Sofia
The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is a beautiful city situated in western Bulgaria, at the very foot of Vitosha Mountain. Being the largest settlement in the country, Sofia is the main cultural, economic, administrative and commercial centre of the country. The history of Sofia dates back 7000 years ago and there are remnants of its glorious past that could be seen in the centre of the city and some of its museums. Today Sofia is a cosmopolitan city, with more than 1.5 citizens. It is set some 130 km away from the second largest city Plovdiv and some 340 – 380 km from the two port cities Varna and Bourgas on the Black Sea coast. The climate in Sofia is continental and has high temperature amplitudes, which means that the weather in August is usually extremely hot, while the winters can get quite cold. The best time to visit the Bulgarian capital is during the spring and the autumn.
Vitosha mountain, Sofia, Bulgaria
For those coming for sightseeing, Sofia can offer many galleries and museums such as the National Historical Museum, the Bulgarian Natural History Museum and the Museum of Earth and Men, as well as the National Archeological Museum and the Bulgarian National Gallery for Foreign Art. The other places of interest include the National Library Sts. Cyril and Methodius, the various cultural institutes, the Sofia Zoo. The capital of Bulgaria has many churches and cathedrals that are worth to be visited namely the Church of St. George, Sveta Nedelja Church and Alexander Nevski Cathedral, as well as the Russian Church. When strolling, pay a visit to the garden in front of the National Theatre Ivan Vazov, buy a book from the open-air book-market located on Slaveykov Square or drink a cup of coffee in the park in front of the National Palace of Culture.
The Square in front of the Presidency and the Bulgarian National Bank, Sofia, Bulgaria
The parks in Sofia are many as well, the largest one being Borisova Garden with its Ariana Lake. Vitosha Mountain is also very walking-friendly and pleasant and there could be practiced not only mountain walking and climbing but also hiking, skiing and snowboarding.
Other places for sports are provided in the National Sports Academy and the football stadiums where tennis courts and various other sports equipment are situated. In Sofia are available more than fifteen swimming pool complexes. Two golf courses are set outside the capital, in the towns of Elin Pelin and Ihtiman.
Ariana Lake, Sofia, Bulgaria
The nightlife in Sofia is lively and busy, as there are many cafes, bars and night clubs. Bulgarians love to have fun and to celebrate, so the clubs are still full even during the working days and during the summer when people usually go to the seaside. Since recently, Sofia is becoming a stop on the tours of various famous musicians and bands among which Kylie Minogue, Metallica, Lenny Kravitz, Depeche Mode, etc. Besides that the best clubs in Sofia, like Chervilo and Yalta are often hosting some of the most popular DJ’s.
