Traveling to any part of the world today doesn’t just mean booking a nice hotel and going off to see something else. Tourism today encompasses many things. Travel experience is a valuable outcome that everyone looks for. Every tourist wants to go somewhere where he can have a lot of fun without any unnecessary hassle. Every country has its own rules and regulations depending on its culture, climatic conditions and terrain, which travelers need to know. Therefore it is quite important to know about the aesthetics of the travel destination. Furthermore, one must be prepared to face any kind of adverse circumstances and make the best of your vacation plans. This article will provide you with some of the most important Sofia travel tips. have a look!
Top 8 Sofia Travel Tips
For your easy and comfortable trip, these travel tips for Sofia, Bulgaria are of utmost importance. Be it taking public transport or going shopping, we have you covered. Read on to explore these tours and make the most of your trip to Sofia this time.
1. Use Sofia’s public transportation system
Among other things, the city has an excellent transportation system. You can travel in the city by metro or buses and trolley buses. You can also avail trams to travel in the city. The city’s major attractions are mostly within walking distance, so you can also go on foot and visit these places. The city’s metro system is the best – it connects the city center to most other parts. It also has a direct line to the airport. Each ticket for any type of transport except shuttle costs 1,60 BGN. You can also avail 3-day card for all lines. It is a common choice among all the visitors who come here. The package offers here are very useful for traveling in the city.
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2. Use their local official apps
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It is not uncommon for Google Maps to fail to tell you how to get to a location. Given the situation, it is best that you try the official Urban Mobility Center website. If you are not satisfied with this then choose the MoveIt app which will help you move around the city faster. In the event that everything seems to be against you, be sure to ask people for directions as they will be happy to help you get around the city. Also, since there is bound to be a language barrier, try to learn basic Bulgarian. This way you can at least ask general guidelines
3. Be careful about parking
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If you’re planning to drive around the city make sure you’re aware of the country’s parking system. They have two parking zones – the red one and the blue one. Both have different rates and to pay the hourly rates you need to send an SMS with your car’s license plate to 1302 for Blue Zones and 1303 for Green Zones. The rules regarding parking here are quite strict, so you need to be careful. If you don’t remember Sofia’s parking rules, you can be slapped with a hefty fine. In the worst case, your car could be confiscated.
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4. Plan your trip between May and October
The best time to visit Sofia is from May to October. This is the best time to travel and the weather is very favorable for going on hikes and excursions. However, if you are fond of participating in the various festivals happening here then visit during winters. Furthermore, from May to October, the tourist season is at its peak, and to avoid the crowds, you can always arrive a little earlier or a little later than the best months to visit Sofia. Come and visit Sofia during New Year. This is definitely one of the best travel tips for Sofia.
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5. Stay at Vitosha Boulevard to experience the best hospitality
Those who are not traveling on a strict budget can head to the luxury hotels on Vitosha Boulevard. These are beautiful hotels where you would love to stay. In addition, you will also find many medium and low-priced hotels, but away from Vitosha Boulevard. These are low cost and very beautiful. You will also find a number of cafes and restaurants that are great for all budget travellers. Not only that, the boulevard is close to many must-see places, so make sure you don’t miss it.
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6. Sunday is usually a holiday for vendors
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It is very important that when you go shopping, you keep in mind the timings of the shop. All shops in Sofia will open from 10.00 am to 10.30 am and not after that. Shops are open from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Saturdays are half days in the city and every shop owner enjoys Sundays off. You should plan your shopping trip according to this schedule to get the best shopping experience here. While shopping, you should keep in mind what you are buying. Be sure to go where there is a crowd of mostly local people. When you’re in Sofia, be sure to try the original handicrafts, local wines and traditional sweets of the city.
7. Try Shopska in Sofia
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There are various restaurants spread around the city that serve every cuisine. These range from high-end restaurants to pocket-friendly restaurants. Be sure to taste Sofia’s traditional shopska. It is a dish of salad and meat cooked over an open fire. It can also be served cold with chopped cucumber, tomatoes, capsicum and lots of cheese on top. Additionally, many different spices can also be added to it. Be sure to try this guilt-free dish here. In fact, it is the most branded dish in the city, so it is a must try.
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8. Don’t miss the Royal Palace
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Be sure to visit the Royal Palace. Today, apart from being the residence of the royal family, it is host to two of the country’s finest cultural institutions – the Ethnographic Museum and the National Art Gallery. Banya Bashi Mosque located in Sofia is another place that you must visit. It is famous for its Turkish architecture. Visit the Ivan Vasov House Museum. This is the house of the famous writer which has been opened to the public. Literature lovers must come here.
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As you stroll away from the buildings and boulevards, you will definitely notice spacious parks and well-maintained gardens that will provide you with respite after a long day of site seeing in Sofia. There are beautiful ski slopes and hiking trails just a short walk from town. Although Sofia has a lot to offer, these are some of the best Sofia travel tips that you will need when traveling in the city. In such a situation, you must include Sofia in your itinerary for holidays in Europe.
FAQs about Sofia Travel Tips
What is there to do in Sofia?
Some of the things to do in Sofia are: 1. Visit St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. George Rotunda. 2. Hike to Vitosha’s Black Peak 3. Learn the history of Bulgaria’s Jewish communities in the Synagogue
Is Sofia safe?
Central Sofia is considered safe but one should take care of one’s luggage while traveling in Sofia.
What is Bulgaria famous for?
Bulgaria, known as the ‘Land of Roses’, is known for its natural beauty.
Which currency is used in Sofia?
The currency used in Sofia is the Bulgarian LEV.
Is tap water safe to drink in Sofia?
Yes, tap water in Sofia is safe to drink and it is advisable to carry a bottle to fill it wherever possible.
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