Budget Bliss: Uncovering Sofia's Hidden Gems

Experience the beauty of Bulgaria's capital without breaking the bank in Sofia.

21 June 2023

Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, offers an affordable and cultural experience for travelers on a budget. Visitors can explore historic landmarks such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the National Palace of Culture for free, as well as enjoy delicious street food and drinks at a low cost. Accommodation is also affordable, with options ranging from hostels to budget hotels.

Day trip plan

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Day

Discover Sofia on a shoestring budget

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Made in Home, a trendy café with an affordable menu.
  • Stroll along the main pedestrian boulevard Vitosha, and take in the street art and architecture.
  • Visit the ancient Serdica ruins, located beneath the modern city center and free to explore.
  • Get an insight into Bulgaria's communist past at the Museum of Socialist Art, with a ticket price of just 6 BGN.
  • Indulge in some Bulgarian cuisine for lunch at the centrally located Benkovski restaurant, with traditional dishes starting at 8 BGN.
  • Spend the afternoon at the National Palace of Culture park, an oasis in the heart of the city, before catching the sunset from the top of the nearby Vitosha mountain.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Sofia, Bulgaria by plane is to fly to Sofia Airport, which is the main airport serving the city. There are numerous airlines that operate flights to and from Sofia, including Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air, and Ryanair.

Car

If you are traveling to Sofia by car, you can either take the E79 highway from Serbia or the E80 from Greece. The distance from Serbia is around 370 km, while the distance from Greece is around 590 km. You can also rent a car from the airport or the city center.

Train

While there are train services from other countries to Bulgaria, the best way to get to Sofia by train is from within the country. The main train station in Sofia is the Sofia Central Station, which offers regular connections to other parts of Bulgaria.

Boat

There are no direct boat services to Sofia as the city is not located on the coast. The nearest port to Sofia is the port of Burgas, which is around 400 km from Sofia. From there, you can take a train or bus to Sofia.

Bus

Taking a bus is a popular option for getting to Sofia as there are many bus companies that operate services to the city. The most popular bus station in Sofia is the Central Bus Station, which is located near the center of the city.

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