Travel Over the Border Sofia, Bulgaria Tourism
Sofia, Bulgaria Tourism
Sofia, Bulgaria Tourism - Not so long ago, it wouldn't have been possible to write about a short break in Sofia. Bulgaria was a little known destination and the capital city rarely visited. However, times have changed and the number of visitors to Sofia is ever increasing as the country emerges from its communist past.
The number of retail outlets in the city has risen dramatically with shops and malls springing up all over, with a general upmarket outlook. Holidays for a combination of culture and 'retail therapy' have become ever more popular and Sofia lends itself to both.
Sofia, Bulgaria Tourism- Shopping
If you are there for a love of shopping, you will be pleasantly surprised by what is on offer. You'll find trendy boutiques with recognised designer brands at low prices and a new shopping experience. This is a unique opportunity to buy Bulgarian rose oil products, made from the world-famous roses and whose oil is a major ingredient in the world's best perfumes.
For lovers of antiques, there is a stash of markets with independent sellers. You'll also find old ladies marketing their hand made lace and tablecloths.
The most famous street is surely Vitosha Boulevard (Vitoshka) and every holidaymaker should take a stroll down this wide tree-lined pedestrian boulevard, shopping til you drop and relaxing in between at one of the numerous cafes lining the street for a bit of people watching and take in the panoramic views of the amazing Vitosha Mountain.
Sofia, Bulgaria Tourism - Culture
Whilst Sofia is an up and coming capital, it has its routes in culture. The city is undergoing many changes to make it a very stylish capital with new green areas and water features. The city is easy to get around with a good transport system and private buses which you can just wave at if you want them to stop and pick you up.
There are numerous museums and galleries which are worth taking time to explore. Those who have a passion for art will adore the wealth of galleries in Sofia, with the National Art Gallery home to plenty of exhibitions. There are also many lovely churches, the most popular of which is Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, right in the hear of the city and along the "yellow brick road", the main tourist area.
Boyana Church, a UNESCO site, dates from the 14th Centuury and is full of murals and frescoes which are amongst some of the best examples in the world - well worth a visit.
Green Sofia
Many of the streets are lined with trees and there are plenty of green spaces and parks in the capital. Great places for taking a bit of time out and relaxing in the city. Why not spend a while watching the chess players in the City Garden in front of the National Theatre.
Sofia, Bulgaria tourism - has much to offer the visitor and to find out more about this fascinating city you can read further articles about Sofia and Bulgaria here.