Mountain: Just a short drive from the city, Vitosha Mountain offers numerous hiking trails, skiing in the winter, and panoramic views of Sofia. The mountain is a beloved recreational area for locals and visitors alike.
- National Palace of Culture (NDK): A massive cultural and conference center, NDK is the heart of Sofia's cultural scene, hosting art exhibitions, concerts, and conferences. Its impressive architecture is a sight in itself.
- National Archaeological Museum: Home to a vast collection of artifacts, the museum showcases Bulgaria's rich history, from ancient Thracian civilizations to Roman and medieval periods.
- National Museum of Natural History: The National Museum of Natural History in Sofia, Bulgaria, is centrally located within the city, near the historic heart of the capital. It is situated in proximity to other cultural institutions, making it easily accessible to visitors keen on exploring Bulgaria's natural heritage.
- Sofia's Parks: Borisova Gradina Park and South Park are popular green spaces for relaxation and leisure activities.
- Vitosha Boulevard: This lively street is the main shopping and entertainment hub of the city, featuring boutiques, cafes, bars, and restaurants. It's perfect for a stroll and people-watching.
- Sofia's Mineral Springs: The city boasts numerous thermal mineral springs, and you can still visit the historic Sofia Central Mineral Baths, where people have been relaxing in the healing waters for centuries.