In any case, if you are a bold foodie, give this spicy local delicacy a chance because it is not only part of the dietary regime of many Bulgarians, but it is only known as the ubiquitous hangover remedy. Bulgaria might get a bad rep based on it being in the Balkans and not such a well-trodden … Mentalist. See 85 Experiences. These are the best places for groups seeking fun & games in Sofia: Escapeway.Bg. 3KEY Rooms - The Al Capone Secret Bar. Bulgaria is still not a mainstream tourist destination, which means most of the amazing things to do in the Balkan country are not yet well-known. These are the best places for budget-friendly fun & games in Sofia: Teorema Rooms. The most convenient fountains are located right in front of the Cinema House, across the street from the Sofia History Museum. The Church dates back to the 10th century and owes its world fame mainly to its frescoes from 1259. Sofia is a city worth visiting during the cold winter months, too. Tick Off Your List Sofia’s Iconic Buildings and Places. Aleksander Nevski Cathedral. Vitosha Mountain. Discover the best top things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria including Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, Boyana Church, Manastirska Magernitsa. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Discover 10 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria from Monument to the Soviet Army to DZI Sofia Center. "A very immersive room, great decor and well designed puzzles, Friendly hosts and I would love to try the second room when it is made by these guys!" This is one of the most unusual sights you will come across in the center of Sofia – people squatting to buy a beer or chocolate from the basement shops you will see here and there along the sidewalks. This is a fantastic place. 1. 5. A flamboyant five-story building in Bulgaria resembles a crawling snail. Sofia has many museums, from the lovely National Gallery to the Museum of Contemporary Art, but my favorite was the perfectly sized and centrally located Sofia City Art Gallery, which exhibits works by local artists, with most of the works featuring Sofia.Looking at the city through the perspective of local artists is an … Things to do in Sofia The best way to see Sofia is by taking part in the free walking tours, starting from the Court House, called Palace of Justice, twice a day, which is located on 2 Vitosha Boulevard. 3, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, Sofia, Bulgaria. Keep reading to know about awesome places and activities to enjoy with your kids in Sofia. See 85 Experiences. Bulgaria is still not a mainstream tourist destination, which means most of the amazing things to do in the Balkan country are not yet well-known.There’s a sense of excitement and exploration when you come across dancing monsters, listen to bagpipes on a mountain top or wake up before dawn to join the traditional rose picking. You will find it at simple eateries, mostly outside of the tourist areas. 2. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. 15 Best Things to Do in Sofia (Bulgaria) Bulgaria’s capital has a lot of stories to tell, and each historic attraction will give you a new perspective on Sofia’s complicated past. The Bells (Kambanite) Park, Sofia, Bulgaria. Check out Dextrophobia, Questomania or 3 Kеy Rooms. While you are there or if you want to DIY your Sofia sightseeing, you have to check out St. Kyriaki Cathedral Church and its murals inside. With this full-day private tour, head into the mountains to see the celebrated Rila Monastery, where you can visit the monastery museum, see Rafail's Cross, and marvel at the frescoes in the Nativity of Mary church. Borisova Gradina. 6,401 reviews. Boyana Church. If you are in Sofia for a very limited period of … To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Drink mineral water from a street drinking fountain, Sofia has most of the major museums in Bulgaria. A vast Communist-era exhibition space in the Bulgarian capital. Sofians love solving the mysteries presented by the escape rooms. Enigmania The Experiment. See Sofia Through The Eyes Of Local Artists. Offer subject to change without notice. Built in … Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria on Tripadvisor: See 161,774 traveller reviews and photos of Sofia tourist attractions. If you plan to visit this amazing city you should try out these 13 things to do in Sofia. It’s cozy, it’s fun and it’s perfect for the winter. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Climbing Adventure You can walk by all four in as little as ten minutes, but consider entering the buildings as well since they are all housed in historical edifices. 10 Best Things to Do in Sofia. No visit to Sofia is complete without a trip outside the city, to explore the monuments and mountains adorning the picturesque Bulgarian countryside. with a 9,90 lev monthly subscription for 1 cup of gourmet coffee every day! Vitosha Boulevard. The newest amusement park in the Balkans, Sofia Land, lies in the South of the city and is an absolute must-see. Here you can find anything from Harry Potter merchandise to limited works of art and signed Memorabilia. 2. Top Things to Do in Sofia, Sofia Region: See Tripadvisor's 161,774 traveller reviews and photos of 622 things to do when in Sofia. Atlas Obscura and our trusted partners use technology such as cookies on our website to personalise ads, support social media features, and analyse our traffic. The newest amusement park in the Balkans, Sofia Land, lies in the South of … There’s a sense of excitement and exploration when you come across dancing monsters, listen to bagpipes on a mountain top or wake up before dawn to join the traditional rose picking. See more budget-friendly fun & games in Sofia on Tripadvisor. Nature & Parks. To prove you that, I’ve prepared a list of 10 things to do in Bulgaria’s capital this winter. We’ve researched and done these things over four separate trips to the city, and together we’ve spent almost two months here. A lot of people go dancing because they want to make new friends or have To prove you that, I’ve prepared a list of 10 things to do in Bulgaria’s capital this winter. It’s the local booze. Sofia, Bulgaria Monument to the Soviet Army A Bulgarian monument to Russia's role in World War II is constantly being painted in pop culture protest. What today looks like a grey and rough monument was built in the 1980s as a global children’s monument with the idea to include a bell dedicated to every country in the world and to have children ring these as a gesture of peace. No purchase necessary. Everyone who visits this place can learn something new in the most curious and unexpected way. The Bulgarian capital is full of surprises and has much to offer the curious traveler beyond the official travel guides. To learn more or withdraw consent, please visit our cookie policy. While you are sitting on a seat and looking at the signs admonishing passengers not to spit, you will also see original footage from the time when the tram was actually in use. If you want to discover the quirky side of the city, here are some of the most unusual things to do in Sofia, Bulgaria. Vitosha Mountain. Sofia is a city worth visiting during the cold winter months, too. The fact that the head of the shopkeeper is at the level of the customer’s shoes doesn’t bother anyone. Sofia’s Saint Nicholas Church, simply known as the Russian Church, is not only one of the most intricately decorated churches in the Bulgarian capital with its Russian-style bulb-shaped domes, but it is also said to make wishes come true. Since I was renting an Airbnb there, I did lots of day trips, leaving early in the morning to maximize my time and coming back at night to avoid paying twice for accommodation. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. One of the most important buildings not just in Sofia, but in Bulgaria is … Please click below to consent to the use of this technology while browsing our site. Plan at least half an hour to explore the catacombs of the church, and don’t forget to check out the Honorius Tomb located just across the entrance of the church (the same ticket is valid for both, but they are accessed through different entrances). Tours. Discover the Square of Religious Tolerance. 6,401 reviews. It is not only a religious place, included in UNESCO's World Heritage list but also a place to relax, listen to your thoughts and enjoy the nature1. However, for the best travel experiences, … 4. Many centuries ago, Sofia was founded around mineral water springs where exhausted travelers could stop and rest. Best things to do in Sofia Featured stories & fun stuff. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. Dive into one of Europe’s oldest countries as we explore ancient civilizations and marvel at otherworldly relics of a communist utopia that never came to be. A collection of art from Bulgaria's time as a communist state. After visiting the main area of the church, head to the side entrance (the left side if you are facing the church) and write your wish at the church’s crypt. Wrap Up. Escapeway.Bg. Things to Do in Belgrade: How to Use this List This is a giant list, and we don’t expect you to run around and try to do everything on it while you’re in the city! The Square of Religious Tolerance is an area in the center of Sofia that has four places of worship of four different religions standing just a few hundred feet from each other. The Bells Monument (Kambanite in Bulgarian) is one of the hidden gems of Sofia, especially for those interested in Communist-era architecture. Unusual Things to Do in Sofia Drink mineral water from the city’s drinking fountains. See more fun & … Boyana Church. Winner will be selected at random on 02/01/2021. MUZEIKO. Klek shops popped up in Sofia shortly after the end of the Communist era when many people, wondering how to make ends meet, opened convenience stores in their basements. 3 KEY Rooms. Fuzzy Bar. It is the building that has attracted so many visitors since 1500. 3 KEY Rooms. If you are going to a birthday party and don't know what to buy, Elephant bookshop will always give you an idea. Free Things to Do in Sofia . All I … Vitosha Boulevard. Discover 46 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Bulgaria from Buzludzha Monument to Retro Museum. Sofia is packed to bursting with fun things to do, whether you're young or old! read more So if there is one thing that’s sure – escape rooms are a great way to have fun like locals do. Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and has more to offer than you might think: Impressive architecture, interesting history, breathtaking landscapes and delicious food for a great price. It is formed by the Orthodox Christian Saint Nedelya Church, the Sofia Synagogue, the Banya Bashi Mosque, and the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Joseph. You may or may not have tried tripe soup before, and you may love it or hate it. We’ve researched and done these things over four separate trips to the city, and together we’ve spent almost two months Top Attractions in Sofia. An excellent way to start your time in Sofia is by taking one of the free 2 … Sofia has most of the major museums in Bulgaria, with some of the most interesting exhibits from the country’s history, but only one of them offers you the opportunity to board an original old-time tram, or rather a piece of it installed at the Sofia History Museum. Sofia, the vibrant capital of Bulgaria, is full of art and history, delectable food, and a great nightlife scene. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. How about traveling back in time and down underneath the Saint Sofia Church to explore a labyrinth of sarcophagi and to see remains of an early Christian necropolis? When you have the soup served, you should add a lot of garlic and spicy red pepper to it. If you are looking for a place to relax a bit Borisova Gradina is your choice! this is a unique book and gift shop in Sofia! One of our favorite things to do in Sofia are the escape rooms. The special physical effort needed to get your purchase and your change created their local nickname – klek shops (literally, squat shops). * * * 1 * * * Drink the coffee…so you can do the things. "As part of a team that has visited most of the escape rooms in the country I could say without a doubt that Bornazium has some of the best games, tasks and clues and is within the top escape rooms in Sofia." A unique dining experience here in Sofia where you can grill your choice of meat at your own table, to your liking. I promise that you won’t get bored with these places and activities because you’ll find not so typical experiences to have in Sofia … All rights reserved. President's Building - If you're eager to explore the region's history through its landmarks, add this one to your travel itinerary.. Slaveykov Square - Get to know some of the local people and seek out the hidden character and soul of this place. Sofia is packed to bursting with fun things to do, whether you're young or old! A brand new app on the Bulgarian market gives an incredible opportunity: one month of every day coffee for just 9.90 lev (5 EUR). Things to Do in Sofia: Churches & Religious Buildings To get to know the religious and cultural landscape of the city, we recommend going on a guided tour like this Sofia full-day tour. The best part is that with the exception of visiting the Black Sea coast, you can do almost anything as a day trip from Sofia. Children will have fun, learn new things, get good food and will not get bored in long queues. 3. The “Three Trolls” board … "Holy Wisdom" overlooks the city that became its namesake. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). This place is preferred if you like to do water sports, swimming, sunbathing and fishing because Sofia is relatively far from the sea. 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This means you don’t actually need to buy bottled water (although the tap water is perfectly safe to drink as well). Nature & Parks. Or simply follow the people coming to fill their big empty plastic bottles. The Boyana Church, which is located on the outskirts of Sofia, has a specific energy. Although the city is not really famous as a spa destination nowadays, there are spots where drinkable mineral water runs from public drinking fountains. Then find your country’s bell and ring it as an evocation of the universal wish – Peace on Earth. See. All you need is a reusable bottle that you can refill. The museum has a few other star exhibits, like a golden king’s carriage and a neolithic house model. Saint Nikolas Russian Church (Tsurkva Sveta Nikolai) 4. 5. Top Attractions in Sofia. 3KEY Rooms - The Al Capone Secret Bar. We have reviews of the best places to see in Sofia. © 2021 Atlas Obscura. 1. Saint Nikolas Russian Church (Tsurkva Sveta Nikolai) 4. If you’ve hired a car and fancy exploring this beautiful bit of Bulgaria then … Especially if you are on a city break in Sofia and only have limited time you should go for one … Visit a Board Games Bar. It’s evident there’re lots of things to do and enjoy in Bulgaria. To get there, take the subway to Business Park station. There's no need to give your credit card a workout in Sofia. A Journey Through Bulgaria’s Abandoned Ruins and Otherworldly Monuments. Things to Do in Sofia Sofia travel guide. St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Take the free walking tour. We had it at this cool super-retro bar called Raketa Rakia Bar. Drink rakia. In this Solo Girls Guide to Sofia in Bulgaria my friend Annemarie from Travel on the Brain shares with you everything you need to know about visiting Sofia solo, including some fun things to do in Sofia.. Sofia in Bulgaria is a great destination for female solo travelers. Sofia is a city that doesn’t evoke major expectations in the imagination of its visitors, like Rome or Paris, and this is probably its biggest advantage. The name of the mosque was derived from Sofia’s mineral bats. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. While not in Sofia proper, we also recommend this Boyana Church and Rila Monastery tour. run around and try to do everything on it while you’re in the city! See All 46 Things to Do in Bulgaria Vitosha Boulevard. A striking symbol of the Bulgarian capital. This museum is considered as the must-visit museum especially with kids. A Bulgarian monument to Russia's role in World War II is constantly being painted in pop culture protest. The following won't even cost a cent. `` Holy Wisdom '' overlooks the city and is an absolute must-see its fame. Find what to do in Sofia Drink mineral water from the city ’ s carriage and a nightlife. 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