Where is sofia bulgaria

The Ancient Serdica complex is located in the very centre of the city. It was first discovered in The excavated remains include eight streets, a basilica, and roman houses, all dating from the 4th to 6th century. The complex is partially covered with glass. Vitosha Boulevard is the main commercial and pedestrian street in Sofia, connecting St. Nedelya Square with the Southern Park.

It is filled with high-end stores, restaurants and bars. Sofia Zoo , located around 2 km south of the city centre, is the oldest and the largest zoo in southeastern Europe. At the moment the Zoo houses over animal species. Working hours are from to and it is open all year round. The exhibitions are thematically divided into eight rooms. Check all ticket prices here. The National Museum of History is the largest museum in Bulgaria.

It is located in the former residence of Bulgarian Socialist leaders. This imposing museum holds over archeological, historical, ethnographic items tied to the history of Bulgaria, but also exhibitions on Thracian, Hellenic and early Byzantine culture. Check all prices and discounts here. The Earth and Man National Museum is a mineralogical museum in Sofia, and one of the biggest mineralogical museums in the world.

Besides the permanent mineral exhibitions, the museum also hosts various other exhibitions, events, conferences, but also concerts of chamber music. Check their webpage for opening hours and ticket prices.

The National Art Gallery in Sofia is actually a collection of several art galleries. It houses over 41 paintings, sculptures, graphics and other artworks. Here you can expect art by not only various Bulgarian artists, but also artists from all over the world. Sofia Arsenal , or the Museum of Contemporary Art is located in the Crni Vrah Boulevard and the interesting thing about this museum is that every Wednesday you can meet the artists and curators of the current exhibitions.

The museum has several departments: painting, sculpture, graphic works, contemporary art and photography. It houses more than different works of Bulgarian artists, some dating even to the 19th century. The Sofia Breathes is an urban culture festival that is held every Sunday in August.

This festival celebrates Bulgarian culture, but also aims to positively influence visitors from all over the world. Sofia Coffee Festival celebrates all things latte. Here visitors get the opportunity to meet the biggest coffee makers, baristas from all over the world, try our various coffee blends and flavors, but also learn something new about their favourite drink.

The festival usually takes place in June. Sofia Dance Fest is the first and the biggest dance festival in Bulgaria. The first edition of the festival was held in , and it has been held every March ever since. Whether you are a dancer, choreographer or just wish to watch some dance competitions, this is the event for you!

Sofia International Film Festival is a worldwide popular Bulgarian festival that takes place every year in March. Since its debut in , it slowly grew to become one of the most important film festivals in Europe. The goal of the festival is to introduce the best of contemporary Bulgarian, Balkan and international cinema to international audiences. GuitArt Festival is held every year in Sofia and Plovdiv. This festival connects people from different backgrounds and different interests that all share love for one thing — guitar.

Visitors can enjoy various guitar concerts, but also take part in free guitar lessons and activities. The aim of the festival is to present and introduce films that the Bulgarian and Balkan audiences are unfamiliar with. Besides film screenings there are also various workshops, seminars and parties for everyone to enjoy! Here are some of the most popular parks and outdoor activities that you can enjoy. City Garden is located in the historical centre of the city, just across the street of the National Art Gallery.

It is the oldest public garden in Sofia , and one of the most popular places among the locals. Whether you just wish to stroll, sit down and soak up the sun or play chess — this is the place for you. Borisova Gradina is one of the oldest parks in Sofia. It is located southeast of the city centre and it stretches all the way from Orlov most and almost to Paradise Center. In the park area there are two stadiums, several playgrounds, cafes and restaurants but also places reserved for various recreational activities and Ariana Pond.

South Park is located south of the Sofia city centre and west of Borisova Gradina. The park has good infrastructure convenient for various outdoor activities, but there are also playgrounds, benches and gazebos. Sofia University Botanic Garden is the best place to visit if you need some peace and quiet. It is hidden behind a flower shop in the city center, near the National Gallery.

The botanic garden includes an open garden, a rose garden and a glasshouse where more exotic flora is kept. At the moment the gardens keep a collection that includes more than different plant species. Wizz Air Sofia Marathon takes place in Sofia every year and it actually consists of several runs of various lengths and routes.

Vitosha Mountain National Park , one of the most famous national parks in Bulgaria and the oldest national park in the Balkans is located south of Sofia. This gorgeous national park is a popular recreational place among locals and tourists. During the summer it is a popular hiking area and during the winter it is a great place to go snowboarding or skiing. Bulgarian cuisine is considered a representative of Eastern European cuisine, and it is known for its quality vegetables and dairy products.

Generally, food in Bulgaria is a combination of East and West culinary traditions, so it has a lot in common with Greek, Turkish, Hungarian, Persian and Balkan cuisine. Unlike the rest of the Balkans, Bulgaria offers many different vegetarian and vegan options.

Here are some suggestions on what and where to eat if you ever find yourself in Sofia. Shopska salata , also known worldwide as Bulgarian salad, is a cold salad popular throughout the Balkans and Central Europe. It consists of fresh tomato, cucumber, capsicum, onions and white cheese. Tarator is a cold soup or dip made from cucumber, yoghurt, garlic, dill, and water.

This popular soup is super refreshing, so it is usually eaten in summer, either as an appetizer or as a side dish served with Shopska salata. Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian baked pastry dish similar to burek. It is made of layered pastry dough filled with a mixture of whisked eggs, yoghurt and feta cheese. Away from the buildings and boulevards, vast parks and manicured gardens offer a welcome respite, and the ski slopes and hiking trails of mighty Mt Vitosha are just a short bus ride from the centre.

Home to many of Bulgaria's finest museums, galleries, restaurants and clubs, Sofia may persuade you to stick around and explore further. Jump to: Table of contents. The city is located at the foot of Mount Vitosha in the western part of the country. It occupies a strategic position at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula as commercial, manufacturing, transport, and cultural centre.

Sofia is the 15th largest city in the European Union with a population of around 1. Many of the major universities, cultural institutions and commercial companies of Bulgaria are concentrated in Sofia.

Sofia's development as a significant settlement owes much to its central position in the Balkans. It is situated in western Bulgaria, at the northern foot of the Vitosha mountain, in the Sofia Valley that is surrounded by mountains on all sides. The valley has an average altitude of metres. Three mountain passes lead to the city, which have been key roads since antiquity, connecting the Adriatic Sea and Central Europe with the Black and Aegean Seas.

A number of low rivers cross the city, including the Vladayska and the Perlovska.