Sofia sightseeing

Sofia city infrastructure is perhaps the most developed in the country. A network of buses, trains, trams, trolleys and subways make getting around town and traveling to nearby neighbourhoods or even to other cities efficient and straightforward. There are 8 railway stations, the largest being the Central Railway Station in the centre of the city. Trains arrive and depart to almost all parts of the country. In proximity to the main railway station, you’ll find the newly constructed Central Bus Depot which too provides transport to all points in Bulgaria.
 Built in 1998, the underground is still largely immature but its six stations reach to the peripheral quarters of the city and plans for six new stations will be completed by 2009. Privately operated vans are a common and convenient way of traveling around the city as well. There are more than 300 such vans and some 6 000 licensed taxi cabs operating legally.
 Improvement on major city arteries has heightened during the last couple of years in order to accommodate and facilitate the growing traffic in the city.

              The National Palace of Culture has historically been the home for many artists, expositions, festivals, exhibitions and shows. With an impressive area of 123 000 sq.m. spread on eight floors, it is the largest multifunctional congress, conference and convention centre in South- eastern Europe.
              Sofia city centre architecture is remarkable in the way it blends the glossy modern day constructions, the Socialist Classicism public buildings and the ancient ruins from centuries past. It is a mixture of Western and Central European architecture and even a stroll along the main streets will impress visitors with the many culturally historical sites and beautiful building facades. Some of the central streets are paved with yellow Viennese cobblestone, so the history of the city has left its marks everywhere, even under ones feet. Most of the points of interest are located in the centre itself. One of the most famous, modern day places of interest is by far the Vitosha Boulevard. Known for its exclusive shopping boutiques and designer stores, it is certainly one of the posh shopping streets of Europe.
              Built in the early 20th century, Alexander Nevski Cathedral is perhaps the most grandiose church in Sofia. With its golden dome it is one of the most significant landmarks, honored by Bulgarians and visited by thousands of tourists yearly.  Church of St. George is situated in the square of the Sheraton Sofia Hotel. Built with red bricks, it is believed to be the oldest building in Sofia and dates to the 4th century. The Church of St. Sophia is an early Byzantine church built in 6 AD during the Second Bulgarian Empire and was later converted to a mosque during the Ottoman rule. St. Nedelya Church, and the Church of St. Petka are both centrally located and a great example of the sharp contrast between modern day life and the preserved ancient structures.
              Sofia Public Mineral Baths is a reminded that even though it is largely known as an administrative, political and social capital, Sofia it a city with many natural and historical resources. The mineral springs in the area led to the building of the Turkish baths in the early 20th century and today, even though part of the wall was destroyed during the II World War, the beautiful tiles are a stunning site.
             The Monuments to the Tsar Liberator was sculpted by Italian sculptor Arnoldo Zocchi at the end of the 19th century in memory of the Russian Emperor Alexander II who liberated Bulgaria from Ottoman rule during the Russo- Turkish War of 1877- 78 the monument is in central Sofia opposite the National Assembly of Bulgaria.

Things to see and do

Getting around town