Visiting Sofia, Bulgaria

Where History, Charm, and Chaos Meet

Welcome to Sofia – the city where the old meets the new in the most charmingly chaotic way possible. It’s a place where ancient ruins are casually plopped next to modern cafes, and the air is thick with history… and the faint scent of rakia from nearby restaurants. Whether you’re here for the culture, the food, or simply to see how many churches you can cram into a single city block, Sofia is ready to show you a good time. So buckle up and prepare for the hilarious, historic, and highly entertaining adventure that is visiting Bulgaria’s capital.

Start with a Crash Course in Ancient History

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Your journey begins at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the most iconic building in Sofia. This place is so magnificent, it practically demands that you take a selfie in front of it – and you’ll probably feel like an amateur photographer in the process because every angle of this structure looks like it belongs on a postcard. Finished in the early 20th century, it’s more about grandeur than subtlety, with gold domes that practically scream, “Look at me!” As you gawk at the inside (which is like the Sistine Chapel of Sofia), try to remember that people have been admiring this beauty long before Instagram was a thing.

Take a Step Back in Time

The Roman Ruins

Now, after you’ve had your fill of cathedrals, it’s time to be amazed by the Roman ruins scattered around the city. As you wander around, you’ll encounter relics of an ancient civilization that never got the memo about how to be organized. For example, there’s the Roman Serdica complex, a 2nd-century city that’s hidden under Sofia’s modern streets like an accidental archaeological treasure. Walking around these ruins, you might feel like you’re in a real-life episode of Indiana Jones – minus the dramatic music and way more people trying to sell you souvenir magnets.

Get Your Zen On

The National Garden and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Need a breather from the chaos of Sofia? Head over to the National Garden, a lovely green space where you can escape the traffic and pretend you’re in a nature documentary. If you’re lucky, you might even find a bench next to the iconic Ivan Vazov National Theatre. Yes, that’s right, this stunning, neoclassical building is where you can see some of Bulgaria’s finest theatrical performances – or just admire its beauty from the outside as you wonder why you didn’t buy that rakia when you had the chance. Either way, the garden is a great spot to recharge and remind yourself that Sofia is, in fact, a city full of charm, despite its quirks.

Stare in Awe

Banya Bashi Mosque

Next, make your way to the Banya Bashi Mosque, which is so beautifully designed, it might just make you question whether you’re in Sofia or Istanbul. Built in the 16th century, this mosque boasts an impressive dome and minarets that could easily be mistaken for an architectural masterpiece straight out of a history book (or, you know, a very cool Instagram feed). Don’t worry if you’re not into mosques – the sheer beauty of it will make you want to snap at least 20 pictures. You know, for “cultural enrichment.”

Sofia’s Famed Cafes

Sip and People Watch

After all that sightseeing, it’s time to recharge with some serious people-watching. Sofia is full of quirky cafes that serve everything from strong Turkish coffee to decadent cakes that may or may not change your life. Head to a local spot in the city center, like Sasa or Mano, where you can sip on your drink of choice and marvel at the blend of Sofia’s people – from perfectly groomed hipsters to elderly gentlemen who look like they’ve stepped out of a time machine from the 1980s. It’s like a live action show, and you’ve got front-row seats.

End Your Day the Right Way

Rakia and Dinner

No trip to Sofia is complete without indulging in the national pastime: drinking rakia. It’s strong, it’s potent, and it’s the perfect way to end your day (or start it, depending on your stamina). Make sure to pair it with some classic Bulgarian food, like shopska salad, kavarma, or banitsa, because what’s better than combining history, culture, and a meal so hearty it might just put you to sleep in the best way possible?

Conclusion: Sofia

A City of Surprises

So there you have it. Sofia is a city that blends the old and new, with a touch of chaos and a lot of charm. You’ll find yourself wandering from Roman ruins to grand churches, soaking in the history and feeling more alive than ever – especially after that glass of rakia. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who enjoys laughing at the delightful randomness of city life, Sofia is ready to show you a good time. Welcome to Bulgaria’s capital – it’s a wild, weird, and wonderful place, and you’ll leave with more stories than you ever expected.

_{Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion.  There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.}