Tips
Suggestions
Sightseeing: skip the tourist spots if you will only be here for two days; we’ve listed our favourite spots for in-between walks instead. Weather: June in Bulgaria is hot (30°C+ during the day) but can be chilly at night. Pack light, but bring a jacket just in case. Cash vs card: 90% allow cards, but carry some local cash, as small shops may not accept cards. (use ATMs, not currency exchange shops) Taxis: (avoid random ones on the street) - from the airport: only option is Yellow Taxi - book at their desk in arrivals. - to the airport: use the Yellow Taxi app for easy booking and card payment. Language: English is spoken in most places, but “thank you” (Blagodarya – Благодаря) and “hello” (Zdraveyte – Здравейте) go a long way! Culture: Bulgarians nod for “no” and shake their heads for “yes”. Travel tip: If you have time, Vitosha Mountain is right next to the city - great for a panoramic view. Smoking: still quite common in outdoor cafés and bars.
National Theater "Ivan Vazov"
One of the most iconic places for meet up in Sofia. Great for having your coffee and people watching.
Patriarchal Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky
We should mention at least one tourist site. The church is built in neo-byzantine style and it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria. It is one of Sofia's symbols and is the largest cathedral in the Balkans! 🇧🇬 Tip: around the church, there is a flea market with very interesting antics and relics.
Vegetarian restaurant and bakery "Sun Moon"
Great place for a coffee and the local delicacy "banitsa" (a salty cheese pastry) with "ayryan" (a traditional sour yogurt drink) for breakfast.
Sofiyska Banitsa
The OG place for "banitsa".
Oborishte
This is an entire neighbourhood in the centre - recommended for walks, corner-side coffee shops and other fun weekend activities. It is a 10min walk from the wedding venue.
sabale
Before 11 - breakfast, after 11 - brunch. Great food and perfect stop in the old town!
&hlyab (&bread)
Best pastries and coffee in the old town! No seating but great for a walk.
Ж Jazz Room
This one's a gem - one of the best audio systems, jazz room with 10-ish seats, truffle popcorn and natural wine! Bonus - the "David Lynch" red room with two seats and a personal vinyl player. Closes at 10PM.
K.E.B.A.
One of the best bars in town, better known as the place we met. Great during the day as well!
Raketa Rakia Bar
The best craft cocktails in Sofia, especially the ones with "rakia" - our traditional alcohol. Spicy, sweet and always a surprise.
Hambara
Lit by candles only, this bar is one of a kind. It’s down a dark alley and is in a wooden shed structure - the O.G. speakeasy. Cash only and best to order a beer. Keep in mind, they smoke inside. "They say that in the past this was the place for the intelligentsia and you could only get in if you know the right person."