Things to do in Bulgaria
-
Free Sofia Tour
This free walking tour led by a local tourism volunteer NGO sets off twice daily from in front of the Palace of Justice (diagonally across the road from McDonalds). Led by friendly, English-speaking volunteers, the two-hour brings you by the city’s main sites, with lots of interesting background presented in a fun and engaging way. The tour is a hit with travellers from backpackers to businesspeople, serves as a great introduction to Sofia and often makes new friends among other travellers and locals in the process.
reviewed
-
A
Dream House
Although not the easiest place to find – look for the door on the left inside the small shopping arcade and climb the stairs – this vegetarian restaurant is well worth seeking out. The menu includes dishes such as grilled tofu, algae soup and various stir-fries. There’s an all-you-can-eat buffet on Sundays (5 lv) and beer and wine are available.
reviewed
-
B
Happy Bar & Grill
Varna’s home-grown, and now nationwide, chain restaurant has four branches around the city, including at this central location. The uncomplicated menu of grills, steaks and salads pulls in customers throughout the day, and the friendly waitstaff, who occasionally launch into spontaneous dance routines, certainly add to the atmosphere. There’s another branch on bul Slivnitsa.
reviewed
-
C
Pri Monahinite
[ourpick] Pri Monahinite Set in the courtyard of a little church, Pri Monahinite (‘At the Nuns’ Place’) is a classy place for roast lamb, grilled pork and other meaty offerings. It also does good salads and has an extensive wine list.
reviewed
-
D
Borisova Gradina
Sofia's most attractive expanse of greenery is home to the Vasil Levski Stadium, CSKA Stadium and Maria Luisa Pool, as well as bike tracks and tennis courts. It's laid out with countless statues and flowerbeds, and is a relaxing place to take a leisurely stroll on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
The eastern end of the park is dominated by a gigantic communist monument built in 1956 and known as the Mound of Brotherhood, featuring a 42m-high obelisk and socialist-realist icons including a pair of partisan fighters, dramatically gesturing comrades clutching Kalashnikovs, and smiling, stoic workers. It has long been neglected by the authorities, and several of the socialist heroes…
reviewed
-
Birdwatching Bulgaria
Birdwatching Bulgaria runs numerous birding trips throughout the year, headed by professional, English-speaking guides. For those with minimal time, the one-day trip around Sofia (€80) takes in Vitosha Nature Park and/or Dragoman Marsh, some 35km west of the capital, where possible sightings include ferruginous ducks, sedge warblers and black woodpeckers. More dedicated bird-watchers can book onto longer tours, such as the eight-day Southern Bulgaria tour (€680 per person full board, for a group of two) where you’ll have the chance to spot rarer species including the Squacco heron and Imperial eagle. The company also offers bear-watching tours and specialised excursions…
reviewed
-
E
Burgas Beach
Although it can't compare with the far superior beaches at the nearby resorts, or even with Varna's urban stretch of sand, Burgas Beach still attracts plenty of locals on a hot summer day. It's a bit grubby at the southern end, with its long concrete pier, used as a diving platform by teenage boys and a fishing station by old men, but further on there are some smart beach bars and a couple of restaurants, and, in summer, the beach is kept clean by regular sweepers and watched over by lifeguards.
There are often high winds and high waves along this coast: not great for swimming, but OK for windsurfers. Boards may be rented from the Morski Klub at the northern end of the…
reviewed
-
F
Roman Fortress of Sexaginta Prista
Defensive walls, a tower, some barracks and a storage area are what remain of this once great fortress, completed in AD 70. Around 600 soldiers once stood guard here, guaranteeing safe passage for river traders from their high bluff over the river. Stone inscriptions, decorative sculptures and tombstones are also displayed, and background information is posted in English. The friendly staff will show you around, and, if you’re interested, to the somewhat more recent German Bunker, hewn out of bricks in WWII and still marvellously intact. Other ancient finds are kept in the cool confines of the underground bunker.
reviewed
-
G
Church of Sveta Troitsa
Behind the magnificent opera house is the Russian-style Church of Sveta Troitsa, Ruse’s oldest surviving Ottoman-era building, built in 1632. The Turkish stipulation that no church should stand higher than a mosque led builders here, as elsewhere, to build partially underground. Large, well-preserved murals and 16th-century crosses and icons are the standouts here, as are the tower’s stained-glass windows. The bell tower was a post-Ottoman addition from the late 19th century.
reviewed
-
H
Banya Bashi Mosque
Sofia's only working mosque was built in 1576 by the celebrated Ottoman architect Kodja Mimar Sinan, who also designed the Selim II Mosque in Edirne, Turkey. It's certainly an eye-catching edifice and the red brick minaret makes a convenient landmark. At the rear of the building is a small, recently excavated section of the bathhouse that once joined onto the mosque and a hot-water drinking fountain. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times if modestly dressed.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Explore Eastern Europe
18 days (Budapest)
by Intrepid
Unwind in beautiful Budapest, Sample Hungarian wine in Eger, Experience traditional peasant life in a Maramures village, Learn spooky stories while travelling…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,695 -
I
Mehana Chiflika
[ourpick] Mehana Chiflika The enormous Chiflika is an excellent mehana with traditional furnishings, live music and a wide range of grilled meats. It’s a place for hearty eaters, and the rustic charm is only enhanced by the sight of some dishes being served up on what are essentially chipped-off tree stumps.
reviewed
-
Motoroads
Motoroads in Sofia has a good choice of motorcycles for rent from €40 per day (plus €300 security deposit) and organises a series of motorbike trips: a quick three-day riding tour of the Rila, Pirin and Rodopi Mountains costs €460 per person for two, including accommodation, or €270 for a self-guided trip.
reviewed
-
J
Dom na Arkitekta
Dom na Arkitekta ‘The Architect’s House’ is a fine old wooden National Revival–style building with a private, leafy courtyard popular with local cats. The usual grills, steaks and salads are on the menu and it’s a restful place for a cold beer or two.
reviewed
-
K
Dreams
This excellent and very popular café on pl Stambolov is the perfect place to relax before the square’s giant gushing fountain on a balmy summer’s day. It serves surprisingly good cakes, along with numerous alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. There’s also a spacious upstairs hall.
reviewed
-
Dvata Petela
The ‘Two Cockerels’ is one of the cheaper places on the seafront promenade, with seating on a wooden pier perched over the rocks. Pizzas, pork chops, chicken kebabs and various fish dishes are served.
reviewed
-
L
Trops Kâshta
This branch of the dependable nationwide self-service canteen chain is the ideal place for cheap, simple food such as sausage and beans, chicken chops and moussaka; just point at whatever takes your fancy.
reviewed
-
Paintball Bulgaria
Paintballing has become a popular pastime around Sofia. Paintball Bulgaria offers sessions around Mt Vitosha. The price includes equipment and 100 balls. Reservations are essential.
reviewed
-
M
Bally
This new club playing hip-hop and techno has both its supporters and detractors. With its large central dance floor, it can seem empty unless there’s a weekend crowd.
reviewed
-
N
Dom na Architekta
This wood-and-stone traditional tavern has great Bulgarian specialities, served in a balmy back garden in summer, moving indoors in front of a crackling fire in winter.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
O
BMS
Cheap, self-service, cafeteria-style chain offering simple but filling fare such as sausages and stews. There are some outdoor tables and it also serves beer.
reviewed
-
Snow Shack
Pamporovo is ideal for snowboarding; visit the popular British-run Snow Shack in the Hotel Markony complex for snowboarding gear and/or training courses.
reviewed
-
Smolyan Art Gallery
Opposite the museum, the Smolyan Art Gallery boasts some 1800 paintings, sketches and sculptures by local, national and foreign artists.
reviewed
-
Daily Market
There's a daily market in the park behind the Opera House, selling fruit and vegetables, books, souvenirs and clothes.
reviewed
-
Ivan Kolev House
Paintings, drawings and sculptures are displayed at the Ivan Kolev House.
reviewed